| | | | Hello Everyone
You may have read the news this week about the judgement of the Regulator of Social Housing which was published on Wednesday. It sets out their view about the state of the Council’s housing services, highlighting significant failures by the Council in meeting the consumer standards set. It is a shocking read, and the Council is acknowledging the judgment and failures fully. You can read the statement from the Council here. The report is shocking reading and I am angry on behalf of every single resident living in one of our council homes. It is unacceptable and unfathomable what part of ‘putting people at the heart of everything we do’ isn’t well understood, or what it must mean. Ever since I became Mayor I have demanded that our residents have the best experience when dealing with the Council, including being treated with dignity, responded to swiftly and communicated to with respect. For residents living in Council homes, they must also feel, and be, safe. That’s why I am deeply troubled and sorry that the Regulator of Social Housing judgement highlights how the Council’s housing services have fallen significantly short of the standards we expect for Newham’s Council tenants. Residents living in our Council homes deserve better, and I have made clear that the required improvements by the Housing Services department must be swift and rapid. There will be openness and transparency about the Council’s progress in making improvements, and the evidence of this will be what our tenants tell me. I met Council tenants on the Carpenter’s Estate last night and they welcomed my frank assessment and honesty. I’ll be meeting more residents living in our Council homes over the coming weeks and months, to hear first-hand their experiences and how they feel about all the progress that has to – and will be – made. You can read my full statement about the Regulator's judgement here. Plus, I’ll be providing regular updates via these e-bulletins as well, including details of the independent experts whom I will be pulling in as I keep holding the Council to account on the improvements required by the Regulator across the consumer standards set. As mentioned last week, this past Tuesday I met with my Cabinet to agree a series of steps towards bridging the £175 million financial gap that the Council will face in three years’ time if we take no action now. Throughout October and November we have many opportunities to discuss the specific proposals to bridge the funding gap with you – and you can see and book onto the sessions in person or online here. I really hope to see as many of you as possible to hear your thoughts on how we meet these challenges together. As I have said before, our budget gap isn’t caused by us taking ill-informed financial risks or because of poor financial management by the Council. We are dealing with a broken housing system and the consequence of fourteen years of cuts, policy failures and a national housing crisis which has been left to local government to deal with the consequences time and time again. While we’re not the only Council dealing with the housing crisis, or the only Council discussing the need for Exceptional Financial Support with government; the scale of costs we face in Newham because of temporary accommodation is exceptional. As is the failure of the housing market overall. I make no apology that we are fulfilling our legal duty to make sure that Newham residents who have been evicted from their homes are not on the streets. But the costs of temporary accommodation are extortionate. We are facing agonising choices of course, but we won’t shy away from the tough decisions we need to take. We also won’t ever compromise on the outcomes we want to see for our residents as we continue with our purpose of improving our borough and enabling our people to thrive. Finally, just a reminder that there are loads of activities across Newham as Black History Month 2024 continues. This weekend, and next, do look out for Art in the Docks, and today there’s an event Celebrating the Legacy of Lucel Tate and the rich histories of Newham’s local communities. Also today, we have a second Black Pound Market, this time at Rathbone Market in Canning Town, highlighting and celebrating Newham’s Black businesses and entrepreneurs. Whatever you are doing this weekend, I hope the weather remains kind for you as we make the best of the last week of light evenings. Until next week, take care.
Best wishes,
Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE Follow what I am up to via X/Twitter: @rokhsanafiaz |
| | Budget Engagement Sessions
You are invited to join us at one of our upcoming Budget Engagement Sessions, either online or in person, which are happening in October and early November. There is also a separate engagement events for our business community.
The next session is on Wednesday 23 October between 6.30-8.30pm at Old Town Hall Stratford.
Find out more about our Budget Engagement sessions and sign up to attend >
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| Warm Havens: Your local library’s extended hours and more! Starting 4 November, all our libraries will extend their opening hours to become Warm Havens, offering safe, non-judgemental, and warm spaces during the cold winter months. Alongside a warm welcome and hot drinks, our libraries offer free Wi-Fi and lots of activities tailored to all ages and interests. Whether you’re a parent looking for engaging toddler sessions, someone who enjoys coffee mornings, or a tech enthusiast eager to join code clubs and digital skills sessions, there’s something for everyone.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to stay warm, connected, and engaged this winter.
Find more on Warm Havens and library extended opening times >
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| In conversation with Irenosen Okojie and Salena Godden Join us on 24 October, 6.30pm at Stratford Library for an unforgettable evening celebrating Black History Month with an incredible lineup of literary talents.
Get ready for an engaging conversation between Irenosen Okojie and Salena Godden, chaired by the talented Luan Goldie.
These three remarkable Newham-based female authors are set to inspire and captivate with their powerful words and unique perspectives.
Irenosen Okojie's boundary-pushing work, Salena Godden's award-winning storytelling, and Luan Goldie's acclaimed writing promise an evening of literary excellence that you won't want to miss.
