Coronavirus (Covid 19) news
Leader thanks Havering’s amazing volunteers
Council leader Damian White has visited one of the borough’s vaccine centres to say a big thank you to its army of volunteers.
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Queen’s Hospital keyworkers celebrated at tree planting ceremony
Today (24 January 2022), Havering Council has planted a tree at a dedicated ceremony at Queen’s Hospital.
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Havering commits over a quarter of a million for SME support
Havering Council has allocated over a quarter of a million pounds to fund a business support programme that will provide free expert help for local small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
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Council launches new Covid-safe scheme for businesses
Havering Council has launched a new Covid-safe shop window scheme for local businesses, giving residents the confidence to shop safely in the run-up to Christmas 2021.
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Havering fireworks seller hit with explosive fines
A Romford-based fireworks trader has been lit up with a hefty fine for breaching Covid 19 regulations and opening his shops during lockdown, following an investigation by Havering Council.
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Residents support plans for living Covid 19 memorial
Havering Council has received strong public support to plant over 1,000 trees to commemorate the impact of Covid 19 on local communities.
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Council puts on mini festival to thank young residents following pandemic
Havering Council are paying tribute to the continued efforts of young residents throughout the pandemic with a free small-scale music event.
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Plans for an enduring and living Covid 19 memorial
Havering Council has announced plans to commemorate the impact of Covid 19 on our communities through the planting of over 1,000 trees at selected sites.
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Residents urged to keep following Hands, Face, Space in Council buildings
Havering Council has joined other public sector organisations and businesses calling on local people to continue to wear face coverings and to social distance when using its buildings.
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Havering Council extends school holiday meals funding support for summer holidays
Havering Council will continue to fund the School Holiday Meal Scheme for those most in need during the summer holidays.
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Changes to Havering’s Rapid Testing sites as more people test at home
With more residents using rapid Lateral flow Covid 19 home tests, Havering Council is closing Upminster and Collier Row rapid testing sites on Wednesday 30 June 2021.
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Havering Council Leader urges everyone to get their jab
The Leader of Havering Council is urging everyone aged 18 and over to get their vaccine - and the over 40s to get their second jab.
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New Havering project aims to keep Covid 19 infection rates low
This week, Havering Council launched a new Covid 19 pilot project, to help support residents that need to isolate.
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Queen’s Theatre receives £100k Covid 19 grant from Council
The show goes on for Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, as it receives a £100,000 grant from Havering Council to help the cultural landmark recover from Covid 19 restrictions.
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Havering Show
Havering Council has decided that there will be no Havering Show this year (2021).
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Havering Council to provide school meals funding support for May half term
Havering Council will continue to fund the School Meal Holiday Scheme for those most in need during the May 2021 half term.
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Over 50 places to get rapid tests in Havering
There are now over 50 places for people to get rapid Covid 19 tests in Havering, meaning it’s now easier than ever to get tested and help keep Havering safe.
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Extra £1m boost for businesses hit by pandemic
A further £1 million worth of funding is now available through Havering Council’s Business Innovation Grant, which reopened for applications last Friday (30 April 2021).
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New rapid testing site for Harold Hill
A new rapid Covid 19 testing site opened in Harold Hill this week (26 April 2021), offering regular testing for anyone that is not showing symptoms.
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Supporting businesses and residents as lockdown rules eased
Havering Council’s enforcement and public protection teams are out across the borough again this week helping to support local businesses and residents stay safe.
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New rapid testing site for Romford workers
A new rapid community testing site opened in the heart of Romford yesterday (Monday 22 March 2021), offering rapid Covid 19 testing for anybody without symptoms.
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Havering Council remembers first coronavirus lockdown
Havering Council is marking the first anniversary of the Covid 19 pandemic and first national lockdown in England.
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Havering Helps: One Year On
Havering Council’s Emergency Assistance Scheme, run by the charity DABD, on the Council’s behalf, has given over £500,000 in grants to local people since the pandemic began in March 2020.
