The Newham Cabinet met on Tuesday 17 March 2026 to discuss a range of important issues affecting the borough. Key decisions included the adoption of a new Social Value Procurement Policy, the approval of the Newham Domestic Abuse Strategy 2026-2031, and proposals for upgrading the borough's CCTV network. The Cabinet also reviewed progress on the Housing Services Improvement Programme and discussed the adoption of the Newham's Air Quality Action Plan 2025-2030.

Social Value Procurement Policy

The Cabinet approved the adoption of a new Social Value Procurement Policy, which establishes a framework for all procurement activities over £150,000. This policy aims to strengthen social value expectations, clarify ethical standards, embed environmental responsibilities, and improve access for SMEs and VCSE organisations. The policy aligns with the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 and the Procurement Act 2023, and will be applied to all contracts with a net value over £150,000.

Newham Domestic Abuse Strategy 2026-2031

The Cabinet approved the Newham Domestic Abuse Strategy 2026-2031 and its accompanying action plan for 2026-2027. This strategy builds on previous achievements, maintaining the principles of listening, believing, and acting. It includes a commitment to a whole community approach, enhanced partnership responses, and support for survivors of all genders and identities. Key developments include moving to a daily MARAC meeting to ensure high-risk cases are heard within 48 hours, specialist services for young people aged 16-25, and expanded perpetrator programmes. The strategy also acknowledges the financial pressures and rising demand for services.

Upgrade of The London Borough of Newham CCTV

The Cabinet approved the drawing down of £2 million from the corporate capital budget to modernise the Council's public space CCTV system. This investment will replace aging equipment, extend coverage in priority locations, upgrade the radio transmission network, and introduce advanced video analytics technology. The programme aims to enhance image quality, evidential value, and real-time response capabilities, supporting crime prevention and detection. A contract for project management and technical expertise was also approved.

Housing Services Improvement Programme

The Cabinet received a quarterly update on the progress of the Housing Services Improvement Programme. The report highlighted progress in core areas of safety and compliance, with over 4,500 fire risk assessment actions in train and proactive measures to tackle damp and mould cases. The Council is also preparing to enter into a Voluntary Undertaking with the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) to formalise its commitment to delivering the improvement plan. The report detailed progress on tenancy audits, resident involvement strategies, and tenant satisfaction measures.

Air Quality Action Plan 2025-2030

The Cabinet approved the adoption of the Council's refreshed Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) for 2025-2030. This statutory document sets out strategies to improve air quality and reduce residents' exposure to air pollution. The plan builds on previous achievements, focusing on reducing transport emissions, expanding green spaces, and enhancing community engagement. It acknowledges the need for collaboration across Council departments and with external partners. The AQAP aligns with the Mayor of London's targets and WHO guidelines.

Other Key Discussions

The Cabinet also discussed and made decisions on the following:

