Hello Everyone,
This week marks a year from the Council receiving a C4 rating from the Regulator of Social Housing for consumer standards.
As I said then, and still, the C4 judgment was unacceptable, and I demanded rapid improvements because our residents deserve better from the Council’s housing services and the homes we provide them to they live in.
Yesterday - 12 months since we received the C4 rating - we issued a statement setting out how we’ve been working hard to improve our housing services. There is real progress. Our Housing Services Improvement Programme has focused on improving homes and housing services.
Over the last year, we have completed all overdue repairs identified during the inspection and ensured that 90% o f all new non-emergency repairs are completed on time. More than nine out of ten properties now have an electrical condition test carried out in the last ten years, up from 60% at the time of the inspection. Safety has been a key priority: 99% of homes now have working carbon monoxide detectors, and 94% have functioning smoke alarms. We have also nearly halved overdue fire risk assessment actions identified during the inspection. These improvements represent real progress, and while there is still work to do, I am proud of what has been achieved by our members and officers so far. My commitment remains clear: we will not rest until every Newham tenant and leaseholder lives in a safe, secure home they can be proud of. Since becoming Mayor, my mission has been to Build a Fairer Newham, a borough where everyone has the chance to thrive. Over the past few years, we’ve made real progress: supporting people through the cost-of-living crisis, improving opportunities for our young people, and investing in our neighbourhoods. But as we prepare next year’s budget, we face some of the toughest financial challenges in a generation.
Like every Council across the country, Newham is grappling with rising demand for essential services, particularly adult social care and temporary accommodation, at a time when our income simply isn’t keeping pace. Unless we act, we face an annual shortfall of £90 million by 2028/29, with £53 million of that linked directly to the soaring cost of temporary accommodation. We currently support around 7,500 households, and the bill for this is projected to reach £140 million within four years. We are, quite simply, at the sharp end of London’s housing crisis. High rents, a shortage of affordable homes, and the ongoing cost-of-living emergency are all driving demand. Without the escalating cost of temporary accommodation, we would be in a much stronger financial position.
That’s why, as part of this year’s budget process, I am leaving no stone unturned. We are examining every option – finding efficiencies, identifying ways to raise income, and making sure that every pound we spend delivers the greatest benefit for residents. Some of the decisions ahead will be difficult, but they are necessary to ensure the long-term stability of our borough and to protect the services that matter most to local people. At the same time, we’re driving forward our transformation programme, which will deliver £23 million in efficiency savings, and taking proactive steps to prevent homelessness and help more residents move into permanent homes.
Over the coming weeks, we’ll be asking residents to share their views on priorities and choices ahead. These conversations will help shape the decisions we must take together – openly, responsibly, and with fairness at the heart of everything we do. So please keep you’re eyes peeled! On Monday, nominations opened for our 2025 Newham Civic Awards. These awards celebrate the remarkable individuals, groups, and organisations who make a real difference in the borough. If you live, work, or study in Newham, now is your chance to nominate those whose efforts, passion, and community spirit help make Newham a better place for everyone. Categories cover a wide range of contributions, from good neighbours and youth champions to creative innovators and community groups driving positive change. Winners and their guests will be honoured at the annual awards ceremony on Wednesday 4 March 2026 at Old Stratford Town Hall. Full details of the award categories, nomination guidelines, and online nomination form can be found here. On Wednesday I was able to attend the official opening of The Foundry in Beckton, the new headquarters of the West Ham United Foundation. The Foundry is a state-of-the-art community hub offering young people and local residents a space to learn, develop skills, receive training, and find inspiration. I was thrilled to chat to Iron’s legend, Mark Noble, and see the impact this hub is already having on the community. Led by CEO Joseph Lyons, this project has been a labour of love, and it stands as a brilliant example of partnership working to support talent and opportunity across East London. Please head over, become a member, and grab some of the Pie and Mash available from the canteen! Looking ahead to the weekend, the Annual Black Pound Market returns, bringing together Black-owned businesses, entrepreneurs, food vendors, and workshop facilitators. The market is a space to showcase talent, connect with the community, and celebrate the power of Black economic empowerment. It is supported by Our Newham Business & Enterprise, and we encourage everyone to come along, support local businesses, and enjoy the vibrant programme of events. For the full Black History Month programme, click here. This week reminds us that Newham is a borough of resilience, opportunity, and community spirit. Whether it’s improving housing for residents, creating pathways for young people through community hubs like The Foundry, or celebrating the entrepreneurship and talent of our local businesses at the Black Pound Market, every initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to make Newham a place where everyone can thrive.
Until next week, stay happy and stay well!
Best wishes, Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE Follow what I am up to via X/Twitter: @rokhsanafiaz |
