This week in Tower Hamlets:

• The Council addressed divestment from companies violating Palestinian human rights, improving safety on Poplar High Street, and supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
• The Appointments Sub Committee was scheduled to interview candidates for the role of Director of Regeneration, Housing Supply and Assets.
• The Licensing Committee meeting was cancelled.
• The Licensing Sub Committee granted a licence for Damir Shop with conditions, and the review of the premises licence for Poplar Union was withdrawn.
• The Standards Advisory Committee conducted its annual review of the Code of Conduct for members, received a six-monthly update on complaints, and reviewed the register of interests, gifts, and hospitality.

Council - Wednesday 02 April 2025

The Tower Hamlets Council meeting addressed several key issues, including divestment from companies violating Palestinian human rights, improving safety on Poplar High Street, and supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Councillors also debated a motion on political campaigning, aiming to address intimidation and harassment faced by candidates, particularly women.

Divestment from Companies Violating Palestinian Human Rights and Fossil Fuel Companies

A petition was presented by Ms Carrie-Ann Sibilcock and Dr Kambiz Bumla from the Tower Hamlets Coalition for Ethical Investment, urging the council to divest its Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) assets from companies complicit in human rights violations against Palestinians and those involved in fossil fuel exploration. The petition, which garnered nearly 1,600 signatures, called for a concrete plan for divestment, building on a previous commitment to divest from weapons manufacturers.

Dr Bumla highlighted the deaths of healthcare workers in Gaza, stating:

No Tower Hamlets pensioner should feel that their pension has been funded from supplying arms that continue this slaughter.

Councillor Syed Ahmed, cabinet member for resources and cost of living, responded, assuring the council was exploring options for divestment, acknowledging the fund's fiduciary responsibility¹ and duty to its members.

Make Poplar High Street Safe

Sister Christine Mona Ali and Carol Simmons presented a petition requesting enforcement of the 20 mph speed limit and installation of lighting on Poplar High Street. They raised concerns about speeding traffic and the safety of pedestrians, particularly near New City College.

Councillor Abu Talha Choudhry, cabinet member for safer communities, said that speeding is a criminal offence, and encouraged residents to engage with safer neighbourhood teams to collect data and ensure resources are allocated to the area.

Restoring Trust in the Tower Hamlets Planning Process

Saif Usmani, Lucy Rogers and Puru Mia presented a petition requesting the council restore trust in the planning process, highlighting concerns about transparency and accountability. The petition referenced a 2017 corruption scandal and cited a report by Transparency International, which scored Tower Hamlets below average in planning governance.

During the debate, Councillor Kabir Hussain made allegations about political influence over planning decisions, which led to heated exchanges and calls for a more robust approach to addressing such claims. Councillor Gulam Kibriya Choudhary and Councillor Amin Rahman denied the allegations.

Councillor Kabir Ahmed, cabinet member for regeneration, stated that all ten points suggested by Transparency International are embedded within the council's constitution and planning process.

Administration Motion: Empowering SEND Children and Young Adults

Councillor Sabina Khan proposed a motion to support children and young adults with autism, special education needs, and disabilities, which was seconded by Councillor Sabina Akhtar. The motion included a £1.5 million investment to improve SEND services, expand post-16 support, and enhance opportunities for SEND children and young adults.

Councillor Sridharji Lislan, leader of the Labour Party Group, moved an amendment to the motion, welcoming the council's investment and highlighting the need to address challenges faced by Phoenix School in accommodating demand. The amendment was accepted.

Opposition Motion: Political Campaigning

Councillor Mufeedah Bustin proposed a motion on political campaigning, addressing intimidation and harassment faced by candidates, particularly women. The motion called for bystander training for members and officers, signing up to the Local Government Association's (LGA) Debate Not Hate campaign, and examining processes to protect women during election campaigns.

Councillor Abu Talha Choudhry proposed amendments to strengthen the motion, referencing commitments in the new Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy and the ongoing work of the Women's Commission. The amendments were accepted.

Other Business

The council approved the proposed calendar of meetings for the municipal year 2025/26, delegating authority to the monitoring officer to agree meeting dates for any new committees or panels. They also endorsed the designation of Shupriya Iqbal, Director of Legal, as the council’s monitoring officer from Wednesday, 23 April 2025, thanking Linda Walker for her support as monitoring officer over the past year.

Appointments Sub Committee - Wednesday 02 April 2025

The Appointments Sub Committee was scheduled to meet to interview candidates for the role of Director of Regeneration, Housing Supply and Assets. The report pack included the agenda, the minutes of the previous meeting, and a report on the candidates who had been shortlisted. The Chief Executive of Tower Hamlets was scheduled to present a final interview report.

The responsibilities of the Director of Regeneration, Housing Supply and Assets include:

• Increasing the direct build of affordable rented new build homes in the borough
• Working with the Mayor of Tower Hamlets on the delivery of mayoral capital projects
• Developing and delivering a Corporate Landlord function directed by a Strategic Asset Management Plan
• Reviewing the council's housing supply and delivery divisions
• Chairing the Asset Management & Capital Delivery Group

Licensing Sub Committee - Thursday 03 April 2025

The Licensing Sub Committee met to consider an application for a new premises licence for Damir Shop, and to review a premises licence for Poplar Union. The sub committee resolved to grant the licence for Damir Shop with conditions, and the review of the premises licence for Poplar Union was withdrawn from the agenda.

The sub committee resolved to grant the licence for Damir Shop, 5 Pennyfields London, E14 8HP, with conditions.

Standards Advisory Committee - Thursday 03 April 2025

The Standards Advisory Committee met to conduct its annual review of the Code of Conduct for members, receive a six-monthly update on complaints, and review the register of interests, gifts, and hospitality. The committee agreed to minor amendments to the code and noted the reports on complaints and the register of interests.

This week in Tower Hamlets:

• The Overview & Scrutiny Committee discussed the scrutiny improvement plan, the continuous improvement plan, the strategic performance and delivery report, and the budget monitoring report.
• The Appointments Sub Committee met to interview candidates for the position of Director of Housing Property and Asset Management.
• The Cabinet discussed the strategic plan, budget monitoring, waste services, school performance, and other key issues.
• The Appointments Sub Committee was scheduled to interview candidates for the position of Director of Housing Property and Asset Management.

Overview & Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday 25 March 2025

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss a range of topics, including the scrutiny improvement plan, the continuous improvement plan, the strategic performance and delivery report, and the budget monitoring report. The committee raised concerns about homelessness, adult social care, and special educational needs and disability (SEND) funding pressures.

Scrutiny Improvement Plan

The committee discussed the six-monthly update on the scrutiny improvement plan¹, which resulted from the Local Government Association (LGA) peer review and best value findings and recommendations.

Councillor Amy Lee questioned how the completion percentages of activities were being measured, and who was making those assessments. She gave the example of developing a seating plan to ensure members don't sit in their party groups, which was marked as 100% complete, but she felt that this activity alone did not address the overarching priority of members working effectively cross-party and ensuring their independence.

Councillor Abdi Mohamed raised concerns about the communication plan, training and community engagement, stating that his experience as a scrutiny lead did not align with the improvement plan. He said that he had not been engaged or supported around a community plan, had received no training, and that a suggestion to undertake a review of hate crime in the borough had been rejected due to a lack of capacity.

The committee acknowledged that resources were a key issue that needed to be addressed in the plan.

Continuous Improvement Plan

Stephen Halsey, Chief Executive, introduced the continuous improvement plan, explaining that it was at a very high level due to the timescales and ongoing discussions with the envoys². He said that detailed key performance indicators were not yet developed, but that there was a framework, themes and aspirations.

Halsey also updated the committee on the Transformation Assurance Board (TAB), which has not yet had a formal meeting, but had a first development day. He said that the Continuous Improvement Plan would go to the TAB on 14 April, but would evolve from there. The council has advertised the role of Strategic Director to provide additional capacity to deliver the Improvement Plan.

Councillor Nathalie Bienfait raised concerns that the plan did not address the lack of challenge to the political leadership of the council from officers, as identified in the best value report. Halsey said that this would be picked up under aim 3, to improve governance, led by envoy Shokat Lau and Carolyn Downs as the transformation assurance board lead.

Councillor Abdi Mohamed discussed the sustainability of the plan and how to prevent the council from needing government intervention in the future. Halsey responded that the envoys would be present as long as necessary to ensure that all of the issues raised in the best value report were addressed.

Councillor Amy Lee asked about aim 4, building trust and respect and cultural change. Halsey said that the council was re-baselining where it was, and considering a staff survey to understand where staff were on that journey.

Strategic Performance and Delivery Report & Budget Monitoring Report

The committee considered the strategic performance and delivery report for quarter three of year three, and the budget monitoring report for quarter three 2024/25, together.

Councillor Sayid Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Resources, introduced the strategic delivery and performance report, stating that the overall picture was positive, with the council continuing to deliver on the strategic plan despite facing unique challenges. Of the 56 strategic performance measures, 29 were green at the end of quarter three. Two previously amber measures had improved to green: KPI 13, the percentage of primary school pupils receiving public funded preschool meal, and KPI 43, victims of violence against women and girls who feel safer after engaging with commission provider. There were seven amber targets and four red targets.

Ahmed highlighted key pressures on the quarter three report, including homelessness, adult social care, and SEND, resulting in an overspend of £20 million. These pressures were offset by underspends in commissioning and youth services, as well as additional recurring savings of £10 million related to planned reviews of key capital financing policies.

Within the dedicated schools grant (DSG), there was a £3.1 million underspend at quarter three. The housing revenue account (HRA) had an overspend of £4.6 million, which would need to be funded from the HRA general reserves. The council had a £37.4 million savings target, of which 87% (£32.6 million) was reported to have been achieved.

Homelessness

Councillor Asma Islam raised concerns about the plans to secure an additional 100 units of private rented sector (PRS) accommodation in quarter four, and 500 units over the year, given the competition from other local authorities. She also asked if there was an assessment done on whether it was worth acquiring short-term contracts, given that when they run out, the residents are back in the queue.

David Joyce, Corporate Director, Housing and Regeneration, responded that the aim was to move away from nightly paid accommodation and get longer-term lets. He said that the council had capacity to make 200 buybacks of council homes, and was talking to registered providers about buying stock back. The 500 units target was separate to the 200 units for buybacks.

Education Budget

Councillor Ahmodur Khan asked about the £2.6 million overspend in the education budget due to internal transport recharge changes. He asked what the changes were, and how the decision was made.

Stephen Halsey responded that an external review had been carried out by consultants, who had identified a number of ways the council differed to other areas, and opportunities to make significant savings.

Care Technology Transformation

Councillor Amy Lee asked for more detail on the care technology transformation, and what was going on with legal services.

A council officer responded that the plan for 2024/25 was to identify a partner who could drive innovative thinking about how to use technology to support care packages, improve quality and develop efficiencies. However, the current director was reviewing that plan, as she wanted someone who was really innovative and going to drive things.

In terms of legal services, Jill, a council officer, responded that there had been a growth bid approved in the budget. She said that over the years, a number of posts had been taken out and filled by agency staff, which carried a premium. The growth bid was intended to attract permanent staff, but it had been difficult to get people to join a service where there weren't permanent staff in place.

SEND Services

Councillor Alim Islam asked about KPI 021, which was still red, and what specific barriers within the revised structure added to the decline in timeliness. He also asked how recruitment challenges and higher than average assessment requests were impacting the overall operational costs.

A council officer responded that there had been a modest improvement between quarter two and quarter three, from 24% to 34%, but that it was still well short of the target. They said that the level of requests had previously been significant, and that the recruitment of additional officers to the team, plus in-house plan writers, was starting to have an impact.

Council Homes

Councillor Ahmodur Khan asked how many council homes the council planned to buy back, and how many it had already achieved.

A council officer responded that the council had capacity in the HRA business plan to acquire 200 properties. They had progressed around 30 to 40, some of which had completed and some of which were going through the conveyancing stage. There were inquiries from another 150 potential vendors.

Fly Tipping

Councillor Abdi Mohamed noted that KPI 47, fly tipping, had gone from green to amber, and asked about the plans to ensure it goes back to green. He also asked about early redundancy and how the council was quality assuring that this wasn't a trend that would be seen as more ERVIs hold out.

Simon Baxter, Corporate Director Communities, responded that the Community Safety Directorate was being reorganised, and that more FEOs were coming online. He said that a lot of the fly tipping happened on private land, so that would be included in the plan.

Homelessness Support

Councillor Suluk Ahmed asked how the council was planning to tackle homelessness, and to accommodate those with special needs.

David Joyce responded that the reason people were being placed out of borough was not financial, but about supply of accommodation. He said that the council was a net importer of homelessness, and that they worked closely with families to try and source permanent council or registered social landlord homes.

Council Reserves

Councillor James King asked what thinking there was to claw back and top up some of the reserves next year, and whether there could be a commitment that frontline services would be protected as part of this.

Councillor Sayid Ahmed responded that frontline services had always been protected, and that the pressures and slippages were of a pretty small amount compared to the amount of reserves and the mitigation that had been put in place. He said that the council had started doing its MTFS work already, to make sure that they had a plan in place.

Waste Services

Councillor James King noted that there was an overspend forecast of £6.7 million in waste services, and asked whether that overspend was accounted for in the increase in the new budget for this year. He also asked about the lift program and why there was a 69% forecast versus revised budget, and about the savings risk in the electric vehicle charging program.

A council officer responded that the 69% referred to how much was expected to be spent of the budget, and that 30% was expected to slip into future years. In terms of the electric vehicle charging program, there had been a slight stall in procurement, but contracts had now been awarded.

Overcrowding

Councillor Chadri asked what was in the pipeline to eradicate overcrowding in the borough.

David Joyce responded that the council had a big focus on tackling overcrowding, and that it was a big priority around all of the work that they were doing. He said that there was a particular focus on the new council house building program, negotiation of planning applications, and the provision of new family accommodation.

Housing List

A councillor noted that there was a seven-month wait for applications to the housing list, and asked if there were plans to target this and try to get those numbers down.

David Joyce responded that there was a backlog, and that the extra investment that had gone into the service in the most recent MTFS discussions had been to address that. He said that there would also be a service transformation around making those processes work a lot more efficiently.

Departmental Budgets

Stephen Halsey suggested that the committee consider having more deep dives into detail departmental budgets from a scrutiny perspective, twice a year for each corporate director. The committee agreed to consider this in their forward plan.

Appointments Sub Committee - Tuesday 25 March 2025

The Appointments Sub Committee was scheduled to meet to interview candidates for the position of Director of Housing Property and Asset Management. After the interviews, the committee was to determine which candidate, if any, should be offered the job. The Public reports pack 25th-Mar-2025 10.00 Appointments Sub Committee included a report from the Chief Executive, Stephen Halsey, providing details of the shortlisted candidates.

The job description for the role stated that the Director of Housing Property and Asset Management is responsible for providing:

the strategic and operational leadership to achieve excellence in the delivery of our asset, reactive repairs and compliance approaches for the Councils owned housing stock, ensuring that resources are delivering timely and considerate value for money outcomes for residents.

The post became available after the insourcing of Housing Management in November 2023. The Director of Housing Property and Asset Management was originally reporting to an interim Director of Housing Management. However, due to the unprecedented level of investment into the council’s housing stock and the strategic importance of a long-term Housing Asset Management plan the interim position was removed, so that the Director of Housing Property & Asset Management, and the Director of Housing Neighbourhoods and Customer Services would report directly to the Corporate Director.

Cabinet - Wednesday 26 March 2025

The Tower Hamlets cabinet met to discuss the strategic plan, budget monitoring, waste services, school performance, and other key issues. The cabinet approved the annual delivery plan, noted the performance report, addressed budget concerns, and made decisions regarding public health nursing services and parking enforcement. Mayor Lutfur Rahman also addressed misinformation regarding council tax increases and highlighted the council's commitment to protecting the poorest residents.

Waste Management

The cabinet reviewed the Mayor's Waste Improvement Programme (MWIP) and the Reduction and Recycling Plan Progress Report. Councillor Shafi Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Environment and the Climate Emergency, reported improvements in waste performance and street cleanliness, attributing this to investments made since 2022.

Key achievements noted in the Mayors Waste Improvement Programme - Quarter 3 Update included:

• A 26.2% drop in street cleansing requests compared to the same period last year.
• 99.7% of waste collections completed on time.
• Reduction in missed collections in 18 out of 20 wards.
• 90% acceptable grade in Keep Britain Tidy independent street surveys.

However, Councillor Shafi Ahmed acknowledged a slight dip in recycling performance in quarter three, which he attributed to contamination issues. He outlined measures planned to boost recycling performance, including increased communication and engagement, improvements to recycling infrastructure in flats, and community campaigns. He also mentioned the upcoming introduction of separate food waste collections, which are expected to increase the recycling rate by 4%.

School Performance

Mayor Lutfur Rahman addressed the annual report on school performance, expressing pride in the administration's record on promoting educational opportunities. He highlighted policies such as the educational maintenance allowance, university bursaries, free school meals, and free school uniform grants¹.

However, the Mayor also voiced disappointment in some of the report's findings, particularly the underperformance at key stage five (A-levels). He noted that Tower Hamlets' performance at A-level was significantly lower than London and the national average, with only 6.4% of students receiving A stars compared to nearly 16% in London and 14% nationally.

To address this, the Mayor requested that options be drafted for the creation of a stand-alone attainment service and school improvement service to ensure excellence across all key stages of education.

Budget Monitoring

Councillor Saied Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Resources and the Cost of Living, presented the budget monitoring report for quarter three, highlighting significant issues related to demand-driven pressures in adult social care, homelessness, waste services, and SEND transport. These pressures were partially offset by underspends in commissioning and youth services, as well as recurring savings related to capital financing policies.

Julie Lorraine, Corporate Director Resources, provided additional context, noting that Tower Hamlets' forecast overspend of £15.4 million was below the London average. However, she also highlighted that the borough faced the biggest pressures in London regarding temporary accommodation and the third-biggest pressures regarding adult social care.

