The Council of Newham convened on Monday 10 November 2025 to discuss a range of significant issues, including the borough's approach to growth, waste management, and housing affordability. The meeting agenda included updates from Cabinet members, a review of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee's work programme, and consideration of a themed report on Growth with a Purpose: Homes, Jobs, and Inclusive Communities. A key item was the proposed submission of the East London Joint Waste Plan to the Secretary of State, alongside discussions on two motions submitted by the Green Group and the Labour Group.

Growth with a Purpose: Homes, Jobs, and Inclusive Communities

The Council was scheduled to consider a themed report outlining Newham's vision for inclusive growth, aiming to drive economic progress that benefits residents through opportunity, financial security, and shared prosperity. The report detailed the Newham Growth Plan 2025–2030, which identifies strategic sectors such as digital and data, green construction, and creativity and culture. It also highlighted the Our Newham service, which integrates employment, skills, adult learning, financial wellbeing, and enterprise support. The report emphasized the central role of housing in inclusive growth, with an ambition to deliver 43,000 new homes by 2033, at least 50% of which will be affordable council homes on council-owned land. The ongoing work of the Independent Commission on Inclusion and Belonging in Multi-Ethnic Newham was also noted, aiming to deepen fairness, cohesion, and youth inclusion.

East London Joint Waste Plan Regulation 19 Submission Plan

A significant portion of the agenda was dedicated to the East London Joint Waste Plan (ELJWP). Officers were seeking approval from the Council to submit this plan to the Secretary of State for independent public examination. The ELJWP, prepared jointly by the London Boroughs of Barking and Dagenham, Havering, Newham, and Redbridge, sets out the planning strategy and policies for sustainable waste management across these boroughs until 2041. The plan aims to safeguard sufficient sites for waste management, promote a circular economy, reduce waste, and ensure waste management sites are located to protect communities and the environment. A key aspect of the plan is the proposed release of one waste site in Newham, located on the Connaught Riverside site allocation, to optimise regeneration benefits. The plan also includes policies addressing waste development proposals, greenhouse gas emissions, energy from waste facilities, and the deposit of waste on land.

Motions

Two motions were scheduled for debate:

Green Group Motion: Rejecting The Developer Giveaway, Supporting Council Homes And Community Wealth

This motion, proposed by Councillor Areeq Chowdhury and seconded by Councillor Nate Higgins, aimed to express opposition to the Government and Mayor of London's Support for Housebuilding in London package. The motion argued that this package prioritises developer profit, weakens local autonomy, and undermines Newham's housing and community priorities. It called for reaffirming Newham's target of at least 50% council rent in major developments, and urged the Government and Mayor of London to legislate to end Right to Buy, establish a national buy-back fund for council homes, introduce a Land Value Tax, implement a Wealth Tax, restrict speculative buy-to-let, enable rent controls, and lift borrowing caps for council housing. The motion also proposed commissioning a report on the financial and social impact of the Support for Housebuilding in London package on Newham's housing delivery and infrastructure funding.

Labour Group Motion: The Government's Announcement Of The Pride In Place Funding For Newham

Proposed by Councillor Melanie Onovo and seconded by Councillor Liz Cronin, this motion welcomed the government's Pride in Place programme and Newham's allocation of £1.5 million in funding over two years (2025/26 and 2026/27). The motion noted the significant deprivation levels in Newham and the impact of austerity on local services and communities. It highlighted the importance of vibrant high streets for jobs, visitors, and community wellbeing, and acknowledged the growing sense of division within the country. The motion resolved to welcome the funding, ensure ward councillors are involved in engagement processes, commit to seeking additional investment, and ensure the full utilisation of the £1.5 million funding by the deadline.

Questions by the Public

A question was scheduled to be received from Shabd Pyari regarding the out-of-service lifts on the Royal Victoria Dock footbridge. The question sought to understand the council's actions, in conjunction with the GLA's Royal Docks Team and the developer Lendlease, to repair the lifts in the short term and advance the new bridge project in the medium term. The report pack indicated that the Royal Docks Management Authority owns and maintains the bridge, and despite significant investment in repairs, the lifts have experienced repeated failures. A decision was made to close the lifts in March 2023, and discussions are underway with The Silvertown Partnership (TSP) to fund upgrades to the existing bridge. The council's Cabinet had also agreed to allocate £6.9m of Section 106 funding to support the delivery of a new pedestrian and cycle bridge across the dock, with a formal agreement on funding, milestones, and timelines anticipated by summer 2026, and construction expected to start in early 2027.

