Newham Council has unveiled a transformative 10-year Sex Work Strategy, aiming to protect vulnerable sex workers, improve community safety, and reduce exploitation while addressing the needs of residents.
Newham Council’s Cabinet has taken a landmark step by approving a comprehensive 10-year Sex Work Strategy (2025-2035), accompanied by a detailed one-year action plan. This initiative aims to protect vulnerable sex workers, enhance community safety, and address the broader impacts of sex work on the borough’s residents.
Rooted in the Council’s ‘Building a Fairer Newham’ corporate plan, the strategy demonstrates a commitment to reducing the stigmatisation and exploitation of both street-based and off-street sex workers while fostering a safer environment for all.
The strategy builds on existing efforts by the Council and its partners, marking a significant shift towards a Public Health-focused, whole-community response to sex work. This approach reflects the Council’s broader ambition to tackle complex social issues through collaborative and evidence-based solutions.
While the engagement process primarily involved women sex workers, the strategy is designed to address the needs of male and transgender sex workers as well.
A Holistic and Measurable Framework
To ensure accountability and effectiveness, the strategy identifies five high-level outcomes to be reviewed quarterly. These include reducing crime and anti-social behaviour, improving perceptions of safety on estates, increasing the number of sex workers engaging with support services, and tracking the outcomes of those engagements. This data-driven approach aims to create a tangible impact on the lives of both residents and sex workers.
Newham’s ongoing efforts have already yielded positive results, including a reduction in reports of anti-social behaviour and an increase in the number of sex workers accessing support services. The strategy seeks to build on these successes, providing a robust framework for long-term progress.
A Collaborative Effort
Councillor Neil Wilson, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, highlighted the importance of the strategy in addressing the complex realities of sex work in Newham. He emphasised that the strategy’s development involved extensive collaboration across Council departments and partnerships with multiple organisations. This “One Council” approach ensures that the strategy is informed by diverse perspectives and expertise.
“The approval of a 10-year Sex Work Strategy is a significant development for our borough,” Cllr Wilson stated. “It reflects our commitment to reducing stigmatisation and exploitation while improving safety and wellbeing for all residents. I want to thank the women who participated in our engagement efforts, as their insights were invaluable in shaping this strategy. This trauma-informed and co-productive approach underscores how much we value lived experiences.”
While the engagement process primarily involved women sex workers, the strategy is designed to address the needs of male and transgender sex workers as well. This inclusivity highlights the Council’s dedication to ensuring that no group is left behind in the pursuit of safety and dignity.
Balancing Community and Individual Needs
The strategy takes a balanced approach, recognising the challenges faced by both residents and sex workers. For residents, street-based and indoor sex work often leads to noise disturbances, litter, and a general sense of unease. The strategy aims to mitigate these issues while fostering a sense of safety and wellbeing within the community.
For sex workers, the strategy acknowledges the strong links between sex work, modern slavery, and human trafficking. While not all sex workers experience exploitation, the Council is committed to working with law enforcement and other agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible for such crimes. This partnership approach aims to dismantle the systems that exploit vulnerable individuals, ensuring a safer environment for everyone.
“This strategy reflects our commitment to reducing stigmatisation and exploitation while improving safety and wellbeing for all residents.” – Cllr Neil Wilson
A Vision for the Future
Newham Council’s 10-year Sex Work Strategy is more than just a policy document; it is a vision for a safer, fairer, and more inclusive borough. By addressing the root causes of exploitation, enhancing support services, and fostering community cohesion, the strategy sets a precedent for how local authorities can tackle complex social issues.
As the strategy rolls out, its impact will be closely monitored through both quantitative data and qualitative feedback. The Council hopes this initiative will not only improve the lives of sex workers and residents but also serve as a model for other boroughs grappling with similar challenges.
In the words of Cllr Wilson, “The upcoming decade presents an opportunity to transform the way we address sex work in Newham. Through collaboration, compassion, and a commitment to justice, we can create a borough where everyone feels safe, valued, and supported.”
The strategy’s implementation will begin in 2025, marking the start of a new chapter for Newham as it strives to build a community that prioritises dignity, safety, and opportunity for all.
