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 the acquisition of 63 residential units. The meeting also saw the approval of new highways contracts and a framework for HIV prevention and support services, alongside the adoption of the Annual Complaints Report for 2023-24.

Annual Complaints Report 2023-24

The Cabinet reviewed the Annual Complaints Report for 2023-24, which detailed the council's performance in handling complaints. Councillor Charlene McLean, Cabinet Member for Resident Engagement and Resident Experience, presented the report, highlighting improvements in complaint resolution and a reduction in cases progressing through escalation routes. The report noted a significant improvement in the council's upheld rate compared to the London average, placing it fourth highest in the city. The council also accepted recommendations from the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman regarding Freedom Pass applications. Cabinet approved the report and the associated complaints policies, noting that further improvements would be made with the implementation of a new case management system.

46 Clova Road Refurbishment and Single Homeless Accommodation Programme

A key decision was made to approve the refurbishment of 46 Clova Road to provide supported accommodation for young single homeless people aged 18-25, including care leavers. Councillor Zulfiqar Ali, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, explained that the council currently faces a shortage of such accommodation and that this project would help meet that need while also reducing the financial burden of expensive nightly temporary accommodation. The project will involve a £1.475 million refurbishment, with £722,750 of this funded by a grant from the Greater London Authority (GLA). The council will retain ownership of the property and will enter into an agreement with a third-party provider for housing management and support services. Cabinet approved the commencement of the procurement process for the refurbishment and management services, as well as accepting the GLA grant and allocating funds from the Council's Capital Programme.

278 Oxlow Lane - 63 Unit Acquisition

Cabinet approved the acquisition of 63 residential units at 278 Oxlow Lane in Barking and Dagenham. Councillor Zulfiqar Ali stated that this acquisition would provide much-needed affordable housing for families and care leavers, helping to reduce the council's reliance on costly temporary accommodation. The units will be let at London Housing Allowance (LHA) rent. The acquisition is projected to generate a significant net income for the council over 50 years, with substantial cost avoidance savings related to temporary accommodation and children's services. Cabinet delegated authority to the Corporate Director of Resources to finalise the terms of the acquisition and to determine the arrangements for the property's letting to a suitable third-party housing organisation.

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

Councillor Neil Wilson, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, presented a report seeking approval to establish a new Framework Agreement for HIV Prevention and Support Services. This framework will be established on behalf of local authorities and health partners across London and will cover services such as practical, emotional, and social support, as well as targeted prevention activities like screening and outreach. Newham Council, as the lead for Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services in North East London, is well-placed to manage this framework, which is expected to generate income for the council. Cabinet approved the establishment of the framework for up to eight years and delegated authority to the Corporate Director for Adults, Health and Communities to approve providers joining the framework.

Highways Contracts 2026

The Cabinet approved the commencement of a procurement exercise for new Highways Professional Services and Framework Contracts for Reactive Maintenance, Planned Schemes, and Works. Councillor John Morris, Deputy Cabinet Member for Highways and Sustainable Transport, explained that these contracts, with an estimated aggregate value of £162 million over six years, are necessary to ensure the continued maintenance and improvement of the borough's highway network. The contracts are set to commence in February 2026. Discussions highlighted the importance of maximising social value, including work experience and employment opportunities for young people, and ensuring effective communication with residents regarding any disruptions caused by infrastructure improvements.

Local Flood Risk Management Strategy

Cabinet formally adopted the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (LFRMS), a statutory document that outlines how the council, as the Lead Local Flood Authority, will manage flood risk within the borough. Councillor John Whitworth, Deputy Cabinet Member for Planning and Development, Air Quality and Climate Emergency, noted that the strategy was overdue and that its adoption was timely, aligning with the council's Just Transition Plan and Local Plans. The strategy aims to build resilience and mitigation against flooding, acknowledging the increasing risks posed by climate change. The adoption of the LFRMS was seen as crucial to avoid potential enforcement action by the Environment Agency and legal challenges from third parties.

The meeting also included the approval of the minutes from the previous Cabinet meeting held on 3 September 2024. There were no declarations of interest made by Cabinet members.