Friday 1 December 2023
 Last month, we launched our budget consultation, asking for your feedback on the tough decisions we have to make in order to present a balanced budget for the next financial year - something we have to do by law.
From day one of the Administration that I lead I have been clear that we will always act in an open, honest and transparent way with you, and that includes our financial situation. The fact is that we are now in an unwinnable situation that is going to lead to unpopular decisions that could have negative impacts on our communities.
This isn't the fault of this Council, its Officers, or even previous Administrations - Havering has always been a well-run, financially savvy Council, something that has been independently verified by LG Futures.
Unfortunately, the rapidly rising cost for adults' and children's social care, market inflation, and chronic underfunding from central government have led to this situation, and have put services in jeopardy.
I'd like to thank the thousands of residents who have already taken the time to read our proposals and given their feedback. It's important that we hear from as many of you as possible, as there are savings proposals that will affect every one of you in one way or another.
 The proposals include raising Council Tax by 4.99 per cent, reviewing the use of some children's centres and libraries, and raising parking charges across the borough.
I would also like to thank those that attended our first two public meetings on the consultation, the first of which took place at the Town Hall on Thursday 16 November, and the second online yesterday (Thursday 30 November). A big part of the conversations revolved around social care costs, especially children's social care, and the blatant profiteering from some providers. This is something we're lobbying the government to change in-line with the Scottish system, which dictates that social care providers must operate as not-for-profit organisations.
The next public meeting takes place at Langtons House next Monday (4 December) at 2pm. If you have a question about the budget, or want to know more about our proposals, please book your place.
Meanwhile, a number of meetings have taken place with the government, and with our local MPs. I am grateful that one of our MPs, Jon Cruddas, set up a Westminster Hall debate about our plight. Local Government minister Simon Hoare MP was there to respond in a positive manner. You can watch the full debate online.
We are also in the middle of an important national event - 16 Days of Action against Gender-Based Violence - which started last Saturday with White Ribbon Day.
I, along with a cross-party group of Councillors, joined 'Walk it Out' last Saturday on South Street in Romford to help spread the message of White Ribbon Day, calling for everyone to stand against violence towards women and girls, and help make our communities safer. The group included Cllrs Graham Williamson, Mandy Anderson, Viddy Persaud, Tim Ryan, Frankie Walker, and Matt Stanton.
The 16 Days of Action continues this weekend, and you can read more about how you can get involved and help put an end to violence against women and girls, further in this newsletter.
I hope everyone is looking forward to Christmas, Hanukkah, Bodhi Day or any of the religious festivals that take place this time of year, and even if you're not religious, I hope you're looking forward to some well-earned time off.
Please take 10 minutes to fill out our budget consultation before Monday 18 December.
Best wishes,
Cllr Ray Morgon
Leader, Havering Council
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 The next Budget Consultation Public Meetings are taking place on Monday 4 December and Tuesday 12 December.
If you missed out on the first two sessions but still want to learn more, or ask your questions directly, book your place now.
For the first time ever, Havering Council is offering children and young people the chance to have their say on the budget consultation.
The financial decisions we make will not only affect adults living in Havering, but the future for children growing up here too, and it's time you have a voice in this.
As a local authority, we value the feedback and views of children and young people in the borough and we want to ensure that those views are considered in the difficult decisions that we know we will have to take, now and in the future.
The survey is being delivered with our established engagement partner Mind Of My Own and it is called SHOUT about the money. It includes the same set of savings proposals that are outlined in our main consultation and we have worked with a group of young people to ensure that this weighty topic is covered in a way that we hope will be accessible and meaningful to children.
This survey is for children and young people aged under 18, and up to age 25 with special educational needs.
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Joint statement from Havering Council and Jewish Community Leaders about Havering’s Chanukah Celebrations.
Havering Council, the London Jewish Forum, the Essex Jewish Community Council and local Rabbis Sufrin and Sunderland met early today (Friday 1 December) to discuss the Council’s decision to pause the installation of the permanent Chanukah Menorah outside the Town Hall.
