Havering Council has asked for feedback on proposed changes to its Housing Allocations Scheme, which will make it easier for struggling residents and families to access the housing register and check their status.

The proposed changes will help the Council build a clearer and more accurate picture of housing needs across the borough.

The key changes will revise the residency criteria for new social housing applicants, who are now required to have lived within Havering for three out of the last six years. The policy previously required six continued years of residency to qualify.

Recognising the rising costs of living and inflation, the income threshold for applicants will also be removed under these proposals. Previously, the gross income cap limit for applicants was £50,000, with a £30,000 savings cap.

Removing the limits and savings cap will allow applicants and tenants to use social housing as a springboard while they save for a deposit to buy their own home.

The previous banding system, which put residents into different priority bandings based on income and community contribution criteria, will switch over to a points-based system.

This will give applicants greater transparency over where they stand on the waiting list and the ability to self-assess how they stand compared to the kind of property they’d like to secure.

Points are accrued based on various factors including medical needs, welfare claims and overcrowding issues.

The changes will include those already on the housing register waiting for a property, but their place in the queue will be protected and will not change.

Demand for social housing in Havering significantly exceeds the number of properties available. In the financial year 2022/23, only two in every 10 households on the housing register had a realistic prospect of securing social housing.

The consultation is open until Thursday 30 November 2023. You can read the full policy, proposed changes and points system, and complete the consultation on our website.

Have your say

There’s just a month to go now until the start of the Council’s new rubbish and recycling contract with Urbaser Ltd.

The new service, which begins on Monday 23 October, will offer residents an improved recycling offer with glass bottles and jars being added to orange sack recycling collections for the first time.

The range of plastics collected in the orange recycling bags will also increase to include plastic pots, tubs and trays.

Urbaser Ltd will also take on the current in-house street cleansing service, as well as the existing weed control services, green garden waste collection service, fly-tipping clearance, graffiti cleaning and collection of clinical and bulky waste.

Last week, environment staff were joined by Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council and Councillor Barry Mugglestone, Havering’s Cabinet Member for Environment plus representatives from Urbaser, pictured, to see new waste collection vehicles rolling off the production line at the Dennis Eagle depot in Leamington Spa.

The Council and Urbaser have been working on the delivery and design for a new fleet of more environmentally-friendly vehicles for collecting waste and street cleaning, ready for the October start date.

In the meantime, residents should keep to the current guidelines for waste and recycling collections until the new contract is underway.

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A number of online systems and forms such as planning searches, committee meeting papers and the My Havering account area will be unavailable for essential maintenance and upgrade between 8am and 7pm on Sunday 24 September.

We apologise for any inconvenience. Residents are advised to call the out of hours emergency number - 01708 433999 - for urgent issues.

We’re celebrating National Breastfeeding Week. Everyone has a part to play in helping mums to breastfeed.

The week has provided daily themes and activities showing how families, community, health and education services all have a part to play in supporting mothers to breastfeed. More information about breastfeeding can be found online.

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In spite of the challenging economic situation, all of the 71 shared-ownership homes for sale have now sold out at Rainham’s New Green site.

This is the first scheme delivered under the 12 Estates programme between joint venture partners Havering Council and Wates.

These homes are giving Havering’s key workers, including social workers, NHS workers and teachers, a chance to get on the ladder. 

Razia, a key worker in the NHS, said, “I’m married with two children and I work for the NHS. We were financially struggling to buy a property, but Havering Council helped us get on the ladder with the shared ownership scheme.

"We chose New Green because of its location and easy access to public transport, A13 and M25. We are thrilled and very satisfied with the flat.”

To find out about further shared ownership opportunities in the borough, please visit the website.

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This week is London Voter Registration Week, and we're joining the call to encourage everyone in Havering who can vote to ensure they are registered. 

London has one of the lowest voter registration rates across the UK, but it's vitally important that citizens use their vote to make their voices heard.

Register to vote to have your say on the things that shape this great city and our communities, including things like transport, climate change and the environment, policing and public safety, as well as arts and culture. 

And remember, the law has now changed and you need ID to vote. This can include the free Voter Authority Certificate, as well as several forms of accepted ID such as a drivers licence and passport. Find out more information on voter ID on our website.

Remember, No Vote, No Voice. 

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Members of the Dementia Music and Social Club were joined by the Mayor of Havering, Councillor Stephanie Nunn earlier this week for a special visit.

The Mayor attended their Monday meeting at St John’s Church, South End Road, Rainham, for a lively dance and singalong session, dancing to a professional singer.

The club is for local residents who are living with dementia, as well as their relatives, friends and carers.

Afterwards Councillor Nunn said “It was a well-attended, joyous group. Excellent entertainers and kind volunteers ensured that everyone attending had a wonderful time. It’s like a party and everyone is a VIP.”

The club also meets on a Wednesday afternoon at the United Reform Church, Western Road Romford.  Anyone who has a dementia diagnosis can attend as long as they are accompanied.

Further information can be found on the club's website, or by emailing or calling Lisa on 07721 458581.

Havering Council is looking for dedicated volunteers to support families across the borough.

The Early Help Service is seeking volunteers who are passionate and enthusiastic about giving a helping hand to families living in Havering by becoming a volunteer Family Coach.

