Newham Quarterly update to Cabinet on Housing Services Improvement Programme - 15.9.26

 

This is my speech at the Newham Cabinet meeting on Tuesday afternoon at our Town Hall in East Ham. Check out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRsXPuA7L_s 1 hr 3 mins 55 into meeting

"Mayor, Cabinet

I am pleased, with my cabinet colleague, Cllr Wilson, to present this quarterly update on the Housing Services Improvement Programme.

As Members will be aware, this programme was established following the Regulator of Social Housing's C4 judgement in October 2024. Since then, our focus has been clear: 1. to ensure that Newham residents live in safe, homes 2. well-maintained homes and receive 3. reliable, good value resident-focused services.

I am encouraged to report that good progress has been made this quarter. Delivery of both our compliance improvements and the commitments contained within our Voluntary Undertaking which we made early this year to the regulator and is currently assessed as green. We have strengthened governance and assurance arrangements, improved the quality of our housing data, and remain on track to implement a new Asset Management System by March 2027.

However, we must be honest with ourselves. Regulatory compliance is very important, but it is not the outcome residents experience. Residents judge us by whether their home is safe, whether repairs are completed effectively, and whether they feel listened to and respected. That is why the programme is increasingly focused on resident outcomes rather than simply programme activity.

On safety, which remains our first responsibility as a landlord, we continue to make progress in reducing outstanding fire safety remedial actions. Significant programmes of work on fire doors, compartmentation and door stopping are underway and are expected to address the vast majority of legacy fire-risk actions. We have also introduced a new Housing Assurance Framework to strengthen our ability to demonstrate compliance and provide confidence that safety controls are operating effectively.

On maintaining our homes, we are taking a more rigorous and transparent approach to assessing the condition of our housing stock. Properties are now only recorded as meeting the Decent Homes Standard where there is clear evidence to support that conclusion. Where evidence is incomplete, homes are recorded as non-decent until their condition can be verified. This may result in higher reported levels of non-decency in the short term, but it provides a far more honest and accurate picture from which to plan future investment.

We are also strengthening our engagement with residents. Over 10,000 tenancy audits have now been completed, leading to more than 4,000 referrals for support services, repairs and other interventions. Alongside this, estate walkabouts, housing surgeries and estate action days continue to provide valuable opportunities for residents and councillors to engage directly with housing teams.

The latest Tenant Satisfaction Measures remind us that there is still significant work to do. Overall landlord satisfaction stands at 59%, satisfaction with repairs at 64%, satisfaction that the Council listens and acts at 54%, and 68% of tenants feel they are treated fairly and with respect. These figures demonstrate progress in some areas but also frankly still not good enough and highlight the challenge ahead in rebuilding trust and confidence.

In conclusion, while substantial work remains, particularly around resident satisfaction, data quality and service transformation, Newham has made significant progress since the C4 judgement. The programme is now moving from a focus on activity to a focus on outcomes, ensuring that improvements are felt by residents in their daily lives.

I therefore ask Cabinet to note the progress outlined in this report and support the continued delivery of the Housing Services Improvement Programme. To be clear I thank all Newham housing workers who have done so much to get us out of the C4 due to their hard work but we still have much to do, we are not complacent, but we will get there and offer a first class service to residents.

Thank you, Mayor. More than happy to take any questions or comments."

Palestinian Flag Raised at Newham Town Hall

 

On Tuesday, I attended a moving and significant flag-raising ceremony outside Newham Town Hall, marking Newham's solidarity with the Palestinian people.

The event was attended by the Palestinian Ambassador to the UK, His Excellency Husam Zomlot (حسام زملط), who was warmly welcomed by Newham's Executive Mayor, Forhad Hussain. Local MP James Asser, co-chair of Labour Friends of Palestine and the Middle East, was also present alongside members of the Newham Cabinet, community representatives and local supporters.

Following the formal flag raising, there were speeches reflecting on the continuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the importance of working towards peace, justice and recognition for the Palestinian people. After the inevitable photos with supporters, councillors and guests, attendees gathered in the Lister Room for a buffet lunch featuring a variety of traditional Palestinian dishes.

