Leader's update - Friday 2 October 2026

Published: 02 October 2026

Dear Neighbours,   

Last Friday, I had the pleasure of opening the new Hatton School site in Ilford. It was a really special moment, particularly for the children and families who will benefit from it. Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive in an environment that understands their needs and helps them fulfil their potential.

When we set out our plans to improve support for children with SEND, we said we would create more specialist school places here in Redbridge, so more children can be educated close to home rather than having to travel outside the borough. The new Hatton site is an important part of delivering on that promise.

There is always more to do, but I’m incredibly proud that we’ve made this happen. I wish the pupils and staff every success as they make their fantastic new school their own.

I’m sure many of you will have heard the Prime Minister’s speech at Labour Conference on Tuesday, where he spoke about some of the biggest challenges facing the country, from holding water companies to account and getting energy bills under control to tackling the housing crisis.

One announcement I particularly welcomed was the plan for a new National Care Service, including personal care free at the point of use.

For too long, our social care system has placed some of the greatest financial pressures on people at precisely the point when they are most vulnerable. People who have worked and saved throughout their lives can face losing much of what they have simply because they need care, while the people providing that care don’t always receive the recognition they deserve.

This is a crucial and urgent issue to fix, for people who need care and their families, and for our health service. Change on this scale won’t happen overnight, so we’ll follow the work closely, offer our experience where we can and make sure Redbridge is ready to play its part.

Before I finish, a reminder that your final Green Garden Waste collection of the year will take place later this month. Head to our website if you’re not sure what day yours is. And remember, the recycling centre will continue to accept green garden waste, as it does throughout the year, until collections resume again next spring.

And finally, as Sukkot draws to a close and Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah begin, I’d like to send my warmest wishes to Redbridge’s Jewish community. I hope you enjoy the celebrations and the chance to spend time with family, friends and your community over the coming days.

Have a wonderful weekend,   
Kam