The Council meeting on 09 October 2025 addressed a range of public concerns and policy updates, including a new Statement of Licensing Policy for gambling premises, the Council's Treasury Management outturn for 2024/25, and the allocation of seats on council committees. Key decisions also included the appointment of co-opted members to the Standards Committee and the formal adoption of revised sections of the Council's Constitution.

Gambling Act 2005 Statement of Licensing Policy Review

The Council reviewed and adopted a revised Statement of Licensing Policy for the Gambling Act 2005, which will be in effect for three years from 2025 to 2028. This updated policy places a strong emphasis on the licensing objective of Protecting children and other vulnerable people from being harmed or exploited by gambling. It introduces a new Gambling Vulnerability Area in East Ham to address specific local challenges, including high concentrations of gambling premises, anti-social behaviour, crime, and deprivation. The policy also requires operators to train staff on identifying and assisting vulnerable individuals and to display localised gambling harm support services in multiple languages. While the policy acknowledges the statutory aim to permit gambling premises, it aims to be more prescriptive in safeguarding vulnerable groups. The review incorporated feedback from a statutory consultation, including responses from the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) and residents via the Newham Co-Create platform. The BGC raised concerns about the policy's focus on local risk assessments and the proposed Gambling Vulnerability Area, arguing that cumulative impact is not a recognised concept under the current Act and that the policy should not comment on anticipated legislative changes. However, the Council decided to retain these elements, stating they are important for understanding the borough's context and that the East Ham area identification is not a cumulative impact policy but rather highlights existing challenges.

Treasury Management Outturn 2024/25

The Council received the Treasury Management Outturn report for the 2024/25 financial year. The report indicated an underspend of £1.8 million in the capital finance budget, with £0.5 million transferred to the treasury reserve to manage fluctuations in short-term interest rates. The Council's treasury activities were found to be within the approved prudential indicators, with no breaches expected in the upcoming financial year. The report detailed the Council's borrowing and investment portfolio, which stood at £1,324 million as of 31 March 2025, comprising £80.6 million in treasury principal investments and £1,405 million in debt. The report also highlighted the economic context, noting that inflation remained above the Bank of England's target throughout 2024-25, leading to a reduction in the bank rate from 5.25% to 4.25% by February 2025. Borrowing costs remained elevated due to rising gilt yields. The Council's capital programme was financed through a combination of capital receipts, grants, contributions, and revenue, with new long-term borrowing of £439.5 million drawn down during the year. The report confirmed compliance with the CIPFA Code of Practice on Treasury Management and the CIPFA Prudential Code for Capital Finance.

Political Proportionality and Committee Seat Allocation

Following a by-election in Plaistow South Ward on 18 September 2025, where the Newham Independents gained a seat, the Council's political composition has changed. The Newham Independents Group has now been formally recognised as the Principal Opposition Group, and the Green Group as the Second Opposition Group. This change has led to adjustments in the allocation of seats on council committees, sub-committees, and joint committees to reflect the new political balance. The Labour Group retains the majority of seats, with the Newham Independents Group allocated nine seats and the Green Group seven seats. The Leader of the Principal Opposition Group and the Chief Whip of the Principal Opposition Group will now receive full Special Responsibility Allowances (SRAs).

Designation of Council's Monitoring Officer

The Council formally noted the designation of Janie Berry as the Council's Monitoring Officer, effective from 1 September 2025. Ms. Berry also commenced her employment as Interim Director of Legal and Governance. The Council also recorded its thanks to the previous Monitoring Officer, Rachel McKoy. This designation is a statutory requirement under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

Standards Committee Co-Optees Appointments

The Council agreed to the appointment of three co-opted members to the Standards Committee: Paul Hothi, Luís Hui, and William Llorel-Antoine. These appointments are for a period of three years, ending on 9 October 2028. The Standards Committee plays a crucial role in promoting and maintaining high standards of conduct among elected and co-opted members of the Authority. The co-opted members bring a range of experience in legal, commercial, governance, and ethical oversight roles.

Motions

Several motions were debated and voted upon:

• Ethical Investment and Divestment from Human Rights Violations: Proposed by Councillor Mehmood Mirza and seconded by Councillor Sophia Naqvi, this motion called for a transparent audit of the Newham Pension Fund's investments, with a focus on identifying holdings in arms companies and those complicit in human rights abuses, particularly in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The Council resolved to divest from such companies and requested a formal report on a roadmap for ethical divestment.
• Thames Water: Proposed by Councillor John Whitworth and seconded by Councillor Mohammed Gani, this motion expressed concern over the financial distress of Thames Water and called for the company to be placed into Special Administration, with a preference for permanent public ownership. The Council resolved to ask the Mayor and Cabinet Lead to write to the relevant government ministers urging these actions.
• Newham Staff Pension Fund and Investments in Conflict Zones: Proposed by Councillor John Gray and seconded by Councillor Sabia Kamali, this motion called on the Pension Committee to review its investments, particularly in conflict zones, to ensure compliance with human rights and international law. It also recommended employing a specialist advisor to monitor investments and report back to the Council.
• Support for a Fair Visitor Levy: Proposed by Councillor Danny Keeling and seconded by Councillor Nate Higgins, this motion supported the principle of visitor levies to help fund local services and manage the impact of tourism. The Council resolved to call for the necessary powers to be devolved to local authorities to introduce such levies and to begin investigating the feasibility of a levy in Newham.

Statements from Members

Councillor Thelma Odoi presented a statement entitled Let's Not Let History Repeat Itself, and Councillor Zulfiqar Ali presented a statement on The latest developments leading to the recognition of the state of Palestine by our government.

