This week in Newham:

Fire Safety Upgrade Approved for Castle Point Tower Block

Newham Council has approved a £525,963.87 contract with OCL Facades Group Ltd to replace unsafe cladding at Castle Point, a council-owned tower block in E13. The decision, made via an Officer Key Decision, aims to improve fire safety for residents.

• Why it matters: This project directly addresses fire safety concerns raised by the Building Safety Act 2022¹, ensuring the safety of residents in a high-rise building.
• Unsafe cladding: A fire risk assessment revealed that the building's facade contained metal composite material (MCM) cladding panels with a flammable polystyrene infill, requiring urgent replacement.
• Leaseholder costs: While the Building Safety Act 2022 prevents the council from passing on cladding remediation costs to leaseholders², they will be recharged £23,803.18 for non-cladding elements of the works, such as fire door replacements.
• Building Safety Fund: The council intends to apply to the Building Safety Fund for a grant to cover the proportion of costs that would otherwise have been charged to leaseholders.
• Alternative options: The council rejected options such as leaving the existing panels in place (deemed unsafe) and using in-house staff (deemed unfeasible).

The works are scheduled to start in October 2025 and last for six months.

Other Matters

• An Officer Key Decision meeting was scheduled for Wednesday 27 August 2025. No video was provided.
• The Licensing Committee met on Tuesday 26 August 2025. No video was provided.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Local Development Committee is scheduled for Monday 08 September 2025. Link to meeting
• The Strategic Development Committee is scheduled for Tuesday 09 September 2025. Link to meeting
• The Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny Commission is scheduled for Tuesday 09 September 2025. Link to meeting
• The Standards Advisory Committee is scheduled for Wednesday 10 September 2025. Link to meeting
• The Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Commission is scheduled for Thursday 11 September 2025. Link to meeting

This week in Newham:

Council to Spend £1.6 Million on Windows 11 Upgrade

Newham Council is set to invest £1.6 million in upgrading its IT infrastructure to Windows 11. The Officer Key Decision meeting on August 20, 2025 approved the contract award to XMA Ltd for the purchase of new devices and related services.

• Why it matters: This upgrade is crucial to ensure the council's IT systems remain secure and supported, preventing potential disruptions to essential services for residents. Failure to upgrade could lead to increased costs for extended Windows 10 support.
• End of life: With Windows 10 reaching its end-of-life, the council needs to replace 2,072 devices to maintain operational efficiency and security.
• Service wrapper: A significant portion of the budget (£0.114 million) is allocated to a rollout service wrapper, providing support for device deployment, asset tagging, and user engagement. This aims to minimise disruption and ensure staff can effectively use the new systems.
• LATCo devices: Approximately £0.082 million may be used to extend the rollout to Newham's LATCos¹ (Local Authority Trading Companies), ensuring consistent IT infrastructure across council-related organisations.

The council considered alternatives, including purchasing extended support for Windows 10 or conducting a new competitive tender, but ultimately deemed the XMA Ltd contract the most cost-effective and efficient solution.

£2.4 Million Grant for James Riley Point Retrofit

Newham Council is poised to accept £2.4 million in grant funding from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) to improve energy efficiency at James Riley Point, a high-rise block on the Carpenters Estate. The Officer Key Decision meeting on August 21, 2025 included a report pack outlining the proposal.

• Why it matters: This funding will enable the council to retrofit James Riley Point with measures like external wall insulation, new windows and doors, and low-carbon heating, improving living conditions for residents and reducing carbon emissions.
• Match funding: The council will need to match the grant with £13.3 million from its existing budget for the refurbishment of James Riley Point.
• Resident benefits: The retrofit works will lead to warmer homes, reduced energy bills, and improved air quality for residents of James Riley Point.
• Carpenters Estate regeneration: The report pack also provided an update on the wider Carpenters Estate regeneration scheme², which aims to deliver approximately 2,300 new homes, with 50% designated for social rent.

The report pack highlighted that declining the grant would increase the council's borrowing costs.

Carpenters Estate Regeneration Faces Rising Costs

The Carpenters Estate restoration and regeneration scheme² is facing increased costs due to construction inflation and new building safety requirements, according to a report pack presented at the Officer Key Decision meeting on August 21, 2025.

• Why it matters: The increased costs could potentially delay or alter the scope of the regeneration project, impacting the delivery of new homes and community facilities for Newham residents.
• Increased borrowing: The council now anticipates borrowing £320 million more than initially projected in September 2023.
• Vacant Possession Strategy: The report pack included an updated Vacant Possession Strategy, outlining the council's approach to acquiring properties on the estate to facilitate the regeneration.
• Section 106 agreement: A Section 106 agreement¹ is being finalised, outlining developer contributions to mitigate the impact of the development on the community.

