The Cabinet of Newham Council met on Tuesday 21 July 2026 to discuss a range of important issues, including a comprehensive review of parking and kerbside space, the council's budget monitoring, and the Medium-Term Financial Strategy. Key decisions were made regarding the approval of the terms of reference for the parking review and the adoption of the updated financial strategy.

Parking and Kerbside Space Review - Terms of Reference and Scope

Cabinet approved the Terms of Reference and Scope for a borough-wide Parking and Kerbside Space Review. This review, which will take approximately twelve months, aims to assess current parking policies and operational practices to ensure they remain fit for purpose, fair, transparent, and responsive to the evolving needs of the borough. The review will consider parking supply and demand, permit parking zones, charging structures, town centres, enforcement operations, digital services, car-free developments, and future growth. It will also incorporate feedback from residents, businesses, and stakeholders. Cabinet also approved the out-of-scope items to be addressed through separate reviews and granted delegated authority to the Corporate Director of Environment and Sustainable Transport, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Environment, to manage updates to these out-of-scope items and consider deferred recommendations. Interim reports will be presented to Cabinet. Cabinet also approved their responses to recommendations made by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee regarding the review.

2026/27 Month 2 Budget Monitoring Report

The report detailed the council's financial position as of Month 2 of the 2026/27 financial year. Cabinet noted a forecast General Fund Revenue overspend of £5.923m. This overspend is primarily attributed to demand-led pressures within Adult and Children's Social Care services, as well as cost and income pressures within Inclusive Economy and Housing. These pressures are partially offset by a forecast underspend in Temporary Accommodation, due to early delivery of Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) savings. Cabinet also noted the progress on MTFS savings delivery, with 19% of savings delivered and 55% forecast to be on track. The Dedicated Schools Grant and Housing Revenue Account were forecast to be balanced. Cabinet agreed to note the Capital forecast position and approved revised budget adjustments for external grant-funded and HRA schemes. Additionally, Cabinet agreed to delegate responsibility for making arrangements for a cash advance to Calverton School, which is closing on 31 August 2026, to the Section 151 Officer and other relevant officers.

Medium Term Financial Strategy Update July 2026

Cabinet adopted the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) as the basis for ongoing budget planning. The updated strategy covers the period from 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2032 and reflects a more positive financial outlook compared to the February 2026 forecast. The MTFS now shows a reduced budget gap, with a projected gap of £10.000m for 2029/30, growing to £27.089m in 2030/31 and £27.153m in 2031/32. The strategy includes a plan to identify savings totalling £10.000m to balance the budget in 2029/30, with £6.000m of these savings to be implemented early. The MTFS also incorporates adjustments for inflation, service pressures, temporary accommodation costs, demographic changes, and capital financing. The council's reserves strategy of maintaining a 10% unallocated General Fund balance and building the Business Risk reserve will continue.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Resolutions Notice from the meeting held 6th July 2026

Cabinet noted the resolutions from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 6 July 2026. The recommendations from the committee concerning the Parking Review were addressed within the Parking and Kerbside Space Review report.