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Leader pays tribute to pandemic volunteers one year on
Councillor Damian White, Leader of Havering Council, has paid tribute to the role of volunteers to support our most vulnerable residents.
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Havering Council to provide school meals funding support for Easter holidays
Havering Council will continue to fund the School Meal Holiday Scheme for those most in need during the 2021 Easter holidays.
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New rapid community testing site goes live in Rainham
Havering Council has opened a new community testing site in Rainham today (4 March 2021), offering rapid lateral flow tests (LFTs) for people who do not have symptoms.
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Supporting new CEV residents told to stay at home
Havering Council is continuing to help the borough’s most vulnerable as more residents are added to the Government’s shielding list.
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Havering council to provide school meals funding support for February half-term
Havering Council will continue to fund the School Meal Holiday Scheme for those most in need during February half term.
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Rapid community testing ramps up in Havering
Two extra rapid community testing sites have opened across Havering this week, offering Covid 19 tests to anybody who cannot work from home.
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Better days are ahead if you get the jab
The Leader of Havering Council is calling for residents to ignore conspiracy theories and harmful misinformation and get a jab for a better future.
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Calling on Havering residents to become Covid Marshals
Havering Council is looking for residents to become Covid Marshals to help in the borough’s fight against coronavirus.
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Havering to mark Holocaust Memorial Day online
Havering residents are being urged to honour Holocaust Memorial Day by joining an online service on Sunday 24 January 2021.
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Havering residents join biggest vaccination drive in Britain’s history
Havering residents have come forward in their droves to volunteer as part of the Covid 19 vaccination programme.
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Supporting pupils and families during third lockdown
Pupils receiving remote education can benefit from a package of support being delivered by Havering Council and local schools to help them during the pandemic.
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Council and local charities encourage residents to #BeNiceToYourNoggin in new mental health campaign
Havering Council has teamed up with Havering MIND and other local charities to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing.
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Library buildings to close due to Covid 19
With Covid 19 cases in the borough continuing to increase, Havering Council has announced that libraries will close at end of day Friday 8 January and will stay closed until at least mid-February.
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Havering schools and colleges to move to remote learning for start of spring term
Following the latest announcement by the Department for Education (DfE), all primary and secondary schools and colleges across Havering will be included in a country-wide move to remote learning.
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New Tier 4 restrictions to apply in Havering and throughout Christmas period
The Government has announced new Tier 4 restrictions, which will be in force from Sunday 20 December to all of London, including Havering.
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First Covid 19 vaccines for Havering residents
The first wave of the Covid 19 vaccines have started being rolled out in Havering to the most elderly and vulnerable residents.
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Non-symptomatic secondary school staff, pupils and their families urged to get tested
Covid 19 testing is being increased as cases continue to rise in Havering with more testing sites available from this weekend.
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Council asks for residents’ views on proposed budget
Havering Council is urging residents to have their say on the borough’s spending plans for 2021/22 – following the impact of the Covid 19 pandemic.
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Got symptoms, get tested
A new permanent testing site is opening in the borough to offer more capacity to help increase the number of people being tested for Covid 19.
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New Covid Marshals hit the street in Havering
New Covid Marshals have been deployed across Havering this week to support the Council’s fight against coronavirus.
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Havering now included in new Covid 19 rapid tests
Havering Council has confirmed with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) that it will be able to participate in the early rollout of rapid Covid 19 tests.
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Havering announces free school meal support for half term
Havering Council is funding free school meals for those most in need during half term.
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Council and police ask residents to celebrate Halloween differently this year
Havering Council and Metropolitan Police are urging residents not to go trick or treating this year, instead opting for safer ways to celebrate.
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Over 1,600 businesses see Covid 19 safety visits from Council
Havering Council has carried out 1,641 face-to-face visits to businesses to make sure they comply with Covid 19 rules.
