This week in Newham:

• The Overview and Scrutiny Committee discussed commonhold tenure, strategic housing delivery, and updates from scrutiny chairs.
• The Cabinet agreed to consult on the potential closure of Calverton Primary School, approved a property disposal plan, and supported measures to improve access to sexual health services.
• The Newham Pensions Board were scheduled to meet to discuss their annual report and business plan for the coming year, but no transcript is available.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday 06 May 2025

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss commonhold tenure, strategic housing delivery, and updates from scrutiny chairs. The committee agreed to note a report on strategic housing delivery, but clarified that this did not constitute a formal consultation.

Commonhold Tenure

The committee received an update on the government's consultation on commonhold tenure, a form of property ownership where residents own their flats outright and jointly own shared spaces¹. Paul Kitson, Corporate Director for Economy Housing and Culture, presented the report, which outlined the government's intention to ban new leasehold flats in England and Wales and reintroduce commonhold as the standard tenure for new multi-unit residential buildings.

The report also considered the implications for councils, listing strategic, ownership, financial and legal considerations. It also included a series of risk and mitigation strategies.

The report recommended that the council:

• develop a strategy
• create a commonhold preparedness plan across planning, legal, housing and development functions
• develop internal expertise
• engage developers early
• deliver public education campaigns
• create support frameworks
• develop wider public sector partnerships

Councillors raised questions about how commonhold would work in blocks with both council tenants and leaseholders, and whether leaseholders in existing council blocks would be able to convert to commonhold. Councillor Susan Masters, Scrutiny Commission Chair, asked whether new developments with homes for social rent would be affected.

There was discussion about the potential financial impact of commonhold on the council, with Councillor Lester Hudson questioning whether the loss of lease renewal income would affect the viability of new developments.

Strategic Housing Delivery

The committee received an update on the council’s strategic housing delivery programme, specifically the Affordable Homes for Newham programme and estate regeneration schemes in Custom House, Canning Town and the Carpenters Estate.

Mayor Roxana Fiaz OBE, portfolio lead for Inclusive Economy and Strategic Housing Delivery and Culture, introduced the report, highlighting the council's commitment to delivering 1,000 new council homes by 2022 and 1,500 from May 2022, as outlined in the council's corporate plan and manifesto commitments.

The report detailed the progress of various housing projects, including:

• Affordable Homes for Newham: This programme has delivered 211 homes, with 495 homes currently on site and a further 147 due to complete in 2026/27.
• Estate Regeneration: The council is leading estate regeneration programmes in Canning Town, Custom House and the Carpenters Estate, which will deliver over 5,000 new homes.
  • The Canning Town Estate Regeneration programme will bring forward 1300-1500 new homes. Phase 1 (Vincent Street) is currently on site, providing 147 new council homes at social rent.
  • The Custom House area redevelopment will deliver 734 new homes. Phase 1 is in delivery across two sites.
  • On the Carpenters Estate, the council plans to deliver approximately 2,300 new homes, with 50% designated as genuinely affordable social rent properties.

The report also addressed the challenges and risks associated with housing delivery, including rising borrowing costs, inflation, market volatility, and changes to planning regulations.

Councillor Masters raised concerns about the future strategy for Populo and the Affordable Homes programme, questioning whether there was duplication of effort. She also queried the comments in the report about Victoria Street, stating that she was not aware that any decisions had been taken to redevelop the site.

Councillor Hudson questioned the affordability of the affordable housing programme, given the council's budget gap. He also asked about the objectives for affordable homes, family homes and wheelchair-friendly homes within the regeneration schemes.

Councillor Carleene Lee-Phakoe asked how the council was measuring performance against its building a fairer Newham priorities, and how it would maintain its commitment to affordable housing in private partnerships.

The committee agreed to note the report, but Councillor Hudson requested it be noted for the record that the committee was not being consulted on it, as there was not enough detail.

Scrutiny Chairs Updates

The committee received updates from the chairs of the Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny, Children and Young People's Scrutiny, and Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny commissions on their recent activities.

Cabinet - Tuesday 06 May 2025

The Newham Council cabinet met on Tuesday, 6 May 2025, to discuss a range of issues, including a school reorganisation proposal, property disposals, and climate emergency measures. They agreed to consult on the potential closure of Calverton Primary School, approved a property disposal plan to generate capital receipts, and supported measures to improve access to sexual health services.

School Reorganisation Proposal: Consultation on the Potential Closure of Calverton Primary School

The cabinet agreed for officers to undertake a pre-publication consultation regarding the potential closure of Calverton Primary School. Councillor Sarah Jane Ruiz, Statutory Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Environment, Sustainable Transport, Children Services and Education, described this as a really difficult decision as she was chair of governors there for many years and her daughter was schooled there.

Peter Gibb, Head of Education, Access and Instructuring for the Council, explained that the Department for Education prescribes a legal process that must be followed when a local authority is considering closing a maintained school. This involves several stages of consultation and decision-making. The final decision on whether or not to proceed with the closure will be taken by the cabinet at the end of the consultation period.

Property Disposals (Asset Realisation) Plan and Update - Phase 2

The cabinet approved the disposal of several council-owned assets to generate £51.2 million in capital receipts. Councillor Zulfiqar Ali, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, explained that this is consistent with the council's exceptional financial support request and that the assets identified do not provide substantial financial return or are not strategic property assets.