• Shared Ownership Tenure Conversion - Burgoyne's Depot and Greenhill Centre: Approved the change in tenure from London Affordable Rent and Shared Ownership to solely London Affordable Rent for 41 units across two development sites. This conversion aims to address temporary accommodation pressures and enhance financial viability.
• Procurement of a single social care case management system: Approved the procurement of a joint core social care case management system across Adult Services and Children and Young People's Service via the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Framework RM6259 Vertical Application Solutions, Lot 2. This aims to improve system integration, operational clarity, and data transparency.
• Anti-Fraud & Corruption Strategy and Policies 2026/27: Approved the refreshed Anti-Fraud & Corruption Strategy and accompanying policy suite, reinforcing the Council's zero-tolerance approach to fraud and corruption.
• Risk Management Strategy and Policy 2026/27: Agreed the updated Risk Management Strategy and Policy, aligning the Council's framework with ISO 31000 and HM Treasury's Orange Book.
• Use of the LBLS Solicitors Framework Agreement: Approved the utilisation of the London Boroughs' Legal Alliance (LBLA) Solicitors Framework for accessing specialist legal services when required, aiming for cost savings and efficient procurement.
• Upgrade of The London Borough of Newham CCTV: Approved the drawing down of £2 million from the corporate capital budget to modernise the Council's public space CCTV system.
• PSPO Proposals (Street harassment, Misuse of car parks, and Misuse of fireworks): Approved the implementation of three new Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) borough-wide for street harassment and misuse of fireworks, and location-specific for car parks. These aim to tackle anti-social behaviour and improve public safety.
• Improving Outcomes Together - A Section 75 Extension with the North East London Integrated Care Board: Approved the continuation of the Section 75 agreement for a further three years, enabling pooled resources and joint commissioning of health and social care services.
• Building a Fairer Newham 2022-26: progress and achievements: Noted the achievements and impact made in delivering the Building a Fairer Newham Corporate Delivery Plan 2022-2026.
• Best Value Notice: Interim Chief Executive's Progress Assessment & Delivering Best Value for Residents Plan 2026/27: Noted the Chief Executive's progress assessment and endorsed the Best Value Plan 2026/27, outlining the council's continued commitment to improvement.
• Built Leisure Needs Assessment 2025 and Playing Pitch Strategy 2025 Adoption: Formally adopted the findings of these assessments, which provide an evidence base for future planning and investment in sports and leisure facilities.

The meeting was noted as being the last Cabinet meeting before the upcoming election.

Appendix 3 - Newham Residents' Survey 2025 Analysis

This report summarises the key findings from the Newham Residents' Survey 2025, conducted by M·E·L Research between autumn/winter 2025. The survey aimed to gather insight into residents' perceptions of the Council and the borough, their experiences of local services, and their priorities and concerns.

The survey employed a face-to-face interviewing methodology to ensure a representative sample across Newham's diverse population. A total of 1,523 interviews were completed, with data weighted to reflect the borough's demographics based on 2021 Census information. The findings provide a robust evidence base to inform Council strategies and service improvements.

The report is structured around key themes, including:

• Perceptions of Newham Council: Residents generally hold positive views of the Council's performance, with satisfaction levels rising since previous surveys. Trust in the Council is also relatively high. Key drivers of satisfaction include perceptions of value for money, transparency, and responsiveness, alongside visible service delivery such as street cleanliness and road maintenance. However, there is a noted gap between residents feeling informed by the Council and feeling empowered to influence decisions.

• Communication and Empowerment: While most residents feel well informed about Council services, a significant proportion feel they have little influence on local decision-making. Digital access is high, but preferences for face-to-face or phone contact persist among some groups.

• Perceptions of Home and Local Area: Satisfaction with home quality and safety is high across the borough. However, feelings of safety drop significantly after dark, particularly for women, older residents, and disabled residents. Crime and anti-social behaviour are key concerns, alongside street cleanliness and maintenance.

• Wellbeing and Quality of Life: Overall wellbeing in Newham is strong, with high life satisfaction and social support for most residents. However, financial pressures are acute for a minority, and disabled residents report lower wellbeing outcomes across several measures.

• Safer Newham: Residents express high levels of satisfaction with home safety, but concerns about crime and anti-social behaviour persist, particularly after dark. There is a desire for increased enforcement and visible action.

• Homes for Our Residents: The Council has made progress in delivering affordable homes and improving council housing stock. However, rising demand, temporary accommodation pressures, and the need for sustained investment remain significant challenges.

• Supporting Our Young People: Newham's services for children and young people are rated highly, with Ofsted judgements reflecting outstanding practice. However, challenges remain in addressing disproportionality for Black boys in education and the youth justice system.

• People Powered Newham: The borough is a national leader in participatory democracy, with strong resident involvement in decision-making and community projects. However, there is a recognised need to strengthen the voluntary, community, and faith sector.

• A Campaigning Council: Newham has actively campaigned for fairer government funding, improved transport connectivity, and support for residents facing the cost of living crisis. The Council's commitment to environmental justice and tackling air pollution is also highlighted.

The report concludes by noting the need for continued focus on addressing inequalities, strengthening partnerships, and embedding improvements across all services to build a fairer Newham for all.