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Council boosts NHS contact tracing capacity
Havering Council has announced details of its local approach to test and trace and a £500 “Havering Helps” package to support residents asked to self-isolate due to Covid 19.
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Supporting businesses to stay safer
Havering Council’s enforcement and public protection teams have been out in force working tirelessly help keep business and residents Covid 19 secure.
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We Are 500 told to close this weekend following rise in Covid 19 figures
Havering Council has decided to prevent the upcoming We Are 500 events in light of increasing coronavirus infection rates in the borough.
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Council launches new online tool to help communities stay connected during Covid 19 pandemic
A new online platform has been launched to bring the community together.
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Residents urged to take action now as Covid 19 cases rise in the borough
With Covid 19 cases on the increase in Havering, Council bosses have warned that the borough faces government-enforced restrictions unless everyone “does their bit” to battle the pandemic.
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Helping businesses do their bit to keep Havering safe
Havering Council has launched its new business toolkit to help businesses stay Covid-secure and do their bit to prevent a local lockdown.
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Council calls on residents and businesses to do their bit to prevent local lockdown
Havering Council is asking residents to do their bit to help further reduce the spread of coronavirus, not to be complacent and to protect the borough from local lockdowns.
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Pandemic scales back GCSE results day
Thousands of pupils across Havering received their GCSE results via email today after the coronavirus pandemic stopped them from gathering in large numbers at their schools to collect them.
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Temporary mortuary removed but Covid 19 threat remains
The temporary mortuary at South Essex Crematorium has been removed as part of the further scaling back of extra facilities that were set up in March, to cope with the Covid 19 pandemic across London.
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Council announces funding for grants of up to £15,000 for local charities alongside community crowdfunding initiative
The Council is launching the second round of its pilot grants programme for small charities and social enterprises in Havering.
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Havering residents urged to sign up to free online construction training programme
Havering Council and Wates Residential are encouraging local residents to sign up to a free, three-week construction training course.
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Statement from Havering Council's Director of Public Health following publication of further Covid 19 data
Mark Ansell, Havering Council’s Director of Public Health, has commented on the publication of further Covid 19 data.
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Havering Council makes plans to support residents exiting shielding
The Council is putting plans in place to support Havering residents who have been shielding during the coronavirus pandemic.
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Statement from Havering Council's Director of Public Health following media speculation of local lockdown
Mark Ansell, Director of Public Health said:
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Hundreds of children to receive laptops to access online learning
Havering Council has taken delivery of laptops, tablets and 4G wireless routers from the Department for Education (DfE) to help children who are most in need access online education.
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Staying well and safe this summer with Covid 19
Temperatures are set to rise to around 29c and residents are being asked to take extra care.
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Havering food banks deliver 3k food parcels during lockdown
Food banks in Havering have provided more than 3,000 essential food parcels since the start of the pandemic.
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Residents urged to follow rules or risk local lockdowns
Havering Council’s health chief is warning residents that they could face local lockdown measures if they don’t stick to social distancing rules and regularly wash their hands.
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Changes to funeral arrangements at South Essex Crematorium
The number of mourners allowed at funerals at South Essex Crematorium will increase from Monday 8 June.
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Historic Romford Market set to reopen from coronavirus lockdown
Romford Market is set to reopen this week after being forced to close due to the coronavirus outbreak.
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Havering set to cheer for volunteers as community fund beats target
Havering Council is calling on residents to thank local heroes to mark Volunteers Week. It comes as the Havering Heroes Community Fund surpasses its £10,000 target.
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Bulky waste collections return
Collections of bulky waste will restart across Havering from Monday 1 June 2020, with residents able to book from today, Thursday 28 May 2020.
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Covid 19: Havering Show and Langtons Summer Concert cancelled
Havering Council's summer events have been cancelled due to the ongoing Covid 19 outbreak.
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Council and police warn residents against Covid19-related scams
Residents have been warned to be on their guard against criminals and scammers exploiting the coronavirus crisis.
