Havering Leader, Councillors and Romford MP Head to Downing Street to Demand Fairer Funding.

On 18 December 2025, The Havering Daily joined Havering’s Leader of the Council and a group of Councillors on a visit to Downing Street as part of a campaign calling for fairer Government funding for the borough. The aim of the delegation was to hand in a petition highlighting what the council describes as a long standing imbalance in how funding is allocated to Havering compared with other parts of London and Essex.

The visit was led by the Leader of Havering Council, Councillor Ray Morgon, alongside Cabinet Member for Regeneration Cllr Graham Williamson, Chief Executive Andrew Blake-Herbert, the Member of Parliament for Romford- Andrew Rosindell MP, and council officers. The petition forms part of a wider council backed campaign urging the Government to review the current local authority funding formula, which Havering leaders say is outdated and no longer reflects the borough’s needs.

According to the council, Havering’s core Government funding has fallen dramatically over the past 15 years, dropping from around £70 million in 2010 to approximately £2 million today. At the same time, demand for services has increased, particularly in areas such as adult social care, children’s services and support for vulnerable residents.

Council leaders argue that the current funding formula fails to take account of Havering’s changing population, including an ageing demographic and rising levels of need. As a result, they say local council tax payers are being asked to contribute more to fund essential services than residents in boroughs such as Westminster, as well as some neighbouring areas in Essex.

Cllr Ray Morgon said the petition reflects widespread concern among residents. “Havering residents are paying more while receiving less Government support. This campaign is about fairness and making sure our borough is recognised properly when funding decisions are made.”

The council has warned that without reform, difficult decisions may be unavoidable. Officers say fairer funding would help protect frontline services and reduce the risk of cuts that could affect libraries, community facilities and support services relied upon by many families.

Cllr Graham Williamson added that the issue is not about special treatment, but about realism. “Havering is changing quickly. The funding system needs to recognise that reality so we can plan properly and deliver services our communities depend on.”

For Havering residents, the outcome of this campaign could shape how local services are funded and delivered for years to come.

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