An “exciting” 20-year plan for Romford and the spending of £3million in TfL funds dominated the Havering Council cabinet meeting last night.

And during a discussion about housing problems, council leader Cllr Roger Ramsey confirmed the council is taking action against another authority regarding buying properties in the borough for its residents to live in.

He said no more on the issue, which he revealed in a response to Cllr Jeff Tucker asking why Havering doesn’t buy properties in other boroughs to place families.

“We are looking at this at the moment,” said Cllr Ramsey. “We may have to look at Essex to do it – we can’t afford houses in Westminster and it is important not to place them too far. But this type of thing is an issue.

“But if a private landlord buys a house and rents it to a council, we can’t stop them”

Cllr Tucker said Newham Council had bought properties in Rainham to place its residents, who then inevitably become the responsibility of Havering. “We need to take action,” he added.

Fore more on the meeting, pick up tomrorrow’s Recorder.