Here is a summary of the Cabinet meeting of Newham Council on 16 September 2025, incorporating key decisions and discussions:

The Cabinet of Newham Council convened to address a range of critical issues, including approving funding for the Royal Victoria Docks Bridge, considering the future of Calverton Primary School, and reviewing housing service improvements. Decisions were made on the allocation of resources and the progression of key strategic objectives, with a strong emphasis on community well-being and financial prudence.

Royal Victoria Docks Bridge

The cabinet addressed the Royal Victoria Docks (RVD) Bridge project, following a call-in from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee regarding a previous decision. The cabinet approved an executive response to the call-in, addressing concerns about economic benefits, specifications, and financial considerations.

• Decision: The cabinet agreed to note the recommendations from the Overview & Scrutiny Committee and the executive's response. They also agreed to approve an alternative financial allocation towards the costs of the RVD Bridge in a separate agenda item.

The cabinet then approved the allocation of up to £6.9 million from existing section 106 contributions from the Royal Wharf Development towards the Royal Victoria Docks Bridge. This decision aims to resource the bridge while demonstrating prudence in light of the council's financial challenges.

• Decision: The cabinet approved the allocation of up to £6.9 million towards the RVD Bridge, sourced from section 106 funding from the Royal Wharf site, subject to a full funding package being in place, a resolution at Strategic Development Committee, necessary approvals from the Competition and Markets Authority, and a funding agreement with the Silvertown Partnership[^2].

  [^2]: The Silvertown Partnership (TSP) is a joint venture between Lendlease, an international real estate and investment group, and Starwood Capital. Councillor Blossom Young, Cabinet Member for Council Housing Improvements, sought clarification on the economic benefits of the scheme beyond the Silvertown Quays development. Officers responded that external consultants had been commissioned to assess journey time savings and wider health benefits. Councillor John Whitworth, Cabinet Member for Air Quality and Climate Emergency, asked about safeguards to ensure the delivery of the bridge. Officers clarified that the money would not be granted unless a full funding package was available, with milestones and expectations set out in an agreement with the developer. Councillor Dofakali, Deputy Mayor & Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources, questioned how the revised funding model ensured financial prudence. Officers explained that there would be no council borrowing and that the section 106 money was explicitly collected to support infrastructure in that part of the borough.

Calverton Primary School

The cabinet considered the outcome of the pre-statutory consultation on the proposed closure of Calverton Primary School and decided whether to proceed with a statutory consultation. Councillor Sarah Ruiz, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Children Services and Education, and Sustainable Transport, highlighted the challenges of falling pupil numbers and financial sustainability.

• Decision: The cabinet agreed to proceed with stages 2 and 3 of the statutory process regarding the potential closure of Calverton Primary School, including the publication of the statutory notice and formal consultation. They noted that a final decision on closure would be taken at a later stage, with a potential closure date of 31 August 2026.

  Councillor Charlene McLean, Cabinet Member for Resident Engagement and Resident Experience, urged residents to read the consultation responses, noting the council had taken time to respond to all comments. Officers clarified that forecasts still showed a decline in pupil numbers despite planned home construction near the school. Councillor Blossom Young asked about support for children with special educational needs and disabilities. Officers confirmed that families would be supported to ensure their child's needs were met in their next school placement. Conrad Hall, the councils director of resources, stated that the estimated cost to the council's general fund if the school closes would be between £3 million and £3.5 million.

Housing Services Improvement Programme

The cabinet received a quarterly update on the Housing Services Improvement Programme, including a complaints performance report and resident involvement strategy. Councillor Blossom Young presented the report, highlighting progress in addressing repairs backlogs and improving resident satisfaction.

• Decision: The cabinet approved the adoption of the new Housing Resident Involvement Strategy, the 2024/25 Annual Complaints Self-Assessment to the Housing Ombudsman, the corporate response to the self-assessment, and the amended Housing Complaints Policy.

  The discussion covered the range and scale of resident involvement, operational capacity to handle complaints, and accountability. Paul Kitson, Corporate Director of Inclusive Economy and Housing, acknowledged the need to rebuild trust and the importance of the improvement journey. Councillor Zulfiqar Ali emphasised the need for a diverse and inclusive engagement process. Councillor Sarah Jane Ruiz raised concerns about damp and mould, and Cheryl, whose job title was not provided, outlined the housing response to this issue.

Review of the Borough's Statement of Licensing Policy - Gambling Act 2005

The cabinet reviewed the borough's Statement of Licensing Policy under the Gambling Act 2005. Councillor Amar Virdee, Statutory Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing Needs, Homelessness and Private Rented Sector, and Community Safety, introduced the revised policy, emphasising the commitment to resident well-being and the introduction of a new Gambling Vulnerability Area in East Ham[^3].

• Decision: The cabinet agreed to note the draft revised Statement of Gambling Policy, note the statutory consultation feedback, and recommend the draft revised statement to full council for adoption, with an amendment to the wording of the recommendation to clarify that the statutory consultation feedback had been noted.

  [^3]: East Ham is a district in the London Borough of Newham. Councillor Muraish Patel raised concerns about the number of betting shops in the borough and how the revised policy would protect vulnerable residents. Officers explained the concept of the vulnerability area and the requirement for local area risk assessments.

Manor Park Gym - Capital Fit Out

The cabinet considered the capital investment for the Manor Park Gym. The report sought approval to release £2.1 million in capital funding for the fit-out of the new gym, which is part of a housing development in Manor Park.

• Decision: The cabinet agreed to release the £2.1 million allocated within the current capital programme for the fit-out of the new Manor Park Gym and noted that Greenwich Leisure Ltd (GLL) would manage the fit-out programme.

  Councillor questioned the opportunities for community engagement to ensure the facility was inclusive. Officers responded that GLL would be engaging residents to understand their preferences.

Affordable Homes for Newham - Updated Position

The cabinet discussed the updated position on the Affordable Homes for Newham programme. The report provided an overview of the programme's progress, achievements, and challenges, and sought approval for revised budget increases.

• Decision: The cabinet agreed to note the update on homes completed, under construction, or not progressed, and approved the revised budget increases for each site, totaling an additional £16.6 million, and a further contingency allowance of £6.3 million.

  Councillor Sarah Jane Ruiz asked about addressing paused schemes. Officers responded that they were exploring options for future development. Councillor Blossom Young inquired about ensuring the quality of homes against cost pressures. Officers explained that they were working closely with the GLA and considering the specification of what was being built.