The meeting of the Officer Key Decision for Newham Council on Friday 4 September 2026 was scheduled to consider a grant funding application for cladding remediation works at two residential blocks. The decision maker was Paul Kitson, Corporate Director of Inclusive Economy and Housing.

Grant Funding Application for Cladding Remediation at Aubrey Moore Point and Albert Bigg Point

The primary item scheduled for discussion was a grant funding application concerning cladding remediation works at Aubrey Moore Point and Albert Bigg Point. These are two 22-storey residential blocks located in the Stratford ward. The report indicated that the council was recommended to agree to enter into grant funding agreements with Homes England. This would facilitate the receipt of £1.335 million in pre-tender support funding, with further sums expected to cover the full cost of the cladding remediation upon the council entering into a works contract.

The report detailed that the external cladding on both blocks was removed in 2023. An initial grant application was made under the Building Safety Fund in 2022, with eligibility confirmed. In January 2026, the application was transferred to the Cladding Safety Fund, administered by Homes England. The approved funding of £1,335,000, comprising £667,500 for each block, is intended to support pre-planning and project development activities.

The proposed decision was intended to support Priority 5: Homes for Our Residents, by improving energy efficiency, ensuring buildings are water-resistant, and enhancing resident satisfaction. The report noted that the remediation works are essential for the longevity and safety of the properties. It was also highlighted that the re-instatement of cladding would help address damp and mould issues experienced by residents and could lead to the blocks being removed from special measures, returning to a 'Stay Put' policy rather than a partial 'Simultaneous Evacuation'.

The report outlined that the Council has the power to enter into such agreements under section 1 of the Localism Act 2011, which provides a general power of competence for local authorities. The funding from Homes England is to be paid in two parts: mandatory pre-tender support upon agreement execution, and then full grant funding for remediation works after the Council submits an application based on a full works programme and satisfies certain conditions. The report also stated that no charges would be submitted to leaseholders with Qualifying Leases, as these are prohibited by the Building Safety Act 2022.

The report indicated that while no adverse equality impacts were identified from accepting the grant funding, temporary impacts associated with the remediation works, such as access, noise, and disruption, would be managed during the project's delivery phases. Reasonable adjustments would be made to ensure accessibility and inclusivity for residents.

Procurement activity will be required to appoint a consultant for pre-tender development and to secure the cladding remediation works. This procurement must comply with the Council's Contract Standing Orders, the Procurement Act 2023, and Homes England's requirements. The report noted that the remediation works are expected to exceed procurement thresholds and will be subject to separate approval processes.

The report also mentioned that the Lead Member for Housing would be consulted on this decision. The decision maker, Paul Kitson, is the Corporate Director of Inclusive Economy and Housing. The meeting was scheduled to take place on Friday 4 September 2026.