Councillor Anamul Islam
Email: anamul.islam@newham.gov.uk
Council: Newham
Council Profile: View on council website
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Positions, Voting Record & Activity Summary
Councillor Anamul Islam has demonstrated a commitment to resident concerns, procedural integrity, and the well-being of Newham's youth throughout his council service, with a notable increase in active participation and influence in 2025.
In 2024, Councillor Islam's primary focus was on advocating for the preservation of Debden Campsite. He presented a petition with over 2700 signatures to the council, arguing that >the interests of Newham's youth should not be abandoned.
This highlights an early priority: safeguarding opportunities for young people in Newham, particularly access to nature and safe recreational spaces. He also demonstrated attention to detail by identifying and correcting a minor error in council minutes.
2025 saw Councillor Islam take on a more prominent role. He presented a petition regarding Low Traffic Neighbourhoods, indicating a continued engagement with resident concerns. He voted in favor of the Final Budget Proposals, suggesting involvement in financial decision-making. His most significant contribution in 2025 was chairing a Council meeting, where he not only managed procedures and addressed public concerns but also proposed and successfully carried an amendment to Motion 1 regarding DBS checks for councillors. This amendment, focusing enhanced checks on those with safeguarding responsibilities and introducing voluntary standard checks for others, demonstrates a commitment to child protection and procedural improvements within the council. His clarification on a legal question at the November Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny Commission meeting, where he stated, >Just a point of, uh, clarification. Um, there's a legal question that's been posed here and I was assuming that there would be a constituted response from one of the legal advisors, one of the officers rather than a politician. So I think that might actually be the actual position. So, I mean, could we, do we, it's a very helpful suggestion, Councillor Islam,
further illustrates his dedication to proper procedure and seeking expert advice. The recognition he received for his past service as Chair, with Councillor Higgins acknowledging his integrity and commitment, underscores his established reputation within the council.
Overall, Councillor Islam's focus appears to have evolved from primarily advocating for specific issues, like the Debden Campsite in 2024, to taking on a more active and influential role in council governance and procedural matters in 2025. While his commitment to youth well-being remains a consistent theme, his recent activities suggest a growing emphasis on procedural integrity, safeguarding, and effective governance within the council. His attention to detail, as evidenced by the minute correction in 2024 and the legal clarification in 2025, is a consistent pattern. His most significant contribution in recent years is undoubtedly the successful amendment regarding DBS checks, demonstrating his proactive approach to safeguarding and improving council procedures.
Yearly Activity Timeline
In 2025, Councillor Anamul Islam was active in Newham Council matters, demonstrating a commitment to resident concerns, budgetary decisions, and procedural integrity. He presented a petition regarding Low Traffic Neighbourhoods in February and voted in favor of the Final Budget Proposals in March. A significant contribution occurred in April when he chaired a Council meeting, managing procedures, addressing public concerns, and most notably, proposing and successfully carrying an amendment to Motion 1 regarding DBS checks for councillors, focusing enhanced checks on those with safeguarding responsibilities and introducing voluntary standard checks for others. He also submitted apologies for absence from the Standards Advisory Committee in April. Throughout the year, Councillor Islam received recognition for his past service as Chair, with Councillor Higgins acknowledging his integrity and commitment. He submitted apologies for absence from the Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny Commission in September and the Audit and Governance Committee in July and November. At the November Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny Commission meeting, he sought clarification on a legal question, stating:
Just a point of, uh, clarification. Um, there's a legal question that's been posed here and I was assuming that there would be a constituted response from one of the legal advisors, one of the officers rather than a politician. So I think that might actually be the actual position. So, I mean, could we, do we, it's a very helpful suggestion, Councillor Islam.
Monthly Activity in 2025
In November 2025, Councillor Anamul Islam sent apologies for absence from the Audit and Governance Committee meeting on November 5th. He attended the Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny Commission meeting on November 25th, where he sought clarification on a legal question. He stated his expectation that a legal advisor or officer would provide a formal response, rather than a politician: > Just a point of, uh, clarification. Um, there's a legal question that's been posed here and I was assuming that there would be a constituted response from one of the legal advisors, one of the officers rather than a politician. So I think that might actually be the actual position. So, I mean, could we, do we, it's a very helpful suggestion, Councillor Islam.
