The Cabinet of Newham Council met on Tuesday 5th October 2021, approving a home-exchange offer for residents on regeneration estates, agreeing to publish new policies for the private rented sector, and authorising borrowing of up to £70 million for the Council's Capital Programme. The meeting also addressed the Council's financial position, future leisure management, and plans for the Newham Local Plan refresh.

Supporting Resident Homeowners on Regeneration Estates

Cabinet approved a detailed home-exchange offer for qualifying resident homeowners living on estates undergoing regeneration. This initiative is part of Newham Council's ambitious estate regeneration programme, aiming to address the housing crisis by providing options beyond legal obligations to increase choice and flexibility for residents. The offer specifically applies to the Carpenters, Custom House, and Canning Town Estate Regeneration Programmes. Authority was delegated to the Corporate Director for Inclusive Economy and Housing to finalise the legal documentation for this offer. Shared Equity was considered as an alternative but was not progressed due to affordability concerns and the increased debt for homeowners.

Private Rented Sector Offer and Placements Policies

Newham Council will publish its proposed Private Rented Sector Offer (PRSO) and Placements Policy online to provide transparency and clarity for homeless households. This move is particularly significant as Newham currently has the largest number of households in temporary accommodation of any London borough. The policies are intended to complement existing work in Housing Services concerning homelessness, temporary accommodation, and housing allocations. Cabinet agreed to note the PRSO Policy, Placements Policy, and their respective Equalities Impact Assessment, and to delegate authority to the Director of Housing to make minor amendments as needed due to changes in case law or legislation. The alternative of continuing with existing policies unchanged was rejected in favour of updating them to reflect current circumstances and the Equalities Impact Assessment.

Financing the Capital Programme

The Council's Cabinet approved borrowing up to £70 million over the next 12 months to finance the Capital Programme. This decision follows a review aimed at identifying the most effective solution for the Council's medium-term borrowing requirements. The Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services highlighted that this approach demonstrates an improved strategic approach to internal controls, governance, and transparency, with robust checks and accountability in place. The report had also been considered by the Council's Audit Committee. Authority was delegated to the Corporate Director of Resources to implement the borrowing, and a further report will be presented to outline how the medium-term borrowing should be structured.

Overall Financial Position 2021/22 (Quarter 2)

The Cabinet noted the Council's overall financial position for the 2021/22 financial year, as of August 2021. The Council was forecasting a £5.8 million overspend on the General Fund Revenue budget, a reduction from previous forecasts. However, an £8 million shortfall in Government funding to cover pandemic-related costs was highlighted. The Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services explained that while COVID funding had been allocated, risks remained in departmental budgets. Concerns were raised about an overspend in the Brighter Futures directorate budget, which the Cabinet Member for Brighter Futures assured would be closely monitored. The Mayor commended officers for their work, and the Scrutiny Budget Working Party will review the Council's financial position.

Community Assemblies Mid-Term Report

A mid-term report on the progress of Newham's Community Assemblies was presented, with a focus on lessons learned for the next cycle. The report highlighted that community assemblies are integral to the Administration's manifesto pledge to establish Newham as a beacon of participatory democracy. In response to participant feedback, £100,000 of Community Infrastructure Levy funding is now available for each of the eight community neighbourhoods, making Newham's community assemblies one of the country's largest participatory budgeting programmes. Cabinet approved amendments for the 2022-23 cycle, including using thematic priorities from the May 2021 community vote as the basis for projects and renewing working group recruitment to widen participation.

Future Leisure Management Options

Proposals for the future management of leisure services in Newham were approved, with a strategy to commission leisure centres and sports development services from January 2023 through a contract with an external provider. This decision aims to ensure that sport and physical activity provision promotes an active borough and increases social value, aligning with the Council's health and wellbeing priorities. Volunteering, allotments, and parks bookings will be transferred to appropriate Council delivery models. The current contract with activeNewham, which ends in December 2022, necessitates a review of arrangements to ensure future provision is sustainable and high-quality. A pre-procurement report will be presented to Cabinet in January 2022.

Newham Local Plan Refresh: Issues and Options and Statement of Community Involvement

Cabinet considered and approved the issuance of Newham's refreshed Local Plan: Issues and Options Consultation Document and the draft Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) for an eight-week public consultation period, commencing on 18th October 2021. The Mayor described the process as a call to action for residents to help shape Newham's future. Authority was delegated to the Corporate Director of Inclusive Economy and Housing to finalise these documents and make arrangements for the public consultation. The SCI will be updated in line with statutory requirements, and Cabinet will make the final decision on any material amendments arising from consultation responses. The alternative of not updating the Local Plan was rejected due to the risk of policies not effectively responding to national and regional guidance, and the potential to miss opportunities for social, economic, and environmental benefits.

Royal Docks Scheme Corridor – Stage 3 Approvals

The preferred option for the Royal Docks Corridor scheme was approved, following extensive public consultation. This scheme is a complementary initiative to the wider Enterprise Zone regeneration programme. Cabinet agreed to enter into a further financial assistance agreement with the Greater London Authority to release approximately £53 million in funding for scheme implementation. Additionally, £1.19 million in Section 106 funding from Royal Wharf developer Ballymore will be added to the project for improved bus stops and highway improvements along North Woolwich Road. Authority was delegated to the Corporate Director of Environmental Services and Sustainable Transport to commence phased implementation of the scheme and undertake necessary statutory consultation for supporting traffic regulation orders. The preferred option, which involves narrowing the carriageway to create wider footways and planted public realm, was chosen over an alternative that retained the existing carriageway width, as it allows for landscaping and community uses while reducing traffic speeds and improving road safety.

Improving Borough Cleanliness – Pilot for Enhanced Enforcement Contract

Cabinet approved the procurement of a pilot contract for additional environmental enforcement support for 18 months on a cost neutral basis, utilising a revenue share contract with an enforcement contractor. This pilot aims to enhance the Council's ability to tackle littering, which negatively impacts residents' experience of the borough's high streets and public spaces. The initiative is intended to complement behavioural change efforts and respond to resident concerns about cleanliness. The pilot will initially focus on main thoroughfares and hot spot areas, with the contracted company responsible for administration and the Council's legal service supporting enforcement cases. Cabinet will receive an interim update on the pilot's progress. The alternative of continuing with the Community Safety service as it is, with less focus on proactive patrols, was rejected due to the detrimental impacts of littering and the high cost of managing its consequences. Running the pilot in-house was also rejected due to a lack of capacity for the required volume of proactive enforcement.

The Mayor's Closing Remarks

The Mayor conveyed sorrow and horror regarding the murder of Sarah Everard and acknowledged other women and girls who had been victims of violent murder, wishing their families peace. She assured that the Council remains focused on ensuring the safety of women and girls in the borough.