NOTE: The deadline for amendments to all reports published with the final agenda is midnight, Monday 18 November 2024.

A.             To consider a report of the Governance Committee on the Polling Station and District Review (attached, subject to approval by Governance Committee);

B.             To consider a report of the Director of Starting Well on Havreing’s  Integrated Starting Well Plan (2024-27): Happy, Healthy Lives (attached);

C.       To consider any other report or motion presented pursuant to Council Procedure Rule 2(h).

Report of Governance Committee – Polling Station and Polling Review

A report of the Governance Committee gave details of a review of Polling Districts and Polling Places that had been recently undertaken in line with the Council’s legal requirements.

The report was AGREED without division and it was RESOLVED:

That the following decisions of Governance Committee are approved:

That the changes to the Polling Place for Polling District EL4 (Elm Park Ward) as shown in the report of Governance Committee are endorsed.

That the redrawing of the boundary for Polling District UP2 (Upminster ward) are endorsed.

That all other Polling Districts and Polling Places remain unchanged.

Report of Director of Starting Well – Havering’s Integrated Starting Well Plan (2024-2027): Happy, Healthy Lives

A report of the Director of Starting Well presented for approval the Council’s Integrated Starting Well Plan which articulated the Council’s vision and priorities for children and young people. Questions on the report submitted by the Conservative Group together with responses given at the meeting by the Lead Member for Children and Young People are shown below:

1. The report outlines responses from the Youth Census, in which young people report on their own health. What steps are being taken to ensure that the self-reporting by our youth is in line with the reality?

Response:

The questions used in the Youth Census were produced with young people and academically verified. The confidential nature of the surveys means there is likely to be less response bias. The survey responses are used to identify areas for further exploration.

2. The report indicates that 40% of those aged 10-11 are obese or overweight. Does the Cabinet Member support the Government suggestion (September 2024) that they may give councils power to limit the opening of fast food restaurants near schools?

Response:

The Cabinet Member supported the existing planning provision re fast food restaurants opening near schools and Government assistance to strengthen their not being permitted within 400m of schools. Action was however needed by a range of stakeholders. The Cabinet Member wanted the Government to act on areas such as advertising, salt and sugar content of foods.

3. 38% of respondents stated that they needed volunteering opportunities to help them reach their goals. Could the Cabinet Member please outline what support the Council is providing, to the local voluntary sector, to ensure that these much needed opportunities remain available, despite cuts to services?

Response:

A grant of £56k was still paid to the Havering Volunteer Centre. This would be reviewed before any savings decision was made. Work experience was being provided with local colleges as well as the Duke of Edinburgh Awards and opportunities with Starting Well.

4. The report highlights that St Edward's Ward is the 7^th highest in London for violent crime committed by youth, and that around half of all Havering's crime is committed by youth. Can the Cabinet Member confirm whether Havering has produced measurable targets for the reduction of youth crime and, if it has, please provide examples of the work being undertaken to achieve them? 

Response:

The St Edward’s Ward statistics also include young people affected by violent crime. The Council wished to engage with young people and create better role models. Some funding had been received from Government to divert young people at peak times for anti-social behaviour in Romford town centre.

The report was AGREED without division and it was RESOLVED:

That the Integrated Starting Well Plan (2024-27): Happy Healthy Lives shown at Appendix 1 to the report to Council be approved and adopted.