Councillor Lester Hudson
Email: lester.hudson@newham.gov.uk
Council: Newham
Council Profile: View on council website
Committees:
Activity Timeline
Meetings Attended Note this may include planned future meetings.
69 meetings · Page 6 of 14
Call-In, Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday 25th March 2025 7.30 p.m.
The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the call-in of a cabinet decision regarding the Populo Living Business Plan for 2025/26, focusing on whether the plan adequately addresses the council's housing needs and financial risks. The committee decided to take no further action, effectively endorsing the original cabinet decision. Key discussion points included the delivery of social rent homes, the financial viability of Populo, and the exploration of alternative development management options.
Council - Monday 24th March 2025 7.30 p.m.
The Newham Council meeting on 24 March 2025 included discussions on belonging and inclusion in Newham, and the adoption of a reviewed statement of licensing policy. The council also agreed to provide Councillor Mohammed Gani with a dispensation for non-attendance at meetings until 20 October 2025 due to ill health.
Council - Thursday 27th February 2025 7.00 p.m.
Newham Council approved its annual budget for 2025/26 which included a council tax rise of 8.99%. Two amendments to the budget, one from the Newham Independent Group and one from the Green Group were rejected.
Call-in,, Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday 18th February 2025 6.00 p.m.
The Overview and Scrutiny Committee decided to uphold a call-in of the Cabinet's decision to approve the next cycle of the People Powered Places (PPP) scheme. The committee will make recommendations to the Cabinet, which will then make a final decision at a meeting on 24 February 2025. In the event the Cabinet decides to accept the recommendation to immediately cease the programme, the £800,000 a year currently allocated to it will be removed from the Council's budget.
Decisions from Meetings
9 decisions · Page 1 of 2
Call-in of the Cabinet Decision: Manor Park Gym - Capital Fit Out
From: Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday 7th October 2025 7.30 p.m. - October 07, 2025
...to refer the Cabinet Decision of September 16, 2025, regarding the Manor Park Gym capital fit-out back to Cabinet for reconsideration due to concerns about the robustness of financial appraisals and the exploration of alternative funding options.
Decision approved
Call In of Officer Key Decision: Juniper Ventures
From: Call in, Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday 21st May 2025 5.30 p.m. - May 21, 2025
...to ensure public accountability and transparency, the committee referred the Officer Key Decision regarding Juniper Ventures back to Cabinet for reconsideration, citing concerns related to business plans, documentation, risk planning, school meals funding, the appropriateness of the Officer Key Decision process, commercial and financial review, partnership opportunities, and accountability and transparency.
Item Deferred
CALL IN OF OFFICER KEY DECISION - JUNIPER VENTURES
From: Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Thursday 8th May 2025 6.30 p.m. - May 08, 2025
...the committee adjourned the Call In meeting regarding the Officer Key Decision on Juniper Ventures due to insufficient and incomplete information, postponing it to a later date.
Item Deferred
Welcome and introductions
From: Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Thursday 8th May 2025 6.30 p.m. - May 08, 2025
For Determination
Call In of Cabinet Decision: Populo Living 2025/26
From: Call-In, Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday 25th March 2025 7.30 p.m. - March 25, 2025
...to reconsider the Cabinet's decision regarding the Populo Living 2025/2026 Business Plan, citing concerns related to the plan's strategic direction, financial assumptions, and oversight, and outlining specific actions needed, including a five-year strategic business plan, a moratorium on new developments, and a forensic audit.
Decision approved
Summary
Meetings Attended: 69
Average per Month: 3.5
Decisions Recorded: 9