Report title: Comments of Overview and Scrutiny Board on the Council's Budget 2026/27

Presented by: Councillor Laurance Garrard, Chair of the Overview & Scrutiny Board

At its meeting on 4th February 2026, the Overview and Scrutiny Board scrutinised the Council’s proposed Budget for 2026/27.

As the Board made recommendations and comments for Cabinet to consider and respond to, under the Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules, a report must be submitted to Cabinet. These recommendations and comments are shown above and Cabinet is required to give a response to each of these as well as indicate whether it wishes to change or continue with the proposed Budget.

1.         That Officers explore aligning the Improvement and Transformation Plan with the Budget and Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS)

Response: The plan was already aligned with the budget in the background. Following Overview & Scrutiny comments, the alignment has now been made explicit in the latest Cabinet report.

2.         That Officers undertake alternative modelling on the impact of reducing street trading licence fees.

            Response: Officers need further time for modelling.

A formal written response will be returned to Overview & Scrutiny Board once work is completed

3.         That Officers review the wording within the Discretionary Fees and Charges section to ensure it reflects a compassionate approach to sensitive issues

            Response: Wording has already been amended to reflect a compassionate approach, noting, the fee is not payable by bereaved residents. The council will claim costs from the Children’s Fund for burials.

4.         That the Board be provided with information on the cost implications of extending 30 minutes free parking across all areas of Havering

            Response: A pilot in Hornchurch was implemented just before Christmas. Only two months of data currently available; more months are required. Work is ongoing with finance officers to produce reliable modelling and assumptions.

5.         That Officers confirm to the Board the value of the shortfall created by the National Insurance increase

            Response: Officers responded during the meeting. A written follow?up will also be provided to the Overview &Scrutiny Board

6.         That Officers explore a pilot scheme delivering a single, coordinated bulky waste collection within a defined geographical area given sufficient bulky waste demand exists

            Response: Officers have taken this issue away for further investigation on feasibility and implementation.

7.         That Officers consider the feasibility and potential benefits of introducing individually licensed fly tipping collectors

            Response: This issue is still under consideration; work is ongoing

8.         That Officers explore opportunities to enhance communications with residents regarding Green Flag status and achievements within local parks.

            Response: Officers noted that this recommendation doesn’t have clear budget implications. Communications is already strong regarding Green Flag park status (e.g., photo shoots and publicity).

Additional interpretation: The Overview & Scrutiny Board may have intended a perception survey linked to the Parks Strategy and anti?social behaviour work.

Overall Conclusion

None of the recommendations listed require budget changes.

Officers have either completed actions, are in progress, or will provide follow?up information in  ...  view the full decision text for item 8.