West Ham Ward Surgery then Door Knock

 

This morning I attended my Councillor surgery in the Vicarage Lane Community Centre (every Saturday apart from bank holiday weekends, one of us holds an advice surgery here 10-11am).

Afterwards, I met up with Councillor colleagues and local Labour activists to take part in a "Street Surgery" - knocking on doors in the ward asking residents if they have any concerns about local services and do they want to speak to their ward councillors about them. 

We had 2 teams out and the reception today was pretty good. I picked up case work around housing applications and complaints about ASB including neighbour nuisance. The majority of residents said they had no complaints about Council services (some people refuse to believe this but it is overwhelming true. It does not mean that we should be complacent in any way) and they are grateful that we have knocked on their doors to speak to them.  

One activist reported that he did get a ear bashing from a Reform supporter but it was cordial. 

I was also able to speak to supporters of the local Community group #LoveLondon15 who maintain mini community gardens on areas which had previously been fly tip hotspots and support the magnificent street art murals in the ward. 

Afterwards, most of us met up for coffee and delicious cakes in Sawmills café. I am still on Keto Low carb diet, so was sort of strong - and just enjoyed the coffee but the cinnamon buns there are simply  magnificent.

St Stephens Road, West Ham ASB Walkabout

 

Picture college from a "Walkabout" I went on in my Council ward, West Ham, with local residents and Council officers last week. There are a number of serious ASB issues in the locality and while it was very disappointing that a number of Council officers and the local ward Police SNT did not attend (or apparently not  arrange substitutes or offer apologies) those who did attend were very proactive and attentive. Including our new "Design out Crime" technical specialist and advisor. 

While there was examples of good practice, overall the standard of cleanliness and degree of disrepair was unacceptable and I will be organising a follow up walkabout in the near future. I am looking forward to the recommendations of the "Design out Crime" specialist since there are a number of fairly simple "quick wins" that could be implemented. If any West Ham ward residents wish for a similar "walkabout" please let me know. 

West Ham Ward ASB Action Day (and Italian Street Food)

 

This evening I went with Newham Council funded Met Police and Council Enforcement officers for a "walkabout" in West Ham ward, which I represent as a Councillor. Yesterday and today were ASB "Action Days" in West Ham and Stratford. Local ward Councillors were encouraged to join various teams tackling problems in our forum area. 

Tonight was very cold so there was no street drinkers to be found causing problems, so we concentrated on other issues in the locality. There was a number of actions found and I will also be raising members enquires for Newham Council, L&Q Housing Association and One Housing about public realm defects encouraging ASB, dumped cars on estate land and grossly inadequate communal area lighting. 

It was not only important for elected members to go out with our Police and Council officers to see what they do but also vital for us to listen and learn to the professionals about their experiences and their views on what works and what doesn't. This is a great initiative by officers and Cabinet lead Cllr James Beckles.  

On a more positive side, we walked pass the "Pasta Che Musica" Pop up Italian Street Food stall in Arthingworth Street, E15 and I introduced myself to the very friendly owner/chef. Which Newham officers assured me is fully licensed by the Council (and has 4.9 out of 5 google reviews) and will no doubt soon temp me to break my 2022 New Year Low Carb diet (yet again). 

East Ham High Street North Councillor ASB scrutiny walkabout

 

After many months of being a Covid "Stay at home" keyboard warrior today, I actually went on two outdoor "walkabouts". 

First one was early morning with members of Newham Council ASB Scrutiny Commission and officers from our Community Safety and fly tipping team, which had been organised by our Chair, Cllr Daniel Lee-Phakoe. 

We met outside East Ham library and then went with the enforcement team in and around East Ham High Street North to find out more about what they do. 

It was fascinating to talk to them and then see these council officers in action. 

They identified and issued removal notices on abandoned cars, took enforcement action on dangerous storage of potentially hazardous materials, made checks on road side skips and scaffolding sites to make sure they are legally licensed. They also checked on the use of disabled parking permits and seized a permit that they believed was being misused and reported that person, who was using the permit, for criminal prosecution. 

We also came across fly tipping and the misuse of Council provided bins by private companies who should be responsible for clearing up their own rubbish. 

It was also good to see Council enforcement officers in action and while being polite and respectful while they are doing their job by actively tackling ASB in one of our of most important High Streets in our borough.  

