The Cabinet of Newham Council met on Tuesday 17 March 2026, approving a range of significant initiatives including a new Social Value Procurement Policy, an extension to a Section 75 agreement with the North East London Integrated Care Board, and the adoption of the refreshed Air Quality Action Plan for 2025-2030. The meeting also saw the approval of proposals for three new Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) targeting street harassment, misuse of car parks, and the misuse of fireworks.

Key decisions made during the meeting included the approval of the Council's progress on the Housing Services Improvement Programme, the conversion of shared ownership tenure at Burgoyne's Depot and Greenhill Centre to fully London Affordable Rent, and the procurement of a single social care case management system. Additionally, the Cabinet agreed to adopt the Newham Domestic Abuse Strategy 2026-2031 and its accompanying action plan, and to draw down £2 million from the corporate capital budget to modernise the Council's CCTV system. The meeting also confirmed the utilisation of the London Boroughs' Legal Alliance (LBLA) Solicitors Framework and the adoption of the Newham's Air Quality Action Plan 2025-2030. Finally, the Cabinet formally adopted the findings of the Newham Built Leisure Needs Assessment and Playing Pitch Strategy, and endorsed the executive response to the Phase II Report of the Black Boys and the Borough Scrutiny Commission.

Housing Service Improvement Programme Update

Cabinet received a quarterly update on the Housing Services Improvement Programme, noting the Council's progress in addressing issues raised by the Regulator of Social Housing. Councillor Blossom Young, Cabinet Member for Council Housing Improvements, highlighted significant progress in core areas of safety and compliance, with over 4,500 fire risk assessment actions in train and proactive measures being taken to address damp and mould cases. The Council is also preparing to enter into a Voluntary Undertaking with the Regulator of Social Housing, a formal commitment to deliver the improvement plan and achieve full compliance with Consumer Standards.

Shared Ownership Tenure Conversion - Burgoyne's Depot and Greenhill Centre

Cabinet approved a change in tenure at Burgoyne's Depot and Greenhill Centre, converting 41 shared ownership homes to London Affordable Rent. This decision, supported by Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE and Councillor Zulfiqar Ali, Statutory Deputy Mayor & Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources, aims to enhance the financial viability of both schemes and address the temporary accommodation pressures facing the Council. The conversion is projected to deliver a stronger financial return for the Council and increase the supply of affordable homes. Authority was delegated to the Corporate Director of Inclusive Economy, Housing and Culture to implement necessary amendments to grant funding agreements and planning purposes.

Improving Outcomes Together - Section 75 Extension with North East London Integrated Care Board

Cabinet agreed to the continuation of the Section 75 agreement between the Council and the North East London Integrated Care Board for a further three years, from April 2026 to March 2029. Councillor Rita Chadha, Cabinet Member for Health & Adult Social Care, emphasised that this extension is crucial for securing significant funding and maintaining the collaborative infrastructure built over nearly a decade. The agreement, valued at £211.272 million, covers adult social care, public health, community mental health, learning disability services, and children and young people's provision, with NHS contributions directly funding frontline care staff and placements. Authority was delegated to the Corporate Director of Adults and Health for necessary decisions regarding the agreement's implementation and operation, including entering into Section 256 agreements for fund transfers from the NHS.

Procurement of a Single Social Care Case Management System

Cabinet resolved to procure a new case management system for both Children & Young People's Directorate and the Adult Social Care and Health Directorate. This decision, supported by Councillor Sarah Jane Ruiz, Deputy Mayor & Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Education & Sustainable Transport, and Councillor Rita Chadha, Cabinet Member for Health & Adult Social Care, aims to improve system integration, operational clarity, and data transparency. The procurement will utilise the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Framework RM6259 Vertical Application Solutions, Lot 2, subject to a mini-competition. This approach is considered compliant, efficient, and proportionate, offering access to market-leading systems while reducing procurement timescales and costs compared to a full open tender.

Anti-Fraud & Corruption Strategy and Policies 2026/27

Cabinet agreed to adopt the new Newham Anti-Fraud & Corruption Strategy and its accompanying Fraud Policy Suite for 2026/27. Councillor Zulfiqar Ali, Statutory Deputy Mayor & Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources, highlighted that this strengthened framework reinforces the Council's zero-tolerance approach to fraud and corruption, providing a clearer structure for preventing, detecting, and responding to fraudulent activity. The strategy and policies align with CIPFA and CIFAS best practices, aiming to minimise risk, enhance governance, and ensure robust responses to wrongdoing.

Risk Management Strategy and Policy 2026/27

Cabinet agreed to adopt the refreshed Risk Management Strategy and Policy for 2026/27. Councillor Zulfiqar Ali explained that this update strengthens the Council's strategic risk management framework, aligning it with recognised best practices such as ISO 31000 and HM Treasury's Orange Book. The refreshed framework introduces the Bow Tie methodology for analysing strategic risks, enhancing visibility of risk drivers, control effectiveness, and mitigation delivery. Strategic risks will continue to be overseen by the Corporate Leadership Board, with regular reporting to the Audit & Governance Committee.

Social Value Procurement Policy

Cabinet approved the Social Value Procurement Policy as the mandatory corporate framework governing procurement activity for contracts with a net value over £0.150 million. Councillor Zulfiqar Ali, Statutory Deputy Mayor & Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources, stated that the policy strengthens social value expectations, clarifies ethical standards, embeds environmental responsibilities, and supports improved access for SMEs and VCSE organisations. An additional recommendation was agreed to request further work on grants to Voluntary Organisations and a comprehensive Social Value Strategy to be brought forward to Cabinet. Authority was delegated to the Interim Assistant Chief Executive, Change & Improvement & Corporate Director of Resources to issue supporting guidance, deliver training, and update internal processes for full implementation.