Councillor Dr John Whitworth, Cabinet Member for Air Quality and Climate Emergency, sought assurance that the asset selection was sound and would not impede wider council priorities, particularly concerning regeneration and development plans. Councillor Neil Wilson, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, asked how the council would ensure it received the best possible value from these assets.

Councillor Zulfiqar Ali responded that a thorough and strategic review of the asset portfolio had been undertaken, guided by clear criteria aligned with the council's corporate priorities, regeneration strategy, and medium-term financial strategy. He added that independent assessments and open market testing would be used to ensure best value.

The recommendations were approved, with an amendment to include consultation with the corporate director of inclusive economy, housing, and culture, in addition to the corporate director of resources.

Stratford Vision - Property & Project Update

The cabinet approved the disposal of the Rex Theatre building to the Colombo Group, which will establish the site as a Jazz Cafe. This decision aligns with the council's growth agenda, inclusive growth strategy, town centre and high street strategy, and building creative future strategy. The council also noted that the Creative Land Trust had been awarded £2.9 million in National Lottery Heritage Funding to deliver phase two of the Alice Billing House, which will provide affordable artist studios, a public cafe, and a gallery space.

Acceptance and Distribution of Household Support Fund April 2025 to March 2026

The cabinet agreed to accept the government's allocation of £5.8 million from the Household Support Fund (HSF) and approved a plan for its distribution to low-income and vulnerable households. This funding will support approximately 40,000 residents, including families with children, pensioners, and individuals with disabilities.

Councillor Madeleine Sarley Pontin, Deputy Cabinet Member for Education, asked how the council would ensure the funding reaches those most in need. An officer responded that the council would work closely with various partner organisations, including children's centres, schools, and voluntary sector groups, to identify and target households most in need.

UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) 2025-26

The cabinet agreed to accept the council's allocation of £1.4 million from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) for 2025-26. This funding will support various projects and services, including warm havens and digital inclusion programs.

A councillor asked for more detail on the impact evaluation of the fund and how it would support the council's priorities. An officer responded that they were working on evaluating the impact of the last round of funding and would use that information to improve the targeting of the next round. Councillor Sarah Jane Ruiz requested assurance that there would be a conversation about the community hubs that would be supported by the funding and who would be making use of them.

Food Waste Service - Release of Capital and Procurement of Materials

The cabinet agreed to release £2.07 million in capital funding from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and accepted a grant of £642,000 to procure materials for a weekly food waste service. This service is required by the Environment Act 2021 and will be implemented by April 2026.

Councillor Madeleine Sarley Pontin asked if residents in flats would be able to recycle food waste and how that would operate. An officer responded that the intention is to roll out the collection service to flats as well as street-level properties, with communal bins provided for flats.

East London Joint Waste Plan Regulation 19 Submission Plan for Consultation and publication of an updated Local Development Scheme

The cabinet approved the publication of the East London Joint Waste Plan Regulation 19 Submission Plan for a 6-week public consultation. This plan, prepared jointly with the London Boroughs of Barking and Dagenham, Havering, and Redbridge, sets out a strategy for managing waste across East London and supports the council's just transition plans.

Councillor Blossom Young, Cabinet Member for Housing Landlord and Tenant Experience Improvements, asked about the proposal to have one waste site in Newham and how the plan takes into account planned population growth and housing development. Officers responded that the release of one waste site in Newham is due to its allocation for mixed-use redevelopment in the emerging local plan and that the plan has considered housing growth and population.

Newham's Just Transition - Addressing the Climate Emergency Through Parking Charging Policy

The cabinet approved a plan to strengthen incentives for drivers to transition to greener vehicles through parking charging policy. This plan complements previous decisions made in December 2024 and aims to mitigate climate risk through parking charges.

Councillor Neil Wilson, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, clarified that the council does not use parking as a means of generating revenue, and that the income generated is used to support school crossing patrols, road maintenance, environmental improvements, and freedom passes.

Improving Access to Sexual Health Services: Cabinet Permission to Re-Procure a Sexual Health E-Service via the London Sexual Health Programme

The cabinet approved a plan to re-procure a sexual health e-service via an inter-authority agreement with the City of London. This e-service, known as SHL, provides online screening and treatment for simple sexually transmitted infections and has been used by approximately 23,000 Newham residents in 2023-24.

Councillor Neil Wilson explained that the e-service helps expand resident access to vital STI screening services and appeals to communities where there is a relatively high level of stigma around sexual health. The estimated spend over the full nine-year term is £8-10 million, with the potential to add optional work packages related to oral contraception, PrEP, and condom provision.

Other Business

The cabinet noted that the exclusion of press and public was not required and formally noted the exempt appendices for agenda item six, Stratford Vision - Property & Project Update.

Newham Pensions Board - Tuesday 06 May 2025

The Newham Pensions Board were scheduled to meet remotely to discuss their annual report, and their business plan for the coming year. The board was also scheduled to discuss the aims and objectives of the Pensions Board over the coming year, its core work and how these objectives would be achieved. No transcript is available.

Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny Commission - Tuesday 06 May 2025

The Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny Commission met to discuss several key issues, including resident scrutiny of social housing providers, updates to the tenancy audit programme, progress on repairs and maintenance, and the council's response to the Regulator of Social Housing. The commission agreed to note the report on scrutiny panels in housing associations, the tenancy audit update, and the verbal report on the housing regulator.

