This week in Newham:

Council Awards £11 Million Security Contract Amidst Cost-Saving Measures

Newham Council has awarded twelve corporate security contracts, valued at a maximum of £11 million over four years, to multiple suppliers. The decision, approved by Paul Kitson, Corporate Director Inclusive Economy Housing and Culture, aims to streamline security services and achieve revenue savings of approximately £1.8 million over the contract term.

• Why it matters: The council spends an average of £4.5 million annually on security provision, funded from the council's revenue budget. This contract aims to provide better value for money and ensure compliance with fair pay and London Living Wage (LLW) policies for security officers.
• Cost Savings: By fixing hourly rates and moving away from ad-hoc spot purchases, the council expects to save around £450,000 per year.
• Fair Pay and Working Conditions: All successful bidders pay London Living Wage (LLW) and have confirmed that all security personnel are Security Industry Authority (SIA) licensed and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checked.
• Flexibility: The contracts allow the council flexibility, with no guarantee of minimum service levels.

The council believes the revised security arrangements will support its 'Towards a Better Newham' objectives, particularly regarding resident safety and increasing the number of Newham workers earning LLW. Link to meeting

Council Tackles Homelessness Crisis with Revised Housing Policy and £1.7 Million Boost

The Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny Commission met to discuss the escalating homelessness crisis in Newham and the council's proposed solutions, including a revised Housing Placement Policy and an additional £1.7 million investment in the Homelessness Response Programme.

• Why it matters: Newham faces unprecedented homelessness pressures due to an unsustainably expensive rental market, with approximately 7,500 households in temporary accommodation (TA) costing the borough around £100 million annually.
• Revised Housing Placement Policy: The policy prioritises providing suitable accommodation within Newham but allows for placements outside the borough, categorised into Zones A, B, and C based on travel time to Newham.
• Priority Groups: Zone A prioritises households with children with Education Health and Care plans or Child Protection Plans in Newham, while Zone C is for households where risk of gender-based or gang and drug-related violence makes a move outside London preferable.
• Criticism: Councillor Danny Keeling, Deputy Leader of the Green Group and Green Group Business Manager, criticised the council's growing dependence on partnerships and leasing arrangements, questioning why the council was outsourcing delivery instead of scaling in borough council and supply.
• Equality Impact Assessment: The Equality Impact Assessment (EqIA) states that the amended policy is not expected to have a significant impact, either positive or negative, from an age, disability, ethnicity, health, socioeconomic or sex perspective, but notes that households where the main applicant is a woman are four times as likely as men to be placed out of borough.

The council hopes these measures will reduce the cost of TA, accelerate long-term housing solutions, and provide residents with a clearer understanding of potential placement locations.

Local Development Committee Reviews Planning Applications

The Local Development Committee convened to discuss a range of planning applications, including proposals for a hotel, supported accommodation, extra care units, and industrial buildings.

• Why it matters: These decisions shape the future of Newham, impacting housing availability, employment opportunities, and the overall quality of life for residents.
• Central Park Education & Welfare: The committee approved extended operating hours for a community centre at 269 High Street South, despite initial concerns about noise and disturbance to neighbouring residents.
• Goya Developments: The committee discussed a planning application for 11B South Crescent for the construction of a building for flexible industrial uses, including commitments to promoting local labour and apprenticeships.
• London Borough of Newham: The committee discussed a planning application for 46 Clova Road for a change of use to supported accommodation for vulnerable young adults, aiming to reduce homelessness.
• Anchor: The committee discussed a planning application for Cardamom Court, 1 Grantham Road for the demolition of a day centre and erection of a four-storey building providing extra care units, with a focus on affordable housing for those over 55.
• A Dakri and Co. Ltd: The committee discussed a planning application for Greenleafe Hotel, 361 - 363 Romford Road for additional hotel rooms, located within the Woodgrange Estate Conservation Area.

