Councillor Carleene Lee-Phakoe

Audit and Governance Committee - Wednesday 16th July 2025 7.00 p.m.

The Audit and Governance Committee convened to discuss a range of reports, including updates on GDPR compliance, contract waivers, internal audit findings, risk management, counter-fraud measures, and savings delivery. The committee reviewed the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) annual report, quarterly reports on contract waivers, internal audit updates, risk management, counter-fraud progress, and savings delivery, as well as the year ahead forward plan. Several action plans were criticised for lacking specificity, and officers were asked to rewrite and resubmit them with more detail.

Council - Monday 14th July 2025 7.00 p.m.

The Newham Council meeting on 14 July 2025 included discussions on a range of topics, from the council's culture and relationships to temporary accommodation and financial challenges. Councillors were scheduled to discuss a report from the Cross-Party Working Group, a response to a Best Value Notice, and a review of political proportionality. Members were also expected to address questions from the public and fellow councillors, and to consider two motions relating to free school meals and environmental safety.

Audit and Governance Committee - Monday 30th June 2025 7.00 p.m.

The Audit and Governance Committee of Newham Council convened to discuss a range of critical issues, including the election of a vice-chair, review of past minutes and action logs, and updates on the LGA peer review, treasury management, external audit plans, and the draft statement of accounts. A key focus was the progress made on the LGA peer review action plan and the council's financial strategy amid ongoing economic challenges.

Annual Meeting, Council - Thursday 22nd May 2025 7.00 p.m.

The annual council meeting for the London Borough of Newham convened on 22 May 2025, featuring the election of Councillor Dr Rohit Kumar Dasgupta as the new Chair of Council and Councillor Imam Haque as the Vice-Chair. Councillors also discussed the calendar of meetings for the upcoming municipal year, political proportionality, and several annual reports from council committees.

Call in, Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday 21st May 2025 5.30 p.m.

The Newham Council Overview and Scrutiny Committee convened to discuss a call-in regarding a key officer decision concerning Juniper Ventures. Following deliberations, the committee agreed to refer the decision back to the Cabinet for reconsideration, outlining several recommendations. These recommendations included a review of the council's governing documents, a commercial and financial review of Juniper Ventures, and a call for contractors providing preschool meals to pay the London Living Wage.