Regulator of Social Housing Update

David Padfield, Interim Director of Housing Services, provided an update on the council's progress following a C4 regulatory judgement from the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH). Newham Council was one of only two local authorities to receive this judgement.

Since the judgement, the council has been working with the regulator to develop an improvement plan, with fortnightly meetings and quarterly updates to the cabinet. The main focus has been on resident safety and quality standards. Key progress includes:

• Electrical checks: Increasing the number of properties with electrical checks within the last 10 years from 60% to 85%, with a target to reach 100% by June.
• Fire risk assessment actions: Reducing outstanding actions from 9,500 to 7,000, though significant capital works are still required.

The council has commissioned Pennington Choices to conduct a compliance review, with results expected in June. Savills has been appointed as a strategic partner to provide challenge to the council's work. Capsticks, a legal firm, is reviewing data previously provided to members to understand why issues identified by the regulator were not highlighted earlier.

Repairs and Maintenance Service Update

Danny Waite, Programme Director for Property Services, gave a verbal update on the Repairs and Maintenance Service (RMS), focusing on key performance indicators (KPIs) from the last financial year.

• Overall repairs completed within target times: 85% against a 90% target, with an upward trend in the last three months of the year.
• Emergency repairs completed in timeframe: 98% against a 95% target, with 100% completion in February and March.
• Repairs appointments kept: 86% against a 90% target, with a slight uptick towards the end of the year.
• Repairs completed right first time: 79% against a 90% target, which is lower than desired.

Waite explained that a large proportion of repairs orders are more complex and cannot be completed on the first visit. He said work is underway to set definitions for responsive repairs to give a true reflection of first-time completion rates.

Resident satisfaction was at 8.22 out of 10, just below the target of 8.52, but showed improvement towards the end of the year, reaching 8.52 in March. The backlog of repairs had been reduced from 5,400 to 3,857, with in-target performance improving from 51% to 80%.

Councillors discussed the need for operatives to accurately estimate job completion times to avoid repeat visits. The committee requested a plan, to be delivered by the end of May, outlining when the council expects to improve its repairs service.

Councillor Rita Chadha raised concerns about changing measurement tools for first-time repairs and the need to track changes effectively.

Tenancy Audit Programme Update

David Padfield, Interim Director of Housing Services, provided an update on the Tenancy Audit Programme, launched in 2024. The programme aims to ensure properties are occupied by the correct tenants, identify vulnerabilities, assess properties for repairs, damp, and mould, and detect potential tenancy fraud or subletting.

The programme initially struggled to meet its target of 400 audits per month, but performance improved after November 2024. The overall target has been reprofiled, requiring approximately 500 audits per month to ensure completion within three years.

The report highlighted the need for cross-council cooperation and included case studies demonstrating the programme's impact. One case study described how a vulnerable tenant, Ms X, living on the 5th floor had a severely damaged front door. After a tenancy audit, the door was repaired, and Ms X was referred to Adult Social Care (ASC) and received community inclusion support.

The report also covered vulnerability screening in high-rise blocks, involving contact with 386 households to identify vulnerable residents who may have difficulty evacuating in case of a fire.

Councillor Chadha asked for clarification on missing appendix one, containing the revised policy, and expressed confusion about the changing audit targets. Padfield apologised for the missing appendix and said it would be circulated to the committee. He explained that the targets had been adjusted to address a shortfall in completed audits and ensure the programme remains on track.

Scrutiny Panels in Housing Associations

Councillor Blossom Young, Cabinet Member for Housing, Landlord and Tenant Experience Improvements, introduced a report on scrutiny panels in housing associations. The report outlined the regulatory oversight of housing associations by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) and the role of tenant scrutiny panels.

David Padfield, Interim Director of Housing Services, explained that the council has no formal remit to regulate housing associations, but there are areas of overlap, such as councillors' advocacy and casework. The RSH's consumer standards require providers to create opportunities for tenants to scrutinise performance and have a say in how services are provided.

The report included summaries of regulatory judgements for Notting Hill Genesis and Southern Housing Group, highlighting their approaches to tenant engagement and scrutiny. It also referenced the Tpas National Tenant Engagement Standards, which set out best practice for social housing providers.

Padfield noted that the Regulator identified a lack of adequate resident scrutiny as one of the reasons for Newham's non-compliant C4 rating. The council has established a Resident Challenge Board, comprising 12 residents, to scrutinise the Housing Services Improvement Programme.

Councillor Winston Vaughan sought clarification on the council's responsibility to create opportunities for tenants to scrutinise performance. Padfield confirmed that the council is developing a new resident involvement strategy, with a final version expected by September.

Councillor Chadha questioned the purpose of the report, given that it was not the end involvement strategy and the council has no regulatory oversight of housing associations. She also asked about community fund days and whether the council could do more to address complaints about social housing providers.

Councillor Rachel Tripp echoed concerns about the report's context and asked whether the council must help residents who wish to set up residence associations. She also raised the issue of complaints about housing associations and whether the council could use its contractual relationships with registered providers to improve service standards.

Work Programme

The commission agreed to defer discussion of the work programme, noting that the next meeting would be determined by the incoming housing committee in the new municipal year.

This week in Newham:

• The Officer Key Decision meeting was held, but no information is available about what was discussed.
• The Council meeting focused on youth empowerment, approved the new local plan, and addressed questions from councillors and the public.
• The Audit Committee discussed accounting policies, RIPA¹ procedures, and the committee's annual report.
• The Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Commission discussed community mental health services, leisure services, and emerging issues in the borough.
• The Standards Advisory Committee was scheduled to meet, but no information is available about what was discussed.

