Leader's update - Friday 25 September 2026

Published: 25 September 2026

Dear Neighbours,   

Yesterday evening, all Redbridge councillors met at Full Council to debate the issues that matter most to residents. As a Council, we reaffirmed our commitment to responsible investment of the Redbridge Pension Fund, replacing Broadmead Road Bridge, holding Thames Water to account for its response to August’s burst mains, and investing in Wanstead.
  
The council has a responsibility to invest the pensions of its staff in a way that ensures their financial wellbeing during retirement. This is something that we take incredibly seriously. Last night we reaffirmed this duty, and our commitment to responsible investment. This means that our pension fund managers consider environmental, social and especially human rights abuses wherever they occur when making investment decisions. We have undertaken to use all legally possible levers available to us to change companies’ behaviour for the better. This means using our influence as investors, and where that doesn't work, we will consider reducing our investment or divesting entirely. As local councillors, our first duty is always towards people in Redbridge. But that does not mean we cannot use our pension fund to respond to human rights across the globe.   

Broadmead Road Bridge has been closed to vehicles since serious structural defects were found in 2023, affecting more than 15,000 journeys each day. The council has lobbied government for funding to replace it, reconnect Woodford and protect the Central Line below. Last month, we submitted a strong Structures Fund bid backed by TfL, local schools, the London Fire Brigade and residents. Last night, councillors from different political parties came together to support our bid. We hope for a positive decision soon.  

More than 17,000 Redbridge residents lost water in August after Thames Water mains bursts. The company’s slow, inadequate response left residents, volunteers and the council supplying vulnerable people with water during an extreme heatwave. Last night, we agreed to hold Thames Water to account by inviting them to attend a public External Scrutiny meeting. They will have to explain why their response feel short and assure us that they are working to avoid a repeat. This is another example of Redbridge Council using its powers to stand up for its residents and hold powerful companies to account.  

We also heard from Wanstead residents frustrated by delays to the high school’s new block, leisure centre improvements and new pool. I thank everyone who attended, especially the lead petitioners. I share their frustration and it is my number 1 priority to get this project completed. I have already taken the formal decision to progress the appointment of a contractor to complete the school block, and I am looking forward to working with residents and the school to deliver the services they deserve as soon as possible.  

Council Chamber decisions can sometimes feel distant from daily life, but I hope this update shows how we are working to deliver change in Redbridge and beyond.
 
Have a wonderful weekend,   
Kam