Housing Asylum Seekers and Parks Safety Top the Agenda the Havering Council Full Meeting.

Asylum seeker accommodation and the future of Havering’s parks will dominate this month’s full council meeting in Romford on Wednesday evening, with both issues striking at the heart of resident concern. Housing pressure, public space protection and the strain on local services are expected to fuel a tense and highly charged debates.

When Havering’s councillors meet at the Town Hall on Wednesday evening, the accommodation of asylum seekers will again be firmly in the spotlight. While immigration policy remains the responsibility of central government, the consequences are increasingly being felt at a local level, leaving the council to manage the impact on housing, health services and community cohesion.

Alongside asylum accommodation, the borough’s parks are set to be another major flashpoint. Parks are among Havering’s most valued assets, providing vital green space for families, children and older residents. Any discussion that links public spaces to wider accommodation or usage pressures is likely to prompt strong reaction from both councillors and the public.

Residents have repeatedly made clear that parks must be protected, properly maintained and remain safe and accessible for everyone. Concerns around anti social behaviour, overuse and the potential erosion of public enjoyment have placed park management high on the political agenda.

Councillors are also expected to raise the issue of control. As with asylum accommodation, there is frustration that local authorities are often left reacting to decisions rather than shaping them. Whether it is housing placements or how public spaces are used, many argue that Havering needs a stronger voice in decisions that reshape the borough.

With housing waiting lists rising, council budgets under strain and residents increasingly vocal, this month’s full council meeting arrives at a critical moment. For many in Romford and across Havering, the question is no longer whether these issues matter, but whether the council has the power and support needed to manage them fairly and sustainably.

Wednesday night’s debate is expected to set the tone for the months ahead. Asylum seeker accommodation and the protection of parks are no longer separate concerns. Together, they reflect a wider struggle over capacity, accountability and the future direction of the borough.

Key items on the Full Council meeting agenda (Wednesday 21 January 2026)

Agenda and topics expected to be discussed include:

• Governance and changes to local polling places including a proposed new polling station at Squirrels Heath School.

• A report on park safety covering anti social behaviour in local parks, the impact of park locking arrangements and plans to improve safety and reduce antisocial behaviour.

• Members’ questions on pressing local issues including asylum seeker accommodation and the pressures on services, as well as CCTV and parking enforcement in Romford town centre.

• Motions for debate relating to local service priorities including the rollout of the new Case Tracker System and support for local libraries.

• Broader resident concerns to be addressed in questions from councillors on housing pressure, community engagement and local infrastructure.

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