The Audit and Governance Committee of Newham Council met on Wednesday 25 February 2026 to review the Council's Annual Governance Statement for 2024/2025 and the draft financial statements for the same period. The meeting also received updates on internal audit progress, risk management, counter fraud activities, and the Council's Delivering Best Value for Our Residents plan.

Key discussions included the Council's financial sustainability, with a forecast underspend of £8.2 million for 2025/26 and plans to balance the budget for 2026/27 without requiring Exceptional Financial Support. However, significant weaknesses were identified in property compliance for Housing Revenue Account properties and in the timeliness of statutory financial reporting. Internal audit provided a limited assurance opinion for 2024/25, highlighting significant governance, risk management, and control weaknesses across key audited areas. The committee also noted the progress on the LGA Corporate Peer Challenge Action Plan and the ongoing work to refresh the Council's Constitution.