Friday 7 February 2025
 Earlier this week, Cabinet voted to agree our proposed budget for the next financial year. I have been clear from the beginning that without urgent action from the Government, we would not have the money we need to bridge the gap from last year. Astronomical costs for social care and temporary accommodation, coupled with year-on-year of chronic underfunding from successive governments have left us in a dire position.
Despite constant lobbying and meetings with Government ministers and civil servants, we are yet to see any meaningful increase in government funding. The costs from ongoing pressures have not gone down and we are now seeing a worse scenario of at least a £70 million budget gap.
We are taking steps to close this gap, which includes radical new solutions to reduce homelessness and the cost for hotels and temporary accommodation, exploring the use of AI to reduce costs, and working with local NHS partners to reduce the cost of care homes and get people back to their own homes from hospital as soon as possible.
But it's important that you understand the Council will not grind to a halt over our financial challenges. Services will continue for residents despite the budget gap. Staff and bills will still be paid. To do this, last year we had to agree a Government loan (Capitalisation Directive) of £32.5 million pounds. This year, to ensure we once again have a balanced budget, we will have no choice but to apply for another Government loan of at least £70 million.
It is either this, or a massive increase in council tax beyond the standard 4.99 per cent. And I'm not prepared to force Havering residents to foot the bill for the Government's shortcomings.
We will keep fighting for the borough and continue lobbying the Government for a common sense solution to the current funding crisis that both provides enough money to meet demand nationally but also is allocated based on current need, not on an outdated funding formula that takes no account of our current pressures.
We also hit the streets earlier this week to gain signatures for our petition to Government, and I'd like to thank everyone who took the time to stop and talk to us about our budget, and sign the petition. If you haven't done so already, please take a few minutes to add your name to the petition to Government, and help get our voice heard.
Other than the budget, we have seen a busy start to the new year. A couple of weeks ago, I attended Holocaust Memorial Day, remembering the 6 million Jews who were murdered at the hands of Nazi persecution, as well as the all of those who suffered from subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.
This month also marks LGBT+ History Month, and I was pleased to attend with many colleagues and the Mayor of Havering, the flag raising at the Town Hall to mark the occasion earlier this week.
Best wishes,
Ray
Cllr Ray Morgon
Leader, Havering Council
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Havering Council's Cabinet has passed the Council’s budget proposals for next year (2025/26).
Once again, it has been another tough year where the Council has seen continued increased costs from delivering social care and homelessness services.
Despite seeking further savings and efficiencies, as well as receiving a slight increase from the Government through the recent finance settlement, the Council is now seeing a gap in its budget of over £70 million. This includes carrying over £34 million worth of pressures from last year.
Cabinet also approved a proposed increase of 4.99 per cent in council tax in line with the referendum limit and 2.7 per cent in fees and charges. It follows a consultation with residents, where 600 responded, 55 per cent said that they would pay 5 per cent or more in council tax, with 41 per cent saying they would not want to see an increase.
Cabinet also agreed a rent increase of 2.7 per cent for council tenants, which is significantly less than last year’s rent increase.
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Around 80 people attended as Havering Council and Havering Community Safety Partnership hosted the annual crime summit earlier this week.
The event is part of the Council’s Where We Live campaign, bringing together key partners and local communities to discuss tackling crime, the causes of crime and more.
The Havering Community Safety Partnership is made up of Havering Council, Metropolitan Police, London Fire and Planning Authority, NHS and the National Probation Service.
Representatives from the Council and police gave presentations on the priorities that are part of the Partnership’s community safety review and ongoing plan.
These priorities include working towards:
- reducing crime and anti-social behaviour in town centres and other areas, including vulnerable neighbourhoods
- tackling violence against women and girls and all genders
- tackling youth crime and serious exploitation
- further improving residents' feelings of safety
- reducing re-offending, including substance misuse.
A key message from the summit was that Havering is still one of the safest boroughs, with a reduction in all crime during 2024 compared to 2023.
However, the Partnership acknowledged the fear of crime by residents in the borough is high and that work with communities will continue to take place to help to reduce that fear.
The summit took place on Monday 3 Feb at Havering Town Hall, Romford.
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 Keep the family entertained at The Brewery this half term with a range of activities for all ages. Enjoy bowling and bumper cars at Namco Funscape, try out a VR experience, crazy golf and arcade games at Bunkers.