Council - Monday 28 April 2025

The Newham Council meeting on 28 April 2025 focused on Our Young People, Our Future, approving a report outlining commitments to young people, hearing from youth representatives, and addressing questions related to youth services and wellbeing. The council also approved the submission of the new local plan², and addressed questions from councillors.

Local Plan Submission

The council approved the submission of the new local plan after a lengthy development process that began in 2018. Mayor Roxana Fiaz said the plan was responsive to the council's strategies, including those related to a just transition³, affordable housing, gender-relevant spatial strategies, and burial provision. Councillor John Wentworth, Cabinet Member for Air Quality and Climate Emergency, highlighted the plan's alignment with the joint waste management plan and the Just Transition Plan. Councillor Nate Higgins, leader of the Green Group, supported the plan but cautioned that the 50% social housing commitment was at risk due to objections from the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, who questioned the deliverability of the targets. He said that any changes to the 50% social housing commitment must come back to the full council.

Theme Report: Our Young People, Our Future

The council approved the Our Young People, Our Future theme report, which outlines the council's commitments to children and young people. Mayor Fiaz introduced the report, emphasising the scale and richness of the council's efforts for young people. She highlighted the importance of youth empowerment, health and wellbeing, and skills and employment opportunities. She also spoke about the need to address the conditions in temporary accommodation, small box rooms in hotels, and council homes that are not fit for purpose. Representatives from Newham's youth participation group spoke about their involvement in the Youth Empowerment Service, including working to make care experience a protective characteristic, producing youth citizens' assemblies, and advocating for youth priorities in Parliament.

Public Questions

Three questions from members of the public were accepted and answered, covering support for young people with criminal records seeking employment, strategies to support young people in the borough, and support available for young and adult carers in Newham.

Members' Questions

Three questions from councillors were accepted and answered, covering the administration's alternative strategy to reduce child poverty in Newham, concerns about recent Labour government proposals that would affect 18 to 21-year-olds with long-term illnesses or disabilities, and plans to build a specialist college and SE&D training centre for individuals aged 19 and honours in the near future.

Other Matters

• Tributes: The council observed a minute of silence in memory of Pope Francis and Loljita Nuzi, a local community activist and CEO of Plastor-based Serperas Program.
• Announcements: Mayor Fiaz announced her role in the race, equity, and employment taskforce and the securing of £700,000 for the Newham Money Service.
• Scrutiny Programme: Councillor McLemont provided an update on the scrutiny programme, highlighting the review of various council decisions and thematic commissions.
• Partner Update: Dr Khalid Ahmed, a consultant psychiatrist, provided an update on young people's mental health, discussing the challenges and societal factors affecting their wellbeing.
• Motions: A motion from the Green Group on protecting young people was deferred to a future meeting. A motion from the Newham Independence Group on investing in youth services was voted down. A motion from the Labour Group on making Newham safer for young people was approved.
• Member Statement: Councillor Karlyn Lipoki made a statement on World Autism Acceptance Month, advocating for action to support children with special educational needs and disabilities.

Audit Committee - Wednesday 30 April 2025

The Audit Committee met to discuss accounting policies, the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA), and the committee's annual report. The committee agreed to the draft of the annual report, subject to some amendments, and noted the accounting policies and the report on RIPA. An update on the Local Government Association (LGA) peer review was deferred to the next meeting.

Exceptional Financial Support

The committee discussed the Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) that the council had requested from the government. The council's Section 151 Officer⁴, Conrad Hall, clarified that the government had not given the council money, but had been asked for accounting flexibility on how we use our own assets. This would allow the council to use capital receipts⁵ to pay for temporary accommodation costs. The committee agreed that there should be a standing item on the agenda to discuss governance around the EFS responsibilities.

Audit Committee Annual Report

The committee discussed the draft of the Audit Committee Annual Report 2024-25 and agreed to the draft report, subject to some amendments.

Accounting Policies

The committee reviewed the council's accounting policies for 2024-25. The Section 151 Officer, Conrad Hall, explained that there were two new accounting policies: the capitalisation of debt charges and the impact of IFRS 16 on leases⁶.

RIPA Policy and Procedure

The committee considered the annual review of the council's RIPA policy and procedure. Alison Sherwood, reported that there had been no RIPA applications made by the council in the past year. She explained that all CCTV was overt, with signage.

Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Commission - Tuesday 29 April 2025

The Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Commission met to discuss emerging issues in the borough, community mental health services, and leisure services. The committee agreed to extend the meeting to allow for a full discussion on leisure services.

Leisure Services and Physical Activity

The committee discussed leisure services and physical activity in Newham, receiving an update on data trends and service delivery following the transition to Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL), known as Better. Jason Strelitz, Corporate Director for Adults and Health, presented data showing a consistent rise in physical activity levels among adults and children in Newham over the past five years, with a narrowing of the gap between Newham and national averages. Despite progress, a significant portion of the population remains inactive, particularly among women, girls, disabled people, and older adults. There are concerns about lower activity levels within Asian communities, a trend that has worsened in recent years.

Paul Lister, Head of Service for GLL, outlined the organisation's commitment to community engagement and providing a wide range of services to improve physical, mental, and social wellbeing. He mentioned initiatives such as free sessions for targeted groups and a new health partnership to deliver GP referral schemes. GLL has introduced a free resident card offering a 10% discount and provides concessionary memberships for lower-income residents.