In the meeting the parties discussed the reasons behind the pause in a constructive manner and the representatives from the Jewish community were able to reassure the Council on all of the concerns it had previously expressed.
Following this the parties are delighted to announce that the Council has confirmed its intention to proceed with the permanent installation of the Menorah as originally planned. In addition to the permanent Menorah, the candle lighting ceremony is going ahead as arranged on Tuesday 12 December.
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Havering Council is supporting this year’s “Change the Story” theme for the White Ribbon and 16 Days of Action against domestic violence campaigns.
“Change the story” is to encourage individuals and organisations to make consistent choices and actions so that women, girls and all genders may live their lives free from fear of violence. It wants to show that even the smallest actions can affect big change.
The Council along with partners in the Havering Community Safety Partnership (HCSP) is delivering support via its Violence against Women and Girls Strategy, with action continually refreshed to reflect and deal with ever changing needs of the community.
In support of this year’s campaign, during December, the Council’s community safety team and its partners are:
- putting a focus on raising awareness amongst younger people, such as those of school age, to help support them in negative situations. As a result, help create positive attitudes that will affect actions in later life to be more positive
- handing out information and providing a visible presence in town centres at night in December
- speaking to licensees about what can be done to help residents and visitors feel safe on their premises
- sharing information of where residents can get immediate help if their lives are in danger and report concerns confidentially across the borough
- directing residents to the Council’s Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) service for support. Including being able to speak to specially-trained officers in the community safety team.
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With a heavy fall of leaves from trees at this time of the year, one of the main jobs is keeping the borough’s tree-lined streets and public spaces clear of leaves.
Our street cleaning teams who work under our new waste contractor, Urbaser ltd, are working hard manually clearing the leaves and are also using electric-charged vacuum sweeps.
Areas that are affected by heavier leaf fall are visited more regularly to avoid any drainage channels being blocked or health and safety issues.
The Council has supplied bags to some residents who have requested them, so they can be collected by the crews from the front of their properties.
For this to happen, residents should call the Council’s contact centre on 01708 434343 to arrange that collection. It is advised that sacks are left open so it is clear leaves are inside. Details of the number of sacks and the address of where they are to be collected from, should also be given.
Residents can also look at subscribing to garden waste collections or get a compost bin to dispose of leaves.
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The Energy Doctors service helps cut energy costs and prepares homes for winter at no cost for all residents.
By offering expert advice on energy efficiency and minor home fixes, it can save households £209 a year. Havering Council leads this initiative with local partner, Age UK East London.
Book a free appointment today and save on energy bills this winter.
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 Free NHS winter vaccinations are available for those who may be at greater risk or be in contact with those who could be severely impacted by COVID-19 and flu.
Stop by the Hope Cafe, Romford, on Tuesday 5 November (4pm - 8pm) for your free COVID-19 or flu vaccination if you are eligible.
Find out more on NHS winter vaccinations for adults and children and if you are eligible by visiting the NHS website or by speaking to your local pharmacy or GP.
Havering Green Streets has launched a crowdfunding bid with the Aviva Community Fund for a project to clean up and 'green up' Havering's rivers next summer.
The project will work with the Council to clean up the Ravensbourne, Rom and Ingrebourne rivers and surrounding spaces, such as Ingrebourne Valley and Grenfell Park.
The funding will go towards helping clear rubbish and blockages from the rivers, as well as invasive vegetation, to create a safe habitat for local wildlife and a nice place for residents to visit.
The Aviva Community Fund is a match funded crowdfunding campaign, meaning that for every £1 donated, Aviva will add an additional £2 to the total.
Take a look at the full details on the donations page, where you can choose to donate to the fund, or even share it with your friends and family.
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Former Havering Councillor Frederick Thompson has passed away.