Visit Kidspace, our epic indoor play centre or catch the latest films at VUE from just £4.99 a ticket. Plus, dine out at one of our family friendly eateries. Check out our website for current restaurant offers.
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Where We Live - Elm Park litter pickers
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.
There are already many groups of residents and volunteers, who are regularly going out in their communities, to help pick up litter and keep where they live, tidy and clean.
Alongside the Council’s street cleaning and ground maintenance crews, these groups are taking pride in where they live and inspiring others to do the same in their communities.
Pictured, are Elm Park ward councillors doing their bit by litter picking in Elm Park town centre recently.
Cabinet member for Environment, Councillor Barry Mugglestone, was joined by fellow ward councillors Stephanie Nunn and Julie Wilkes, picking up litter, tidying up shrubbery and planting additional bulbs in different areas. They were also encouraging people to not drop litter, put it in a bin or take it home.
More litter pick events in the area are planned and would-be volunteers who want to join in, can get information from noticeboards around Elm Park.
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The planning application for the temporary modular homes at Waterloo and Queen Street site has been submitted.
The initiative is part of the Council’s ongoing efforts to address the urgent need for housing in the borough and is a collaboration between Havering Council and Wates’ Joint Venture partnership; reflecting a shared commitment to providing innovative temporary housing solutions for the community.
The proposed development includes the installation of 18 modular homes, designed to provide high-quality temporary accommodation for families in need. The homes will be equipped with modern amenities and constructed to the highest standards of sustainability and energy efficiency.
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Havering Council has raised the Progress Pride Flag to mark the start of LGBT+ History Month.
The flag includes all the colours of the Rainbow Pride flag, widely recognised as the symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) communities, a chevron of black and brown stripes to represent people of colour, and blue, pink and white for transgender people.
The flag raising, which took place Monday morning (3 February), outside Havering Town Hall, Romford, signals the start of a month of activities to celebrate LGBT+ history.
Nationally, this year marks 20 years of LGBT+ History Month in the UK, with this year’s theme, Activism and Social Change.
In Havering, the borough’s libraries will be presenting LGBT+ book displays, where residents will be able learn about pivotal LGBT+ figures.
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The next Havering Green Forum will meet online on Tuesday 11 February at 7pm.
All are welcome to attend these lively discussions covering all things climate action. You can join the meeting on Microsoft Teams.
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 Next week (Monday 10 to Sunday 16 February) is National HIV Testing Week.
HIV can affect anyone, and testing is the only way to know your HIV status. Whatever the result, it helps you stay in control of your health.
Testing is free, quick, and easy, and you can even do it from home.
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If you are eligible and haven’t had your flu vaccination yet, the free vaccine is available until Monday 31 March.
You can get a flu vaccine from your local pharmacy, by contacting your GP or by attending a vaccine clinic.
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A new youth hub was officially opened last week in Romford, offering a range of activities and support for young people.
Music, gaming, podcasting and sports are just some of what young people aged 14 to 25 can get involved with, as well as receiving one-to-one mentoring and guidance.
The hub, next to Romford Station in South Street, is supported by Havering Council, Transport for London (TfL), the Havering Community Service Partnership team and the Violence Reduction Unit (Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime MOPAC).
Attending the launch was Councillor Barry Mugglestone, Havering’s Cabinet Member for Environment, alongside other councillors, Havering’s community safety and enforcement officers, police, Romford BID and Sue Hedges, on behalf of the Ricky Hayden Memorial charity.
The programme of activities is run by Youth Unity and the aim is to provide a safe and welcoming environment, where they can learn skills to enjoy a new hobby or something towards their future careers.
Mentoring is provided by professional youth workers with education and career advice, plus a listening ear for their personal development and well-being.
Pictured: Shirley Jackson, Managing Director, Youth Unity, with Anthony Kilmera, youth worker.
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Havering Sports Council held its annual Awards Night at Upminster Golf Club on Monday 3 February, crowning this year's winning sports stars from across the borough.
The event was hosted by long-serving MC, diving coach John Whitby, along with speeches from the Deputy Leader of Havering Council, Cllr Gillian Ford, and Havering Sports Council President Jeremy West MBE.
