I was delighted that residents and partners from across Newham were able to attend our recent annual meeting, especially as this year we celebrate Newham’s 50th birthday.

At the meeting I outlined the huge challenges ahead of us as the continuing cuts in government funding means we will have £91million less to spend in five years time than we do now. This is double the combined amount we spend now on street cleaning, collecting the bins, street lighting, and running libraries.

This will require us making some tough decisions but working with you – our residents – we will be able to meet this challenge head on and continue delivering the changes you need and deserve. Our clear and progressive vision is of a resilient population – where people have the skills and capacity needed to thrive; where our local economy benefits local people and where we celebrate diversity, fostering a common sense of belonging.

Some people will always need our support and we will stand with them. Local government looks after the most vulnerable – the elderly who are in the greatest need and we care for children at highest risk. We will continue to ensure the dignity and compassion that everybody deserves.

While there are tough decisions ahead, I want our innovation and aspiration to continue into the next 50 years. We can and we will be more radical so that we can do more and we must prioritise the things that matter most to local people. In the months ahead we will be speaking to thousands of residents and businesses to collect your ideas so everyone gets a say in our future plans. That way we can protect the most valuable services for you. We have been changing the way we work over the years to ensure we do a whole lot more than just manage the cuts or salami slice our services. But now we must do even more.

Newham has a proud history of change and innovation and working with you I know we will have the strength and resilience to meet these challenges.