The Newham Council Cabinet is scheduled to meet on 16 December 2025 to discuss several key issues, including the potential closure of a primary school, responses to scrutiny reports on leisure inequalities and housing standards, updates on housing service improvements and the Housing Revenue Account, and the Populo Living business plan. Additionally, they will consider the refurbishment of Hamara Ghar, a sheltered living scheme. Some of these discussions may be held in private due to the disclosure of exempt information.

Major Housing Discussions

Several agenda items relate to housing in Newham, including updates on housing service improvements, the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) business plan, the Populo Living business plan, and the Hamara Ghar refurbishment project.

Housing Service Improvement Programme

The cabinet is expected to receive a quarterly update on the Housing Services Improvement Programme¹, which was initiated following a C4 grading from the Regulator of Social Housing. The report before the cabinet will note progress made, including increased resident satisfaction, improved repairs performance, and advancements in fire safety and electrical safety compliance. The report also notes that the cabinet will consider entering into a Voluntary Undertaking with the Regulator of Social Housing, a formal commitment to deliver the compliance recovery plan.

Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan

The cabinet will also discuss the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan update², which outlines the council's financial strategy for its social housing stock over the next 30 years. The report pack includes the updated HRA Business Plan, a rent setting policy, a report from Savills, and an Equalities Impact Assessment for rent setting. The cabinet will be asked to agree to a 4.8% rent increase on all council-owned rented accommodation and tenant service charges, effective from 1 April 2026, and to approve the Rent Setting Policy.

Populo Living Business Plan

The cabinet will consider the Populo Living Group Business Plan for 2026/27³, which outlines the company's strategic objectives and financial plan. The plan reflects a continuation of the strategy approved in March 2025 and has undergone tests to validate its assumptions and ensure long-term sustainability. The report pack includes the Populo Living Group Business Plan, a viability assessment for Populo Homes Brickyard, and a financial report for Populo Living Plaistow, Didsbury & Brickyard. The cabinet will be asked to approve the business plan and several financial decisions, including adjustments to existing investment loan facilities and the allocation of funding to Populo Homes for the purchase of affordable rented homes.

Hamara Ghar Refurbishment

The cabinet will discuss the Hamara Ghar Refurbishment Modernisation and Retrofit Project, including a revised scope and cost. Hamara Ghar is a 10-storey sheltered housing block that has not had extensive refurbishment for many years and is in need of investment. The proposed works include fabric repairs, kitchen and bathroom modernisation, external wall insulation, window replacement, fire door replacement and electrical upgrades. The report seeks approval to award the contract to Mulalley & Co Ltd and to make a total budget provision of £9m for the project.

Other Key Topics

Closure of Calverton Primary School

The cabinet will consider the outcome of the statutory consultation period regarding the proposed closure of Calverton Primary School. The report pack includes the statutory notice, a representation report, and an Equality Impact Assessment (EqIA) report. The cabinet will be asked to consider representations received during the consultation period and decide whether to proceed with the closure of the school on 31 August 2026.

Leisure Inequalities

The cabinet will discuss the Executive Response to a scrutiny report titled Fit For Purpose? Newham's Leisure Inequalities and The Borough's Plans To Address Them. The report pack includes the Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Commission Report and the Executive Response. The cabinet will be asked to note the recommendations from the scrutiny committee and the executive's response.

Consumer Standards Compliance

The cabinet will discuss the Capsticks LLP Investigation Report into Consumer Standards Compliance⁴. The report was commissioned to examine the council's governance, reporting, and oversight of housing services. The report pack includes the investigation report from Capsticks LLP and the executive summary. The cabinet will be asked to note the final report and its recommendations, which will further inform the council's Housing Services Improvement Programme.