The Crime, Environment and Transport Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to consider the development of the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy 2026-28 and review progress on the Council's food waste collection service. The committee will also review and confirm its work programme for the upcoming municipal year.

Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy 2026-28

The committee is scheduled to consider the development of the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy 2026-28. This strategy aims to address violence and abuse directed at women and girls because of their gender, which disproportionately affects them. The report pack indicates that VAWG encompasses sexual violence, harassment, unwanted sexual behaviour, stalking, coercive and controlling behaviour, exploitation, and abuse in public spaces and the night-time economy. The strategy is embedded within existing frameworks such as the Newham Safety Partnership Strategic Plan 2025–2028, the Domestic Abuse Strategy 2026–2031, and the Sex Work Strategy. Data presented suggests an increase in non-domestic VAWG offences between June 2025 and May 2026, which may reflect improved reporting. Key insights highlight that approximately one in six VAWG offences involved stalking or harassment, and sexual offences (excluding rape) accounted for the largest proportion of VAWG offences. Stratford Olympic Park, Stratford, and Plaistow South recorded the highest levels of VAWG offences. Feedback from residents indicates concerns about safety in public spaces, particularly after dark, with harassment, intimidation, and a lack of visible police presence being key issues. The proposed approach focuses on prevention, improving safety in public spaces, strengthening the response to perpetrators, and ensuring women and girls feel safer. The strategy outlines five connected areas of work: Prevention and Early Intervention, Community Engagement, Partnership Delivery and Coordination, Public Space and Night Time Economy Safety, and Perpetrator Focus and Enforcement. The report pack details specific actions within each of these areas, including school-based programmes, bystander training, community engagement events, licensing visits, and perpetrator programmes. The intended outcomes include measurable improvements in safety, confidence, and partnership effectiveness, with specific metrics such as the number of school sessions delivered and positive outcomes for non-domestic abuse VAWG offences.

Food Waste Collection Rollout

The committee is scheduled to review the progress of the Council's phased introduction of food waste collections. This initiative is part of the UK Government's Simpler Recycling reforms, which aim to standardise recycling across England and reduce general waste. The report indicates that food waste constitutes a significant portion of household waste, and its separate collection allows for treatment through anaerobic digestion and composting, recovering energy and nutrients. The East London Waste Authority (ELWA) reports that food waste makes up between 30% and 38% of general waste, with a substantial amount being avoidable.

The implementation plan outlines three phases: Phase 1, which launched in November 2025, covered approximately 12,000 street-level and flat properties. Phase 2, scheduled for October/November 2026, will extend to around 76,500 street-level households. Phase 3, planned for February/March 2027, will cover the remaining 45,000 flatted properties. Challenges have been encountered, including delays in vehicle procurement and uncertainty regarding ongoing revenue funding, which meant Newham, like other councils, could not achieve full resident coverage by the statutory deadline of 31 March 2026.

Phase One has provided valuable operational learning, collecting 489 tonnes of food waste and demonstrating strong resident uptake, with an estimated participation rate nearly double the original 30% modelled. The service is estimated to have delivered 20.05 tonnes of CO₂e savings. Communication materials, including an introduction letter, leaflet, instruction leaflet, and postcards, were developed and tested with residents. Targeted door-knocking engagement identified barriers such as bin accessibility and the need to establish new habits. Operational challenges included procurement delays, accessibility issues, and high demand for liners. The report highlights that while street-level uptake has been significant, flat uptake has been lower.

Phase Two will involve a digital communications campaign, Your Food Waste Has a Future, alongside printed materials and face-to-face roadshow events to ensure all residents are informed. The Council is also publicising its assisted collection service for vulnerable residents. Starter packs, including kitchen and outdoor caddies and introductory liners, will be provided. The report notes that while liners can support participation, ongoing provision is not funded, and residents will be advised to purchase replacements or use alternatives. Phase Three, covering flatted properties, is expected to be operationally complex, requiring detailed site assessments and tailored resident engagement. The committee is asked to promote the service, share communications, attend roadshows, and assist with resident engagement.

Work Programme

The committee is scheduled to review and confirm the work programme for the municipal year 2026/27. The report pack outlines a draft work programme with scheduled topics for future meetings, including the Newham Safety Partnership Statutory Review, Neighbourhood/Local Policing, Fly-Tipping, Street Cleanliness & Environmental Crime, Hate Crime Strategy, Wider Waste, Recycling and ELWA update, Parking and Kerbside Space Review – Update, Road Safety, Road Danger Reduction and Vision Zero – Follow-up Review, and Capital Investment in Highways Maintenance and Sustainable Transport. Reserve items for potential future discussion include Climate Resilience and Adaptation, Anti-Social Behaviour – Prevention, Enforcement and Resident Experience, and Greening, Tree Planting and Climate-Resilient Streets. The work programme is designed to be flexible and may be updated to reflect emerging issues and priorities.