Newham residents have expressed high levels of satisfaction with the council's performance, according to a recent survey.
The survey, conducted by M·E·L Research in autumn/winter 2025, revealed that around two-thirds of residents (64%) are satisfied with the way the council runs things, a notable increase from previous years. Trust in the council is also high, with seven in ten residents (72%) stating they trust Newham Council.
The M·E·L Research survey employed a face-to-face interviewing methodology, completing 1,523 interviews. The data was weighted to reflect the borough's demographics based on 2021 Census information. The sample size means the dataset has a maximum confidence level of +/-2.51 at the borough level (at a 95% level of confidence), though subgroup analysis will have wider confidence intervals.
Visible services such as street cleanliness, road and pavement maintenance, and the provision of accessible areas were highlighted as important secondary drivers for satisfaction with the council. However, these areas also present opportunities for improvement. The survey identified value for money, transparency, and responsiveness as central drivers for satisfaction with the council itself.
While six in ten residents (61%) feel well informed about council decisions and services, fewer than half (47%) feel they can influence local decision-making, indicating a gap between communication and perceived empowerment. This sentiment is reflected across various demographic groups, though with some notable differences. For instance, satisfaction with how the council runs things is highest among younger residents (16-24 year olds at 75%) and lowest among older residents (65+ at 57%). Private renters (74%) report higher satisfaction than owner occupiers (44%), and residents from mixed ethnic backgrounds (73%) and White residents (73%) report higher satisfaction compared to the borough average.
Beyond resident empowerment, other areas for improvement include Housing Services, which received a non-compliant C4 grading from the Regulator of Social Housing in October 2024. An improvement programme is underway, focusing on safety, fire risk assessments, damp and mould, tenancy audits, resident involvement, and tenant satisfaction measures. Adult Social Care was judged as 'Requires Improvement' by a CQC inspection in December 2025, citing challenges in timely reviews, support for carers, and workforce issues.
Resident responsiveness, measured by complaint handling, member enquiries, and information requests, has been poor, though improvements are being made. The council also faces financial sustainability pressures, particularly in demand-led services like temporary accommodation, children's services, and adult social care, alongside a high level of gross external debt.
The survey results will inform the council's future strategies and service improvements, with a focus on addressing these areas of concern while building on existing strengths.
Further details on the survey methodology and demographic breakdowns can be found in the Newham Residents Survey Report March 2026.