Book your spot on Eventbrite > |
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| | Get ready for the ultimate Black History Month finale event of the year! Mark your calendars for Saturday 26 October from 6pm-9pm at The Old Town Hall, Stratford.
Prepare to be blown away by an electrifying night of grime music hosted by the one and only Imana Dione.
This is going to be an epic, unmissable FREE event that promises non-stop energy and unforgettable performances.
You definitely don't want to miss out on this incredible lineup:
6pm: Doors open 6.15pm: Two short films followed by conversations with Steven Eniraiyetan, Dumas Haddad, and poetry by Tofi the Poet 7.15pm: Performances by Gwen Stacy, Shelbee Tee, Ammzino, RB, Lil Shakz, Shakes, Hitrz, Passive (DJ), and N3 8.15pm: DJ Taylor-Rae
Book your spot at the Black History Month Finale event > |
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| Get your bike checked for free on Thursday 31 October 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 right there and then for free. For anything they can't fix on site, they’ll let you know exactly what needs doing as well as a rough guide to what it should cost at your local bike shop. This session is open to all.
Date: Thursday 31 October 2024 Time: 11am - 3pm Location: Manor Park Library, Romford Road London E12 5BS
Find out more > |
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| | Unleash your imagination at the Newham Festival of Stories Introducing Newham Festival of Stories - a vibrant celebration of storytelling taking place across the borough from 11- 22 November.
With amazing FREE events for families, young people and adults, this new festival invites everyone to share in the power of stories. We all have a story - and stories are what bring us together.
Enjoy an exciting range of creative workshops, performances, and activities - from cooking to sewing, dance to reading, and lots, lots more. With inspiring talks from speakers, storytellers and authors, the festival highlights the rich diversity of experiences within Newham’s communities.
Events will be hosted in libraries, community centres, cafes, schools and venues near you.
Find out more about the Newham Festival of Stories > |
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| Take part in our free Repair Café and Clothes Swap Repair, recycle and refresh your items with the East London Waste Authority and local experts on Saturday 26 October, 11am - 2pm at the Jack Cornwell Community Centre, Jack Cornwell Street E12 5NN.
Includes: - Electrical repairs from The Restart Project
- Textile repairs from Sew London Project CIC and Fabrications
- Bicycle repairs from Dr Bike delivered by Cycle Confident
- Furniture repair demos from Furniture Reuse CIC
- Food waste reduction demos from Nutrition Kitchen
- Small electrical recycling point -Please bring along any unwanted small electrical item that you would like to be recycled:
✓ Any electrical item with a plug or battery powered that is smaller than a microwave
✖ Not including: batteries, vapes or lightbulbs - Clothes Swap - bring up to five of items of quality clothing to swap to refresh your wardrobe:
✓ Please bring along gently used, quality clothing, accessories and bags
✖ We do not accept: children's clothes, shoes, underwear, socks or tights
Find out more about this event and other future events > |
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| | Give everyday items a new life this #RecycleWeek 14-20 October Recycling is now a widespread practice in households across the UK, with 88% of UK households regularly recycling. We should all be proud of what we’ve achieved together - our collective efforts have played a strong role in this success.
This week, we aim to inspire everyone to rescue recyclable items from the rubbish. By recycling items like perfume bottles, deodorant cans and yoghurt pots, you can help turn them into new products like champagne bottles, train parts and even children's toys.
Learn how to dispose of each item properly, by visiting Recycle Now > |
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| Christmas karaoke and three course meal available at Debden House Debden House, a grade 2 listed property in Loughton, run by Newham Council, is offering a karaoke package including a three course Christmas meal from 1 November for £29.99.
The offer is ideal for Christmas get-togethers with colleagues and friends with exciting options for starters, mains and desserts. Halal options are available and please contact Debden House directly regarding allergens.
To book, please email debdenbookings@newham.gov.uk or call 020 8508 3008.
Find more information on Debden House > |
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| | | | Free vape starter kits among the stop smoking support available We are now more than halfway through Stoptober and are pleased to have offered support to residents during our outreach events.
Quit Well Newham will be holding two final events where advisers will be highlighting the variety of ingredients to help smokers quit! That includes registering for a free Swap to Stop vaping starter kit. You can also find out how you can earn up to £50 in BetterPoints by joining Quit Well Newham.
Further information about BetterPoints, the Swap to Stop scheme and the remaining event can be found here >
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| | | Our Newham: Empowering residents and businesses with confidential advice and support
Our Newham is the council’s service exclusively for Newham residents supporting you across five programmes: Money, Work, Business & Enterprise, Learning & Skills and Youth.
From helping residents maximise their income and kickstarting career journeys to supporting local businesses and start-ups, find out how Our Newham can help give you the boost you need at: www.newham.gov.uk/ournewham or come and visit us at 112-118 The Grove, E15 1NS
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| | | Copyright © 2024 London Borough of Newham, All rights reserved. |
| | Our mailing address is: London Borough of Newham, Newham Dockside, 1000 Dockside Road, London, E16 2QU. |
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