Leader's update - Friday 20 March 2026

Published: 20 March 2026

As it’s Social Care Week, I want to take a moment to thank everyone in Redbridge who works so hard to care for our service users. Your compassion and professionalism shine through every day. Our children’s social care service was recently rated outstanding by Ofsted, which is down to your dedication. We’re committed to doing everything we can to support you, including investing an additional £28.8 million in our adult social care service to make sure teams have the tools they need and residents receive the support they deserve. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for all that you do. 

More and more residents are recycling, which is brilliant to see. That’s why we’re introducing new large mixed recycling wheelie bins to replace the two box system currently used. We’re trialling the bins in parts of the borough now, and I’m excited to say they will be rolled out across Redbridge next year. 

One of the highlights this week was the opening of Aldborough Hall Nature Reserve, the newest part of Fairlop Waters. It’s already home to a wide range of wildlife – from birds and deer to newts and more – and it’s open for residents to visit. This new space is part of our work to double the size of Fairlop Waters, and at almost the size of Valentine’s Park, it represents a major expansion of green space for our community. Alongside major investment in Hainault Forest and the creation of a new community orchard in Goodmayes, we planted 6,000 trees at Aldborough Hall last month, and work continues to restore the river and further improve biodiversity across the site. 

We’re continuing to make improvements across our parks and open spaces, and I know from speaking to residents how important good quality toilet facilities are. We completed a new toilet in South Park last year, and this week I visited the newly finished facility at Valentine’s Park. I’m also pleased to say that further upgraded toilets will be opening in the coming weeks in Clayhall Park, Christchurch Green, Seven Kings Park, Elmhurst Gardens and Goodmayes Park. Designed with safety, accessibility and sustainability in mind, these improvements will make visiting our parks an even better experience for everyone. 

Earlier this week, I was pleased to open the new Queen Victoria House Business and Enterprise Hub. With Redbridge home to more than 17,000 businesses – most of them small or microbusinesses – we are committed to giving local entrepreneurs the support they need to succeed. This new hub provides high-quality office space and flexible areas for events and collaboration, along with a strong programme of business support for both tenants and the wider community. I was delighted to see it open its doors and begin offering the kind of environment our business community deserves. 

Last week, I visited the new Janice Mews Centre in the heart of Ilford, which will soon be available for voluntary organisations and residents’ groups to book and use. So many local people give their time, talent and generosity to support others, and they deserve a place that reflects that commitment. This welcoming and accessible hub will provide a home for the activities that help bring our borough together. 

Our next Community Activity Day takes place this Saturday from 10am to 12.30pm at the Ilford Engagement Hub on Ilford Lane. Council teams will be on hand to provide advice on benefits and financial support, information on help available for families with young children, and much more. The Healthy Redbridge Bus will also be there, offering free health checks for residents. If you’re able to drop by, it would be great to see you. 

I also want to take this opportunity to wish our Muslim community in Redbridge a very happy Eid ul Fitr. I know many residents will be celebrating today and throughout the weekend, and I hope it brings peace, joy and special moments with loved ones. 

 

Take care, 

Cllr Kam Rai
Leader of the Council