 A couple of weeks ago, we launched our budget consultation, asking for your views on the Council's proposed spending in the next year.
The proposals lay out our finances for the next financial year, as we struggle to close the £70m funding gap in the Council's budget while still delivering important statutory services.
Almost 2,000 people have already made their voices heard on our proposals, and I want to thank you for doing this. These proposals will affect everyone, so it is vital that we hear from as many residents as possible. The consultation remains open until 30 December, so please take 10 minutes out of your day and have your say.
In the Council, we are stepping up our lobbying campaign against the Government funding cuts that have landed us in this difficult position. We're speaking to local MPs and regional media about the daunting situation in Havering, and across the country. Today, we have launched a petition to lobby the Government for fairer funding - please sign the petition now.
In next week's Cabinet meeting, we will also be looking at a potential huge investment opportunity that will bring billions of pounds and thousands of jobs to the borough, while protecting and opening up our green spaces even more. You can read more about this exciting development below.
Remember to take a look at our new Cost of Living support page if you're feeling the pinch at home too. We have brought together information on hardship funds, food banks, energy support payments, and helpful guidance on claiming benefits you may be entitled to.
We are also hosting several Cost of Living Support Roadshows throughout the month, so you can get face-to-face support. You can find details of events in your area online.
It is a tough time for everyone, so please remember that there is help on hand.
On a lighter note, this weekend is Bonfire Night, and I'm sure families up and down the country will be heading out to fireworks displays. To be safe, we always encourage you to attend professional events instead of using fireworks at home. If you are using fireworks in your garden, please take a look at the safety information in this newsletter and follow all precautions.
Let's enjoy the fireworks without getting burned.
Cllr Ray Morgon
Leader, Havering Council
Plans for a new £5.3bn inward investment project for East Havering will be reviewed at next week’s Cabinet meeting (Wednesday 9 November).
The Council has been in negotiations with a private sector developer, Digital Reef, to build Europe’s largest datacentre on a site of 499 acres, creating an estimated 2,370 jobs for local people, a substantial skills legacy and wider economic benefits.
The proposed site of the datacentre campus, located one mile from the M25 and two miles from Upminster underground and mainline rail stations, will provide public access to greenbelt land which is currently private.
The proposals include developing a zero carbon facility and, through a partnership with the University of Leicester, establishing the Earth and Space Sustainability Institute. The core purpose of the Institute is to monitor agricultural and other land use activity to improve the sustainability of the planet, which has the potential to become a world-leading centre for the development of green technology.
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Havering Council is teaming up with the London Fire Brigade (LFB) and local police to remind residents to enjoy Bonfire Night and fireworks safely, this weekend.
If you are hosting a bonfire or fireworks display at your home, please remember to:
- Only buy fireworks which carry the CE or UKCA safety mark and are from licensed sellers
- Only have bonfires if they are clear of buildings, sheds, fences and hedges
- Store fireworks safely in their original packaging, away from children and pets, keep dry and away from anything that generates heat or fire
- Always follow the instructions with fireworks for safe use and disposal
- Keep a bucket of water near and make sure any used fireworks are completely out before getting rid of them
- Pets should be kept inside when fireworks are being let off and checked on to ensure they are not distressed
- Keep an eye on everyone using sparklers as these stay very hot for a long time. Wear gloves and place in a bucket of sand or water once they have burnt out
- Buy quieter fireworks if you can, which will cause less noise and distress to vulnerable neighbours and pets.
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Havering Council’s licensing and trading standards team have been out across the borough to check on whether local retailers are selling fireworks and other age-restricted products to young people aged under 18.
Sales of fireworks are especially high around Halloween and Bonfire Night, and Diwali.
Teenage volunteers assisted officers by going into the businesses and attempting to buy fireworks.
The visits also included checks on the sale of tobacco and nicotine products, such as e-cigarettes or vapes.
Out of the eight premises visited last weekend, all retailers refused to sell fireworks to the volunteer, with just one business selling an e-cigarette product. The Council will provide further guidance to the shop owner.
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The Cocoon, Havering’s service for children who have had experience of being in care, has celebrated its fifth anniversary.
Young people and staff enjoyed music and food and were joined by Councillor Oscar Ford, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services who was able to hear first-hand about experiences of being in care.
The service provides a drop-in space, opportunities to develop life skills and access training. The young people said the space is “a life saver” and “a safe place”.
