Every day I am in touch with people hit hard by the Covid-19 crisis, helping them get the health and financial support they deserve. This latest lockdown has been hard on all of us.

It is my job as mayor to listen to people who voted for me and be their champion. I am therefore proposing to help lift the financial burden on people during Covid-19 by changing the emissions-based parking scheme voted on by council so people:

  • Pay less by doubling the introductory discount for the first permit from 20 per cent to 40pc for the first year.
  • Pay smaller amounts at a time through the option of three and six month permits, in addition to annual permits.
  • Receive cash back in the pocket. Residents who have already signed up to MiPermit Newham and purchased a permit will be given a 20pc refund for their first permit for each household.
  • Flexibility. Those residents who have already purchased an annual permit will be able to change it for a three or six month permit and receive the appropriate refund.

As all councillors voted for the current scheme at a full council meeting, a vote of council will take place to formally endorse my proposed discount and refund plan on February 2.

If council agrees, the proposed changes will come into effect February 8.

In the meantime, residents must continue renewing their permits before they expire.

Eat for Free here to stay – saving families £500 per child.

Despite central government cuts and the economic costs of Covid-19, I am delighted to confirm that Eat for Free will remain as I want every child to have the best possible start to life, and Eat for Free makes a positive difference in learning and development of children and young people.

The Eat for Free programme ensures all primary school children in Newham borough have access to a healthy daily meal, as well as saving Newham families around £500 per child in annual food costs.