I noticed that many residents also turned to the team for advice and support on various issues (including elderly residents who knew and trusted them and enjoyed talking to them). 

This evening I had another Council walkabout in Stratford Park (my West Ham ward) which I will post upon another time

Chad Green ASB Walkabout

Today I went on my first post lock down "walkabout" around Chad Green in Plaistow North Ward with local ward Councillor Daniel Lee-Phakoe, Council officers, local Police and Deputy Housing Cabinet member, Cllr Shaban Mohammed.

There has been a number of problems in this area including the senseless murder last year of a local teenager.

Due to action by local residents, Police and ward Councillors, crime and disorder is still a top issue but has been reduced but lack of effective CCTV, environmental crime (especially fly tipping) and noise nuisance are still key issues.

A report of agreed actions will be drawn up (and sent to all of us on the walkabout and anyone with an appropriate local interest).

It was good to be "out and about" after so long on lockdown (my colleague Cllr Mohammed has already undertaken 2 other visits).

All Council estates should now be regularly inspected - High rise tower blocks every 3 months and low rise ever 6 months. Local Councillors and residents should also be invited to join these walkabouts.

As a Council we all want to put "people at the heart of everything we do".

Contact your Housing Liaison Officer here if you want to join the next walkabout

St Matthews public meeting on Crime and ASB

A lovely picture from last Friday evening when Councillors and officers met Residents and Police to discuss how to tackle jointly crime and anti-social behaviour in the area (Forest Gate South ward adjacent to Romford Road).

The meeting was Chaired by Cllr Shaban Mohammed and went in my view really well with constructive but frank views expressed and received. Residents seemed to have been pleased with recent changes (thanks to the new ward Council Housing liaison officers who have been very proactive). Residents let us know that they expected us to deliver for them.

The Police and the Council undertook to support residents with improved enforcement action and also for housing to make improvements in order to try and "design out crime".

We also had a decent discussion about the impact that Government cuts to Police numbers and local authority grants has had. 

I have never been inside St Matthews Church before and did not realise how large it is and its beautiful stained glass windows. It parish war memorial from the first world war was also striking and it stuns you how many local men were killed in a relatively small London parish. There were also 3 family plaques on the walls remembering the war time deaths of young parishioners.

Warrior Square Walkabout

Picture college from this morning's walkabout in Warrior Square, Little Ilford with Councillors and officers from Housing liaison, Caretaking, ASB, Repairs and Technical.  Also, a local Police Community Support Officer was in attendance.

I am determined that we try to "design out crime" on our estates as far as possible. We identified the demolition of disused pram sheds and greater use of mobile CCTV cameras as being possible way forwards.

We also need to make it clear that all forms of anti-social behaviour will simply not be tolerated and  that residents who cause (or allow) such criminal behaviour will face eviction and/or termination of their leases. 

I am really pleased that we now have a dedicated Housing Liaison officer for all blocks and estates in the borough and that there will be regular inspections of estates by officers, Councillors and local residents. 

Drakes Walk Walkabout (2)

This is a great picture from this morning of Newham residents, Officers (and myself) at the end of a "walkabout" in Drakes Walk, East Ham.

I am really pleased that the estate is looking far better than it did in March during a previous "walkabout" and it was good to have caretaking, repairs and environment officers with us this time.

As well as the most friendly little dog (front left) I have met in ages (sorry Cara, you have a rival).

There was a long list of repairs and improvements but I feel confident that we will make a difference in our residents lives by such joint walkabouts (every month for tall blocks and every 3 months for low rise) and putting them at the heart of everything we do.

Saints Drive walkabout

Picture college from a recent Saturday morning walkabout in the small, low rise Newham Council estate in Manor Park called Saints Drive. I met local residents, ward Councillors(Cllr Daward and Cllr Patel) and the new (and very pro active) LBN Housing Liaison officer for the ward.

Some agreed outcomes from the walkabout included getting overgrown foliage to be cut back to improve light and discourage Anti social behaviour; blocked/inadequate drains reported; faulty and/or inadequate communal lighting; trip hazards; fly tips; inadequate sweeping; cleaning external windows; Communal repairs; removal of abandoned vehicles (this is a complicated process but can be done. Extending Controlled Parking Zones to housing owned land is a much better way of dealing with this problem); possible gating of alley ways and improved signage including details of contacting local Councillors and relevant Housing officers.

Cllr James Beckles, Cabinet member for Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour also did an inspection of the area later that morning.

