This budget is about protecting essential services, supporting the most vulnerable, and delivering real improvements to residents’ lives.
- Council sets seventh lowest Council Tax in London.
- Over 25,000 households will receive Council Tax Support as a new scheme is confirmed — with up to 80% discount for eligible working-age residents most in need.
A Full meeting of Newham Council last night set the budget for 2025/26. This budget is about protecting essential services, supporting the most vulnerable, and delivering real improvements to residents’ lives. It reflects the Council’s unwavering commitment to fighting poverty, tackling inequality, and Building a Fairer Newham.
Within the budget there was confirmation of a Council Tax rise of 8.99%. With this rise, Newham will maintain one of the lowest Council Tax rates in London. This difficult decision ensures that the Council can continue to deliver vital services and protect the most vulnerable residents in the borough.
Newham faces unique pressures, including the highest number of families in temporary accommodation in London — over 7,000 households without a stable home. The Council estimates it must find an additional £100 million over the next three years to meet this rising demand, the result of a broken housing market and a welfare system that has failed to protect those most in need.
Despite these challenges, the Council has continued to deliver for residents. Over the past year, we’ve built more genuinely affordable homes, cleaned up our streets, cracked down on fly-tipping, expanded 20mph zones, and launched cost-of-living support programmes to help families navigate difficult times.
Mayor of Newham, Rokhsana Fiaz OBE, said: “Here at Newham Council, we have the privilege and responsibility of providing the services that touch residents’ lives on a daily basis, and our mission is clear: Building a Fairer Newham. Raising Council Tax by 8.99% is not a decision we have taken lightly. I know times are tough for residents, but this rise ensures we can continue delivering the services that make a real difference in people’s lives — and our Council Tax is still the seventh lowest in London.
“Local government is at the heart of our communities. We clean the streets you walk on, empty the bins from your doorsteps, and provide care in your homes. Our commitment to Building a Fairer Newham has never wavered, and we’ve worked tirelessly to make tangible improvements to people’s lives.
“We are transforming and redesigning the Council to better serve our communities, supporting our residents — particularly those who need the most help. We are investing in long-term solutions and embedding our values into every decision we make. We’re committed to delivering a Fairer Newham, for our residents, and for the brighter future our borough deserves.”
Council also approved a scheme to provide Council Tax discounts, expected to support over 25,000 households most in need. The scheme offers discounts of up to 80% for eligible working-age residents, with greater discounts for pensioners.
By balancing financial responsibility with a clear focus on protecting essential services, Newham Council reaffirms its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all residents — even in challenging times. We are Newham, and together, we’ve got this.
