Abi Gbago

Overview and Scrutiny Committee Officer

Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday 22nd July 2025 7.00 p.m.

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Newham Council met on Tuesday 22 July 2025 to review the council's financial position and its response to a Best Value Notice. Key discussions included a significant projected budget gap of £115 million by 2028/29, driven largely by rising temporary accommodation costs, and the council's strategy for addressing this through savings, asset disposals, and potential further exceptional financial support requests. The committee also reviewed the council's response to a Best Value Notice issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, which highlighted concerns regarding governance, culture, and service delivery, particularly in housing and adult social care.

Chief Officer Appointments Sub-Committee Officer

Chief Officer Appointments Sub-Committee - Friday 18th July 2025 11.30 a.m.

The Chief Officer Appointments Sub-Committee convened to interview candidates for the position of Corporate Director of Adults and Health, but ultimately decided not to make an appointment. The committee interviewed two candidates, but after careful consideration, concluded that neither was suitable for the role.

Chief Officer Appointments Sub-Committee Officer

Chief Officer Appointments Sub-Committee - Thursday 17th July 2025 2.00 p.m.

The Chief Officer Appointments Sub-Committee convened to interview candidates for the position of Corporate Director of Environment and Sustainable Transport and make a recommendation. The recommendation was scheduled to be subject to consultation with Cabinet members. The agenda also included member declarations of interest.

Health and Wellbeing Board

Health and Wellbeing Board - Wednesday 18th June 2025 6.30 p.m.

The Newham Health and Wellbeing Board met to discuss several key issues impacting the borough, including food strategy, safeguarding, health equity, and neighbourhood development. The board agreed to note the progress being made in testing integrated neighbourhood working in Newham and the further development of population health approaches to target and improve health outcomes for residents. They also agreed to note the contents of a report from Healthwatch Newham on community safeguarding.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Call in, Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday 21st May 2025 5.30 p.m.

The Newham Council Overview and Scrutiny Committee convened to discuss a call-in regarding a key officer decision concerning Juniper Ventures. Following deliberations, the committee agreed to refer the decision back to the Cabinet for reconsideration, outlining several recommendations. These recommendations included a review of the council's governing documents, a commercial and financial review of Juniper Ventures, and a call for contractors providing preschool meals to pay the London Living Wage.