Public Health Nursing Services Procurement

The cabinet discussed the upcoming procurement for 0-5 public health nursing services, including health visiting and family nursing partnership. Katie Cole, Associate Director of Public Health for Children and Families, explained that the current contract, valued at £8.2 million annually, expires in March 2026. She proposed a contract length of three plus one plus one plus one years, with a provision to increase the contract value up to £10 million under certain circumstances.

Estates Parking Enforcement

The cabinet agreed to bring estates parking enforcement services in-house on 1 May 2025. This decision aims to improve customer satisfaction, streamline the customer journey, and standardise parking enforcement across the borough. The in-house service will include a removals service for nuisance and abandoned vehicles.

Grenfell Tower Inquiry

The cabinet endorsed the council and its partners' position statement following the publication of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report. Karen Swift, Director of Housing Strategy, Policy and Regulatory Assurance, presented the report, outlining the council's commitment to implementing the inquiry's recommendations and learning from the shortcomings observed at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

Appointments Sub Committee - Thursday 27 March 2025

This meeting has been cancelled.

Mayor's Executive Decision Making - Friday 28 March 2025

No information about this meeting is available.

This week in Tower Hamlets:

• The Licensing Sub-Committee met to consider applications for new premises licences for Fresh Feast at 44 Artillery Lane, Fabwick in Hackney Wick, and Popular Pizza at 536 Commercial Road.
• The Appointments Sub Committee was scheduled to interview candidates for the role of Director of Housing Neighbourhoods and Customer Services.
• The Appointments Sub Committee was scheduled to interview candidates for the role of Director of Public Realm.

Licensing Sub Committee - Thursday 20 March 2025

The Licensing Sub-Committee met to consider three applications for new premises licences. The Sub-Committee refused two of the applications: one from Fresh Feast Hospitality Limited trading as Fresh Feast at 44 Artillery Lane and one from Popular Pizza and Burger Limited trading as Popular Pizza at 536 Commercial Road. The third application, from UK Full Depot Limited trading as Fabwick in Hackney Wick was adjourned at the request of the applicant so that a new noise impact assessment could be prepared.

Fresh Feast - 44 Artillery Lane

The applicant, Fresh Feast Hospitality Limited, applied for a new premises licence for the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises and the provision of regulated entertainment in the form of live and recorded music.

The application was opposed by Environmental Health Officer Nicola Cadzow on the grounds that it was likely to lead to noise nuisance for nearby residents.

The Sub-Committee refused the application.

Popular Pizza - 536 Commercial Road

Popular Pizza and Burger Limited applied for a new premises licence for the sale of late night refreshments at 536 Commercial Road.

This application attracted objections from the Licensing Authority, the police, and Environmental Health.

Representing the Licensing Authority, Kathy Driver explained that the premises had been operating without a licence for a prolonged period and that there was a lack of clarity about who was managing the business.

... in terms of the licensing authority, we're a bit unclear as, again, still as to who the management and in, in that sense, we obviously don't have, uh, the confidence that any, uh, license is more. - Kathy Driver, Licensing Officer.

Environmental Health Officer, Honour O'Leary, raised concerns about noise breakout from the venue, while PC Jamie Stanley, representing the police, argued that granting the licence would be likely to lead to an increase in crime, disorder, and public nuisance.

Mr Adil Sharif, representing the applicant, explained that the business needed to be able to trade until 5am to be financially viable. He said that they had taken steps to mitigate noise nuisance, such as installing a new extractor fan, and that most orders in the late evening were for delivery.

The Sub-Committee refused the application.

Fabwick - Unit 4a, Queens Yard, 43 White Post Lane

UK Full Depot Limited, trading as Fabwick, applied for an adjournment to allow them to address issues with a noise impact assessment.

... a new noise impact assessment, which is compliant and prepared by a qualified person, is needed. It's needed for my client's benefit and it's needed for the benefit of this committee to properly consider the objection. - Stephanie Hayden, representing UK Full Depot Limited.

The Sub-Committee agreed to adjourn the application for two months.

Appointments Sub Committee - Tuesday 18 March 2025

The Appointments Sub-Committee was scheduled to hold the final interviews for the role of Director of Housing, Neighbourhoods and Customer Services. The role is a statutory Director post, and the postholder will be responsible for a range of housing services, including housing management, homelessness, and housing options.

The meeting was due to begin with a closed session to consider whether to exclude the press and public from the meeting, before moving on to the main business of the meeting, which was to hold the final interviews. As with all local authority meetings, the default position is that meetings should be held in public, unless there is a good reason to exclude the press and public.

The Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 requires that the public must be admitted to all meetings of a local authority unless there is a resolution to exclude them because of the confidential nature of the business or other special reason stated in the resolution. - Tower Hamlets Council Website

No transcript for the meeting is yet available.

Appointments Sub Committee - Thursday 20 March 2025

The Appointments Sub-Committee was scheduled to interview candidates for the role of Director of Public Realm at Tower Hamlets Council.

The Director of Public Realm is responsible for a wide range of services, including street cleansing, waste management, highways, and environmental health. The post has been covered by an interim arrangement since January 2024. Interim arrangements are often put in place while a permanent replacement is recruited.

As with the previous meeting of the Appointments Sub-Committee, this meeting was also held in private.

This week in Tower Hamlets: The Strategic Development Committee approved two planning applications, one for a redevelopment of a site on Whitechapel High Street and the other for a new life sciences building on Cable Street. The Pensions Committee discussed the administration of the Tower Hamlets Pension Fund, including the McCloud Judgement and the need to promote the benefits of joining the fund to employees. The Mayor's Executive Decision Making meeting on Monday 10 March 2025 considered a report, which is not publicly available. There was also a Mayor's Executive Decision Making meeting held on 10 March 2025 that did not publish any information about the topics discussed. The Audit Committee accepted the external auditor's statutory recommendations, but requested a more detailed action plan on the council's procurement processes.

Strategic Development Committee - Wednesday 12 March 2025

The Strategic Development Committee considered two planning applications. The first application, for the redevelopment of the site at Whitechapel High Street and Commercial Street and Canon Barnett Primary School, London E1 was approved unanimously. The second, for the redevelopment of the site at 100 to 136 Cable Street, London, E1 was approved by a majority of five votes to four.

Redevelopment of site at Whitechapel High Street, Commercial Street, and Canon Barnett Primary School.

The application, which proposes the redevelopment of the site to provide buildings of up to 17 storeys, comprising office, community, and education floorspace, had been deferred at a prior meeting so the committee could conduct a site visit. This meeting was to confirm that the committee was minded to approve the application, and to consider the planning obligations to be attached to the permission. As readers of this newsletter may be aware, this is standard practice in situations where a planning application has been deferred by the committee.

The committee noted the planning and legal implications of granting permission for the scheme, including the potential need to review the Whitechapel High Street Conservation Area. Conservation Areas are designated by local authorities in order to protect areas of special architectural or historic interest. They are subject to stricter planning controls than other areas.

The following planning obligations will be attached to the permission:

• Financial contributions towards construction and end-user phase employment skills training, development coordination, projects and initiatives to reduce antisocial behaviour, carbon emission offsetting, and extending existing cycle hire docking provision.
• Non-financial obligations regarding access to employment and training, affordable workspace provision, an affordable workspace strategy, a local talent incubator, a relocation strategy for displaced businesses, school and office travel plans, a first refusal agreement for the council to lease the community space at a peppercorn rent¹, public realm access and maintenance, and safeguarding a possible future connection to a district heat network.

Redevelopment of 100 to 136 Cable Street.

The application proposes the demolition of the existing building on the site and the construction of a new building ranging from five to nine storeys, plus a basement, to provide life science space, along with roof terraces, roof level plant enclosures, refuse and recycling facilities, cycle parking, servicing and landscaping.

The committee discussed the impact of the proposed scheme on levels of daylight reaching neighbouring properties, in particular the Silk District residential development. It was noted that the development would result in a major adverse change to a number of properties on the estate, and the committee was reminded that

The application site is within a site allocation. So there is an expectation of development to deliver the land use requirements of the site allocation.

The committee also discussed the proposed financial contributions towards sixth form and university bursaries, and considered whether these could be increased. However it was noted that, as these contributions were not generated via the council's formula, there was little scope for the committee to push for these to be increased.

A concern was also raised about the close proximity of the proposed building to a children's play area. Officers acknowledged that this was a valid concern but confirmed that the necessary level of separation would be maintained.

The committee also discussed the potential for contamination on the site, and were assured that

…it's a question of whether it can be appropriately, um, dealt with, um, safely dealt with. So, what the comment is saying here is that the applicants have carried out their assessment. They've said there may be some contamination. Obviously, there would be a, uh, a full strategy about how to, um, deal with that when they do the building works. And you can see the, uh, the environmental health officer has no objection.

The committee discussed the proposed community space, the 'Knowledge Centre', and asked for clarification about how access to the space would be managed. Officers confirmed that a booking system would be put in place.

Several councillors expressed their concern that the proposed scheme would result in an over intensification of commercial and life science development in the area, and that the site would be better suited to residential development.

Officers reminded the committee that, in land use terms, the proposed life sciences use was appropriate and acceptable, being one of the designated uses for the site in the Tower Hamlets Local Plan. Local Plans are documents that set out the planning policies for a local area. They are produced by local authorities and must be in accordance with national planning policy.

They also reminded the committee that there was strong strategic support for the development of life sciences in the borough, as expressed in the City Fringe Opportunity Area Planning Framework.

One councillor asked officers to explain why the council does not receive compensation as part of schemes like this one, where existing properties are adversely affected by the development. They were told that the role of the planning process is to assess the impacts of the proposal and weigh those impacts against the benefits of the scheme. If the impacts are deemed acceptable, and the benefits outweigh the harms, the scheme is approved. Compensation is not a material consideration in planning decisions.

The committee voted by a majority of five votes to four to approve the scheme. The following planning obligations will be attached to the permission:

• Financial contributions towards construction and end user phase employment skills training, development coordination, education maintenance allowance, and university bursaries, carbon emission offsetting, extending existing cycle hire docking provision, and s106 monitoring fees.
• Non-financial obligations regarding discounted laboratory workspace, the free use of the Knowledge Centre by the community, a travel plan, section 278 highway works, and energy reporting.

Pensions Committee - Monday 10 March 2025

The Pensions Committee received several reports on the administration of the Tower Hamlets Pension Fund and noted the contents of each of the reports. The Committee also received a verbal update from John Johnson, the Independent Chair of the Pensions Board², on the Board's informal meeting on Monday 3 March 2025.

Pension Fund Information Forum

Two well-attended Pension Fund Information Forums were held in January 2025, with presentations from Council Officers and external speakers from Hymans Robertson, Mercer, and Schroders. These events were generally well received, with attendees saying that they found the forum to be useful. Further events will be held on a quarterly basis in 2025/26.

Pension Fund Employer Forum

Officers are planning to hold a Pension Fund Employer Forum in October 2025 to give scheme employers the opportunity to hear from the Council and their advisors, and learn about the 2025 triennial actuarial valuation, and recent regulatory, administrative and investment updates. Workshops will be provided on auto-enrolment, pensions dashboards, responsible investment and stewardship, and the McCloud Judgement³.

Membership of the Pension Fund

The Committee discussed the issue of low membership of the fund, noting that large numbers of staff either don't join the fund or leave shortly after joining. Councillor Paul Convery pointed out that in September 2024 there were 49,400 employees, but that a significant number of them had either not joined the fund or had left shortly after joining. It was suggested that more needed to be done to promote the benefits of joining the fund. Officers committed to working with Human Resources (HR) to improve awareness of the fund amongst employees.

Pensions Data Cleanse Project

The Committee discussed the progress of the Pensions Data Cleanse project, which is being carried out by Lumera. This project aims to improve the quality of the data held by the fund. The Committee heard that the project was progressing well, with fewer gaps in the data than initially anticipated. Officers suggested inviting Lumera to attend a future meeting of the Committee to give a presentation on their work.

Pension Fund Risk Register

The Committee noted the contents of the Pension Fund Risk Register, which had been reviewed by the Pensions Board. The risk register was last reviewed in November 2024, and the updated version in February 2025 showed that considerable work had been done to reduce several risks. For example, Risk HRP0009⁴, Risk of historical errors in Pension Scheme member data, which had a score of 16 (severe) in November 2024, was given a target score of 9 following the completion of a data cleanse exercise by Lumera, and the commission of a data audit and rectification project. Risk HRP0035, Employers not fulfilling their responsibilities towards the pension fund, also had its target score reduced to 9 after the publication of the Fund's communications strategy. The Committee heard that the project to implement the McCloud Judgement was progressing well, with officers reviewing guidance from the Local Government Association (LGA)⁵ and working with Heywood to ensure compliance. The Committee also discussed the need for employer training on their responsibilities in relation to the LGPS.

Pension Fund Liquidity and Cashflow Forecast

The Committee noted the Pension Fund Liquidity and Cashflow forecast, which showed a projected surplus of £9.57 million for 2024/25. The report also showed that the Fund was in a strong financial position, with a funding level of 163% as of 30 September 2024. The next triennial actuarial valuation, which will take place at the end of March 2025, will determine the solvency level and contribution rates from 1 April 2026.

Audit Committee - Thursday 13 March 2025

The Audit Committee accepted the external auditor's statutory recommendations, but asked for more detail on the action plan for procurement. The committee also asked for an update on the progress of internal and external audit recommendations at each of its quarterly meetings.

Statutory Recommendations from the External Auditor

The committee considered the three statutory recommendations made by the external auditor. It resolved to:

1. Accept the council's response to recommendation 1 on the late closing of the 2021-22 accounts.
2. Accept the council's response to recommendation 2 on the follow up of internal audit recommendations, with some additional actions.
3. Not accept the council's response to recommendation 3 on procurement, on the basis that the information provided was not detailed enough.

The second recommendation, about the follow-up of internal audit recommendations, prompted discussion about how the council could improve the rate at which it implemented those recommendations. The Director of Finance, Abdul Razak Asim, said

We are on this continuous improvement journey

in response to concerns from Charlotte Webster about the council's ability to make sure that staff are adequately trained in financial procedures.

The committee heard from Steve Reddy, Corporate Director of Children's Services, Simon Baxter, Corporate Director of Communities, and Karen Swift, Director of Housing Strategy, about how their departments were working to address the issues raised in internal audits. All three directors acknowledged that there had been issues, but said that they were being addressed.

The committee decided to request a more detailed action plan in relation to recommendation 3, which concerned improvements that were needed to the council's procurement processes, to be provided at its next meeting on 24 April 2025.

This week in Tower Hamlets:

• The Pension Board met to discuss the administration of the Tower Hamlets pension scheme, risk management, and training.
• The Council meeting scheduled for Thursday 06 March 2025 was cancelled.
• The Appointments Sub Committee was scheduled to consider the selection of a Director of Public Realm for Tower Hamlets Council.
• The Licensing Sub Committee heard applications for new premises licences for Shoreditch & Soul at 110-116 Cheshire Street and 9 Morgan Street.
• The Appointments Sub Committee was scheduled to discuss the candidates being considered for the role of Tower Hamlets' Director of Regeneration, Housing Supply and Assets.
• The Appointments Sub Committee met to consider applications for the role of Director of Housing Neighbourhoods and Customer Services.
• The Appointments Sub Committee was scheduled to consider a report on the candidates for the role of Director of Housing Property and Asset Management.
• The Appointments Sub Committee was scheduled to consider the selection of a Director of Homelessness and Housing Options.

Pension Board - Monday 03 March 2025

The Pension Board met to discuss a number of issues relating to the administration of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) in Tower Hamlets. The Board heard reports about the performance of the scheme and discussed a number of specific issues, including the performance of the in-house pensions team, the McCloud judgment, engagement with scheme members and employers, and data quality.

Pensions Administration

The Board received the Pensions Administration Report which summarises the performance of the in-house pensions team. As a subscriber to this newsletter, you may be aware that performance issues with the pensions administration team have been an ongoing issue for a number of years now. For a number of tasks, including processing new starters, opt-outs and retirements, the in-house team are required to meet performance targets set out by CIPFA, the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy.

The Board heard that these targets were frequently missed. For example, the target for processing new starters into the scheme is 40 days, but the report shows that in December 2024 only 93.15% of new starters were processed within the 40 day target. Similarly, the target for processing opt-outs was missed, with only 38.46% processed within the target. The Board discussed the reasons for these missed targets at length, and asked officers to ensure that the targets are met in future.

Risk Management

The Board also discussed the Pension Fund Risk Register (Pension Fund Risk Register February 2025). The report identified a number of risks to the fund, including:

• The risk of historical errors in the pension scheme member data
• The risk of employers not fulfilling their responsibilities towards the pension fund
• The risk that the McCloud judgment is not complied with or done so incorrectly

The board heard that a new risk management system, called J-Card, was being implemented, and were reassured that work is underway to mitigate these risks.

Licensing Sub Committee - Tuesday 04 March 2025

The Licensing Sub-committee heard two applications for new premises licences this week: one for Shoreditch & Soul at 110-116 Cheshire Street and one for 9 Morgan Street. They granted a new premises licence to Shoreditch & Soul but have yet to deliberate on the application for 9 Morgan Street.

Licensing committees are responsible for regulating the sale of alcohol under the Licensing Act 2003. The Act sets out four licensing objectives which are intended to prevent crime and disorder, promote public safety, prevent public nuisance, and protect children from harm.

Shoreditch & Soul

The application from Shoreditch & Soul was for the sale of alcohol on and off the premises, and the showing of films, from 11am to 11pm, Monday to Saturday, and from 12pm to 11pm on Sundays. The application also requested 24-hour opening.

Three local residents initially submitted objections to the application. Licensing applications must be advertised by the applicant, both at the premises and in a local newspaper, and residents have the opportunity to make representations to the licensing authority, either supporting or objecting to the application.

The residents' objections related to concerns about the impact of the 24-hour licence, and were withdrawn after the applicant's solicitor provided reassurance that alcohol would not be sold after 11pm and films would not be shown after 11pm. The Sub-Committee approved the application.

9 Morgan Street

The Sub-Committee also heard an application for a new premises licence for 9 Morgan Street. This application had attracted an objection from a local resident, Mr John Hicks, who was concerned about the impact of the proposals on the local area, and on residents' enjoyment of their properties.

