Friday 15 November 2024
Havering Council has secured £23.985million in funding aimed at increasing affordable housing in the borough.
This significant investment will enable the Council to purchase additional council homes, addressing the urgent need for quality family-sized housing in our community.
The Council Homes Acquisition Programme funding is part of a broader Greater London Authority (GLA) new initiative announced in 2023 to tackle the housing crisis.
The programme is designed to provide safe, secure and affordable homes for families, individuals and vulnerable groups within the borough.
It will allow the Council to add the funding to the existing Housing Revenue Account business plan and budget, and use that combined funding to acquire properties that meet the needs of our residents.
The objective will be to add 160 family-sized homes to the existing Housing portfolio, and we are already on target to reach 45 homes by the end of this financial year (31 March 2025).
The remaining 115 homes must be acquired by 31 March 2026.
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Where We Live - Take a leaf out of our book
Where We Live is the flagship campaign from Havering Council, encouraging residents and community groups to work with the Council to help make the borough a cleaner and safer place to be.
Havering’s street cleaning teams collect fallen leaves from roads and pavements on a daily basis, every autumn.
They make sure that key roads, and roads with a large number of trees, are kept clear. They also clear smaller roads and respond to reports from residents of leaves that may be blocking pavements.
Residents can also bag up any additional leaves from the pavements outside their homes and let the Council know that they need to be collected. Visit the Council website to learn more and to request leaf collections.
If you regularly have a large number of leaves in your garden you can also sign up for a garden waste collection or think about getting a compost bin.
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The Where We Live campaign aims to empower communities to take pride in their neighbourhoods by actively taking part in community clean-ups, litter picks, reporting fly-tipping and more.
Check out the campaign video and visit the website for more information on how you can get involved in Where We Live and how to report fly-tipping.
If you are already out and about taking part in litter picks and clean-ups, let us know. Share what you are doing by using the hashtag #WhereWeLive and tag in @LBofHavering on Twitter/X.
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Remembrance events took place throughout Havering last weekend as residents turned out in large numbers to pay respects to the brave soldiers and service personnel who gave their lives for our country and our freedoms.
Hundreds of residents attended the annual Remembrance Sunday Civic Parade and Service in Romford on Sunday 10 November.
Wreaths were laid by Cllr Ray Morgon, and the Mayor of Havering, Cllr Gerry O'Sullivan, on behalf of the Council.
Similar events were held in Hornchurch, Elm Park, Upminster, Rainham, Harold Wood and Harold Hill.
Councillor Gerry O’Sullivan, said:
“Once again, hundreds of residents turned out to mark Remembrance Sunday in Havering.
“These events give the borough a chance to remember our servicemen, women and personnel from Britain and the Commonwealth, who gave so much in order to keep us safe.
“We are proud to stand as a community and mark this significant occasion each November, and continue to honour the bravery and sacrifices of our Armed Forces.”
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From Monday 18 November, FCC, Havering Council’s waste collection partner is carrying out some internal operation changes to help ensure that work is spread evenly across crews on the daily waste and recycling collections.
While residents may see crews pick up their waste at a different time, there is no change to collection days. Residents are still advised, as always, to have their waste and recycling bags out from 7am on their usual collection days to avoid missed collections.
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 The Live Well Havering Newsletter is a new monthly email made in collaboration with local organisations to help residents access free health and wellbeing support across the borough.
Sign up to Live Well Havering now, or check out the first issue, which went out earlier this month.
Pensioners who receive Council Tax Support are encouraged to check if they are eligible for Pension Credit, which would help them qualify for winter fuel payments.
You can still get Pension Credit even if you:
- haven’t paid National Insurance contributions
- have some savings (the first £10,000 is ignored) or a small pension
- live with family members
- own your home or are staying in a hospital or care home.
Don’t miss out - apply by Saturday 21 December to receive winter fuel support.
To check your eligibility and apply, visit the Gov.uk website or call Citizens Advice Havering (01708 763531).
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Havering Council marked Anti-Bullying Week which takes place from Monday 11 to Friday 15 November, with the theme, Choose Respect.
Last summer, the Havering Youth Wellbeing Census found that 22 per cent of young people with special educational needs had experienced bullying in the previous six months.
The census also found that in the previous six months, more young people in Year 8 (seven out of 30) had experienced bullying compared to those in Year 10 (four out of 30).
The Council has made a pledge to share Anti-Bullying Week information with all schools to help address the issue.
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Havering Council has been awarded £99,000 from the Low Carbon Skills Fund 5 (LCSF5) to develop a comprehensive heat decarbonisation strategy for our schools.
'Decarbonisation' refers to the process of reducing 'carbon intensity', lowering the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced by the burning of fossil fuels and exploring ways to reduce overall running costs.