Use of the London Boroughs' Legal Alliance (LBLA) Solicitors Framework Agreement

Cabinet agreed to utilise the London Boroughs' Legal Alliance (LBLA) Solicitors Framework to call off services as and when required until 7 January 2029, with an option for a one-year extension. Councillor Zulfiqar Ali highlighted that this collaborative approach with 33 London boroughs allows for the procurement of specialist legal services at competitive rates, avoiding the need for individual procurement exercises. The framework has already demonstrated significant cost savings, estimated at £0.888 million for Newham between July 2022 and October 2025. The agreement also includes value-added benefits such as training sessions and legal advice.

The Newham Domestic Abuse Strategy 2026-2031

Cabinet agreed to adopt the Newham Domestic Abuse Strategy 2026-2031 and its accompanying 2026-2027 action plan. Councillor Rita Chadha, Cabinet Member for Health & Adult Social Care, presented the strategy, highlighting its development in close partnership with residents with lived experience and external partners. The strategy builds on achievements from the previous plan, including expanded co-located domestic abuse services, the establishment of women's hubs, and increased referrals to perpetrator programmes. It maintains a public health and whole community approach, with a focus on gender-inclusive support, addressing intersectionality, and strengthening early intervention.

Upgrade of The London Borough of Newham CCTV

Cabinet approved the drawing down of £2 million from the corporate capital budget to modernise the Council's CCTV system. Councillor Amar Virdee, Deputy Mayor & Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Housing Need, Homelessness & Private Rented Sector, explained that this investment is necessary due to ageing infrastructure, unreliable transmission, and end-of-life cameras. The upgrade will improve coverage, image quality, and evidential capture, and introduce advanced video analytics. Authority was delegated to the Corporate Director for Environment and Sustainable Transport, in consultation with the Lead Member, to award contracts for project management and technical delivery services.

PSPO Proposals (Street harassment, Misuse of car parks, and Misuse of fireworks)

Cabinet agreed to the implementation of three new Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs): a boroughwide order for street harassment, a location-specific order for the misuse of car parks, and a boroughwide order for the misuse of fireworks. Councillor Amar Virdee stated that these orders provide additional powers to tackle persistent anti-social behaviour that has a detrimental effect on the local community. The orders will commence on 11 May 2026 and expire on 10 May 2029. Consultation findings indicated strong public support for these measures, with residents highlighting concerns about street harassment, car park misuse, and fireworks.

Adoption of Newham's Air Quality Action Plan 2025-2030

Cabinet agreed to adopt the refreshed Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) for 2025-2030. Councillor Dr John Whitworth, Cabinet Member for Air Quality, Climate Emergency & Environment, presented the plan, highlighting its statutory requirement under the Environment Act 1995. The refreshed plan builds on previous achievements, expands its focus to include community engagement, business involvement, and education, and strengthens collaboration with neighbouring authorities and stakeholders. The plan aims to improve air quality and reduce residents' exposure to air pollution, aligning with the Mayor of London's targets and WHO guidelines.

Built Leisure Needs Assessment and Playing Pitch Strategy Adoption

Cabinet formally adopted the findings of the Newham Built Leisure Needs Assessment 2025 and the Newham Playing Pitch Strategy 2025. Councillor Rita Chadha, Cabinet Member for Health & Adult Social Care, presented the report, explaining that these strategies provide a robust evidence base underpinning the emerging Local Plan. The adoption of these strategies will strengthen the Council's position in securing Sport England support and external capital investment for future infrastructure programmes, ensuring sufficient provision of indoor and outdoor sports facilities to meet the needs of Newham's growing population.

Executive Response to the Relationship Between Black Boys and the Borough Scrutiny Commission - Phase II Report

Cabinet agreed to endorse the responses to the recommendations set out in the Phase II Report of the Black Boys and the Borough Scrutiny Commission. Councillor Sarah Jane Ruiz, Deputy Mayor & Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Education & Sustainable Transport, acknowledged the report's findings on systemic inequalities and highlighted the Council's commitment to addressing these issues within existing resources. It was noted that the delivery of recommendations would be overseen through existing governance arrangements, with progress reported through appropriate Member and scrutiny routes.

Best Value Notice: Interim Chief Executive's Progress Assessment & Delivering Best Value for Residents Plan 2026/27

Cabinet noted the Chief Executive's Best Value progress assessment, which will be shared with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to inform their 12-month review of the non-statutory Best Value Notice issued in May 2025. Councillor Zulfiqar Ali, Statutory Deputy Mayor & Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources, presented the report, highlighting the significant progress made in stabilising the Council's financial position and strengthening governance. Cabinet also endorsed the Best Value Plan 2026/27, which outlines the Council's ongoing commitment to driving improvement and embedding systems and capabilities to deliver for residents and fulfil its Best Value Duty.

Building a Fairer Newham 2022-26: progress and achievements

Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE presented a report noting the achievements and impact made in delivering the Building a Fairer Newham (BaFN) Corporate Delivery Plan from 2022 to 2026. The report highlighted progress across eight key priorities, including a healthier Newham, an inclusive economy, improved neighbourhoods, safer streets, increased affordable housing, enhanced support for young people, greater resident participation, and a campaigning approach to advocate for the borough's needs. Cabinet also noted the findings of the 2025 residents' survey.

Exclusion of the Press and Public

The exclusion of the press and public from the meeting was noted, with no vote required.