The Cabinet of Newham Council met on Tuesday 22 July 2025 to discuss a range of critical issues impacting the borough, including the council's response to a non-statutory Best Value Notice issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, and the significant financial challenges facing the council. Key decisions made included the approval of an action plan to address the Best Value Notice, the adoption of the Newham Growth Plan 2025-2030, and the acceptance of grant funding for the Connect to Work programme.

Delivering Best Value for Residents

The Cabinet formally noted the non-statutory Best Value Notice issued to Newham Council on 8 May 2025, acknowledging its implications for all officers and members. The council outlined its response, building on existing improvement activities and strengthening the Newham Transformation & Improvement Board, chaired by Rob Whiteman, to provide support, challenge, and assurance. Regular updates on progress will be provided to Cabinet, the Council, Overview & Scrutiny, and the Audit & Governance Committee.

July Finance Review

The Cabinet received a comprehensive July Finance Review, which brought together three key financial updates: the final outturn for the 2024/25 financial year, the first quarter budget monitoring for 2025/26, and an updated Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) projecting to 2028/29. The review highlighted significant financial challenges, including a projected budget gap of £115 million by 2028/29. The council is facing pressures from rising temporary accommodation costs, social care costs, population increase, and inflation. To address this, the council is delivering an £80 million savings programme over the next three years and will proceed with a public consultation in the autumn to inform political decision-making on service prioritisation. Zero-based budgeting will also be undertaken as part of the review process.

Newham's Transformation and Improvement: Building a Fairer Newham Integrated Performance Report 2024-2025

The Cabinet noted the progress made during 2024/25 in delivering the Building a Fairer Newham (BaFN) Corporate Delivery Plan and the Transforming Newham for the Future Plan. They also agreed the new BaFN Key Performance Indicator (KPI) targets for 2025/26. The report detailed achievements in areas such as educational outcomes, the Eat for Free programme, and housing delivery, while also acknowledging challenges in housing services following a C4 grading from the Regulator of Social Housing, and the ongoing increase in knife crime. The Transforming Newham for the Future programme has been streamlined into three key areas: making services available online, joining up services for better resident support, and creating a lean and efficient council.

Newham Growth Plan 2025-2030

The Cabinet approved the Newham Growth Plan 2025-2030, a strategy and action plan for inclusive economic growth in the borough. The plan aims to harness growth opportunities to deliver benefits for residents, support businesses, and attract investment. It identifies three priority areas: Jobs, Skills & Good Work; Thriving Places; and Innovation, Investment & Partnership. The plan also highlights three opportunity sectors for future growth: digital and data, construction and green skills, and creativity and culture. The strategy builds on the council's Community Wealth Building agenda and aims to enhance livelihood security for residents.

Acceptance of Grant Funding for the Connect to Work Programme

The Cabinet agreed to accept grant funding of up to £5.47 million for the Connect to Work programme, which will run from June 2025 to March 2030. This programme, delivered by Our Newham Work in partnership with Local London, will support individuals with disabilities and long-term health conditions to find and sustain meaningful employment. The funding will enable support for up to 1,548 residents, building on the success of existing local initiatives.

Newham Living: Stratford & Forest Gate Assets Refurbishment Proposals

The Cabinet agreed to allocate up to £2,054,000 from the Council's HRA Capital Programme for the refurbishment of Property A in Stratford, and up to £1,140,000 for Property B in Forest Gate. These former council assets will be transformed into supported accommodation for single vulnerable residents as part of the Newham Living programme. This initiative aims to provide high-quality, fit-for-purpose accommodation with on-site support, helping residents regain independence, delay the need for statutory support, and reduce reliance on temporary accommodation. Procurement for the capital works at both properties was also agreed.

Grant Funding Award from Warm Homes Social Housing Fund (WHSHF), 2025-2028

The Cabinet agreed to accept £1,520,471 in grant funding from the Warm Homes Social Housing Fund, administered by the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero. This funding, secured through the London Strategic Partnership led by London Councils and Camden Council, will contribute to a £3.3 million programme to retrofit 359 of the borough's worst-performing homes in North Woolwich, East Ham, and Canning Town. The works will focus on fabric improvements to enhance energy efficiency, tackle damp and mould, and reduce residents' energy bills. The decision also included amendments to the report for clarity regarding affected wards and delegated authority for procurement and contract awards.