Meetings in November 2025
Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny Commission - Tuesday 25th November 2025 7.00 p.m. - 25 November 2025
Councillor Anamul Islam was present at the Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny Commission meeting on November 25, 2025. During the meeting, Councillor Islam raised a point of clarification regarding a legal question. He expressed his assumption that a legal advisor or officer would provide a constituted response, rather than a politician.
Just a point of, uh, clarification. Um, there's a legal question that's been posed here and I was assuming that there would be a constituted response from one of the legal advisors, one of the officers rather than a politician. So I think that might actually be the actual position. So, I mean, could we, do we, it's a very helpful suggestion, Councillor Islam.
Audit and Governance Committee - Wednesday 5th November 2025 7.00 p.m. - 5 November 2025
Councillor Anamul Islam sent apologies for absence from the Audit and Governance Committee meeting on November 5th, 2025.
Anamul Islam, a member of the Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny Commission, submitted an apology for his absence from the meeting on September 9th, 2025. The reason for the apology was not specified.
Meetings in September 2025
Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny Commission - Tuesday 9th September 2025 7.00 p.m. - 9 September 2025
Anamul Islam is a member of the Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny Commission. An apology was given on his behalf, along with Councillor Hussain, for an unspecified reason.
During July 2025, Councillor Anamul Islam was acknowledged for his past service as Chair, with Councillor Higgins recognizing his integrity and commitment. There is conflicting information regarding Councillor Islam's attendance at the Audit and Governance Committee meeting on July 16th. While the reports pack suggests he was present, the transcript indicates he was absent due to illness and might not have attended.
Meetings in July 2025
Audit and Governance Committee - Wednesday 16th July 2025 7.00 p.m. - 16 July 2025
Conflicting information exists regarding Councillor Anamul Islam's attendance at the Audit and Governance Committee meeting on July 16, 2025. The reports pack indicates Councillor Islam was present. However, the transcript notes Councillor Islam was absent due to illness and might not be attending.
Council - Monday 14th July 2025 7.00 p.m. - 14 July 2025
Councillor Anamul Islam was recognized by Councillor Higgins for his integrity and commitment as a former Chair.
Councillor Anamul Islam was present at the Council meeting on May 22, 2025. Councillor Higgins acknowledged Councillor Islam's hard work in recognizing that residents have voted for a diversity of voices to be heard, and also noted Councillor Islam's integrity and commitment to recognizing hard work.
Meetings in May 2025
Annual Meeting, Council - Thursday 22nd May 2025 7.00 p.m. - 22 May 2025
Councillor Anamul Islam was present at the Council meeting on May 22, 2025. Councillor Higgins acknowledged Councillor Islam's hard work in recognizing that residents have voted for a diversity of voices to be heard. Councillor Higgins also noted Councillor Islam's integrity and commitment to recognizing hard work.
During April 2025, Anamul Islam served as chair of the Council meeting on April 28th. In this role, he welcomed attendees, managed the meeting's procedures, addressed apologies and declarations of interest, and moved the minutes of the previous meeting. He oversaw agenda items, including deputations, petitions, and questions from the public, and addressed disruptions by requesting security intervention. He also made announcements regarding public engagements and condolences. A key action was his proposal of an amendment to Motion 1 regarding DBS checks for councillors. This amendment, seconded by Councillor Ruiz, sought to refine the mandatory enhanced DBS check requirement, focusing it on councillors with statutory safeguarding responsibilities while introducing a voluntary standard DBS check for others. The amendment also included instructions for reviews of councillor responsibilities and safeguarding training. Although the original mover did not accept the amendment, it was carried after debate.
On April 29th, Councillor Islam submitted apologies for absence from the Standards Advisory Committee meeting, repeating a previous absence from December 2024.
Meetings in April 2025
Standards Advisory Committee - Tuesday 29th April 2025 6.00 p.m. - 29 April 2025
Councillor Anamul Islam submitted apologies for absence from the Standards Advisory Committee meeting held on April 29th, 2025. This was a repeat of a previous absence on December 11th, 2024.
