Havering Council's capital programme is facing a significant slippage of £126.7 million across various projects, as detailed in the first quarter revenue and capital monitoring report for 2026/27. The report, presented to the Cabinet on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, forecasts an expenditure of £296.4 million against a budget of £423.1 million for the capital programme, indicating substantial delays in planned project completions.

The slippage is particularly acute within the Housing & Property (GF) and Housing & Property (HRA) sectors. Key projects contributing to this include the 12 Estates Phase 1 Forward Funding, Bridge Close Regeneration, and Schools Expansions.

The Bridge Close Regeneration project alone accounts for a £53.229 million slippage. This is attributed to uncertainty around land assembly forecasts and significant uncertainty regarding the timing and cost of Local Authority Support (LAS) and Housing Infrastructure Capacity Charge (HICC) acquisitions. Furthermore, the Bridge Close - School project has a £18.620 million slippage due to its self-delivery business case awaiting approval from the Department for Education (DfE). The Bridge Close Regeneration Partner Loans also face slippage stemming from the aforementioned land assembly forecast uncertainties.

Modern housing development in Havering, with a street sign indicating the borough.
Modern housing development in HaveringSource: Cabinet papers, 16 September 2026

For the 12 Estates Phase 1 Forward Funding project, while period 3 forecasts reflect expected spend for 12 sites, budgets are to be realigned at period 6. This is due to delays at Chippenham (CPO), WQS (Land swap), and F&H (CPO). The HRA Stock also sees a £1.229 million slippage related to HRA Environment Improvement Works and HRA Residents Safety Related Works, with Building Safety works not scheduled to commence on site until April 2027. The Bridge Close - School project's completion is now planned for 2027/28, with retention release anticipated at the end of 2028. The Bridge Close Acquisitions project expects its spend to be pushed into the next financial year due to ongoing renegotiations.

Other areas impacted include the Balgores new special school, where project completion is now slated for 2027/28. The Rainham Gateway Active Travel scheme has also experienced delays, and construction will not commence on site in 2026/27. The specific reasons for these delays are not detailed in the report, nor is a revised commencement timeline provided.

Icon representing assistance for individuals with disabilities, likely related to the expansion of the SEND unit at RJ Mitchell Primary School.
Disabilities iconSource: Cabinet papers, 16 September 2026

Despite the capital programme's challenges, the report notes a £22.8 million underspend in the General Fund revenue budget. This is largely attributed to the ongoing benefit of the previous year's improved outturn position and favourable variances in corporate budgets. However, this underspend will still require the use of £54.2 million of Exceptional Financial Support.

Councillor Sue Benjamins, Cabinet Member for Finance, acknowledged the capital programme's slippage as regrettable. She stated that while it is currently offering temporary assistance to the Council's financial situation, it is not a sustainable long-term solution. The full report can be found in the Public reports pack for the Cabinet meeting on 16th September 2026.

The entrance to Park Primary Academy, with a list of upcoming Havering Council plans including a new Local Plan, Green Havering Programme, Health Plan, and Safer Streets Plan.
Park Primary Academy entranceSource: Cabinet papers, 16 September 2026