The report pack also noted that the number of new homes to be developed has increased to 2,361.

Other Matters

• The Officer Key Decision meeting on August 20, 2025 also addressed the award of a contract for facade replacements and fire safety remediation at Castle Point, E13. Link to meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• The Officer Key Decision meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 26 August 2025 to discuss and make a decision regarding a contract award for facade replacements and fire safety remediation at Castle Point, E13. Link to meeting
• The Officer Key Decision meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 27 August 2025. Link to meeting
• The Licensing Committee is scheduled for Tuesday 26 August 2025. Link to meeting

This week in Newham:

Nightclub's Late-Night Licence Sparks Resident Fury

A new premises licence application for The Cause, a nightclub located in the Silver Building, is facing strong opposition from local residents and ward councillors. The Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee met on Thursday 14 August 2025 to discuss the application, which seeks permission for extended hours, including alcohol sales and late-night refreshment until 6 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.

• Why it matters: Residents fear increased noise, anti-social behaviour, and disruption in the already-troubled area. This highlights the tension between supporting nightlife and protecting residents' quality of life.
• Councillor concerns: Councillors Steve Brayshaw and Caroline Adaja objected on the grounds of preventing public nuisance, citing numerous complaints about noise and disturbance late at night. Councillor Brayshaw stated that residents are finding the noise intolerable.
• Tenant's nightmare: Laurence Passera, a tenant of the Silver Building, complained that the existing nightclub is already incredibly disruptive, making equipment deliveries impossible and clashing with his own guest evenings. He also raised concerns about drug use and a recent stabbing.
• Call for restrictions: Passera suggested limiting the licence to The Cause's own events, prohibiting third-party sub-letting, and imposing a capacity limit.
• Operational procedures: The council's report pack included the Silver Building Event Operational Procedures, outlining measures for pre-event planning, fire safety, security, and noise management.

The decision on this application could significantly impact the lives of residents in the Britannia Village area.

Shop's 6 AM Alcohol Bid Slammed as Threat to Children

A new premises licence application for Jay Retail Ltd at 4-8 Atlantis Avenue in Beckton is facing strong opposition due to its request to sell alcohol from 6 AM. The Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee was scheduled to convene on Wednesday 13 August 2025 to consider the application.

• Why it matters: Residents and council teams fear the early morning alcohol sales could attract street drinkers, increase anti-social behaviour, and endanger children in the residential area.
• Licensing Enforcement Team objection: The Council Licensing Enforcement Team, acting as a responsible authority¹, raised concerns about crime, disorder, public nuisance, and public safety. They criticised the lack of detail in the application regarding alcohol control measures, particularly the sale of single cans/bottles and high-strength alcohol.
• Environmental Health fears: The Council Commercial Environmental Team echoed these concerns, stating that the applicant had not proposed any measures to prevent public nuisance and that sales of high-strength alcohol or single cans could attract street drinkers.
• Resident outrage: One resident argued that the proposed licensing hours were excessive and highly inappropriate for a mixed-use residential area such as Royal Albert Wharf. They believed that allowing alcohol sales from 6 AM would increase the risk of public intoxication and anti-social behaviour, especially when children are likely to be present.
• Crime concerns: Another resident noted increased shoplifting and anti-social behaviour at the Co-op store opposite the proposed premises, as well as increased litter in the area.

The decision on this application could have a significant impact on the safety and well-being of the local community, particularly children.

Restaurant Faces Licence Review Over Illegal Working Claims

Udaya Restaurant, located at 105 Katherine Road, East Ham, is facing a review of its premises licence following concerns raised by the Home Office Immigration Enforcement. The Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider the review on Monday 11 August 2025.

• Why it matters: This case highlights the council's commitment to preventing illegal working and ensuring that licensed premises comply with immigration laws.
• Home Office intervention: The Home Office requested the review based on the licensing objective of preventing crime and disorder, stating that illegal working has been identified at this premises.
• Immigration Act link: The application for review stated that immigration safeguards were introduced to the Licensing Act 2003 by the Immigration Act 2016 to prevent illegal working in licensed premises.
• Existing licence: Udaya Restaurant's current licence, issued in 2008, authorises the sale of alcohol, playing of recorded music, and provision of late-night refreshment.

The outcome of this review could have significant consequences for Udaya Restaurant, potentially leading to restrictions on its licence or even revocation.

Windows 11 Upgrade to Cost £1.6 Million

Newham Council is planning to spend £1.6 million on upgrading its computer systems to Windows 11. The Officer Key Decision meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 20 August 2025.

