Newham Council's Audit and Governance Committee convened on Wednesday to discuss risk management and a range of other crucial reports, including updates on best value, internal audits, counter-fraud measures, human resources, and treasury management.
The meeting, held on 5 November 2025, included a quarterly update on risk management and the risk register. The committee reviewed the Corporate Risk Register, the Inherent Risk Register, the Risk Register for Children and Young People, and the Risk Register for Environment and Sustainable Transport.
During the meeting, members noted the addition of a Counter Terrorism risk in response to proposed Martyn's Law legislation. The committee noted that high-risk public spaces were under review and an action plan was in place, discussed at meetings of the CONTEST Board. While the specific actions within the plan were not detailed in the meeting information, the council is actively reviewing high-risk areas to ensure public safety.
Other key areas of discussion included:
- Best Value Response: The committee received a quarterly update on the Delivering Best Value for Our Residents Quarterly Report [https://mgov.newham.gov.uk/documents/s183942/Delivering%20Best%20Value%20for%20Our%20Residents%20Quarterly%20Report.pdf], following a non-statutory Best Value Notice issued to Newham Council in May 2025.
- Internal Audit: A quarterly update on internal audit activities was presented to the committee.
- Counter Fraud Progress: The quarterly counter fraud progress report was discussed. At the previous meeting in July 2025, the committee discussed housing tenancy fraud, including a case of illegal sub-letting that lasted nine years, resulting in the recovery of £68,000.
- Human Resources: The committee reviewed a human resources update report. The HR report included an update on the Tell Jane service and the impact of the workforce and culture board, as requested in action AC272 from the previous meeting. The committee noted that HR would provide an update on the Tell Jane project and the impact of the workforce and culture board.
- Treasury Management: The Treasury Management mid-year report for 2025/26 [https://mgov.newham.gov.uk/documents/s183959/TM%20Mid-yr%20Audit%20Committee%20Report%202025-26.pdf] was discussed, including the projected outturn, estimated prudential indicators, and treasury limit outturn.
- Savings Delivery Programme: The committee received a quarterly report on the Savings Delivery Programme [https://mgov.newham.gov.uk/documents/s183928/Savings%20Delivery%20AC%20Nov%205th%20Cover%20Report.pdf].
