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Weekly updates
Newham's Housing Crisis, Romford Road Changes, and Key Job Search
This week in Newham:
Top Environment Job Still Elusive as Council Re-interviews Candidates
Newham Council is continuing its search for a Corporate Director of Environment and Sustainable Transport. The Chief Officer Appointments Sub-Committee met on July 17th to interview candidates for the role, but no video was provided.
- Why it matters: This position is crucial for leading the council's environmental services and promoting sustainable transport policies, key priorities for Newham residents.
- Extensive search: The council engaged an executive search firm and conducted multiple rounds of interviews, indicating a thorough recruitment process.
- High standards: The council will be hoping to find a candidate who meets their specific requirements for this critical role.
The council will need to continue the recruitment process to fill this important position.
Council Tackles Temporary Accommodation Crisis Amidst Best Value Concerns
Newham Council is grappling with a significant temporary accommodation crisis, as highlighted in a report discussed at a recent Council meeting. The report revealed a 170% increase in households in temporary accommodation since 2013, with over 7,300 households currently affected.
- Why it matters: The crisis disproportionately affects vulnerable residents, including those facing eviction, families with children, and individuals reliant on social housing.
- Key factors: High eviction rates, a lack of social-rented accommodation, and the unaffordability of private rented sector properties are contributing to the crisis.
- Council response: The council is developing a 10-year plan, lobbying the government for increased financial support, and exploring property acquisition and leaseback schemes.
- Best Value Notice: The council is also responding to a Best Value Notice issued due to concerns about governance, culture, and delivery of services, particularly in social housing.
- Cross-Party Working Group: A Cross-Party Working Group has been established to address cultural and relationship issues within the council, aiming to improve governance and promote a positive working environment.
The council's efforts to address the temporary accommodation crisis and improve its overall performance are crucial for ensuring the well-being of its residents and maintaining public trust.
Romford Road Improvements Move Forward Despite Mixed Public Response
The Romford Road Public Realm Improvement Scheme is progressing, with the Corporate Director of Environment & Sustainable Transport approving the advertising of necessary Traffic Management Orders (TMOs) for Junction 3. The Officer Key Decision aims to improve road safety, accessibility, and the local environment.
- Why it matters: The scheme aims to create a more pedestrian-friendly and cyclist-friendly environment, potentially benefiting local businesses and residents.
- Funding: The project is funded by a Levelling Up Fund grant and Transport for London (TfL) Local Implementation Plan (LIP) funding.
- Proposed measures: The changes include relocating access restrictions, improving pavements, adding trees and planting, introducing safer waiting restrictions, upgrading traffic signals, and creating separated cycle tracks.
- Public engagement: While a community engagement exercise showed that 68% of respondents felt the proposed changes were 'important', 19% responded 'not important at all'.
- Richmond Road closure: Residents and businesses near the junction with Romford Road were engaged regarding proposed changes to the existing road closure on Richmond Road, with no concerns raised.
The implementation of the Romford Road Public Realm Improvement Scheme could significantly impact traffic flow and accessibility in the area, with potential benefits for pedestrians, cyclists, and the overall environment.