• Why it matters: The council needs to upgrade its systems to ensure they are secure and up-to-date.
• Windows 10 end-of-life: The council plans to upgrade all devices to Windows 11 before Windows 10 reaches its end-of-life.
• Device purchase: The council plans to purchase 2,072 Windows 11 devices, along with a service wrapper for provisioning each device.
• Service wrapper: The service wrapper from the supplier is expected to provide support for applying white glove and asset tags, managing communications and bookings, providing a dedicated service desk, collating deployment statistics and reporting, managing order processing and logistics, delivering and installing new devices, managing the collection of old devices, and providing end-user support with an on-site Newham technical team.
• Lack of in-house capacity: The report states that the council does not have sufficient in-house capacity to manage the device rollout and the implementation of Microsoft 365.

Other Matters

• The Officer Key Decision meeting of Newham Council is scheduled to discuss and make a decision regarding a contract award for facade replacements and fire safety remediation at Castle Point, E13. The decision has been delegated to the relevant officer, and details are available in the attached document. Link to meeting
• The Corporate Director of Resources is being asked to approve the council's acceptance of £2.4 million in grant funding from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) for retrofit and decarbonisation works at James Riley Point, E15 2HZ. Link to meeting
• The Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee met on Monday 11 August 2025. No video was provided.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Officer Key Decision meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 26 August 2025 to discuss and make a decision regarding a contract award for facade replacements and fire safety remediation at Castle Point, E13. Link to meeting

This week in Newham:

Street Trading Licence Denied Over Traffic Concerns

The Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee considered an application from Mr Luduvico Cenon Paredes Maldonado of ECU Food Truck Limited for a temporary street trading licence on Knights Road, E16 2AU. The application was ultimately denied due to concerns raised by the Council's Traffic, Network & Streetworks Team.

• Why it matters: This decision highlights the challenges faced by small businesses trying to operate in Newham, and the council's concerns about traffic and pedestrian safety.
• Highways objection: Jim Jordan, Head of Network Management, objected to the location, stating that parking on the footway is an offence and the carriageway is needed for large vehicles accessing nearby sites.
• Applicant's plea: Mr Maldonado argued that he would be trading within a parking bay, but Mr Jordan maintained that parking bays are for residents and other users, not for trading purposes.
• Council guidelines: The Licensing Committee Guidelines state that the committee may consider whether the location of the stall will cause any obstructions to pedestrians or traffic.

The Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee considered the application, but no video was provided.

Chaii Corner Licence Considered Amid Noise Concerns

The Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee also convened to discuss a new temporary street trading licence for Chaii Corner, located at 40 High Street South, East Ham E6. The applicant, Mr Hasson Hasson, requested permission to operate a food truck selling chai tea, coffee, and other refreshments.

• Why it matters: This case illustrates the balance the council must strike between supporting local businesses and addressing potential disruptions to residents.
• Initial objection: The Commercial Environmental Health Team initially objected due to noise concerns, but withdrew their objection after Mr Hasson Hasson agreed to reduce his operating hours.
• Traffic concerns remain: The Council's Traffic, Network & Streetworks Team continued to object, citing concerns that patrons might park on double yellow lines and obstruct the highway.
• No right of appeal: The report pack noted that there is no right of appeal for temporary street trading applications.

The Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee considered the application, but no video was provided.

Council to Survey Housing Stock in £950,000 Investment

Newham Council is moving forward with Year 2 of its Stock Condition Surveys (SCS) of Housing Revenue Account (HRA) housing stock, with an estimated cost of £950,000. Paul Kitson, Corporate Director of Inclusive Economy, Housing and Culture, is expected to approve the procurement of a contract for these services.

• Why it matters: These surveys are crucial for understanding the condition of council housing and informing investment decisions, ultimately impacting the quality of life for residents.
• Commitment to residents: The surveys are part of the council's commitment to understanding and investing in its housing stock, as well as meeting requirements from the Social Housing Regulator.
• Comprehensive assessment: The surveys will assess internal, external, and communal areas, including Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) reviews across all 29 categories.
• Informing investment: The data collected will help the HRA Asset Management team develop a 30-year investment plan for council housing.
• Procurement process: The tender will be conducted via mini-competition using the Procurement Hub dynamic purchasing system.

The Officer Key Decision meeting was held, but no video was provided.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee will meet on Monday 11 August 2025 to review the premises licence for Udaya Restaurant. Link to meeting
• The Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee will meet on Monday 11 August 2025. Link to meeting
• The Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee will meet on Wednesday 13 August 2025. Link to meeting
• The Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee will meet on Thursday 14 August 2025. Link to meeting