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Annual Meeting, Council - Thursday 22nd May 2025 7.00 p.m.

May 22, 2025 View on council website  Watch video of meeting or read trancript
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Summary

The annual council meeting for the London Borough of Newham convened on 22 May 2025, featuring the election of Councillor Dr Rohit Kumar Dasgupta as the new Chair of Council and Councillor Imam Haque as the Vice-Chair. Councillors also discussed the calendar of meetings for the upcoming municipal year, political proportionality, and several annual reports from council committees.

Election of Chair and Vice-Chair

Councillor Dr Rohit Kumar Dasgupta was elected as the Chair of Council, succeeding Councillor Rohima Rahman. Councillor Charlene McLean nominated Councillor Dr Rohit Kumar Dasgupta, and Councillor Sabia Kamali seconded the nomination. Councillor Dr Rohit Kumar Dasgupta acknowledged the responsibilities of the role and spoke of his pride in being an immigrant and a queer person of colour.

Councillor Lakmini Shah nominated Councillor Imam Haque for the position of Vice-Chair of Council, which was seconded by Councillor Sarah Ruiz. Councillor Imam Haque was re-elected as Vice-Chair and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve the community.

Calendar of Meetings 2025/2026

The council approved the calendar of meetings for the 2025/2026 municipal year, as detailed in Appendix 1 of the Public reports pack. Councillor Danny Keeling raised concerns about the reduction in the number of meetings, arguing that it limits opportunities to address important issues. Councillor Sabia Kamali responded that additional meetings would incur significant costs to taxpayers, and that the administration is focused on action rather than just headlines.

Political Proportionality and Allocation of Seats on Committees

The council approved the allocation of seats on committees based on political proportionality. Councillor Nate Higgins expressed disappointment that the Green Group did not receive a seat on the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, despite being the joint-largest opposition group. Councillor Stephen Brayshaw responded that opposition councillors need to win more votes to take over committees.

Annual Scrutiny Report 2024/2025

Councillor Anthony McAlmont, the outgoing chair of overview and scrutiny, presented the Annual Scrutiny Report 2024/2025, highlighting the work of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and its scrutiny commissions. The report covered a range of issues, including housing, homelessness, antisocial behaviour, air quality, education, and community mental health services.

Annual Report of the Standards Advisory Committee 2024/25

Councillor Ann Easter presented the Annual Report of the Standards Advisory Committee 2024/25, providing an overview of the committee's work in maintaining high standards of conduct for members. The report addressed the committee's role, membership, meetings, and future work.

Annual Report of the Audit Committee 2024/25

Councillor Terence Paul presented the Annual report on the work of the Audit Committee 2024/25, summarising the committee's work in reviewing the council's arrangements for internal control, financial management, risk management, and corporate governance. Councillor Terence Paul noted that the committee's name would be changing to the Audit and Governance Committee to fully reflect its work.

Appointments by the Mayor to Outside Bodies

Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE presented the appointments to outside bodies, as outlined in Appendix A of the supplementary agenda. The council noted the report.

Constitution Review - Amendments to Council's Constitution

The council approved amendments to the council's constitution, as outlined in the Constitution Review Council Report. The changes included renaming the Standards Advisory Committee, updating the Code of Conduct Complaints Procedure, and introducing a petition scheme. Councillor Nate Higgins highlighted that the changes would give members of the public more of a voice in the council.

Appointment of Standard Committee's Independent Members

The council approved the appointment of Ashuk Hussain as a co-opted member of the Standards Advisory Committee for a period of four years.

End of Year Summary Reports

The council noted the end-of-year summary reports, which provided updates on actions taken in response to deputations, petitions, and motions.

Deputations

The report noted that two deputations were received at the Council Meeting held 16 December 2024:

  • Applecart Arts: Seeking funding from the council for their venue. The council was unable to provide further financial assistance.
  • The Flourishing Community: E20 Residents: Seeking support for their mental health and wellbeing. The council appreciated the work of the Flourishing Community in promoting good mental health.