Other Matters
- The Strategic Development Committee was scheduled to discuss the redevelopment of the Carpenters Estate, data centre reserved matters, and modifications to previously approved plans for Glory House. No video was provided. Link to meeting
- The Local Development Committee was scheduled to consider a planning application for a change of use to temporary accommodation at 63 Rowntree Clifford Close. No video was provided. Link to meeting
- The Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee was scheduled to convene to discuss a review of a premises licence for Chai Kadai. No video was provided. Link to meeting
- The Audit Committee was scheduled to discuss governance, risk management, and audit reports. No video was provided. Link to meeting
- The Chief Officer Appointments Sub-Committee met to interview candidates for the position of Corporate Director of Adults and Health. No video was provided. Link to meeting
- The Council meeting on 17 July 2025 included discussions on excluding the press and public from part of the meeting, the election of a chair, and an exempt report regarding staffing matters. No video was provided. Link to meeting
- The Chief Officer Appointments Sub-Committee met on 17 July 2025 to discuss declarations of interest and the appointment of a chief officer. No video was provided. Link to meeting
- The Chief Officer Appointment Committee met to discuss the establishment of sub-committees to appoint a Director of Property and a Director of Early Help and Safeguarding. No video was provided. Link to meeting
- The Officer Key Decision meeting of Newham Council was scheduled to discuss the commencement of a mini-competition for high needs adult mental health supported living. No video was provided. Link to meeting
- The SACRE meeting was cancelled. Link to meeting
Upcoming Meetings
- Chief Officer Appointments Sub-Committee on Tuesday 22 July 2025 will interview candidates for the position of Director of Housing Services. Link to meeting
- Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday 22 July 2025. Link to meeting
- Cabinet on Tuesday 22 July 2025. Link to meeting
- Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee on Wednesday 23 July 2025 will consider a review of a premises licence for Udaya Restaurant. Link to meeting
- Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee on Wednesday 23 July 2025. Link to meeting
- Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee on Thursday 24 July 2025. Link to meeting
- Officer Key Decision on Monday 28 July 2025. Link to meeting
Newham: Heritage Boost, School Street Safety, and More Council News
This week in Newham:
Alice Billing House Set for £2.9 Million Heritage Boost
Newham Council is poised to accept a £2.9 million grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund[^1] (NLHF) to refurbish the North Block of Alice Billing House, a Grade II listed building[^3] in Stratford. The Officer Key Decision delegates the final decision to Paul Kitson, Corporate Director of Inclusive Economy, Housing and Culture.
- Why it matters: The project aims to transform the at-risk building into affordable creative workspaces, a community café and gallery, and a public pavilion, benefiting local artists and the community.
- Vulnerable groups: The refurbished North Block will provide affordable studio space for approximately 42 creatives, supporting the local arts scene and providing opportunities for skills development and employment.
- Creative Land Trust's Role: The Creative Land Trust[^2] (CLT) will manage the NLHF grant and oversee the project, having secured match funding from various sources.
- Council Priorities: The project aligns with the council's priorities of fostering an inclusive economy, supporting young people, and empowering communities.
- Environmental Sustainability: The project promotes environmental sustainability through the adaptive reuse of a heritage building and the installation of an air source heat pump system.
The council will support CLT in securing the remaining unsecured funding, ensuring the project's successful completion. The project must be completed by 31 March 2029.
School Streets Exemption Removed Amid Safety Concerns
Newham Council has decided to amend the Traffic Management Order (TMO) relating to Healthy School Streets (HSS), removing the exemption for 'building operations'. The Officer Key Decision aims to prevent abuse of the HSS restrictions and improve safety around schools. This decision is subject to call-in.
- Why it matters: The amendment gives the council greater control over vehicle access during school hours, potentially reducing traffic and improving air quality for children and families.
- Healthier and Safer Newham: The amendment aligns with the objective of delivering residential traffic reduction schemes and improving air quality, supporting the council's pledge to deliver safe and healthy neighbourhoods.
- Current Exemption: The existing TMO includes an exemption
for the purpose of any building operation or demolition; or in connection with the laying, erection, alteration or repair of any sewer or of any main, pipe or apparatus for the supply of gas, water or electricity, or of any communications network
. - Council's Concerns: The Head of Transport Policies and Programmes raised concerns that the existing exemption could be exploited, allowing all types of building works, regardless of size or time of day, to occur within the restricted zones.
- Equalities Impact: An equalities impact assessment found that the scheme presents an opportunity to deliver positive impacts, safer streets and improved driver behaviours.
The council believes that removing the blanket exemption will allow them to assess building works on a case-by-case basis, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of students.
Pensions Committee Meeting Postponed
The Pensions Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday 09 July 2025 has been postponed. The Pensions Committee was set to discuss updates on pension administration, investment strategy, and the pension fund's business plan. The committee was also expected to discuss and approve the pension administration budget, admission policy and a number of proposed changes.