I am really pleased that the new team of Newham Housing Liaison officers are tasked to jointly inspect with local Councillors and residents all their patch low rise blocks every 3 months and high rises every month. 

Kent Street ASB, Cleaning & Parking Walkabout

Last Wednesday I took part in a "Walkabout" in Kent Street, Plaistow South ward, West Ham with local Councillors, residents and our new ward based housing officers. There are a lot of problems with Anti-social behaviour, parking, communal disrepair and cleaning.

I am really pleased with the approach of the new Housing officer's liaison team. They are tasked with inspecting all tall tower blocks with local Councillors and residents every month and low rise blocks every 3 months. There were a number of actions agreed to tackle the problems we found.  Some more easy than others.

We are also introducing controlled parking zones on all housing estate land and car parks (subject to consultation) which will help stop its misuse by non residents.

Hamfrith walkabouts then residents meeting (& being 91 years young)

This morning I went on my 3rd recent walkabout of the Hamfirth estate area with Newham Council Technical, Caretaking and Repairs officers to produce an action plan to this evenings' meeting with residents at the Atherton Leisure Centre, E7.

We are going to do 3 things on this estate to tackle serious Crime and Anti-social behaviour. Firstly, work together collectively with residents, stakeholders such as the Police, Council officers and Councillors. Secondly, improve cleaning, caretaking and maintenance of green spaces and thirdly design out crime by fencing off, closing criminal escape routes and improved lighting/security.

Tonight meeting was a little tough in parts since many residents feel they have been let down in the past and that the ASB problems on the estate impact so badly on their every day lives. Local resident Sian and I don't always agree on everything but we both know we are in our different ways trying to deliver the best for residents.

There is now an action plan which will be distributed to all residents, we have for the first time in many years, named Newham Housing officers who are responsible for the estate and we will support residents in setting up a much needed local tenants and residents association.

Many thanks for attending to our Newham Council Housing liaison officers, our enforcement officer and Councillors Winston Vaughan, Maz Patel and James Beckles (Cabinet lead for ASB/Enforcement)

The star of our show tonight,  was our oldest Hamfirth resident (we think) who is 91 years young and has lived on the estate for 66 years. As the badge says (bottom left of college) a "very kind 91 young lady" (she is bottom right of college standing to my immediate left).

Being Scrutinised at Scrunty

Recently as Cabinet member for Housing Services I was called to answer questions by the Newham Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

This is a statutory committee of Newham Councillors whose role is to hold the Councils Executive members to account and make recommendations. 

As a backbencher Councillor for the previous 8 years, I had been a member of various scrunities (some longer than others) but this was the first time I had appeared as a member of the Executive. 

The Chair asked me to first give an outline of my housing brief for the benefit of the Committee. 

I explained that the present housing structure in Newham had been drawn up by the previous administration who had intended that all Councils services should be "outsourced". The new Mayor, Rokhsana Fiaz, has put a stop to all "outsourcing" and ordered a rethink and corporate redesign.  So things will change.

My housing brief is currently in 3 parts:- 

1. Traditional Council social housing management of our stock: repairs, rents, voids, allocations, residents engagement, Anti social behaviour (ASB), fire safety, right to buy, tenancy and leasehold enforcement. The Mayor has reserved the regeneration, planning and strategic delivery portfolio.

2. Homelessness and temporary accommodation (although not rough sleepers. The published minutes need correcting slightly on this), assessment, advice, support and prevention.

3. Private sector rental licensing and enforcement, including houses of multiple occupation (HMOs), advice and support. We really want to work with and support landlords but we won’t hesitate to drive bad and criminal landlords out of Newham and into the Courts. 

There are still a few grey areas (pardon the pun) about the scope of my brief due to the fragmented nature of the current structure.

Some Key issues

Number one is fire safety in our blocks including the removal and replacement of unsafe cladding. This is costing us a huge amount of money (waking watches) and it would appear that the Government will not reimburse anything like our total costs.

Review our entire allocation policy including the suitability of the offer for homeless temporary accommodation in light of the new Mayoral priorities and also changing Government policy. We have nearly 27,00 households on our waiting list and nearly 5,000 households in temporary accommodation. I suspect due to "sofa surfers", homes with grown up children who cannot afford to find a place of their own as well as all those private sector tenants, who have to spend most of their income on rent that the real figure of those in housing need is far higher.

