A Day in the Life... 12 November 2026

 

Yesterday was one of those days that reminds me why local government is such a varied and rewarding role.

My day began with a cycle ride to a walkabout at a relatively new council-built block in Plashet Road. I joined council officers, local councillors and residents to discuss a number of concerns, including a recent serious water outage, anti-social behaviour and cleansing issues.

The discussions were challenging at times, but also constructive and proactive. It was encouraging to see everyone focused on finding practical solutions. This is exactly the sort of hands-on, problem-solving approach that we want to see taking place across all Newham Community Neighbourhoods.

Later in the day, I joined Newham Executive Mayor Forhad Hussain, East Ham MP Sir Stephen Timms, and my fellow Cabinet Member Lakmini Shah at the Houses of Parliament for an awards ceremony organised by the Federation of British Tamil Associations UK.

It was a marvellous, friendly and well-organised event. I was especially pleased to be presented with, and wear for the first time, a Vetti, the traditional attire worn by Tamil men. The attached photograph was taken on the steps leading to Westminster Hall and will certainly be a memorable reminder of the occasion.

From Westminster, I travelled to Greenwich to deputise for Mayor Hussain at a reception aboard the Royal Navy frigate HMS Somerset, which was making a courtesy visit to London.

I was fortunate to be given a tour of the warship by a naval officer, alongside members of BBC staff. The vessel was truly impressive. As I walked around the ship, I was reminded of the last time I had toured a Royal Navy vessel. That was at Easter 1982, when I was serving in the Territorial Army and visited HMS Ardent in Plymouth. Tragically, she was sunk only a few months later during the Falklands War.

After returning home, having dinner and changing clothes, I headed to Newham Dockside at 11pm to take part in the borough's annual rough sleeper count alongside council officers, outreach workers and volunteers.

On the same night, similar counts were taking place across the country to help establish the scale of rough sleeping throughout the United Kingdom.

I was paired with a Newham Community Safety Manager and an outreach worker. It is fascinating to see Newham in the early hours of the morning. The night was the coldest of the winter so far and provided a stark reminder of the hardships faced by those without secure accommodation.

Although we did not encounter any rough sleepers on our particular patch, we did come across other issues requiring intervention. I am pleased to say that these were dealt with professionally and effectively. Sadly, other teams working in different parts of the borough did find rough sleepers. The figures are currently being independently verified and collated nationally, so I do not yet know the final results.

By the time I arrived home, it was just after 2am.

It had been a long day, taking me from a housing block in Plashet Road, to Parliament, to a Royal Navy frigate on the Thames, and finally onto the streets of Newham in the early hours. A varied day indeed, but one that reflected the wide range of responsibilities, opportunities and challenges that come with serving the people of Newham.

West Ham All Saints Remembrance Sunday 2026 (& Later water outage walkabout)

 

This morning I attended the historic West Ham All Saints Church to take part in the Remembrance Sunday service. I was there as a local West Ham Ward Councillor and Deputy Statutory Mayor, representing Newham Council and our Mayor, Forhad Hussain.

It was a privilege to lay a wreath on behalf of the Council and the Mayor, who was attending the Remembrance service at the Cenotaph in Central Park.

Newham's Corporate Director for Housing and Inclusive Economy, Paul Kitson, also laid a wreath on behalf of the Chief Executive and all Council staff. My colleague, Cllr Simon Rushton, laid a wreath on behalf of our local MP, James Asser, who was attending another Remembrance event elsewhere in Canning Town.

Representatives from the Metropolitan Police, London Fire Brigade, Territorial Army 7 Rifles, Royal Navy Sea Cadets and, of course, the Royal British Legion also laid wreaths, alongside the Church and several other local organisations.

All three recently elected West Ham Ward Councillors were present: myself, Cllr Ibrahim Alom and Cllr Adjoa Kwarteng, who gave a beautiful reading during the service.

It was a wonderful and moving occasion. Many thanks to Maria for leading the service, as well as to the choir, organist, volunteers and everyone who helped organise and support the event.

I have also asked whether, for next year's Remembrance Sunday, all stakeholders might explore opportunities to involve other faith communities in our Newham commemorations. Remembrance belongs to us all, and it would be fitting to reflect both the traditions we cherish and the diversity of the community we serve, while honouring the memory of all those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

(Bottom left photo from Newham 1st Scouts outside my surgery yesterday in Vicarage Lane)

Lest we forget.

