Leader's update - Friday 21 November 2025

Published: 21 November 2025 Cllr Kam Rai

Last weekend, we held our third Community Activity Day at Fullwell Cross Library. Thank you to all the staff who were on hand to answer residents’ questions, and it was a pleasure to see so many of you in attendance. Please look out for future activity days in your area.

As the weather has changed this week and temperatures have dropped, the Council’s gritting team has already been out twice and is continuing to monitor conditions and so they can take appropriate action to keep our roads safe. While we cannot grit every road in the borough, we prioritise major roads, bus routes, and the busiest local routes to keep traffic moving. Please also check in on elderly and vulnerable neighbours who may struggle to get to shops or appointments during this cold period.

The Council continues to engage with rough sleepers across the borough. For a number of reasons, many do not accept help immediately. However, we encourage you to report any sightings to StreetLink, especially during the winter months, so that support can be offered.

At last night’s Full Council meeting, three Motions from the Administration were agreed:

  • Ilford Town Centre Masterplan - we will commission work to integrate the Ilford Arrival, and Ilford Western Gateway schemes into a single, coherent 10–15 year vision as and when finances allow.
  • The award of £16.6m from the Council Homes Acquisition Programme (CHAP) for a Borough wide programme that will help us increase the availability of affordable housing for local people.
  • Celebrating Frontline Workers – recognising and thanking those who provide essential services to our residents and play a vital role in our community.
  • Air Quality Improvements – acknowledging the significant progress achieved through proactive policies, strategic partnerships, and community engagement.

Today marked the first of our Christmas light switch-on events, starting in Wanstead on George Green, and continuing with the Ilford switch-on tomorrow at 5.30pm. Please join me and the Mayor at events across the borough to celebrate the festive season.

Finally, thank you to everyone who continues to report issues through the Love Clean Streets app and our website. Whether it’s fly-tipping, graffiti, or overgrown trees, your reports help us respond quickly and keep Redbridge clean and safe.

Wishing you all a great weekend!