The grant will enable significant steps towards reducing the carbon footprint while enhancing energy efficiency across our school facilities. The development of this strategy reflects the Council’s commitment to reduce borough emissions in line with the Havering Climate Change Action Plan and national targets.
The money will be invested in developing a strategy that will assess each school site, seeking to identify and scope out thermal and energy improvements.
The Low Carbon Skills Fund 5, provided by Salix Finance, is designed to support public sector organisations in developing the skills and plans necessary to implement heat decarbonisation projects.
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 Havering is getting set to celebrate Christmas this year with various town centre Christmas tree light switch-ons.
Each town centre event will feature various festivities including carol singing, entertainment and activities for children.
The Christmas tree lights switch-on events have been made possible this year due to sponsorship and support from local businesses and organisations.
Upminster
Friday 22 November - 3:30pm to 6pm
The Upminster Christmas event will take place on Station Road and at Upminster Junior School.
The event will include free children’s fairground rides, Christmas music from Bedrock Radio and choir performance from Upminster Baptist Church in school playground.
Supported by Griffin Estates and Pinney Talford.
Elm Park
Friday 29 November - 3:30pm to 6pm
Activities taking place around Elm Park Town Centre including street entertainment, stalls, face painting and Children’s choir.
Santa's Grotto in the Eye Clinic on the Broadway (from 1pm) by appointment only – call 01708 447112 for bookings.
The Christmas tree (situated on the roundabout at the junction of The Broadway and Maylands Avenue) lights will be switched on at 5pm by the Mayor of Havering, Cllr Gerry O’Sullivan.
Supported by Marlborough Highways, T Cribb and Sons, Readings Estates and Lavender Thai Therapy.
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Havering’s annual Safeguarding Week is set to take place from Monday 18 November to Friday 22 November.
This year’s theme is Transitional Safeguarding and professionals are invited to a series of workshops on topics such as gang and youth violence, mental health and wellbeing in sport, understanding professional boundaries and maternity and neonatal wellbeing for all early years’ practitioners.
There is also a morning conference on Wednesday 20 November at MyPlace in Harold Hill from 10am to 1pm, sponsored by Havering Care Association.
To find out more and register, visit the website.
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To coincide with the start of COP29, yesterday (Thursday 14 November) was International Carbon Literacy Action Day, which aims to develop a greater understanding of climate change and what actions can make a difference.
In Havering, we have set an ambitious target to be carbon neutral by 2040, there are simple and easy small changes we can all make to lower CO2 emissions, reduce air pollution and save money on bills.
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Are you thinking about trying something new for 2025? Or perhaps you’re looking to gain experience of supporting children, young people or families? Maybe you have some spare time and looking for something fulfilling and rewarding to do with it?
Perhaps you’d like to be a mentor to a young person who needs a bit of support in reaching their goals?
Whatever your reason, if you’re passionate about children’s play and learning, or providing support to young people and families in the borough, Havering’s Starting Well has the volunteering role for you.
You can spend time supporting one of our Children’s Centre activity groups or maybe a youth group, befriending a young person in care, or supporting interventions for young people referred into our Youth Offending Service.
You’ll receive a full induction, ongoing professional level training and the opportunity to bring positive change to the lives of children and young people living in Havering.
Information about our volunteer roles and contact details to register your interest can be found online.
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In the colder months, remember that COVID-19 and flu can be especially dangerous for those at higher risk of severe illness.
Find out if you are eligible for a free NHS winter vaccination.
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 We're always looking for help to improve services across the borough. This section of the newsletter features current consultations from the Council and partners so you can share your thoughts.
Have your say on all live Council consultations through our website.
 Customer Satisfaction Survey
Havering Council has launched an independent customer satisfaction survey in collaboration with The Institute of Customer Service (ICS). It is part of our ongoing commitment to prioritise and improve customer services for our residents.
The survey opened on Friday 1 November, and we encourage all residents to take part and share their feedback. The survey takes just 5-10 minutes to complete, and all responses are completely anonymous unless you choose to provide your contact details.
We want to understand what we are doing well and where we need to improve. Your feedback is invaluable to us as it will help shape the future of our customer services.
Your views on tackling violence against women and girls
The Metropolitan Police is asking Havering residents to have their say on what improvements they would like to see when police tackle Violence Against Woman and Girls (VAWG) incidents.
Feedback from the survey will be used confidentially to help the force keep women and girls across London safer.
You can have your say on the online survey.
If you need to report a crime you should call 101 or if an emergency, call 999.
 To submit events for possible inclusion in this section of the newsletter, please use the form on our website or send an email
Havering Museum is hosting a special Lapland Story Time, a wonderful event for children to discover where Father Christmas lives, as well as make their own decorations and write letters to the big man himself.
Suitable for children aged 4 to 11 years, the events take place on Saturday 30 November, 11:30am to 12:30pm, then 1:30pm to 2:30pm. Tickets cost £7 per child and must be booked in advance.