As you will know if you are a regular reader of this newsletter, this is a common concern raised in relation to licensing applications. As well as considering the four licensing objectives, Licensing Sub-Committees are also required to consider the Home Office’s guidance on the promotion of the four licensing objectives, which states that:

Licensing authorities should look to reach a balance between the rights of those who wish to sell alcohol and the rights of those in the local community who may be affected by the licensing trade.

Mr Hicks argued that the area is already well-served by pubs and restaurants, and that granting another licence would exacerbate existing problems with noise, anti-social behaviour and drug dealing.

In response, Mr Miller, the applicant, said that his aim was to run a responsible business that would enhance the local area. He pointed out that he was a local resident who frequented the shop, and that he understood the need to be sensitive to the needs of other residents. He also said that he would agree to a number of conditions, including not having any tables and chairs outside the premises, to address the concerns that had been raised.

After hearing evidence from both parties, the Sub-Committee retired to make a decision. The decision is expected to be published on the council's website within the next five working days.

Appointments Sub-Committee - Tuesday 04 March 2025 to Wednesday 05 March 2025

The Appointments Sub-Committee held five meetings this week to discuss the appointment of five senior officers:

• Director of Housing Neighbourhoods and Customer Services
• Director of Public Realm
• Director of Housing Property and Asset Management
• Director of Homelessness and Housing Options
• Director of Regeneration, Housing Supply and Assets

The meetings were all held in private, because the discussion was about specific, named applicants for the roles.

These roles are all statutory Director posts, and are responsible for the day-to-day running of services within the Council. Each Director reports to a Corporate Director, who in turn reports to the Chief Executive. The Chief Executive is accountable to the elected Mayor and Council. The recruitment to these senior roles follows the insourcing of Tower Hamlets Homes in April 2024, which saw the number of Corporate Director roles at the Council increase from four to seven.

This means that almost half of the Council's most senior management roles are being recruited to at the moment. As a subscriber to this newsletter, you will know that there have been concerns about the number of senior vacancies at the Council. The Best Value Inspection report published in September 2024 highlighted this as a key area of concern, stating that:

The number of vacancies, particularly at senior levels, creates capacity issues, places additional pressure on existing staff and undermines the council’s ability to deliver its improvement plan

The report for the 19 February 2025 meeting of the Appointments Sub-Committee for the role of Director of Homelessness and Housing Options explained that an interim arrangement was put in place to cover this role while the recruitment process is carried out:

The Director of Public Health is currently acting as the interim statutory Director of Housing Options and Homelessness - Recruitment consultants, Penna, Longlist report, page 1.

Given the importance of these roles, we will continue to monitor the recruitment process closely.

This week in Tower Hamlets:

• The Audit Committee met to consider the statement of accounts for 2023/24, and discuss the statutory recommendations from EY.
• The Council approved the Mayor's budget for 2025-26 and set the council tax for the coming year.
• The Licensing Sub Committee refused a new premises licence for Lebanese Grill at 80 Brick Lane, and granted a new premises licence for Bad Boy Pizza at 419 Bethnal Green Road.
• The Housing & Regeneration Scrutiny Sub Committee reviewed the performance of social landlords and discussed the Tenant’s Voice panel’s work on resident engagement.

Audit Committee - Monday 24 February 2025

The Audit Committee received an update on the Council’s accounts and discussed the external audit report for the Council’s 2023/24 accounts. There was also detailed discussion of the annual governance statement and a number of concerns were raised about its balance, particularly in relation to the Best Value Inspection (BVI) report.

The committee heard from Steve and Hayley from EY, who confirmed that they were issuing a disclaimer of opinion on the financial statements. They cited concerns about the Council's internal control environment stemming from weaknesses in the Council's governance arrangements that were highlighted in the BVI report.

In the previous email, the external audit report for the Council’s 2022/23 accounts was also discussed, with EY issuing a disclaimer of opinion on those accounts too. This disclaimer was the result of concerns about data accuracy in the Pension Fund Accounts, an issue that is still ongoing.

EY issued a disclaimer of opinion on the Pension Fund accounts for the year ending 31 March 2024 as well, meaning that for two years running the auditors have been unable to provide assurance over the Council’s finances. Several members of the committee, including Councillor Mark Francis and Councillor Kahlida Bustin, expressed concern about the Annual Governance Statement, and the way it reported on the findings of both the Best Value Inspection and the LGA Peer Review.

There was also discussion of the recommendations made by the auditors, several of which had been carried over from the previous auditor, Deloitte. The committee sought assurances from officers about the progress being made against these recommendations, and were told that a tracker would be created to monitor progress, to be presented at the next ordinary meeting of the committee. The committee also agreed to hold an extraordinary meeting on 13 March 2025 to discuss the statutory recommendations from EY.

Council - Wednesday 26 February 2025

The Council approved the Mayor’s budget for 2025-26, which included an increase in council tax of 5% on top of the 5% increase in the previous year’s budget. The council tax increase will be used to fund several new initiatives, including the introduction of a universal school uniform grant¹ and free home care². Tower Hamlets will become the first council in the UK to reintroduce free home care.

The most notable new investments in the budget are:

• The introduction of a universal school uniform grant of £50 for primary school and £150 for secondary school for households with an income of up to £50,350.
• Making the London Borough of Tower Hamlets the first council in the UK to reintroduce free home care
• Re-introduction of the Meals on Wheels scheme

The budget continues the Aspire administration's policy of investment in public services funded through an increase in the council tax, frozen for households with an annual income of up to £50,350. This represents a continuation of the policy of the previous year's budget which also saw an increase in council tax to fund an expansion of public services.

Two amendments to the budget were proposed. The Labour amendment, proposed by Councillor Mark Francis, included a proposal to freeze the Tower Hamlets share of council tax, scrap the proposed charges for blue badges, reduce the charges for the Wapping Bus Gate by 50%, increase the capital budget available for the rebuild of George Green's School, and restore the £400,000 that had been cut from the Food Hub budget.

The second amendment, proposed by Councillor Natalie Bienfait, focused on increasing income by raising car parking charges, and included proposals to amend the council tax reduction scheme, make several investments in active travel schemes, create community pots for women and disabled people, and invest in food waste digesters.

Both amendments were rejected, and the main budget motion was approved. This represents a continuation of a pattern of all proposed amendments to the budget being rejected by the Council since 2022.

Licensing Sub-Committee - Thursday 27 February 2025

The Licensing Sub-Committee considered two applications for new premises licences, one from Lebanese Grill at 80 Brick Lane and the other from Bad Boy Pizza at 419 Bethnal Green Road. They refused the Lebanese Grill application and granted the Bad Boy Pizza application.

The application for Lebanese Grill was opposed by both the Licensing Authority and Environmental Health. The Licensing Authority highlighted two instances of unlicensed trading and expressed concern about the behaviour of staff during a visit on 1 February 2025. The environmental health officer, Nicola Cadzow, raised concerns about the lack of detail in the operating schedule.

Christopher Montanas, representing the applicant, argued that his clients had no prior experience of licensing, that they had learnt from their mistakes, and that they had operated under temporary event notices without complaints. However, the committee remained concerned about the applicant’s disregard for licensing laws and their behaviour during visits by officers. Councillor Paul Convery noted that the applicant seemed staggeringly disinterested in the proceedings.

The committee refused the application, stating that they had no confidence that the applicant would operate in accordance with the licensing objectives.

The Bad Boy Pizza application was opposed by a local resident, Gurdeep Singh. Sarah Taylor, representing the applicant, described the business as a pizza restaurant and confirmed that they had offered 22 conditions to address any concerns. Mr Singh argued that the sale of alcohol would lead to noise disturbance and antisocial behaviour and raised concerns about potential congestion outside the premises caused by customers smoking.

The committee decided to grant the application, subject to the conditions offered by the applicant. They noted that there had been no problems at the applicant's other sites in Covent Garden and Tulse Hill.

Housing & Regeneration Scrutiny Sub Committee - Monday 24 February 2025

This week’s Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny Sub-Committee discussed the performance of social landlords in the borough, the Tenant’s Voice panel’s work on resident engagement, and progress on compliance with regulations around fire safety and damp and mould.

The committee heard that the council is lagging behind other providers, particularly on decent home standards and emergency repairs. Karen Swift, Director for Housing, attributed this to historical underinvestment in the capital programme, while Andrea Baker, a representative from Poplar HARCA, said their better performance was a result of significant investment they had received as part of a Housing Choice Stock Transfer programme.

The committee also heard that data for MTVH, a provider who owns stock in the borough, was missing from the report as they are not a member of the Tower Hamlets Housing Forum. Councillor Ohid Ahmed requested that a request be made for MTVH to provide this data in the future so that the committee can scrutinise their performance.

The meeting heard a report from the Tenant’s Voice panel, with Danielle Lamarche, a representative from the panel, highlighting the issues being raised by tenants, including repairs, damp and mould, and engagement with vulnerable residents.

Finally, the committee heard from Darren Cruice, Head of Asset Management and Compliance, and Ian Morrison, Interim Director of Property and Assets, about progress on compliance with regulations around fire safety and damp and mould. There was detailed discussion of the impact of the Building Safety Act 2022 and of the introduction of Awaab’s Law, which will come into force in October 2025.

This week in Tower Hamlets:

• The Appointments Sub Committee discussed the longlist of candidates for the post of Director of Regeneration, Housing Supply and Assets.
• The Appointments Sub Committee was scheduled to discuss the longlisting of candidates for the role of Director of Housing Property and Asset Management.
• The Overview & Scrutiny Committee discussed the Metropolitan Police's work in the borough, the Council's Workforce to Reflect the Community Strategy, and the Tower Hamlets Local Plan 2038.
• The Cabinet agreed to adopt a new Workforce to Reflect the Community Strategy and Action Plan 2024-2026, approved the Q3 Contracts Forward Plan for 2024/25 and made recommendations on the future of waste treatment disposal and materials sorting services.
• The Appointments Sub Committee met to consider the longlist of candidates for the role of Director of Housing Neighbourhoods and Customer Services.
• The Appointments Sub Committee was scheduled to consider the longlisting of candidates for the permanent appointment of a Director of Public Realm.
• The Appointments Sub Committee met to consider a report about longlisting options for the post of Director of Housing Options and Homelessness.
• The Mayor's Executive Decision Making meeting on Monday 17 February 2025 considered a report, which is not publicly available.

Overview & Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday 18 February 2025

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the Metropolitan Police's work in the borough, the Council's Workforce to Reflect the Community Strategy, and the Tower Hamlets Local Plan 2038. They approved the membership of the Council's scrutiny sub-committees, following recent changes to the political proportionality of the Council.

The committee heard from a range of speakers, including Chief Superintendent James Conway, the Borough Commander for Tower Hamlets and Hackney, Councillor Talha Chowdhury, the Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Keith Stanger, the Acting Director of Community Safety, Anne Fitz-Smith, Senior Practitioner for EDI, and David Joyce, Corporate Director for Housing.

Policing in Tower Hamlets

The committee heard from four Safer Neighbourhood panel chairs who spoke about their experiences of working with the Metropolitan Police. The chairs were largely complimentary about the commitment and work of Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNTs), but raised concerns about the impact of police abstractions¹ and staff turnover. They also spoke about a lack of trust in the police amongst residents.

Chief Superintendent Conway responded to these comments and spoke about the recent restructuring of the force as part of New Met for London. He said that the new structure would allow the police to be more responsive to local needs and to tackle the issues that are most important to residents.

Workforce to Reflect the Community

The committee considered the Workforce to Reflect the Community Strategy, which sets out the Council's approach to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in relation to its workforce.

Anne Fitz-Smith, Senior Practitioner for EDI, presented the new strategy. She highlighted that it builds on the achievements of the previous strategy, and sets out a plan to take the Council beyond representation to be a leader in the field of EDI and an example of best practice.

Tower Hamlets Local Plan 2038

The final item for discussion was the Tower Hamlets Local Plan, which is the Council's key planning policy document.

David Joyce, Corporate Director for Housing, presented the progress that has been made on the Local Plan. He highlighted that the current draft local plan includes a number of significant policy changes from the previous local plan, including an increase in the affordable housing requirement from 35% to 40% and an increase in the proportion of social rented homes from 70% to 85%.

Cabinet - Wednesday 19 February 2025

The Cabinet agreed to adopt a new Workforce to Reflect the Community Strategy and Action Plan 2024-2026, approved the Q3 Contracts Forward Plan for 2024/25 and made recommendations on the future of waste treatment disposal and materials sorting services.

Workforce to Reflect the Community Strategy

This new strategy sets out how the council will make sure that the people it employs to deliver services better reflect the diverse population of the borough. It builds on the progress made as part of the previous Workforce to Reflect the Community Strategy, which was launched in 2023, as well as addressing the issues raised in the council’s Best Value Inspection.

The Cabinet discussed the impact of the insourcing of Tower Hamlets Homes and the Early Retirement and Voluntary Redundancy (ER/VR) programme on its ability to increase the number of young people it employs.

Contracts Forward Plan

The Cabinet approved the Contract Forward Plan – Quarter Three (FY2024-2025), which included the award of five contracts worth a total of £11,012,000. The largest contract in the plan, at £8,000,000, will be for the provision of electrical repairs and maintenance to the council’s buildings over four years. The plan also includes a £1,750,000 contract for the provision of CCTV operators for the council’s control room over three years.

The Cabinet also agreed to spend £700,000 on the purchase of mechanical sweepers, £592,000 on the purchase of twelve new food waste vehicles, and £622,319 to extend the council’s existing contract for the provision of temporary accommodation at the East London Apartments hostel on Hackney Road by one year.

Waste Treatment, Disposal and Materials Sorting Services

The Cabinet received a report on the council’s two main waste disposal contracts: the Waste Reception, Treatment and RRC Services Contract, and the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) Service Contract. The Waste Reception, Treatment and RRC Services Contract is with Corey Environmental Services, and covers the disposal of the council's general waste and its mixed recycling. The MRF Service Contract is with Bywaters (Leyton) Limited, and covers the sorting of the council's mixed recycling into separate materials that can then be recycled.

The report made a number of confidential recommendations to the Cabinet about the future of the contracts. The Cabinet agreed to go into a closed session to discuss the recommendations in private.

Appointments Sub-Committee - Wednesday 19 February 2025 (x4)

There were four meetings of the Appointments Sub-Committee on 19 February 2025. These meetings considered the longlisting of candidates for four senior management positions within the council, namely:

• Director of Regeneration, Housing Supply and Assets
• Director of Housing Property and Asset Management
• Director of Housing Neighbourhoods and Customer Services
• Director of Homelessness and Housing Options

These meetings were all held in private, and information about the candidates was not made public.

Mayor's Executive Decision Making - Monday 17 February 2025

The Mayor made a decision about something. No further information about the decision is available.

This week in Tower Hamlets:

• The King George's Field Charity Board was scheduled to discuss the Trust's finances, proposed fee changes, and an update on commercial properties.
• The Housing Management (Cabinet) Sub-Committee approved its Terms of Reference, discussed the appointment of Independent Advisors to the committee, and reviewed performance on repairs, damp and mould, anti-social behaviour, and resident engagement.

Housing Management (Cabinet) Sub-Committee - Wednesday 12 February 2025

The Housing Management (Cabinet) Sub-Committee is a new committee, established following the council's self-referral to the Regulator for Social Housing in 2024. The committee is responsible for overseeing the council's housing management service and ensuring that it is meeting the needs of residents. As this was the first meeting of the committee, it began by approving its Terms of Reference, which set out the committee's purpose, membership, and powers.

The committee then moved on to discuss the appointment of Independent Advisors. These advisors will be industry experts, comparable to the non-executive directors on the boards of housing associations, and will provide an additional layer of scrutiny to the Housing Management service. The committee noted that a recruitment process will now begin, with a target decision date in May. It was agreed that Councillor Kabir Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Inclusive Development and Housebuilding, and David Joyce, the Corporate Director of Housing & Regeneration, would sit on the interview panel. The Mayor will make the final appointment.

The committee received a detailed report on the performance of the housing management service. The committee heard that the council is facing a number of challenges, including high levels of non-decent homes, a backlog of repairs, and a high number of complaints. The committee heard about the measures that the council is taking to address these challenges, including investing in new IT systems, increasing the number of staff working on repairs, and improving the complaints system.

The committee also discussed the importance of resident engagement. The committee heard from the chair of the Tenant Voice panel, which was formed in May 2024. The panel has eight tenant members, three leaseholder members, and one leaseholder sub-tenant member. The panel has chosen to focus on the council's performance on repairs, damp and mould, ASB, complaints, and resident engagement. The committee noted that the Regulator for Social Housing attended the Tenant Voice meeting on 23 January 2025.

The committee agreed that it would work with TPAS, the Tenant Participation Advisory Service, to deliver training to panel members on how to effectively scrutinise the council's housing management service.

Finally, the committee agreed its forward work plan, which includes regular updates on performance, resident engagement, and the development of new policies.

King George's Field Charity Board - Wednesday 12 February 2025

The King George's Field Charity Board is responsible for overseeing the management of King George's Field, a park in Stepney. The board is made up of councillors, residents, and representatives from local organisations. The board met this week to discuss the Trust’s finances, proposed fee changes, and an update on commercial properties.

No minutes or transcript are yet available for this meeting, so no further details are known.

This week in Tower Hamlets:

• The Overview & Scrutiny Committee discussed the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and the capital programme budgets that had been approved at the Cabinet meeting on 29 January 2025.
• The Licensing Sub Committee met to consider applications for a licence variation from Subway at 379 Milan Road and for a new premises licence from Cable Street Mini Market.
• The Health & Adults Scrutiny Sub-Committee heard presentations about the Tower Hamlets Together Same Day Access (SDA) Programme for urgent care and a report on progress on implementing improvements to hospital discharge services in the borough.
• The Grants Determination Sub-Committee agreed to renew the Section 92 Police Act 1996 grant agreement with the Metropolitan Police and noted a performance report on the Mayor's Community Grants Programme for July to September 2024.
• The Human Resources Committee discussed the performance of the council's Children's Services, the ongoing recruitment of senior staff, and a quarterly review of employee relations casework.
• The Development Committee voted unanimously to grant planning permission to Leon Investments Ltd. for the redevelopment of 1-10 Bishops Square.