Reform RMS repairs: (our in house repairs maintenance service). We have a number of good staff but the repair service is currently not good enough. RMS also has a limited new build module housing capacity which could be used more to build new homes on unused areas in estates.

Reduce Homelessness: Prevention is key. We spend far less than other boroughs which may be the reason why we have such high levels of homelessness. We need to educate residents about the scale and the real reasons for the housing crisis. We need more "joined up" thinking between housing and social services on these homeless issues which might result in financial savings to the Council and a better service for the people in Newham

Anti-social behaviour (ASB): While enforcement is not the only tool it is important. Too many residents live in fear of a tiny number of violent and abusive residents.

Fragmented caretaking service: This has been hived off the control of housing management. This has made it difficult to do anything about these services, particularly those services in estates, as I have no authority to manage these services.

Tackling housing poverty by supporting residents getting advice about benefits and support into decently paid work. We need to make sure "that work pays". This will reduce evictions and homelessness.

The need for Culture change and Resident Representation: There had to be a culture change on the part of both Members and officers in the way in which they interacted with residents, if residents were to be "at the heart of everything we do". There are practically no tenant and/or resident representation in Newham and while an annual citizens assembly on housing would be a good thing, it would not be a substitute for a proper democratic and accountable TRA. While we did not want to return to the “bad old days” when in some cases a small number of tenants had dominated the Tenants’ and Residents’ Associations (TRA’s) for their own ends. We need to carry out a review of tenants’ and residents’ representative structures as soon as possible.

Private Sector Housing Licensing - Enforcement: There will be an increase in the number of housing inspections undertaken to ensure that landlords were complying with the terms and conditions of their licences. Inspections and enforcement action are key to ensuring compliance and making landlords aware that non-compliance would not be tolerated. I am not at all opposed to properly managed private rented sector accommodation and I would expect any Councillor who rents property to be an exemplary landlord.

Planned Maintenance: We need to have planned maintenance and refurbishment programmes for Council properties. They are much cheaper than carrying out emergency repairs and better for residents. The “Decent Homes” programme ended eight or nine years ago. Therefore, there was a need for a properly planned programme. A housing stock survey is about to take place which will guide this.

Housing Associations: My own casework had shown me that the management performance of a number of housing associations within the borough had been abysmal. Therefore, if housing associations wished to work in partnership with the local authority, and I welcomed partnership working, it was necessary for poorly performing housing associations to improve.
In the Q&A with Councillors afterwards

In response to a question about the high cost and poor quality of some temporary accommodation I explained long-term lease agreements with decent landlords may provide an alternative form of accommodation and would do away with the requirement to pay a expensive “nightly” rate for private sector temporary accommodation.  Landlords want long term security of income. There are now a greater number of Council inspections of such accommodation. We are also thinking of buying and leasing properties.

Regarding the adverse effects that bad landlords had on their tenants, neighbours and good landlords, I hoped to see an increase in the number of prosecutions of bad landlords and an increased number of costs orders in the Council’s favour. Also, in the case of illegal evictions, I would want to see if necessary, custodial sentences for landlords to change their behaviours.

(picture college of some of the housing visits and inspections I have undertaken in last week). 

Ham Park Village Evening Walkabout

Apologises for the poor quality photograph but it is a record of last nights "walkabout" with local residents and Council officers in West Ham Ward, E15, Newham.

Ham Park village has an active Residents Association. Following a recent RA meeting it was decided that we ought to go and walk around the area "out of office" hours in winter to check on street lighting, parking, ASB, pot holes and dumped rubbish.

There were 3 council officers and all three ward Councillors present and about 10 local residents who met at 6.30pm at the local Vicarage Lane Community Centre. After a quick cup of tea  (thank you Kim) we then spent about hour and half touring the local area, taking notes about environmental issues and problems. Luckily the rain had just stopped.

We also had various chats with residents about the history of the area, going hopping in their youth, Kentish apples, urban foxes, "beds in sheds", Aileen Walk gates and the hugely important pros and cons of controlled parking zones.

It is fair to say that during the course of the "walkabout" a number of let me say, not particularly positive comments were made about the Council, but I was really pleased that at the end residents thanked the Council officers present for giving up their evenings to come out with them and tour their manor.

Council officers made copious notes and took a number of photographs and we will let residents know what can be done to address the problems that we discovered and there will be a review and report back meeting probably now in January.