Daniel Leggett from Sport London discussed the £190 million Place Partnership Development journey, explaining that the initial phase would focus on understanding local inequalities and assets before applying for funding. Colleen Krenzer presented the M2 Club programme, which combines movement and mindfulness to support self-confidence and self-esteem in primary school girls.

Community Mental Health Services

The committee discussed community mental health services, focusing on a pilot programme in Tower Hamlets and its potential implications for Newham. The discussion centred on the Trieste model of community-based mental health care, which originated in Italy and is recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a site of best practice. Marian Riley, Deputy Borough Director for Tower Hamlets, provided an overview of a new 24/7 community mental health pilot in Tower Hamlets, based around Primary Care Network (PCN) number one. The centre will offer booked appointments, unplanned walk-ins, therapy groups, and activities, with a strong community connection. Jane Fernandez, a service user, discussed her involvement in shaping the pilot, emphasising the importance of peer support workers, respectful treatment, and co-produced notes.

Emerging Matters

The committee received updates on several emerging matters:

• Care Quality Commission (CQC) Inspection: Councillor Neil Wilson and Jason Strelitz provided an update on the upcoming CQC inspection of adult social care services.
• Day Opportunities: Councillor Neil Wilson addressed concerns about changes to day opportunities for older residents, clarifying that the council was not cutting all services but trying to make them more effective and community-based.
• Integrated Care Board (ICB) Reductions: Jo Fraser-Wise, Newham Director of Partnership, Impact and Delivery, reported that integrated care boards would need to reduce their running costs by 50% by the end of the year.
• Court Ruling on Definition of Woman: Councillor Danny Keeling raised concerns about the recent court ruling on the definition of woman and its potential impact on trans people.

Standards Advisory Committee - Tuesday 29 April 2025

The Standards Advisory Committee was scheduled to meet, but no information is available about what was discussed.

This week in Newham:

• The Officer Key Decision meeting was scheduled to discuss making the Healthy School Streets scheme permanent, and changes to sick pay and leave policies at Juniper Ventures.
• The Education Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission met to discuss the SEND strategic improvement plan, the Newham Virtual School annual report, and the performance dashboard.

Officer Key Decision - Wednesday 23 April 2025

The Officer Key Decision meeting was scheduled to consider the implementation of phase four of the Healthy School Streets scheme, and proposed changes to the council's sick pay and leave policies.

Healthy School Streets

The report pack included a recommendation to approve the progression of the phase four Healthy School Streets (HSS) scheme from an experimental stage to a permanent scheme. The HSS scheme aims to improve the health and safety of schoolchildren and staff by introducing timed access restrictions around schools, enforced by automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras. The report pack notes that during the trial period, no formal objections were received.

The schools included in phase four of the HSS scheme are New City Primary School, Gallions Primary School, Shaftesbury Primary School, and Earlham Primary School. The report pack states that the schools were selected based on a weighted evaluation matrix, which prioritises collision history and air quality levels.

The report pack includes data on traffic volumes and air quality before and after the implementation of the experimental scheme. This data indicates a reduction in traffic volumes within the HSS zones, and improvements in air quality. For example, the report pack claims that at New City Primary School, annual emissions of NOx were reduced by 64.05%.

The report pack also notes that penalty charge notices (PCNs) have been issued to vehicles entering the restricted zones during operational hours. A total of 11,764 PCNs were issued during the experimental period across the four school sites, although cameras at Gallions Primary School were vandalised before the scheme went live, so no PCNs have been issued there yet.

The report pack states that the cost of making the traffic orders permanent is £5,000, which will be funded from the 2025/26 Active and Sustainable Capital budget.

Proposed changes to sick pay and leave

The report pack included a briefing paper for trades unions outlining proposed changes to sick pay and leave policies for staff at Juniper Ventures Limited, a local authority trading company (LATCO)¹.

The briefing paper states that Juniper Ventures Limited has been losing business to private contractors because its terms and conditions for staff are more generous. It says that the current sick pay provision of up to six months full pay and six months half pay is far greater than that of our competitors.

The proposals include:

• Sick pay to be statutory sick pay (SSP) only for all staff, but after five years' service, staff would be entitled to up to three months full pay and three months half pay, depending on their previous sickness record.
• Extra-statutory days (Christmas closedown) to be converted to annual leave, to be taken from an individual’s leave entitlement.

The briefing paper claims that these changes would make Juniper Ventures Limited more competitive in the market, and would also address a £490,000 shortfall in the budget. It estimates that the changes to sick pay would save £372,799, and the changes to leave would save £63,176.05.

The briefing paper notes that the topic of sickness absence was discussed at a managers focus group in May 2023 and at a staff assembly in August 2023. This follows a similar decision made last week, where Jason Strelitz, Corporate Director of Adults & Health, approved changes to annual leave and sick pay for Juniper Ventures employees.

Education Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission - Wednesday 23 April 2025

The Education, Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission met to discuss the Special Educational Needs (SEND) strategic improvement plan, the Newham Virtual School annual report, and to review the performance dashboard. The commission noted the SEND strategic improvement plan and the virtual school annual report.

Special Educational Needs (SEND) Strategic Improvement Plan

The commission reviewed an update report on the progress of Newham Council’s SEND services, following the launch of the SEND and Inclusion Strategy in December 2023.