Upcoming Meetings
- Chief Officer Appointments Sub-Committee on Tuesday 22 July 2025. Link to meeting
- Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee on Wednesday 23 July 2025 will consider a review of a premises licence for Udaya Restaurant. Link to meeting
- Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee on Thursday 24 July 2025. Link to meeting
- Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday 22 July 2025. Link to meeting
- Cabinet on Tuesday 22 July 2025. Link to meeting
- Chief Officer Appointments Sub-Committee on Thursday 17 July 2025. Link to meeting
- Council on Thursday 17 July 2025. Link to meeting
- Chief Officer Appointments Sub-Committee on Thursday 17 July 2025. Link to meeting
- Officer Key Decision on Thursday 17 July 2025 will discuss the Romford Road Public Realm Improvement Scheme. Link to meeting
- Chief Officer Appointment Committee on Monday 14 July 2025. Link to meeting
- Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee on Tuesday 15 July 2025 will consider a review of a premises licence for Chai Kadai. Link to meeting
- Strategic Development Committee on Tuesday 15 July 2025. Link to meeting
- Local Development Committee on Wednesday 16 July 2025. Link to meeting
- Audit Committee on Wednesday 16 July 2025. Link to meeting
- Officer Key Decision on Friday 18 July 2025 will discuss high needs adult mental health supported living. Link to meeting
- Chief Officer Appointments Sub-Committee on Friday 18 July 2025. Link to meeting
Newham: Cloud Contract, Bridge Quarter Budget, Financial Review
This week in Newham:
Cloud Migration Contract Awarded Amidst Financial Scrutiny
Newham Council has approved a £577,627 contract with Agilisys Limited to migrate its applications and services to the Microsoft Azure cloud platform. The Officer Key Decision comes as the council faces a non-statutory Best Value Notice1 from the Ministry of Communities, Housing and Local Government (MCHLG) and ongoing concerns about its financial sustainability.
- Why it matters: The move is part of the council's technology modernisation plans and its separation from the OneSource shared IT service with the London Borough of Havering.
- Vulnerable services at stake: The council aims to improve the security, resilience, and performance of critical systems, including those supporting Housing and Social Care.
- Financial context: The £577,627 cost will be funded from the cloud migration portion of the overall £5.6 million capital budget approved by cabinet to fund the various disaggregation activities required to deliver the split of ICT services from OneSource.
- Council's rationale: The council believes that a direct award is justified because Agilisys was the only supplier available on the Crown Commercial Services (CCS) G-Cloud 14 framework2 that met the council's requirements.
- Alternatives rejected: The council rejected doing nothing, citing the need to improve security and resilience, and rejected using in-house resources due to a lack of skills and capacity.
The decision can be called in3, allowing councillors to scrutinise the decision before it is implemented.
Bridge Quarter Development Budget Increased, Exit Clauses Added
The council is set to approve an uplift to the Bridge Quarter Development budget of £3.3 million, increasing it from £88.2 million to £91.5 million. The Officer Key Decision also includes new conditions allowing the developer, Bridge Quarter Ltd, to exit the agreement under certain circumstances.
- Affordable Housing Impact: While the development aims to deliver up to 179 homes, the affordable housing tenure mix may be adjusted, potentially shifting 20 homes to an intermediate affordable housing product, modelled as Affordable Rent.
- Developer Exit Clauses: Bridge Quarter Ltd can exit the agreement if significant ground contamination is discovered or if they don't wish to proceed within 20 days of planning consent. In the event that inflation escalates beyond a cap and costs rise such that the deal becomes unviable for them to deliver, Hollybrook can withdraw from the construction of the development and Newham Council is obliged to purchase all land parcels with the benefit of planning permission for £9 million.
- Financial Risks: The report pack identifies several key risks, including cost increases, developer insolvency, and planning permission challenges.
- Council's Perspective: The council states that it retains control of the site and could increase affordable housing levels or amend the tenure to more Social Rent in the future should economic conditions allow.
- Strategic Alignment: The council believes that the proposed Rex development would contribute towards delivering the council's target, set out in the Corporate Plan 2022-26, Building a Fairer Newham4, to start to develop at least 1,500 new homes (including 1,000 at social rent levels) by 2026.
The development agreement concerns land behind The Rex Building in Stratford.
Audit Committee Reviews Financial Challenges and Governance Issues
The Audit and Governance Committee met to review the council's financial management, governance, and audit activities. The Audit Committee considered reports on the LGA Peer Review action plan2, treasury management, going concern assessment, external audit reports, and the draft statement of accounts and annual governance statement.
- Best Value Notice: The committee discussed the non-statutory Best Value Notice issued to Newham Council on 8 May 2025 by the Ministry of Communities, Housing and Local Government (MCHLG). The areas highlighted in the notice included financial sustainability, scrutiny processes, cultural change, and leadership effectiveness.
