On behalf of the Chair, there will be an announcement about the arrangements in case of fire or other events that might require the meeting room or building’s evacuation.

If any receive;-

Members are invited to disclose any interests in any of the items on the agenda at this point of the meeting. Members may still disclose an interest in an item at any time prior to the consideration of the matter.

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve as a correct record, the minutes of the meeting held on 9^th April 2025 and to authorise the Chair to sign them.

The minutes of the meetings held on 9^th April 2025, were agreed as a correct record and the Chair signed them.

Report attached.

Cabinet:

Approved the Childcare Sufficiency Strategy 2025-2028 as set out at Appendix 1.  

Report attached.

Cabinet:

Approvedjoining Newham’s Pseudo Dynamic Purchasing System for Children’s Care Placements.  

Report attached.

Cabinet:

1.     Noted the progress that Havering has made in tackling the climate emergency over the last financial year as outlined in Appendix 1 (Progress on 2024/25 actions to date).

2.     Noted the overall emissions for Havering Council outlined in this report

Comments of Overview and Scrutiny Board on:

·        Scrutiny Process & Related Issues

Overview & Scrutiny Board comments to Cabinet

Using its Constitutional powers under the Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules, the Overview and Scrutiny Board has made a number of recommendations to Cabinet.

Cabinet is recommended to respond to these.

·        Havering Volunteer Centre (HVC)

Cabinet agreed to consider the recommendations listed during upcoming strategic meetings.

1.     That the HVC be given a longer term lease on their current location.

2.     The Council should not ask the HVC to leave their current premises for a period of at least 18 months.

3.     Whilst noting the remedial action taken by senior officers, the Board condemns as unacceptable the previous poor treatment and language used by some Council officers when communicating with HVC staff.

4.     Further detail should be given on the specific level of the rent increase to be applied. This should be at a lower level than current market rents.

5.     Details of the proposed alternative site for the HVC that has been identified by the Council, including levels of associated costs, should be supplied to the HVC as a matter of urgency. The Board finds it unacceptable that the HVC should have been given four weeks’ notice to leave without a costed alternative being provided. The Board notes that this position has now been addressed.

6.     The possibility of a charitable donation of premises to HVC should be explored.

7.     Any underspend in the community engagement budget should be passed to the HVC.

8.     Cabinet should make clear its vision for volunteering/the voluntary sector in Havering and where the HVC sits within this.

9.     The Council should make proactive efforts to obtain increased funding and support for the voluntary sector from local businesses and partner organisations. Page 4

10. Cabinet should commit to continue current funding (as a minimum) for the HVC.

11. Information should be provided as to whether any other tenancies of voluntary organisations are at risk due to the position with the HVC premises.

12. If Council funding arrangements allow, certainty of funding for the HVC should be given for a period of at least three years.

13. The Council should explore the introduction of a neighbourhood plan for Romford as this would allow a Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy to fund the HVC.

14. Cabinet is asked to support the view of the Board that the HVC provides good value for money.

·        Scrutiny Process and Related Issues

 Cabinet agreed to recommendations 2, 3, 4, 6 & 7

1.     The relevant Cabinet Member should be required to attend each meeting of the Board or Sub-Committees where there is an item relevant to their portfolios. Not agreed

2.     All Cabinet responses to scrutiny recommendations or comments should be included as an agenda item at the next scrutiny meeting. Agreed

3.     Comments and recommendations to Cabinet should be presented at the Cabinet meeting by the Chairman and Vice-Chair of the Board or relevant Sub-Committee. Agreed

4.     Cabinet responses to scrutiny comments on called-in decisions should be circulated to all members of the Overview and  ...  view the full decision text for item 8.