Following a local area SEND inspection in October 2024, the Department for Education (DfE) determined that the council no longer required DfE intervention due to the progress made. As a result, the local area improvement plans have been replaced with the SEND Strategic Improvement Plan.

The inspection team recognised strengths in improved leadership and vision, therapy services, early help and social care integration, participation and influence, and parental engagement. However, improvements were needed in lengthy waits for autism assessments, mental health support, and equipment, variable quality of Education, Health and Care Plans² (EHCPs) and annual reviews, transitions to adulthood, communication and signposting, and Alternative Provision³ (AP) and post-16 pathways.

The SEND Strategic Improvement Plan is structured around five improvement priorities: reduction in wait times for health services, improve the quality of EHCPs and annual reviews, strengthen transition and preparing for adulthood, improve communication and the local offer⁴, and strengthen the education offer for alternative provision and post 16.

Annabel Bates, Director of Education and Inclusion, said that the DfE were happy with the quality of the report and the detail of the key performance indicators, and as a result, they only want to monitor progress twice a year.

Councillor Mariam Dawood asked about strategies to enhance relationships with parents. Bates said that the main strategy was the SEND and Inclusion Strategy launched at the end of 2023, which was co-produced with parents, carers, children and young people. She added that since then, the council has been meeting regularly with the Newham Parent Care Forum. Bates said that improving communication with parents and carers through coffee mornings and strategic involvement had been a big improvement.

Councillor Dawood asked if feedback from parents had played any role in the improvement of waiting times. Bates said that waiting times for plans had improved, but the need had increased, so it was like chasing an increase in need. She added that there had been a longer waiting time for autism assessments because of the increase of needs.

Councillor Dawood said that she was hearing from schools and parents that many children had been refused assessment for medical conditions. Bates said that a refusal for a medical assessment would come from the health service, not the local authority.

Councillor Imam Haque, Deputy Chair of Council 2024/2025, asked if any of the targets had slipped. Bates said that they were on track with all five areas, but there were two risks of potential slipping later in the year: recruitment of educational psychologists, and funding challenges that the NHS is facing.

Councillor Jemima McAlmont asked if there was any support for children who are rejected for an EHCP. Bates said that the majority of children who don't meet the threshold for an EHCP will be called children who require SEND support. She added that this means that the school has a responsibility to track progress more.

Councillor McAlmont asked if SEND support was only available in school, in case a child is not ready to go to school. Bates said that there are a number of services that offer support to children before school age, such as health visitors and early help services.

Councillor Shantu Ferdous asked about the waiting time for the Cindia service⁵. Bates said that Cindia's is an independent organisation, not run by the local authority, and that the council is going to carry out a review because they recognise that there are waiting times.

Councillor Lakmini Shah, Scrutiny Commission Chair, asked what the difference was between the local area improvement plan and the SEND strategic improvement plan. Bates said that it was a building on the old plan, and that there was not a huge amount of difference in terms of what needed to be focused on.

Councillor Shah asked about targeted service delivery and reduced waiting times for therapies. Bates said that speech and language waiting times have improved considerably, as has occupational therapy, but that some of the mental health support from the NHS hasn't improved enough, and some of the autism diagnosis services haven't improved enough.

Councillor Shah asked about early health and social care integration. Bates said that there had been considerable work within social care teams, and multi-agency work between early help and social care teams, and the early years team.

Councillor Shah asked about young people having limited access to post-16 employment training opportunities. Bates said that the council has robust processes for children young people with education health and care plans, and that Newham College have expanded their specialist offer for young people post 16. She added that there are gaps in the system for young people from the age of 16 who don't have an education health and care plan, but they do have sense support.

Councillor Shah asked if young people with SEND who do not speak English will receive translation services. Bates said that the council does not have an in-house translation service, but that they are blessed with many colleagues within the inclusion service who do speak a number of languages.

Councillor Shah asked about low levels of mental health not accessing the service in a timely way. Bates said that the integrated front door, which is a pilot in East Ham and Plaistow, and the new map of multi-agency collaboration voluntary sector agencies, are helping with this.

Councillor Shah asked about producing a preparation for adulthood (PfA) toolkit. Bates said that the toolkit is being designed to support young people to have some ownership over decision making, not just in terms of education access but also access to support from social care and access to support from health.

Councillor Shah asked if young people were 18, had SEND needs, but their parents were subjected to no recourse to public funds, would they still be supported. Bates said that the education health and care plan will be fully funded regardless of their family's status.

Councillor Shah asked about children and young people with SEND having access to information about short breaks. Councillor Sarah Ruiz, Cabinet Lead for Children and Young People's Services, said that short breaks are on the local offer website.

Councillor Shah asked if there were many young people with SEND needs in homeschooling, and if so how does that process work. Bates said that the council has a children missing in education strategic boards that meets regularly, and that they have two elective home education teachers who visit the families.

Newham Virtual School Annual Report

The commission reviewed Newham Council’s statutory annual report to inform key stakeholders about the work of the Virtual School over the course of the academic year.

The report provides a summary of work undertaken to support Looked-After and previously Looked-After Children, and the achievements of children whose education is overseen by the Virtual School.

The report is produced following confirmation of data which has been verified by the Department of Education (DfE). The report is then reviewed by CYPS DMT before the final report goes to Newham Corporate Parenting Board. The approved report is then submitted to the DfE.