- Financial Performance: The draft statement of accounts revealed a net overspend of £41m against the budget set for 2024/25, and that the revenue budget for 2024/25 was only balanced via the use of capital receipts to finance expenditure.
- Governance Concerns: The draft Annual Governance Statement (AGS) identified significant governance issues, including the Best Value Notice, the need for Exceptional Financial Support5, a C4 grading from the Regulator for Social Housing6, and a claim lodged at the Employment Tribunal by the Executive Mayor against the council.
- Treasury Management: As of 31 March 2025, the council's combined treasury portfolio was £1.324 billion, including £80.6 million in principal investments and £1.405 billion in debt.
The committee also reviewed progress on the action plan developed in response to the LGA Peer Challenge3 in December 2023.
Upcoming Meetings
- Pensions Committee on Wednesday 09 July 2025 will discuss the Newham Pension Fund, including administration, legislative updates, and employer-related matters. Link to meeting
- Officer Key Decision on Wednesday 09 July 2025 will discuss grant funding for Alice Billing House in Stratford. Link to meeting
- Officer Key Decision on Thursday 10 July 2025 will discuss amending Healthy School Streets Traffic Management Orders. Link to meeting
- Council on Monday 14 July 2025. Link to meeting
- Chief Officer Appointment Committee on Monday 14 July 2025. Link to meeting
- Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee on Tuesday 15 July 2025 will consider a review of a premises licence. Link to meeting
- Strategic Development Committee on Tuesday 15 July 2025. Link to meeting
- Local Development Committee on Wednesday 16 July 2025. Link to meeting
- Audit Committee on Wednesday 16 July 2025. Link to meeting
- Chief Officer Appointments Sub-Committee on Thursday 17 July 2025. Link to meeting
- Chief Officer Appointments Sub-Committee on Friday 18 July 2025. Link to meeting
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The Best Value Notice is a formal notification from the government that a council needs to improve its performance. It is issued when the government has concerns about a council's ability to deliver its services effectively. ↩
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The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) G-Cloud framework is a UK government initiative that helps public sector organisations find and procure cloud-based services. ↩
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In local government, a 'call in' is a procedure that allows councillors to scrutinise a decision made by the executive or an officer before it is implemented. ↩
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The Building a Fairer Newham Corporate Plan sets out the council's priorities and objectives for the coming years. It is a key document for guiding the council's work and ensuring that it is focused on delivering the best possible outcomes for residents. ↩
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The Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) is a form of financial assistance that the government can provide to councils that are facing severe financial difficulties. ↩
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The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) is the government body responsible for regulating social housing providers in England. It sets standards for social housing and takes action when providers fail to meet those standards. ↩
Newham: Cafe Licence Row, Pensions Budget, & Holiday Activities
This week in Newham:
Cafe Bonnane's Late-Night Licence Bid Draws Resident Ire
The Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee convened to consider a variation application for Cafe Bonnane, located at Unit 8 Excel Marina, Canning Town. The Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee was scheduled to discuss extending the cafe's hours for alcohol sales, adding off-site alcohol sales, and introducing late-night refreshment services.
- What's at stake: Residents fear increased crime, disorder, and noise nuisance if the licence is approved.
- The proposal: Cafe Bonnane seeks to sell alcohol until midnight, offer late-night refreshments, and allow off-site alcohol sales.
- Resident concerns: Nine residents submitted objections, citing potential risks to public safety and quality of life.
- Mr Amer Syed warned of increased crime and difficulty controlling a large outdoor seating area.
- Amanda Woods expressed concerns about intolerable noise from
problem drinkers late at night.
- Applicant's response: Frank Fender of FJF Licensing Solutions, representing Cafe Bonnane, suggested residents might be confusing it with the adjacent Bonnane Restaurant.
- Residents clarify: Several residents refuted this, stating their objections specifically targeted Cafe Bonnane.
- Mohammed Ibrahim emphasized his objection was to Cafe Bonnane,
so there is no confusion at all.
- Adam Johnson claimed he had previously complained about alcohol being served past the current closing time.
- Mohammed Ibrahim emphasized his objection was to Cafe Bonnane,
The committee's decision will determine whether Cafe Bonnane can expand its services, potentially impacting the local community's safety and amenity. No decision was recorded.
