The Audit and Governance Committee of Newham Council is scheduled to convene on Wednesday 04 November 2026. The meeting's agenda includes a review of the council's corporate risk management, internal audit progress, and the handling of annual complaints reports. Members will also consider updates on GDPR, treasury management, and contract waivers.

Quarterly Corporate Risk Management Update

The committee is scheduled to receive an update on the council's strategic risk profile and enhanced oversight arrangements. The report indicates a reduction in the risk rating for Housing Regulatory Compliance from Very High to High. Progress in rolling out the Corporate Minimum Standard and developing service-level risk registers will also be noted. The report highlights that further work is required to embed consistent risk ownership, review and escalation arrangements across services and directorates.¹

Quarterly Internal Audit Progress Report

This report will provide members with an overview of the work undertaken by the Internal Audit Service up to the end of September 2026. It includes updates on the audit plans for 2025/26 and 2026/27, noting that all audits for 2025/26 have been completed and issued. The report details the issuance of several audit reports, including those for Travel & Assistance SEN Travel, Procurement, and Property Compliance (Damp and Mould and Asbestos), all of which received a Limited Assurance grading. A summary of outstanding Priority 1 audit recommendations will also be presented, with 10 out of 19 having been implemented.

The Annual Complaints Reports and Handling of Local Government Ombudsman Reports

The committee is set to review the findings of the Annual Complaints Report for 2025/26, which indicates a 6% reduction in overall complaints received compared to the previous year, though performance in responding within target timescales declined to 69%. The report also includes the Annual Housing Complaints Performance Report, the Annual Housing Complaints Self-Assessment, and the response from Cabinet, as well as findings from the Adults and Childrens Complaints Reports. Key learning identified from complaints and Ombudsman investigations will be noted, alongside a planned improvement programme for 2026/27 focusing on timeliness, reducing avoidable complaints, and strengthening quality assurance. The report from the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman highlights delays in information provision and implementing agreed recommendations, noting that These delays affected both personal remedies, such as apologies and payments, and service improvements, resulting in unnecessary frustration for complainants and prolonging the risk of similar issues affecting others.²

Annual Report on GDPR

This report is for noting and will provide an overview of the council's performance and progress in relation to Data Protection, Information Governance, and Information Rights during 2025/26. Key activities include the transition to a fully sovereign Newham Information Assurance service, the completion of historic GDPR audit actions, and an audit on the council's use of Artificial Intelligence technology. The report notes that the council recorded 136 reported data breaches during 2025/26, an increase attributed to improved organisational awareness and reporting culture.

Treasury Management Mid-year Report

This report, which is to follow, will provide a mid-year update on the council's treasury management activities.

Rebuilding Audit Assurance – Risk Assessment Update

This paper will provide the committee with further detail on the risk assessment procedures performed in respect of opening reserve balances. These procedures have been undertaken in response to prior-year disclaimed audit opinions and in accordance with the National Audit Office's Local Authority Reset and Recovery Implementation guidance.

Quarterly Report of Contract Waivers

The committee is asked to note a summary of contract waivers for the period 1 April 2026 to 30 September 2026. A total of 16 waivers were approved, with a combined value of £2.070 million, primarily for maintaining essential service continuity, securing specialist provision, and addressing urgent works. The report notes that The entries highlight the need for earlier procurement planning, stronger contract expiry monitoring and complete approval records.³

Quarterly Counter Fraud Progress Report

This report will provide a quarterly update on the work of the Counter Fraud Team. It details housing fraud outcomes, including the recovery of 31 properties with a notional saving of £1.302 million. The report also outlines whistleblowing and workplace investigations, with 10 cases closed this year, and council tax investigations that have identified £0.413 million in underpaid council tax and added £0.197 million to current accounts. The team has also joined the London Counter Fraud Hub, which has generated several results, including property recoveries and overpayments.

Quality Assurance and Improvement Programme

This report advises members of the Quality Assurance and Improvement Programme (QAIP) created following the External Quality Assessment. The QAIP is based on ongoing monitoring of quality and performance, internal assessments, and external assessments. The external assessment concluded that the Internal Audit Service Partially Conforms with the Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS), with recommendations for strengthening independence, resources, strategy, planning, and stakeholder engagement.

Quarterly Report on Best Value Response

This report is to follow and will provide an update on the council's response to the Best Value Notice.

Year Ahead Forward Plan

This is a draft agenda item for noting, outlining the expected reports for the Audit and Governance Committee in the year ahead.