Newham Council publishes proposed 2026/27 Budget

Newham has published its proposed Budget for the forthcoming year, which sets out its ambitions for residents and secures its financial stability.

If passed at Cabinet and Full Council, it means Newham Council will no longer require additional government support to protect services.

The final proposed Budget will ensure: 

• Households continue to benefit from sixth lowest Council Tax in London
• The borough’s cherished libraries are protected
• Increased investment in keeping our streets clean
• Households get a minimum of 5 high-quality waste and recycling collections every fortnight
• Homes people can afford continue to be built

For more on the Budget >

Don't forget that the archive reading room is closing

The archive reading room will be closed from March 3, 2026 as part of the ongoing works to redevelop Canning Town Old Library into Newham Heritage Centre, due to open in 2027.

The service will still be offering a remote service for research and licensing enquiries. It can be reached by emailing archiveslocalstudies@newham.gov.uk or by calling 020 3373 6881.

If you’d like to have more updates on this project, follow the service on Instagram @newhamheritagecentre.

Alternatively, subscribe to the Heritage newsletter >

Play your cards right for share of £80,000 good causes cash

If you run a not-for-profit organisation and are based in Newham then you can apply for a cash grant.

Genting Casino in partnership with the London Borough of Newham is offering grants of up to £5,000 from its £80,000 Good Causes Fund.

The fund is open to not-for-profit organisations, such as voluntary, community and faith groups as well as schools and other charities, who are based in Newham. 

Applications are open now and close on Sunday March 8, 2026, at 11pm.

Make an application here >

There’s still time to have your say on the Mayer Parry Bridge

Newham Council is seeking your views on the Mayer Parry Bridge - a proposed new pedestrian and cycle bridge linking Newham with Tower Hamlets across the River Lea.

The project forms part of wider work to improve walking and cycling routes, strengthen connections between communities, and support regeneration happening across the Lower Lea area, including ongoing improvements in Canning Town and Custom House.

Your feedback will help guide the next stage of design. You can share your views in person at a drop‑in engagement event run by our partners at Tower Hamlets Council:

Tuesday 17 February, 9am – 2pm at Almari Coffee, E14 0TE

Or alternatively, you can take part in a survey online to help shape the proposals.

Take part in the Mayor Parry Bridge survey >

Take control of your health, this National HIV Testing Week

Sexual health is an important part of everyone’s health and wellbeing.

This National HIV Testing Week, we want you to know our partners offer free advice and support, sexual health screenings (including HIV testing) and contraception services.

We want everyone to know their status – it’s the first step in taking control of your health. HIV testing is free, easy, and confidential.

By getting tested, you can help end the HIV epidemic by 2030. Newham fully supports this initiative, striving to zero new HIV infections, zero preventable deaths and zero HIV-associated stigma by 2030.

That’s why we’ve worked with our partners to deliver a series of events this week – and we hope to be part of more in the near future. 

Find out more about HIV Testing Week and free sexual health services in Newham >

Fix It, Don’t Ditch It at Newham’s FREE Repair Café

Join us at the FREE Newham Repair Café on February 20, between 12.30 - 3.30pm at Katherine Road Community Centre, E7 8PN.

Fix broken portable electricals with The Restart Project, get bike running repairs with Cycle Confident, and enjoy on-the-spot clothing fixes with Caramel Rock.

Recycle small electricals and cables or refresh your wardrobe at the clothes swap (bring up to two quality items; exclusions apply).

Book workshops with Joyriders and the Team Repair Challenge in advance.

Free refreshments available.

Find out more here >