Council - Monday 28th April 2025 7.00 p.m. - 28 April 2025
As chair of the Council meeting on April 28, 2025, Anamul Islam welcomed attendees, outlined the meeting's procedures, announced apologies for absence, and called for declarations of interest. He moved the minutes of the previous meeting and addressed an amendment request. He also moved through the agenda items, including deputations, petitions, and questions from the public. Islam addressed interruptions from the public, requesting security to remove them. He made announcements regarding public engagements, St. George's Day, V-Day, and condolences for Pope Francis and Loljita Nuzi. He moved to updates from cabinet members and the Chief Executive and addressed the order of the agenda, moving item 14 before item 11.
Furthermore, Councillor Islam proposed an amendment to Motion 1, concerning mandatory bi-annual DBS checks for councillors. The amendment, seconded by Councillor Sarah Ruiz, involved removing the phrase unless they are directly involved in regulated activities with children or vulnerable adults,
and replacing the mandatory enhanced DBS checks for all councillors with a requirement for enhanced DBS checks only for councillors with statutory safeguarding responsibilities, while introducing a voluntary standard DBS check option for other councillors. The amendment also included instructions for the Monitoring Officer to review councillor responsibilities and for officers to review existing safeguarding training and procedures. Although the mover of the original motion, Councillor Mehmood Mirza, did not accept the amendment, it was carried after a debate.
During the March 24th, 2025 Council meeting, Councillor Anamul Islam voted in favour of the recommendations concerning the Final Budget Proposals for 2025/26.
Meetings in March 2025
Council - Monday 24th March 2025 7.30 p.m. - 24 March 2025
Councillor Anamul Islam attended the Council meeting on March 24th, 2025. He voted in favour of the recommendations concerning the Final Budget Proposals for 2025/26.
During February 2025, Councillor Anamul Islam presented a petition from West Ham Park Residents regarding the implementation of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods at the council meeting on February 27th.
Meetings in February 2025
Council - Thursday 27th February 2025 7.00 p.m. - 27 February 2025
Councillor Anamul Islam presented a petition from West Ham Park Residents concerning the implementation of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods.
In 2024, Councillor Anamul Islam attended several council and committee meetings. While present at meetings in May and October, and at a Standards Advisory Committee meeting in December, there's no record of him speaking or taking action. However, he actively participated in two council meetings. In September, he identified and requested a correction to the minutes regarding Councillor Maguana's apology for absence. Most notably, in December, Councillor Islam presented a petition with over 2700 signatures to the council on behalf of Save Debden Campsite.
He advocated for the campsite's preservation, emphasizing its importance to Newham's youth as a safe space to experience nature. He criticized the council's decision to sell the campsite as a short-term financial solution, arguing that >the interests of Newham's youth should not be abandoned,
and urged the council to reconsider the sale.
Monthly Activity in 2024
During December 2024, Councillor Anamul Islam attended a Standards Advisory Committee meeting on December 11th, but there is no record of him speaking or taking any specific action. At the Council meeting on December 16th, despite initial apologies for absence, Councillor Islam presented a petition with over 2700 signatures on behalf of Save Debden Campsite.
He emphasized the campsite's importance to Newham's youth, describing it as a safe space to experience nature. He criticized the council's decision to sell the campsite as a short-term financial solution, arguing that >the interests of Newham's youth should not be abandoned.
He urged the council to remove the sale of Debden Campsite from their financial plan.
Meetings in December 2024
Council - Monday 16th December 2024 7.00 p.m. - 16 December 2024
Councillor Anamul Islam was initially listed as absent from the meeting, with apologies received on their behalf. However, later in the meeting, Councillor Islam was present and presented a petition on behalf of Save Debden Campsite.
He stated that the petition had over 2700 signatures and highlighted the campsite's importance to Newham's youth, providing a safe space to experience nature. He criticized the council's decision to sell the campsite as a short-term financial fix and argued that the interests of Newham's youth should not be abandoned. He urged the council to remove the sale of Debden Campsite from their financial plan.
Standards Advisory Committee - Wednesday 11th December 2024 7.15 p.m. - 11 December 2024
Councillor Anamul Islam was present as a member of the Standards Advisory Committee at the meeting held on December 11th, 2024. However, there is no record of Councillor Islam speaking or taking any specific action during the meeting according to the available documentation.
Councillor Anamul Islam's presence was noted at the Council meeting on October 21st, 2024, although initially recorded as absent in the transcript. However, there is no record of Councillor Islam speaking or taking any specific action during the meeting.
