Councillor Carleene Lee-Phakoe

Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday 22nd July 2025 7.00 p.m.

The Newham Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the annual scrutiny work programme, the July finance review, and the non-statutory best value notice. The committee agreed to establish a working party to review the in-year performance of Newham council's budget. They also agreed to Paul Leslie continuing as a co-operative member for the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and Councillor Anthony McAlmont being named as chair of the Relationship Between Black Boys and the Borough Scrutiny Commission.

Extraordinary Meeting, Council - Thursday 17th July 2025 7.00 p.m.

Here is a summary of the scheduled discussions for the Council meeting on 17 July 2025. The agenda included an election of a chair, declarations of interest from councillors, and an exempt report regarding staffing matters. Members were also expected to discuss excluding the press and public from part of the meeting.

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.