Pensions Board Tackles Employer Risk and Budget Hikes
The Newham Pensions Board addressed key issues including employer admissions to the pension fund and a significant budget increase for pension administration. The Newham Pensions Board also received updates on pension administration, legislative changes, and fund performance.
- Employer Admissions Policy: The board discussed updating the London Borough of Newham Pension Fund Admission policy to favour a deferred pass-through arrangement with academies1.
- James Cocks, Assistant Director of Transactional People Services, explained that many employers struggle to provide bonds or guarantors, hindering their admission to the fund.
- The updated policy aims to ease the process for academies tendering for contracts.
- Mr Cocks advised that a breach report had been submitted to the Pensions Regulator regarding outstanding admissions.
- Pension Administration Budget: The board reviewed a proposed 12% increase in the pension administration service budget for 2025-26, reaching £1.090 million.
- James Cox explained that the increase is driven by inflationary pressures, national insurance increases, and a higher volume of complex queries.
- LPPA is investing in technology to improve efficiencies and absorb legislative changes.
- The council is challenging LPPA on the increases and seeking benchmarking data to substantiate their performance.
- Performance Update: James Grafton, Pension Administration Officer, reported that overall fund membership has increased, and performance against the SLA has stabilized.
- Help desk performance fluctuated, with 70% of calls answered within four minutes.
- The volume of complaints per thousand members has decreased, but remains slightly above the target.
- Legislative Update: Jacqueline Andress, Pension, Project & Contracts Manager, provided updates on various legislative changes and their impact on the pension fund.
- The council is awaiting a report on compliance with the Pensions Regulator's new code of practice.
- Changes are being made to address age discrimination found in public sector pension schemes (McCloud).
- The pensions dashboard project is on schedule, allowing individuals to view all their pensions online.
The board's decisions will impact the financial stability of the pension fund and the services provided to its members.
Hallsville Road Development Advances Amid Housing Demand
The Local Development Committee considered a proposal for a new six-storey building at 57 Hallsville Road in Canning Town. The Local Development Committee was scheduled to discuss the demolition of the existing building and the erection of a new six-storey building.
- The proposal: The new building would include commercial space and 18 new dwellings, ranging from one to three-bedroom units.
- Housing Need: The development aims to provide much-needed residential units in the area.
- Recommendation: The Director of Planning and Development recommended approval of the application.
The committee was also scheduled to discuss a Section 73 application to modify Condition 17 on Romford Road, and the rebuilding of a fire-damaged roof at Forest Gate Police Station. No decision was recorded.
Summer Holiday Activities Secured for Thousands of Children
Laura Eden, Corporate Director for Children and Young People, approved contracts worth £956,951.20 for the Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF) Summer 2025. The Officer Key Decision will provide 38,415 places for children and young people across 20 lead delivery organisations.
- Why it matters: The HAF programme provides free holiday club places with nutritious meals and activities for children eligible for free school meals, addressing food insecurity and promoting healthy lifestyles.
- Who benefits: The programme targets primary and secondary aged children and young people in Newham who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals.
- Inclusive provision: Providers are required to accommodate children with low-level SEND needs, ensuring inclusivity.
- Funding: The Department for Education (DfE) has allocated £2,049,110 to Newham for HAF 2025, with £950,000 earmarked for the summer programme.
The decision supports the council's Young People and Food Security Strategy and aims to give children the best start in life, regardless of their background.
Director of Housing Needs Appointment Progresses
The Chief Officer Appointments Sub-Committee interviewed candidates for the position of Director of Housing Needs. The Chief Officer Appointments Sub-Committee was scheduled to make a recommendation, subject to consultation with Cabinet members.
- Why it matters: This role is crucial for addressing housing needs and homelessness in Newham.
- Extensive process: The council engaged an executive search firm and conducted multiple rounds of interviews, including input from a Youth Panel and Stakeholder Partner panel.
- Next steps: The committee's recommendation will be subject to consultation with every member of the Cabinet.
The appointment will fill a key leadership position responsible for managing housing needs and homelessness services in the borough.
