| | | | | | Hello Everyone,
As we head to the final days of COP 28, which concludes on the 12th December, let’s hope that the international community takes more action in the face of the climate emergency humanity is facing.
Here in Newham, we are accelerating our ambitious climate action response and at a meeting of cabinet this week we approved a local government first with our Climate Action Just Transition plan.
Our plan is putting nature, people, lives and livelihoods at the heart of our climate emergency response.
Our Climate Action Just Transition strategy places the resilience of our people and communities in Newham at the forefront. We will address the unequal impacts of climate change on Newham’s residents who are disproportionality impacted by the climate emergency, but pay the highest costs for climate adaptation.
The Just Transition Plan sets a new direction for the Council. It is an ambitious statement of intent for unified climate action across the whole borough not only within the Council but with our leading institutions, businesses and communities – knowing it will take all of us if we are to address this emergency.
To highlight the significance of our Just Transition plan, I wrote to the Government’s Secretary of State for Net Zero too this week to ask for more money so that we can decarbonise our council homes and make them more energy efficient. Newham has over 17,000 tenant households and 7,000 social leaseholders which means that our housing estates and stock will play a crucial role in achieving net zero and supporting a just transition.
Already, we are prioritising the retrofit of gas heating and cooking fixtures, lighting, and unit insulation of social housing and temporary accommodation assets. But we need more funds as the scale of retrofit required will cost around £800 million because at current prices the retrofit costs for one flat is £50,000.
We simply cannot cover the costs of retrofit without more social housing decarbonisation fund money – and so I am campaigning for the Government to provide the vital cash that is needed.
I’ve also been campaigning this week on behalf of residents around the decision by Michael Gove, Secretary of State Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to say no to the MSG Sphere. I’ve called on Gove to pass this decision back to the London Legacy Development Corporation so they can rightly refuse this monstrosity that will blight Stratford residents. As stated then and now, the residents living in Stratford, Maryland and Stratford Olympic Park will suffer negative health impacts from light pollution, as well as transport pressures. I’ll keep putting pressure on Gove and the Government to do the right thing, so keep an eye out for more updates.
On Tuesday, I spent the evening with the nominees and winners of the Newham Civic Awards 2023. It was a truly memorable celebration of the outstanding achievements of the amazing community of people we have here in Newham. All of them doing extraordinary things to make a positive difference and improve the lives. You can read more here.
Talking about extraordinary people, I offered my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of celebrated poet, writer and artist Benjamin Zephaniah who passed away at the age of 65-years on Thursday. Newham had the honour and privilege of being a place where Benjamin Zephaniah excelled with his creativity, deepened connections through beautiful friendships and cemented a loving bond with our borough because of its diversity.
He was an inspirational campaigner and activist, and we celebrate his life for being one of Britain’s most prolific literary and artistic forces. He also towered as a giant for being amongst the country’s most vocal proponents of justice and ethics.
Benjamin was a brother of a man who stood unflinchingly against racism and injustice.
He moved to Newham in 1980, where he was able to publish his first book of poetry, Pen Rhythm. He loved Newham and the vibrancy of its people; alongside the uniqueness of its neighbourhoods, such as Green Street where he struck up an extraordinary lifelong friendship with owner of the Newham Bookshop, Vivian Archer.
Like her, so many local people are deeply saddened since the news of his death was announced, and I know that he’ll be forever remembered for the giant he was. We’ll be arranging for a display of his books in Green Street Library so head over to marvel at his artistry; as well as a Newham Blue Heritage plaque. More news about that soon.
Until next week look after yourself and please do take care of your loved ones.
Best wishes, Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE Follow what I am up to via X/Twitter: @rokhsanafiaz |
| | | Speak to our public health team about our plans for 50 Steps
We are
refreshing the 50 Steps strategy and we want you to have your say. You may
remember 50 Steps to a Healthier Newham launched in 2020 to help improve health
and wellbeing. From April, we’ll be building on the progress we’ve made in a
different way, alongside community groups, voluntary organisations and
businesses.
To find out more and to share your initial thoughts, please join
our public health team in an online event on Monday 11 December.
Join the meeting via Zoom
> Find out more about the approach >
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| | | School-aged immunisation clinics
Has
your child been vaccinated against flu this winter? Vaccination is the best
way to protect them and their loved ones.