Members' Questions

A series of questions were submitted by Members to Cabinet members on various topics, including period poverty, local implementation plan funding for transport projects, the Royal Docks Corridor Scheme, the West Ham Local Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) nomination, the cost of the London Councils Freedom Pass, safeguarding regulations for temporary accommodation, the Newham Growth Plan's impact on Custom House residents, pension fund divestment from Israel, offering Bengali as an optional school subject, the Council's opposition to live facial recognition surveillance, and the regulation of unlicensed street trading. The published responses to these questions are detailed in the agenda documents.

Questions by the Public

One question was submitted by a member of the public, Simone Salvatici, asking why betting shops were allowed to dominate high streets and suggesting they be replaced with community spaces. The published response outlined the Council's regulatory powers under the Gambling Act 2005, its commitment to protecting vulnerable people, and its advocacy for stronger government powers to tackle high street gambling harm.

Overview and Scrutiny Work Programme and Future Commissions

Councillor Lester Hudson, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, provided an update on the committee's work programme and future commissions. He thanked those involved in the scrutiny process and highlighted the importance of scrutiny in ensuring democratic accountability and driving improvements. The committee's work programme for 2025/2026 includes a focus on budget scrutiny and meaningful resident engagement.

Constitution Review

The Council considered a report on the recent review and revision of the Council's Constitution. Councillor Amar Virdee, moving the report, emphasised its importance for good governance, accountability, and transparency. The Council unanimously resolved to formally adopt the sections of the Constitution set out in Appendices 2-4 of the published report. The Constitution Working Group will continue to meet to consider the remaining sections.

Delivering Best Value For Our Residents

Council considered a report on delivering best value, following a Best Value Notice issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government. Councillor Amar Virdee, Statutory Deputy Mayor, noted the Council's commitment to addressing concerns and rebuilding trust. The Council resolved to note the Best Value Notice, the Council's response, and the steps taken to strengthen the Newham Transformation & Improvement Board. Regular updates will be provided to Cabinet, Council, and relevant committees.

Temporary Accommodation Task and Finish Report

The Council received the Temporary Accommodation Task and Finish report, which outlined recommendations to the Executive on reducing demand, increasing supply, and improving the handling of temporary accommodation. The report also called for government action on local government finance, the Right to Buy scheme, bringing empty homes into use, regulating the private rented sector, increasing social housing provision, and reviewing Local Housing Allowance levels. The Council resolved to call for an urgent discussion with local MPs and the London Assembly Member to address the housing crisis in Newham.

Special Urgency and Exempted from Call-In Procedure Decisions

The Council received a report stating that no decisions had been taken under the Special Urgency Procedure, and no decisions were exempt from call-in, since the last report to Council in December 2024.

Statements from Members

Councillor John Morris, Deputy Cabinet Member for Highways and Sustainable Transport, provided an update on the borough's achievements in sustainable transport, including winning an LGC award for its Just Transition and Sustainable Transport teams, improvements in the Healthy School Street scorecard, and the expansion of EV charging infrastructure. Councillor Blossom Young, Cabinet Member for Council Housing Improvements, reported on progress in improving housing services following a C4 grading from the Regulator of Social Housing, highlighting increased tenant satisfaction and a significant reduction in overdue repairs. Councillor Simon Rush made a statement on the Employment Rights Bill, welcoming its provisions for workers' rights.

Motions

• Ethical Investment and Divestment from Human Rights Violations: This motion, proposed by Councillor Mehmood Mirza, called for an audit of the Newham Pension Fund's investments to identify holdings in arms companies and those complicit in human rights abuses, particularly in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The Council resolved to divest from such companies and requested a report on a roadmap for ethical divestment.
• Thames Water: Proposed by Councillor John Whitworth, this motion called for Thames Water to be placed into Special Administration and considered for permanent public ownership. The Council resolved to ask the Mayor and Cabinet Lead to write to government ministers urging these actions.
• Newham Staff Pension Fund and Investments in Conflict Zones: Proposed by Councillor John Gray, this motion called on the Pension Committee to review its investments, especially in conflict zones, and to ensure compliance with human rights and international law.
• Support for a Fair Visitor Levy: Proposed by Councillor Danny Keeling, this motion supported the principle of visitor levies to fund local services and manage tourism impacts. The Council resolved to call for devolved powers for English councils to introduce such levies and to investigate the feasibility of a levy in Newham.

Tribute to Councillor Neil Wilson

A tribute was paid to Councillor Neil Wilson.

Deputations

A request for a deputation from the Newham Palestine Solidarity Campaign was received.

Announcements

Announcements were made by the Chair, Councillor Dr Rohit K Dasgupta, and the Mayor, Rokhsana Fiaz OBE. The Mayor's announcements focused on the Building a Fairer Newham agenda and the launch of Opportunity Newham, a borough-wide mission to ensure residents can access opportunities. She also highlighted progress in areas such as the Healthy Schools programme, active travel, housing delivery, and high street investment. The Mayor also addressed the non-statutory Best Value Notice, emphasising accountability and the Council's response.

Apologies for Absence

Apologies for absence were received from several councillors, including Councillor Imam Haque (Vice Chair of Council), and the Chief Executive, Abi Gbago.

Declarations of Interest

No declarations of interest were received from Members.

Minutes of the Last Meeting

The minutes of the last ordinary meeting of the Council held on 14 July 2025 and the Extraordinary meeting on 17 July 2025 were approved as a correct record.

Conclusion of Business

There being no further business, the Chair declared the meeting closed.