Exclusive: ‘We are definitely going to keep funding the extra police officers and are looking to increase the number’-Councilllor Ray Morgon, Havering Council Leader.

Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council has assured residents that the new administration are not only going to keep funding Havering Joint Task Force officers, but if finances allow them, they are seeking to increase the number.

Councillor Morgon told the Havering Daily: “I know residents have been enquiring if we are going to keep up the payments for the Section 92 officers and the answer is a definite yes. They do an excellent job in Havering and the £300K we pay is certainly worth it as they provide an invaluable presence in our borough.

“If anything, we are looking to expand the team if our finances allow us. They are a highly effective team.”

Councillor Morgon also spoke very frankly about the serious funding issues Havering has.

“The budget process starts this week. Sadly financially we are a lot worse off than we thought we were.

“Children and adult services demands are increasing at a fast rate. Between 2011 and 2021 the population of children increased by 20%, one of the largest in the country. We also have one of the largest population of elderly people across London.

“We are lobbying government now for extra funding.”