Vaccination
UK is holding a number of immunisation clinics next week. HPV; DTP;
MeningitisACWY and MMR jabs will be offered, as well as the flu vaccine, which
is available to children from Reception through to Year 11.
Sessions will be
held from Monday to Friday, from 3.30pm-5.30pm, allowing you to take your child
straight after school. Children can catch and spread flu easily. Vaccinating
them also protects others who are vulnerable to the viral illness, such as
babies and older people. Find out more about the upcoming
sessions > If
you would like to attend a clinic, please email newham@v-uk.co.uk or call 0208 214 1393. |
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| | East London LGBT Seniors survey
East
London LGBT Seniors is encouraging residents to have their say on the issues
that can be faced by LGBTQ+ people as they grow older.
Anyone aged 50+, who
lives in Greater London and who self-identifies as gay, lesbian, bisexual,
trans, non-binary or queer is being invited to take part in a confidential
survey. The feedback will be given to Health and Social Care service providers;
and local organisations who support older people, to help ensure needs are met
appropriately. Complete the survey >
Find more information about the
organisation >
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| Five actions to combat damp and mould this winter
If you are
experiencing damp and mould in your property, there are actions that you can
take to tackle it.
1. Safely clean mould 2. Protect your belongings 3. Keep track of the damp and mould 4. Report damp and mould 5. Prevent condensations
More
tips and advice on tackling damp and mould > |
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| | Newham Council launches UK’s first Climate Action Just Transition Plan
Newham Council has become the first local authority in the country to launch a Just Transition Plan, providing a blueprint to address the unequal impacts of climate change on Newham’s residents who are disproportionality impacted by the climate emergency, but pay the highest costs for climate adaptation.
Approved by Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE and her Cabinet this week (5 December), the Plan marks a sea change in the Council’s response to the climate emergency in Newham as COP28 urges the international community to do more to put nature, people, lives and livelihoods at the heart of climate action.
The Just Transition Plan is helping to build a fairer Newham towards lower emissions and healthier, equitable and climate-resilient lives.
Read the full story > |
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| Let's celebrate Christmas together
As part of the ‘Let’s Celebrate Christmas Together’
programme, we have organised a variety of fun and festive activities in our
neighbourhoods for all residents to participate in.
There’s fun for all the family! Get festive and join us for exciting activities, including:
Santa’s grotto, Christmas crafts for children and adults, Christmas carols, outdoor
performances, markets, face painting, massages and lot’s more.
See what’s on near you > |
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Want to know more about the Digital Switchover?
Landlines in the UK will be going digital by 2025. Although the landline isn’t going away, we know that you might have questions or would like to know more about this industry-wide change.
If you're worried about the Digital Switchover and what this means for you, drop into BT's pop-up in East Ham Library to find out more.
You don’t have to pre-book, just turn up.
Saturday 9 December, 9am – 4pm Sunday 10 December, 12pm – 4pm
Location: East Ham Library, 328 Barking Road, London E6 2RT
Find out more about the digital switchover > |
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Newham Civic Awards 2023 ceremony celebrates local heroes
Newham Council honoured individuals and
organisations from the community who have made an outstanding contribution to the
borough at its Civic Awards ceremony on 5 December.
The ceremony, which took place at the Old Town Hall Stratford, saw recipients, friends, families,
local councillors and colleagues come together for a glamorous evening of awards,
community, music, entertainment and celebration.
Now in its
second year, the awards opened for public nominations between
June-July 2023, offering Newham residents the opportunity to nominate their
local heroes for an award.
Find out
more about your recipients of the Newham Civic Awards 2023 >
Find out more about the Newham Civic Awards > |
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Tennis courts reopen following renovations and funding boost
We have joined forces with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) to transform eight tennis courts across three Newham parks.
After successfully receiving over £153,000 in funding from the LTA, the courts in Plashet Park, Royal Victoria Gardens and Little Ilford Park have undergone extensive renovations, including: court resurfacing, repainting, new fencing, nets and posts, and a new gate access system.
Free tennis sessions are available for anyone to pick up a racket and play tennis for two hours a week.
Find out more > |
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| | Our mailing address is: London Borough of Newham, Newham Dockside, 1000 Dockside Road, London, E16 2QU. |
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