Independent Living Support Service - Contract Award

The Cabinet agreed to establish a five-lot Independent Living Support Service (ILSS) Framework Agreement, commencing on 6 October 2025, with an estimated annual value of £31.8 million. This decision follows a comprehensive procurement process and aims to enhance the council's home care services, ensuring continued support for residents with eligible needs while promoting independence and quality of life. The agreement will cover reablement, long-term care for adults with physical disabilities and learning disabilities, and domestic support. Authority was delegated to the Corporate Directors for Adults and Health, and Children and Young People's Services, in consultation with the relevant Lead Members, to exercise extensions and award contracts.

Grant Funding Award from Warm Homes Social Housing Fund (WHSHF), 2025-2028

Following a brief adjournment to clarify figures, the Cabinet formally noted minor amendments to the report for Agenda Item 11, Grant Funding Award from Warm Homes Social Housing Fund. These amendments were made to provide greater clarity on the affected areas and the consultation process for contract awards. The recommendations, including the acceptance of £1,520,471 in funding and entry into legal agreements, were agreed with the amendments incorporated.

Exclusion of the Press and Public and Exempt Appendix

The Cabinet formally noted Agenda Item 13, the exclusion of the press and public, and Agenda Item 14, the exempt appendix for Agenda Item 1, Newham Living - Bow Street and Romford Road asset refurbishment proposal.

Connect to Work Programme Funding

The Cabinet agreed to accept the allocation of Connect to Work grant funding of up to £5.47 million between June 2025 and 31st March 2030, and to enter into the agreement with Local London as the sub-regional lead. This programme, delivered by Our Newham Work, will support individuals with disabilities and long-term health conditions to overcome barriers to employment. The figure of £5.47 million was confirmed as the precise amount for the five-year period.

Newham Living: Stratford & Forest Gate Assets Refurbishment Proposals

The Cabinet agreed to the allocation of up to £2,054,000 from the Council's HRA Capital Programme for the refurbishment of Property A in Stratford, and up to £1,140,000 for Property B in Forest Gate. These former council assets will be transformed into supported accommodation for single vulnerable residents as part of the Newham Living programme. Procurement to secure a contractor for the capital works at both properties was also agreed, with authority delegated to the Corporate Director of Inclusive Economy & Housing in consultation with the Lead Member for Housing Services for contract awards and approval of funding variances up to 10%.

Grant Funding Award from Warm Homes Social Housing Fund (WHSHF), 2025-2028

The Cabinet agreed to accept £1,520,471 in grant funding from the Warm Homes Social Housing Fund. This funding, secured through the London Strategic Partnership, will contribute to a programme to retrofit 359 of the borough's worst-performing homes. The decision included amendments to the report for clarity on affected wards and the consultation process for contract awards. Delegated authority was also agreed for the Corporate Director of Resources, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Council Housing Improvements, to enter into necessary agreements and award contracts. The Cabinet Member for Air Quality and Climate Emergency was also included in the consultation for contract awards.

Independent Living Support Service - Contract Award

The Cabinet agreed to extend current purchasing arrangements for the Independent Living Support Service (ILSS) until 6 October 2025 and establish a five-lot ILSS Framework Agreement. This aims to ensure continued service provision for residents and build upon the successes of the current home care framework, which has been noted for its value for money and high resident satisfaction. Authority was delegated to the Corporate Director for Adults and Health, in consultation with the Lead Member for Health and Adult Social Care, and the Corporate Director for Children and Young People's Services and the Lead Member for Children's Services and Education for Lot 3 and Lot 5 extensions.

Exclusion of the Press and Public and Exempt Appendix

The Cabinet formally noted Agenda Item 13, the exclusion of the press and public, and Agenda Item 14, the exempt appendix for Agenda Item 1, Newham Living - Bow Street and Romford Road asset refurbishment proposal.