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Hello Everyone,
This has been a deeply difficult week for all of us at the Council as we come to terms with the heart-breaking news of the death of my Cabinet Member for Health and Adults Social Care and Councillor for Plaistow South, Councillor Neil Wilson. He was a dear friend to so many, and a joyful colleague who was fondly known as the ‘Father of the Council’ – because of his length of service to the people of Newham. Spanning over 30 years of dedication to the borough and to residents he cared so deeply about, and public service was his passion. His sudden passing has left us in shock. Neil’s warmth, enthusiasm, laugh and unwavering commitment to public service will be remembered by all who had the privilege of working alongside him. His faith was central to who he was, and we are comforted in knowing that he is now with the Lord he loved. He remains in our thoughts and prayers, and we will honour his legacy in the weeks to come. This week I was proud to represent the borough at the official launch of A Field Guide for Action, a new publication from Bloomberg Associates in collaboration with the GLA, the Knowledge Quarter, and the QEOP Innovation District – and all linked to our Newham Data Economy agenda! The guide is designed to help local authorities and partners strengthen the connection between innovation districts and local communities, and Newham is one of the boroughs as we continue to grow, attract investment and also delivering inclusive growth that puts residents at the heart of our progress. Newham must reap the benefits of innovation - and that means jobs, skills, and opportunities for everyone. Our commitment to building a borough that works for all was also recognised this week by PeopleForBikes, who published their 2025 City Ratings; and I’m incredibly proud that Newham has been ranked 4th in the UK and 39th globally; out of nearly 3,000 cities worldwide! It’s for our progress in creating safe, accessible cycling infrastructure, and our achievement puts us in the 99th percentile internationally! Powered by robust data, the 2025 City Ratings look at everything from protected bike lanes and intersection design, to connectivity and street safety. Our high score of 82 - well above the UK average of 63 - reflects the real progress we’re making to ensure more people can confidently and safely cycle to everyday destinations like work, school, shops and parks. A huge thank you to all the active travel advocates and community champions who’ve helped make this possible, seriously impressive! This week we also got the latest Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSM) results, which show that our housing service is improving and rebuilding trust with residents. Satisfaction among council tenants has jumped to 71 per cent - up 13 per cent from last year - and now sits well above the London average. From safety and repairs, to fairness and respect, we’re outperforming the London average across 12 key measures. These results mark a turning point following last year’s regulatory judgement, which we responded to with a firm promise: to take action and make change. And we are. With our new Housing Service Improvement Plan in place, we’re working hard to ensure every tenant feels heard, respected, and safe in their home. There’s still much more to do, but I’m proud of the direction we’re heading in. At one of my favourite places in the borough, Shipman Youth Zone in Custom House - one of five Youth Zones we have in operation and a shining example of the kind of safe, supportive space every young person deserves – there was a lot going on this afternoon as young people enjoy the somewhat rainy summer! Whether it’s state-of-the-art music studios, sports halls, wellbeing suites, or our trusted youth workers, Youth Zones are more than buildings. They are a place of joy, creativity and comfort for our youngsters. They’re also key to fulfilling our mission through Opportunity Newham: to make this borough the very best place for young people to grow up. If you know a young person who hasn’t visited one yet - encourage them to come and take a look at Shipman! Now that summer holidays are in full swing, we’ve also got a brilliant line-up of free events for children and young people across Newham who are eligible for our Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme. From STEM Lego sessions and Iroko drum demonstrations, to arts and crafts, games clubs and table tennis, there’s something for every interest and age group. These sessions include a free, nutritious meal – and are open to children eligible for benefit-related free school meals. It’s all part of our promise to ensure that no child goes without, especially during school breaks. Full details can be found via our Newham Families page and local library teams – and I encourage families to book ahead where they can. Tomorrow, I’ll be out and about again across Newham, including joining our Community Safety team for a ‘walk around’. It’s to get a birds-eye view of who they work with the police to tackle anti-social behaviour; and with residents to keep our neighbourhoods safe and clean. If you see me, please come over and say hello – as I’d love to meet you and show how we are acting on resident feedback. Till next week, have a restful weekend, and do look out for each other. Best Wishes,
Until next week, stay well and stay happy! , Best wishes, Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE Follow what I am up to via X/Twitter: @rokhsanafiaz |
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Tenants feedback results are on the up
The latest Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSM) assessment shows that residents in Newham's social housing report being far happier with the service across all areas.