Mr Thompson represented Romford Town ward for the Conservative Group between 2002 and 2018.
During this time, he served on committees covering Housing, Culture and Regeneration as well as crime and disorder, governance and environment.
Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, said: “This is very sad news. I knew Frederick very well when he was a Councillor and he was an intelligent and pleasant person to work with.
“I would like to send my deepest sympathies and best wishes to Frederick’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
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 To submit events for possible inclusion in this section of the newsletter, please use the form on our website or send an email
Oxygen Activeplay is opening a brand new activity and Freejumping Trampoline park on Spilsbury Road, Harold Hill, Romford.
Offering fun for all ages, the all new Oxygen Romford features interconnected trampolines, a giant airbag, an air track, climbing walls, thrill slide, trapeze swing, party rooms and a dedicated toddler area to include soft play and guided sensory sessions.
Pre-booking is now open online, with Oxygen Romford’s doors opening to the public on Friday 22 December.
To celebrate the grand opening, Oxygen is giving away four family passes to Living in Havering readers! To be in with a chance of winning, all you have to do is visit the competition page and leave your details (T&Cs apply). The competition closes on Thursday 14 December.
You can also save 20 per cent on all birthday party packages (for 10 people) using the discount code ROM20. All bookings must be made online by Friday 22 December 2023 (subject to availability and terms).
Essex Wildlife Trust is holding its next monthly walk tomorrow, Saturday 2 December from 10am to 12noon at the Rainham Marshes.
Overwintering ducks, geese and waders can be seen in abundance at Rainham. Meet in the car park at RSPB Rainham Marshes, New Tank Hill Road, Purfleet. Essex. RM19 1SZ at 10am.
There is a visitor Centre with toilets and a café. Dogs are not permitted on the reserve. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear.
TfL Cycle Confidence is holding a series of Group Bike Rides over December and January with sessions for men, women and mixed groups, starting with a mixed ride tomorrow, Saturday 2 December. The rides set off from Thames Chase Forest Trust reception, Broadfields Farm, Pike Lane, Upminster, RM14 3NS, from 9:50am.
Check the website for dates and more information.
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St Andrew's Church Choir and Saint Francis Hospice Choir present Christmas Voices, a concert of Christmas music, raising funds for Saint Francis Hospice.
The concert takes place on Saturday 9 December from 7pm (doors open at 6:30pm), at St Andrew's Church, High Street, Hornchurch. Tickets cost £5, with children going free.
Upminster Methodist Church is hosting the Upminster Golf Club Choir as part of its Christmas Tree Festival, on Sunday 3 December, 6:30pm.
Tickets cost £5, raising money for Saint Francis Hospice. Email Margaret or Peter for tickets.
The Cappella Singers Christmas Concert takes place at Trinity United Reformed Church, Station Road, Upminster, RM14 2UD on Thursday 7 December, 7:30pm to 9:15pm.
Listen to seasonal music performed by Upminster's only chamber choir, including classics such as Gaudete and Sir Christèmas, and new works by contemporary composers.
The performance is free to attend, and will feature carols for the audience to sing along with too. Visit the website for more information.
Join the Mayor of Havering, Cllr Stephanie Nunn, at St Nicholas Church, Elm Park, on Sunday 10 December from 6.30pm, for Nine Lessons and Carols, an evening of Christmas carol singing and light refreshments. Entry is free, but donations are welcome to the Mayor’s charity First Step on the evening.
Elm Park Community Association is holding a Festive Fair at the Elm Park Assembly Hall, Eyhurst Avenue, Elm Park, RM12 4RA.
Come along for an afternoon of festive fun, homemade crafts, food and drink, music, and a raffle. Visit Santa's Grotto for just £3 per child. Entry to the fair is free.
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Book your place on free Collier Row Skill Share Socials sessions from Havering Changing, between December 2023 and March 2024 at the Jubilee Sapphire Community Centre. These sessions are relaxed social community events for people who live or work in Collier Row and want to learn and share exciting new skills.
