The Council meeting scheduled for Monday 23 March 2026 was set to address a range of public questions, member questions, and review progress on key council priorities. The meeting also included reports on the findings of an Independent Commission on Inclusion and Belonging, and updates on the Council's Overview and Scrutiny work programme.

Questions by the Public

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing questions submitted by members of the public. Eight questions were scheduled to be received, covering a broad spectrum of resident concerns.

Mahdi Hasan submitted a question to Councillor Amar Virdee, Deputy Mayor & Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Housing Need, Homelessness & Private Rented Sector, regarding the Council's definition and measurement of everyday safety beyond recorded crime. The question sought to understand the standards and benchmarks used to ensure residents feel safe in their daily lives, referencing issues such as street lighting, pavement conditions, public space design, and overcrowded housing. Councillor Virdee's published response indicated a holistic approach to safety, incorporating environmental factors, resident feedback, and multi-agency collaboration through the Newham Integrated Community Enforcement (NICE) model. The response also highlighted the Newham Safety Partnership Strategic Plan 2025–2028 and the Newham Neighbourhood Watch Association.

Fokrull Ahmed directed a question to Councillor Zulfiqar Ali, Statutory Deputy Mayor & Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources, expressing concerns about rising council tax and penalty charges, alongside perceived poor conditions of roads and housing. The questioner also referenced a perceived lack of action on anti-social behaviour and bin collections, despite previous promises. Councillor Ali's published response thanked the questioner for engaging with the budget consultation process and detailed the Council's financial position, including investments in local transport and waste management improvements. The response also outlined ongoing work in housing, landlord licensing, and community safety partnerships.

A questioner wishing to remain anonymous posed a question to Councillor Virdee regarding their housing situation. The questioner stated that their three children were uncomfortable in their current property and that their bidding number on the council housing registry had been cancelled after five years of bidding. The published response indicated that the Housing team was investigating the case due to discrepancies in the provided information and aimed to find a fair and supportive solution aligned with policy.

Yunus Ali submitted a question to Councillor Virdee requesting the installation of CCTV on their road due to a significant increase in vehicle thefts. The questioner asked about the criteria used for prioritising roads for CCTV installations and what immediate steps could be taken to improve street safety. Councillor Virdee's published response detailed the Council's assessment process for new CCTV installations, noting that permanent cameras are typically located in high footfall areas. The response also mentioned the possibility of mobile CCTV cameras and highlighted a £2 million capital investment to modernise Newham's CCTV network.

Miriam Scharf directed a question to Councillor Zulfiqar Ali concerning the Pensions Committee's commitment to upholding human rights in conflict areas, specifically mentioning Gaza. The question asked when the Council's investigation into the Newham Pension Fund's holdings would be available to residents. Councillor Ali's published response stated that the Pension Fund does not invest in companies supplying arms to Israel and has minimal investments in the defence sector, totalling under £1 million, which have not been identified as linked to Israel.

Ren Tilbury asked Councillor Rita Chadha, Cabinet Member for Health & Adult Social Care and Transforming Newham for the Future, about the Council's belief that a significantly overrunning adult social care budget could deliver for vulnerable residents without material cuts to their quality of life. Councillor Chadha's published response clarified that the figures referenced in the CQC report were not an accurate reflection of the financial position for Adults and Health. The response detailed the Adults and Health Medium-Term Financial Strategy, focusing on promoting independence, prevention, technology, and efficient resource deployment.

Zeinab Kamal posed a question to Councillor Ali, asking Newham Council to commit to upholding international law and ensuring ethical investments in the LGPS pension fund, particularly concerning companies enabling Israel's alleged violations of international law. The questioner asked if the Council would commit to divesting from such companies. Councillor Ali's published response reiterated the Council's commitment to responsible and transparent investment, noting that the Pension Fund does not invest in companies supplying arms to Israel and has minimal defence sector investments.

Sajia Iqbal, a member of the Local Government Pension Scheme, also submitted a question to Councillor Ali expressing concern about pension contributions being invested in ways that contribute to grave breaches of international law and human rights. The questioner asked for reassurance that pensions are used ethically and whether the Council would commit to ensuring the pension fund is not invested in unethical companies. Councillor Ali's published response referred to the Pension Fund's ESG Policy and stated that the Fund does not invest in companies supplying arms to Israel, with minimal defence sector investments.

