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Hello Everyone, This week has been a great week for showcasing Newham, what’s great about the borough – its people! – and the exciting potential and opportunity being created for people in the borough.
But first, the news that our case to Government about the need for exceptional financial support is being heard. We are one of only six local authorities being allowed to consider a Council Tax rise higher than 5% this year, with government only agreeing increases where councils have comparatively low existing levels of tax and plans in place to protect the vulnerable.
Of course, this is not something we wanted to do, but with more than 75% of our spending being demand-led - covering services for vulnerable adults and children, or the spiralling costs of providing Temporary Accommodation, over which we have limited control or opportunities to make savings - we have little choice. The proposed increase would still be the equivalent of less than £2.40 a week for a Band D household.
If Full Council, on 27 February, agrees to raise Council Tax by 8.99% this year, we will still have the seventh-lowest Council Tax in London and the lowest in outer London, as the Evening Standard showed.
We are also continuing to offer vital additional support, including 80% or 90% Council Tax discounts for vulnerable working households and pensioner households.
We are still awaiting a decision from Government this month on the second part of the support we have applied for - the ability to increase our borrowing and sell some of our assets. This will only be a short-term fix as the Government explores ways to address the housing crisis. In Newham, we are already piloting highly innovative ideas and have offered ourselves as a test bed for potential solutions.
On Wednesday evening the Old Town Hall Stratford became the stage for celebrating the extraordinary achievements of Newham’s local heroes at the third annual Newham Civic Awards. A record 317 nominations were whittled down to nine worthy winners at a magical evening filled with laughter, music and some incredible dance performance and singing. Awards were presented to a diverse range of individuals and organisations, including the 75-year-old Stratford Market Village, which won the Community Wealth Building Award for housing 60 unique shops and becoming a community hub, and to 12-year-old Simran, who took home the Youth Excellence Award for her tremendous work in community and environmental activities. We also gave our highest honour, Freedom of the Borough, to the inspirational Paulette Watson, and to our former West Ham MP, Lyn – now Baroness – Brown, recognising her long and exceptional service to the borough.
It truly was an amazing evening and it was a privilege to be able to meet all the winners, hear their stories and congratulate them all. And a special thank you to our sponsors - Berkeley, Lendlease, Foundation for Future London (FFL), Excel London, and Westfield Stratford City - without whom we wouldn’t have been able to put on the event. You can see more about the awards and the winners here.
Last night I was pleased to join Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, at the opening of Sadlers Wells East, a new World class dance venue in the heart of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford. It’s part of the East Bank, London’s newest cultural and education district, and part of our commitment in our Building Newham’s Creative Future strategy to drive economic investment and create new opportunities for local artists and young people. The opening season will feature 20 productions from hip hop, ballet and contemporary dance, as well as providing a platform for local artists, national companies and international choreographers. I’m proud that we’re bringing more world class performances centre-stage here in Newham, and creating exciting opportunities for local people.
Finally, a reminder of the Commission on Inclusive Newham that I mentioned last week, and if you’re interested in being part of the commission, you can find out more and how to apply here.
Best wishes,
Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE Follow what I am up to via X/Twitter: @rokhsanafiaz |
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Local Heroes Honoured at 2024 Newham Civic Awards Newham Council celebrated local heroes at the 2024 Civic Awards this week, recognising individuals and organisations making a difference in the borough. Held at the historic Old Town Hall Stratford, the event featured awards across nine categories, with 317 nominations and 424 supporters. Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE praised the dedication of Newham’s residents, highlighting their invaluable contributions. The awards, sponsored by Berkeley and others, continue to honour those who enrich the community. Special commendations were also given across various categories.
Find all the winners and more details about the Newham Civic Awards > |
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| Newham apprenticeship fair
Celebrate National Apprenticeship Week with us next Wednesday at our apprenticeship fair. Discover the many opportunities apprenticeships offer and break the misconceptions about who they’re for. Meet local employers, hear inspiring stories from current and past apprentices and learn about the application process, pay and benefits. This will be a fantastic chance to discover exciting opportunities, gain valuable knowledge and connect with employers and the community. Don’t miss this event.
Find out more and book your place at our Apprenticeship Fair> |
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Canning Town Housing Hub The Canning Town Housing Hub is open to support Council Tenants and Leaseholders with housing needs. Visit us for advice, questions, or issue resolution in a welcoming space. Services Available: - Housing Liaison
- Lettings (by appointment)
- Rents & Financial Support
- Homeless Prevention & Advice (by appointment)
- Right to Buy & Temporary Accommodation
Location: Ferrier Point, Canning Town, London E16 1QW Opening Hours: Monday–Friday, 9.30am 4.30pm (Closed 12.30- 1.30pm)
To contact the Housing Hub email canningtownhub@newham.gov.uk > |
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| Let’s help young minds thrive We are supporting Children’s Mental Health Week, running until Sunday 9 February, a campaign led by the charity Place2Be. This year’s theme is ‘Know Yourself, Grow Yourself,’ encouraging self-discovery. We want Newham’s children, young people and adults to embrace self-awareness and explore what it means to them. This will help them to develop resilience to cope with what life throws at them. We work with our partners to help support parents and carers to have healthy conversations about mental health. If you work with children or parents/carers that may benefit from free resources, please do share the links below.
Free resources for schools and families can be found on the Well Newham website >
Find further support to help young minds thrive > |
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Forest Gate Resident Wins Big with LitterLotto
A Forest Gate resident has turned litter picking into a winning habit! Justin Sean Taylor, a graphic designer and artist, has bagged a LitterLotto prize after regularly cleaning up his neighbourhood.
Inspired by a community group, Justin started litter picking twice a month, frustrated by rubbish in the area. Now, thanks to LitterLotto, he’s planning a nature-filled walking trip.
“It’s easy, rewarding, and you could win big!” he says.
Fun fact: Justin once appeared in The Beach with Leonardo DiCaprio and hosts a psychedelic music radio show.
Could you be the next winner? Sign up to the LitterLotto today > |
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| Our Neighbourhoods: Community Success Stories
A huge thank you to everyone who participated in Our Neighbourhoods events across Newham in January! These gatherings, hosted by People Powered Places, highlighted the incredible projects made possible through our participatory budgeting programme.
From youth initiatives to environmental improvements, the stories shared were truly inspiring. It was fantastic to see neighbours celebrate successes and witness the impact of community-led projects. Your engagement proves that collective action drives real change.
Missed the Our Neighbourhood event? Catch up with the recording of your Community Neighbourhood’s session here > |
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Our Newham: Empowering residents and businesses with confidential advice and support
Our Newham is the council’s service exclusively for Newham residents supporting you across five programmes: Money, Work, Business & Enterprise, Learning & Skills and Youth.
From helping residents maximise their income and kickstarting career journeys to supporting local businesses and start-ups, find out how Our Newham can help give you the boost you need at: www.newham.gov.uk/ournewham or come and visit us at 112-118 The Grove, E15 1NS
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Copyright © 2025 London Borough of Newham, All rights reserved. |
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Our mailing address is: London Borough of Newham, Newham Dockside, 1000 Dockside Road, London, E16 2QU. |
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