Majority of Newham children gain a place at first preference primary school

Figures released this week show more than 92 per cent (3,689) of pupils gained a place at their parents’ first preference school, with a further 221 children offered a place at their second and third preference Newham school.

Just 1.98 per cent of pupils (77) could not be offered place at any of their preferred schools. These pupils were allocated alternative places at the closest school to their home which had places remaining.  

Read more here >

GLA Elections - Apply for free voter ID by 24 April

The Mayoral and London Assembly election is taking place on Thursday 2 May 2024. 

To cast your vote at a polling station, valid photo identification is essential. Accepted IDs range from passports and driving licenses, to blue badges and certain travel cards. Presented ID must be the original, not a photocopy, with a name matching your voter registration. 

If you don’t have a suitable ID, apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate no later than 5pm on 24 April 2024.

Find out more information on the upcoming elections > 

Spring into action 

This spring, we can make our borough a healthier, better place to live by simply downloading the BetterPoints app, joining the BetterPoints Newham Challenge and getting on the move. 

Walking or cycling for small trips and taking the bus or train can make a difference to how we feel and our environment. And thanks to BetterPoints rewards, digital currency can be exchanged for shopping vouchers at local businesses. 

You can also earn one BetterTicket per minute (for up to 150 minutes per week), for walking, cycling, running and wheeling journeys. Simply download the app and register with your postcode. 

Find out more about Better Points >

Bowel Cancer Awareness Month  

Conversations about cancer can sometimes be scary, making it hard for us to take the necessary steps to protect ourselves. But did you know bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK? 

This Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, we can all take action to reduce our risk of developing bowel cancer by embracing healthy habits and learning about prevention. That's also where the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme comes in. 

It involves a FREE home testing kit being sent to anyone in England aged 60 and over who is registered with a GP. If you have received a test kit, don’t wait – take action now.

Find out more here >

Free app to manage bills and debts

We have teamed up with SuperFi to provide residents with access to their easy-to-use mobile app which can help people to better manage their bills and debts. 

From receiving reminders on your monthly bills (such as Council Tax or utilities), accessing discounts from your favourite retailers, easily viewing and/or cancelling your subscriptions to even checking if you’re receiving all of the government benefits you’re entitled to, SuperFi aims to help residents reduce their debts, no matter how big or small they may be.

Sign up to SuperFi >

Get your bike checked for free this April 

Dr Bike’s experienced mechanics can check everything on your bike from wheels, brakes, gears and tyre pressure to lights, racks, pedals, saddles and more. 

Any minor adjustments they can make to your bike they do there and then for free. If there's anything they can't fix on-site they’ll let you know exactly what needs doing and a rough guide to what it should cost at your local bike shop. 

These sessions are open to all:

Date: Wednesday 24 April 

Time: 1-4pm
Location: UEL Docklands Campus, University Way, E16 2RD 

Date: Thursday 25 April
Time: 1-5pm
Location: North Woolwich Library, Pier Road, E16 2LJ

Find out more > 

Canning Town regeneration fun day update

Over 200 people took part in the fun day last week, joining a range of activities and learning more about the upcoming plans for the Canning Town estate. 

Children took part in arts and craft activities with make:good, our new partner, while residents were able to learn about the updated ballots plans, use augmented reality software to look around indicative new homes.

If you have any questions about the upcoming Canning Town ballot, pop into the Canning Town regeneration hub, opposite Rodgers Road on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10-4pm, or come to one of our upcoming tenure sessions. 

Latest Canning Town Regeneration Update here >

Brand new Council homes for over 55s

Do you know a Newham Council tenant aged over 55 with an existing housing application looking for a new home? 

Why not register their interest to move to Noele Gordon House, our first independent living development for over 55s in the heart of East Ham. Applications from current Council tenants looking to downsize will be prioritised. 

There are 75 one and two bedroom brand new energy efficient Council homes, providing the very best of independent living with additional staff assistance, telecare system and a communal space for residents to socialise.

For more information call: 020 3373 7403 or 079 7758 0469; or email 

View the Noele Gordon House brochure here >