The Cabinet of Newham Council met on Tuesday 01 October 2024, approving a range of significant initiatives including the refurbishment of 46 Clova Road to provide accommodation for young homeless people, the acquisition of 63 residential units in Barking and Dagenham to support care leavers, and the establishment of a framework for HIV prevention and support services across London. The meeting also saw the adoption of the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy and the approval of new highway contracts.

Annual Complaints Report 2023-24

The Cabinet reviewed the council's performance in handling complaints during the 2023-24 fiscal year. Councillor Charlene McLean, Cabinet Member for Resident Engagement and Resident Experience, presented the report, highlighting improvements in complaint resolution and a decrease in cases progressing through escalation routes. The report noted that the council's upheld rate for complaints was 8% lower than the London average, placing it fourth highest in the city. Olivia Shaw, Assistant Director of Resident Experience Operation and Resolution, explained that changes in the external landscape, including new requirements and the increased advocacy role of the Housing Ombudsman Service, were influencing complaint trends. While housing repair complaints had decreased, waste-related complaints had seen an increase, largely attributed to policy changes aimed at streamlining practices. Cabinet members acknowledged the ongoing journey of improvement and thanked the officers for their work. The Cabinet approved the note of the council's performance and the improvement actions planned for 2024-25, including the implementation of a new case management system. They also approved the complaints policies, subject to the phased implementation of the new system, and the self-assessment and action plan documents required by the Housing Ombudsman Service.

46 Clova Road Refurbishment and Single Homeless Accommodation Programme

Councillor Zulfiqar Ali, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, presented a report seeking approval for the refurbishment of 46 Clova Road, a former office building, to provide accommodation for young homeless people. The council currently has 30 adult care leavers in spot-purchased, 24-hour staffed provision, and this project aims to create a bespoke in-borough provision for 18-25 year olds requiring support. The council has secured £722,750 in grant funding from the Greater London Authority (GLA), covering 49% of the refurbishment costs. Giles Clarke, Director of Property, confirmed that a planning application would be submitted in November, with on-site work commencing in March 2025, subject to approval. Cabinet members emphasised their role as corporate parents in supporting vulnerable young people leaving care. The decision was made to approve the commencement of the procurement process for refurbishment works, with an estimated contract value of £1.475 million. Authority was delegated to the Corporate Director of Resources to award the works contract. Approval was also given for the procurement of housing management and support services for up to 10 years, at an estimated cost of £4.29 million. The council will accept the SHAP grant and allocate up to £750,250 from its Capital Programme for the refurbishment.

278 Oxlow Lane - 63 Unit Acquisition

Councillor Zulfiqar Ali also presented a report on the proposed acquisition of 63 residential units at 278 Oxlow Lane, Dagenham. This acquisition aims to provide much-needed affordable housing for families and care leavers, reducing the council's reliance on costly nightly accommodation. The property is expected to be completed by December 2024 and available for residents in spring 2025. The acquisition is projected to generate a cumulative net income of £28.6 million over 50 years from the residential units alone, with a total net income of £32.3 million when including the commercial unit. Cabinet approved the acquisition of the freehold interest in the 63 units and delegated authority to the Corporate Director of Resources to finalise terms and complete the acquisition. The property will be leased to a suitable third-party housing organisation.

HIV Prevention & Support: Permission to Establish an Open Framework Agreement

Councillor Neil Wilson, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, introduced a report on establishing a Framework Agreement for HIV Prevention and Support services. Newham Council currently leads the North East London (NEL) Shared Sexual Health Commissioning Service, generating an annual income of £255,000 for the council. The existing framework is due to expire in May 2025, necessitating a new agreement. The report highlighted the increasing prevalence of HIV in London, particularly in East London, with a disproportionate number of late diagnoses among Black African residents. The complexity of support needs for people living with HIV is also increasing due to an ageing population and co-morbidities. Cabinet approved the establishment of an open access framework for HIV Prevention and Support Services for up to eight years, on behalf of all local authorities and health partners across London. The registration process for providers to join the framework will commence, and authority was delegated to the Corporate Director for Adults, Health and Communities to approve provider registrations.

Highways Contracts 2026

Councillor John Morris presented a report outlining the strategy for re-procuring highway maintenance and professional services contracts. The existing contracts are due to expire in February 2026. The proposed procurement exercise covers Highways Professional Services, with an estimated annual value of £2 million, and Highways Works Contracts, with an estimated annual value of £25 million, appointing two contractors. Both contracts will commence on 1 February 2026 and run for up to six years, with an estimated total value of £162 million over the period. Discussions highlighted the importance of maximising value for money and incorporating technological advancements. The Mayor emphasised the need to work closely with the Community Wealth Building team to maximise social value opportunities for young people, including work experience and employment. Cabinet also stressed the importance of effective communication with residents regarding any disruption caused by infrastructure improvements. Cabinet approved the commencement of the procurement exercise for these contracts.

Local Flood Risk Management Strategy

Councillor John Whitworth presented the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (LFRMS), which outlines the council's statutory responsibilities as the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) for managing flood risk in Newham. The strategy, last updated in 2015, is considered timely and aligns with the council's Just Transition Plan and Local Plans. The report highlighted Newham's vulnerability to flooding, which is expected to increase due to climate change. Cabinet commended the officers for their diligence in preparing the strategy. The Cabinet agreed to adopt the latest LFRMS, which will act as the overarching flood risk management strategy for the council and fulfil its statutory LLFA function. The strategy aims to build resilience and mitigation against flooding and the effects of climate change, encouraging partnership working and the implementation of sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS).

The meeting also noted that exempt appendices related to agenda items 6 and 7 were not required to be discussed in private session. The minutes of the previous Cabinet meeting held on 3 September 2024 were agreed as a correct record.