Subscribe to updates
You'll receive weekly summaries about Newham Council every week.
If you have any requests or comments please let us know at community@opencouncil.network. We can also provide custom updates on particular topics across councils.
Prefer no ads? Become a Supporter for £3.50/month
Cabinet - Tuesday 15th September 2026 12.00 p.m.
September 15, 2026 at 12:00 pm Cabinet View on council website Watch video of meetingSummary
Open Council Network is an independent organisation. We report on Newham and are not the council. About us
The Cabinet of Newham Council met on Tuesday 15 September 2026 to discuss several key issues, approving the establishment of a new borough-wide framework for neighbourhood working and agreeing to progress safety improvements on an alternative route to The Greenway. The meeting also addressed the Council's budget monitoring report, noting a forecast overspend of £6.168m for the first quarter.
Community Neighbourhoods
Cabinet endorsed the establishment of eight Community Neighbourhoods as the Council's place-based framework for coordinating neighbourhood leadership, resident participation, and partnership working. This initiative aims to provide a consistent approach to neighbourhood working across the borough, building on existing strengths and community assets. The plan involves preparing a Community Neighbourhood Profile and a Community Neighbourhood Plan for each area to identify local priorities and support coordinated delivery. It was noted that these neighbourhoods will operate within existing constitutional, financial, and governance arrangements, without establishing new committees or altering executive decision-making powers. Community Neighbourhood Lead Members will provide political leadership, supported by Ward Councillors, Lead Directors, and Area Managers. The model will be reviewed in six months.
Greenway Diversion Emergency Safety Scheme
An update was provided on Thames Water's ongoing Northern Outfall Sewer works, which have led to the continued closure of The Greenway, a vital walking and cycling route. Cabinet noted the engagement undertaken by the Mayor and Council Officers with Thames Water to reduce the duration and impacts of the closure. A previous decision from December 2024 to use funds for an alternative walking and cycling route along the A112 corridor (Cycling Future Route 7, 'CFR7') was also noted. Authority was delegated to the Director of Highways, Parking and Transportation, in consultation with relevant officers and the Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Environment, to progress the implementation of these alternative route proposals, subject to consultation outcomes. Officers were also requested to keep local ward members and residents informed about any changes to The Greenway programme.
2026/27 Quarter One Budget Monitoring Report
The report detailed the Council's financial position at the end of Quarter 1, revealing a forecast General Fund Revenue overspend of £6.168m. Significant pressures were noted in Adults & Health (£4.118m overspend) due to demand and cost pressures in care packages and placements, and in Children & Young People (£5.116m overspend) attributed to increased demand in Home-to-School Transport, Disabled Children's Services, and Children in Care. These overspends were partially offset by a forecast underspend in Inclusive Economy & Housing (£4.456m), primarily due to savings in Temporary Accommodation. Cabinet noted the progress on Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) savings delivery, with 22% delivered and 53% on track. The Dedicated Schools Grant and Housing Revenue Account were forecast to be balanced. Amendments to the Capital Programme budget were agreed, and the Council's forecast reserve position was noted.
Annual Complaints Report for 2025/26
Cabinet noted the findings of the Annual Complaints Report for 2025/26, including reports on Housing, Adults, and Children's services. Key learning from complaints and Ombudsman investigations was highlighted, along with an endorsement of the planned improvement programme for 2026/27. This programme focuses on improving timeliness, reducing avoidable complaints, strengthening quality assurance, improving Ombudsman compliance, and enhancing member experience.
Housing Services Improvement Programme - Quarterly Update
A quarterly update on the Housing Services Improvement Programme (HSIP) was presented, detailing progress in delivering the Council's Voluntary Undertaking with the Regulator of Social Housing. The report highlighted an increased focus on resident outcomes: safe homes, well-maintained homes, and reliable, resident-focused services. Cabinet noted the compliance position and the progress in strengthening data, systems, governance, and assurance. The 2025/26 Tenant Satisfaction Measures were also noted, indicating a continued need to improve resident experience, trust, and satisfaction. The principal risks and dependencies affecting delivery were outlined.
Overview and Scrutiny Resolutions Notice
Cabinet noted the resolutions from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 2 September 2026. These resolutions included noting changes in committee membership and declarations of interest, approving minutes from a previous meeting, and noting the current work programme. Notably, the committee recommended that Cabinet defer decision-making on the Community Neighbourhoods Model, and if agreed, recommended that the Executive review leadership arrangements, clarify interactions with existing frameworks, ensure Community Neighbourhood meetings are held in public, and review the use of the term Commissioner
and associated Special Responsibility Allowances. The committee also recommended a review of the Community Neighbourhoods Model on a quarterly or six-monthly basis. Cabinet also noted the committee's resolutions regarding the 2026/27 Q1 Budget Monitoring Report and the Annual Complaints Report, referring relevant sections to thematic scrutiny committees.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
-
Overview and Scrutiny Resolutions Notice - From their meeting held 2nd September 2026
Decision approvedCabinet decided to note the Overview and Scrutiny Committee Resolution Notice on 15 September 2026. The Overview and Scrutiny Committee resolved to note membership changes, approve previous minutes, note the work programme, and refer budget monitoring and complaints reports to thematic committees. The Committee also recommended Cabinet defer decision-making on the Community Neighbourhoods Model and suggested specific reviews if the model were agreed.
