Capital Investment Strategy 2021/22 to 2026/27

In October 2020 the Council adopted the Public Service Strategy, a new and radical direction for Waltham Forest, setting out how we plan to tackle the immediate challenges faced by residents, businesses and communities through the Covid-19 pandemic. The strategy has been developed through extensive consultation and inspired by the views of our residents.

The Public Service Strategy makes the best use of the Borough’s unique strengths and assets – both people and physical – building upon our track record of success which saw us awarded MJ Council of the Year in 2019 and London’s first ever Borough of Culture. The strategy sets out four key priorities, each underpinned by a five-point plan, which shape the Council and everything it does.

Our Public Service Strategy priorities:

• Connecting people with jobs
• Safe and healthy lives
• Our 15-minute neighbourhood
• Confidence in our future.

These four priorities are at the heart of the capital investment portfolio, which will see investment of more than £643.6m between 2021/22 to 2026/27 in the delivery of high quality new homes (including affordable homes), new school places, improvements to council housing, area regeneration, enhanced transport infrastructure, green spaces, leisure and cultural facilities and more.  

The Council’s investment plans will be crucial in helping us achieve our ambition of delivering a Fair Deal Economy for everyone in Waltham Forest, helping our residents to live greener, more sustainable lives in response to the Climate Emergency, and realising our 15-minute Neighbourhood priority.

The Capital Investment Strategy 2021/22 to 2026/27 sets out:

• How the agreed capital investment portfolio is aligned with and contributes to the delivery of the Council’s Public Service Strategy and its priorities. It also recognises emerging priorities which could shape future delivery plans.
• An updated profile of the Borough’s population, housing, employment and other features.
• Progress and successes in the delivery of the rolling investment portfolio in 2021/22 and confirms plans for future years, 2022 to 2026/27.
• An updated multi-year budget forecast, reported to Cabinet as part of the annual Budget setting process.
• The return on investment we aim to deliver through the capital investment portfolio in terms of its social, economic and environmental impact.
• The funding strategy for the capital investment portfolio, presented to Cabinet as part of its budget.
• Details of the delivery assurance framework in place to support strategic planning and delivery of the capital investment portfolio.