Shofa Miah highlights what we have to lose if the showpiece community programme is hit by cuts

A person with a microphone speaks to a room — A People Powered Places event

Uncertainty has been raised over the future funding of People Powered Places (PPP), one of Newham’s most inspiring initiatives.

The programme puts power in the hands of residents to shape the future of their neighbourhoods. Since its launch in 2018, the programme has funded hundreds of community projects.

The projects are funded from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) , a charge to developers which pays for improvements in the Borough. This money is ringfenced so that it can only be spent on certain things like street or park upgrades, housing, community, and PPP projects.

But in her November 2025 newsletter, Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz said that setting the 2026/27 Budget will be “the toughest one yet” and will involve difficult trade-offs. She announced: “We won’t at this stage be able to commit the full People Powered Places budget available this year because we may need to use the money to offset other budget pressures. I made this decision ahead of the Big Vote events taking place in November, so it means you can still decide how some of the money will be spent in your neighbourhood. As always, your vote could really make a difference in improving your local area!”

This decision has raised questions about how much of the ringfenced CIL allocation will remain for community-led projects. Residents have said they want transparency and clear information about any changes, as the announcement of the budget cut feels vague. Clear communications, they say, will help maintain trust and ensure communities feel supported as these challenging decisions are made.

For the current cycle, funding is divided into voluntary, community faith sector projects, resident-led projects, and youth-led projects. Grants range from £5,000 for resident-led projects to £20,000 for voluntary and faith groups.

Rob Callender, a local Green Party campaigner and councillor candidate, has been tracking the annual council infrastructure spending reports. He says: “Each year for the last five years, the Council had millions of pounds of CIL funds left over, unspent and unallocated. Since this money is ringfenced, it seems bizarre to me that they are cutting the PPP funding. What are they planning on spending that money on instead? We need clarity over what they are doing with these leftover CIL funds and the PPP money.”

Among the organisations shortlisted this year is Distinctive Solutions CIC, a social enterprise that empowers young people and families through leadership training, financial literacy, and special educational needs inclusion. Their work includes transformative workshops on money management, entrepreneurship, and resilience. They commented: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for PPP funding this year. The opportunities this support could unlock for the local community are truly transformative. We are concerned that proposed funding cuts may undermine the positive impact these projects are ready to deliver.

“We hope the full PPP funding is directed toward the community improvements it was set aside to support, to avoid frustration for residents and for the organisations working hard to serve Newham.”

Previous PPP cycles attracted thousands of voters, funded hundreds of projects, and benefitted tens of thousands of residents. But it is a demanding process that requires time, resources, energy, and passion.

While some projects will celebrate success, others may face disappointment. The programme has revealed a deep and inspiring commitment to Newham’s communities that continues to inspire change. Particularly important has been the impact of the new youth-led PPP category, which brings fresh ideas and energy to the Borough.

While some of the youth applicants may be disappointed if they are not successful, it is vital, say supporters, that they receive continuing support for their mental wellbeing, given the emotional challenges after the investment of so much effort in the projects.

Newham Voices will continue to monitor developments around PPP and the allocation of CIL funds. The programme has shown that dialogue with residents, fair processes and transparent communication are key to maintaining confidence in community-led initiatives that can make a positive difference.

No news is bad news

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.

Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.

Monthly direct debit

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else.