-
Community Neighbourhood
Item Called InThe Cabinet of Newham decided to agree to the introduction of a Community Neighbourhoods model, which will organise the borough into eight defined neighbourhood areas to enhance engagement and service coordination. This decision was made on 15 September 2026. The Cabinet also agreed to approve the preparation of a Community Neighbourhood Profile and Plan for each of the eight neighbourhoods.
The Cabinet of Newham decided to agree to the disposal of certain Council-owned industrial assets to support the Council's financial position. This decision was made on 7 May 2024. The Cabinet delegated authority to the Corporate Director of Resources, in consultation with the Lead Member for Finance and Corporate Services and the Director of Property, to finalise the terms of these disposals.
Maria G. Christofi, Interim Assistant Chief Executive – Change & Improvement & Corporate Director of Resources, decided to approve the allocation of £1.111m to 134 selected projects for the 2025-27 People Powered Places programme. This decision was made on 29 April 2026. The decision also included approving the withdrawal of one legacy project and continued support for another for a feasibility period.
The Overview and Scrutiny Committee decided to recommend to Cabinet that manifesto pledges be included within the scope of the Parking Review, with greater clarity on timeframes, processes, and communication. This decision was made on 6 July 2026. The Committee also recommended that Cabinet provide clearer detail on parking charging structures and the governance process for any excluded pledges.
-
Housing Services Improvement Programme - Quarterly Update
Decision approvedCabinet approved the Housing Services Improvement Programme update on 15/09/2026. The Cabinet noted progress on the programme and the Council's Voluntary Undertaking with the Regulator of Social Housing. They also noted increased focus on resident outcomes, compliance position, data and governance strengthening, tenant satisfaction measures, and principal risks.
Cabinet approved the disposal of the long leasehold interest of 29 Bidder Street, Canning Town, E16 4SA on 07/05/2024. Authority was delegated to the Director of Property to agree the terms of the sale, in consultation with the Corporate Director of Resources and the Lead Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources. The sale is expected to complete by April 2025.
The Interim Assistant Chief Executive – Change & Improvement & Corporate Director of Resources approved the allocation of £1.111m to 134 People Powered Places projects for 2025-27 on 29/04/2026. This includes £0.080m from the Royal Docks Team and rollover underspends. The decision also approved the withdrawal of the Plaistow Eco Hub project and continued support for the Walton Road Community Garden for a feasibility period.
Rebecca Johnson, Corporate Director Sustainable Transport and Environment, approved the extension of the enforcement concession contract for a period of two years on an unspecified date. This extension is at nil cost to the council and is estimated to generate £2m in income. The contract is with Kingdom LA Support Ltd for environmental enforcement services.
Jason Strelitz, Corporate Director of Adults & Health, accepted £100,000 of funding from the Royal Docks Team for the People Powered Places 2025-27 programme on 19/08/2025. This funding will support community projects in Beckton & Royal Docks and Custom House & Canning Town neighbourhoods, with £80,000 for grants and £20,000 for administration and staffing.
-
Overview and Scrutiny Resolutions Notice - From their meeting held 2nd September 2026
Decision approvedThe Cabinet of Newham Council resolved to note the Overview and Scrutiny Committee Resolution Notice on 15 September 2026.
The Cabinet of Newham Council approved the Annual Procurement Plan 2026/27 and delegated authority to the relevant Corporate Director to approve procurement strategy and initial procurement activity on 16 June 2026. This included approving procurements listed in Appendix 1 and noting mitigations set out at paragraph 4.3.
Paul Kitson, Corporate Director of Inclusive Economy and Housing, decided on 31 March 2025 to approve the contract award for Enabling Works for James Riley Point.
Laura Eden, Corporate Director of Children and Young People's Services, decided on 20 May 2026 to approve a procurement process for refurbishment works at Abbey Lane Children's Centre with an estimated value of £0.920m.
Laura Eden, Corporate Director of Children's and Young People's Services, decided on 15 July 2026 to award a contract to South Park Heating for decarbonisation works at Central Park Primary School at a value of £775,574.
-
Greenway Diversion Emergency Safety Scheme
Decision approvedThe Cabinet of Newham Council decided on 15 September 2026 to note updates on Thames Water's works and the continued closure of The Greenway. They also agreed to delegate authority to the Director of Highways, Parking and Transportation to progress alternative route proposals, subject to consultation outcomes. Officers are to keep local ward members and residents informed of programme changes and updates.
