The Cabinet of Newham Council is scheduled to convene on Tuesday 16 June 2026. The meeting's agenda includes a review of the 2025/26 financial outturn, an annual procurement forward plan, and updates on the Highways Planned Maintenance Plan and the Housing Services Improvement Programme. Additionally, discussions are scheduled regarding the Little Ilford Pride in Place Programme and the acceptance and distribution of the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) for 2026-2029.

2025/26 Financial Outturn Report

The Cabinet is expected to consider the 2025/26 Financial Outturn Report, which details the final financial position for the council across the General Fund, Housing Revenue Account, and Dedicated Schools Budget. The report also covers performance against agreed savings targets from the Medium Term Financial Strategy, the Capital Programme, and the reserves position. This information forms the basis for the Council's draft 2025/26 Statement of Accounts, which will be subject to statutory audit review. The report indicates a balanced revenue outturn position for the General Fund after transfers to and from reserves. It also highlights that 82% of the planned 2025/26 savings were achieved, with 18% deferred to 2026/27. The Dedicated Schools Budget and Housing Revenue Account both show underspends at outturn.

Annual Procurement Forward Plan

The Cabinet is expected to review the Annual Procurement Forward Plan for 2026/27. This plan outlines proposed procurements with an estimated total contract value of £1 million or more, which require Cabinet approval before procurement can commence. The report aims to improve efficiency and streamline decision-making for upcoming procurements, ensuring timely service delivery while maintaining governance and oversight. The proposed approach seeks to delegate authority to relevant Corporate Directors, in consultation with Cabinet Members and statutory officers, to approve procurement strategies and initial activities. This is intended to enhance operational efficiency and programme management.

Highways Planned Maintenance Plan Report

This report is expected to seek approval for the allocation of funding to specific projects within the Planned Highway Maintenance programme for 2026/27. The programme aims to maintain the borough's highway network, ensuring safety and facilitating all forms of travel, including walking and cycling. The proposals include funding for resurfacing, patching, and reconstruction works, as well as investments in highway structures and street lighting. The report highlights the importance of proactive maintenance in prolonging the life of the highway asset and reducing the need for reactive repairs. It also details the use of Department for Transport (DfT) and Transport for London (TfL) funding towards these efforts.

Housing Services Improvement Programme - Quarterly Update

Cabinet will receive a quarterly update on the Housing Services Improvement Programme, which was established following a C4 regulatory judgement in October 2024. The report will detail progress against compliance milestones and the Council's voluntary undertaking with the Regulator of Social Housing. While progress is noted in key safety compliance areas, strengthened governance, and programme oversight, areas of pressure remain, including maintaining service performance during backlog clearance and enhancing data quality. The report also introduces the new Housing Diverse Needs Strategy, which aims to improve how the Council identifies, records, and responds to the diverse needs of its tenants, ensuring equitable access to services and better outcomes.

Little Ilford Pride in Place Programme

This report concerns the Little Ilford Pride in Place Programme, which will benefit from significant long-term grant funding of up to £20 million over 10 years from the government. A key condition of this funding is the establishment of a Neighbourhood Board, comprising local community members, the local MP, and a ward councillor, to determine how the funds will be spent. This Board will develop a 10-year Neighbourhood Plan for investment in Little Ilford. The funding, split between capital and revenue, can be used for a wide range of projects including play areas, community events, housing modernisation, and public realm improvements. The Council is asked to agree to act as the accountable body for this programme.

Acceptance and Distribution of the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) 2026 - 2029

Cabinet will consider the acceptance and proposed delivery model for the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF), a new Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) grant running from April 2026 to March 2029. The CRF replaces the Household Support Fund and Discretionary Housing Payments, with a focus on integrated crisis response and longer-term financial resilience. Newham's allocation for the three-year period is £24.6 million. The proposed delivery model integrates crisis support, housing payments, and resilience activity, delivered through a cross-council and cross-partner approach, including Our Newham, Children and Young People's Services, Housing, and VCFS partners. A managed transition away from universal school holiday food vouchers is also proposed, moving towards needs-based access routes.