Key Points:
- 68% of over 1,500 local residents support Havering leaving the Greater London Authority (GLA) and joining Essex – a move nicknamed “Hexit.”
- Romford MP Andrew Rosindell says Havering is “stuck under City Hall” and pays a £600 per household precept with limited return.
- Havering joined Greater London in 1965 but still retains strong Essex identity, according to residents and historical ties.
- Staying in the GLA ensures access to London transport, healthcare, education, and £1.6m in cultural funding.
- Leaving for Greater Essex may cut council tax and offer more local decision-making but could lead to higher travel costs, disrupted services, and weaker police coverage.
- Debate continues as devolution discussions reach Parliament in May 2025.
- The London borough of Havering has 259,552 residents and includes key towns like Romford, Upminster, and Hornchurch.
Havering is now at the centre of a political and civic identity debate, with many residents calling for a departure from Greater London to join a new “Greater Essex” region, citing financial, cultural, and administrative reasons. As reported by The Havering Daily on 29 May 2025, a social media poll of over 1,500 respondents revealed that 68% support this move, reflecting widespread discontent with the borough’s current status under the GLA.
Why is Havering considering leaving London?
Havering was transferred from Essex to London in 1965, but local sentiment often remains aligned with Essex. As The Havering Daily highlighted, many residents still identify culturally and geographically with Essex, and use “Essex” in addresses. MP Andrew Rosindell argues that “Havering is stuck under City Hall,” paying into a system that prioritises inner London.
According to Rosindell, the £600 annual GLA precept per household “goes to inner London” while Havering faces underfunding, especially in policing and local services. Others point to London-wide policies like the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) as ill-fitting for a borough with high car ownership (77% of households) and limited public transport in its northern areas.
What are the benefits of staying with the GLA?
Does Havering receive significant funding under the GLA?
Yes. The GLA offers key investments, including £1.6 million in February 2025 for the borough’s “A Good Life” cultural programme, aimed at arts and community growth. Critics of leaving warn that such funding might be harder to secure outside London governance.
How does transport benefit from being part of London?
Residents currently enjoy comprehensive TfL services, including five District Line and several Elizabeth Line stations. Freedom Passes allow pensioners free travel across London. According to the 2021 census, 30% of Havering’s working population commutes to London – a benefit that could be lost under Essex governance.
What about healthcare access?
As The Havering Daily notes, Queen’s Hospital in Romford and King George Hospital in Ilford serve the borough, with London’s integrated GP network supporting rapid referrals. Residents also benefit from proximity to London’s specialised treatment centres.
Are schools and social services stable?
Yes. Around 36,000 pupils benefit from streamlined admissions, and the GLA assists in managing Havering’s 4,000-strong social housing waiting list. These systems risk disruption if governance shifts to Essex.
What are the drawbacks of remaining in London?
Is London’s policy model fit for Havering?
Not entirely. London-wide regulations like ULEZ place financial pressure on Havering’s suburban households. Northern parts of the borough lack rail or Tube access, leaving many reliant on vehicles.
Do residents feel disconnected from London leadership?
Rosindell believes so. He told The Havering Daily that decisions about transport and housing are taken by the Mayor of London with limited regard for suburban concerns. This centralised decision-making causes frustration.
How do living costs compare?
According to local sentiment captured by The Havering Daily, housing in Havering remains more expensive than many parts of Essex, pricing out young families and first-time buyers.
What are the arguments for joining Greater Essex?
Would Havering save money?
Yes. The Havering Daily reports that a Band D property in Havering pays £2,313.55 in council tax annually, compared to £2,186.69 in Epping Forest—a difference of £126.86, or around £10.50 per month. This potential saving is a key point for “Hexit” supporters.
Could local governance improve?
A Greater Essex authority, expected to form in May 2026, may give Havering more autonomy over housing, education, and services. Proponents argue that Essex decision-making will be closer to the community than the GLA’s centralised model.
Is housing more affordable in Essex?
Yes. Towns like Chelmsford and Colchester offer larger and more affordable homes. Many residents are already looking to these areas for better value, according to the community responses reported in The Havering Daily.
What about restoring Havering’s identity?
Historically part of Essex, Havering’s identity is still deeply tied to the county. The Royal Liberty of Havering is a cultural anchor, and many residents express a desire to “reclaim” Essex roots.
What are the risks of leaving London?
Could commuting become more expensive?
Yes. Exiting the GLA would likely end Freedom Pass access. The Havering Daily warns that 30% of residents commuting to London could face increased fares. A single trip from Romford to Liverpool Street might rise to £5–£10, adding up to hundreds annually.
Would healthcare access suffer?
Possibly. While Queen’s Hospital may still serve Havering, it might be grouped with the Mid and South Essex ICS, redirecting patients to Basildon or Chelmsford hospitals. The Havering Daily estimates these commutes could take 50–80 minutes by bus, making emergency and specialist care less accessible.
Could police resources be stretched?
Yes. Essex Police’s 2025/26 budget of £366 million serves 1.8 million people. Adding Havering’s 259,552 residents could dilute services unless budgets increase. New stations and staffing may be required, potentially raising taxes.
Would schools and services face upheaval?
Very likely. Essex has different education and social service systems. The Havering Daily reports that school admissions may be delayed for Havering’s 36,000 pupils, and the social housing list might see increased strain.
What do residents think?
Social media comments featured by The Havering Daily show strong Essex pride and frustration with London governance. Some say “Havering never made sense in London.” Others worry about losing TfL benefits, particularly the Freedom Pass. Local issues like fly-tipping and policing are also part of the broader dissatisfaction.
MP Andrew Rosindell told The Havering Daily that residents are “paying into a system that doesn’t represent them” and described the current arrangement as “unfair and unsustainable.”
What lies ahead for Havering?
The decision is far from made, but Parliament has begun debating devolution possibilities. Havering Council, with its 54 elected representatives across 20 wards, must now weigh long-term funding, identity, and service continuity. The borough’s green spaces, suburban structure, and car-reliant lifestyle make its situation unique within London.
Whether Havering remains with the GLA or pursues a path toward Greater Essex, the outcome will reshape local governance, public services, and community identity for decades to come.