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 If you haven't done so already, please take some time this weekend to have your say on our budget proposals for 2023.
The Council faces some incredibly tough decisions in the next year, as the cost of living continues to rise, and inflation raises the costs we pay to deliver services.
Government grants have been dangerously reduced over the last 12 years, and now we have to decide where we can make savings to continue to be able to run statutory services.
Please visit the consultation page below, take a look at the proposals, and help us to understand how they will impact you.
We are hosting a number of in-person sessions across the borough, giving residents the chance to learn about the budget proposals in more detail. The dates and locations for the next five events are listed below.
If you have a pre-payment meter for your energy supply and you are struggling with the increased cost of living, you may be eligible for a discretionary energy rebate payment.
This is a one off payment of up to £150, paid direct to your bank account to help you with your pre-payment meter costs. You do not have to pay it back.
To apply, please visit the Council Tax page on our website, and choose 'Apply for the ad hoc Discretionary rebate' option. Once we have received your application and proof of income, we will make a decision within 14 working days. Applications close on Friday 11 November.
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 The latest data shows that, as of 26 October, there are 36 people in hospital with COVID-19 in Havering. This is an increase of 31 from last month. Unfortunately, there were also three COVID-19-related deaths last month, bringing the total number of deaths in Havering to 1,110.
Several groups of people are currently being offered booster vaccinations and flu jabs, including those aged 50 and over, those considered vulnerable, which will help keep the number of COVID-19 inpatients low.
Read our newly published monthly COVID-19 report for more details on infection rates, hospital admissions and deaths in Havering.
If you’re a voluntary, community or faith-based organisation, or similar non-profit that is looking to support the resettlement of Ukrainian refugees, you can apply for a Ukraine Resettlement grant for your project now.
These grants are for organisations looking to develop, expand and deliver projects that can support the needs of arrivals from Ukraine in Havering.
Grant applications can be made up to a maximum of £10,000 for individual projects from one organisation. Bids are also available to consortiums (minimum of 3 organisations) up to £30,000.
Applications close on Friday 11 November 2022.
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Havering Sixth Form students marked Black History Month with a variety of events on the theme of Time for Change: Action not Words.
In a real celebration of black history, the bunting went up, flags were raised, there was a live music DJ, different foods to taste and students went to the New City College campus in Hornchurch, dressed in their cultural clothes.
There was also a display of influential black people with information about the impact they have had on the world, as well as games, poems, stalls, visitors and the chance to learn about the importance of this annual event.
College clubs such as the Debate Society and the Film Club also ran sessions tailored to the Black History Month theme. There were tutorials where stories and traditions were shared to highlight the achievements of black men and women from past and present using news reports, videos, podcasts and other media resources.
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Havering’s Youth Justice Service has received an overall rating of “Good” following an inspection by HM Inspectorate of Probation.
The service was inspected and rated on how it delivered its services, and the quality of the work done with children who have both been sentenced, and those that are diverted from the youth justice system.
The youth justice service was praised for its strong management of helping children who go through the courts and helping them to move away from crime, as well as successfully diverting children from future offending, and for the strength of working with local partners.
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Residents across the borough are invited to gather at Remembrance services on Sunday 13 November to honour those who have served our country.
A service for Armistice Day will take place on Friday 11 November.
There will be a number of rolling road closures in place across the borough for the parades, so please check the website and plan ahead.
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 Last week we announced the countdown to Christmas in Havering with the festive lights being switched on in Market Place, Romford from 4.30pm to 6.30pm on Thursday 17 November.
The Havering lights switch-on is the first of a number of switch-ons and events taking place across the borough.
Other highlights include festive events and entertainment in Upminster, Harold Wood, Collier Row and Harold Hill.
 To submit events for possible inclusion in this section of the newsletter, please use the form on our website or send an email
The hugely popular Repair Café returns tomorrow (Saturday 5 November) from 11am – 2pm at the Salvation Army, High Street, Romford, RM1 1JJ.
The event is free and open to Havering residents who would like to repair their bicycles, textiles, electric and electronic items for free.
Residents can bring one item for repair and is based on a first come first served basis. There will be free tea and coffee while you wait, as well as free advice on wasting less and energy saving tips.
Elm Park Baptist Church is hosting it's Christmas Bazaar tomorrow (Saturday 5 November), from 10am to 2pm. Shop early for Christmas with some great bargains, as well as enjoy a chocolate tombola, bottle stall, games and homemade cakes and refreshments. Entry is free.
