This week in Newham:

Council Set to Finalise Budget and Council Tax Amidst Financial Scrutiny

Newham Council is poised to make critical decisions on its financial future this week, with the Council meeting on Thursday 26 February to approve the final budget for the upcoming financial year. This includes setting the Council Tax rate and outlining a five-year financial strategy. The Budget Scrutiny Commission's report, presented to the Council, has highlighted significant concerns about the budget process itself, including insufficient time and incomplete documentation provided to the commission.

• Why it matters: The budget directly impacts every resident, determining the level of funding for essential services like schools, social care, waste collection, and street maintenance. A proposed 4.99% increase in Council Tax (comprising a 2.99% general increase and a 2.00% rise for Adult Social Care) will place an additional financial burden on households, particularly those already struggling with the cost of living.
• Concerns Over Savings and Transparency: The Budget Scrutiny Commission's report raised alarms about the lack of detail behind proposed savings, particularly concerning the Library Service. They noted the absence of a full options appraisal and pending strategy reviews, raising questions about the impact on vulnerable groups and communication with residents. Similarly, the report questioned the validity of consultation feedback for the Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS) and highlighted weaknesses in the council's approach to council tax debt.
• Housing Pressures: The report identified Temporary Accommodation (TA) pressures as the single greatest financial and operational risk facing the authority. Despite efforts, the underlying drivers of TA demand remain poorly understood, and concerns exist about the modelling behind projected household increases.
• Environmental Services Under Scrutiny: Proposals for fortnightly residual waste collections are also facing scrutiny, with concerns about a lack of necessary impact assessments and potential operational issues.
• Interim Leadership Appointments: The Council will also address the appointment of an Interim S151 Officer and Corporate Director of Resources, following the departure of the previous postholder. This is a crucial role responsible for the council's financial management.
• Political Balance: The meeting will also consider a report on Political Proportionality and the Allocation of Seats on Committees, ensuring that the representation of different political groups on council committees reflects the overall political balance of the Council.

The Council is legally required to approve a balanced Revenue Budget and set the Council Tax by 11 March 2026. The decisions made this week will shape the services and financial landscape of Newham for the coming year.

Read more about the Council meeting

Holiday Activities and Food Programme Contracts to be Awarded

An Officer Key Decision meeting on Thursday 26 February will consider the award of contracts for the 2026 Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF). This programme provides vital support to children and young people eligible for benefits-related free school meals during school holidays.

• Why it matters: The HAF programme is crucial for tackling holiday hunger and ensuring that children from low-income families have access to nutritious meals and engaging activities during school breaks. This directly impacts their well-being, development, and educational attainment.
• Significant Funding: Newham is set to receive a maximum grant of £2,176,450 from the Department for Education (DfE) for the 2026 HAF provision. The funding allocated for external delivery organisations is substantial, covering Easter, Summer, and Christmas holidays.
• Targeted Support: The procurement process has been structured to ensure provision for primary school aged children, secondary school aged children, and targeted support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This ensures that a diverse range of needs are met.
• Impact on Vulnerable Children: The programme aims to deliver 61,796 places for children and young people through 37 lead delivery organisations. This significant reach underscores the programme's importance in supporting vulnerable families and ensuring children do not go hungry during holidays.
• Exempt Information: It is noted that appendices containing specific contract award details and tender reports are exempt from public inspection due to containing commercially sensitive information.

This decision will ensure that Newham's children and young people continue to benefit from this essential support programme.

Read more about the Officer Key Decision meeting

Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Commission to Examine Learning Disabilities Services

The Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Commission met on Tuesday 24 February to delve into the provision of learning disabilities services in Newham and to consider partner submissions for the Close to Home review, focusing on prevention and early intervention.