The Interim Assistant Chief Executive – Change & Improvement & Corporate Director of Resources (Section 151 Officer) decided on 29 April 2026 to approve the allocation of £1,110,770.50 to 134 People Powered Places projects. This includes NCIL funding, rollover underspends, and a Royal Docks Team contribution. The decision also approves the closure of the Plaistow Eco Hub project and continued support for the Walton Road Community Garden for a three-month feasibility period.
Laura Eden, Corporate Director of Children and Young People's Services, decided on 20 May 2026 to approve a procurement process for refurbishment works at Abbey Lane Children's Centre with an estimated value of £920,000. Authority was delegated to the Corporate Director of Inclusive Economy and Housing to enter into a works contract. The refurbishment is to ensure the building meets current standards for designation as a Family Hub.
-
Greenway Diversion Emergency Safety Scheme
Decision approvedThe Officer Key Decision approved the proposal for new residential homes for children with complex mental health needs. Laura Eden, Corporate Director of Children and Young People (DCS), made this decision on 22 September 2026. The decision approves the utilisation of £2.032m from the Council's Capital Programme for refurbishment, and the procurement and award of works contracts for two properties.
-
Annual Complaints Report for 2025 - 6
Decision approvedThe Cabinet of Newham Council RESOLVED to adopt the Medium-Term Financial Strategy as the basis for ongoing budget planning on 21/07/2026.
Rebecca Johnson, Corporate Director of Environment & Sustainable Transport, RESOLVED to grant delegated authority to implement the Junction 2 measures at Romford Road, Woodgrange Road, and Upton Lane and to proceed with the making of advertised Traffic Management Orders on 05/08/2026. This decision includes the modernisation of traffic signals, provision of segregated cycle facilities, and amendments to parking, waiting, and loading restrictions.
Conrad Hall, Corporate Director of Resources, will seek a decision to award a contract for Security Operations Centre and Cyber Analyst block hours on 23/05/2025. This contract is crucial for the Council's cyber security and will be awarded via the Commercial Services GCloud 14 Lot 3 framework.
-
Housing Services Improvement Programme - Quarterly Update
Decision approvedThe Cabinet of Newham Council resolved to note progress in delivering the Housing Services Improvement Programme and the Council's Voluntary Undertaking with the Regulator of Social Housing. The decision was made on 15/09/2026. The Cabinet noted the increased focus on resident outcomes, compliance position, strengthening of data and governance, tenant satisfaction measures, and principal risks.
-
Annual Complaints Report for 2025 - 6
Decision approvedThe Cabinet of Newham Council decided to note the findings of the Annual Complaints Report for 2025/26 and endorse the planned improvement programme for 2026/27. This decision was made on 15/09/2026. The Cabinet agreed to note findings from corporate, housing, and social care complaints reports, as well as key learning identified and planned improvements focusing on timeliness, reducing avoidable complaints, strengthening quality assurance, improving Ombudsman compliance, and enhancing member experience.
-
Overview and Scrutiny Resolutions Notice - From their meeting held 2nd September 2026
Decision approvedThe Cabinet of Newham Council decided to note the Overview and Scrutiny Committee Resolution Notice on 15 September 2026. The Overview and Scrutiny Committee resolved to note changes in membership, approve minutes from a previous meeting, and confirm items for its next meeting. The Committee also recommended that Cabinet defer decision-making on the Community Neighbourhoods Model and provided specific recommendations for its implementation, including public meetings and review of leadership arrangements.
-
2026/27 Quarter One Budget Monitoring Report
Decision approvedThe Officer Key Decision of Newham Council on 15 July 2026 approved the award of a contract for Central Park Primary School - Phase 1 Decarbonisation Works.
The Corporate Director of Inclusive Economy and Housing, Paul Kitson, approved the direct award of a contract to Bellrock Advisory LLP for Phase 2 of the Stock Condition Survey Programme up to a maximum value of £980,000 on 25 August 2026. This decision was later confirmed by Paul Kitson on 28 August 2026.
The Corporate Director of Environment & Sustainable Transport, Rebecca Johnson, approved commencing a procurement exercise for the Forest Lane Park Restoration Project tender, with an estimated value of £700,000, on 1 September 2026.
-
Community Neighbourhood
Item Called InOfficer Key Decision approved the contract award for Central Park Primary School - Phase 1 Decarbonisation Works on 15/07/2026. This decision approved the commencement of a procurement exercise for the works.
Fiona Connolly, Corporate Director of Adults (DASS), and Councillor Susan Masters, Cabinet Member for Health & Social Care, approved the activation of a two-year contract extension for GP Public Health Services on 05/08/2026. This extension is for Newham Health Collaborative to deliver these services.
Rebecca Johnson, Corporate Director of Environment & Sustainable Transport, approved the commencement of a procurement exercise for the Forest Lane Park Restoration Project on 01/09/2026. This decision allows for tendering construction works for the project.
Attendees
Topics
Meeting Documents
Reports Pack
Minutes
Additional Documents