Overview & Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday 04 February 2025

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met this week to review the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget and capital programme budgets that were approved by Cabinet on 29 January 2025. The committee agreed to refer the issue of repairs and maintenance to the Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny Sub-Committee.

The committee raised concerns about the rising costs of rent for residents, particularly those not in receipt of housing benefits. Councillor Saied Ahmed, the Cabinet Member for Resources and Costs of Living, responded that only a minority of council tenants would be affected by the increase. He said that

Approximately 68% of the tenants are on housing benefit and will not be impacted directly by the increase of 2.7%

Councillor Ahmed said that for those who were affected, the increase was equivalent to maybe a cup of coffee. He also pointed out that the council had a range of support measures in place for residents who are struggling to pay their rent, including the Council Tax Cost of Living Relief Fund and the Tackling Poverty team. The Committee requested further clarity on what support is available to residents who do not meet the threshold for these schemes, in light of rising energy and water bills.

The committee also questioned why funding for new-build homes at several sites had been re-announced in this budget. Councillor Ahmed said that this was because

There was never a proper plan in place of what was actually deliverable. There was a lot of unfinished work around that programme

David Joyce, Corporate Director of Housing and Regeneration, reassured the committee that the council had made progress towards delivering homes at the Caliche Estate, including appointing a development partner. The committee requested a timeline for the spending of the £140 million allocated to the HRA for improvements to existing homes.

The committee also considered the proposed capital programme, which includes a number of projects that have been paused or cancelled in previous budgets, and heard that the council was facing some challenges in its capital spending. This led committee members to question the use of capital receipts for redundancy payments. Julie Lorraine, Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director of Resources, explained that the scheme was designed to generate long-term savings. She said

If we were to spend all of that 3 million in year one the rules say that it would have to generate 1.3 million a year savings and repay it and those savings would go on year after year after year. So you spend your redundancy payment once the saving you make against it continues year after year after year and that's how we demonstrate value for money.

Ms Lorraine acknowledged that there were risks associated with the scheme, including the loss of staff expertise.

The committee requested further clarity on the level of funding for leisure centres, in light of the recent insourcing of services. Ms Lorraine explained that funding would be reviewed if required. She said

We don't have to do everything

Licensing Sub Committee - Tuesday 04 February 2025

This week the Licensing Sub-Committee met to consider two applications: an application from Subway for a licence variation at their 379 Milan Road branch, and an application for a new premises licence from Cable Street Mini Market.

The first application from Subway sought to vary the existing licence to allow the sale of late night refreshment until 1am. The application was supported by an environmental health officer, who recommended several conditions be imposed on the licence, including that all deliveries cease by 12:30am and that the shop frontage be swept and cleaned by 11:15pm each night. These conditions were agreed by the applicant.

The Sub-Committee approved the application, stating that it did not believe the variation would undermine the four licensing objectives:¹ the prevention of crime and disorder; public safety; the prevention of public nuisance; and the protection of children from harm.

The second application, from Cable Street Mini Market, sought permission to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises between the hours of 8am and 11pm. This application had attracted objections from local residents who were concerned about the potential for antisocial behaviour.

The Sub-Committee heard that the Metropolitan Police had initially objected to the application but had withdrawn their objections after the applicant agreed to adopt a number of conditions, including operating a CCTV system, implementing a ‘Challenge 25’ policy, and providing staff training.

After hearing from the applicant, local residents, and the police, the Sub-Committee approved the application, subject to the conditions agreed with the police.

Health & Adults Scrutiny Sub-Committee - Monday 03 February 2025

The Health & Adults Scrutiny Sub-Committee met this week to discuss urgent care and hospital discharge services in the borough. The Committee heard presentations from Jonathan Weaver, a senior manager at the North East London Integrated Care Board, and Julie Dublin, a senior programme manager for the North East London Integrated Care Board.

Mr Weaver updated the committee on the new Same Day Access Programme that aims to improve access to same day urgent care for residents of Tower Hamlets, particularly by reducing the pressure on A&E services at the Royal London Hospital. He explained that the programme has mapped patient pathways and that the current system is:

The current pathway is not optimal for patients...So the pathway is more repetitive and longer than it needs to be

The new scheme, which will see the closure of the existing walk-in centre at Cable Street, will be based on a hub and spoke model, with appointments available at six locations across the borough.

Councillor Mark Francis asked what lessons had been learned from previous attempts to reduce pressure on the A&E department, specifically the walk-in centres that were closed several years ago.

So I guess my question, my opening question is what happened to those mechanisms to reduce the pressure on A&E and if this is just replacing those, what lessons were learned from what worked well and what didn't work quite so well in terms of those alternatives to A&E at that point.

Mr Weaver said that the new scheme offered several advantages, including being more geographically accessible. He also noted that the previous walk-in centres offered a more limited service, saying

Another factor about seeing a service within our primary care same day access service is that the patients receive a much more rounded service than they do currently. The service will have access to patient records, will be able to order tests, will be able to make referrals.

Mr Weaver also said that the programme would be working with Healthwatch Tower Hamlets to understand the views of residents about the new service.

The committee then heard from Ms Dublin, who gave a presentation about the programme to improve hospital discharge services in Tower Hamlets.

Ms Dublin outlined the challenges faced by the council and the NHS in providing appropriate services and care packages for patients being discharged from hospital, and described some of the improvements that are being implemented, including:

improving knowledge of discharge to assess...improving engagement with families and carers...addressing the complex discharge issues early in the planning process...streamlining and accelerating process for reviewing high-cost packages of care...and encouraging better use of re-ablement services

Councillor Amy Lee asked Councillor Goulam Kibria, the Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Social Care, how the council is working with the NHS to support the programme. Councillor Kibria said that there was now much greater co-operation between the two organisations and that

So, that improves our communication where we actually work as one. Whereas, if I think back to, I don't know, possibly 15, 20 years ago, there was a very, very big divide, and it was, in a sense, almost them and us.

Councillor Mark Francis expressed concern about delays in adapting people’s homes, which can sometimes prevent people from being discharged. Ms Dublin acknowledged that adaptations can cause delays, and explained how the council works with both housing associations and private landlords to manage this. She also said that the council has a number of schemes in place to help patients who are unable to return to their own homes, such as reablement and step-down beds. She said

So, yes, we have sufficient range of options when people are leaving hospitals. So, we have, for instance, re-ablement, which works incredibly well. When we look at our data in terms of people's outcomes, once they go through re-ablement, they are really good. We have what we call step-down beds, for instance, where somebody might need a period of, you know, recovery.

The committee raised concerns about the length of time it can take to arrange transport for patients being discharged from hospital. Ms Dublin agreed to investigate this.

Alia Begum, a co-optee member of the committee from Healthwatch Tower Hamlets, expressed concern about the discharge arrangements for elderly patients who live alone. Ms Dublin explained that these patients are provided with support from a social worker, who will help them put in place a package of care.

Grants Determination Sub-Committee - Wednesday 05 February 2025

The Grants Determination Sub-Committee met this week to discuss the renewal of a Section 92 grant agreement with the Metropolitan Police, to fund police officers dedicated to working in Tower Hamlets. They also noted a performance report on the Mayor's Community Grants Programme.

Section 92 Police Act 1996 Agreement

The committee heard that the council intends to renew the agreement, which was first put in place in 2015, to fund a team of 26 officers, known as the Tower Hamlets Task Force. This is separate to the wider Central East Basic Command Unit that covers both Tower Hamlets and Hackney.

The Sub-Committee discussed the grant agreement at length, with members raising concerns about value for money, and the performance and tasking of the police officers funded by the Council.

Councillor Saied Ahmed said he wanted to see

scrutiny of delivery and tasking

He asked officers to provide a report to the Mayor's Advisory Board on

how often [police officers] are pulled away for other police responsibilities within the agreement.

Mr Stanger explained that the council's funding was being provided as a grant, but that it was being treated as a contract.

Mayor's Community Grants Programme

The committee noted a performance report on the Mayor's Community Grants Programme for July to September 2024. The report found that 106 out of 109 projects being funded by the programme were rated as green, meaning that they are performing well.

Three projects were rated as amber:

• A project run by the Community of Refugees from Vietnam - East London
• A project run by the Wapping Bangladesh Association
• A project run by Platform Cricket.

The committee heard that the first two projects were rated as amber because they had underperformed against their cumulative targets. However, they had since improved and were expected to achieve a green rating. The project run by Platform Cricket had been rated as amber because the organisation had failed to submit monitoring reports. Officers said they were confident that the project was being delivered and that the monitoring reports would be submitted soon.

Councillor Saied Ahmed asked how the council ensures that organisations are meeting their commitments, particularly in terms of their geographical reach.

An officer said that if an organisation is failing to meet their commitments, this would be flagged, and the organisation would be supported to improve. The committee requested that future performance reports include a ward-level breakdown of the areas served by organisations receiving funding.

Human Resources Committee - Wednesday 05 February 2025

The Human Resources Committee met this week to discuss the council's Children's Services, senior staff recruitment, and a quarterly review of employee relations casework and policy.

Corporate Director Updates - Children's Services

The committee heard from Steve Reddy, the Corporate Director of Children's Services. Mr Reddy provided an overview of the performance and structure of the directorate, highlighting the recent Outstanding Ofsted inspection rating for the service's Integrated Local Area SEND provision (ILACS) that supports children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The committee discussed the structure of the service, particularly in relation to recent changes to the Young Tower Hamlets restructure.

Councillor Abdi Mohamed asked about the cost and progress of the restructure. Mr Reddy said that a report would be brought to the committee in due course.

Update on Senior Recruitment

The committee received a report on the recruitment of senior staff. The report showed that recruitment is well underway, with longlist meetings scheduled for the weeks commencing 24 February and 3 March 2025 for a range of posts, including the Director of Adult Social Care, the Director of Housing Neighbourhoods and Customer Services, and the Director of Housing Property and Asset Management.

The committee welcomed the report, praising the proactive and diverse approach to recruitment, and expressed hope that the recruitment timetable would be adhered to.

Councillor Islam praised the use of a specialist recruiter and said that the recruitment for these posts had been conducted well, especially in terms of its reach to diverse groups. She said this was the first time in seven years as a Councillor that she had seen this approach to recruitment.

Julie Lorraine, the Corporate Director of Resources, said that the feedback on the use of a specialist recruiter had been very positive, particularly from customers of the HR service.

Employee Relations Casework and Policy Quarterly Review

The committee received a report on the performance of the council's employee relations service, including details of ongoing grievances, disciplinaries and employment tribunal cases.

The committee discussed the ongoing trade dispute with Housing Options staff, which was the subject of a meeting with ACAS in December 2024. The committee heard from Pauline Shakespeare, the Interim Head of Corporate Human Resources, that Housing Options was now under the remit of David Joyce, the Corporate Director of Housing and Regeneration, and that a ballot for strike action had failed.

The committee requested that David Joyce attend the next committee meeting to give a verbal update.

Appointment Subcommittee Membership 2024/25

Finally, the committee discussed the membership of the Appointment Subcommittee, which is responsible for appointing senior staff. Councillor Abu Choundry proposed that the membership be increased from five to six, with three members from the Aspire group, two members from the Labour group, and one unaligned member. He also proposed that the chair of the subcommittee be a member of the executive.

The Monitoring Officer advised against both proposals, but confirmed that the proposals were lawful. Despite concerns expressed by some members of the committee about good practice and governance, the proposal passed following a vote.

Development Committee - Thursday 06 February 2025

The Development Committee met this week to consider a single planning application for the redevelopment of 1-10 Bishops Square.

Redevelopment of 1-10 Bishops Square

The committee heard from Katrina Chang, the case officer for the application. Ms Chang explained that the proposal would see the part demolition and vertical extension of the existing office building to provide enhanced office space, flexible commercial uses, a community hub, affordable workspace, cycle parking and public realm improvements.

The application was approved unanimously, subject to several conditions, including:

• The development shall not commence until a travel plan has been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority.
• No development shall take place above ground level until a Construction Management Plan (CMP) has been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority.
• The development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved design, including the provision of a new public route through Porter’s Row.
• The development shall provide a total of at least 1,100sqm of affordable workspace within the development.
• The development shall provide a community hub within the development, with a minimum area of 150sqm.
• The development shall provide a minimum of 10 long-stay cycle parking spaces and 5 short-stay cycle parking spaces.
• Details of the cycle hub operation and management arrangements shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority prior to first occupation.
• The development shall not be occupied until the public realm works have been implemented in accordance with the approved details.
• The development shall not be occupied until the landscaping scheme has been implemented in accordance with the approved details.
• A scheme for the provision of nest boxes for swifts shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority prior to commencement of the development.

Ms Chang confirmed that the community hub would be located on the 6th floor of the development and that the applicant, Leon Investments Ltd., had agreed to give the council first right of refusal on the management of the space. In response to questions from the committee, the council's legal officer confirmed that the council would secure a 999-year lease on the space.

The scheme was praised by both officers and committee members. Paul Buckenham, the Head of Development Management, Planning and Building Control said that

we're pleased to commend the scheme, because I think it is well-designed... It's a really tricky site in terms of heritage, and I think the team and the architects have worked really closely with officers to shape the scheme in a way that doesn't have those severe detrimental impacts. There is some harm, but we think that's outweighed by the public benefits".

This week in Tower Hamlets:

• The Overview & Scrutiny Committee discussed the insourcing of leisure services, the new Scrutiny Protocol and the recommendations made in a report on Flood Risk Management.
• The Cabinet approved the proposed amalgamation of Globe Primary School and Rachel Keeling Nursery School, and also approved a revised Adult Social Care Charging Policy that will introduce free home care in April 2025.

Overview & Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday 28 January 2025

The committee discussed a wide range of issues, including the progress of the insourcing of leisure services, the committee's new Scrutiny Protocol, flood risk management, and the recent Local Government Association (LGA) peer review.

Leisure Services Insourcing

The committee received a six month progress update on the insourcing of leisure services. The committee heard that since the launch of the service on 1 May 2024, membership has grown by 187%, with 26,888 members recorded in October 2024, compared to the 9,380 members recorded in May 2024 when the service transferred from GLL to the council-run BeWell service. The committee was particularly interested in the increase in female membership, with women making up 70% of new members, largely as a result of the free swimming initiative launched by the Mayor in June 2024.

The committee heard from officers that a number of challenges faced the service, including:

• The recruitment and retention of staff, particularly female lifeguards given the popularity of women-only swimming sessions.
• The quality of leisure facilities.
• Issues with the BeWell app, including missing functionality and difficulty booking classes.
• Issues with the booking system, including the inability to book classes in advance and the difficulty of getting refunds.
• A forecast overspend in the service's budget.

The committee made a number of recommendations to the service, including providing more detailed information on how the service is being run, working with community gyms to support people with disabilities and long-term health conditions, improving accessibility for people with disabilities, partnering with the NHS to provide physiotherapy sessions at leisure centres, reviewing the refund process, reviewing the booking system, providing more information on the service’s plans for St George's Leisure Centre, which is due to be rebuilt, and ensuring that male cleaners are not cleaning women's only areas during women's only sessions.

The committee will receive a further update on the insourcing of leisure services in six months' time.

Scrutiny Protocol

The committee agreed a new Scrutiny Protocol, which sets out the working relationship between scrutiny and the executive. The protocol is part of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee's work to improve its effectiveness, following criticisms in the Best Value Inspection Report. The Committee heard that the protocol is intentionally ambitious and is based on the Council’s ambition to achieve exemplar status for its scrutiny function.

The protocol aims to:

• Promote a culture of openness and transparency.
• Encourage constructive behaviour and attitudes.
• Support effective working relationships between scrutiny and the executive.
• Ensure that scrutiny is timely and effective.
• Minimise conflict between scrutiny and the executive.
• Ensure that the outcomes of scrutiny positively benefit the residents of Tower Hamlets.

The protocol sets out expectations for both scrutiny and the executive, and encourages honesty and a willingness to have difficult discussions in a transparent and respectful way. The protocol also sets out the procedures for pre-decision scrutiny, call-in, access to information, and scrutiny consideration of confidential decisions.

The committee approved the protocol, but asked for some strengthened wording on the need for the executive to provide papers to scrutiny committees on time. The committee also asked for more clarity on the support that scrutiny leads will receive from officers. The committee will review the protocol annually.

Flood Risk Management

The committee received a report on flood risk management, which was prepared by Councillor Nathalie Bienfait, Scrutiny Lead for Environment and the Climate Emergency. The report made a number of recommendations to improve the Council’s approach to flood risk management.

The committee heard that the Council is at risk of flooding from surface water, groundwater and ordinary watercourses, and that the Borough's Victorian sewer system is under pressure from increasing population density and climate change.

As the Lead Local Flood Authority, the Council has a statutory duty to have an up-to-date Local Flood Risk Management Strategy in place. The committee heard that the Council’s current strategy expired in 2022, and that the Council is waiting for the Greater London Authority to finalise its Lee Valley Working Group strategies before publishing an updated strategy. The committee asked that the Council meet its statutory duties by publishing an up-to-date strategy.

The report made eight recommendations to the committee, grouped into three themes: a clear strategic vision with additional resource; a programme of targeted works and strengthened out-of-hours approach; and strengthened partnership working. The recommendations included:

• Developing a structured and targeted programme to map areas of drainage risk and opportunity.
• Carrying out a CCTV survey of existing drainage.
• Installing targeted Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) in high-risk areas.
• Installing targeted gully sensors integrated with the council's central management system to monitor silt levels and detect potential water surcharges.
• Targeted replacement of existing gully covers with cycle-friendly designs to enhance cyclist safety.
• Ensuring that the standby service for highways during out-of-hours periods is appropriately resourced and briefed to respond promptly to flooding issues.
• Considering the running of an internal flood risk group. This could include waste and cleansing, park services, highways, and schools to share information, manage risk, and identify possible opportunities for SUDS within parks or schools.
• Setting up a regular engagement sequence with external partners, both statutory and non-statutory, including a targeted approach to engaging with the Canal and River Trust and the Environment Agency.

The committee agreed the recommendations, and asked officers to provide an update on their progress in six months.

