The Cabinet of Newham Council is scheduled to consider a new Social Value Procurement Policy, which aims to ensure that the council's spending delivers maximum benefit to residents. The meeting's agenda also includes discussions on the Domestic Abuse Strategy, the Air Quality Action Plan, and proposals for new Public Spaces Protection Orders.

Social Value Procurement Policy

A key item for discussion is the proposed adoption of a new corporate Social Value Procurement Policy. This policy is intended to establish a robust framework for all procurement activities exceeding £150,000, with the goal of embedding social value considerations into how the council spends public money. The policy aims to go beyond legal requirements by ensuring that procurement actively contributes to the economic, social, and environmental wellbeing of Newham's communities.

The report outlines that the policy will strengthen how social value is integrated into procurement processes, from contract design to bid evaluation and supplier accountability. It highlights that for a borough like Newham, with its young and diverse population, it is particularly important that investment creates local opportunities and tackles inequality. The policy seeks to ensure that council spending leads to more residents gaining employment, local businesses participating in supply chains, community initiatives being supported, and investment in future skills.

The policy is designed to improve residents' lives by ensuring council spending actively delivers community benefits. This includes:

• Improving Access to Good Jobs, Skills and Fair Pay: Through supplier commitments for local employment, apprenticeships, training, and higher-quality jobs, with mandatory London Living Wage compliance for in-scope contracts.
• Strengthening Local Neighbourhoods and Community Assets: By supporting improvements to parks, libraries, community centres, and youth facilities.
• Reducing Environmental Harm and Improving Local Air Quality: Encouraging suppliers to adopt sustainable practices to reduce carbon emissions, waste, and pollution.
• Supporting the Diversity and Strength of Newham's VCSE Sector: Facilitating collaboration between suppliers and local community organisations to expand services and strengthen grassroots support.
• Promoting Fairness, Ethical Conduct and Transparency: Leading to greater accountability from suppliers, improved contract performance, and stronger protections against exploitation.
• Increasing Local Economic Benefit and Keeping Wealth in the Borough: Encouraging greater participation from local and small businesses.

The policy is intended to be compliant with the Procurement Act 2023 and other relevant legislation. It also addresses ethical standards, including conflicts of interest, whistleblowing, and anti-fraud measures, and prohibits forced and child labour. The policy defines a local supplier as one delivering any part of a contract from premises within Newham, with flexibility for collaboration with neighbouring authorities. It also confirms mandatory compliance with the London Living Wage for contracts delivered within London.

Domestic Abuse Strategy 2026-2031

The Cabinet will also consider the Domestic Abuse Strategy for 2026-2031. This strategy outlines the council's approach to tackling domestic abuse and supporting victims and survivors over the next five years.

Air Quality Action Plan

A report on the Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) for 2025-2030 is scheduled for discussion. This plan details the measures Newham Council intends to implement to improve air quality across the borough, addressing concerns about pollution and its impact on public health.

Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs)

The meeting agenda includes a report on new Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs). These orders are designed to address specific issues that are having a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those in a particular locality. The report is expected to detail proposed new orders, which could cover areas such as street harassment, misuse of LBN car parks, and the misuse of fireworks.

Other Discussions

Other items scheduled for discussion include the Black Boys and Borough report, which examines issues related to Black boys and their experiences within the borough, and the Best Value (BV) Self-Assessment Plan Update, which reviews the council's performance and progress in delivering services effectively. There will also be a discussion on the relationship between shared ownership properties and London affordable rent.