Leader's update - Friday 23 January 2026

Published: 23 January 2026

At Cabinet this week, we put forward our proposals for setting the 2026/27 Budget and agreed our allocations policy amendments. 

For 14 years, Redbridge faced severe cuts to our funding and our calls for support went unanswered. Over the past year, however, we have finally been heard. The government has met with me, and the funding we are now receiving will help redress some of that long‑standing unfairness over the next three years, allowing us to continue protecting the vital services we all rely on. We will also continue our work to access the infrastructure fund, and as soon as applications open, we will be ready with our strong case for Broadmead Road Bridge funding.

We also held our first full council meeting of 2026, where we agreed three motions. The first focused on supporting small businesses in Redbridge and ensuring hardworking owners can retain ownership. The second addressed Violence Against Women and Girls and how we can all play a part in preventing this crime. The final motion centred on protecting and restoring our natural assets by declaring a nature emergency and improving our amazing green borough.

This week, I visited Janice Mews to see the progress on the new Voluntary Sector Hub. This exciting project will give voluntary groups, charities, and small organisations the opportunity to book and use a central, well‑connected space to continue their vital work supporting our neighbours. These groups are a lifeline for many in our community — people who may be on their own, experiencing isolation, living with health conditions, or looking to learn new skills.

Last weekend, I had the privilege of marking Tamil Heritage Month and celebrating Thai Pongal with Tamil friends and neighbours at Ilford Town Hall. With a cultural history stretching back over 4,500 years, the Tamil community continues to thrive and excel, showcasing incredible talent through music and dance. It was an honour to speak and be part of the celebrations.

Next Tuesday, we will be marking Holocaust Memorial Day, as always, at Valentines Park from 10am. The theme for 2026 is Bridging Generations. Holocaust Memorial Day remembers the six million Jewish people murdered, as well as the systematic killing of others — including Slavs, Roma, Poles, people with disabilities, LGBT+ people — and the tragic repetition of genocide in later years.

All are welcome, and I look forward to seeing many residents and members in attendance.

Have a good weekend,

Cllr Kam Rai,
Leader of the Council