Upcoming Meetings
- Officer Key Decision on Wednesday 02 July 2025 will discuss the proposed award of a contract for cloud adoption services to migrate the council's IT infrastructure to the cloud. Link to meeting
- Officer Key Decision on Wednesday 02 July 2025 will discuss a development agreement for the Bridge Road Quarter site in Stratford. Link to meeting
- Audit Committee on Monday 30 June 2025 will discuss financial management, governance, and audit findings. Link to meeting
- Pensions Committee on Wednesday 09 July 2025. Link to meeting
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In a pass-through arrangement, funding risks inherent in participating in the LGPS are shared between the new employer and letting authority, with pension liabilities generally remaining with the letting authority so there is no exit payment due to or from the admission body. ↩
Sri Supermarket Licence Under Fire, Environment Job Unfilled
This week in Newham:
Sri Supermarket Licence Request Sparks Crime Concerns
Newham's Licensing Sub-Committee considered a request from Sri Supermarket, 522 Romford Road, to vary its premises licence, but no decision was recorded. The Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee heard arguments about removing existing conditions and replacing them with new ones.
- What's at stake: The Licensing Enforcement Team opposed the changes, citing concerns about increased anti-social behaviour and street drinking in an area already struggling with these issues.
- The proposal: Sri Supermarket sought to remove most existing licence conditions, allowing alcohol sales from 6am to 11pm daily, with restrictions on the strength of beer and minimum bottle sizes for spirits.
- Enforcement worries: Licensing Enforcement Officer Shane Passfield argued that these changes could attract street drinkers, potentially reversing progress made through stricter licensing conditions.
- Breaches found: A recent compliance visit revealed breaches of current licence conditions, including the sale of high-strength beers, which were seized.
- Current rules: The existing licence, issued in 2020, includes conditions such as staff training, CCTV, restrictions on alcohol displays, and prohibitions on selling single cans or high-strength beers.
The committee was expected to weigh the applicant's proposals against the enforcement team's concerns to determine whether the changes would undermine efforts to combat crime and disorder in the area.
Top Environment Job Still Unfilled
Newham Council is still searching for a Corporate Director of Environment and Sustainable Transport. The Chief Officer Appointments Sub-Committee interviewed candidates for the role, but ultimately decided not to make an appointment.
- Why it matters: This position is crucial for leading the council's environmental services and promoting sustainable transport policies, key priorities for Newham residents.
- Extensive search: The council engaged an executive search firm and conducted multiple rounds of interviews, indicating a thorough but ultimately unsuccessful recruitment process.
- High standards: The decision not to appoint suggests the council is holding out for a candidate who meets their specific requirements for this critical role.
The council will need to restart the recruitment process to fill this important position.
Council Reviews Progress on Key Priorities
The Newham Council Cabinet reviewed progress on several key initiatives, including the Local Government Association (LGA) action plan and social housing improvements. The Cabinet meeting also discussed establishing a community opportunities framework.
- LGA Action Plan: The council has completed seven of eleven recommendations from the LGA peer challenge, with the remaining on track for completion by autumn.
- Social Housing: The council is working to address failings identified by the Regulator of Social Housing, with improvements in repairs, electrical safety, and resident engagement.
- Community Opportunities Framework: The cabinet discussed a £28.2 million framework to support older residents and those with disabilities in accessing community activities. Concerns were raised about community wealth building impacts and ensuring equitable access for diverse community groups. The cabinet agreed to establish a framework for community opportunities, with amendments to ensure greater oversight and accountability.
- Best Value Notice: The cabinet will receive quarterly best value progress reports and present regular reports to full council in response to the government's non-statutory best value notice.
Health Board Focuses on Equity and Community
The Newham Health and Wellbeing Board discussed a range of issues, including health equity, community safeguarding, and food strategy. The Health and Wellbeing Board meeting also received an update on integrated neighbourhood teams.
- Health Equity: The Newham Health Equity Programme (NHEP) aims to address inequalities in health outcomes by improving service equity and promoting accurate ethnicity data collection.
- Community Safeguarding: Healthwatch Newham presented a report on community safeguarding, highlighting the need to increase residents' knowledge and confidence in reporting concerns.
- Integrated Neighbourhood Teams: The board received an update on the development of integrated neighbourhood teams, focusing on addressing health inequalities and specific health issues like Type 2 Diabetes.
Standards Committee Debates Independence
Newham Council's Standards Committee discussed its composition, considering a proposal to have a committee comprised entirely of independent members. The Standards Advisory Committee meeting also reviewed remote attendance and proxy voting in local authorities.