Cabinet - Wednesday 29 January 2025

The Cabinet discussed a range of issues, including the Council’s budget, a proposal to amalgamate two schools, and a revised Adult Social Care Charging Policy. The Cabinet noted all of the reports that were presented at the meeting.

Amalgamation of Globe Primary School and Rachel Keeling Nursery School

The Cabinet approved the publication of a statutory notice for the proposed amalgamation of Globe Primary and Rachel Keeling Nursery Schools. Councillor Maium Talukdar, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education, Youth and Lifelong Learning, said that a first stage consultation had been carried out with no major objections and strong support from both schools and governing bodies. The next stage of the statutory process is to publish the notices to give consultees a further opportunity to have their say.

Chief Executive Steve Halsey clarified that this was an amalgamation, with the nursery closing as a legal entity, but the nursery site itself staying open and becoming part of Globe Primary.

Adult Social Care Charging Policy

The Cabinet approved a revised Adult Social Care Charging Policy. This updated policy incorporates the Mayor's pledge to introduce free domiciliary care ¹ from April 2025. Councillor Gulam Kibria Choudhury, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Social Care, reported that he had attended an event for carers along with Councillor Kibria, where the investment was well received.

Councillor Kibria asked for assurance that the free home care would be subject to monitoring and evaluation, which Georgia Chimbani, Corporate Director for Health and Adult Social Care, confirmed.

Councillor Saied Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Resources and the Cost of Living, reported that the policy change had been a pledge from the beginning of the administration's term of office, but that they had waited for the right time to implement it.

Councillor Shafi Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Environment and the Climate Emergency, compared the policy to other initiatives such as the reintroduction of Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA) and the introduction of the Winter Fuel Payment scheme, as examples of the administration bucking the trend. Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, described it as a way of supporting the borough’s senior citizens who had contributed to society.

Budget Report 2025-26 and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2025-28

The Cabinet discussed the Council’s 2025-26 Budget and the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) 2025-28. Mayor Lutfur Rahman made an opening statement on the report, highlighting that the budget was fully costed, fully balanced, and sustainable. He responded to criticisms from the Labour opposition, and stated that during their previous term of office, they had made several cuts to services including youth services, EMA, university bursaries, and frontline services. He also stressed that the proposed increase in Council tax is 2.99%, not 4.99% as claimed by Labour, and that the poorest residents would be protected from the increase.

The Mayor outlined the capital investment planned as part of the MTFS. This included:

• The development of 28 new council housing schemes.
• The acquisition of 237 new homes.
• A £60 million investment in sports and cultural initiatives.
• A £45 million investment to build a new Mulberry School for Girls secondary school and sixth form.
• £24.6 million to improve public realm.
• £13.1 million investment in the borough’s parks.
• £12.3 million to improve the capital assets of the waste service.
• £8.1 million in carbon offsetting.

Councillor Saied Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Resources and the Cost of Living, highlighted the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) element of the MTFS. This included:

• A £513 million investment in new homes over the next four years.
• A £187 million investment in acquiring properties over the next four years.
• A £1.3 billion investment in existing stock over the next 30 years.
• Capping rent increases at 2.7%, an average weekly increase of £3.64.
• 68% of residents unaffected by the rent increase.
• The use of new technology to improve efficiency in the repairs and maintenance service.

Councillor Kabir Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Inclusive Development and Housebuilding, described the HRA as a dream for a Corporate Director of Housing and Regeneration.

Julie Lorraine, Corporate Director for Resources and Section 151 Officer, described the HRA as strong and robust, and highlighted the following:

• The strategy allocates significant funding to investment in existing housing stock and investment in new homes.
• More money had been allocated to the HRA, in today’s values, than in the previous HRA business plan.
• The biggest risk to the HRA business plan is failure to deliver the proposed new homes.

The Cabinet agreed the recommendations of the Budget Report and MTFS.

Audit Committee - Thursday 30 January 2025

The committee was scheduled to consider the Council’s Statement of Accounts for 2023/24 ¹, receive reports from its external auditors, EY, on the Council’s accounts and the Pension Fund Accounts for the year ending 31 March 2024, and discuss the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Capital Strategy for 2025/26. ²

Unfortunately, no transcript or minutes have yet been published for this meeting, so no further details are available.

This week in Tower Hamlets:

• At the Transformation Advisory Board meeting on Friday 24 January 2025, the board met with the government envoys to discuss the progress that had been made in addressing the findings of the Best Value Inspection report.
• The Council meeting on Wednesday 22 January 2025 saw a commitment to audit the council’s pension funds and divest from companies that deal in arms, as well as a discussion of the outstanding rating given to the council's Children's Services by Ofsted.
• The Licensing Sub Committee meeting on Tuesday 21 January 2025 heard an application for a new premises licence for 324 Basement and 326 Ground Floor and Basement, Hackney Road, which was adjourned pending further investigation of noise nuisance.
• At the Transformation Advisory Board meeting on Monday 20 January 2025, the newly appointed government envoys met with senior council officers to discuss the council’s improvement plan.

Council - Wednesday 22 January 2025

The meeting began with tributes to Ray Gibson, a former Councillor for Bow West, who passed away at the end of 2024. The meeting then moved on to discuss the outstanding rating given to the council's Children's Services by Ofsted. Councillors unanimously agreed to note the briefing note on the outcome of the inspection. A motion was then passed to call for an audit of the council’s pension funds, declare the council’s intent to divest from companies that deal in arms and request a report on how to accelerate divestment. Finally, the meeting considered the report of the Chief Executive on best value improvement matters, following a best value inspection by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities¹.

Outstanding Ofsted Rating for Children's Services

The council's Children's Services has received an outstanding rating from Ofsted. The Ofsted report found that children in Tower Hamlets receive timely and effective help and that staff are ambitious for children, encouraging them to reach their full potential. The inspection credits a journey of relentless drive and continuous improvement after the service was rated good five years ago. Councillor Maium Talukdar, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, thanked the Mayor for his investment in the service, Steve Halsey, Chief Executive, for his leadership and Susannah Beasley-Murray, Director of Children’s Social Care, and her team for their work. A number of Councillors referred to the report's finding that the service was particularly effective at supporting children at risk from domestic abuse and disabled children. The full Ofsted report can be found in the meeting's supplement pack.

Council Divestment of Pension Funds

Councillor Saied Ahmed moved a motion calling for the complete audit of the council's pension funds and a commitment to divest from companies that deal in arms. This follows a decision made by the Pensions Committee at their meeting on 30 September 2024 to seek legal advice about divesting funds from arms dealing. The motion was seconded by Deputy Mayor Councillor Maium Talukdar.

Councillor Amy Lee of the Labour Group moved a friendly amendment to the motion that would see it broadened to cover companies that are involved in violations of human rights or international law, as well as companies involved in fossil fuel exploration. The amendment was seconded by Councillor Kabir Hussain.

Councillor Abu Talha Choudhury said that Tower Hamlets had a responsibility to ensure that its pension funds were not invested in companies that profit from suffering and that:

It does not matter how many ceasefire agreements are signed. As long as pension funds are going into the manufacturing of arms, there is every chance that our money could very well support in killing innocent men, women and children. We owe it to the staff of this council to ensure that they do not have to retire on blood money.

Councillor Peter Golds disagreed, stating that he would be voting against both the motion and the amendment. Councillor Golds made the point that defence was a necessary evil, arguing that:

If Mr Putin comes calling, I'm not sure President Trump is going to say, well, you've shut down your defence industry, but I'm going to say something to help you out.

Councillor Golds went on to claim that he had seen legal advice provided to Islington and Waltham Forest Councils stating that similar motions passed in those boroughs would not stand up in law.

Ultimately the Labour amendment failed, with a number of Labour Councillors, including Councillor Ohid Ahmed, voting in favour of the motion, despite stating that they had previously campaigned for divestment and were members of the Pension Committee.

The original motion was then passed unanimously.

Best Value

Councillor Amy Lee moved a motion to acknowledge the findings of the best value inspection report, which found a number of failings with the Council, including:

• A ‘toxic’ political culture
• A lack of trust between councillors, officers and partners
• Senior appointments not being made on merit
• A lack of engagement with key strategic partners

The motion was seconded by Councillor Mufeedah Bustin, and can be found in the meeting's supplement pack.

Councillor Syed Ahmed moved an amendment to the motion, which highlighted the recent Outstanding rating given to the council's Children's Services, and welcomed the appointment of the government envoys. The amendment also stated that the Council acknowledged the contents of the report and would work with the envoys to deliver the improvements required by the directions.

Councillor Abdal Ullah made the point that the Aspire administration had been in power for 2 years, and that the Best Value report had found a number of serious failings during this time. He also pointed out that the council was having to spend £6 million of taxpayers' money to rectify the mistakes made by the administration.

During the debate on the amendment, the Labour group argued that it contained a number of factual inaccuracies, including a claim that there had been over £60 million in overpayments to adult social care contracts.

The council's Section 151 officer confirmed that the Labour group were correct to say that the figure quoted in the amendment was inaccurate. However, the officer did point out that the amendment referred to a contract worth £60 million, which had seen overpayments of £11.9 million.

The Labour group then challenged the claim in the amendment that the toxic political culture within the council had been exacerbated over the previous 7 years, pointing out that a Local Government Association (LGA)² Corporate Peer Challenge (CPC)³ published in 2023 did not find a toxic culture.

Councillor Syed Ahmed argued that the claim in the amendment was factually correct, stating that a number of issues had been raised from 2015 to 2022 around staffing. The Labour group argued that staff turnover was a different issue to that of a toxic political culture, and asked for the amendment to be withdrawn so that it could be reviewed and resubmitted.

The Aspire group refused to withdraw their amendment, and the Speaker decided to put it to a vote, despite the acknowledgement of the inaccuracy by the Section 151 Officer. The amendment was passed, with all Aspire Councillors voting in favour. The original motion was then rejected.

The meeting concluded with a discussion of the Chief Executive's report on best value improvement matters, which outlined the steps that are being taken to address the findings of the best value inspection report (10.2 Best Value Update Report Jan 2025). This included establishing an improvement project team, reconfiguring the Transformation Advisory Board into a Transformation and Assurance Board, and appointing an officer improvement lead. The report also outlined the work that is being done to develop a programme of cultural change within the Council, and a programme of political mentoring for members.

The Chief Executive's report was noted by the Council.

Licensing Sub Committee - Tuesday 21 January 2025

The Licensing Sub Committee decided to grant a new premises licence for Osteria Angelina at 1 Nicholl’s Clarke Yard in the Brick Lane Cumulative Impact Zone, and also granted a provisional statement for a premises at 5 Newfoundland Place. An application for a new premises licence for 324 Basement and 326 Ground Floor and Basement, Hackney Road was adjourned pending further investigation of noise nuisance, and the committee did not consider the application for Popular Pizza at 536 Commercial Road because the applicant failed to attend.

The Application for 324 Basement and 326 Ground Floor and Basement, Hackney Road

The committee considered an application for a new premises licence for 324 Basement and 326 Ground Floor and Basement, Hackney Road. The applicants wanted to extend the existing licensed cafe at 326 into the basement at 324, in order to operate a wine bar and creative community space, particularly intended to serve the needs of the LGBTQ+ community.

The application had attracted objections from the council's Environmental Protection Team, Samantha Harold and Jennifer Osterhoudt.

The applicant had agreed revised hours for the licensable activities with the Metropolitan Police Licensing Team in order to address concerns about crime and disorder. However, the environmental health officer, Mr O'Leary, asked the committee to refuse the application, saying

The history of complaint, coupled with insufficient mitigation measures, demonstrate a failure to meet the licensing [objective] of preventing public nuisance.

Noise nuisance was the central theme of the discussion. Ms. Harold, who lives above the basement at 324 Hackney Road, said that the noise had prevented her from watching TV and sleeping. Mr Elford, her legal representative, said that

Noise that has been experienced by my client has also been independently verified by your environmental health team who say ... the noise is capable of stopping my client from watching TV and capable of stopping my client from sleeping in their own home.

The applicant, represented by Mr Marr, did not accept that the noise was coming from their premises, suggesting that a barbershop in the same building was a more likely source of the noise complaints. Mr O'Leary said that, ideally, an abatement notice would have been served on the premises, but the noise team were still in discussion with the applicant.

The committee asked if the applicant would accept a condition on the licence that there should be no noise emanating from the premises so as to cause a public nuisance. Mr Marr said that they would accept any conditions that the committee saw fit to impose. However, Mr Elford said on behalf of Ms. Harold that this would not be sufficient to address their concerns, because of the interplay between the Live Music Act 2012 and the Deregulation Act 2015, which he explained by saying

if you grant an alcohol license regardless of what conditions you put on about noise this premises this part of this premises basement of 324 will be able to have entertainment from 8am in the morning to 11pm in the evening by virtue of the alcohol licence.

The committee adjourned to consider their decision. After the adjournment, they asked the applicant if they had commissioned a noise report. Mr Marr replied that they had not, but would welcome the opportunity to do so. The legal advisor to the committee, Mr Wong, suggested that the committee could adjourn the application to allow a noise report to be carried out.

The committee then adjourned to deliberate in private. They decided to adjourn the application, pending further investigation of noise nuisance, saying that

The subcommittee will deliberate in a private session after the meeting formally ends ... Ms. Yasmin from Democratic Services will send you a decision notice within five working days which will tell you what decision we have reached, how we’ve reached it and whether the decision was a unanimous vote ... or whether there was a majority vote.

Transformation Advisory Board - Monday 20 January 2025

The Transformation Advisory Board is a non-statutory advisory body to the council, which provides independent advice and challenge to the Mayor and senior officers on the council’s transformation programme. The board is made up of experts from a range of fields, including local government, finance, and business. It meets quarterly to discuss the council’s progress in implementing its transformation programme and to provide advice on how the council can improve its performance.

No transcript or minutes have yet been published for this meeting.

Transformation Advisory Board - Friday 24 January 2025

The Transformation Advisory Board met with the newly appointed government envoys, Kim Bromley-Derry, Shokat Lal, and Pam Parkes to discuss the council's improvement plan.

No transcript or minutes have yet been published for this meeting.

This week in Tower Hamlets:

• The Overview & Scrutiny Committee saw discussions about the proposed increases to fees and charges for the next financial year, 2025-26, as well as the budget proposals for the next three years, 2025-28.
• The Strategic Development Committee voted to grant planning permission for a Section 73 application to redevelop the Bow Common Gas Works site.
• The Standards Advisory Committee agreed to write a joint response to the Government Consultation on the Standards and Conduct Framework.
• The Licensing Committee met to discuss a report on late-night inspections and enforcement in connection with licensed premises.

Overview & Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday 14 January 2025

The Overview & Scrutiny Committee met to discuss a wide range of issues relating to the council’s finances, including the budget for the next financial year and the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for the next three years. The committee also received an update on the Council's waste services.

Budget and MTFS

Councillor Saied Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Resources and the Cost of Living, explained that the Council has succeeded in producing a sustainable budget that is balanced across the medium term for the next three years. He stated that the intention of the administration, led by Mayor Lutfur Rahman, has been clear from the beginning.

“The intention of this administration has been clear from the beginning. We have been committed to repairing the damage inflicted in our communities by successive cuts and managed decline.”

Councillor Ahmed stressed that the council had taken steps to improve its financial governance and had been able to increase investment in front-line services. He highlighted that despite financial constraints, the council had continued to deliver its manifesto pledges, including:

• Free school meals for all primary and secondary school pupils.
• The £600 Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA) for students across the borough.
• University Bursaries, at a value of £1,500 each, to enable young people from the borough to continue with their education at universities.
• Investment in and enhancement of insourced leisure services.
• The introduction of free swimming for women and girls aged 16 and above, and for men aged 55 and above.
• The continuation of the Winter Fuel payments scheme.
• The continuation of the council tax freeze for households earning less than £50,350.

As in previous years, the Mayor is proposing to increase Council Tax by the maximum amount (2.99% for general Council Tax and 2% for the Adult Social Care precept), despite the cost of living crisis. To help mitigate the impact of the increase on the poorest households, the council tax cost of living support fund will be expanded to household income of £50,350. Additionally, the 100% council tax support scheme remains, which means that residents on the lowest incomes pay no council tax.

Councillor Ahmed described the budget as forward looking and highlighted a number of areas of additional investment, including:

• An additional £15 million investment in waste services over the next three years. This comes on top of the £5 million that was invested in 2024-25 as part of the Mayor's Waste Improvement Plan.
• £7.5 million to provide free home care to residents who qualify for support under the Care Act 2014. This means that residents will no longer have to pay for their home care. This is a significant investment and is a key part of the Mayor's commitment to tackling the cost of living crisis.
• A new School Uniform Grant for children entering primary and secondary school. The grant will be worth £50 for primary school starters and £150 for secondary school starters and is expected to cost the Council £1 million per year. It will be available to all pupils who meet the eligibility criteria, including those attending faith and independent schools.

Julie Lorraine, Corporate Director of Resources (Section 151 Officer), described the budget as affordable and said it would provide the council with financial resilience. She outlined the council's response to the Best Value Inspection, carried out in 2024, explaining that although the council's finances were considered strong, the inspection had highlighted that embedding the relevant elements of the one-off waste improvement investment of £5 million and the additional £1.9 million allocated to the housing options service would result in an underlying budget pressure of £7 million. She explained that the budget includes funding to fully address both issues.

Waste Services

The committee received an update on the performance of the council’s waste services.

Councillor Shafi Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Environment and the Climate Emergency, explained that an investment of £15 million was needed to maintain the improvements that have been made to the service in recent years.

“As soon as you step outside your front door you’re hitting our streets whether rich or poor, black or white, wherever you come from you’re hitting and you know we can’t underestimate the power of clean streets because it goes towards people feeling safe as well.”

These improvements include an increase in the recycling rate from 15.73% to 19%,¹ an improvement in cleansing standards as measured by Keep Britain Tidy, and a reduction in complaints.

Simon Baxter, Corporate Director of Place, explained that the Waste Services budget has been flatlined since 2020, and did not take into account the increasing costs of waste disposal and the increase in demand on the service due to the growing population of Tower Hamlets.

