Newham Council has published its proposed balanced 2026 Budget, protecting libraries, keeping council tax among London’s lowest and investing in cleaner streets and affordable homes.
Newham today published its proposed final Budget for the forthcoming year, which sets out its ambitions for residents and secures its financial stability.
Newham’s Mayor, Rokhsana Fiaz OBE, said: “This budget combines stable finances and investment in our people. The Labour Government’s Fair Funding settlement has been significant, and I’m pleased that the needs of our communities are finally being recognised. Most of all, Newham residents have told us what they think is important and this Budget reflects that. We are delivering a Fairer Newham we can be proud of, and where there are opportunities to succeed.”
Cllr Zulfiqar Ali, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources said the Budget represented an important milestone for the borough, adding that despite the challenge of increased demand for services, Newham’s Council Tax would remain among the lowest in London and across the UK.
If passed, the balanced budget means Newham Council will no longer require additional government support to protect services.
The final proposed Budget will ensure:
- Households continue to benefit from sixth lowest council tax in London
- The borough’s cherished libraries are protected
- Increased investment in keeping our streets clean
- Households get a minimum of 5 high-quality waste and recycling collections every fortnight
- Homes people can afford continue to be built
In the Budget report, Cllr Ali says: “This is a responsible budget from this administration, and it represents an important milestone for our borough. It is not simply a financial document; it is a statement of resilience, responsibility and long-term sustainability.”
Over the past decade, a combination of challenges has put unprecedented pressure on the council’s finances, including rising homelessness, temporary accommodation costs, social care needs, and inflation.
The average Newham household living in a Band D property will pay £1,433.72 a year (£119.48 per month) Council Tax, plus the additional Mayor of London levy – much less than the London average. We’ll continue to support our most vulnerable households with a Council Tax reduction scheme that offers 70% discounts for eligible working-age residents, and as always, eligible pensioners can access 100% relief.
Cllr Zulfiqar Ali, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resource, added: “Ultimately, this Budget is about people and about the future of our borough. It is about ensuring that children have the support they need to succeed, that vulnerable residents are protected, that our streets and neighbourhoods remain places we are proud to call home, and that public money is used wisely, responsibly and sustainably. Good financial management is not an end in itself; it is the means by which we build a fairer, more resilient and more sustainable Newham for everyone.”
The budget will be formally presented to Cabinet on February 17th before going to Full Council for final approval on February 26th, 2026.
