Key Points
- Staff working for Havering Council have been subjected to racial abuse and assaults while carrying out their duties.
- Council leadership condemns the abuse, affirming a zero-tolerance approach and promising police involvement.
- Labour councillors and campaigners have raised longstanding concerns about a “disturbing” culture of racism and sexism within the council.
- A 2021 Local Government Association (LGA) independent review found racism and sexism to be “normalised” within Havering Council.
- Calls for an independent review and stronger accountability have been made by politicians and staff affected.
- Council leaders publicly commit to equality, fairness, and community cohesion in response to these issues.
What incidents of racial abuse and assault against Havering Council staff have been reported?
As reported by Anna Tobin of the Romford Recorder, Havering Council staff have been subjected to racial abuse and physical assaults while performing their roles serving residents in the borough. The incidents have raised significant concern within the council and the wider community about the safety and well-being of those employed by the local authority.
The abuse reportedly forms part of a wider pattern of discriminatory behaviour and hostility that staff members have faced over time, contributing to a workplace environment that has been described as “disturbing” and demoralising for Black, Asian, and minority ethnic employees.
How has the council responded to allegations of racism and assault towards its staff?
The Leader of Havering Council, Councillor Ray Morgon, has publicly condemned the abuse experienced by council workers. Speaking on behalf of the council, Councillor Morgon stated:
“Havering is a proud and patriotic borough which has always supported communities with few problems… We have zero tolerance for that [racial abuse and assaults], and these people will be reported to the police. We are a proud employer of diverse and committed staff, and it is simply unacceptable that they be racially abused or assaulted when working for Havering residents”.
The council has reiterated its commitment to providing a safe and inclusive working environment for all employees, emphasising efforts to tackle discrimination both within its organisation and in the communities it serves.
What historic issues of racism and sexism have been identified within Havering Council?
A significant background to the current situation comes from a 2021 review conducted by the Local Government Association (LGA). This independent investigation found that racism and sexism had become “normalised” within the council, with no consistent approach to addressing wide-ranging allegations.
The report highlighted a culture where many Black, Asian, and minority ethnic staff felt demoralised, in part because incidents of abuse—whether by other council workers or service users—were not dealt with sufficiently, sometimes with the police not being called or perpetrators not being properly challenged.
Labour Councillor Keith Darvill, leader of the opposition group in the borough, noted that opposition councillors had raised concerns about discrimination and poor treatment of vulnerable residents for over two years, but were met with a “blinkered view” of denial from the council leadership.
What demands and actions have been made by politicians and campaigners regarding equality within Havering?
As also reported by Romford Recorder, former Labour Councillor for Havering, Tele Lawal, who was the first Black woman elected in the borough, has been a vocal campaigner against racism. She launched the ‘Havering Racism’ campaign, which included demands for independent reviews and better accountability on racial equality.
Lawal’s campaign pointed to several cases of concern within the council, including her own experience of being “handled in an aggressive way” by a fellow councillor—a complaint she felt was ignored.
Following sustained pressure from campaigners and opposition politicians, Council Leader Damian White agreed to an independent review of racism and equality within Havering, which had not been implemented previously despite being recommended years before.
What is the council’s commitment to community cohesion and addressing discrimination?
Council statements emphasise the borough’s diversity and the importance of maintaining community cohesion. As expressed by Councillor Morgon, the council holds bi-monthly meetings with faith leaders and other community representatives to foster good relations within Havering’s diverse population.
The council spokesperson further stated:
“The council is absolutely committed to an anti-discrimination workplace. All staff should feel safe and comfortable to be themselves and enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career with us. We are very concerned about the issues raised and will be carrying out investigations in line with our HR policies”