Petitions

The report summarised the petitions received at council meetings and the actions taken in response. Some key petitions included:

  • Aviary Close parking regulations: Residents requested changes to parking regulations and the installation of CCTV cameras. The council logged the requests for investigation.
  • My Safer Newham: Residents requested a visible police presence in East Ham town centre. The council raised the concerns with the police leadership team and highlighted the Safer East Ham Partnership.
  • Tennyson Avenue and Woodhouse Grove charging points: Residents objected to the installation of electric vehicle charging points. The council conducted a parking stress survey and emphasized the long-term benefits of EVCPs.
  • Save Debden Campsite: Residents opposed the sale of Debden Campsite. The council noted that less than 18% of users were Newham residents.
  • Say No to LTN – West Ham Park: Residents opposed the implementation of a Low Traffic Neighbourhood. The council stated that every property remained accessible by motor vehicle and that the statutory consultation was open.
  • Overuse of the Brooking Road/ Moore Walk estate car park: Residents requested the reinstatement of residence-only parking. The council stated that it was unable to designate the area exclusively for residents, but that it would include the request in its list of sites for future investigation and review.
  • Healthy Street Proposal: Residents of Stratford Road and Bristol Road strongly opposed the Healthy Street proposal. Details of the outcome are awaited.

Motions

The report provided updates on actions taken in response to motions passed by the council. Some key motions included:

  • Celebrating the contribution of Newham’s Bangladeshi community: The council affirmed its celebration of the British Bangladeshi community and requested that the Mayor write to the Prime Minister inviting them to meet with the borough’s Bangladeshi diaspora communities.
  • Newham Dental Crisis: The council agreed to use its presence within the local North East London Integrated Care System to force an increase in the number of units of dental activity available to the borough.
  • Temporary Accommodation Crisis: The council agreed to call on central government to meet with Newham Council urgently and work with them on the planned new Homelessness Strategy.
  • Increasing the quantity and quality of public toilets in Newham: The council agreed to review the council’s current Community Public Toilets Scheme and develop an annual work plan to encourage the introduction of more community toilets.
  • London City Airport planning appeal and safeguarding the curfew and the quality of life of Newham residents: The council agreed to write to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Secretary of State for Transport to urge them to resist any attempts by London City Airport to remove the 24-hour weekend airflight curfew in place.
  • Cracking down on Knife Crime: The council agreed to request that the Mayor of Newham write to the Home Secretary on behalf of the council to welcome the measures the Home Secretary is introducing to crackdown on knife crime including the ban on Zombie Knifes and Machetes.
  • In Support of House Building and Endorsement of the Labour Government’s approach: The council agreed to support the Labour Government’s housing plan and advocate for its implementation within the borough.
  • Recruitment Balance on Each Ethnicity and Each Protected Characteristic in the Workplace: The council agreed to ensure and endorse recruitment policies, processes and procedures that positively encourage applications from people of diverse backgrounds and protected characteristics.
  • Reform the Olympic Park Fixed Estate Charge: The council agreed to contact Residents and their associations, GLA representatives, local Councillors and MPs to campaign to reform the Fixed Estate Charge.
  • Making Newham Safe for our Young People: The council agreed to ensure the expertise and experience of young people are at the heart of the implementation of the Young Futures Hubs Programme locally.

Other Business

The council also discussed and noted the following items:

  • Announcements by the Chair and the Mayor
  • Apologies for absence
  • Declarations of interest
  • Minutes of the last meeting
  • Announcements by the Chief Executive
  • Appointment of standard committee independent members