Other Matters

• The Newham Pensions Board met to discuss the Newham Pension Fund's funding strategy, annual reports, compliance with the Pensions Regulator's code of practice, and other pension-related matters. No video was provided.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee is scheduled for Monday 01 December 2025. Link to meeting
• The Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee is scheduled for Tuesday 02 December 2025. Link to meeting
• The Strategic Development Committee is scheduled for Tuesday 09 December 2025. Link to meeting
• The Crime, Environment and Transport Scrutiny Commission is scheduled for Tuesday 09 December 2025. Link to meeting
• The Council is scheduled for Monday 08 December 2025. Link to meeting
• The Council is scheduled for Monday 08 December 2025. Link to meeting
• The Standards Advisory Committee is scheduled for Wednesday 10 December 2025. Link to meeting
• The Pensions Committee is scheduled for Wednesday 10 December 2025. Link to meeting

This week in Newham:

Council Approves £29 Million Sexual Health Services Contract Amidst Rising STI Rates

Newham Council has approved a direct contract award to Barts Health NHS Trust for specialist sexual and reproductive health services, valued at an estimated £26-29 million over eight years. The decision, made by Alan Adams, Corporate Director of Adults & Health, and Councillor Rita Chadha, Cabinet Member for Health & Adult Social Care and Transforming Newham for the Future, aims to ensure the continuation of essential services for residents, but comes at a time when the borough faces increasing rates of STIs and other sexual health challenges.

• Why it matters: This contract is crucial for maintaining access to vital sexual health services, particularly for vulnerable groups. However, the decision comes amidst rising STI rates and other sexual health challenges in Newham, raising questions about whether the current service model is sufficient to address these growing needs.
• Challenges: The report recommending the contract award highlighted increasing rates of STIs, higher rates of serious STIs among vulnerable groups, late HIV diagnoses, and higher numbers of abortions and repeat abortions in Newham compared to other areas of North East London.
• Service Components: The core services will include prevention, testing, and treatment for STIs and HIV, contraception, testing and treatment for Hepatitis B/C, and psycho-sexual support.
• Performance-Based Payments: 20% of the contract value will be contingent on achieving performance-related KPIs, raising the stakes for Barts Health to deliver effective services and improve sexual health outcomes in the borough.

The council's decision to award this contract reflects its commitment to providing essential sexual health services, but the challenges facing Newham highlight the need for ongoing monitoring and evaluation to ensure that the services are meeting the needs of the community.

Supermarket Alcohol Licence Sparks Public Nuisance Fears Amidst Resident Opposition

A new premises licence application for JJ Supermarket, located at 539-541 Barking Road, Plaistow, is facing strong opposition from residents and council authorities. The Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee was scheduled to meet on Monday to consider the application, which seeks permission to sell alcohol from 7 AM until late at night.

• Why it matters: Residents fear that granting the licence could exacerbate existing problems with street drinking, antisocial behaviour, and public nuisance in the area, which is located within the Canning Town & Star Lane Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ)¹.
• Objections: The Council Commercial Environmental Health Team and the Licensing Enforcement Team have both submitted representations against the application, citing concerns about the potential for increased crime and disorder, and public nuisance. Nine residents have also objected, raising similar concerns.
• Existing Issues: The Licensing Enforcement Team noted that the area is known for street drinking and that local residents and business owners have already raised concerns.
• Potential Outcomes: Granting the licence could lead to an increase in street drinking, littering, public urination, and other antisocial behaviour, negatively impacting the quality of life for local residents.

The sub-committee will now decide whether to grant the licence, and if so, under what conditions.

Council to Spend £1.5 Million on Public Space Improvements

The cabinet agreed to accept £1.5 million from the government's Pride in Place (PiP) Impact Fund, which must be spent by March 2027 on capital projects enhancing public spaces, community facilities, and town centres. The funding will be divided across the borough's three parliamentary constituencies, focusing on existing place-based visions.

• Why it matters: This funding presents an opportunity to improve public spaces and community facilities, enhancing the quality of life for residents and fostering a sense of pride and belonging.
• Strategic Alignment: The funding will support existing place-based visions in Beckton, East Ham, and Stratford, ensuring that the projects align with local priorities and needs.
• Community Involvement: The focus on co-design and strategic collaboration suggests that the council is committed to involving residents in the decision-making process, ensuring that the projects reflect the community's aspirations.
• Capital-Only Restrictions: The funding is capital-only and must be used for physical infrastructure or improvements, limiting the council's ability to address other important community needs.

The council's acceptance of this funding reflects its commitment to improving public spaces and community facilities, but the restrictions on how the money can be spent highlight the need for a holistic approach to community development.

Other Matters

• The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday to discuss emergency preparedness, council tax collection rates, and the committee's work programme. No video was provided.
• The Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee was scheduled to meet on Wednesday to address a new premises licence application for Impressions events, located at 14 Milner Road, London, E15 3AD.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Newham Pensions Board is scheduled for Tuesday 25 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny Commission is scheduled for Tuesday 25 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Local Development Committee is scheduled for Monday 24 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Officer Key Decision meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 25 November 2025. Link to meeting

This week in Newham:

Affordable Housing Programme Faces Scrutiny Amidst Rising Costs

Newham Council's Affordable Homes for Newham (AHfN) programme is under the spotlight as contract variations have added £16.6 million to the cost of nine projects. The decision to approve these variations was made by Paul Kitson, Corporate Director of Inclusive Economy & Housing, on November 14th, citing rising construction costs and unforeseen site conditions.