Councillor Ahmed said that the money would be used to stabilise the Waste Services budget and workforce, and to make further improvements to the service.

Technology Enabled Savings

The proposed budget includes £7 million in savings through the use of technology. These savings are expected to come from a number of areas, including the automation of processes in Revenues and Benefits, the use of Microsoft CoPilot, and the development of an Enterprise Data Platform and Power BI dashboards.

“AI is going to happen. Organisations that are ready for AI that apply that technology to do the transactional tasks freeing up people to do the things machines can’t are the ones that are going to invest in their workforce for the future and that is where Tower Hamlets wants to be.”

Julie Lorraine explained that the Council will invest in the technology and allow staff to use it for a whole year before making any decisions about savings.

“There are no assumptions Councillor on savings as a reduction of number of permanent posts. We have made an assumption on three things; automation in Revenue and Benefits is happening to us, Universal Credit is out of our hands; we have a skilled assessment team, I’ve been talking today about how we change the focus of that assessment team to enable them to assess grant awards, to enable them to do evaluations of grant awards, as all will tell you, he’s always looking around for people to do that, so our plan is the opposite.”

This is intended to give staff an opportunity to try and test the technology before committing to any savings.

Georgia Chimbani, the Corporate Director of Health and Social Care, explained how a pilot scheme using Magic Notes could save time for social workers by automating the process of recording assessments and case notes. She explained that the service has doubled its Speech and Language Therapy offer from 0.7 to 1.4 full-time equivalents (FTEs), funded from a combination of budget underspend and additional funding from the Ministry of Justice. She also explained that the 25 Be Well gym memberships were funded from her poor budget.

Disabled Parking

Councillor Rabina Khan raised concerns about the introduction of new charges for personalised disabled bay permits and blue badge permits. The budget proposes a new charge of £30 every three years for personalised disabled bay permits and a £10 charge for blue badge permits, which were previously free.

“The justification for bringing about this new fee would be really helpful to understand.”

Councillor Saied Ahmed explained that the Council provides a range of services to support residents who are struggling to meet the cost of living, including support from residents hubs and the Tackling Poverty team. He also explained that disabled people who are struggling financially will be able to access additional support.

Simon Baxter said that a benchmark of other London boroughs had shown that the charges are fair and proportionate.

Strategic Development Committee - Wednesday 15 January 2025

The committee considered three applications for planning permission, two of which were approved and one deferred to the next meeting.

Bow Common Gas Works

The committee approved a Section 73 application to amend the masterplan for the redevelopment of the former Bow Common Gas Works site. The application, submitted by St William, seeks to increase the quantum of development on the site, amend the layout of the development, increase the number of residential units, and amend the landscaping.

The applicant argued that the application was necessary in order to accommodate changes in fire regulations and to increase the amount of affordable housing being delivered on the site. The applicant stated that the revised masterplan would:

• Deliver up to 1,762 homes across the site.
• Maintain 35% affordable housing.
• Deliver 271 affordable homes in the next phase of development.
• Increase the size of the public park by 70%, to 4.2 acres.
• Deliver a new amphitheatre.
• Provide high-quality, biodiverse-rich green space.

The application had been the subject of an extensive program of community engagement, and the applicant told the committee that residents had been fully consulted on the changes. However, representations from residents were heard at the meeting, in particular from Mr Tom Houghton, speaking on behalf of residents of the adjacent St Leopold development.

“We do not oppose the development in itself as we understand that this needs to be developed…but we feel that it needs to be done in consultation with the community”

The residents objected to the application on a number of grounds, including the increased density of the development and the scale and height of the proposed buildings. However, the committee were persuaded by the applicant’s arguments that the application would deliver significant benefits to the borough, in particular the increased provision of affordable housing and publicly accessible open space. The committee voted unanimously to approve the application, subject to a number of conditions.

1 Selsdon Way

The committee approved an application for planning permission for the redevelopment of 1 Selsdon Way, submitted by Ridgeback Group.

The application sought to demolish the existing building, a five-storey car park with two floors of indoor sports pitches above, and replace it with a 35-storey residential tower and community hub.

The developer, represented by Chris Allen, argued that the application would:

• Deliver 307 new homes.
• Provide 106 affordable homes (35% of the total).
• Create employment during the construction phase.
• Create employment for management teams on completion of the development.
• Provide a community hub.

“We know how important social homes are in Tower Hamlets given the growing waiting list and that is why we've worked hard to create a mixed community that provides fully policy compliant affordable housing”.

The application is controversial as it is located next to Canary Wharf College, a secondary school. The developer stated that they have worked closely with the school to address their concerns, and that Canary Wharf College will benefit from the development through the delivery of workshops for pupils on the construction process. They also confirmed that they had offered the school continued use of the sports facilities on a rolling monthly basis.

“We have created a very close relationship with the college [Canary Wharf College], the DFE [Department for Education], and Joanne [the local councillor]”.

However, a member of the public, Mr Andrew Wood, expressed concern about the lack of detail in the plans regarding mitigation of the impact of construction on pupils at the nearby school, who will be using the site until August 2025. He argued that the reports submitted with the application don't say anything about how the pupils will be kept safe, and asked how can they demolish and build a 35 storey tower next to an active school.

The committee were persuaded that the applicant had taken the necessary steps to address the concerns of the school, and that the application would deliver a significant quantum of much-needed housing, including a high proportion of family-sized affordable units. They voted unanimously to approve the application, subject to conditions.

2-6 Commercial Street, 98, 101-105 Whitechapel High Street and Canon Barnett Primary School, London

The committee considered an application by Alliance Property Asia Inc. for the redevelopment of the site to provide a mixed-use development consisting of a building of up to 18 storeys high for offices, a relocated and expanded school playground, a community hall, and a school annexe. This application had been deferred from a previous meeting for a site visit.

Officers recommended that the application should be refused on a number of grounds, including its impact on the Whitechapel High Street Conservation Area, its impact on the setting of nearby heritage assets, the loss of retail units, and the impact on the amenity of nearby residents. Paul Buckenham, Head of Development Management, Planning and Building Control, explained to the committee that the application was contrary to the council's development plan because it was for a tall building outside of a designated Tall Building Zone, stating is the planning application directly against the local planning criteria...yes is the short answer.

Following a site visit, a number of members of the committee expressed their dissatisfaction with the current condition of the site. Councillor Shahaveer Shubo Hussain raised concerns about the prevalence of antisocial behaviour on the site, stating I have received so many complaints from the parents, some of the drug dealers, drug pushers, drug sellers, they are using this land quite often...they are shamed because on the street.

During the debate it became apparent that the committee were minded to approve the application, despite the officer recommendation to refuse. Mr Buckenham informed the committee that if they decided to grant planning permission, the matter would have to be adjourned to another meeting so that a supplemental report could be prepared detailing the required planning obligations, as these had not been agreed with the developer. He stated we do not have detailed discussions with the applicant team in respect of any section 106 obligations.

The committee voted unanimously to defer the application to the next meeting.

Standards Advisory Committee - Thursday 16 January 2025

The Standards Advisory Committee is an advisory body to the Council on matters of ethical conduct, and ensures that the Council’s Code of Conduct for Members is complied with. The Committee promotes and maintains high standards of conduct by:

• Advising the Mayor on ethical matters.
• Monitoring the operation of the Code of Conduct.
• Investigating complaints about the conduct of members.
• Providing training and guidance to members on ethical matters.
• Making recommendations to the Council on changes to the Code of Conduct.
• Making recommendations to the Council about complaints received against members.

The committee has no power to impose sanctions on members found to have breached the Code of Conduct. Any decision to impose a sanction, such as suspension or removal from office, would be taken by the Council.

The committee met on Thursday 16 January 2025 to consider a number of matters relating to the Council’s Standards Framework.

Consultation on the Standards and Conduct Framework

The committee discussed the recently published Government Consultation on the Standards and Conduct Framework. This consultation proposes a number of changes to the Standards Framework, which are designed to improve transparency and accountability. It also proposes introducing a range of sanctions, including suspension and removal from office, that can be imposed on Councillors who breach the Code of Conduct. The consultation document states:

“The Government recognises that effective arrangements for maintaining high standards of conduct in local government are essential for good governance and public confidence. The Government’s proposals are designed to create a framework for dealing with standards issues that is fair, proportionate, and effective.”

The committee agreed that rather than individual councillors or political groups making submissions on the consultation, the committee as a whole would submit a single response. A small group will be established to work on the response, which will be brought back to the committee at a future meeting to be agreed.

“Okay, so we rely on some combination of officers to contact with some dates, and we'll move from there.”

Member Learning and Development

The committee discussed the yearly update on Member Learning and Development. This report highlighted the range of training and development opportunities that are available to Councillors. The report also discussed the importance of Councillors completing Personal Development Plans (PDPs). These help Councillors identify their skills and knowledge gaps and set out a plan for how they will address these gaps.

The committee were told that 35 of the 45 Councillors had completed a PDP. Councillor Chowdhury was noted as having attended the most training sessions in 2024.

“Bodrell Chowdhury came out top as those who attend the most training sessions. So, well done, both of you.”

The committee also heard about the work that the Council is doing to promote equality and diversity, such as the ‘Be a Councillor’ scheme, which has been designed to encourage more women and people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds to stand for election.

Licensing Committee - Thursday 16 January 2025

The Licensing Committee is a statutory committee of the Council, which is responsible for:

• Granting, renewing, and reviewing premises licences and club premises certificates.
• Determining applications for Temporary Event Notices (TENs).
• Developing and reviewing the Council’s licensing policy.
• Advising the Council on licensing matters.

The committee met on Thursday 16 January 2025 to consider a report on the council’s night-time economy enforcement activity.

Night-Time Economy Enforcement Update

The committee heard a presentation by Mr Lewis, Service Manager for Licensing, about night-time economy visits and enforcement.

Mr Lewis explained that the Licensing Team is responsible for enforcing the Licensing Act 2003 and the Council’s Licensing Policy. He stated that there are approximately 1,315 licensed premises in Tower Hamlets, including bars, pubs, clubs, restaurants, off-licences, late-night takeaways and cafes.

The Licensing Team carries out a range of enforcement activities, including:

• Proactive inspections of licensed premises.
• Responding to complaints from residents and businesses.
• Investigating breaches of the Licensing Act 2003 and the Council’s Licensing Policy.
• Taking enforcement action against licensed premises, including issuing warnings, imposing conditions on licences, and prosecuting licensees.

Mr Lewis said that a lack of capacity in the team was a result of losing two members of staff who had been funded by public health and community safety, and stated that officers had become “bogged down” with applications because businesses were no longer instructing solicitors or agents to make applications for them, possibly due to the cost of living crisis.

“And I did have a brief conversation with a colleague from Westminster recently about similar issues where you're getting a lot of more people coming in who haven't used an agent or a solicitor to do their applications. So there's more problems with it. And they said they are having similar issues over there. So it seems to be pan London if you're just basing on Westminster only and ourselves. But you could make the assumption that it is across London at least.”

Mr Lewis reported that the Licensing Team had seen a decrease in the number of enforcement visits they had been able to undertake in the past year, as a result of reduced capacity in the team. He also said that the team was experiencing an increase in the complexity of the applications they were receiving, and that this was putting a strain on resources. He explained that although officers try to follow up on all complaints, the team often have to prioritise cases where there is evidence of serious breaches of the licensing objectives.

The committee raised a number of concerns about the report, including the relatively low number of warning letters issued compared to the number of visits that had taken place, and the potential impact of the reduced capacity in the team on the Council’s ability to enforce the Licensing Act 2003 and its Licensing Policy.

The committee also heard that the sale of illegal tobacco is a serious problem in the borough and that the Licensing Team is working closely with the Trading Standards Team to tackle this issue.

“I think there is some, if I remember rightly, there is a private member's bill going through Parliament at the moment that is proposing the licensing of tobacco, obviously, whether that actually happens or not. Because I think the central government is starting to realise it is actually very, very problematic and has been for years. So that may well be that in the not too distant future, depending on how these things play out in Parliament, that you might have, you might end up with some sort of licensing function.”

Mr Lewis reported that the Licensing Team had successfully worked with the police to seize nitrous oxide in the past, and that the service did carry out test purchases of illegal tobacco.

“We, we, we seized a lot of that. But I think it was an unforeseen consequence of, of reclassifying, uh, nitrous oxide as a, as a, as a, now kind of the drug legislation, as it used to come under psychoactive substances. Because we did have some limited power premises, but now only the police have the power to act on that. So, um, it, it, it tied the law up in that possession of it is now an offence as well. But, unfortunately, I think it took our powers away.”

Councillor Ahmed also asked if the team carried out inspections of e-cigarette shops. Mr Rovai, Principal Consumer Services Officer, said that the sale of e-cigarettes was covered by trading standards legislation, but that there was no licensing regime for them. He said that the service was carrying out work to address the sale of illegal vapes and the sale of vapes to children.

“Yeah, very similar to the last answer, with tobacco, it's exactly the same with vapes, although, again, it's different legislation, the Trading Standards Team enforced the legislation on vapes, and we see lots of illegal vapes. We also do the underage sales test purchasing, we've had quite a few prosecutions on underage sales of vapes. And as you've seen in the news, there does seem to be this, what they call, youth epidemic of vaping, and there's new legislation coming in line to try to control that, to make child appealing vapes illegal, banned flavours, et cetera. So there's a lot of change in the legislation in the pipeline, but we're already doing lots of enforcement work there.”

The meeting closed with no decisions being made.

This week in Tower Hamlets:

• The Licensing Sub Committee considered two applications for new premises licenses on Brick Lane, approving one and seeing the other withdrawn.
• The Cabinet approved the proposed budget for 2025-2026 and the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) 2025-2028 for proposal to Full Council, noted the progress made with the Youth Justice Board Strategic Plan, and noted the delivery of highways and transport projects in the borough.

Licensing Sub Committee - Tuesday 07 January 2025

The Licensing Sub-Committee met to consider two applications for new premises licences. The first application, for Harvest at 103 Brick Lane, was approved subject to several additional conditions agreed at the meeting, including a minimum unit price for alcohol, restrictions on the alcohol display area, and the implementation of a noise management and dispersal plan. The second application, for Z&H One Rice Ltd at 46 Brick Lane, was withdrawn by the applicant after the Sub-Committee raised concerns about the application's impact on the Brick Lane Cumulative Impact Zone.¹

Cabinet - Wednesday 08 January 2025

Mayor Lutfur Rahman, presented the the proposed budget for 2025-2026 and the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2025-2028. Cabinet approved the budget as presented for proposal to full Council. Cabinet noted the progress made with the Youth Justice Board Strategic Plan and also noted the delivery of highways and transport projects in the borough.

Budget report 2025-26 and medium-term financial strategy 2025-28

Mayor Rahman began the discussion on the Budget Report 2025-26 and MTFS 2025-28 by making a statement about the proposed budget for 2025-2026 and the MTFS 2025-2028.

The Mayor described the budget as balanced for the next three years and made the point that despite the financial challenges of the last seven years financial prudency and sensibility does not need to come at the expense of cuts in frontline services. He contrasted this approach to that of the previous administration and described their cuts as political choices, not financial necessities.

He explained that the budget has secured a balanced position across the medium term with earmarked savings of £43.4 million over the next three years. He also stated that it exceeded its savings target and reiterated the findings of the government's best value inspection of this Council that recognises the strength and robustness of our Council's finances. He explained that this financial strength meant that as well as continuing to deliver the existing services, the budget included additional services without having to dip into reserves or creating a hole in our finances.

The Mayor outlined some of the highlights of the budget, focusing on investment in local services and initiatives that directly benefit residents.

These include:

• The continuation of the £600 Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA) for students across the borough.
• The continuation of University Bursaries, at a value of £1,500 each, to enable young people from the borough to continue with their education at universities.
• Continued investment of nearly £14 million per year into Young Tower Hamlets.¹
• The continuation of free school meals for all primary and secondary school pupils.
• Investment in and enhancement of insourced leisure services.
• The introduction of free swimming for women and girls aged 16 and above, and for men aged 55 and above.
• The continuation of the Winter Fuel payments scheme.
• Investment of an additional £14 million into waste services over the next three years.
• The continuation of the council tax freeze for households earning less than £50,350.
• The launch of the free home care scheme in April 2025.
• The continuation of the reinvestment programme in CCTV cameras and the recruitment of 44 more Enforcement Officers.
• The reopening of a culturally sensitive women’s centre.
• The reopening of a culturally sensitive drug rehabilitation facility.
• The reopening and strengthening of the five one-stop shops (resident hubs) across the borough.
• The reintroduction of one hour free parking for market customers.
• Continued investment in the accelerated delivery of thousands of affordable homes.

The Mayor also announced two new policies:

• A free school uniform payment scheme for reception class starters and year 7 starters for parents earning less than £50,350. The payment would be £50 for reception class starters and £150 for year 7 starters and would be available to some 7,000 children per year.
• The reintroduction of the meals on wheels scheme for elderly residents.

The Mayor stated that these policies meant that the total investment per year in young people alone in Tower Hamlets is over £25 million, adding No other authority in the country, I think, can match this kind of aspiration for our youngsters that we have in our borough.

Councillor Saied Ahmed, the Cabinet Member for Resources and the Cost of Living, described the budget as an excellent MTFS that has a balanced position over its three-year period, funds the council’s priorities and has no adverse impact on frontline services. He said it is a forward-looking budget that clears all legacy issues faced by the council since the administration took office in May 2022.

He also said that to help mitigate risk, a new £5 million contingency has been created and the general fund reserve would be increased to £25 million.

Julie Lorraine, Corporate Director of Resources (Section 151 Officer), described the budget as a “great plan” and “a great budget” that is “all focused on delivery”. She said that although the council has made provision for known risks, we are not psychic and that unforeseen events could present a significant risk for the council.

She said that the key risks are national issues, including:

• The government's recently announced fund and reform consultation, which includes business rates reform.
• The impact on the council's finances of the business rates appeals system, especially those by huge, significant businesses whose base is changing.
• The demand pressures on services for a highly dense population, particularly those in adult social care, SEND, and homelessness.
• The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) deficit, currently standing at £18.5 million for the borough.
• Inflation and pay awards.

