Councillor Ken Penton

Audit and Governance Committee

Special Meeting, Audit Committee - Tuesday 21st May 2024 7.00 p.m.

The meeting focused on two main topics: a cyber report and an affordable housing report. The cyber report was discussed first, followed by the affordable housing report, both of which were moved to a private session to avoid public disclosure of sensitive information.

Council Member

Council - Monday 18th March 2024 7.00 p.m.

The Council meeting on Monday 18 March 2024 saw the unanimous approval of a motion to improve employment opportunities for Black, Asian, and ethnic minority individuals in Newham. The meeting also addressed the council's budget for the upcoming financial year, with a significant increase in council tax being approved.

Council Member

Budget, Council - Thursday 29th February 2024 7.00 p.m.

The Newham Council meeting on 29 February 2024 saw the approval of the final budget proposals for 2024/25, which included a 4.99% increase in council tax. The council also debated and voted on various amendments, ultimately adopting the administration's budget proposals despite a significant amendment from the Green Group aiming for greater savings and service protection. Key discussions also revolved around members' allowances, with the council deciding to implement increases based on an independent panel's recommendations, and a review of the council's capital programme to manage borrowing costs.

Audit and Governance Committee Member

Audit and Governance Committee - Wednesday 7th February 2024 7.00 p.m.

Audit and Governance Committee Member

Audit and Governance Committee - Thursday 4th January 2024 7.00 p.m.

The Audit and Governance Committee of Newham Council met on Thursday 4 January 2024 to discuss the governance arrangements for Populo Living Ltd, the council's wholly-owned trading company. The committee reviewed an advisory report by Veritau, which highlighted significant areas for improvement in how the council oversees Populo. Key concerns included a lack of clarity in shareholder roles, insufficient evidence of robust scrutiny, potential conflicts of interest, and inadequate risk management processes.