• Why it matters: Ensuring adequate and appropriate support for residents with learning disabilities is a fundamental aspect of social care. This discussion is vital for identifying gaps in service provision, addressing health inequalities, and promoting inclusivity for a vulnerable group. The Close to Home review's focus on prevention and early intervention is critical for reducing hospital admissions and promoting resident independence.
• Key Issues for Learning Disabilities Services: The Commission was set to review a report detailing the profile of residents with learning disabilities, highlighting potential disproportionality in ethnicity profiles, which could indicate issues with identification and access to support for certain communities. The report was also expected to outline the local support offer, identify challenges in sourcing appropriate accommodation, and discuss the impact of Continuing Health Care (CHC) reassessments.
• Focus on Prevention and Early Intervention: The Close to Home review's Part 3 was to examine how system partners identify rising need and support residents at risk of deterioration. This includes the use of data to identify those most likely to require support and how short-term interventions are used to prevent escalation of need.
• Addressing Stigma and Inclusivity: The discussion was also intended to cover approaches to address stigma and promote inclusivity for individuals with learning disabilities.

The outcomes of this scrutiny are crucial for ensuring that Newham's learning disabilities services are effective, equitable, and responsive to the needs of its residents.

Read more about the Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Commission meeting

Other Matters

• The Audit and Governance Committee met on Wednesday 25 February to review revised terms of reference for the committee, the Annual Governance Statement for 2024/2025, and the final statement of accounts for 2024/2025 along with the external audit report. The committee was informed that due to national capacity issues, the Council's statement of accounts for 2022/23 and 2023/24 received a disclaimed audit opinion, and the 2024/25 accounts are also expected to receive a disclaimed audit opinion. The earliest an unqualified opinion is expected is 2027/28. Read more about the Audit and Governance Committee meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• The Newham Schools Forum is scheduled for Monday 02 March 2026. Link to meeting
• The Local Development Committee is scheduled for Monday 09 March 2026. Link to meeting
• An Officer Key Decision is scheduled for Monday 09 March 2026. Link to meeting
• The Education Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission is scheduled for Tuesday 10 March 2026. Link to meeting
• The Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee is scheduled for Tuesday 10 March 2026. Link to meeting
• The Strategic Development Committee is scheduled for Tuesday 10 March 2026. Link to meeting
• The Standards Committee is scheduled for Wednesday 11 March 2026. Link to meeting
• The Audit and Governance Committee is scheduled for Wednesday 11 March 2026. Link to meeting

This week in Newham:

Council Approves 4.99% Council Tax Hike Amidst Budget Balancing Act

Newham Council's Cabinet met on Tuesday 17 February and approved the final budget proposals for the 2026/27 financial year, which includes a 4.99% increase in Council Tax. This rise comprises a 2.99% general increase and a 2.00% rise specifically for Adult Social Care.

• Why it matters: For many households, particularly those already struggling with the cost of living, any increase in Council Tax can be a significant burden. This decision directly impacts the amount residents will pay towards local services, and it comes at a time when many are facing financial pressures.
• Balancing the Books: The council stated that this increase is necessary to balance a budget facing significant pressures. These include rising demand for services, demographic changes, and inflationary costs, totalling £59.860 million. To offset this, the council plans to implement savings of £55.747 million and generate additional income.
• Protecting Vulnerable Residents: While the tax increase is a concern, the council has also committed to protecting essential services. The budget aims to balance these pressures without requiring Exceptional Financial Support, meaning the council is not selling assets to fund day-to-day operations. This approach is intended to ensure long-term financial stability, which is crucial for maintaining support for vulnerable groups, including those requiring adult social care.
• Scrutiny and Savings: The Overview and Scrutiny Committee also met on Tuesday 17 February to review these final budget proposals. The committee's role is to challenge and scrutinise the council's plans, ensuring that decisions are well-considered and that savings are achievable without compromising service quality. The budget report details proposed savings across various areas, including libraries, temporary accommodation, and waste collection. For instance, the proposal to pause fortnightly residual waste collections until full impact assessments are completed highlights the council's attempt to balance cost-saving with resident concerns about waste management.
• Housing Investment: The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget also saw a proposed rent increase of 4.8% to support a £344.5 million investment in the Housing Transformation Programme over five years. This investment aims to improve council housing stock and resident services.