• Why it matters: With Newham facing a housing crisis, these cost overruns could delay the delivery of much-needed affordable homes and impact the council's ability to meet its housing targets. This could disproportionately affect vulnerable residents in need of affordable housing.
• Rising Costs: The report pack states that the contract was entered into during a period of high market volatility, and not all works packages could be fixed.
• Project Delays: Several projects have experienced delays due to legal challenges, utility issues, and contaminated land.
• Impact on Residents: The additional costs could lead to delays in the completion of these projects, leaving residents in need of affordable housing waiting longer.

The council maintains that the revised contract sums represent value for money, but the cost overruns raise concerns about the financial sustainability of the AHfN programme.

Council Considers Developer Giveaway Amidst Housing Crisis

Newham Council met on Monday to discuss a Green Party motion opposing the government's Support for Housebuilding in London package, which temporarily halves borough Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) rates and relaxes affordable housing requirements.

• Why it matters: This motion highlights the tension between the need to build more homes and the desire to ensure that new developments benefit local communities. Reducing CIL rates could lead to less funding for vital community infrastructure, while relaxing affordable housing requirements could exacerbate the housing crisis.
• Green Party Concerns: Councillor Areeq Chowdhury and Councillor Nate Higgins proposed that the council should oppose any reduction of borough-level CIL in Newham and reaffirm its target that at least 50 per cent of homes in major developments be for council rent.
• Labour Amendment: The Labour Party proposed an amendment to the motion, which would review the allocation of borough-level CIL in Newham, recognising that it diverts millions of pounds away from vital community infrastructure into developer profits.
• Renters' Rights: The amended motion also proposed that the council should ensure that renters in Newham are made aware of the massive expansion in their rights under the new Renters Reform Act.

The council's discussion of this motion reflects the ongoing debate about how to address the housing crisis while protecting the interests of local residents.

Scrutiny Commission Examines Challenges Faced by Black Boys in Newham

The Relationship Between Black Boys and the Borough Scrutiny Commission met on Thursday to review its final phase II report regarding the experiences of Black boys in the borough. The report highlights persistent inequalities and challenges faced by this group across various areas of life, including education, criminal justice, and employment.

• Why it matters: The commission's work aims to identify systemic issues and develop recommendations to improve outcomes for Black boys in Newham, addressing long-standing disparities and promoting equity.
• Key Findings: The report identifies disproportionate school exclusions, lower attainment at GCSE level, over-representation in the youth justice system, and higher unemployment rates among young Black men.
• Strategic Recommendations: The report proposes a range of measures, including disaggregating data, reviewing the transition between primary and secondary schools, implementing a mentoring programme, and strengthening partnerships between schools, voluntary organisations, and local government.
• Call to Action: The report concludes with a call to action for all stakeholders to work together to implement changes and improve outcomes for Black boys in Newham.

The commission's review of the report and concluding remarks from key stakeholders will inform future strategies and interventions aimed at addressing the complex challenges faced by Black boys in the borough.

Other Matters

• The Council met on Monday to discuss a themed report on growth, a plan for waste management, updates from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, a presentation from Newham Partners, and motions from the Green and Labour groups.
• The Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Commission met on Tuesday to discuss hospital discharge and reablement, as well as updates on a mental health pilot scheme.
• The Strategic Development Committee met on Tuesday to consider planning applications for developments in Silvertown, Stratford and East Ham, as well as the annual report on developer contributions.
• The Newham Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) met on Thursday, to discuss a range of topics including Interfaith Week, SACRE priorities, and the results of a pupil survey.
• An Officer Key Decision meeting took place on Friday concerning the Affordable Homes for Newham programme.
• An Officer Non-Key Decision meeting took place on Monday. No video was provided.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee is scheduled for Monday 17 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Cabinet is scheduled for Tuesday 18 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Overview and Scrutiny Committee is scheduled for Tuesday 18 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee is scheduled for Wednesday 19 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Officer Key Decision meeting is scheduled for Thursday 20 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Local Development Committee is scheduled for Monday 24 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Newham Pensions Board is scheduled for Tuesday 25 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny Commission is scheduled for Tuesday 25 November 2025. Link to meeting

This week in Newham:

Affordable Housing Programme Faces £16.6 Million Cost Overrun

Newham Council's Affordable Homes for Newham (AHfN) programme is facing significant financial challenges, with contract variations adding £16.6 million to the cost of nine projects. The Corporate Director of Inclusive Economy & Housing approved the budget variations on November 12th, citing rising construction costs, legal challenges, and unforeseen site conditions.

