Campaigners accuse Newham Labour council of artificially reducing the capacity of the public gallery to not face criticism on housing or austerity cuts

On the evening of Thursday 27th March, Labour council led by Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz showed its true colours – excluding the public from the full council meeting – a meeting at which they set a budget that will mean millions of pounds of cuts in services in the borough.

Only 20 members of the public were allowed in and only if they had signed in in advance. No one present could tell us when and where this information was shared with the public in advance of the meeting. The reason they gave is that the room was too small.

Given the meeting was held in the main chamber (image below), with a 400 delegates standing/ 400 theatre style capacity (according to the council’s own website) it is laughable that campaigners were given this reason to exclude them from the meeting on account of 66 councilors and others functionaries and only 20 members of the public.

FE15 believes the reality is that Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz is scared of the Newham residents who want to hold her and the council to account. This includes residents who want answers to the housing crisis – damp and mouldy and overcrowded dangerous living conditions; those living in hotel hell as Newham sends families out of borough to hotels such as Barking Hotel. This is Brimstone House, Victoria Street conditions all over again.

Focus E15 campaign was ready with letters for the Mayor and clear messages about local housing. Instead of being able to hand these over in person, they have been emailed to the Mayor.

Having been excluded brave Focus E15 campaigners, including mothers and children, held a speak out in the lobby of the Stratford Old Town Hall.

We intend to return to council meetings until housing justice is done!

Down with Newham Labour Council and their shameful anti-democratic practices!

We will not be silenced

Housing justice for all!