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Council Notebook
Landman
It’s only been a month or so since Newham Council agreed an extensive policy covering gender identity and rights of trans people but the issue was under the spotlight for the wrong reasons at a recent meeting when Green Party Councillor Danny Keeling, who identifies as non-binary, was disturbed by being misgendered and walked out.
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Their action led to statements of apology from Councillor Winston Vaughan, the Council’s Chair and the Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz.
The other main issues dealt with have been the final approval of the budget, which was approved, and a motion adopted from Councillor Steve Brayshaw against a plan on a stop to proposed extra weekend flights at London City Airport.
Meanwhile the main discussion at the last council meeting covered the quarterly performance in delivering a Fairer Newham, the Labour Party’s Manifesto in the last local elections, including:
• A Healthier and Ageing Well Newham - details were given of a three-year action plan for support to Adults with Learning Difficulties.
• Developing Neighbourhoods - The Council has received £9m from the
Government Levelling Up Fund for improvements to Romford Road. This will be used to improve traffic junctions and built more dedicated cycle routes.
Six parks have now been granted Green Flag Status: Central Park, East Ham Nature Reserve, Forest Lane Park, Ghandi Chaplin Nature Reserve, Plashet Park, and Royal Victoria Gardens.
A Safer Newham - The Council has produced a “Stay Safe App” to enable members of the public to report incidents quickly and anonymously.
• Decent Homes for all residentsThe Government have approved the Council’s Landlord Registration Scheme for another five years and the scheme has been extended to temporary accommodation.
• Supporting Our Young PeopleThe Government have approved the Council’s Landlord Registration Scheme for another five years and the scheme has been extended to temporary accommodation. The Cabinet agreed to house homeless people (please see separate article).
The Council is looking for foster carers to stop children in care from being placed in homes outside the Borough. Foster carers will not pay council tax.
