Hello Everyone,

I wanted to start off this week with the news that we received yesterday that government has approved our bid for Exceptional Financial Support, to help meet the immense financial pressures facing Newham, particularly as a result of the unsustainable costs of temporary accommodation. 

What does this mean? The Council now has permission from government to sell assets that are no longer needed to deliver our Council services, and use that income to fund the day-to-day delivery of services.

At Cabinet this week we agreed the final budget proposals that will now be voted on by all councillors at Full Council next Thursday evening (27 February). Government’s approval of our Exceptional Financial Support bid provides the confidence that we are able to set a balanced budget, as we have to do by law. 

Our budget proposals are a plan for Sustaining a Fairer Newham and Addressing the Financial Challenges Ahead. Despite the difficult financial challenges caused by rising costs of temporary accommodation and social care costs for vulnerable children and adults, my administration will always be resolute in our commitment to supporting all our residents at times of need, protecting the vulnerable and Building a Fairer Newham. That’s why our Council Tax Relief Scheme will help those who need it most, with a discount of 80% on their Council Tax for the borough’s lowest income families. Eligible pensioners will also be able to access the existing 90% council tax discount; and the 9% Council Tax increase means that for the vast majority of homes in Newham, which are on Band D level, will see an increase of under £2.40 per week. Every one percent of Council Tax we get generates just over £1 million for us to help safeguard vital frontline services.

Cabinet this week also agreed revisions to our Building a Fairer Newham Corporate Plan to align to the new budget plan, and to maintain a focus on delivering my administration’s priorities to support our people and ensure that Newham as a place is an amazing place to live for all of our people! I’ll talk more about what we’ll be delivering over the coming year in the weeks ahead. One such example is our commitment to delivering genuinely high-quality and affordable homes. I’m passionate about this because it’s fundamental to improving the quality of people’s lives, and to improving the places where we live.

This week, on a glorious, bright, but freezing day, I was many storeys up in the air taking part in the ‘topping out’ ceremony of a new building on Vincent Street delivering 147 new affordable homes for Newham - part of the ongoing regeneration of Canning Town. 

Being on site, with that great view of Newham’s skyline, was a reminder that Newham is the local authority with the fourth-highest number of new homes started in the UK over the past year, and the second highest in London for delivering completed new homes. I’m proud of the fantastic progress we’re making and the difference this is making to residents - and not just in new homes delivered.

Last week I wrote about meeting young people interested in apprenticeships at our Newham Apprenticeship Fair. This week it was great to meet local resident Skye from West Silvertown, who secured an apprenticeship with the Vincent Street developer, the Hill Group. It was great to hear how much she’s enjoying it, and about the skills and experience she’s learning. 

Like many of you, I have been closely following the ongoing news coverage about Ukraine, and praying that a fair and just peace that ends Russia’s aggression comes soon. Monday (24 February) marks the third anniversary of the devastating illegal invasion in 2022 which shocked the world and has caused so much death, pain, misery and suffering, and which has displaced millions. 

Since the invasion, Welcome Newham has supported 1,052 Ukrainian nationals sponsored by Newham residents through the Government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme. We have also supported 168 Ukrainian nationals who arrived via the Family Visa Scheme. Initially helped by relatives already living in Newham before the invasion, many have later required our support for housing, employment and access to benefits. As the scheme reaches its third anniversary, nearly 500 Ukrainians who first sought refuge in Newham have moved on from their initial sponsors into their own accommodation, most choosing to remain in our welcoming borough. Many are now working, more than 100 Ukrainian children continue their education in Newham schools, and some who found safety here have even launched their own businesses. One inspiring example is Payava, a bakery specialising in artisanal baked goods and confectionery. Its Ukrainian owners have rebuilt their lives and business here after being forced to leave behind their successful venture when war devastated their homeland. I’m looking forward to meeting them, hearing their journey, and joining them, and I’m certain all of you, in praying for a swift end to this devastating war. 

Finally, you’ll be pleased to know that Newham Council features twice in the Local Government Chronicle Awards 2025 (LGC Awards 2025) shortlisted Councils which were announced on Thursday – it’s another woo hoo moment! 

The first Newham initiative shortlisted for this year’s awards is our Newham Data Economy programme’s ‘Centre for Artificial Intelligence in the Public Sector’ collaboration with the University of East London in the LGC Awards 2025 ‘Public and Public Partnership’ award category. 

The second is our Just Transition Climate Action work in leading local government shifts in response to the Climate Emergency where we’ve been shortlisted for the LGC Awards 2025 ‘Net Zero’ award category. I am super happy! 

Until next week, have a great weekend and my regards to your loved ones.

Best wishes,

Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE

Follow what I am up to via X/Twitter: @rokhsanafiaz

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