Newham Council
Newham Council is addressing rising telecare service charges for a digital switchover and considering a petition against a proposed 24-hour bus lane.
Newham Council is currently implementing a digital switchover for its telecare service, which supports 2,536 vulnerable residents. In November 2026, Michael Kelleher, Director of Housing Services, approved an investment of up to £337,000 for the Telecare Equipment Digital Switchover Programme. To help fund this, charges for the service are set to increase, with proposals including a £1 weekly rise for basic and enhanced telecare, and £2.50 for sheltered housing residents. Further increases are proposed for future financial years.
Separately, in November 2026, over 1,400 residents signed a petition presented to Newham Council, raising concerns about a proposed 24-hour bus lane on Romford Road. The petition highlighted the impact of combined traffic schemes on congestion. The council's Cabinet is scheduled to meet in November 2026, and Licensing Sub-Committees have further meetings planned in November 2026 to address various applications.
In October 2026, the Cabinet reconsidered its decision on the Community Neighbourhoods Model, accepting recommendations from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Also in October 2026, the Cabinet endorsed the "Delivering Best Value for Our Residents" plan. In September 2026, Caroline Holland, Section 151 Officer, approved a contract for a 42-bed Rough Sleepers Assessment Centre.
Key facts
- Michael Kelleher, Director of Housing Services, approved up to £337,000 for the Telecare Equipment Digital Switchover Programme in November 2026. Source
- Newham Council proposes to increase weekly telecare charges by £1 for basic/enhanced and £2.50 for sheltered housing residents. Source
- Over 1,400 people signed a petition against a proposed 24-hour bus lane on Romford Road, presented to Newham Council in November 2026. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 10 November 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.