The first session takes place on Saturday 9 December, 4pm to 7pm at the Sapphire Jubilee Community Centre, Bolberry Road, RM5 3BW. Book your place online.
Thames Chase presents a Winter Season Special with seasonal music on Friday 8 December, 7:30pm to 9:30pm.
Enjoy an evening of swing, blues, ballads, latin rhythms and seasonal music with an exciting musical trio called 'Without Words'.
Tickets cost £12 per person, please bring your own refreshments.
A warm welcome awaits you and your family at St. Edward the Confessor Church, Romford this holiday season, as they host a series of events to celebrate Advent and Christmas. Advent begins with a Christmas Fair tomorrow, Saturday 2 December, from 10am to 3pm, and an Advent Carol Service on Sunday 3 December at 6:30pm.
Further events are taking place throughout December. Look out for more in future issues of Living in Havering or visit the website for more information.
Finally, congratulations to Joe, who has won a pair of tickets to see The Little Mermaid at Brookside Theatre, Romford.
The Little Mermaid opens at Brookside Theatre on Friday 8 December, and runs until Saturday 23 December. Book your tickets online, or by calling the box office on 01708 755775.
For the full list of festive events taking place across Havering this weekend, check out the Havering Council website.
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Upcoming road closures
London Road (western and eastern side banjos) in Romford will be closed daily from its junction with Jutsums Lane to its junction with Southern Way for gas mains work, 7am to 6pm from Monday 4 December until Saturday 16 December.
Heaton Avenue in Romford will be closed at its junction with Straight Road for carriageway work, 8am to 5pm on Wednesday 6 December.
Halesworth Road in Harold Hill will be closed daily at its junction with Kettering Road to outside number 44 for resurfacing work, 8am to 5pm on Wednesday 6 December and Thursday 7 December.
Ongoing closures
Burlington Avenue in Romford remains closed daily at its junction with London Road for gas mains work, 7am to 6pm until Sunday 3 December.
Deyncourt Gardens in Upminster remains closed daily at its junction with Hall Lane for gas mains work, 8am to 5pm until Friday 8 December.
Crowlands Avenue in Romford remains closed daily at its junction with London Road for gas mains work, 8am to 5pm until Friday 15 December.
Craigdale Road in Hornchurch remains closed daily at its junction with Brentwood Road for gas mains work, 8am to 5pm until Sunday 17 December.
London Road (cycle lane) in Romford remains closed daily on both sides from its junctions with Lonsdale Avenue to its junction with Coombewood Drive, for gas mains work. The closures will take place 7am to 6pm until Friday 16 February.
Public transport
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Following the announcement from the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (ASLEF), strike action is planned for Tuesday 5 December on all c2c lines, and action short of a full strike is planned for Friday 1 December to Saturday 9 December.
As a result, there will be a severely reduced service on all c2c lines during this period.
The c2c Ockendon line will not run between Stanford-le-Hope and Pitsea from Sunday 3 December to Thursday 7 December. A rail replacement service will be in place during these closures.
The c2c Basildon line will not run between Liverpool Street and Barking on Sunday 3 December. These services will be diverted to Fenchurch Street and will call additionally at West Ham but will not call at Stratford. Basildon to Leigh-on-Sea is closed, services will start and terminate at Basildon. Rail replacement services will be in place for passengers travelling between closed stops.
The c2c Rainham line will be extended to run to and from Stanford-le-Hope on Sunday 3 December. Rail replacement services will run between Stanford-le-Hope and Leigh-on-Sea, and from Leigh-on-Sea to Shoeburyness.
Check the website for full details on all c2c service changes.
Greater Anglia services from Liverpool Street towards Colchester, Ipswich, Norwich and branches will not run between Chelmsford and Witham on Saturday 2 December and Sunday 3 December. A rail replacement service will be in place.
Check the website for full details on Greater Anglia service changes.
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