Havering Council delivered a petition directly to the heart of Government at 10 Downing Street yesterday (Thursday 18 December 2025), demanding fairer funding for the borough.
The petition, which gathered thousands of signatures, is a clear demand from residents that Havering deserves a funding settlement that truly meets its needs and rapidly changing population.
This action follows the Government’s recent announcement of its financial settlement for Havering for the next three years.
While the settlement includes an increase to the Council’s ‘core grant’ to just under £40 million, it falls far short of addressing the significant financial challenges the borough faces, following years of historic underfunding, as well as adding new burdens expected of us.
Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, said:
“We welcome the additional funding announced yesterday, but it is too little, too late.
“Havering has one of London’s fastest-changing demographics across London, with the second largest elderly population, and one of the fastest-rising youth populations in the UK.
"The current funding we receive does not reflect these realities, leaving us struggling to provide the support our residents need.
“That’s why we have delivered our petition today. It is a clear message from our residents that the Government needs to give us a fair deal so we can continue to provide vital services that matter to the borough.
“I want to thank the support of our local MPs in this too, although I am afraid Margaret Mullane's announcement of £83 million is not quite right as this is actually the increase in Council funding (including £35 million of Council Tax increases) since Labour came to power in 2024, meaning residents have foot the bill, not the Government.”
“In the end, we need a level playing field, which requires the Government to cancel out our loan. Until then, we will continue to be in a worse place.”
The Council is calling for urgent and adequate funding to ensure it takes into account Havering’s changing demographics and rising service pressures.
Without this, the borough risks being unable to sustain vital services for its residents.
The issue isn’t unique to Havering. London Councils recently announced that several other London local authorities are likely to require a loan, or Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) from the Government to be able to meet their statutory duties.
Havering has had to apply for EFS for the last three years, despite being independently verified as a financially responsible and efficient council.
Forcing struggling councils to take on additional debt to make up the shortfall for underfunding is unfair and unsustainable.
The petition will now be considered by the Government, and Havering Council will continue to press for a fairer deal that reflects the true needs of its community.