Following the service, Paul and I had to leave in order to visit nearby Council housing blocks affected by a significant water outage. We met local councillors, Newham Council staff on site and residents to discuss the situation and the ongoing response.

I had indicated that, should the matter not be resolved, I would return first thing tomorrow morning. However, I understand that the water supply has now been restored. Nevertheless, I have requested a full review of what happened and will be visiting the blocks again on Thursday to speak with residents and follow up on the lessons learned.

Why Trump believes he lost the election?

 

Update for residents affected by the Canning Town building incident – 6 November 2026

 

Resident Support Update

We are continuing to work closely with Prime Property Management to ensure the safety of all residents.

Update for residents affected by the Canning Town building incident – 6 November 2026

We will update this page every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Additional updates will be published if there are any significant developments.

If you need urgent advice or support, our out-of-hours team is available 24 hours a day on 020 8430 2000.

Residents who require additional support can find information about council assistance at: Centurion Tower, St Vincent Court, Sovereign Tower, Thanet Tower and Prince Court – Newham Council.

Newham Council continues to work closely with partner agencies following the service of Dangerous Structural Notices on St Vincent Court, Centurion Tower, Sovereign Tower, Thanet Tower and Prince Court.

You can read summaries of the notices here:

Dangerous Structural Notices – North Residential Buildings (Centurion Tower, St Vincent Court, Sovereign Tower) (PDF)

Dangerous Structural Notices – South Residential Buildings (Thanet Tower and Price Court) (PDF)

Below are updates on the following topics: Galliard Homes support with relocation costs
Council Tax relief
Business rates relief
Homelessness and housing support
Parking charge review
Pets

Galliard Homes support with relocation costs

Galliard Homes have written to residents to confirm they will be reimbursed for the reasonable costs in relation to relocation and temporary accommodation. This will apply retrospectively from 23 October 2026 for residents of Centurion Tower, Sovereign Tower or St Vincent Court. For residents of Thanet Tower and Prince Court this is from 30 October 2026. This help is in place for an initial period of 14 days from the date of the letter from Galliard up to and including Thursday 19 November, while the investigations continue.

How to claim: Residents must keep receipts, or other proof of the costs paid, so that Galliard can reimburse them. Galliard will share details of how to claim with residents, and they advise that residents should not incur significant expenditure without first obtaining confirmation from the relevant responsible organisation regarding reimbursement arrangements.

The Council is not a party to these arrangements and cannot determine or guarantee the outcome of individual claims or reimbursement requests.

Council Tax relief

Newham Council is granting a 100 per cent discretionary reduction in Council Tax for residents who have moved out of their homes as a result of the evacuation.

This will be back dated to the 23 October 2026 for residents who have evacuated the North Towers and the 30 October for those residents who have evacuated from the South Tower and will be reviewed monthly. Priority on awarding the discretionary reduction will be given to Direct Debit payers to prevent further monies being taken unnecessarily. Once the discretionary reduction is awarded, we will automatically refund any payments to the bank account from which the Direct Debit payment had been made. For residents not paying via Direct Debit the Council will make contact to obtain bank details for receipt of the refund due. Residents will not have to claim their discretionary reduction; it will be applied automatically.

Business Rates Support for Caxton Works Businesses

The Council recognises the significant disruption experienced by businesses affected by the evacuation of the Caxton Works buildings.

To support affected businesses forced to close during this period, temporary Business Rates Hardship Relief will be applied to eligible businesses operating from the affected buildings. 

The relief will remain in place from the 23 October 2026 for businesses in the North Tower and 30 October 2026 for businesses in the South Tower while they are unable to access and operate from their premises and will be reviewed as the situation develops. 

The reduction will be applied automatically but the Council will contact affected businesses directly if any further information is required. 

If you have any questions, please contact the Business Rates Team.

Homelessness and housing support

The Council's Housing, Prevention and Support Service (HPASS) is working with affected residents to provide housing advice and assistance where appropriate. Residents who are unable to secure accommodation through their own arrangements, landlord, managing agent, insurer or other responsible party are encouraged to contact the Council as soon as possible on 020 8430 2000 so that their circumstances can be assessed.

The Council will consider requests for assistance in accordance with its statutory duties under homelessness legislation and will provide advice, support and housing options based on individual circumstances and eligibility. This may include homelessness prevention support, housing advice, assistance to secure alternative accommodation and, where relevant statutory criteria are met, temporary accommodation.