• Why it matters: This cost overrun could impact the council's ability to deliver much-needed affordable housing and meet its pledge to start 1,000 new council homes by 2022 and deliver 1,500 from May 2022.
• Rising Costs: The report pack states that the contract was entered into during a period of high market volatility, and not all works packages could be fixed.
• Project Delays: Several projects have experienced delays due to legal challenges, utility issues, and contaminated land.
• Impact on Residents: The additional costs could lead to delays in the completion of these projects, leaving residents in need of affordable housing waiting longer.

The council maintains that the revised contract sums represent value for money, but the cost overruns raise concerns about the financial sustainability of the AHfN programme.

Alcohol Licence for JJ Supermarket Sparks Resident Concerns

A new premises licence application for JJ Supermarket, located at 539-541 Barking Road, Plaistow, is facing strong opposition from residents and council authorities. The Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday to consider the application, which seeks permission to sell alcohol from 7 AM until late at night.

• Why it matters: Residents fear that granting the licence could exacerbate existing problems with street drinking, antisocial behaviour, and public nuisance in the area, which is located within the Canning Town & Star Lane Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ)¹.
• Objections: The Council Commercial Environmental Health Team and the Licensing Enforcement Team have both submitted representations against the application, citing concerns about the potential for increased crime and disorder, and public nuisance. Nine residents have also objected, raising similar concerns.
• Existing Issues: The Licensing Enforcement Team noted that the area is known for street drinking and that local residents and business owners have already raised concerns.
• Potential Outcomes: Granting the licence could lead to an increase in street drinking, littering, public urination, and other antisocial behaviour, negatively impacting the quality of life for local residents.

The sub-committee will now decide whether to grant the licence, and if so, under what conditions.

Scrutiny Commission to Review Experiences of Black Boys in Newham

The Relationship Between Black Boys and the Borough Scrutiny Commission is scheduled to meet on Thursday to review the final phase II report regarding the experiences of Black boys in the borough. The report highlights persistent inequalities and challenges faced by this group across various areas of life, including education, criminal justice, and employment.

• Why it matters: The commission's work aims to identify systemic issues and develop recommendations to improve outcomes for Black boys in Newham, addressing long-standing disparities and promoting equity.
• Key Findings: The report identifies disproportionate school exclusions, lower attainment at GCSE level, over-representation in the youth justice system, and higher unemployment rates among young Black men.
• Strategic Recommendations: The report proposes a range of measures, including disaggregating data, reviewing the transition between primary and secondary schools, implementing a mentoring programme, and strengthening partnerships between schools, voluntary organisations, and local government.
• Call to Action: The report concludes with a call to action for all stakeholders to work together to implement changes and improve outcomes for Black boys in Newham.

The commission's review of the report and concluding remarks from key stakeholders will inform future strategies and interventions aimed at addressing the complex challenges faced by Black boys in the borough.

Other Matters

• The Council is scheduled to meet on Monday to discuss a themed report on growth, a plan for waste management, updates from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, a presentation from Newham Partners, and motions from the Green and Labour groups.
• The Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Commission is scheduled to meet on Tuesday to discuss hospital discharge and reablement, as well as updates on a mental health pilot scheme.
• The Strategic Development Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday to consider planning applications for developments in Silvertown, Stratford and East Ham, as well as the annual report on developer contributions.
• The Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday to address a new premises licence application for Impressions events, located at 14 Milner Road, London E15 3AD.
• The Newham Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) is scheduled to meet on Thursday, to discuss a range of topics including Interfaith Week, SACRE priorities, and the results of a pupil survey.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Council is scheduled for Monday 10 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Commission is scheduled for Tuesday 11 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Strategic Development Committee is scheduled for Tuesday 11 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Relationship Between Black Boys and the Borough Scrutiny Commission is scheduled for Thursday 13 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The SACRE is scheduled for Thursday 13 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Officer Key Decision meeting is scheduled for Friday 14 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee is scheduled for Monday 17 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Cabinet is scheduled for Tuesday 18 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Overview and Scrutiny Committee is scheduled for Tuesday 18 November 2025. Link to meeting
• The Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee is scheduled for Wednesday 19 November 2025. Link to meeting