The Cabinet of Newham Council met on Tuesday 01 October 2024, approving a new Local Flood Risk Management Strategy, a significant refurbishment project for single homeless accommodation, and a framework for HIV prevention and support services. Key decisions also included the acquisition of 63 residential units for care leavers and the re-procurement of highway maintenance contracts.

Annual Complaints Report 2023-24

The Cabinet reviewed the Annual Complaints Report for 2023-24, noting improvements in complaint handling and approving new policies subject to the implementation of a new case management system. Councillor Charlene McLean, Cabinet Member for Resident Engagement and Resident Experience, highlighted that the council's upheld rate for complaints was 8% lower than the London average, placing them fourth highest in the city. The report indicated a decrease in housing repair complaints but an increase in waste-related complaints. Councillor Zulfiqar Ali, Statutory Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, questioned the relationship between service requests and complaints, emphasizing the importance of getting things right the first time to reduce failure demand and its associated costs. Councillor Neil Wilson, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, noted the positive feedback received by Social Care services.

46 Clova Road Refurbishment and Single Homeless Accommodation Programme

Cabinet approved the commencement of procurement for the refurbishment and conversion of 46 Clova Road into six bedrooms to provide accommodation for single homeless individuals aged 18-25. The project has an estimated contract value of £1.475 million, with £722,750 in grant funding secured from the Single Homeless Accommodation Programme (SHAP). Councillor Zulfiqar Ali explained that this initiative addresses the urgent need for accommodation for young people, particularly care leavers, and is a financially viable solution compared to the high cost of temporary accommodation. The property, previously used as an office, will be managed by a third-party agreement. The refurbishment is expected to be completed by February 2026.

278 Oxlow Lane - 63 Unit Acquisition

The Council will acquire 63 residential units at 278 Oxlow Lane, Dagenham, RM10 8FB, to provide accommodation for care leavers and other vulnerable young people. Councillor Zulfiqar Ali stated that 43 of these flats are intended for care leavers ready for independent living but lacking access to social or private housing. This acquisition is part of a strategy to improve accommodation pathways for care leavers and reduce the significant financial burden of nightly accommodation costs, which are projected to result in an £800,000 overspend for care leavers in accommodation and support services in 2024. The units are built to high energy efficiency standards, with an expected utility cost of around £200 per year. The acquisition is projected to result in a total cost avoidance saving of £70.6 million over 50 years. Councillor Sarah Jane Ruiz, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education & Sustainable Transport, highlighted that some two-bedroom units are included to accommodate siblings and young parents.

HIV Prevention & Support: Permission to establish an Open Framework Agreement

Cabinet approved the establishment of an open access framework for HIV Prevention and Support Services, to be maintained for up to eight years on behalf of all local authorities and health partners across London. Newham Council, as the lead for the North East London Shared Sexual Health Commissioning Service, will manage this framework. Councillor Neil Wilson, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, explained that this is necessary due to increasing new cases of HIV in London, particularly in East London, with a higher proportion of late diagnoses among Black African residents. The framework will cover practical, emotional, and social support, as well as targeted prevention activities such as screening, outreach, engagement, and communication. The estimated total value of the framework over eight years is £225 million.

Highways Contracts 2026

The Cabinet agreed to commence a procurement exercise for Highways Professional Services and a Framework Contract for Reactive Maintenance, Planned Schemes, and Works. This will involve an estimated aggregate value of £162 million over a six-year period, commencing in February 2026. Councillor John Morris, Deputy Cabinet Member for Highways and Sustainable Transport, stated that this is essential to maintain the council's highway network, which includes over 400 kilometres of highway and 77 structures. Concerns were raised about maximising value for money and ensuring the contracts incorporate advancements in technology and materials. There was also a strong emphasis on ensuring significant social value, including work experience and employment opportunities for young people, with an expectation of at least £62 million worth of social value.

Local Flood Risk Management Strategy

Cabinet formally adopted the updated Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (LFRMS), a statutory requirement for the council as the Lead Local Flood Authority. Councillor John Whitworth, Deputy Cabinet Member for Planning and Development, Air Quality and Climate Emergency, highlighted that Newham is particularly vulnerable to flooding, a risk likely to increase due to climate change. The strategy aligns with the council's Just Transition Plan, focusing on resilience and sustainability. Councillor Charlene McLean added that the strategy will help optimize partnership working, secure resources for sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS), and address residents' concerns, particularly in areas previously affected by issues like the proliferation of concrete driveways. The strategy aims to manage flood risk effectively and build resilience against the impacts of climate change.

The meeting also noted the exclusion of the press and public for specific agenda items and formally noted two exempt appendices related to the 46 Clova Road refurbishment and the 278 Oxlow Lane acquisition. The minutes of the previous Cabinet meeting held on 3rd September 2024 were also agreed.