Future priorities for the Virtual School include: analysis of how Virtual School children are doing when compared to their Newham peers, a focus on the groups of children who are disadvantaged within the education system, and targeted support for phases of education where attainment and outcomes are lower.

Councillor McAlmont asked if there were any good practices that could be employed in mainstream schools. Bates said that the virtual school has achieved some extremely good outcomes for young people, and that team members go out into schools almost like an outreach model, and they work with teachers to better understand the experiences of care experience children and young people.

Councillor Ferdous asked if there were enough social workers to support the children. Mafcon, acting director of early health and safeguarding, said that caseloads per social workers are quite average compared to the London boroughs.

Councillor Shah said that the responsibilities of the virtual school team seem to grow quite regularly. Bates said that the impact of virtual schools has been very positive, and that local authorities having to have a virtual school has highlighted the importance of good education for children and care all sorts of care.

Councillor Shah asked about the divert ed team. Bates said that the divert ed team is a team within the virtual school that do a lot of outreach work with young people with a social worker who aren't in care in the same way.

Councillor Shah asked about the schools mentioned on page 65. Bates said that it is a competitive event every year, and that the virtual school team look through schools that they nominated to receive a role of honor.

Councillor Shah asked about young people in care who are in needs category. Bates said that they are care leavers rather than in care.

Performance Dashboard

The commission monitored and reviewed data across Newham Council’s Children and Young People’s Services.

Councillor Hudson asked about the percentage of infants who turned 30 days a quarter who received a face-to-face new birth visit within 14 days from birth by a health visitor. Bates said that families don't have to have a new birth visit or a health visitor visit, and that some parents choose to give birth at home and they have midwifery there with them and then they decide they're not going to have a new birth visit within two weeks.

Councillor Ferdous asked about the percentage of EHCPs issued within 20 weeks from initial request. Bates said that the council was progressing, but there is always room to improve.

Councillor Ferdous asked how the council was managing the national shortage of speech and language therapists and occupational therapists. Bates said that the speech and language and occupational therapists have both improved their outcomes by restructuring the service so that the therapists are spending less time on paperwork and more time on assessment.

Councillor Hudson asked if the local authority has a say in permanent exclusions, or is it just the governing body. Bates said that when there's a permanent exclusion, it's the decision of the school, and that the local authority has to be informed. She added that the council has an inclusion team that then notify various people, and that she looks at every time there's a permanent exclusion or proposed permanent exclusion.

Councillor Haque asked if it was harder for local authority to involve the school who are academicians over academy. Bates said that with a parent exclusion, the council has a statutory responsibility, so they can intervene with any permit exclusion regardless of the type of school.

Councillor Hudson asked about persistent absence in primary schools. Bates said that it shot up after covid, but that the council has put in place a targeted attendance team to support schools with children who are persistently absent, and so they are now back to pre-pandemic levels with their attendance.

Councillor Hudson asked if there were any students who were persistently bad. Bates said that some schools manage attendance better than others, and that there are four primary schools and two secondaries where the council is still intervening more around persistent absence.

Councillor Ferdous asked about the number of knife crime injury. She said that she was hearing everywhere the shortage of the police, and asked if the council was requesting more police. Bates said that that line of communication would go from the crime and anti-social behavior the department, not the CND department.

This week in Newham:

• On Tuesday, an Officer Key Decision saw changes approved to annual leave and sick pay for Juniper Ventures staff, a council-owned company.
• Also on Tuesday, the Crime, Environment and Transport Scrutiny Commission discussed parking policy changes, sustainable transport strategy, and major highways projects.
• Another Officer Key Decision saw a contract awarded for enabling works at James Riley Point on the Carpenters Estate.
• On Thursday, an Officer Key Decision saw the council accept funding for a North East London HIV prevention pilot.

Officer Key Decision - Juniper Ventures - Tuesday 15 April 2025

Jason Strelitz, Corporate Director of Adults & Health, approved changes to annual leave and sick pay for Juniper Ventures employees, the council's school education cleaning and catering company. The decision followed consultation with Councillor Neil Wilson, Cabinet Member for Health & Adult Social, and Councillor Sarah Ruiz, Statutory Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Environment, Sustainable Transport, Children Services and Education.

Juniper Ventures was formed seven years ago from the externalisation of Newham Catering and Cleaning Services (NCCS). The company specialises in education catering (school meals) and education and public building cleaning services, primarily within the borough.

The changes are intended to help Juniper Ventures remain competitive and retain business with schools, which are facing increasing financial pressures. The report argues that the survival of Juniper Ventures is crucial for delivering key council priorities, including children’s health, climate action, and community wealth building. It also states that the company is not permitted to make money on school meals in Newham, with all revenue invested in delivery, and that all meals meet not just the school meals standard but are Soil Association bronze certified.

The report notes that 83% of the Juniper workforce are local residents, that the company recognises Unions, and that it is an industry leader on low per plate carbon food and sustainability.

The alternative option of not permitting the company to present proposals to the workforce or take forward any agreement with staff and unions was considered and rejected. The report argues that without the proposed changes, the company would continue to lose market share and become unviable. It also suggests that if Juniper were to be replaced by private contractors, staff terms, conditions and pensions would likely be eroded to the statutory minimum, and trade union recognition would be lost.

The council has a £4.050m equity investment and a £0.700m working capital loan within Juniper. The proposed changes to terms and conditions are considered essential to ensure Juniper can remain financially viable and minimise any financial risk to the council.

