A consultation inviting residents to send their views on Havering Council’s saving plans for next year is set to close today (December 18).

Proposals were put forward by the council in a bid to help cover a £31.2 million shortfall in its budget for 2024.

Some of the measures that could directly impact residents included increasing parking charges, stopping all Christmas spending, ceasing trading at Romford Market on Sundays and reviewing social care pilot schemes for elderly people who have been discharged from hospital.

Reducing the number of libraries and raising garden waste collection fees from £70 to £84 were among the other steps.

The council had earlier said that it vows to avoid declaring bankruptcy that could have more serious consequences for the borough by introducing these cuts. The budget gap, it said, was a result of lack of funding received by the council to meet rising costs and of borough’s changing demography.

Havering has one of the oldest populations in London, while being the fourth fastest growing child population in the country. This, the council said, has added to their financial challenges.

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In 2010, the council reportedly received £70m of Revenue Support Grant from the government, but this has gone down to £2m, with Havering’s core grant being third lowest in London.

Residents were invited to a series of budget consultations over the last few weeks, with the latest in-person event held at the Most Holy Redeemer Church in Harold Hill on December 14.

An online survey, launched on November 9, also sought people’s views on how the savings proposals will affect them personally.

The council added: “This consultation comes as the council and our communities are feeling the effects of additional social and economic pressures – some of which have been made worse by the Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing cost of living challenge. 

“As we move towards setting the budget for next year, we are very keen to understand the views of our residents and key stakeholders.”

It further said that while this is a general consultation on the overall council budget for financial year 2024/25, more detailed consultation will follow later on some of the specific aspects of the cuts.

A link to the questionnaire can be found at consultation.havering.gov.uk/corporate/budget24/