The Cabinet of Newham Council met on Tuesday 22 July 2025 to discuss a range of critical issues, including the council's response to a non-statutory Best Value Notice issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, and the significant financial challenges facing the borough. Key decisions made included the approval of an action plan to address the Best Value Notice, the adoption of the Newham Growth Plan 2025-2030, and the acceptance of grant funding for the Connect to Work programme.

Delivering Best Value For Our Residents

The Cabinet formally noted the non-statutory Best Value Notice issued to Newham Council on 8 May 2025, acknowledging its implications for both officers and members. The council outlined its response, building on existing improvement activities and strengthening the Newham Transformation & Improvement Board, chaired by Rob Whiteman, to provide support, challenge, and assurance to both the council and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). Regular updates on progress in delivering best value for residents will be provided to Cabinet, the Overview & Scrutiny Committee, and the Audit & Governance Committee.

July Finance Review

The Cabinet received a comprehensive update on the council's financial situation, noting the updated financial position as set out in Reports A, B, and C. A public consultation will be undertaken by autumn to gather views on service prioritisation, informing future political decision-making. The council also reaffirmed its commitment to reducing the budget gap through finding further savings, including the implementation of zero-based budgeting, with a detailed report to be presented to Cabinet in autumn 2025-26. The financial reports highlighted a projected shortfall of £115 million by 2028-29, driven by pressures in temporary accommodation and social care costs, alongside population growth and inflation.

Newham's Transformation and Improvement: Building a Fairer Newham Integrated Performance Report 2024-2025

The Cabinet noted the progress made during 2024/25 in delivering the Building a Fairer Newham (BaFN) Corporate Delivery Plan and the Transforming Newham for the Future Plan. They also agreed the new BaFN Key Performance Indicator (KPI) targets for 2025/26. The report detailed achievements in areas such as educational outcomes, the Eat for Free programme, and employment support, while also acknowledging challenges in housing services, knife crime, and the rising number of residents in temporary accommodation. The Transforming Newham for the Future programme has been streamlined into three key areas: making services available online, joining up services for better resident support, and creating a lean and efficient council.

Newham Growth Plan 2025-2030

The Cabinet approved the Newham Growth Plan 2025-2030, a strategic framework outlining the council's vision for inclusive economic growth. The plan prioritises jobs, skills, good work, thriving places, and innovation, investment, and partnership. It identifies key growth sectors including digital and data, green skills and construction, and creativity and culture. The plan builds on the council's Community Wealth Building agenda and aims to enhance livelihood security for residents by addressing poverty and inequality, improving access to services, and fostering economic and social inclusion.

Acceptance of Grant Funding for the Connect to Work Programme

The Cabinet agreed to accept grant funding of up to £5.47 million for the Connect to Work programme, which will run from June 2025 to March 2030. This programme, delivered by Our Newham Work, will support individuals with disabilities and long-term health conditions to find and sustain meaningful employment. The funding, received via Local London as the sub-regional lead, aims to support 1,548 residents over the five-year period. The programme will adopt a place, train, maintain model, offering tailored support and working closely with employers to promote inclusive recruitment.

Newham Living: Stratford & Forest Gate Assets Refurbishment Proposals

The Cabinet agreed to allocate up to £2,054,000 from the Council's Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Capital Programme for the refurbishment of Property A in Stratford, and up to £1,140,000 for Property B in Forest Gate. These properties, formerly sheltered accommodation and a hotel, will be transformed into supported accommodation for single vulnerable residents as part of the Newham Living programme. This initiative aims to provide high-quality, fit-for-purpose accommodation with on-site support, helping residents regain independence, prevent needs escalation, and reduce reliance on temporary accommodation. Procurement for the capital works at both properties was also agreed.

Grant Funding Award from Warm Homes Social Housing, 2025-2028

The Cabinet agreed to accept £1.52 million in grant funding from the Warm Homes Social Housing Fund (WHSHF) to retrofit 359 of the borough's worst-performing homes in North Woolwich, East Ham, and Canning Town. This funding, secured through the London Strategic Partnership led by London Councils and Camden Council, will contribute to a £3.3 million programme aimed at improving energy efficiency, tackling damp and mould, and reducing residents' energy bills. The programme aligns with the council's commitment to achieving Energy Performance Certificate C across its housing stock by 2030 and net-zero operational carbon from housing by 2045. Amendments were made to the report to clarify the affected areas and consultation with relevant cabinet members.

Independent Living Support Service - Contract Award

The Cabinet agreed to establish a five-lot Independent Living Support Service (ILSS) Framework Agreement, commencing on 6 October 2025, with an estimated annual value of £31.8 million. This agreement will replace the current home care framework and will service the needs of both the Adults and Health Directorate and Children and Young People's Services. The new framework aims to build on the success of the current provision, which has been praised for keeping residents at home, offering value for money, and achieving high resident satisfaction. The agreement includes a dedicated Reablement Lot and all-age Lots to ensure a consistent service from childhood to adulthood.

Exclusion of the Press and Public

The Cabinet formally noted Agenda Item 13, concerning the exclusion of the press and public, and Agenda Item 14, the exempt appendix for the Newham Living - Bow Street and Romford Road asset refurbishment proposal.

The meeting also included discussions on the July Finance Review, with Cabinet noting the council's updated financial situation and agreeing to proceed with a public consultation on service prioritisation. They also noted the council's approach to reducing the budget gap through further savings, including zero-based budgeting.

The Cabinet formally noted Agenda Item 13, concerning the exclusion of the press and public, and Agenda Item 14, the exempt appendix for the Newham Living - Bow Street and Romford Road asset refurbishment proposal. The meeting also included discussions on the July Finance Review, with Cabinet noting the council's updated financial situation and agreeing to proceed with a public consultation on service prioritisation. They also noted the council's approach to reducing the budget gap through further savings, including zero-based budgeting.

The Cabinet also formally noted Agenda Item 13, concerning the exclusion of the press and public, and Agenda Item 14, the exempt appendix for the Newham Living - Bow Street and Romford Road asset refurbishment proposal. The meeting also included discussions on the July Finance Review, with Cabinet noting the council's updated financial situation and agreeing to proceed with a public consultation on service prioritisation. They also noted the council's approach to reducing the budget gap through further savings, including zero-based budgeting.