Members' Questions

The agenda also included questions from Members to the Mayor or Cabinet members. Councillor James Beckles was scheduled to ask Mayor Fiaz about scheduling more events in the Cundy Centre and Shipman Youth Centre to support community wealth building, regeneration, and resident engagement. Councillor Nate Higgins was due to question Councillor Amar Virdee regarding the administration's actions over the past twelve months to lobby the Government and build political support for rent controls in Newham. Councillor Danny Keeling was scheduled to ask Mayor Fiaz about the number of genuinely affordable homes, at social rent, that have been delivered in the past four years.

Overview and Scrutiny Work Programme and Future Commissions

An update was scheduled from Councillor Lester Hudson, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, on the committee's work programme and future commissions. The report indicated that since the previous meeting, Scrutiny had been active in setting out clear work programmes and confirming commission memberships, focusing on financial stability, fairness, and performance. The committee had examined the Council's Finance Review and the Best Value Notice issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. Recent scrutiny activity included calling in a Cabinet decision about Manor Park Gym, and a Cabinet decision concerning the Royal Victoria Dock Bridge. Specialist commissions were also active, focusing on Health and Adult Social Care, Housing and Regeneration, Crime, Environment and Transport, and Education, Children and Young People.

Update from Newham Partners

The Council was scheduled to hear from Sunder Katwala of British Futures on the work of the Commission for the Future of Belonging & Inclusion in Newham.

Announcements by the Chair and Mayor

Councillor Dr Rohit K Dasgupta, Chair of Council, was scheduled to receive any announcements, as was Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE. The Mayor's announcements were expected to address issues of flags, hate, hostility, division, racism, arson attacks, and terrorism, as well as unity, community, compassion, hope, and love. A review of the Council's existing flags and special lighting policy was anticipated, taking into account national guidance, policies of other London councils, Newham's Social Integration Strategy, and the Council's approach to removing flags from council infrastructure. The Mayor was also expected to address the recent terrorist and arson attacks on places of worship.

Updates by Cabinet Members

Councillor John Whitworth, Cabinet Member for Air Quality, Climate Emergency & Environment, was scheduled to provide an update, focusing on street cleanliness, fly-tipping removal, and street cleansing improvements. He was also expected to mention the launch of a six-month 'Let's Love Newham' campaign and the introduction of a separate food waste collection.

Announcements by the Interim Chief Executive

Paul Martin, Interim Chief Executive, was scheduled to provide announcements, including an update on his priorities since taking up the post and the appointment of new experienced colleagues to the corporate leadership board. He was also expected to announce the by-election results for Plaistow South Ward following the passing of Councillor Neil Wilson.

Designation of Council's Monitoring Officer

Council was to consider a report setting out the interim arrangements for the role of Monitoring Officer following the resignation of the former postholder.

Treasury Management 2024/25 Year End Report

Council was to consider a report meeting statutory reporting requirements, demonstrating compliance with obligations regarding the investment and management of funds, balancing risk and return.

Political Proportionality and Review of the Allocation of Seats on Committees

Council was to consider a report reviewing political proportionality and proposing the allocation of committee seats between political groups, following the Plaistow South Ward by-election.

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

Council was to consider the revised draft policy, prepared to assist the Licensing Authority in making decisions on applications and setting out expectations for applicants, residents, businesses, and responsible authorities. The policy had been rewritten to incorporate developments in this regulatory area, including the UK Government White Paper on gambling and calls for councils to have more licensing powers over gambling venues.

Standards Committee Co-Optees Appointments

Council was to receive a report seeking approval for the appointment of three Co-opted Members to the Council's Standards Committee.

Statements from Members

Two statements were scheduled to be made by members in their individual capacity: Councillor Thelma Odoi on Let's Not Let History Repeat Itself, and Councillor Zulfiqar Ali on The latest developments leading to the recognition of the state of Palestine by our government.

Point of Order

Councillor John Gray was scheduled to raise a point of order regarding the Monitoring Officer's decision to reject his proposed amendment to Motion 1.

Suspension of Rule 8.1 of Part 4.1 of the Council's Constitution

Council was scheduled to consider suspending Rule 8.1 of Part 4.1 of the Council's Constitution (Duration of Meetings) to allow the remaining business to be concluded.