Despite a rough start, there are reasons to be cheerful this year.

By Aidan White

2024 spelled out in fireworks — Photo by Moritz Knöringer on Unsplash

A cost of living crisis at home and horrifying headlines about war abroad dimmed the prospects for peace and goodwill at the turn of the year, but nevertheless, 2024 promises some reasons to be cheerful for the people of Newham.

From 1 January hundreds of people in community groups across the Borough will start work on 119 neighbourhood projects, spending £1.6 million to improve the lives of local people.

Newham’s bid to become the next London Borough of Culture will bring people together in pride and celebration and provide a springboard for the Boroughs’ long term cultural ambitions.

On the political front there will be a general election and the creation of a third parliamentary constituency for Newham – Stratford and Bow; and 12 years after the historic Olympics in Stratford, Newham will take back planning control over the Olympic Park area as the London Legacy Development Corporation winds down its work.

Upcoming elections

With Newham’s political parties gearing up for election campaigns for Parliament, the Greater London Assembly and for London Mayor, Newham Voices asked party leaders on the Council for their hopes for the forthcoming year.

Mehmood Mirza on behalf of Newham’s three Independent Group councillors said: “As we move into a new year we look forward to a general election when we can get rid of the worst government in living memory.

“We want a completely new approach to politics which focuses on everyone being properly housed, children attending nurturing schools, being able to get GP and hospital appointments when they need them, and proper social care and welfare benefit system. We need our utilities and transport systems to be publicly owned and not run for profit.

“In Newham the independent group will work hard to make sure the local council works for all of the people of Newham in a much better way than they have for the last few years, and does everything it can to achieve the above aims.”

Labour Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz said: “We must win against the divisive politics of hate and for the future of our country to get the Tories out. This government has cut funding to Newham by £203m since 2010 and wreaked havoc with economic failure and a cost of living crisis.

“In 2024, we’ll support our residents with over £6.5m to help 30,000 households and 19,000 school children with holiday food vouchers, as well the £6m Eat for Free programme for every primary school child.

“We’ll continue our £2 billion investment in homes our people can afford and work with residents to tackle fly-tipping, and hold the police to account to make our streets safe.

“We’ll tackle toxic air pollution harming our health and focus on investments into the Borough to help people acquire skills and access living wage jobs, as well as support our small businesses.

“In 2024 we’ll be fearless in promoting Newham and its people because we are passionate about enriching their lives.”

For the Green Party, Cllr Danny Keeling said it was time to help those families facing the worst of the cost of living crisis. “If I could have a new year’s wish for Newham,” they said, “it would have to benefit those most struggling. No-one should have to make decisions on whether they feed their children or themselves, or whether they can afford to put the heating on in the winter.

“The existing eat for free scheme, where all primary school children receive a healthy meal at school, must be expanded to include all secondary school children.

“This would ensure better education for children and less stress on parents and guardians. The wealth inequality in this country has only got worse and worse over the years and in a country as rich as ours we shouldn’t have to worry about our children going hungry.”

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