Councillor Lakmini Shah

Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday 16th September 2025 7.00 p.m.

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the council's transformation progress, organisational performance against the Building a Fairer Newham strategy, and grants funding, and to review the annual scrutiny work programme. The committee approved the 2025/26 Annual Scrutiny Work Programme and agreed to review items for the October meeting.

Education Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission - Monday 15th September 2025 7.00 p.m.

The Education, Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission met to discuss education place planning, youth empowerment, and community safety, agreeing to note reports on each topic. Councillors raised concerns about school closures, support for pupils with special educational needs, and the impact of poverty on young people.

Chief Officer Appointments Sub-Committee - Monday 15th September 2025 1.00 p.m.

The Chief Officer Appointments Sub-Committee met to interview candidates for the position of Director of Early Help and Safeguarding. Following interviews with two candidates, the sub-committee agreed to recommend the appointment of Mahfuzul Khan, currently the Acting Director of Early Help and Safeguarding at the London Borough of Newham, subject to no objections from Cabinet Members within two working days. The meeting was held partially in private due to the confidential nature of the candidate information.

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.