The Council of Newham met on Thursday 29 February 2024 to approve the final budget proposals for 2024/25, which included a 4.99% increase in the council tax. The meeting also saw discussions on various council priorities, including housing safety, fly-tipping, recycling, and members' allowances.

Budget Approval and Council Tax Increase

The most significant item on the agenda was the approval of the Local Investment for Fairness in Tough Times - Final Budget Proposals for 2024/25 . Councillor Zulfiqar Ali, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, presented the report, which was ultimately approved by the Council. This approval included a 4.99% increase in the council's element of council tax for 2024/25, comprising a 2% precept for Adult Social Care and a 2.99% general increase. The budget also agreed to reduce the minimum period a property is empty before an empty home premium is charged to one year from 1st April 2024, and to apply a premium for second homes from 1st April 2025.

Several amendments to the budget were proposed and debated. An amendment from Councillor Joshua Garfield, seconded by Councillor Elizabeth Booker, to adopt all recommendations of the Budget Scrutiny Commission in full, was carried. This amendment aimed to close an £807k gap with further savings outside the Commission's recommendations. An amendment from the Independent Group, proposing significant additional revenue savings and growth, was lost. Similarly, an amendment from the Green Group, titled A Green Budget for a Fairer Newham, was also lost.

The final decision to approve the budget was made with 46 members voting in favour, 5 against, and no abstentions. The approved budget sets the General Fund net budget requirement for 2024/2025 at £395m.

Members' Allowances

The Council considered a report on the approval of Members' Allowances for the next financial year. Councillor Jennifer Bailey moved the approval of Option one, 2.1B. An amendment from the Green Group, proposing to abolish Special Responsibility Allowances (SRAs) for Deputy Cabinet Members and Commissioners to save almost £200,000 annually, was put to a vote and lost, with five members voting in favour. The Council ultimately agreed to increase the basic allowance from £12,255 to £15,960, increase the Newham SRA for Band 2 to the minimum point recommended by the Independent Panel, and approved a set allowance for the Mayor at £93,575.

Housing Safety and Building Regulations

Councillor Sabia Kamali, Deputy Cabinet Member for Housing Management and Modernisation, updated the Council on Newham Council's commitment to making all high-rise residents' buildings safe by 2029. This commitment is in response to the Building Safety Act 2022, which introduced a new building safety regime for high-rise residential buildings. Newham has 87 such buildings, defined as those 18 meters or higher, or with at least 7 storeys. The Council has approved a five-year Residential Building Safety Strategy, focusing on building safety, resident engagement, organisational structure, data, and policy.

Fly-Tipping and Recycling Improvements

Councillor James Asser, Statutory Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainable Transport, reported on improvements in tackling fly-tipping and increasing recycling rates. Newham has seen a 32% drop in fly-tipping, making it the second most improved borough in London. Recycling rates have also increased significantly, with a 10% rise since 2018, reaching almost 26%. The move to weekly recycling has been met with a positive response from residents, contributing to the highest increase and collection of recycling in a single month since the change.

Other Announcements and Updates

The Chair, Councillor Rohima Rahman, made several announcements, including expressing sadness at the situation in the Middle East and observing a minute's silence. She welcomed newly elected Councillor Sophia Naqvi and shared personal news of the birth of her son. Condolences were sent to the family of former Newham Fire Brigade's Commander Wayne Brown. The Chair also highlighted Newham's celebration of LGBTQ+ History Month and listed her recent public engagements.

Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE addressed the Council, speaking about the importance of protecting democracy and condemning intimidation and abuse faced by elected representatives. She also discussed the situation at Stratford's Market Village, stating the Council's commitment to working with landlords and traders to find a suitable market operator. The Mayor highlighted key achievements from the past month, including OFSTED's positive report on Children and Young People's Services, the refurbishment of the Shipman Youth Zone, the unanimous approval of the Carpenters Estate masterplan, and Newham's strong performance in tackling food poverty. She framed the budget proposals within the context of the Council's Corporate Plan, Building a Fairer Newham, and acknowledged the challenging financial environment.

The Chief Executive, Abi Gbago, announced recent appointments to senior positions within the Council.

Meeting Conduct

During the consideration of the budget, the meeting experienced disruptions, leading to adjournments. The Chair stated that such misbehaviour was unacceptable and that any forms of antisemitism and Islamophobia would not be tolerated. Consequently, the public gallery was cleared. The Council's Monitoring Officer explained the reasons for the removal of individuals from the meeting.

The Council also resolved to suspend Rule 11 of Part 4.1 of the Council's Constitution to extend the meeting beyond its usual duration to conclude the remaining business.