- Committee Composition: The committee explored the possibility of a fully independent committee, but acknowledged the legal and practical challenges, including the need for unanimous council support.
- Remote Attendance: The committee noted the government's intention to legislate for remote council meetings and proxy voting, which could significantly change local authority operations.
- Training Attendance: The committee received a report on member training attendance and discussed ways to improve accessibility, such as online modules.
Other Matters
- The Chief Officer Appointments Sub-Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday 17 June 2025 was postponed. The meeting was scheduled to interview candidates for the position of Corporate Director of Adults and Health. Link to meeting
- The Newham Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) meeting scheduled for Thursday 19 June 2025 was cancelled. Link to meeting
Upcoming Meetings
- Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee on Tuesday 24 June 2025 will consider a variation application for a premises licence. Link to meeting
- Newham Pensions Board on Tuesday 24 June 2025 will discuss the Newham Pension Fund, including administration, legislative updates, and employer-related matters. Link to meeting
- Audit Committee on Monday 30 June 2025. Link to meeting
- Officer Key Decision on Tuesday 24 June 2025 will focus on the Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF) for the summer of 2025. Link to meeting
Recent meetings
Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee - Thursday 24th July 2025 10.00 a.m., WITHDRAWN
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee - Wednesday 23rd July 2025 10.00 a.m.
The Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee was scheduled to convene to review the premises licence for Udaya Restaurant and to confirm the procedure for the meeting. Councillors were also expected to declare any interests in the matters to be discussed.
Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday 22nd July 2025 7.00 p.m.
The Newham Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the annual scrutiny work programme, the July finance review, and the non-statutory best value notice. The committee agreed to establish a working party to review the in-year performance of Newham council's budget. They also agreed to Paul Leslie continuing as a co-operative member for the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and Councillor Anthony McAlmont being named as chair of the Relationship Between Black Boys and the Borough Scrutiny Commission.
Chief Officer Appointments Sub-Committee - Tuesday 22nd July 2025 1.30 p.m.
The Chief Officer Appointments Sub-Committee convened to interview candidates for the position of Director of Housing Services. The recommendation of the sub-committee was scheduled to be subject to consultation with Cabinet members. Councillors were also expected to declare any interests they may have in the matters being considered.
Cabinet - Tuesday 22nd July 2025 10.30 a.m.
The Newham Council Cabinet met on Tuesday 22 July 2025, to discuss a range of issues including responding to a best value notice, financial performance, housing, and economic growth. The cabinet approved recommendations relating to the Warm Homes Social Housing Fund, the Connect to Work programme, and a contract award for Independent Living Support Services.
Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee - Tuesday 22nd July 2025 10.00 a.m.
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Officer Key Decision - Friday 18th July 2025
The Officer Key Decision meeting of Newham Council was scheduled to discuss the commencement of a mini-competition for high needs adult mental health supported living. The decision was delegated to Jason Strelitz, Corporate Director of Adults and Health, in consultation with Councillor Neil Wilson, Lead Member for Health and Adult Social Care. The report pack outlined the reasons for the decision and the implications of the proposal.
Chief Officer Appointments Sub-Committee - Friday 18th July 2025 11.30 a.m.
The Chief Officer Appointments Sub-Committee convened to interview candidates for the position of Corporate Director of Adults and Health, but ultimately decided not to make an appointment. The committee interviewed two candidates, but after careful consideration, concluded that neither was suitable for the role.
Chief Officer Appointments Sub-Committee - Thursday 17th July 2025 8.30 a.m.
The Chief Officer Appointments Sub-Committee met to interview candidates for the role of Interim Chief Executive and, subject to no objections from Cabinet Members, agreed to recommend to Full Council that Paul Martin be appointed to the post.
Extraordinary Meeting, Council - Thursday 17th July 2025 7.00 p.m.
Here is a summary of the scheduled discussions for the Council meeting on 17 July 2025. The agenda included an election of a chair, declarations of interest from councillors, and an exempt report regarding staffing matters. Members were also expected to discuss excluding the press and public from part of the meeting.
Upcoming meetings
Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee - Thursday 7th August 2025 10.00 a.m.
Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee - Monday 11th August 2025 1.00 p.m.