The final budget will be presented to the full Council for approval.

New Director Roles to Strengthen Council Leadership

The Chief Officer Appointment Committee met on Wednesday 18 February to discuss the establishment of new sub-committees tasked with appointing senior leaders across critical council departments. This move signals a strategic effort to bolster the council's leadership capacity in key areas.

• Why it matters: The appointment of experienced and effective directors is vital for the smooth running of council services. These roles oversee significant budgets and are responsible for implementing policies that directly affect residents' lives.
• Key Appointments: The committee discussed the establishment of sub-committees for four director-level positions:
  • Director of Digital, Data and Technology: To lead the council's digital transformation and resident experience.
  • Director of Communications, Policy and Strategy: To oversee organisational strategy and policy development.
  • Director of Transformation: To drive significant change and efficiency improvements.
  • Director of Community Safety & Integrated Enforcement: To manage public safety, licensing, and regulatory services.
• Strengthening Adult Social Care: A separate sub-committee will be formed to appoint a Director of Adult Social Care. This is particularly significant given the recent 'Requires Improvement' rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for these services. The appointment of a dedicated director is intended to strengthen leadership and drive improvements in this critical area, which directly impacts the well-being of some of the borough's most vulnerable residents.
• Public Health Leadership: The committee also planned to establish an Appointments Advisory Committee (AAC) for the Director of Public Health, a statutory role crucial for advising on all health matters.
• Commitment to Diversity: The report pack emphasised the council's commitment to fair and equitable recruitment processes, aiming to establish diverse pools of candidates and comply with the Equality Act 2010.

These appointments are part of a broader effort to ensure Newham Council has the leadership in place to effectively deliver services and address the complex challenges facing the borough.

Extending Support for Vulnerable Children and Care Leavers

An Officer Key Decision meeting on Friday 20 February considered the extension of a vital system used to procure homes and support services for looked-after children and care leavers.

• Why it matters: Ensuring stable and appropriate accommodation for children in care and those transitioning to adulthood is a fundamental responsibility of the council. This system directly impacts the safety, well-being, and future prospects of these young people.
• The Pseudo Dynamic Purchasing System (PDPS): The meeting focused on extending the Pseudo Dynamic Purchasing System (PDPS), which has been in place since March 2022. This system is used to secure care and support services and accommodation for children in care and care leavers, fulfilling the council's statutory duty under The Children Act 1989¹.
• Ensuring Continuity: The PDPS is due to expire soon, and its extension is crucial to avoid disruption. The proposed extension will last until February 2029, aligning with the official end date for all Dynamic Purchasing Systems (DPSs)².
• Supporting Local Suppliers: The PDPS has been instrumental in supporting Newham's community wealth building agenda by encouraging local and small to medium-sized suppliers to register. This has led to a diverse market of approved providers, ensuring competitive rates and a range of options for children's homes, fostering agencies, and supported accommodation.
• Impact on Children: In 2025, a significant proportion of children in external care were placed with PDPS suppliers, demonstrating the system's importance in providing essential services. The extension ensures this continuity for vulnerable young people.
• Alignment with Council Goals: The decision to extend the PDPS aligns with the council's Corporate Plan, supporting priorities for housing and young people, as well as the Newham Children in Care Sufficiency Strategy.

This decision ensures that the council can continue to provide essential housing and support services for its most vulnerable young residents.