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Attendees

Profile image for CouncillorRohima Rahman
Councillor Rohima Rahman  Labour & Co-Operative •  Beckton
Profile image for CouncillorImam Haque
Councillor Imam Haque  Vice Chair of Council •  Labour •  East Ham
Profile image for Councillor Caroline Adaja
Councillor Caroline Adaja  Labour •  Royal Victoria
Profile image for CouncillorAktharul Alam
Councillor Aktharul Alam  Labour •  Little Ilford
Profile image for CouncillorMusawwar Alam
Councillor Musawwar Alam  Labour •  East Ham South
Profile image for Councillor Zulfiqar Ali
Councillor Zulfiqar Ali  Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, and Environment •  Labour •  Plaistow North
Profile image for CouncillorJennifer Bailey
Councillor Jennifer Bailey  Labour & Co-Operative •  Manor Park
Profile image for CouncillorSyed Bashar
Councillor Syed Bashar  Labour •  Little Ilford
Profile image for CouncillorJames Beckles
Councillor James Beckles  Local Development Committee Chair •  Labour & Co-Operative •  Custom House
Profile image for CouncillorNur Begum
Councillor Nur Begum  Labour •  Little Ilford
Profile image for Councillor Stephen Brayshaw
Councillor Stephen Brayshaw  Majority Group Chief Whip •  Labour •  Royal Victoria
Profile image for Councillor Rita Chadha
Councillor Rita Chadha  Cabinet Member for Transformation •  Labour & Co-Operative •  Canning Town North
Profile image for CouncillorAreeq Chowdhury
Councillor Areeq Chowdhury  Green •  Canning Town North
Profile image for CouncillorCarolyn Corben
Councillor Carolyn Corben  Labour •  Maryland
Profile image for Councillor Liz Cronin
Councillor Liz Cronin  Labour •  Forest Gate North
Profile image for CouncillorDr Rohit Kumar Dasgupta
Councillor Dr Rohit Kumar Dasgupta  Chair of Council •  Labour & Co-Operative •  Canning Town South
Profile image for CouncillorMariam Dawood
Councillor Mariam Dawood  Labour •  Manor Park
Profile image for CouncillorCanon Ann Easter
Councillor Canon Ann Easter  Labour & Co-Operative •  Royal Albert
Profile image for CouncillorFemi Falola
Councillor Femi Falola  Labour & Co-Operative •  East Ham
Profile image for CouncillorShantu Ferdous
Councillor Shantu Ferdous  Labour •  East Ham
Profile image for CouncillorMohammed Gani
Councillor Mohammed Gani  Labour & Co-Operative •  Boleyn
Profile image for CouncillorJoshua Garfield
Councillor Joshua Garfield  Scrutiny Commission Chair •  Labour & Co-Operative •  Stratford
Profile image for CouncillorStephanie Garfield
Councillor Stephanie Garfield  Labour •  Wall End
Profile image for Councillor John Gray
Councillor John Gray  Chair of Pensions Committee •  Labour & Co-Operative •  West Ham
Profile image for CouncillorAlan Griffiths
Councillor Alan Griffiths  Labour & Co-Operative •  Canning Town South
Profile image for CouncillorLewis Godfrey
Councillor Lewis Godfrey  Independent •  Green Street West
Profile image for CouncillorBelgica Guaña
Councillor Belgica Guaña  Independent •  Canning Town South
Profile image for CouncillorZuber Gulamussen
Councillor Zuber Gulamussen  Chief Whip of Newham Independents Group •  Newham Independents •  Plashet
Profile image for CouncillorNate Higgins
Councillor Nate Higgins  Green Group Leader •  Green •  Stratford Olympic Park
Profile image for CouncillorDina Hossain
Councillor Dina Hossain  Labour •  Plaistow West and Canning Town East
Profile image for CouncillorLester Hudson
Councillor Lester Hudson  Chair of Overview and Scrutiny •  Labour & Co-Operative •  Wall End
Profile image for CouncillorAnamul Islam
Councillor Anamul Islam  Labour & Co-Operative •  Forest Gate South
Profile image for Councillor Sabia Kamali
Councillor Sabia Kamali  Majority Group Assistant Whip •  Labour & Co-Operative •  Stratford
Profile image for CouncillorDanny Keeling
Councillor Danny Keeling  Deputy Leader of the Green Group and Green Group Business Manager •  Green •  Stratford Olympic Park
Profile image for Councillor Mumtaz Khan
Councillor Mumtaz Khan  Deputy Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care •  Labour & Co-Operative •  Green Street West
Profile image for CouncillorJoy Laguda MBE