Family Coaches will provide support to families already receiving help to become more independent in the future and they could be dealing with issues such as budgeting, parenting, ill health, emotional support or moving on from domestic abuse.   We aim to deliver training for this role over 2 days (from 10am to 2pm) in November.

For more information or to register your attendance on one of our training programmes please email the team.

Do you care for someone who has recently been discharged from hospital?

If so, the NHS Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Trust (BHRUT) is asking for your views on how patients are discharged from hospitals. 

They'd like to know how they can better work with those caring for the discharged patients to help ease the transition. 

Please take a few minutes to answer this short questionnaire by Monday 25 September, and help shape NHS services in your area. 

Have your say

The NHS winter flu and COVID-19 vaccines are being offered to people most at risk of getting seriously ill.

Those who can get both vaccines through the NHS will include everyone aged 65 and over, pregnant women, care home residents, people with certain health conditions, frontline health and care staff, unpaid carers and household contacts of those at higher risk.

If you are eligible, it is important to top up your protection, even if you have had a vaccine or been ill with flu or COVID-19 before, as immunity fades over time and flu and COVID-19 viruses change each year.

For eligibility and how to book, please visit the website.

Take a walk on the wild side with Murmurations from Queen's Theatre Hornchurch, presented by Havering Changing and Tangled Feet. 

Put on a pair of headphones, meet your tour guide and walk through the stunning natural landscape of Bedfords Park – a nature reserve on the edge of a city.

In this guided walk and theatre show you never know who’s going to jump out from behind the next bush! Through your headphones you’ll eavesdrop on a married couple trying to rekindle their flame, estate agents selling the dream and a botanist protecting the plants. But how are they all connected? And what has brought them to Havering’s incredible nature reserve? 

A free shuttle bus leaves 45 minutes before the show from North Romford Community Centre, Collier Row and 30 minutes before the show from myplace, Harold Hill. It will return you to the departure point after the show.

Murmurations has serveral showings throughout the day today, tomorrow and Sunday (22 - 24 September). Tickets cost £5, book your place on the website now.

South Hornchurch Library is holding a community Autumn Litter Pick Day for conscientious local residents to help tidy up the surrounding area. The family-friendly event will take place tomorrow, Saturday 23 September from 11am to 1pm. Equipment and refreshments will be provided for those taking part.

Visit Havering Museum for another Family Fun Day, Saturday 30 September.

The galleries will be open for families to explore, with activity sheets and items for object handling available throughout the day.

Free entry to a maximum of two adults accompanied with up to five children. Suitable for ages four upwards. Education and community professionals are also welcome. The day begins at 11am and finishes at 3:30pm.

Remember to book your place at the Big Charity Quiz, hosted by King George & Queen's Hospitals Charity. 

The quiz takes place on Friday 29 September, 6:45pm to 10:30pm at Boothroyd Hall, Jo Richardson School, Castle Green, Gale Street, Dagenham, RM9 4UN. Please bring your own food and drinks. Call 01708 774866 or email to book a place.

Elm Park Baptist Church is taking part in the World's Biggest Coffee Morning in aid of MacMillan Cancer Support. Head along for a cuppa and some home made cakes, and raise some money for charity. 

The event takes place on Friday 29 September, 10am to 1pm at Elm Park Baptist Church, Rosewood Avenue, Elm Park, Hornchurch.

Victoria Road in Romford will be closed between Thurloe Gardens and the Speedy Depot for mobile crane operation, 5am to 11pm on Saturday 23 September and Sunday 24 September.

Belgrave Avenue in Gidea Park will be closed from the junction of Upper Brentwood Road for gas works, 8am to 5pm, Monday 25 September to Sunday 8 October.

Kensington Road in Romford will be closed from the junction of London Road for gas works, 8am to 6pm, Monday 25 September to Sunday 15 October.

Craigdale Road in Romford will be closed between its junctions with Brentwood Road and Clydesdale Road for resurfacing works, 8am to 5pm, Monday 25 September to Thursday 28 September.

Hacton Lane in Hornchurch will be closed nightly at its junctions with Newbury Gardens and Kenley Gardens for resurfacing works, 7:30pm to 6am, Tuesday 26 September to Friday 29 September.

Angel Way in Romford will be closed from the junction of A118 St Edwards Way to outside 1-9 Angel Way, to allow for the removal of a tower crane. This will take place 6am to 8pm, Tuesday 26 September to Friday 29 September.

Cromer Road remains closed for gas mains repairs at its junction with London Road until 6pm on Friday 29 September.

Grassmere Gardens will be closed at its junction with Wingletye Lane for resurfacing works, 8am to 5pm on Friday 29 September.

Norfolk Road remains closed for gas mains works at its junction with London Road until 6pm on Friday 6 October. 

Highview Gardens, Upminster remains closed for gas mains works at its junction with St May's Lane until 6pm on Sunday 15 October.

Kingsbridge Close remains closed for carriageway construction works at its junction with Kingsbridge Close until Friday 20 October.

National Highways are carrying out works to upgrade the M25, Junction 28. Works will be taking place throughout September, between 10pm & 5am. You can find more details on the website.

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