Residents should note that any entitlement to housing assistance is assessed on a case-by-case basis and will depend on individual circumstances and the Council's legal duties.

Residents requiring housing advice or support should contact the Council's Housing, Prevention and Support Service (HPASS) through the Council's Customer Experience Team on 020 8430 2000.

Parking enforcement

The Council is putting arrangements in place to review Penalty Charge Notices issued to residents which were a direct result of the evacuation. Eligible cases will be considered for cancellation. Further information on how this process will operate will be communicated to residents in due course.

Pets

Some residents have asked about temporary accommodation for pets following the evacuation.

Temporary pet care is available via The Newham Animal Welfare Team who can be contacted on 020 3373 2777 or at animal.welfare@newham.gov.uk and to discuss pet care requirements, availability, and boarding arrangements. Most animals can be accommodated.

Boarding charges are £18 per day for cats and £24 per day for dogs. Prices for other pets are available on request. Proof of vaccination is required; residents can ask their vet to email confirmation directly to the team.

*check out future updates at https://www.newham.gov.uk/news/article/1583/resident-support-update

Joint Statement: Hasanah Centre Stratford

 

Meeting with Cllr Oliur Rahman and local Businesses

"I had a constructive discussion with the Deputy Mayor Cllr John Gray and local businesses about how we can work together to help our businesses thrive.

Supporting local businesses means supporting local jobs, strengthening our high streets and creating opportunities for our community". Cllr Oliur Rahman

Welcoming special guests from Germany

"We were pleased to welcome the crew of the German Navy vessel GS Brandenburg to Newham during its visit to London last week.

Our Statutory Deputy Mayor, Councillor John Gray, met with the ship’s Commanding Officer, Commander Philipp Schuster, during the visit. The visit was a great opportunity to welcome crew from the GS Brandenburg to the Royal Docks and recognise the longstanding links between London and its international partners.

We hope the crew enjoyed their time in Newham".

(it was great that 2 local Newham sea cadets were able to meet Commander Schuster and take part this ceremony) 

Labour Unions Councillor Network

 

I have just signed up - 

" Labour councillors make decisions every day that affect jobs, services and local economies.
Our new Trade Union Labour Councillors Network will strengthen the relationship between Labour councillors and the trade union movement.

It’s open to all Labour councillors who are members of an affiliated union. You’ll get a regular bulletin, policy briefings, model motions and invitations to online events and training.

Sign up or forward to a councillor you know https://labourunions.org.uk/councillors/

6 mile Lee Valley Walk - Wildlife Discovery Centre

 
Off message. It's been a while since I've posted about a walk with Gill, but better late than never.

Today we drove to the Wildlife Discovery Centre in Lee Valley Park for a 6.36-mile circular walk, courtesy of Country Walking magazine via the OS Maps app. It's only a little over 30 minutes by car from East London. We also completed this walk back in 2024.

There was one modest climb, a spell of rain (we enjoyed a pleasant but rather soggy lunch under a tree), and lots and lots of water: weirs, bridges, rivers, streams, canal towpaths, locks and numerous lakes formed from former gravel quarries.

Along the way we spotted red kites, muntjac deer, animal sculptures, skittish ponies, bird hides, Victorian coal tax boundary posts and all manner of other birdlife.

A thoroughly recommended walk.

Cheshunt railway station is not far from the route for those arriving by public transport.

Finally, on the way home, we stopped for a well-earned drink at The Sultan pub.

I'll post some more photographs from the walk on Facebook over the next few days

Delivering Uma Kumaran's Stratford & Bow Parliamentary Report

This afternoon, Constituency Labour Party volunteers met up with Uma Kumaran MP in Forest Gate to collect copies of her latest Parliamentary Report.

It was good to catch up with fellow members of our new CLP, which we hope will begin meeting and campaigning again very soon. There was a real sense of enthusiasm as volunteers gathered to help ensure residents across the constituency receive an update on Uma's work in Parliament and locally.

I was given a bag of reports for the Green Street West area and set off by bicycle to begin delivering them. Over the coming days and weeks, volunteers will be delivering reports to homes throughout the Stratford & Bow constituency.

During my round, I was pleased to come across a council-owned block that was in excellent condition. I intend to write to Sanctuary Housing Association, which manages the block, to commend the caretaker team for their hard work and high standards.

However, I also noticed an electric scooter being stored in a communal area. As this could pose a safety and fire risk, it needs to be removed as soon as possible.