Waltham Forest Public Service Strategy

During the pandemic, we carried out extensive research to understand its impacts on our residents and to act to address them. Over 11,000 people took part in surveys, and a range of focus and research groups were held. We have linked this research with wider economic and social indicators.

Residents’ top concerns were the impact on jobs and family finances, alongside continuing worries about public safety and health.

Residents wanted to make sure that we tackle the inequalities which have been highlighted throughout the pandemic, and maintain a focus on the prosperity of the borough.

Priority four: Confidence in our future

The pandemic has been a time of uncertainty, where many plans were disrupted or put on hold. It has been an opportunity to think about the future we want. Many residents told us they were able to pause, think, and realise what was important in their lives. We want to keep having conversations to develop a shared vision for the Borough.

While it is currently difficult to think too far into the future, residents have told us we must continue to invest in the longer-term prospects of the borough. We also want to stay hopeful about the future. We have local strengths in our residents and assets, we are creative and aspirational. The pandemic has brought us closer, and this will help us build a bright future for Waltham Forest.

Of course, we will have to tackle acute challenges, addressing inequalities so that all residents can access the same opportunities. We will continue our work on the climate emergency, and plan ahead by developing a thriving economic environment to help residents get local, affordable homes.

Our Five-Point Plan

1. Facing and tackling inequalities head on

Confidence in our future can only exist if it is held in all our communities. The impacts of Covid-19 have highlighted inequalities some of our diverse communities experience, such as race, socioeconomic or health inequalities. We will face these challenges head on. Before the end of the year, we will publish a ‘state of the borough’ equalities report. We will also engage across the borough on its findings and the action we will take.

With our communities, we will design a Waltham Forest Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion strategy with deliverable actions and clear accountability.

2. Growing local economic strength

Confidence in our future can only exist if it is held in all our communities. The impacts of Covid-19 have highlighted inequalities some of our diverse communities experience, such as race, socioeconomic or health inequalities. We will face these challenges head on. Before the end of the year, we will publish a ‘state of the borough’ equalities report. We will also engage across the borough on its findings and the action we will take.

With our communities, we will design a Waltham Forest Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion strategy with deliverable actions and clear accountability.

3. Building the highest percentage of affordable housing in London

The future must meet local residents’ housing needs. We are committed to driving forward with plans to deliver much needed housing, community facilities and health services.

We want to support the housing needs of our younger people, ensuring they have options to meet their aspirations for affordable and high-quality homes. We want to help this generation and we understand the security of a home is crucial for young people to prosper and thrive.

We will continue to build a higher percentage of affordable housing than any borough in London and take action to make sure that homes are for local people.

4. Local leadership in building back greener

We will focus on creating a Borough that is resilient and sustainable, to make Waltham Forest a place where people want to work, rest and spend time on recreation. The Council will show leadership to take our Borough towards a greener future, by investing and changing behaviours.

Our Climate Emergency Commission will publish its report in November to help us plan for a sustainable, zero-carbon future, recognising the impacts of Covid-19. We will launch a Climate Action Plan in the spring of 2021 to support a green recovery, with specific funding of £1 million per year as our core investment.

Read how we are coming together to tackle Climate Change in Waltham Forest

5. A conversation about the future of Waltham Forest

The future has never been more uncertain, and we are rightly focusing our efforts on the immediate challenges of the ongoing Covid-19 crisis. But it is also important that we begin to look to the future.

In the first half of 2021 we will launch an engagement programme to develop a longer-term vision for Waltham Forest. We will invite residents to take part in thinking about the future of the borough, and finding new ways to tackle some of our most difficult problems.