Other Matters

• The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday 17 February to review the Council's final budget proposals for the 2026/27 financial year. They also considered the committee's work programme and received updates from Scrutiny Commission Chairs. The committee was scheduled to discuss the budget proposals, which include a 4.99% Council Tax increase, and review the work programme for the year ahead.
• The Chief Officer Appointment Committee met on Wednesday 18 February to discuss the establishment of sub-committees for the appointment of key senior roles within the council, including directors for Digital, Communications, Transformation, and Community Safety, as well as for Adult Social Care and Public Health.
• An Officer Key Decision meeting on Friday 20 February considered the extension of a system used to procure homes and support services for looked-after children and care leavers.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Audit and Governance Committee is scheduled for Wednesday 25 February 2026 to review reports on delivering best value, the annual governance statement, and financial accounts. Link to meeting
• The Council is scheduled for Thursday 26 February 2026 to discuss the Members' Allowances Scheme, political proportionality, and the appointment of an interim S151 Officer. Link to meeting
• An Officer Key Decision meeting is scheduled for Thursday 26 February 2026 to consider contract awards for the 2026 Holiday Activities and Food Programme. Link to meeting
• The Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Commission is scheduled for Tuesday 24 February 2026 to discuss learning disabilities services and the Close to Home review. Link to meeting
• The Newham Schools Forum is scheduled for Monday 02 March 2026. Link to meeting

This week in Newham:

Urgent Action Needed: Council to Decide on Converting Vacant Property into Supported Housing for Homeless Young Adults

A crucial decision regarding the future of 46 Clova Road, London, E7 9AH¹ is on the horizon. An Officer Key Decision meeting on Friday 13 February will consider awarding a contract to refurbish this vacant property into eight residential units for young single adults experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, including care leavers.

• Why it matters: This project directly addresses a critical need in Newham for safe, supported accommodation for young people facing homelessness. Without such provisions, these vulnerable individuals are at increased risk of exploitation, poor health outcomes, and long-term instability. The refurbishment aims to provide a stable foundation for them to rebuild their lives.
• The Project: The property, built in 1929 and vacant since April 2022, will be transformed into self-contained units with 24-hour support. This initiative aligns with the Council's Corporate Plan priorities, including Homes for our Residents and Supporting our Young People, as well as the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy and the Children in Care Sufficiency Strategy.
• Funding and Contract: The project is set to receive a £1.4 million grant from the Greater London Authority (GLA). The recommended contractor for the £1,222,491.89 refurbishment is Re-Gen (UK) Construction Limited. Works are expected to commence in early 2026 and conclude by early 2027.
• Addressing a Gap: Newham currently faces a significant shortage of supported housing for young single adults. This project directly tackles this deficit, offering a much-needed solution for a group often overlooked.
• Broader Impact: The report highlights that the Council has a significant number of households in temporary accommodation, underscoring the wider housing crisis. This refurbishment is a targeted intervention to alleviate some of that pressure for a specific vulnerable demographic.

The decision to approve the contract award will mean a tangible difference for young people in Newham, offering them a safe haven and the support they need to move forward.

Read more about the refurbishment of 46 Clova Road

Planning Green Light for Apart-Hotel and Immersive Entertainment Venue in Stratford

The Strategic Development Committee met on Tuesday 10 February to consider two significant planning applications that could reshape parts of Stratford. Both proposals received recommendations for APPROVAL.

Apart-Hotel Development Near Meridian Square

A proposal for a 21-storey building near Land Adjacent Meridian Square, Great Eastern Road, Stratford, London was discussed. This development is planned to house an apart-hotel (Class C1), complete with communal amenity spaces, a gym, and public realm improvements.

• Why it matters: The development of apart-hotels can contribute to the local economy by providing accommodation for visitors and creating jobs. The inclusion of public realm and landscaping also aims to enhance the urban environment for residents.
• Context: The site falls within the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) administrative area, with the LLDC Local Plan (2020) remaining the relevant development plan.

Change of Use for Westfield Stratford City Venue

The committee also considered a change of use application for Unit 2 at 7 Chestnut Plaza, Westfield Stratford City, Montfichet Road, Stratford London. This application seeks to transform the space from retail (Class E) into a theatrical and immersive entertainment and hospitality venue, including restaurant and bar areas.

• Why it matters: Such venues can bring new cultural and entertainment options to the borough, potentially boosting local businesses and creating employment opportunities. It also signifies a diversification of offerings within a major retail hub.