Congratulations to this year's winners:
- Junior Sports Competitor of the Year - Joel Ajayi
- Sports Competitor of the Year - Ruby Tilson
- Disability Sports Competitor of the Year - Brock Whiston
- Sports Volunteer of the Year - Kevin White
- Sports Team of the Year - Hornchurch Cricket Club
- Senior School Team of the Year - Redden Court Under-14 Football Team
- Primary School Team of the Year - Hacton Primary School Football Team
- Peter Bruce Lifetime Achievement Award - Giorgio Bugnatelli BEM, and Kay Hamilton-Goddard (pictured left and centre, with sponsor from McDonalds Restaurants of Romford. Photo by Ron Cook).
You can read more about each of this year's winners on the Havering Sports Council website.
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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
The countdown to February Half Term is on, and MyPlace in Harold Hill has an amazing line-up of activities to keep the whole family entertained.
From creative workshops to action-packed adventures, there’s something for everyone. But hurry as spaces are filling fast. To book your spot and secure a fun-filled break, call now on 01708 376004 or send an email.
Box Up Crime will be taking place at MyPlace on Dagnam Park Drive, every Friday from 5.30pm to 7.45pm, delivering free boxing and fitness sessions for children and young people. No booking required, find out more information online.
The Havering Repair Café is back next Saturday 15 February, 11am to 2pm, at St Laurence’s Church Hall, Corbets Tey Road, Upminster, RM14 2BB. It is free to attend and you can learn skills to fix household items. For more information, visit the website.
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Having Police and Havering Council have joined forces to host free football and basketball sessions over the February half-term.
There are three sessions across the borough for children to get involved in:
- Monday 17 February - Central Park, Dagnam Park Road, RM3 9DL, Harold Hill
- Wednesday 19 February - Cottons Park, Cottons Approach, Romford, RM7 7AA
- Friday 21 February - Harrow Lodge Park, Hornchurch, RM11 1JU
Football sessions for primary school age take place 11am until 12noon, and secondary school age from 12noon to 1pm. Basketball sessions for primary school age take place 12noon to 1pm, and secondary school age from 1pm to 2pm. No need to book, just turn up.
Essex Wildlife Trust is hosting a talk by Park Manager Heather Smith on the Stewardship Project for the 700 year-old Weald Country Park.
The talk will discuss the work that has already taken place, and future plans for the historic site. The event takes place Monday 10 February, 2pm to 3:30pm, with a suggested £5 donation.
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Upcoming road closures
Wykeham Avenue in Hornchurch will be closed daily from outside number 20 to its junction with Fanshawe Crescent for sewer repairs, 10:30am to 6pm from Monday 10 February to Wednesday 12 February.
Squirrels Heath Road in Romford will be closed nightly between its junctions with Shepherds Hill and A127 (Southend Arterial) for resurfacing works, 7:30pm to 6am, Monday 10 February to Friday 14 February. Archibald Road, Athelstan Road, and Recreation Avenue will also be closed at their junctions with Squirrels Heath Road during this period.
Hood Road in Rainham will be closed daily from its junction with Stanley Road to its junction with Trafalgar Road for sewer repairs, 8:30am to 6pm from Wednesday 12 February until Friday 14 February.
Gubbins Lane in Romford will be closed overnight between its junction with A12 (Colchester Road) and Chelmsworth Drive for resurfacing works, from 7:30pm on Friday 14 February until 6am on Saturday 15 February.
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Public transport
Liverpool Street services on the c2c Basildon line will be diverted to Fenchurch Street, calling at West Ham but not Stratford on Saturday 8 February and Sunday 9 February.
Due to engineering works between Barking and Grays via Rainham, the c2c Rainham line will not run on Sunday 9 February.
Engineering works between Stanford-le-Hope and Pitsea are affecting evening services after 10:20pm on the c2c Ockendon line from Monday 10 February until Thursday 13 February.
Check the website for full details on all c2c service changes.
Greater Anglia services between Shenfield and London will not run on Saturday 8 February and Sunday 9 February. Replacement bus services will be in place.
Check the website for full details on all Greater Anglia service changes.
The TfL Elizabeth line will be closed between Shenfield and Stratford on Saturday 8 February and Sunday 9 February.
The TfL Liberty line will be closed between Romford and Upminster on Saturday 8 February and Sunday 9 February.
Check the website for full details on all TfL service changes.
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