Hornchurch & Upminster MP Julia Lopez has written to the new Local Government Secretary, Steve Reed MP, demanding a fair funding deal for Havering Council.
Mrs Lopez raised long-standing concerns that the Government’s Fair Funding Review still fails to reflect Havering’s true needs — particularly around local deprivation and the high cost of children’s services in outer London.
Her letter follows earlier correspondence with Angela Rayner MP, before her resignation as Deputy Prime Minister. Mrs Lopez said the Department’s previous response gave little reassurance to residents worried about Havering being short-changed.
She warned that, without changes, the borough risks remaining underfunded compared with other parts of London, despite efficient services and low reserves.
Mrs Lopez also called for a review of transitional protections that could wipe out any potential gains, and urged ministers to use the latest spending data to ensure funding reflects real local pressures.
“The former Deputy Prime Minister’s response was incredibly thin and failed to address the concerns I raised for Havering residents,” said Mrs Lopez. “I hope the new Secretary of State will now give concrete assurances so our council can deliver essential services on a fair and sustainable footing.”
