Leader's update - Friday 31 October 2025
Published: 31 October 2025
First, I want to wish everyone a happy Halloween across Redbridge!
As tonight is Halloween, and we approach Bonfire Night, I also want to highlight the Celebrate Safely campaign we ran in partnership with the London Fire Brigade, Redbridge Police, and TfL. Over two days in Ilford, crews visited high-rise buildings, spoke to hundreds of residents, and shared fire safety advice in multiple languages. The message was clear: enjoy the festivities but treat fireworks with care. We know how important these spaces are to our community, and I will keep you updated as we move forward. You can also get regular updates on our website.
This week, I agreed the release of funding to begin remedial works on South Woodford Library and Gym, with planned completion by the middle of 2026. As many of you will know, the “RAAC” concrete in the roof has failed and needs replacing, and we’re committed to ensuring these superb facilities are fully reopened. In the meantime, the Drama Centre is doing a fantastic job rehousing both the gym and library services. We’re also progressing work to appoint a contractor for the much-loved Fullwell Cross Leisure Centre and Kenneth More Theatre, which have also been affected. We know how important these spaces are to our community, and I will keep you updated as we move forward. You can also get regular updates on our website.
On the national front, I’m cautiously optimistic about the government’s upcoming fair funding review for councils. Redbridge has long campaigned for a fairer settlement, and over the past year we’ve had constructive discussions with ministers to make the case for our borough. We’re proud that Redbridge is independently ranked number one in London and number two nationally for efficiency and productivity by IMPOWER, all while protecting the services our residents value most. We’ll be watching closely for the final settlement and continue to push for the funding our community deserves.
We’re also celebrating a major achievement in social care. At the Social Worker of the Year Awards, two outstanding members of the Redbridge team were nationally recognised. Sophia Hussain was named Adults Social Worker of the Year and went on to win Overall Social Worker of the Year 2025. Paula Purcell received the Silver Award for Practice Leadership and Management in children’s social care. Their work supporting survivors of domestic abuse is nothing short of inspirational, and we couldn’t be prouder of their achievements. Congratulations to Sophia, Paula, and the entire team. Please read our news story to find out more.
And finally, today is the last day to vote in the People’s Choice Awards 2025 for your favourite parks! In 2024, Hainault Forest and Valentines Park proudly secured a spot in the UK’s Top Ten Parks, and we’re aiming even higher this year. With nine of our parks retaining their prestigious Green Flag status, your vote could help put Redbridge back in the national spotlight. Voting only takes 30 seconds, and you can vote once per device; so please grab your phone, tablet, laptop, or work computer and show your support.
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!