The Regulator of Social Housing’s TSM assessment looks at how well landlords are delivering services to tenants, such as delivering safe, quality homes, repairs, and how residents feel treated.
The improved scores include: - 71% of tenants satisfied with the overall landlord service
- 72% of tenants who had received a repair in the last 12 months satisfied with the overall repairs service
- 84% of respondents feel that we treat them fairly and with respect
Read the full TSM scores on our website > |
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| Tributes to Councillor Neil Wilson (1956 – 2025) Councillor Neil Wilson was known for his sound advice and ready wit, both of which he shared generously within and outside the Council Chamber.
A former teacher and policy advisor he served on Newham Council representing Plaistow South since 1994, having moved to the area in the 1980s.
In 2022 he was promoted to the Cabinet as lead member for the Adults and Social Care portfolio.
He died suddenly this week. The Mayor, friends, and colleagues have paid tribute to the Father of the Council, having been the longest serving councillor.
Read the tributes here > |
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Loving the Lea
The London Lea catchment can be a beautiful space, but it can suffer from a number of challenges, including poor water quality caused by road runoff, misconnections, and urban pollution.
That’s why the London Lea Catchment Partnership plan has been launched. The idea is to improve the River Lea and its surrounding ecosystems for people and wildlife.
Our rivers and the areas that surround them must be able to withstand the increasing pressures of drought, flooding, and pollution. To do this we must work together.
The plan outlines action across four key areas: - Improving water quality in the catchment
- Boosting climate resilience
- Enhancing biodiversity
- Raising awareness
- Improving the shape and flow of rivers
You can learn more about the plan here > |
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| School’s out! There are loads of activities for kids in Newham this summer As the kids have now broken up from school, we want you to know there are plenty of free activities available in Newham this summer. Our Summer Fun Guide showcases the range of sessions on offer to help your children learn, meet new friends and ultimately have fun! Young people’s ambitions and futures are central to everything we do – and we are delighted to be offering such a huge range of activities. There is something for all ages, in every part of Newham, including rowing, football, coding, gardening, arts and crafts, trips to the seaside and much more across all of our Youth Zones and fantastic libraries. You can read our Summer Fun Guide here > |
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Join us for International Youth Day
In celebration of International Youth Day on 12 August, Our Newham Youth — the council’s service for residents — is hosting a free event at Forest Gate Youth Zone.
The day will feature interactive workshops, hands-on activities and inspiring talks focused on tech, sustainability and digital skills.
Organisations attending include Microsoft, Adecco, McLaren, Zero Earth, Newham College and more.
Don’t miss this opportunity to build skills and be inspired to become a change-maker of tomorrow. Fill out this form to register for the International Youth Day event > |
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| Caring for the carers: we want to hear your views
If you are an unpaid career we want to hear your views to help shape the services we provide in Newham. We are relaunching the Newham Carers Resident Advisory Group, bringing volunteers together to improve the Council’s offer. So, if you are someone who looks after a relative, friend, or neighbour with their day-to-day life who because of their health and care needs would find it difficult to cope without your help, please do get in touch. Join the Carers Resident Advisory Group > |
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How our Family Hubs are supporting Newham families We are proud to be marking four years of our Family Hubs. With thousands of sessions delivered, around 3,500 of you registered, and a growing network of professionals, partners and volunteers working together to ensure every child in Newham has the best start in life, it’s the ideal time to take the next step. We are launching the Newham Family Hubs: Start for Life Impact Report. It captures our efforts, alongside our partners, and has been written in partnership with the brilliant Parent and Caregiver Panel, who helped shape it from the very beginning. Read the report here > Find out more about our Family Hubs, watch here > |
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| At the Docks is back!
Visit the Royal Docks this summer for an unmissable programme of arts and culture, waterside activities, and family-friendly events.
Take a dip in the docks, revel in live music performances, or simply relax in a deckchair and enjoy the view.
There’s a bumper line-up to suit everyone. - Lifeguard-supervised swimming
- Sandy play areas
- Deckchairs and sun safe areas to relax in
Enjoy free swimming, sandpits and fun activities for all the family.
Here’s the full line up > |
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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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