The council can rely on its general power of competence under section 1 of the Localism Act 2011 and the Companies Act 2006 to make the changes to the company arrangements.

Crime, Environment and Transport Scrutiny Commission - Tuesday 15 April 2025

The Crime, Environment and Transport Scrutiny Commission discussed parking policy, sustainable transport, and major highways projects.

The meeting included a review of updates to the borough's parking policy, following a cabinet paper in December. Councillor Sabia Kamali had previously raised issues with the policy, and Councillor Terence Paul, Scrutiny Commission Chair, thanked her and other councillors for their engagement in the process.

Michael Ben, Assistant Director for Traffic and Parking, explained that the proposals aimed to improve local air quality and tackle climate change. Key areas of focus included diesel surcharges and incentives for electric and low-polluting vehicles.

Councillor Nate Higgins, Green Group Leader, suggested introducing a size and weight-based parking surcharge, similar to those in Cardiff, Paris and Bristol. Councillor John Morris, Deputy Cabinet Member for Highways and Sustainable Transport, expressed concern about incentivising petrol vehicles over electric vehicles, but agreed to consider the proposal.

The commission then discussed the implementation of the sustainable transport strategy and active travel. Councillor Morris noted that success in the roidox corridor and world scheme had unlocked other sources of funding.

Councillor Ferdous asked what obstacles were hindering the expansion of healthy school streets. Councillor Morris responded that the main obstacle was the design of the roads, and that some schools could not have healthy school streets because their main gates were on main roads.

Finally, the commission reviewed its work programme for the year. It was agreed to add the Fixed Estate Charge to the work programme, and to request a note from planning officers summarising any significant amendments to the Local Plan.

Officer Key Decision - James Riley Point Enabling Works - Tuesday 15 April 2025

The Corporate Director of Inclusive Economy and Housing approved a £2,142,554 contract to General Demolition Ltd for enabling works at James Riley Point on the Carpenters Estate. This decision follows previous cabinet approvals and a structured tender process. The works are necessary to prepare the building for future construction as part of Phase 1 of the Carpenters masterplan.

The Carpenters Estate is located in the Stratford ward.

The decision was delegated to the Corporate Director of Inclusive Economy and Housing following a Cabinet meeting in July 2021.

A subsequent Cabinet meeting on 9 March 2021 agreed to Populo Living entering into a contract for a package of enabling works to James Riley Point Tower on the Carpenters Estate up to the value of £4.0m, on behalf of the Council and in advance of the procurement of the main development works, subject to planning consent for Phase 1a and a positive Resident Ballot result and vacant possession of James Riley Point Tower.

Another Cabinet meeting on 5 February 2025, agreed to a revised scope and commencement of the James Riley Point Enabling Works, without full vacant possession and with an exclusion zone around the remaining leaseholder’s flat.

The report explains that vacant possession of James Riley Point has not been achieved, but the use of an exclusion zone has been approved, allowing works to commence while providing safe access to the remaining leaseholder. Once vacant possession is achieved, the contract will be entered into with the contractor to carry out the residual works.

The delivery of homes will supply 132 new affordable rent homes and replace 4 leaseholder properties, kickstarting the development phases of the Carpenter’s Estate masterplan. The successful bidders will be required to pay the London Living Wage and demonstrate social investment in line with Towards a Better Newham and the Council’s Recovery and Reorientation Plan.

Alternative options considered and rejected included fully demolishing and rebuilding the tower block, which was opposed by residents, unlikely to deliver as many homes, and not a low carbon solution. Delaying the enabling works to be carried out by the main contractor was also considered but rejected due to potential programme delays and the need for early-stage existing condition survey information.

Officer Key Decision - Elton John AIDS Foundation Grant - Thursday 17 April 2025

Jason Strelitz, Corporate Director for Adults, Health and Communities, approved the acceptance of £572,000 in grant funding from the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) on behalf of all North East London (NEL) Local Authorities. The funding will be used for the Expanding PrEP Access through Novel Delivery in North East London (ExPAND – NEL) pilot project, which aims to increase awareness and uptake of PrEP, particularly among under-represented groups at risk of acquiring HIV. Newham Shared Service will act as the lead authority, responsible for procuring services, managing the pilot, and coordinating efforts across NEL.

According to the report, North East London has a diverse population of 2 million people, including a high proportion of groups at risk for HIV. Although HIV incidence declined by about 60% between 2018 and 2021, it remains one of the highest in London and England. The rate of new diagnoses in North East London is 8.1 per 100,000, compared to the national average of 4.8 per 100,000. The number of new diagnoses increased sharply in the latest full year of data, rising from 164 in 2021 to 260 in 2022, and national data show a further substantial increase in 2023.

HIV incidence is higher among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), particularly young GBMSM (aged under 35), Black ethnic groups, those born abroad, and at-risk groups such as sex workers. High HIV prevalence in NEL is linked to the large and growing LGBTQ+ population, high migration levels, large Black African and Caribbean communities, groups engaging in high-risk sexual behaviours, and injecting drug use.

The ExPAND-NEL pilot programme aligns with Newham’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy, 50 steps to a Healthier Newham (2024-27), which focuses on the drivers and determinants of health. The Council promises to increase PrEP uptake and HIV screening among priority groups (Step 14, p.40). The programme also aligns with strategic priorities within the ‘Fairer Newham’ Corporate Plan (2022-26), including:

• Priority 1: A healthier Newham and ageing well
• Priority 6: Supporting our young people