Members' Questions

Twelve questions from Members were scheduled to be addressed.

Councillor Nate Higgins questioned Councillor Amar Virdee regarding the opening of a police hub in the Olympic Park. Councillor Virdee's published response explained that while the Mayor of London's strategy aims for neighbourhood officers to be closer to communities, the existing deployment locations in Stratford already meet the 20-minute neighbourhood requirement. However, discussions were ongoing with a housing provider about potentially hosting Stratford area policing teams.

Councillor Areeq Chowdhury asked Councillor Rita Chadha if Newham Council would commit to writing to the Home Secretary to oppose the UK Government's plans to make refugee status temporary. Councillor Chadha's published response confirmed that Full Council had previously agreed a motion reaffirming Newham's position as a Borough of Sanctuary and calling on the UK Government to uphold human rights and international obligations. The response detailed ongoing advocacy actions and the Council's formal response to the Government's consultation.

Councillor Stephen Brayshaw inquired of Councillor Sarah Ruiz, Deputy Mayor & Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Education & Sustainable Transport, about the Council's plans to manage the benefits of hire bikes while preventing pavement clutter. Councillor Ruiz's published response outlined plans to formalise operations with hire bike operators, secure TfL funding for dedicated cycle hire bays, and restrict parking to these bays to prevent obstruction.

Councillor Caroline Oladapo asked Councillor Virdee about the Council's actions to address phone thefts near DLR stations. Councillor Virdee's published response acknowledged the concerns and detailed the Council's work with the Metropolitan Police and British Transport Police. The response noted that DLR stations in Newham are not among the borough's main robbery hotspots but highlighted ongoing enforcement and prevention work, including targeted patrols and community engagement.

Councillor Rachel Tripp questioned Councillor Ruiz about secure cycle storage, asking for the number of residential cycle hangars installed since 2022, the size of the waiting list, and plans to reduce waiting times. Councillor Ruiz's published response stated that 356 residential cycle hangars (2,136 spaces) are in Newham, with 202 installed since May 2022. A waiting list of 1,159 spaces was noted, and the Council continues to apply for TfL funding for further installations.

Councillor John Gray asked Councillor Ruiz about the Council's approach to tackling the housing crisis and growing demand on Temporary Accommodation in West Ham. Councillor Ruiz's published response detailed the Council's efforts to increase affordable homes through regeneration and acquisitions, strengthen homelessness prevention services, and reduce reliance on Temporary Accommodation. The response also mentioned the Renters' Right Act and the Council's use of data and AI to manage temporary accommodation.

Councillor Melanie Onovo directed a question to Councillor John Whitworth, Cabinet Member for Air Quality, Climate Emergency & Environment, regarding the Council's initiatives to encourage residents to reduce waste and improve recycling rates. Councillor Whitworth's published response outlined various programmes, including food waste prevention, promotion of reusable products, rollout of a new food waste recycling service, and community composting schemes. The response also mentioned initiatives for reuse, repair cafes, and tackling textile waste.

Councillor Zuber Gulamussen asked Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE to confirm the exact amount of public money paid to her following an external investigation, the legal basis for the payment, and whether she believed it was appropriate to accept it. The Mayor's published response referred to a statement issued by Newham Council on 20th December 2024, which confirmed a settlement was reached in an employment tribunal claim, with the Council making a capped contribution of £30,000 + VAT to the Mayor's legal costs. The statement emphasised that the terms were made without admission of liability and that detailed discussions remain confidential.

Councillor MD Nazrul Islam also questioned the Mayor regarding the publication of the full investigation report and the circumstances surrounding the payment. The Mayor's published response reiterated the earlier statement, explaining that as there was no breach of the Code of Conduct, the report was not published in line with normal practice. It also referenced an Information Commissioner's Office decision notice ruling that disclosure would be unlawful.

Councillor Mehmood Mirza asked the Mayor if she would return the payment made to her from public funds or explain why she believed it was appropriate to retain it, in the interest of restoring public confidence. The Mayor's published response again referred to the earlier statement regarding the settlement of an employment tribunal claim.