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Council begins phased reopening of housing services following lockdown
Havering Council will begin the gradual restoration of its housing services from next week, as the UK begins the recovery process from the coronavirus outbreak in line with Government guidance.
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Havering Heroes community fund receives £2k boost while £70k given to support local charities
The Council’s Havering Heroes Spacehive crowdfund has been handed a £2,000 boost by Everyone Active, our Leisure services partner.
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Council provides further emergency funding to charities and community organisations
Havering Council has given £28,550 to local voluntary and community organisations as part of the second round of funding this week.
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Video tribute released to celebrate Havering Heroes
Havering Council has paid a tuneful tribute to the borough’s “heroes” in a new video released on social media.
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Gerpins Lane reuse centre re-opens after pressure from Council Leader
The Gerpins Lane reuse and recycling centre will re-open on Monday 11 May in line with new government guidance. It follows weeks of lobbying from Councillor Damian White, Leader of Havering Council.
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Havering Council and Tapestry launch Befriending Phone Service
Havering Council and Tapestry have joined forces to expand the Care Call Service and the Telephone Befriending Service.
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Council and Havering MIND charity launch Covid-19 support line for bereaved residents
Havering Council has teamed up with local mental health charity Havering Mind to launch a new free telephone support line to provide trauma and bereavement counselling to those affected by the crisis.
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South Essex Crematorium Gardens of Remembrance to re-open
Havering Council has announced that the South Essex Crematorium Gardens of Remembrance will re-open from Saturday 25 April as part of new government guidance.
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Council provides £20,000 of emergency funding to local charities
A total of £20,000 has been given to voluntary and community organisations as part of the first round of funding this week.
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Havering Music School goes online to continue lessons and inspire community
Over 650 Havering Music School students are continuing their lessons online, despite the disruption caused by Covid 19.
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Council garden waste collection to resume
Garden waste collections will restart across Havering from Monday 27 April.
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Council cemeteries re-open under new government guidelines
Havering Council has announced that the cemeteries at Romford, Hornchurch, Rainham and Upminster are now re-opened as part of new government guidance
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Council events go virtual to celebrate St George's Day and raise money for local charities
Havering Council will celebrate St George’s Day this week by hosting an online quiz to raise money for Havering Heroes, alongside other fun virtual events.
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Over £2m in Business Support Grants already paid to Havering businesses
Businesses in Havering have already received £2.3 million in grant money, as part of the government’s unprecedented support for businesses during the Covid 19 crisis.
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Havering Heroes – local businesses answer call for PPE in force
From tattoo artists to pre-schools, businesses across the borough have responded to Havering Council’s urgent request for personal protective equipment (PPE) to help tackle the Covid 19 crisis.
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Havering Council launches new Coronavirus Emergency Grant Initiative
Charities and community organisations in Havering, like many across the country, are under a lot of pressure to support residents and raise funds and donations due to this unprecedented crisis.
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Home from home for NHS heroes
Havering Council has readied several apartments for Havering NHS nurses and other health professionals who have to stay away from home during the Covid 19 crisis.
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Havering works together to provide much needed supplies to vulnerable residents
With the ongoing significant human impact of the Coronavirus crisis, Havering Council has been working tirelessly with partner organisations to set up Havering’s Emergency Food Distribution Centre.
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Council launches additional help for businesses with new helpline and webpage
Havering Council has launched a new dedicated helpline and webpage to support local businesses through the Covid 19 crisis.
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Council crematorium and cemetery grounds to be closed to public
Havering’s top public health expert has warned residents that the construction of a temporary ‘morgue’ at South Essex Crematorium is a “sober and sad warning” that the current good weather must not tempt people to go outside more than is essential as the battle against coronavirus continues.
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Private car parks follow Council’s lead with free parking for residents and NHS
Private car parks across the borough are doing their bit to support NHS staff and key workers by providing free parking during coronavirus.
