The Council meeting on Monday 18 March 2024 saw the unanimous approval of a motion to improve employment opportunities for Black, Asian, and ethnic minority individuals in Newham. The meeting also addressed the council's budget for the upcoming financial year, with a significant increase in council tax being approved.

Improving Employment Opportunities for Black, Asian, and Ethnic Minority Individuals

The Council unanimously passed a motion aimed at improving employment opportunities for Black, Asian, and ethnic minority individuals within Newham. The motion, proposed by Councillor Carleene Lee-Phakoe and seconded by Councillor Ken Penton, acknowledges the disparities faced by these communities in the labour market. It highlights that 72% of Newham's residents are from Black, Asian, and other ethnically diverse groups, yet unemployment rates are higher for some of these groups compared to White and Indian ethnic backgrounds. The motion also references research indicating that ethnically diverse individuals often face lower pay and fewer career progression opportunities, even with equal educational attainment.

In response, the Council resolved to:

• Sign up to the Show the Salary scheme to ensure transparency in advertised salaries and support the reporting of the ethnicity pay gap.
• Partner with and commission suppliers and contractors who commit to showing salaries and reporting their own ethnicity pay gap.
• Annually report on the Ethnicity Pay Gap within the organisation.
• Regularly analyse its own reporting to identify and address barriers to recruitment, training, salary levels, and promotion.
• Work with the GMB union locally, adopt their Ethnicity Pay Gap Charter, and call upon the government to introduce mandatory pay gap reporting.

Final Budget Proposals for 2024/25 and Council Tax Increase

The Council debated and ultimately approved the final budget proposals for the 2024/25 financial year, which includes a 4.99% increase in the council's element of council tax. This increase comprises a 2% precept for Adult Social Care and a 2.99% general increase. The budget also includes a reduction in the minimum period for charging an empty home premium to one year from April 1, 2024, and the introduction of a premium for second homes from April 1, 2025.

Several amendments to the budget were considered. An amendment from Councillor Joshua Garfield, seconded by Councillor Elizabeth Booker, to adopt all recommendations of the Budget Scrutiny Commission in full, was carried. However, amendments from the Independent Group and the Green Group were defeated.

The approved budget sets the General Fund net budget requirement at £395 million. It also outlines budget saving and growth proposals, the capital programme, proposed fees and charges, the Treasury Management Strategy, and the Chief Officers' Pay Policy Statement.

The Green Group's alternative budget, A Green Budget for a Fairer Newham, proposed several measures including funding for free school meals for all secondary school students, a consultation on a 100% council tax reduction scheme, and reversing planned increases in market trader fees. However, the Section 151 officer advised that this alternative budget presented a greater risk due to reduced contingencies and potential future costs.

Other Discussions and Announcements

During the meeting, Councillor Mehmood Mirza of the Independent Group raised a point of order, stating a lack of faith in the governance and impartiality of the organisation's leadership, leading to the withdrawal of the Independent Group from the meeting.

Cabinet members provided updates on various issues. Councillor James Asser reported on improvements in tackling fly-tipping, with a 32% drop in incidents, and progress in recycling rates. Councillor Sabia Kamali discussed the council's five-year Residential Building Safety Strategy to ensure high-rise buildings meet the Building Safety Act 2022 standards. Councillor Neil Wilson highlighted Newham's top ranking in the Good Food Local awards and the continued provision of libraries and leisure centres. Councillor Rohit Dasgupta provided an update on Newham's Cultural Strategy, emphasizing a commitment to making culture more accessible across the borough. Councillor Shaban Mohammed advised that all local authority housing stock would fall under the remit of the Regulator for Social Housing from April.

The Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Anthony McAlmont, presented the committee's work programme and future commissions. A deputation from Poor Play Newham was received, advocating for a five-year play strategy for the borough, highlighting concerns about the safety, maintenance, and age-appropriateness of existing play spaces. Two petitions were also received: one requesting additional traffic calming on McDonald Road and another requesting the relocation of a bus shelter due to anti-social behaviour.

The Mayor, Rokhsana Fiaz OBE, announced progress in strengthening the council's governance and ways of working, following a Corporate Peer Challenge by the Local Government Association. She also detailed plans for a One Newham Vision to foster collaboration with partners and stakeholders, and a review of the council's Constitution. The Mayor also announced that the Carpenters Estate Outline Masterplan had been approved, and that the council had secured significant grant funding for retrofit works at James Riley Point as part of its Just Transition plans.

The meeting also included announcements from the Chair regarding public engagements and condolences. The next Council meeting was cancelled due to the upcoming pre-election period for the London Mayoral and London Assembly elections.