Councillor Sophia Naqvi asked Mayor Fiaz to reflect on the greatest achievements of her administration and the legacy she believed it would leave for Newham, given it was likely her final Full Council meeting. The Mayor's published response highlighted key achievements across the Council's priorities, including Children's Services being rated 'Outstanding', an increase in local jobs, the delivery of affordable homes, improvements in health and wellbeing services, and the success of participatory democracy initiatives.

Councillor Simon Rush inquired of Councillor Whitworth about the progress and expected timescales for the refurbishment of the Will Thorne Pavilion as part of the Beckton Parks Masterplan, and how local residents and community groups would be involved in shaping future activities. Councillor Whitworth's published response indicated that the refurbishment was expected to be completed by the end of April, with the building opening in late summer. Engagement with local residents and community groups on programming was planned for autumn 2026.

Report of the Independent Commission on Inclusion and Belonging

The Council was scheduled to consider the report of the Independent Commission on Inclusion and Belonging in Multi-ethnic Newham. This report, published in 2026 by British Future, was the culmination of a year-long project involving extensive research, consultation with over 500 residents and 62 experts. The Commission, chaired by Sunder Katwala, aimed to examine how Newham delivers on its ambition to be a borough where every resident feels valued, included, and able to belong. The report was expected to offer independent insights and 11 recommendations for the Council and its partners to consider in developing future strategies, policies, and programmes. Key themes identified included a positive foundation of diversity being seen as normal and a source of pride, the need for proactive effort to manage diversity well, the importance of institutions joining up around a shared vision, and the need to address underlying tensions related to migration, wealth, and international conflict.

Building a Fairer Newham 2022-26 Progress and Achievements

The Council was set to review the progress and achievements of the Building a Fairer Newham Corporate Delivery Plan (2022–2026). This report, accompanied by appendices detailing achievements, the Outcomes Framework Key Performance Indicators, and the 2025 residents' survey analysis, was intended to provide an account of what had been delivered over the past four years. It was also to acknowledge areas where continued focus, partnership, and investment would be essential for the next phase of Newham's ambitions. The report was expected to inform the development of a new Corporate Plan for the incoming administration from May 2026.

End of Year Summary Reports

The meeting was scheduled to receive end-of-year summary reports on Petitions, Deputations, Motions, and Outside Bodies.

Deputations: The report indicated that no deputations had been received for the Ordinary Council meetings on 14 July 2025 and 8 December 2025, nor for the Budget Council meeting on 26 February 2026. One deputation was received from the Newham Palestine Solidarity Campaign for the 9 October 2025 meeting, requesting support for a motion proposed by the Newham Independent Group.

Petitions: The report detailed petitions received, including one in June 2025 regarding improvements to Hathaway Crescent Park, which noted that funding for repairs was being sought. Another petition presented on 10 November 2025 related to an adoption case, which was deemed outside the scope of a valid petition as it concerned a statutory process with existing appeal rights. A second petition on the same date, requesting a Mosque within the E20 area, was also not received as it was considered a planning matter. A petition concerning Anti-social Behaviour, Traffic Management, and Waste Management on Colchester Avenue was received on 8 December 2025, with published responses detailing actions to be taken by the Community Safety Enforcement Team, Parking Enforcement Team, and Waste Team. A petition titled Saying No to another Good Hotel from Royal Victoria residents was also received on 8 December 2025 but was disallowed as it related to a planning matter and lacked necessary details for verification.

Motions: Two motions were scheduled for review:

• Motion 1 – GREEN GROUP MOTION: A Fair Parking System for Newham: Proposed by Councillor Nate Higgins and seconded by Councillor Areeq Chowdhury, this motion supported the principle of size and weight-based parking surcharges and a Workplace Parking Levy. It called for feasibility assessments to be completed and for proposals to be included in the next budget cycle. The motion also urged the Mayor to write to the Secretary of State for Transport regarding the Workplace Parking Levy enforcement regulations and for the Deputy Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport to campaign for necessary changes.
• Motion 2 - Defending Newham's Values of Unity, Inclusion and Respect: Proposed by Councillor Mehmood Mirza and seconded by Councillor Sophia Naqvi, this motion noted recent political developments involving former Labour figures appearing with Nigel Farage and supporting Reform UK. It expressed concern that such rhetoric could be perceived as hostile to migrants and minority communities. The motion reaffirmed Newham's values of diversity, tolerance, and inclusivity, and called on all political groups to stand against divisive narratives and reaffirm the borough's tradition of inclusion and solidarity.

