The Cabinet of Newham Council was scheduled to discuss a proposed discount on emissions-based resident parking permits in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside a comprehensive review of the council's draft budget for 2021/22 to 2022/23. Other key agenda items included updates on financial performance, housing initiatives, and various contract awards.

Emissions Based Permits - COVID-19 Discount Consideration

A significant item on the agenda was the consideration of a COVID-19 discount on emissions-based resident parking permits. The council had previously approved a new emissions-based parking charge structure in February 2020, intended to be introduced from January 2021, to address air quality and respiratory health issues by varying permit charges based on CO2 emissions.

The report sought approval to apply a 20% discount on the cost of the first residential vehicle permit per household for those renewing before 30th April 2021. This was proposed as an acknowledgement of personal hardship faced by some residents due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Second, third, and subsequent resident vehicle permits would be charged at the full rate. The discount was intended to apply only to residential parking permits, with all other permit types remaining unchanged.

The report highlighted that the pandemic had created economic uncertainty, impacting lower-income residents and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It also noted the critical link between poor air quality and respiratory illnesses, which had been identified as a major factor in the borough's relatively high COVID-19 mortality rate. Therefore, the proposal aimed to balance immediate economic relief with the ongoing environmental imperative to improve air quality.

The council was recommended to approve, in principle, the 20% discount for one year only on the first emissions-based resident permit, subject to consultation and consideration of any objections. Authority was to be delegated to the Corporate Director of Environment and Sustainable Transport, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Sustainable Transport, to take the necessary actions. The Cabinet was also requested to note the projected financial impact of this discount, estimated at a reduction of approximately £0.8 million in projected revenues.

Draft and Provisional Budget 2021/22 to 2022/23

The Cabinet was scheduled to review the draft and provisional budget for the financial years 2021/22 to 2022/23. This comprehensive review would likely cover the council's financial planning and resource allocation for the upcoming years.

Financial Focus - Tackling the Overspend

Another key financial item was a report on Financial Focus - Tackling the Overspend. This suggests a discussion aimed at addressing any budgetary deficits or financial challenges the council was facing.

Treasury Management 2019/20 Year End & 2020/21 Mid-Year Update Report

An update on the council's treasury management activities was scheduled, covering both the year-end position for 2019/20 and a mid-year review for 2020/21. This would likely involve discussions on investment strategies, borrowing, and overall financial risk management.

Update on the Internal Controls Commission

The agenda included an update on the Internal Controls Commission. This commission is likely responsible for overseeing and ensuring the effectiveness of the council's internal control systems.

Community Infrastructure Levy ('CIL') Infrastructure List 2020/21 and Increased Proportion of Neighbourhood CIL from 2021/22

The Cabinet was set to consider the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Infrastructure List for 2020/21. CIL is a charge that local authorities can levy on new developments to help fund infrastructure projects. The agenda also indicated a discussion on an increased proportion of Neighbourhood CIL from 2021/22, which typically funds projects in specific local areas.

Proposal to Use Section 106 Funds to Fund New Affordable Housing

A proposal to utilise Section 106 funds for the development of new affordable housing was scheduled for discussion. Section 106 agreements are legal obligations entered into by developers to mitigate the impact of their developments, often including provisions for affordable housing.

Housing Revenue Account Business Plan Update

An update on the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan was on the agenda. The HRA manages the income and expenditure related to the council's housing stock.

Rick Roberts Way: Proposed Secondary School & Housing Delivery Strategy

The Cabinet was scheduled to discuss the proposed secondary school and housing delivery strategy for Rick Roberts Way. This indicates plans for significant development in that area, encompassing both educational facilities and residential housing.

Contract Awards and Related Matters

Several agenda items pertained to contract awards and related matters for various council programmes and services:

• Contract Awards New Homes for Newham Programme: This item concerned contract awards for the New Homes for Newham Programme, a council initiative to build new homes.
• Contract Award for a site within the Affordable Homes for Newham Programme (21 to 55 Arthingworth Street London E15 4PW): A specific contract award for a site at 21 to 55 Arthingworth Street¹ within the Affordable Homes for Newham Programme was to be discussed.
• Idmiston Road/ Bramall Close Contract Award: A contract award for works or services related to Idmiston Road and Bramall Close was scheduled.
• Carpenters Estate, Works to External Wall System: The agenda included a discussion on works to the external wall system at the Carpenters Estate².
• Building rooftop affordable homes, funding to evaluate and develop the programme: This item focused on funding for the evaluation and development of a programme to build affordable homes on rooftops.
• Service, Maintenance and Repair of Passenger Lifts in Residential Housing Blocks: The Cabinet was to consider a report on the service, maintenance, and repair of passenger lifts in residential housing blocks.
• Procurement Report: Corporate Building Compliance Test Inspection, Repair and Maintenance: A procurement report concerning corporate building compliance testing, inspection, repair, and maintenance was on the agenda.
• Rough Sleeping Integrated Support Service: The provision of a Rough Sleeping Integrated Support Service was scheduled for discussion.
• Transformation of Supported Accommodation: This item related to the transformation of supported accommodation services.
• Procurement for the provision of home adaptations for older and disabled people: The Cabinet was to consider procurement for home adaptations for older and disabled residents.
• Pre-procurement approval for an HIV Prevention & Wellbeing Services Framework Agreement: A pre-procurement approval was sought for an HIV Prevention & Wellbeing Services Framework Agreement.
• Highways Works Contract Variation and Extension: The agenda included a discussion on variations and extensions to highways works contracts.
• Vehicle Removal Procurement - Contract Award: A contract award for vehicle removal services was scheduled.

Several of these contract award items had associated exempt appendices, indicating that commercially sensitive information would be discussed in private.