‘London’s Super Suburb’: Reform Unveils Its Big Plans for Havering.
Havering’s new Reform Administration has now officially laid out its first 100-day plan, setting out how it intends to tackle the challenges facing the borough and begin delivering visible improvements for residents.
Today, the Havering Daily looks at the plan in more detail and examines the key areas the new administration says it will focus on during its first 100 days in office.
The plan was formally launched by Council Leader Councillor Keith Prince AM at Full Council on 22 July.
The administration says the programme is designed to provide stability, improve the way the Council operates and begin addressing the issues residents told Reform they wanted to see tackled.
The plan is built around three central priorities: stabilising the Council, establishing a long-term roadmap and delivering visible improvements for residents.
Stabilising Havering Council
One of the biggest challenges facing the new administration is the Council’s financial position.
The 100-day plan places financial stability at its heart, with the administration saying it wants to understand precisely where the Council stands financially and organisationally.
The aim is to establish a longer-term roadmap for the authority while ensuring decisions are properly governed and provide value for money.
The administration has also promised a stronger focus on governance and decision-making, with residents being told that the Council should be accountable for how it spends public money and delivers services.
Councillor Prince has acknowledged that Havering faces “huge financial difficulties”, but says Cabinet members and officers are already working to address the situation.
Cleaner streets
One of the clearest messages from the administration is its commitment to improving the appearance of the borough.
Cleaner streets are specifically identified as one of the issues residents raised during the election.
The administration says it wants residents to see practical improvements in their local areas rather than simply hear long-term promises.
This includes a greater focus on the everyday environment and the services residents rely on.
Safer neighbourhoods
Safety is another major priority.
The administration says residents should feel safe where they live, work, shop and spend their leisure time.
The Council has highlighted its work with the Metropolitan Police, including Council-funded S92 officers and the Havering Joint Task Force.
The recent response to the Boots robbery in Hornchurch has been highlighted by the administration as an example of partnership working, after officers intercepted a vehicle, arrested five people and recovered stolen goods.
Better local services
The administration says residents want improvements in the services delivered by the Council.
The 100-day programme therefore focuses on reviewing how the authority operates and ensuring services provide better value for money.
The stated aim is to create a Council that listens to residents and delivers the services they expect.
Homes for local people
Housing is also included among the issues the administration says residents raised during the election.
The Reform administration says it wants Havering to provide homes for local people, while developing its wider approach to the future of the borough.
Housing will therefore form part of the longer-term vision being developed beyond the initial 100 days.
Protecting Havering’s open spaces
The administration has also highlighted the importance of protecting Havering’s green spaces and parks.
This has become particularly significant during the recent hot and dry weather, with the borough experiencing a series of grass fires.
The Council says it is working with the London Fire Brigade, Metropolitan Police and other partners to establish the causes of fires and reduce future risks.
Preventative work includes litter clearance, grass cutting and vegetation management on Council-owned land, as well as working with private landowners where firebreaks and responsible maintenance are required.
Value for money
Another central theme running through the plan is value for money.
The administration says residents need to know that their money is being spent responsibly.
Strengthening financial management, improving governance and reviewing the Council’s position are therefore central to the first 100 days.
A Council that listens
The administration says one of the messages it heard during the election was that residents did not feel they were being listened to.
The new plan therefore promises a different approach, with the Council saying it wants to put Havering residents first.
Councillor Prince said:
“This plan picks up these issues and ensures that we start moving forward in the right direction for a better Havering.”
Culture and community
The plan also recognises the importance of culture and community life.
The administration has pointed to events taking place across the borough, including activities at Romford Market, Fairkytes Arts Centre and the free summer music programme at Raphael Park.
The revival of Rom Skatepark has also been highlighted as part of the borough’s cultural offer.
The administration says supporting local culture can help bring communities together, support local talent and strengthen pride in Havering.
The bigger ambition: ‘London’s Super Suburb’
The 100-day plan is not being presented by the administration as the answer to every problem facing Havering.
Instead, it is intended to establish the foundations for the next stage of its plans.
At the end of the 100 days, the administration says it will set out its longer-term vision for Havering.
That vision has already been given a name:
“London’s Super Suburb.”
The ambition is to create a borough where people are proud to live, work, visit and invest.
The real test will be delivery
The 100-day plan sets out what the new administration says it wants to achieve.
But ultimately, residents will judge it on what happens next.
Will streets become cleaner?
Will residents see improvements in local services?
Will neighbourhoods feel safer?
Can the Council improve its financial position?
And will residents feel that the Council is genuinely listening to them?
Those are the questions that will follow Reform throughout its first 100 days.
The administration has made clear that it does not expect to solve every problem within three months.
But it has set out its priorities.
Now Havering residents will be watching to see what happens next.
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how many times do we see litter bins in Hornchurch and Upminster, overflowing broken pavements on Hornchurch Road’s main roads? upminster bridge