For many present, this was an emotional and proud occasion. The raising of the Palestinian flag above Newham Town Hall was a visible expression of solidarity and a reminder that local communities can play an important role in keeping international issues in the public eye.

Recent political developments have given renewed hope to many who have been disappointed or frustrated by aspects of Labour's approach to the conflict. More importantly, there remains a widespread desire to see meaningful progress towards a lasting, just and peaceful resolution for both Palestinians and Israelis.

While a flag-raising ceremony cannot change events on the ground, it can send a powerful message of support, compassion and international friendship. Judging by the mood of those attending, that message was received loud and clear.

Check out for further details 

Leadership you can reply on - Forhad Hussain- Mayor of Newham

Yesterday I collected the West Ham Ward "Thank You" cards that Adjoa, our volunteers and I will be delivering to residents across the ward. They are a small token of our appreciation for the support shown in electing Forhad as Executive Mayor and Adjoa and me as your local Councillors.

You'll find our Councillor surgery information and contact details on the back of the card, and we encourage residents to get in touch whenever we can help.

Thank you for placing your trust in us. We are proud to serve the people of West Ham Ward and look forward to continuing to work hard on your behalf.

FORHAD'S FOCUS

As Cabinet Housing Member I am pleased with what has been done in Newham Housing Services since May 7 but there is still a long way to go. 

"Over the last few months, we've been continuing our work to tackle housing improvements and addressing the housing issues that matter most to residents of Newham. This is just a snapshot of the action that's been taken and we know there is more to do.

If you'd like to stay up to date with our housing work, you can sign up to our housing e-newsletter https://ssl.cmadvantage.co.uk/su782856146/frm9 

and whatsapp channel https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb8UX8l9MF8rgXVjtu1S" Newham Council

Newham Labour Group "thank you" to 2026 Candidates & Organisers

 

Last month we had a genuinely lovely and informal evening bringing together candidates and organising staff from the May 2026 Council elections. It was exactly what everyone needed — good company, good humour, and some very good Italian food.

Not everyone could make it but it was a chance to chat, decompress, and reconnect with both successful and (on this occasion) unsuccessful Labour candidates. The atmosphere was warm, supportive, and full of that unmistakable real Labour movement family camaraderie that survives even the toughest election cycles.

We also heard stirring speeches from our Labour Executive Mayor, Forhad Hussain, and our local MPs Uma Kumaran and Stephen Timms. (James was unwell and couldn’t attend.) Their reflections on the campaign, the challenges ahead, and the opportunities in front of us were energising and grounded in real optimism.

And personally — I’m convinced of this — the combination of national change in leadership and, crucially, the way we will run the Council over the coming years will shape a very different political landscape by 2030. The work we do now, the culture we build, and the way we serve residents will matter. If we get it right, the election results in 2030 will look very, very different.

A lovely evening — and a reminder that even after a tough contest, our movement is full of resilience, talent, and heart.

Newham Council Annual General Meeting 2026

 

A belated report on the AGM last week in the beautiful main hall of East Ham (also referred to as Newham but disputed by West Ham) Town Hall. 

We are not in my view really into "pomp and circumstance" in Newham but this is the formal Annual General meeting of the Council and I freely admit to liking appropriate local historic traditions but this meeting is also very political. 

While many do not understand that we have in Newham, a directly elected Executive Mayor, with very strong powers (I would prefer a different governance model but that boat has sailed), the AGM does elect important constitutional posts such as the Chairs of Council and of other important committees. 

The election of these important positions was disrupted by some simply bizarre and aggressive interventions by the so called "Newham Independent Group" who stormed off in the middle of the meeting because they I think they did not understand what was going on. 

In the election on May 7th, the Labour Candidate for Executive Mayor, Forhad Hussain, won convincingly and will the be Executive Mayor for the next 4 years. 

