Hello Everyone,
Big news on all things macro-economics this week with the announcements made on Wednesday by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in her Autumn Budget. It really is a biggie for Newham. The scrapping of the two-child benefit cap is brilliant as it will help 15,600 children in our borough and you can read my statement issued on the day here. As we analyse the implications for our borough and the Councill, I want to flag some significant highlights. Firstly, scrapping the two-child limit will support 15,600 children in Newham – the highest number in London, and all part of a national mission by the government to help lift half a million children out of poverty. Did you know that Newham has one of the highest child poverty rates in the entire country? That’s why my focus as your Mayor has been tackling poverty. In this time and this age, poverty in this country is a damning indictment - poverty and struggle for any young person, parent or an elderly resident in Newham is unconscionable. Nor is a reality for families and elderly residents trapped in hardship; or schools, nurseries and voluntary sector organisations across Newham who consistently report rising food insecurity, overcrowded housing, widening attainment and development gaps because of poverty. That’s why I am also pleased to hear about the expansion of Free School Meals; universal breakfast clubs in every primary school which will save families £450 a year; and the largest-ever early years investment through a 30-hour childcare provision for eligible families, that will save them £7,500 per child. All this really matters for us in Newham. As one of the fastest-growing, youngest, and most diverse boroughs in the country – where many families face real challenges – these announcements will have a direct impact on local people’s lives. That’s why I’m pleased that this Budget will bring positive change by supporting our lowest-paid working families and help lift thousands of children out of poverty. While the cost-of-living crisis might not dominate headlines anymore, I know from speaking to many of you that times remain incredibly tough. Here in Newham, we’ve always worked hard to give our children and young people the best start in life. From our pioneering Eat for Free programme, which saves parents around £500 per child each year, to being among the first councils to trial free breakfast clubs, we’ve led the way in making sure children eat well and thrive. These initiatives make a real difference for families who are watching every penny. Ensuring that children have nutritious meals isn’t just the right thing to do - it also helps drive the brighter future we want for them. A good meal helps our youngsters concentrate in class, learn better, and build brighter futures. The Budget also brings good news for young people in work, with an increase in the Minimum Wage for 18–20-year-olds - benefiting around 3,500 young people in Newham. I am over the moon about that, as one of my biggest areas of focus is youth unemployment. And for families with children who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), extra Government support will help ease the pressures they face and relieve some of the strain on council services. And then there’s the fantastic news about the Beckton Riverside DLR extension to Thamesmead, with the government now confirming in the 2025 Autumn Budget that the estimated £1.6 billion cost will be financed through Transport for London and GLA. As the co-chair of the project board I am delighted, as it represents one of the biggest growth plans in the UK – here in Newham! Over the past 7-years, working with the Royal Borough of Greenwich, the GLA and Transport for London; I’ve consistently championed the DLR extension with government because it will be a game changer for that part of our borough and help transform it into a sustainable and vibrant new neighbourhood. It’ll unlock land for up to 25,000 new homes and 10,000 jobs while also creating better transport links between Newham and Greenwich. It has been an award-winning week in Newham with our 100% affordable later living scheme, Noele Gordon House, being recognised at the Inside Housing Development Awards. It was an honour to attend the ceremony and see our development take home a top honour being named Best Retirement Scheme. We’ve also won a 2025 CiTTi Award for Road Safety for our People Friendly Streets scheme in West Ham. This week we also took time to celebrate our wonderful, hardworking council staff at the Council’s annual HEART Awards. Nothing we achieve would be possible without our fantastic council staff, who every day go above and beyond to serve our residents. I’m so proud to work alongside our staff to put the people of Newham first and ensure everyone has access to the services and support they deserve. Finally, on Thursday evening I had the great pleasure of meeting with the local young people who form the Council’s Civic Awards judging panel to hear more about the incredible community spirit, compassion and care demonstrated by many of our local heroes. They were leading on the shortlisting process – and I was so impressed by their diligence and considerations! The final recommended winners will be published next week, and following approval by Full Council on the 8th December we’ll be honouring all of them at the Newham Civic Awards Ceremony taking place on 4th March 2026. As always, I’ll keep fighting for our most vulnerable residents, protecting vital services, and delivering the transformation our borough deserves, Together, we’re building a fairer Newham — one where every child has the best start in life, every family feels supported, and every resident can share in the opportunities that growth brings. That’s a winning agenda that is well worth sustaining – and celebrating! Until next week, take care and remember – look after yourself and loved ones.
Best wishes,
Rokhsana Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE Follow what I am up to via X/Twitter: @rokhsanafiaz | 