For the green-fingered among us, Upminster & District Horticultural Society host a monthly Havering's Horticultural Heritage event on the second Tuesday of every month.
The speaker for this month is Lois Amos, who will discuss why Havering is not usually famed for its horticultural history despite its rich heritage. The event takes place on Tuesday 8 November, 7:45am - 9:45pm, at New Windmill Hall, Upminster. Tickets cost £2 for non members. More info can be found on the website.
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Havering Museum is hosting a special talk by Dr Ian Browne on Ludwig Lavater: Reluctant Ghost Hunter, on Saturday 12 November, 1:30am - 3pm
Dr Browne delves into the career of a sixtheenth century theologian whose dealing with the supernatural led him to conclude that interaction between the living and the dead should not be discouraged.
Tickets cost £5 and must be booked in advance.
The museum is also hosting its annual Photography Group Exhibition until Friday 16 December. The exhibition gives group regulars the opportunity to showcase their work. Please check the website for available dates before visiting.
Havering Active hosts Pilates with Angela every Thursday morning at Ardleigh House, Hornchurch. Sessions cost just £3, and take place from 10am - 10:45am. Email to blook a place.
The Arts Society, Havering is hosting its November talk - Paul Nash and the Landscape of Mystery, on Tuesday 8 November, 10am - 1:30pm.
Paul Nash is one of the most important British modernist artists, associated with art movements such as Neo-Romanticism and Surrealism. The talk will be delivered by art specialist Colin Pink at New Windmill Hall, Upminster. The event is open to visitors, with tickets costing £8. You can read more information online.
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Hornchurch Library hosts a weekly Wiggle and Giggle session for children aged 2 - 4 years old, every Friday at 10:30am - 11am (term time only).
The sessions use nursery rhymes and hand actions to encourage learning in young children, including developing early literacy and hand-eye coordination skills.
The sessions are completely free, and are also great for families that speak or are learning English as a second language.
Diabetes UK - Havering Group runs regular meetings offering help and support to local people living with diabetes along with their families and carers.
Meetings take place on the third Monday of every month (except January and August), at 8pm. Location: The Large Hall, North Street, Hornchurch, RM11 1QX.
For more information email Debbie Broom or call 01708 473314.
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There's still time to grab tickets for Queen's Theatre Hornchurch's production of Jekyll & Hyde, before it closes on Saturday 12 November. The show has received rave reviews from press and audiences. You can book tickets online.
The Langtons Eco Fayre takes place this coming Sunday (6 November), from 10am - 2pm.
The fayre will have plenty of activities for all ages, including guinea pig petting, free plants and seeds, as well as local produce and ethically-created products for sale. And it's completely free.
The monthly Big Smile Collective Clothes Swap takes place next Tuesday (8 November). Come along and bring your clean clothes, shoes, bags and accessories you no longer wear, and swap them for a new wardrobe.
The event takes place at New City College, Hornchurch, from 5pm - 7pm. Entry costs £3.
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Parts of Carlton Road will be closed for footway resurfacing works from 8am on Thursday 10 November until work is completed. The road will be closed between 215 Carlton Road and the junction with Balgores Lane.
Aveley Road will be closed between Bramble Lane and Gerpins Lane for tree trimming. Work will take place on Tuesday 8 November from 8am, until 6pm on Wednesday 9 November.
Night-time survey work by Transport for London (TfL) on the A127 Southend Arterial Road means that the slip road connecting the eastbound carriageway of the A127 with the M25 junction 29 roundabout may be closed at certain times between 9pm and 5am.
This survey work may continue until 17 November.
There will also be a single lane closure on the A12 (Eastern Avenue East), A127, and the inner ring roundabout at Gallows Corner overnight. This work will continue until early November. It will take place overnight on weekdays only from Mondays to Fridays between 9pm and 5am.
Courtenay Gardens remains closed from the junction of Ingrebourne Gardens to its junction with Deyncourt Gardens for gas mains work. This should be complete by 18 November.
Public transport
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There are disruptions to the c2c rail service this weekend.
Due to overhead line work at Upminster, the Ockendon line will not run between Upminster and Shoeburyness on Sunday 6 November.
Rail replacement will be in operation.
Due to line work between Barking and Grays, the Rainham line will not run on Sunday 6 November.
Rail replacement services will run between Upminster and Grays via Rainham and Purfleet.
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