New public meetings enabling people to raise concerns with councillors will launch next week.

Local forums have replaced area committees, but do not have decision-making powers or an allocated budget.

This led to claims the move undermined democracy and accountability, but the Labour leadership of Redbridge council insist the new system will improve efficiency and save money.   

The first takes place on Tuesday at Redbridge Central Library, in Clements Road, Ilford, from 6pm to 9.15pm.

There will be one forum in the borough a month, with an informal drop-in session followed by a formal public meeting, in which residents can put their questions to a council panel.

Wanstead’s forum, at Wanstead Library, in Spratt Hall Road, will take place on February 18 during the day, though the council has promised another evening meeting in the area will be arranged.

South Woodford’s forum, at Churchfields Junior School in Churchfields, South Woodford, has been scheduled for the evening of December 10.