‘This has been a difficult budget as we can’t afford to run all the services that we used to- but there are positives.’

The new administration sets out its first budget against endless financial constraints.

Yesterday, Wednesday 1 February the first budget under Havering’s new administration was set out. The proposed budget will go to Cabinet next week and from there to a Full Council meeting on 1 March where it will be voted on.

Their key message from this budget by our councillors, was that it was an extremely difficult budget to deliver against a challenging financial background.

Councillor Keith Darvill clearly stated: “The political message here is that the shift by government in funding Adult and Children’s Services through Council Tax, means that this has been very hard for us. It has hit boroughs like Havering hard. However, we have managed to deliver a balanced budget.”

Havering’s Leader of the Council, Councillor Ray Morgon spoke openly about the challenges Havering faces: “70% of our budget is spent on Adult and Children’s Services. We also have a very changing demographic and are the second fastest growing borough in London.

“We have faced a 30 million increase in spending but funding from government has not increased.

“We have an increase in adults with additional needs and children needing support, but the government does not put additional money in.

“We have a gap of £31 million to make up over the next four years.”

The budget means an increase in Council Tax by 4.99%, an increase in Council rent fees and all services across the borough contributing to savings in the next four years.

As clearly stated by Havering’s Chief Financial Officer Dave McNamara: “We can’t afford to run all the services that we used.”

Despite all the horrendous financial pressures the Council has faced, this budget has provided a lot of positives for Havering.

We will see the return of the 30 minutes free parking across Hornchurch and Upminster. Funding to Havering Joint Task Force police officers remains and looks to be expanded when financial pressures ease.

Over 3 million will be spent on improving our CCTV across the borough and £1million on better lighting, to help improve safety across Havering.

Schools are also being invested in, with classrooms being upgraded.

Elm Park Children’s Centre remains for the short term future.

The plan to redevelop Romford has also been invested in, with the removal of North Street roundabout and the ring road with a plan of redevelopment for the area. The plan was originally agreed with Transport for London under the ‘Liveable Project’. However, TFL have since removed the funding so the Council are now funding this themselves to start regenerating Romford.

The Beam Park corridor is also being invested in and will see a green area set out.

A new facility will be built in place of the current Abercrombie House in Harold Hill as the borough has seen a 15% increase in homelessness over the last two months.

The new administration is also closely working with local climate action groups to help improve the borough and alongside schools to improve their travel schemes.

Councillor Ray Morgon finished by saying: “There are many positives despite all the negatives. It has been a very difficult budget for us but we are committed to our residents and will continue to keep lobbying government for more funding.”

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