Forhad Hussain targets fly‑tipping and housing delivery

I feel tremendously lucky to be able to serve this borough where I grew up.

Newham is special to me: I grew up here; I went to school here, and now my wife and I are raising our two daughters here.

I have spent a lot of time out and about across the borough, meeting people and understanding the issues that are important locally.

Local families want cleaner streets, more housing that is affordable, and safer communities that we can all feel proud of.

Forhad Hussain has been across the borough listening to issues that are important to residents (Image: Newham Council)

I want this too.

So, in my first week as mayor, I announced a series of action days that will tackle fly-tipping and illegal dumping.

Hundreds of people responded, and our teams will act on their behalf and target reported hotspots.

The council has already made huge progress on this front.

Between April 2025 and January 2026, we issued 1,576 PCNs for illegal dumping.

Our enforcement teams are now clearing 95% of fly-tipping sites within 24 hours.

So much more needs to be done, but I am determined that everyone should enjoy cleaner streets.

I also visited North Woolwich to break ground on a new 350-home development.

I am really proud that 127 homes will be available at social rent and help families on our waiting list.

It will create a new neighbourhood that people can feel part of, with more shops and cafes and spaces for local businesses.

I want to see more good quality family homes built in Newham, and I am pleased that spades are now in the ground at Pier Road.

I look forward to the day local people are able to move in.

During the election, I promised to give Newham residents more of a say in decisions that shape their local areas.

I want my administration to be transparent and open about the challenges we face.

This is why I was pleased to hear the work of the Resident Challenge Board that empowers 10 local residents to hold the council to account and push for improvements.

It means we can hear first-hand about the problems facing our residents and respond quickly to anything from repair blockages to antisocial behaviour.

This is just the start.

I will work every day to make sure everyone in our borough can thrive and enjoy living in a place that has given me so much.

• Forhad Hussain is the mayor of Newham.