She highlighted the council's response to the Best Value Inspection (BVI), explaining that although the council's finances were considered strong, the inspection highlighted that embedding the relevant elements of the one-off waste improvement investment of £5 million and the additional £1.9 million allocated to the housing options service would result in an underlying budget pressure of £7 million. She explained that this budget makes provision to fully address both issues, including:

• Continued investment in the waste service.
• Continued investment in the housing options service.
• No reliance on reserves to fund recurring costs.
• A reduction in the council’s reliance on income generation to just 2% of the savings presented.
• Setting aside £6 million to fund improvements highlighted in the BVI.
• Increasing the minimum reserve balances and building in a £5 million resilience contingency.

Councillor Maium Talukdar, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education, Youth and Lifelong Learning, said the budget was a people's budget that puts over £150 million into the resident's pocket.

Councillor Musthak Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Enterprise, Skills and Growth, said the budget was a bold and compassionate plan designed to prioritise and uplift the most vulnerable residents in our community. He said it was a progressive, inclusive approach to governance that addresses critical issues with compassion and foresight. He particularly highlighted the budget’s focus on SEN.

Councillor Abdul Wahid, Cabinet Member for Customer Service, Equalities and Social Inclusion, described the budget as “a balanced budget” and “a robust budget” and applauded the Mayor’s delivery of manifesto pledges. He also highlighted the reopening of youth clubs, the insourcing of leisure facilities, the continuation of EMA and University bursaries, and the additional support for reception class starters and year 7 starters. He said cuts is a political choice, but we understand and we know the needs of our community and I'm proud to sit here and support this budget.

Councillor Kabir Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Inclusive Development and Housebuilding, applauded the work of officers and the mayor and focused on the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). He explained that this element of the budget includes:

• Funding for 46 new build programmes to deliver thousands of homes.
• Funding for a 237 homes acquisition programme.
• A headroom of nearly 75 million pounds for new pipeline programmes.
• £140 million allocated over a five-year period to support repairs and regulatory improvements on existing homes.
• £1.9 million for housing options service.

He highlighted that these interventions are important for residents, explaining that “the crux of this also impacts on daily lives of residents”.

Councillor Khubilya Choudhury, Cabinet Member for Health, Well-Being and Social Care, described the budget as a big step forward, highlighting that Tower Hamlets will be “the first council in the UK to bring back the free home careand the support provided foradults with learning disabilities, helping them to thrive and gain independence".

Councillor Shafi Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Environment and the Climate Emergency, applauded the hard work of the mayor, fellow councillors and officers in delivering a sustainable and balanced budget which he described as a showcase or a benchmark for other councils to follow. He highlighted the vision of the Mayor for children and young people, particularly the provision of free uniforms, free school meals and the introduction of free home care.

Councillor Abu Chowdhury, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, thanked the officers and fellow Cabinet members for their hard work in drafting the budget, describing it as a year of hard work from across everyone in this chamber. He highlighted the holistic approach it takes to addressing crime and poverty in the borough and outlined the budget’s investment in the following:

• A new specialist drugs unit.
• Additional investment in CCTV.
• Expansion of the Council Enforcement Officer team.
• The reintroduction of meals on wheels.
• New energy and fuel grants.
• Expanded support for children and adults with learning disabilities.

Steve Stranvey, Chief Executive, thanked officers and members for their contributions to the budget and highlighted its impact on other London boroughs, saying that he is contacted about us sharing this best practice through the offices of the Corporate Director of Resources and her team to other authorities that would benefit from learning from our expertise and the way in which this budget has been delivered.

This is the third budget to be overseen by Mayor Rahman since he returned to office in May 2022, after being banned from holding elected office for five years following a finding by an Election Commissioner in 2015 that he had been guilty of corrupt and illegal practices. In his statement on the budget, the Mayor claimed that the Best Value Inspection had recognised the strength and robustness of the council’s finances.

Youth justice board strategic plan update report

Councillor Maium Talukdar, the Deputy Mayor, introduced the Youth Justice Board Strategic Plan Update Report, highlighting the great progress made by the Youth Justice Services, with over 90% of staff having completed child-first training. He also noted the audit process had been highlighted as best practice nationally and the reduction of 41% in the number of children entering the formal criminal justice system.

Kelly Duggan, the Head of Youth Justice and Partnerships, explained that the report is required to satisfy the conditions of the Youth Justice Grant and that in the last year, the service had been subject to a number of reviews by external partners and external experts, including peer reviews, justice professionals, auditors, and moderators.

She explained that the key priorities of the service are:

• Putting the child first.
• Ensuring practice is consistently good.
• Developing the service’s health and education offer.

She highlighted the significant reduction in first-time entrants, explaining that “Since 2021-22, we have reduced our first-time entrants by 41%... year on year who receive a criminal record, which is an incredible achievement for the service”.

Councillor Saied Ahmed asked what measures are being put in place to mitigate re-offending and said it was a shame that reoffending is, as you say, has gone up.

Ms Duggan explained that the number of re-offenders had reduced, but the official figures for re-offending had increased. This is because the re-offending rate is calculated as a percentage of first-time entrants. She explained that the reduction in the number of first-time entrants meant the percentage of re-offenders had gone up, even though the number of re-offenders had gone down. She said this means we are punished by maths, basically.

Ms Duggan explained that the service has introduced several initiatives to support young people, including the Timpson² and Redemption Roasters³ schemes.

Councillor Kobir Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Inclusive Development and Housebuilding, explained that the work done to reduce re-offending is important, saying it's that work that directly impacts on the quality. He described County Lines drug dealing, highlighting the importance of early intervention in chang[ing] the life chances and direction of a young person that finds themselves in a cycle of crime.

Ms Duggan responded by explaining how the Youth Justice Service works closely with the council’s Exploitation team to “look holistically at their family and their community as well and work not just on an individual level with that child but looking at their networks working with the police where there is exploitation as well and with community safety and other relevant people".

Councillor Abu Chowdhury, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, highlighted the importance of diversion schemes to help young people avoid the criminal justice system and focused on post-16 support, saying “if we can offer the right opportunities for young people enough divergent enough positive opportunities I do think people genuinely can turn their life around despite everything going against them growing up”.

Councillor Abdul Wahid asked how many Speech and Language Therapists had been recruited and how the Be Well gym memberships for young people are funded.

Ms Duggan explained that the service has doubled its SALT offer from 0.7 to 1.4 FTEs, funded from a combination of budget underspend and additional funding from the Ministry of Justice. She explained that the 25 Be Well gym memberships were funded from her poor budget.

Highways & transportation delivery spotlight – traffic scheme improvements

Councillor Shafi Ahmed introduced the Highways and Transportation Infrastructure Delivery Report. He noted the report provides an update on the delivery of highways capital projects in 2024, explaining that the service had done a great work and have delivered and supported more than the anticipated projects and that the total investment for this is in access of 10 million pound.

Ashraf Ali, Interim Director of Public Realm, said that the schemes and projects were the result of a listening exercise with the residents and the businesses in the area when we did the walk about with the Mayor in the summer. He praised the work of Vincent Valero and his team and said this is just some of the achievement we did in short space of time, there's a lot more to come.

Mr Valero highlighted that the highway is our most visible and largest asset. He explained that the highways service delivers a wide range of services and outlined its key achievements in the last year.

These include:

• 26 footway reconstruction schemes.
• 30 carriageway resurfacing schemes.
• Essential improvements to Watney Market.
• Working in partnership with the London Legacy Development Corporation⁴ to deliver £2 million worth of public realm improvements in Bromley-by-Bow.
• Measures to ensure development in the borough is not onerous on residents.
• Unlocking £1.2 million of Section 106⁵ funding to support 10 developments.

Mr Valero also said the highways service is looking to introduce electric vehicle charging points, and by the end of March it will be launching the Keeping the Borough Moving Forum.

Councillor Kobir Ahmed thanked the officers for their work and highlighted the emotional impact of public realm improvements, using the example of residents in his ward commemorating loved ones lost during the pandemic by planting trees in their memory and adding commemorative plaques to them. He specifically thanked Wendy Harding for commemorating her parents Sandy and Fred Harding.

Mayor Rahman thanked the officers for their work and praised their efforts making our roads safe, secure, look nice to people who live in the borough and people who visit our borough and for delivering on the 50 schemes at the pace at which you have delivered them.

The Mayor asked for an update on the manifesto commitment to deliver 1,000 new car parking spaces, highlighting that we've got limited parks and spaces in the borough but we can make use of the whole borough in terms of a green agenda.

Mr Ali explained that the council has provided around 800 new spaces and hopefully we'll be actually completing to 1,000 pretty much by probably summer this year.

The Mayor asked how the council determines where to plant trees.

Mr Ali explained that “it goes through a process of assessing the location”. He added “so obviously ensuring that the footways are sufficient enough to accommodate, it's maintainable, it's accessible, not obstructing the footway” and “where we put on carriageway we ensure you know this space is redundant space where we can actually make the road space a bit more nice and tidy”. He also noted that the council has planted “over 1,400 trees to date”, across the borough.

Councillor Maium Talukdar thanked the officers for their work and highlighted the delivery of zebra crosses and some safety measures on Westbury, Eastbury, Marshall and hopefully we're looking forward to some future further works in Manchester Road.

Councillor Peter Golds⁶ thanked the Mayor for the prospect of road improvements on the Isle of Dogs.

Audit Committee - Thursday 09 January 2025

The Audit Committee was scheduled to meet on Thursday 09 January 2025. However, the meeting was postponed. No further details are currently available.

Development Committee - Thursday 09 January 2025

The Development Committee was scheduled to meet on Thursday 09 January 2025. However, the meeting was cancelled. No further details are currently available.

This week in Tower Hamlets:

• The Overview & Scrutiny Committee saw discussions about the recently published Best Value Inspection, flood risk management, and the council’s performance and budget.
• The Cabinet endorsed the Council’s response to the Best Value Inspection and noted the Officer decision not to proceed with the award of the Home Care contract.

Overview & Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday 17 December 2024

The Overview & Scrutiny Committee met to discuss a range of issues, including the Best Value Inspection, flood risk management, the strategic performance and delivery report, budget monitoring and an update on the home care procurement process. The committee noted all of the updates, except the home care procurement update, where a decision was made to move into a private session to discuss the issues further.

Best Value Inspection

Stephen Halsey, Chief Executive of Tower Hamlets Council, provided the Committee with an update on the Best Value Inspection.

Mr Halsey told the committee that the council has not yet received a formal Best Value Notice, but is making preparations for its implementation, including meeting with a range of partners, including the Transformation Advisory Board and chief executives from other councils that have previously experienced intervention.

The five key issues identified in the draft notice are:

• Political leadership
• Governance and decision-making
• The culture of the organisation
• Working effectively in partnership
• Use of resources and continuous improvement of service delivery.

The Minister has made it clear that any improvement plan needs to be locally led with local solutions. Mr Halsey has proposed meeting with the committee early in the new year to discuss how they can co-produce the plan.

The committee also heard from Clive Halsey, who was invited to speak to the committee about his experience helping councils exit intervention. Mr Halsey said that intervention is a journey with four stages or rungs on a ladder.

1. A Best Value notice
2. An Improvement Board
3. A Mandated Board with powers of direction
4. Full commissioners.

Full commissioners are appointed by central government and have full control of the authority.

“With commissioners, you lose the right to do that, and technocrats come in and run the organisation and take those decisions. You do not want that. So, my first advice is make sure you go nowhere near getting deeper into intervention.”

Mr Halsey said that councils in intervention need to ensure that they have a close relationship with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and are open and transparent in their dealings with them. He also said that councils need to work on improving governance, member development and relationships with partners.

Flood Risk Management

The Committee discussed flood risk management in the borough. Councillor Nathalie Bienfait reported on a recent site visit to Fish Island following flooding in the area. One of the key risks identified is the relationship with key strategic partners such as the Canal and River Trust. The committee questioned officers on the perceived lack of communication from the Canal and River Trust and what the council's response would be if there was another serious flooding event.

“Remember, you took them three hours' response. That's a long time for somebody to come to open, to manually open the gate.”

Officers explained that the responsibility for responding to flooding from canals and rivers sits with the Environment Agency and not the council. The council is responsible for flooding from surface water, groundwater and ordinary water courses.

The committee heard that three of the four automated sluice gates around Old Ford Lock failed in January, leading to flooding. The gates are designed to open automatically when water levels reach a certain point, however they malfunctioned. Two of the gates had failed a year prior to the incident and the third failed on the day of the flood. The Environment Agency and the Canal and River Trust undertook a programme of works over the summer to repair the gates and the council has been assured they are now working properly.

The committee discussed the role of sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS)¹ in mitigating flood risk and what data the council is using to identify areas where they could be beneficial. The Committee heard from officers that while the council has installed 55 SUDS, including rain gardens, across the borough, a strategic approach to their implementation is needed. The council has been advised to develop a list of areas that could benefit from SUDS, and to design and plan for schemes in these areas.

The committee agreed to continue discussions on this topic at a future meeting and will be inviting the Cabinet Member for Environment and the Climate Emergency and the Director of Public Realm to attend.

Strategic Performance and Delivery

The committee considered the Strategic Performance and Delivery Report for quarter two, 2024 to 2025.

Mayor Lutfur Rahman opened the discussion, telling the committee that he is committed to improving services for residents. The Mayor said that despite difficult financial circumstances, the council has invested heavily in public services. The Mayor highlighted recent investments in housing, leisure services, youth services, waste services, young people, community safety and adult social care.

Of the 56 strategic performance measures reported in the report, 32 are green (meeting or exceeding targets), 5 are amber (between target and minimum target) and 4 are red (below target).

“But I am not happy, nor is the executive, nor are you happy with just the ticks, just a green. We want to ensure overall that we are doing well.”

The four red measures discussed by the committee are:

• The percentage of Education, Health and Care assessments completed within 20 weeks. This target has been missed for two consecutive quarters, despite the council increasing investment in SEND provision.
• The percentage of young people that reoffend.
• The level of household recycling.
• The percentage of tenants satisfied with the overall service.

Committee members discussed the poor performance on Education, Health and Care plans.

“failures that last quarter when I raised it, it was a 44%. Now it's a 24%. So almost a, you know, 50% decrease in the same time.”

Officers explained that the percentage is a measure of statutory compliance with the Children and Families Act 2014. This is not the only measure of performance on SEND provision, and that in other areas, such as inclusivity, and Key Stage 4 educational attainment, the council is performing well.

“And I guess one of my broader feedback around this indicator, which is Educate Health and Care Plans is that there are other measures of how we're performing as an area, both the council, schools and the health services for, for children and families, which are more positive. So for instance, there's a greater proportion of children on a plan in mainstream education, which is really important about being more inclusive.”

Officers explained that the council is working with the Local Government Association (LGA) to improve its performance in this area and is committed to finding new ways of working.

Free School Meals

The Committee also discussed free school meals. The percentage of primary school children receiving free school meals has been falling and anecdotal evidence suggests that this is because of poor quality food.

“I've had kids tell me that the choice isn't good enough. Uh, they don't like, uh, some of the choice that's been put before them. Uh, and on particular days in some schools, it's the same thing again and again, which doesn't meet their needs or the cultural needs of some of the kids.”

Councillor Abdul Mannan said that he is leading a piece of scrutiny work on school meals and that the committee will be discussing the issue further at a meeting in January. The Committee also heard that there is a seasonal dip in take-up of free school meals in the Autumn and that figures should recover over the winter.

Youth Service

The committee heard from officers about changes to the youth service. The council is in the process of bringing most of the youth service in-house. It has increased investment in the service and is recruiting new youth workers.

“A lot of money has been set aside for the youth service because that's where we're young, young borough. Uh, we need an expanded.”

The committee questioned how the council will ensure that services are maintained during the transition period and that performance is not negatively affected.

Officers said that they will be retaining some commissioned youth services and that they are working with national youth organisations to develop new quality measures for the service.

Recycling

The committee discussed the level of household recycling in the borough. This is a red KPI, with the current rate being below target. The council has invested £5 million in a Waste Improvement Plan, and the committee heard that this is starting to have a positive impact.

“Um, dry recycling is going up, which is really good. Um, contamination levels are going down. Um, and our recycling rate is actually going up.”

The committee heard that the council has recruited eight additional outreach workers to support the plan and is working with social landlords to improve recycling rates.

The committee heard that the council’s contract with Bywaters, the company that processes the council's waste, has been amended to reduce the tolerance for contamination in recycling. The committee asked what impact this would have on recycling rates and what contingency plans the council has in place.

“Um, contamination is, is, is reducing. So that's a good thing. But, um, with the Biowaters contract, um, they are, they are harsh on us. Um, because it's, they're the only player in town, unfortunately, in, in this borough, or anywhere near East London.”

Officers explained that they have factored this change into the budget and that they believe that contamination levels will continue to fall.

Budget Monitoring

The committee considered the Budget Monitoring Report for Quarter Two, 2024 to 2025.

The General Fund has a forecast overspend of £18.4 million. This has been driven by pressures in homelessness, adult social care and SEND.

“Um, so the Q2 general fund forecast outturn position for the year is a forecast overspend of 18.4 million at the moment. Well, when the report was reported. And, uh, this position continues to be significantly impacted by the nationally recognized pressures in homelessness, adult social care, and SEND.”

The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) has a forecast overspend of £2.7 million and the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) has an overspend of £5.1 million.

Officers explained that this is a forecast position based on figures from the end of September, and that the picture is now more positive.

“The budget will be based on the Q3 position.”

The Committee heard that they are expecting a windfall which will eliminate the forecast overspend on the HRA and that at least 50% of the forecast overspend in the General Fund is not expected to materialise.

Home Care Procurement

The committee considered a report on the Home Care Procurement Contract Award Process.

The report explains the decision to withdraw from the procurement process for domiciliary care services, despite a previous decision by the Mayor in Cabinet to award the contract. The committee heard that several bids had been received that challenged the outcome of the procurement process. It also heard that changes to national insurance announced in the autumn statement have affected the affordability of the service.

“None of those bidders could have honoured the contractual price that had gone in.”

The committee questioned officers on the process, particularly in relation to why they were told in a previous meeting that any delay in the process would put vulnerable residents at risk, yet were now being told that there was nothing to worry about.