Read more about the Strategic Development Committee meeting

Licensing Sub-Committee Reviews Roman Express Premises Licence

On Wednesday 11 February, the Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee convened to review the premises licence for Roman Express, located at 347 Barking Road, East Ham, E6 1LA. The review was initiated by the Metropolitan Police Licensing Team due to concerns regarding all four licensing objectives: prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance, and protection of children from harm.

• Why it matters: This review is critical for ensuring that licensed premises operate responsibly and do not negatively impact the local community. The outcome could significantly affect the safety and well-being of residents in the vicinity.
• Police Concerns: The Metropolitan Police's application for review stems from an incident on 18 October 2025, involving a fight at the premises where a weapon was reportedly used. The police stated that the licensee/DPS was present and allegedly kicked a person on the floor. The police believe the venue has seriously undermined the licensing objectives and have requested the revocation of the premises licence.
• Potential Outcomes: The Sub-Committee heard representations from the licence holder, Ali Sukran Karakoyun, and other responsible authorities. The committee will decide whether to revoke the licence, suspend it, or impose additional conditions to ensure compliance with licensing objectives.

Read more about the Licensing Sub-Committee's review of Roman Express

Other Matters

• The Budget Scrutiny Commission 2025 met on Monday 09 February to consider draft recommendations for the London Borough of Newham's Draft Budget Proposals for 2026/2027. The commission reviewed various aspects of the budget, including financial resilience, council tax, libraries, temporary accommodation, and IT services. Their recommendations will inform future council decisions on spending and savings. Read more about the Budget Scrutiny Commission meeting
• The Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee also met on Monday 09 February to consider a new premises licence application for Hush Festival at Central Park. The application faced objections related to public nuisance and safety, particularly as the premises falls within a Cumulative Impact Zone. Read more about the Hush Festival application
• The Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee met on Tuesday 10 February to consider a new premises licence application for Greengate Kebabish. The application for late-night refreshment faced objections from residents and businesses concerned about crime, disorder, and public nuisance. Read more about the Greengate Kebabish application
• The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday 12 February to review the findings and recommendations of the Budget Scrutiny Commission regarding the council's draft budget proposals for 2026/27. They also reviewed their work programme for the upcoming year. Read more about the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting

Upcoming Meetings

• The Cabinet is scheduled for Tuesday 17 February 2026 to discuss the merger of Odessa Infant and St. James' CofE Junior Schools, the final budget proposals for 2026/27, and the management of tennis facilities. Link to meeting
• The Overview and Scrutiny Committee is scheduled for Tuesday 17 February 2026 to review the council's final budget proposals for 2026/27 and its work programme. Link to meeting
• The Chief Officer Appointment Committee is scheduled for Wednesday 18 February 2026 to discuss the establishment of sub-committees for chief officer appointments. Link to meeting
• An Officer Key Decision is scheduled for Friday 20 February 2026 to consider extending a system for procuring homes and support services for looked-after children and care leavers. Link to meeting
• The Audit and Governance Committee is scheduled for Wednesday 25 February 2026. Link to meeting
• The Council is scheduled for Thursday 26 February 2026. Link to meeting

This week in Newham:

Council Cabinet Meets Amidst Ongoing Financial Scrutiny and Service Planning

Newham Council's Cabinet met on Thursday to discuss a range of critical issues, including the council's financial position and plans for future service delivery. While the meeting was held, no detailed transcript was provided, leaving many of the specific decisions and discussions open to interpretation.

• Why it matters: The Cabinet is the executive arm of the council, responsible for making key decisions that directly impact residents' lives. Understanding their discussions is crucial for grasping how services are funded, planned, and delivered across the borough.
• Financial Oversight: The Pensions Committee also met this week, indicating a continued focus on the council's financial health and long-term liabilities. While the specific outcomes of the Pensions Committee meeting are not detailed here, such committees play a vital role in ensuring the responsible management of pension funds, which ultimately affects the council's overall financial stability.
• Service Planning: The Cabinet's agenda likely included discussions on how to maintain and improve essential services for Newham residents, particularly in light of ongoing economic pressures. Decisions made at this level can have far-reaching consequences, especially for vulnerable groups who rely most heavily on council support.