Havering Asian Social and Welfare Association (HASWA) is teaming up with the Hornchurch and Upminster Sea Cadets for a special Christmas Bazaar.
The event will feature a variety of stalls, a Christmas raffle, tombola and refreshments, and will raise money for the two organisations. Entry is free, and tables can still be hired by local businesses and organisations by sending an email or calling 01708 522789.
The event takes place on Saturday 16 November, 10am to 1pm, at HASWA, Greenfields, Kilmartin Way, Elm Park, RM12 5NB.
Celebrate 85 years of Citizens Advice Havering with a Quiz Night on Wednesday 20 November from 8pm. The quiz takes place at Crumpled Horn, Corbetts Tey Road, Upminster, RM14 2AJ. Maximum of 8 people per team, and tickets cost £5 per head - CAH volunteers go free. There are raffle prizes to be won, and food will be available to purchase on the night. Email Leah Browning to register.
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Havering Christmas Land returns for 2024, brought to you by Mind in Havering, Barking and Dagenham.
Visitors will be treated to a spectacular Christmas Lights Trail, where thousands of dazzling lights and festive decorations will create an enchanting experience for all ages. Christmas Land also features a stunning Santa’s Grotto, food stalls, and live entertainment on selected nights, making it the perfect festive outing for all the family.
The event takes place in Harrow Lodge Park, Hornchurch, between Wednesday 27 November and Wednesday 1 January, from 4:30pm. Book your place online.
Do you care for someone with dementia? Alzheimer's Society regular holds a series of four-week Carers Information and Support Programmes to help carers to better support relatives with dementia.
The sessions provide a listening ear, as well as equip carers with the tools to look after loved ones and ensure they are getting the right emotional and financial support.
The next sessions take place from Monday 18 November, 11am to 1pm, and run for the following three Mondays. Sessions take place at Royal British Legion Elm Park, 35A Maylands Avenue, Hornchurch, RM12 5BB. Please book in advance by emailing or calling Nyree on 07759 119516 or Anisa on 07720 144231.
A member of Havering Council’s Waste and Recycling team will be at Collier Row Library on Wednesday 20 November, 10am to 4pm, to talk about the food waste collection survey, recycling and more.
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Havering EYC Film Festival is a Film Festival dedicated to showcasing the talents of young artists and established filmmakers.
Featuring a diverse line-up of films created by 13 to 19-year-olds, as well as engaging talks and workshops led by industry professionals, Havering EYC offers a unique platform for the next generation of filmmaking talent.
Local film producers and directors Alice Ryan and Nadine Wilson will screen their films and share their experiences through talks. Join them for a day of film screenings, networking, and celebrating youth creativity at MyPlace, 343 Dagnam Park Drive, Romford, RM3 9EN.
The event takes place on Saturday 30 November from 10am to 5pm. Read more information on the website.
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Upcoming road closures
Firham Park Avenue in Romford will be closed from its junction with Church Road to its junction with Birkdale Avenue for carriageway resurfacing, 8am to 5pm on Monday 18 November and Tuesday 19 November.
Birkdale Avenue in Romford will be closed from its junction with Firham Park Avenue to its junction with Little Aston Road for carriageway resurfacing, 8am to 5pm on Monday 18 November and Tuesday 19 November.
Royston Gardens in Romford will be closed from its junction with Firham Park Avenue to its junction with Birkdale Avenue for carriageway resurfacing, 8am to 5pm on Monday 18 November and Tuesday 19 November.
Little Aston Road in Romford will be closed from its junction with Birkdale Avenue to its junction with Hoylake Gardens for carriageway resurfacing, 8am to 5pm on Monday 18 November and Tuesday 19 November.
Geoffrey Avenue in Romford will be closed daily at its junction with Colchester Road for cable installation, 8am to 5pm from Monday 18 November until Sunday 24 November.
Noak Hill Road in Romford will be closed daily, 100 meters north of Tees Drive, for sewer repairs. This will take place 8am to 6pm from Monday 18 November to Friday 29 November.
Argyle Gardens, Front Lane, Howard Road and St Marys Lane in Upminster have parking restrictions in place for the Coopers Company and Coborn School Open Day, 1pm to 8pm on Wednesday 20 November. There should be no waiting at any time on these roads during this period.
Coniston Avenue in Upminster will be closed daily from its junction with Brakendale Gardens and Cranston Park Avenue for carriageway resurfacing, 8am to 5pm from Wednesday 20 November to Friday 22 November.
Public transport
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Engineering works between Liverpool Street and Barking, and between Pitsea and Shoeburyness are affecting c2c Basildon and Ockendon line services on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 November. Rail replacement services will be in place for affected sections.
Engineering works between Stanford-le-Hope and Pitsea are affecting late night services after 10:22pm on the c2c Ockendon line from Monday 18 November to Thursday 21 November.
Check the website for full details on all c2c service changes.
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