Outside Bodies: A year-end report was to be presented on the work of various outside bodies, including APSE, East London Foundation Trust, East London Waste Authority, Genting Casino Grant, Joint Committee of the Four Growth Boroughs, Lee Valley Regional Park Board, Local Government Association General Assembly, Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) Members Assembly, Local London Joint Committee, London City Airport Consultative Committee, London Councils Transport and Environment Committee (TEC), London Legacy Development Corporation Board, Newham Schools Forum, Open Spaces, City Gardens & West Ham Park Committee, Royal Docks Management Authority (RoDMA) Limited, SACRE, and West Ham Non-Ecclesiastical Charities. The reports provided details of councillor representation, attendance records, and summaries of the work undertaken by these bodies and their alignment with Newham's corporate priorities.

Overview and Scrutiny Work Programme and Future Commissions

Councillor Lester Hudson, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, was scheduled to provide an update on the Committee's work programme and future commissions. The report detailed scrutiny activity since December 2025, including meetings of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and various Scrutiny Commissions (Budget, Crime, Environment and Transport, Education, Children and Young People, Health and Adult Social Care, Housing and Regeneration, and Relationship Between Black Boys and the Borough). The report highlighted key areas of scrutiny, such as the Non-Statutory Best Value Notice, the Budget Scrutiny Report, and various partnership reviews.

Report of the Independent Commission on Inclusion and Belonging

This item was to present the final report of the Independent Commission on Inclusion and Belonging in Multi-ethnic Newham. The report, authored by British Future, was expected to offer independent insights and 12 recommendations for the Council and its partners to consider in developing future strategies, policies, and programmes. The Commission's findings indicated a positive foundation of diversity being seen as normal and a source of pride in Newham, but also highlighted the need for proactive effort to manage diversity well and address underlying tensions.

Building a Fairer Newham 2022-26 Progress and Achievements

The Council was to review the progress and achievements of the Building a Fairer Newham Corporate Delivery Plan (2022–2026). This report, accompanied by appendices detailing achievements, the Outcomes Framework Key Performance Indicators, and the 2025 residents' survey analysis, was intended to provide an account of what had been delivered over the past four years. It was also to acknowledge areas where continued focus, partnership, and investment would be essential for the next phase of Newham's ambitions. The report was expected to inform the development of a new Corporate Plan for the incoming administration from May 2026.

Attendance at Meetings – Authority to Exempt

A report was presented seeking Council's approval to exempt Councillor Dina Hossain from attending any meetings of the Council and its Committees, Sub-Committees, Panels, Boards, Working Parties and Outside Bodies for a period of two months, until 7 May 2026, due to ill health. The report noted that Councillor Hossain's last attendance was on 6 October 2025, and without exemption, she would automatically cease to be a member of the Council after six months. The Monitoring Officer considered the reasons provided to be justifiable for granting an exemption.

Motions

Two motions were scheduled for debate:

• Motion 1 – GREEN GROUP MOTION: A Fair Parking System for Newham: This motion supported the principle of size and weight-based parking surcharges and a Workplace Parking Levy, calling for feasibility assessments and proposals to be included in the next budget cycle. It also urged the Mayor to write to the Secretary of State for Transport regarding the Workplace Parking Levy enforcement regulations and for the Deputy Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport to campaign for necessary changes.
• Motion 2 - Defending Newham's Values of Unity, Inclusion and Respect: This motion noted recent political developments involving former Labour figures and Reform UK, expressing concern about rhetoric perceived as hostile to migrants and minority communities. It reaffirmed Newham's values of diversity, tolerance, and inclusivity, and called on all political groups to stand against divisive narratives and reaffirm the borough's tradition of inclusion and solidarity.

End of Year Summary Reports

The meeting was scheduled to receive end-of-year summary reports on Petitions, Deputations, Motions, and Outside Bodies. The reports detailed actions taken in response to deputations, petitions, and motions, as well as providing updates on the work of various outside bodies.

Statements from Members

There were two requests for statements from Members, as per Council Procedure Rule 13.

Conclusion of Business of Council Meeting

The Chair was expected to close the last meeting of the Municipal Year.