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Covid-19: Supporting domestic abuse victims
The coronavirus outbreak presents a new challenge for people living through domestic abuse, but support is always available in Havering.
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Adult social care providers to receive £500,000 funding
Havering Council has announced it is releasing half a million pounds in initial funding so that local care providers can continue to support vulnerable people during the Coronavirus outbreak.
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Council makes 'urgent request' to businesses for kit to help fight coronavirus
Havering Council has asked the borough’s businesses – including nail bars, beauty salons, builders, decorators, tattooists and cleaning companies – for vital equipment to help the fight against coronavirus.
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Covid-19: Havering Heroes making significant difference
Our Havering Heroes are rallying together to support the most vulnerable residents through the Coronavirus crisis.
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'Havering Helps': Council launches £4m package to support residents with financial cost of coronavirus
Havering Council Leader, Councillor Damian White, has today announced ‘Havering Helps’, a package of measures worth more nearly £4.5m to support residents, businesses and care providers in the borough
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Warning as hand sanitisers seized
Havering Council trading standards officers have seized 36 bottles of hand sanitisers, which had no safety labelling from a local pharmacy.
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Covid-19 - Changes to burial and cremation services
Covid-19 - Further changes to burial and cremation services
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Help our market traders Council Leader asks Chancellor
Havering Council Leader Councillor Damian White has written to Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak MP.
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Council launches new hotline for urgent help on coronavirus
Havering Council has launched a new free-to-call helpline for residents with urgent needs because of coronavirus.
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Libraries, children's centres and MyPlace to close
Havering Council to close libraries, selected Children's Centres, and MyPlace in response to latest Government Coronavirus advice.
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Parking information during the Covid 19 response
We are looking at our parking services in light of Government directives.
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Covid-19 - Be a #Havering Hero, stay at home – Leader’s statement
The Leader of Havering Council, Councillor Damian White, has joined forces with the borough’s Public Health Chief Mark Ansell to issue a powerful message to residents, asking them to be a #HaveringHero and save lives by following all advice on coronavirus.
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Leisure centres close
We have been in discussions with our leisure centre providers all week to make sure residents can enjoy a safe environment in the centres.
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Covid 19: Leader’s update
“As residents face the reality of Coronavirus, I know many of you will be concerned about what this means for you, and the impact it may have on the services we provide.
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Further changes to Havering Registrars Service
Further changes to Registrar Services around Covid-19
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Effective Hand Washing advice
Working in partnership with Learning Nexus, we are offering all local residents free access to an Effective Hand Washing online course.
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Coronavirus waste disposal advice
Important advice on waste disposal around Covid 19.
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Adoption information session changes
Adopt London East is currently following Government advice to support the containment of the Coronavirus (Covid-19).
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Havering Music School closes its doors
Due to the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak, Havering Music School is suspended with immediate effect until further notice.
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Farnham Road office closed
Due to the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak, the Farnham Road office is now closed until further notice.
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Fostering information session changes
We are currently looking into innovative ways of how we can deliver the sessions online.
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Coronavirus (Covid-19) - School closures statement
Schools in Havering and across the UK will close as part of the government’s response to curb the spread of Coronavirus (Covid-19).
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A statement from the Leader of Havering Council, Chief Executive and Director of Public Health
Leader of the Council, Councillor Damian White, Chief Executive of Havering Council, Andrew Blake-Herbert, and Director of Public Health, Dr Mark Ansell, have issued a statement regarding Covid 19.
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Library closures
Libraries are closed due to staffing availability.
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Reduced copy certificate service
We are currently offering a reduced copy certificate service.
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Suspension of Council, Cabinet and committee meetings
The decision has been taken to suspend all meetings of Council, Cabinet and committees with immediate effect for a period of six weeks.
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In year admissions applications service change
Our application process is open but we won't process applications until schools resume.
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Important change to the registrars service
Due to recommendations we will be reducing the amount of visitors attending appointments.
