Leader of Havering Council announces Cabinet changes

The number of positions have been increased from six to eight.

The changes are:

• Councillor John Crowder, Cabinet Member for Regeneration
• Councillor Ciaran White, Cabinet Member for Community Safety 

In addition Councillor Viddy Persaud title will change to Cabinet Member for Culture and People. The portfolio will combine culture and leisure with HR and Workforce Strategy and Performance Management.

No other changes will take place. The additional cost for this financial year will be £10,776, which will be met from existing budgets and will apply until the local elections in May. 

The Leader of Havering Council, Councillor Damian White, said:

“As a council we are delivering vital services that have been impacted by the pandemic.

"We have one of the smallest Cabinet teams in London but we need to respond to these challenges. 

“This means I need to ensure capacity is built in the Cabinet team to help make those difficult decisions and support me and officers in their work.

"This is why it is right to add these additional posts and make sure we focus on the most difficult areas. 

“It includes our businesses, who have suffered greatly from the pandemic and public safety has also moved up the agenda.

"Therefore the new post will wholly focus on this area helping to make it safer for residents by working with the Police and others.

“At the same time we have one of the biggest regeneration schemes in London.

"It is important then that there is a dedicated Cabinet member to help with the next important stages and work building new communities and homes for local people.

“I therefore look forward to working with the new team, offering the best support and services to the residents of Havering.”