Labour is the single largest party but we did not win a majority of seats on this occasion (next time will be different). The Independents came next then the Greens. Council officers had made a recommendation to all the Groups about sharing Chairs of Council committees according to the number of seats each Group they held. 

While I would of course rather the Labour Councillors elect all Chairs that was not going to happen . I will not comment on all the discussions that went on but it is crystal clear that the independents were wheeling and dealing and for them to suggest otherwise is just hypocritical and rather silly. 

Labour and Green members voted largely to adopt the original Council officers recommendations about a fairish allocation of positions while it was clear to me that the independents did not understand that they had been given some of the most important positions in the Council outside the Executive but they still were against? 

I pointed out to them during the debate that Mayor Forhad Hussain had "put the hand of friendship out to the Independent group and to the Greens”.

However, the fact of the matter is that the Independent group did not wish to work with the mayor for the betterment of Newham and our residents.” https://www.newhamcitizen.co.uk/newham-independents-green-labour-council-roles/

Apart from this daftness the meeting ran smoothly and it was good to meet up with many comrades and guests. 

🚲 A Sunday Morning in West Ham: Community, Conversation and a Rossi with the Mayor

 

Sunday started early with a cycle over to my ward and a hearty breakfast at the Plaistow Café — the kind of place where the tea is strong, the portions generous, and the conversations even better.

From there I joined local residents for a site visit at a long‑derelict plot in West Ham where they hope to build a much‑needed community centre. I made clear that I’ll be a critical friend to the project: supportive, experienced, and honest about what specialist advice and guidance they’ll need to turn a great idea into a real, sustainable asset for local people. My ward colleague Cllr Adjoa Kwarteng could not attend but will be organising another site visit.

Next stop was West Ham Park, where I met our newly elected Executive Mayor, Forhad Hussain. We treated ourselves to a Rossi ice cream and took a walk around the park. It felt a bit like accompanying a film star — every few steps someone stopped to congratulate him, shake his hand, or ask for a selfie. The warmth and pride from residents was unmistakable.

A good Sunday: community at its best, people with ambition for their neighbourhood, and a Mayor who clearly connects with those he serves.

Newham Cabinet Announcement - Proud to be called to serve

Yesterday evening, I was honoured to be appointed by newly elected Executive Mayor, Forhad Hussain, as his Statutory Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing. I’m grateful to Forhad for his trust and confidence, and I’m excited to work alongside him, his Cabinet, and all Councillor colleagues to do our very best for the residents of Newham.

Check out Newham Council Press release for further details https://www.newham.gov.uk/news/article/1551/mayor-hussain-unveils-his-first-cabinet

"Mayor Forhad Hussain has appointed a new cabinet focused on better services, affordable homes and giving residents a stronger voice, with four councillors leading key portfolios across Newham.

Mayor of Newham Forhad Hussain has named his first cabinet focused on delivering better services, more affordable homes and with a pledge to give residents more say on major issues.

Mayor Hussain was elected last week to lead the borough for the next four years and will be supported by a four-person cabinet.

The first cabinet members are:

Cllr John Gray - Statutory Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing

Cllr Lakmini Shah - Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Communities

Cllr Susan Masters - Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Environment

Cllr Zulfiqar Ali - Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources

Mayor Hussain whilst responsible for overall political leadership, will be responsible for community safety and regeneration as part of the first cabinet. Mayor Hussain previously served as a Labour councillor in Plaistow North from 2010-2018 where he also held senior roles as Cabinet Member for Commercial Opportunities and then as Cabinet Member for Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour.

Mayor Forhad Hussain said: “This is a new chapter for Newham, and I’m proud to be appointing a cabinet rooted in our borough and committed to delivering for local people.

“We were elected on a clear promise to put residents first - to build a council that listens, gets the basics right and delivers real change people can see in their neighbourhoods.

“This team has the experience and local knowledge to help us make Newham cleaner, safer and fairer, strengthen our communities, and rebuild trust by showing we can deliver.”

Full details of each portfolio will be announced at the first Annual Meeting of the new administration on Wednesday May 20".