Licensing Sub-Committee Considers Review of Roman Express

The Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 11 February to consider a review of the premises licence for Roman Express, located at 347 Barking Road, East Ham, E6 1LA. The review was initiated by the Metropolitan Police Licensing Team due to concerns about all four licensing objectives.

• Why it matters: Licence reviews are critical for ensuring that businesses selling alcohol operate responsibly and do not contribute to crime, public nuisance, or harm to children. For residents living near such premises, the outcome of these reviews can directly impact their safety and quality of life.
• Concerns Raised: The Metropolitan Police's application for review stems from an incident on 18 October 2025, where a fight occurred at the premises involving the use of a weapon. CCTV footage reportedly shows a short baseball bat, originating from inside the shop, being used. The police believe the venue has seriously undermined the licensing objectives and are seeking the revocation of the premises licence.
• Potential Outcomes: The Sub-Committee will hear representations from the licence holder, Ali Sukran Karakoyun, and other relevant parties. They will then decide whether to revoke the licence, modify it with stricter conditions, or take no action.

New Premises Licence Application for Greengate Kebabish to be Considered

The Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee is also scheduled to meet on Tuesday 10 February to consider a new premises licence application for Greengate Kebabish, located at 545 Barking Road, E13 9EZ. The applicant, Zaheer Nayyer, is seeking permission for late-night refreshment.

• Why it matters: This application highlights the council's role in balancing the needs of local businesses with the concerns of residents regarding potential impacts on crime, disorder, and public nuisance.
• Resident and Business Objections: Four residents and two businesses have submitted objections to the application, citing concerns about crime and disorder, and public nuisance.
• Applicant's Response: Zaheer Nayyer, the applicant, has responded to these objections, emphasizing that Greengate Kebabish is a family-run business with no history of complaints. He has expressed willingness to accept conditions such as additional CCTV and noise prevention measures.

Other Matters

• The SACRE (Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education) met on Wednesday. No detailed transcript was provided. SACRE plays a vital role in advising the local authority on religious education and collective worship in schools.
• The Standards Committee met on Wednesday to discuss a proposed new Member Induction and Development Programme for 2026/27. This programme aims to enhance governance and participation among elected members, addressing feedback from previous induction sessions and drawing on best practices from other boroughs. The report detailed plans for training, personal development, and monitoring attendance, with a focus on ensuring all elected members can fulfil their roles effectively.
• The Crime, Environment and Transport Scrutiny Commission met on Wednesday to discuss several key issues. These included an update on Thames Water's investment programme and its impact on street works, an assessment of Newham's road safety and kerbside infrastructure in line with Vision Zero objectives, and a review of capital investment in highways maintenance and sustainable transport through the Keeping Newham Moving Fund. The commission also reviewed its work programme for the upcoming year.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Budget Scrutiny Commission 2025 is scheduled for Monday 09 February 2026. Link to meeting
• The Strategic Development Committee is scheduled for Tuesday 10 February 2026. Link to meeting
• The Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee is scheduled for Tuesday 10 February 2026. Link to meeting
• The Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee is scheduled for Wednesday 11 February 2026. Link to meeting
• The Overview and Scrutiny Committee is scheduled for Thursday 12 February 2026. Link to meeting
• An Officer Key Decision is scheduled for Friday 13 February 2026. Link to meeting
• The Cabinet is scheduled for Tuesday 17 February 2026. Link to meeting
• The Overview and Scrutiny Committee is scheduled for Tuesday 17 February 2026. Link to meeting
• The Chief Officer Appointment Committee is scheduled for Wednesday 18 February 2026. Link to meeting