Havering’s council leader has launched a sharp attack on Nigel Farage, accusing the Reform UK leader of misleading residents about the borough’s financial crisis.
Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, hit back after Mr Farage claimed his party would attempt not to take out another loan to keep the council running.
Speaking at a budget meeting yesterday, Councillor Morgon said Mr Farage “is misleading the public and clearly has no idea of Havering’s financial position.”
The meeting heard that Havering will need to take out another loan to keep the borough going, marking the third consecutive year the council has required a capitalisation direction. Councillor Morgon was joined by Finance Director Kathy Freeman, Chief Executive Andrew Blake Herbert and Cabinet Member Chris Wilkes as officials laid bare the scale of the financial pressures.
Councillor Morgon said Mr Farage was making false promises and dismissed claims that Havering could simply break away from the Greater London Authority.
He said such a move would require an Act of Government and could not be done unilaterally. He also stressed that 78 percent of the council’s spending must legally go towards essential services.
Council officers revealed that more than 70 percent of Havering’s budget is spent on adult and children’s social care, leaving less than 30 percent for services such as rubbish collection, street cleaning and maintaining parks.
The rapidly growing number of residents could also be placing further strain on finances, with rising demand increasing costs year on year. Officials also warned that repeated borrowing brings interest payments that intensify pressure on the council’s budget.
Despite significant cost cutting and savings, council leaders say Havering faces severe financial challenges with few options remaining as they attempt to maintain vital services for residents.
Stay up to date with all of our latest updates and content by following us on our social media accounts!
We have created community pages where we will share our up-to-date stories happening in the area. Add the area closest to where you live.