Meetings in October 2024
Themed, Council - Monday 21st October 2024 7.00 p.m. - 21 October 2024
Councillor Anamul Islam was initially recorded as absent in the transcript. However, the reports pack indicates Councillor Islam was present at the Council meeting held on 16th September 2024. There is no record of them speaking or taking any specific action during the meeting.
During September 2024, Councillor Anamul Islam attended two council meetings. On September 11th, he was present at the Standards Advisory Committee meeting but did not speak or take any action. At the Council meeting on September 16th, Councillor Islam, representing Forest Gate South, identified an omission in the minutes regarding apologies and requested a correction: > Chair, in the minutes section where we have apologies, we note that Councillor Pushpa Maguana's absence is not recorded as an apology. Could we have that reflected, please?
Meetings in September 2024
Council - Monday 16th September 2024 7.00 p.m. - 16 September 2024
Councillor Anamul Islam, representing Forest Gate South, attended the Council meeting on September 16th, 2024. During the meeting, Councillor Islam pointed out an omission in the minutes regarding apologies. Specifically, they noted that Councillor Pushpa Maguana's absence was not recorded as an apology and requested that this be rectified:
Chair, in the minutes section where we have apologies, we note that Councillor Pushpa Maguana's absence is not recorded as an apology. Could we have that reflected, please?
Standards Advisory Committee - Wednesday 11th September 2024 6.30 p.m. - 11 September 2024
Councillor Anamul Islam was present at the Standards Advisory Committee meeting on September 11, 2024. However, the available records indicate that he did not speak or take any specific action during the meeting.
Councillor Anamul Islam attended the Council meeting on May 23, 2024. However, there is no record of them making any statements or taking any actions during the meeting.
Meetings in May 2024
Annual Meeting, Council - Thursday 23rd May 2024 7.00 p.m. - 23 May 2024
Councillor Anamul Islam was present at the Council meeting held on May 23, 2024. However, the available documentation does not contain any record of statements or actions made by them during the meeting.
Activity Timeline
Meetings Attended Note this may include planned future meetings.
24 meetings · Page 1 of 5
Extraordinary, Council - Monday 8th December 2025 6.30 p.m.
Newham Council is holding an extraordinary meeting where they will consider nominations for Honorary Alderperson and Honorary Freedom of the Borough Awards. The council will also address standard meeting procedures such as apologies for absence and declarations of interest.
Council - Monday 8th December 2025 7.00 p.m.
The Newham Council meeting on 8 December 2025 addressed a range of issues, including community safety, pension fund investments, the council's constitution, and climate change initiatives. Councillors approved recommendations for the 2025 Civic Awards, reviewed the Just Transition Programme, and engaged in debates regarding responsible immigration policies and support for unpaid carers. Additionally, members discussed concerns about crime rates, housing standards, and the implementation of fair parking systems.
Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny Commission - Tuesday 25th November 2025 7.00 p.m.
The Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny Commission met to discuss temporary accommodation and homelessness prevention, and to review the strategic housing delivery programme. Councillor Lester Hudson, Chair of Overview and Scrutiny, was scheduled to welcome attendees and introduce the agenda.
Themed, Council - Monday 10th November 2025 7.00 p.m.
The Newham Council meeting scheduled for 10 November 2025 included discussion of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee’s work programme, a themed report on growth, and the East London Joint Waste Plan. Councillors were also expected to discuss motions relating to housing and developer contributions, and to answer questions from both the public and council members. The council was also scheduled to hear from Sunder Katwala of British Futures on the work of the Commission for the Future of Belonging & Inclusion in Newham.
Audit and Governance Committee - Wednesday 5th November 2025 7.00 p.m.
The Audit and Governance Committee of Newham Council scheduled a meeting to discuss a range of reports and updates, including the Best Value Response, internal audit progress, counter fraud measures, risk management, human resources, treasury management, and the annual complaints report. The committee also planned to discuss a report from EY (formerly Ernst & Young) regarding their withdrawal from the Housing Benefit Assurance Process, and a quarterly report on the Savings Delivery Programme.
Decisions from Meetings
0 decisions
No decisions found for the selected date range.
Summary
Meetings Attended: 24
Average per Month: 1.2
Decisions Recorded: 0