Councillor Joy Laguda MBE  Labour •  Plaistow North
Profile image for CouncillorCarleene Lee-Phakoe
Councillor Carleene Lee-Phakoe  Labour & Co-Operative •  Plaistow South
Profile image for CouncillorJane Barbara Lofthouse
Councillor Jane Barbara Lofthouse  Labour & Co-Operative •  Plaistow South
Profile image for CouncillorPushpa Dipaklal Makwana
Councillor Pushpa Dipaklal Makwana  Labour & Co-Operative •  Plashet
Profile image for CouncillorSusan Masters
Councillor Susan Masters  Scrutiny Commission Chair •  Labour & Co-Operative •  East Ham South
Profile image for CouncillorAnthony McAlmont
Councillor Anthony McAlmont  Labour & Co-Operative •  Royal Albert
Profile image for CouncillorJemima McAlmont
Councillor Jemima McAlmont  Labour •  Wall End
Profile image for Councillor Charlene McLean
Councillor Charlene McLean  Cabinet Member for Resident Engagement and Resident Experience •  Labour & Co-Operative •  West Ham
Profile image for Councillor Mehmood Mirza
Councillor Mehmood Mirza  Leader of Newham Independents Group •  Newham Independents •  Boleyn
Profile image for CouncillorShaban Mohammed
Councillor Shaban Mohammed  Labour •  Canning Town North
Profile image for CouncillorJohn Morris
Councillor John Morris  Deputy Cabinet Member for Highways and Sustainable Transport •  Labour & Co-Operative •  Plaistow West and Canning Town East
Profile image for CouncillorSophia Naqvi
Councillor Sophia Naqvi  Deputy Leader of Newham Independents Group •  Newham Independents •  Plaistow North
Profile image for CouncillorThelma Odoi
Councillor Thelma Odoi  Labour & Co-Operative •  Custom House
Profile image for CouncillorMelanie Onovo
Councillor Melanie Onovo  Labour •  Maryland
Profile image for CouncillorMiraj Patel
Councillor Miraj Patel  Deputy Cabinet Member for Environment •  Labour •  Green Street East
Profile image for CouncillorSalim Patel
Councillor Salim Patel  Labour •  Manor Park
Profile image for CouncillorTerence Paul
Councillor Terence Paul  Labour & Co-Operative •  Stratford
Profile image for CouncillorMohammed Muzibur Rahman
Councillor Mohammed Muzibur Rahman  Labour •  Green Street East
Profile image for Councillor Sarah Jane Ruiz
Councillor Sarah Jane Ruiz  Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Children Services and Education, and Sustainable Transport •  Labour & Co-Operative •  Custom House
Profile image for CouncillorSimon Rush
Councillor Simon Rush  Majority Group Secretary •  Labour & Co-Operative •  Plaistow West and Canning Town East
Profile image for CouncillorMadeleine Sarley Pontin
Councillor Madeleine Sarley Pontin  Labour •  Forest Gate South
Profile image for CouncillorLakmini Shah
Councillor Lakmini Shah  Scrutiny Commission Chair •  Labour & Co-Operative •  East Ham South
Profile image for CouncillorRachel Tripp
Councillor Rachel Tripp  Chair of Strategic Development Committee •  Labour & Co-Operative •  Forest Gate North
Profile image for CouncillorWinston Vaughan
Councillor Winston Vaughan  Labour & Co-Operative •  Forest Gate South
Profile image for Councillor Amar Virdee
Councillor Amar Virdee  Statutory Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing Needs, Homelessness and Private Rented Sector, and Community Safety •  Labour & Co-Operative •  Green Street West
Profile image for CouncillorHarvinder Singh Virdee
Councillor Harvinder Singh Virdee  Labour & Co-Operative •  Boleyn
Profile image for Councillor Dr John Whitworth
Councillor Dr John Whitworth  Cabinet Member for Air Quality and Climate Emergency •  Labour & Co-Operative •  West Ham
Profile image for Councillor Neil Wilson
Councillor Neil Wilson  Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care •  Labour & Co-Operative •  Plaistow South
Profile image for CouncillorTonii Wilson
Councillor Tonii Wilson  Chair of Licensing Committee •  Labour & Co-Operative •  Beckton
Profile image for Councillor Blossom Young
Councillor Blossom Young  Cabinet Member for Council Housing Improvements •  Labour •  Beckton
Profile image for CouncillorLarisa Zilickaja
Councillor Larisa Zilickaja  Labour •  Green Street East

Meeting Documents

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