“Super briefly. At the last meeting, when we discussed this, we were told any extension in the current contracts would put vulnerable residents at risk. So what has changed now that there's no nothing for residents to worry about?”

The Committee also heard that the new director of Adult Social Care had very little involvement in the procurement process and questioned how the cabinet member for Health, Wellbeing and Social Care could have been so confident about the process, given these issues.

Officers explained that the decision not to award the contract was taken to ensure best value for the council and that they had considered all of the risks and opportunities before making a decision.

“The decision not to award was taken on the basis of our ability to demonstrate Best Value due to the combination of all the above.”

The committee decided to move into a private session to discuss the report further.

The next meeting of the committee will be held on Tuesday 14 January 2025.

Cabinet - Wednesday 18 December 2024

The Cabinet noted all of the reports that were presented at the meeting.

The Cabinet endorsed the Council's response to the recent Best Value Inspection, and agreed to work with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to implement an improvement plan. The Cabinet also agreed to note the officer decision not to proceed with the award of the Home Care contract and to continue the Council’s participation in the 8 Authority Pool for Business Rates for 2025-26.

Low Traffic Neighbourhoods

At the start of the meeting, a member of the public asked about a potential appeal against the recent High Court ruling that the removal of three Low Traffic Neighbourhoods by the Mayor was lawful. The Mayor responded by stating that the Council would contest any appeal. He also provided a statement on the removal of the LTNs.

While the reduction of pollution and the improvement of air quality are a critical aim of our Council, we have all along been a sceptic of the effectiveness of LTNs in meeting these ambitions.

The Mayor stated that the LTNs had caused gridlock and increased pollution in the poorest parts of the borough, whilst having a negative impact on businesses and families who rely on cars to supplement their income. He also stated that the Council was committed to reducing its carbon footprint and highlighted alternative schemes that were being pursued to this end.

The Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee raised concerns about the decision made in September to not award the Home Care Contract after the tender process had been concluded. The Mayor responded by stating that he had full confidence in the procurement process and that no resident receiving Home Care services would see their care compromised. He also stated that the Council intended to become the second local authority in the country to provide free home care for people who need it, from April 2025.

Strategic Delivery and Performance Report

Councillor Saied Ahmed presented the Strategic Delivery and Performance Report, which covered the period from 1 July to 30 September 2024. The report found that the Council was performing well in most areas, with 32 of the 56 strategic performance measures meeting or exceeding their targets.

Councillor Ahmed reported that there were four red performance indicators, down from nine in the previous quarter, and that all four had historically been red. These were: the percentage of Education, Health and Care plans completed within 20 weeks; the percentage of children that re-offend; the level of household recycling; and the percentage of tenants satisfied with the overall service provided by the Council.

Councillor Kibria expressed concern about the percentage of Education, Health and Care plans completed within 20 weeks.

what is that specific timeline for completing the review of systems and case load management practice and how will progress be monitored

what specific measures are being prioritised within the recovery plan to address the critical issues affecting the EHS KPI

The Mayor expressed similar concern about the target being missed and the impact it was having on children with special educational needs. He asked if more could be done to improve performance.

if that means we need to look at and get knowledge and the wisdom for the best performing councillors in the country let's do that please Steve

The Mayor welcomed the insourcing of leisure services and stated that the money saved was now being invested in leisure facilities. He also welcomed the reduction in the number of young people re-offending.

we know what's happening

The Mayor stated that he was confident that the insourcing of Tower Hamlets Homes and the Council's investment in the Housing Service would lead to improved tenant satisfaction in future.

Budget Monitoring

Councillor Saied Ahmed then presented the Budget Monitoring report, which covered the second quarter of the financial year. He reported that the Council was forecasting an overspend of £18.4 million on its General Fund budget for the year. The report cited demand-led pressures in homelessness, adult social care, and special educational needs and disabilities as the reason for the forecast overspend.

Councillor Kibria asked for assurance that savings targets would be met.

how assurance you can give us that it will be met saving targets on all those embers

The Director of Finance, Julie Lorraine, responded by stating that she was confident that the year would not end with the forecast level of overspend, and that 50% of the forecast overspend would not materialise. She also confirmed that the Council held a risk reserve of £18 million that would be used to offset overspends.

it is reality in terms of those mitigating factors that have materialised that I've just spoken about

The Director of Finance then answered questions from a member of the public, present at the meeting, about a projected reduction in reserves of £50.8 million. The Director of Finance explained that this figure was based on a risk assessment and was not an accurate reflection of the Council's actual reserves position.

if this 18.4 million overspend materialises that would be the impact

The Director of Finance also confirmed that the Council was reviewing its minimum reserve levels to ensure that they met guidance from The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA)¹.

CIPFA is the professional body for people in public finance

Waste Improvement

Councillor Shafi Ahmed presented the Mayor's Waste Improvement Programme Quarter Two Update. He reported that the trajectory for improvement was moving in the right direction, noting a 45.4% drop in the number of street cleansing requests compared to the same period in the previous year.

95% of keep Britain tidy inspections for street cleaning in Tawahamlas were graded as acceptable in quarter two

The Interim Director of Public Realm, Ashraf Ali, added that there had been a significant improvement in staff morale. He stated that staff now felt motivated to deliver a good service, attributing this to investment from the Mayor.

getting additional staffing getting the staff motivated to train the right skill set

The Mayor asked officers to address the issue of fly-tipping, stating that it was still prevalent in the borough. He also requested that officers take steps to reduce the number of mice infestations, stating that mice were a serious problem.

mouse is a serious problem in the borough

Recycling

Councillor Shafi Ahmed then presented the Reduction and Recycling Plan Progress Report, noting that the household recycling rate had increased from 15.7% in the first quarter to 17.25% in the second quarter.

The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Maium Talukdar, asked for more information about how the Council was engaging with residents.

how we're directly engaging with residents

Richard Williams, the Head of Operational Services, stated that eight engagement officers had been recruited to communicate directly with residents and that free recycling bags were being distributed. He explained that the Council was also recruiting recycling champions who would encourage others to recycle.

we are targeting recycling champions

Councillor Ahmed added that a borough-wide campaign was being developed.

setting up a video or an advertisement information advertisement in the BAME community to ensure that they understand recycling

The Mayor expressed concern about the level of recycling in the borough, stating that it had deteriorated over the previous seven or eight years and was at a shockingly low level.

it's shocking

The Mayor welcomed the fact that the Council's investment in recycling was starting to pay dividends. He asked officers to continue their work in the area and to focus on educating residents about the importance of recycling.

recycling is very important to us

The Mayor stressed the importance of getting young people involved in recycling, stating that:

they are the future

This week in Tower Hamlets:

• The Mayor’s Executive Decision Making meeting was held on Wednesday 11 December 2024 but the Council has not published a transcript or minutes, so no further details are available.
• The Tower Hamlets Health and Wellbeing Board received annual reports from the Safeguarding Adults Board and the Safeguarding Children Partnership.
• The Human Resources Committee agreed to extend the contract of Mr John Harrison, Interim Deputy Section 151 Officer until the end of the financial year.
• The Strategic Development Committee unanimously rejected planning permission and listed building consent for the Chinese Embassy’s proposed redevelopment of Royal Mint Court.
• The Licensing Sub Committee agreed to defer a decision on an application by the Wellcome Co-op on Smeed Road to vary its premises licence to allow it to sell alcohol until midnight.

Tower Hamlets Health and Wellbeing Board - Tuesday 10 December 2024

The Tower Hamlets Health and Wellbeing Board is a statutory partnership board that brings together representatives from the council, the NHS, and other partners to improve the health and wellbeing of residents in the borough. The board has a wide range of responsibilities, including developing and implementing strategies to improve health and wellbeing, overseeing the delivery of health and social care services, and scrutinising the performance of local health and care organisations.

The Board met on Tuesday 10 December 2024 to consider a number of reports on a wide range of issues, including the insourcing of leisure services, progress on the development of clinical pathways, safeguarding, and the development of a strategic vision for Tower Hamlets.

Insourcing of Leisure Services

The Board received an update on the progress that had been made in implementing the Theory of Change that informed the insourcing of leisure services. The council's Be Well service, which was launched on 1 May 2024, has introduced a range of clinical pathways, including a pilot to provide free access to youth justice service users and care leavers.

Concerns were raised about the accessibility of the service. Residents had reported problems using the booking system and low uptake from some groups, including transgender residents, non-binary residents, and residents who are not of Bengali origin.

The Board also heard about a pilot to provide free swimming to older people and women and girls. It was reported that 14,000 residents had signed up to the scheme since July 2024.

Safeguarding

The Board received the Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report for 2023-24 and the Safeguarding Children’s Partnership Annual Report for 2023.

The Board was told that the number of safeguarding concerns raised about adults in the borough had increased and that neglect and acts of omission continue to be the most frequent forms of abuse reported. The number of safeguarding concerns raised about children has also increased, with the partnership leading on four multi-agency improvement projects focusing on anti-racism, peer-on-peer harm, neglect and infant safety.

Strategic Vision for Tower Hamlets

The Board began a discussion about a new strategic vision for Tower Hamlets, to be aligned with the existing Tower Hamlets Partnership Plan 2023-2028. Residents will be involved in the development of the new strategy, with concerns being raised that the voices of older people had not been sufficiently heard during the development of the Partnership Plan.

Human Resources Committee - Thursday 12 December 2024

The Human Resources Committee is responsible for advising and assisting the Mayor in carrying out his executive functions in relation to employment matters. The committee reviews and monitors the council's human resources policies and procedures. It also scrutinises the council's performance in relation to human resources management.

The committee met on Thursday 12 December 2024 to discuss a number of issues relating to the Council’s workforce, including the extension of the contract of the Interim Deputy Section 151 Officer, progress on senior recruitment, employee relations, and the early retirement and voluntary redundancy scheme.

Corporate Director's Update

The committee heard from Mr Simon Baxter, Corporate Director for Place, who provided an update on a number of organisational changes being implemented in his directorate. These included a review of the Public Realm department, which he considers to be “far too big”, and the creation of four new director level roles: Director of Public Realm, Director of Regeneration, Housing and Supply and Assets, Director of Housing Neighbourhoods and Customer Services, and Director of Areas. The review of the Public Realm department is in response to residents’ dissatisfaction with the council's performance on public safety, as indicated by the results of the council’s annual resident survey.

Councillor Abdal Ullah expressed concern about how the restructuring of the department might impact on the council’s response to the Climate Emergency, as a large amount of activity related to climate change falls under the remit of the department, such as waste collection, recycling, highway maintenance, and the management of parks and open spaces. The Corporate Director for Place stated that the restructure would “enhance or prioritise” this work, but the committee requested that a report on the impact of the restructure on the Climate Emergency should be brought to a future meeting.

Extension of Contract of the Interim Deputy Section 151 Officer

The committee agreed to extend the contract of John Harrison, Interim Deputy Section 151 Officer until the end of the financial year. Mr Harrison is responsible for ensuring that the Council’s financial decisions are lawful, and in line with the Local Government Finance Act 1988¹.

The committee questioned the necessity of extending the contract. However, Ms Julie Lorraine, Deputy Chief Executive, explained that while a recruitment process had taken place to fill the post permanently, the successful candidate would not be able to start until April 2025, and so Mr Harrison’s contract needed to be extended. Ms Lorraine argued that acting up arrangements represented good value for money and that interim arrangements are used while permanent recruitment processes take place.

Update on Senior Recruitment

The committee discussed the Council’s progress in filling other senior roles. The report stated that the Council is working to reduce its reliance on interim staff and that a number of permanent appointments have been made in recent months.

The committee requested information about the average length of an interim appointment at the Council, and asked what steps were being taken to ensure that interims have cultural competency and experience of working in councils similar to Tower Hamlets. In response to questions about the ethnic diversity of interim appointments, the Chair of the committee encouraged members to meet with the individuals named in the report.

Early Retirement and Voluntary Redundancy Scheme

The committee discussed the progress of the Council’s Early Retirement and Voluntary Redundancy (ER/VR) scheme. The scheme was introduced in 2023 as part of the council’s efforts to reduce its budget deficit. It is also intended to create opportunities for younger employees to progress within the Council, and to support the council in changing its operating model.

The committee was told that the scheme had resulted in savings of £2.78 million. The committee discussed the long-term savings that were expected to result from the scheme, and were told that it was expected to deliver savings of over £8 million by year three.

Employee Relations Casework and Policy Quarterly Review

The committee heard that there had been 106 formal employee relations cases in quarter two, a significant increase on the previous quarter. Ms Shakespeare, Interim Director of Workforce, OD and Business Support, said that the committee had previously requested that the report should include the number of staff in each directorate to provide context for the figures, which was included in the report considered by the committee.

The committee discussed the high proportion of employee relations cases in the Communities directorate, and were told that this could be due to the size of the directorate, the high turnover of staff, and the complex and challenging nature of the work.

The committee also heard that 65% of cases had been closed within the council's target of 120 days for resolving cases. Ms Shakespeare said that she considered 120 days to be too long and that the Council should aim to resolve cases within 90 days.

The committee discussed how the council learns from disciplinary cases, particularly in relation to gross misconduct and fraud, and agreed that a training session could be held for councillors on lessons learned from disciplinary cases.

Councillor Abdal Ullah asked if the Council has sufficient safeguards in place to protect vulnerable children and adults where an employee with a safeguarding role is facing disciplinary action or a grievance. The committee was told that the Council takes all reports of safeguarding concerns seriously and that there are robust procedures in place to investigate these concerns.

Strategic Development Committee - Monday 09 December 2024

The Strategic Development Committee is responsible for making decisions on major planning applications in the borough. The committee is made up of elected councillors and is advised by officers from the council's planning department. The committee's decisions are made in accordance with the council's local plan and other relevant planning policies.

The committee met on Monday 09 December 2024 to consider two applications for planning permission. The committee unanimously rejected the officer recommendation to approve the planning application and listed building consent for the Chinese Embassy's redevelopment of Royal Mint Court. They also deferred making a decision on an application to redevelop 2-6 Commercial Street, 98, 101-105 Whitechapel High Street and Canon Barnett Primary School until after a site visit.

Royal Mint Court

The committee considered a planning application and listed building consent submitted by the Chinese Embassy for the redevelopment of Royal Mint Court. The proposed development involves the refurbishment and conversion of a number of Grade II* and Grade II listed buildings, as well as the construction of a new building on the site. The development is intended to provide new accommodation for the Chinese Embassy in London.

The application was controversial and had attracted a large number of objections from local residents and amenity groups. The key issues raised by objectors were:

• Traffic congestion: The development is located in a busy area of London and objectors were concerned that it would lead to increased traffic congestion.
• Public safety: Objectors raised concerns about the potential for protests and demonstrations outside the embassy, which they argued would disrupt local residents and businesses.
• Impact on heritage assets: The site is located in a conservation area and close to a number of listed buildings. Objectors argued that the development would have a negative impact on the character and appearance of the area.

The committee heard representations from objectors, the applicant, the Metropolitan Police, and officers. The committee was particularly concerned about the potential for protests and demonstrations outside the embassy, and the impact that this could have on traffic congestion, public safety, and the setting of nearby heritage assets. The Metropolitan Police formally objected to the scheme, stating that it would place a significant strain on local policing resources and the wider road network.

The committee were not persuaded by the applicant’s arguments, and they were also concerned about the lack of detail in the applicant’s plans for managing protests and demonstrations. The committee voted unanimously to refuse both applications.

2-6 Commercial Street, 98, 101-105 Whitechapel High Street & Canon Barnett Primary School

The committee considered a planning application by Alliance Property Asia Inc. for the demolition of a number of buildings on the site, partial demolition of other buildings with facades retained, and the redevelopment of the site to provide a mixed-use development consisting of a building of up to 18 storeys high for offices, a relocated and expanded school playground, a community hall, and a school annexe. The proposed development involves the demolition of the existing NCP car park at the junction of Commercial Street and Whitechapel High Street and the creation of a new public space, Canon Barnett Yard.

The most significant aspect of the proposal is the 18-storey office building, which, if implemented, would be considerably taller than the buildings in the surrounding Whitechapel High Street Conservation Area. A number of objections were received, including those from statutory consultees such as Historic England, the Victorian Society, and SAVE Britain's Heritage. Concerns were raised about the scheme’s height, scale, massing, and impact upon heritage assets, particularly its relationship with the Grade II* listed Whitechapel Gallery. The scheme was also considered to be detrimental to the residential amenity of nearby properties, as it would cause a significant reduction in daylight and sunlight to some windows and would overshadow the playground of Canon Barnett Primary School.

The developer claimed that the height and bulk of the development were necessary in order to lessen the impact of the development on the conservation area. However, officers disputed this claim, arguing that the developer had not put forward sufficient evidence to justify the increased height, and had failed to demonstrate how they had taken account of the reasons why a previous, similar application had been refused.

The developer highlighted the public benefits of the scheme, including job creation, the provision of a new community hall and school facilities, and the removal of a public car park. However, the committee felt that these benefits were outweighed by the harm that the development would cause to the character and appearance of the conservation area and the setting of nearby heritage assets.

Following their discussions, the committee decided to defer making a decision on the application. The committee will undertake a site visit before considering the application at a future meeting.

Licensing Sub Committee - Thursday 12 December 2024

The Licensing Sub-Committee is a statutory committee of the council that is responsible for making decisions on applications for premises licences and club premises certificates. The committee is made up of three elected councillors and is advised by officers from the council's licensing team. The committee’s decisions are made in accordance with the council’s licensing policy and the Licensing Act 2003.

The committee met on Thursday 12 December 2024 to consider an application for a variation of a premises licence for Wellcome Co-op, Unit 2, 68 Smeed Road, and agreed to extend the decision deadlines of four licensing applications.

Wellcome Co-op Unit 2, 68 Smeed Road

The committee heard an application from Wellcome Co-op, Unit 2, 68 Smeed Road in Bow East ward to vary the shop's existing premises licence to allow them to sell alcohol from 06:00 to 00:00, to open from 06:00 to 00:00, and to provide late night refreshment from 23:00 to 00:00 seven days a week. The shop's existing licence allowed it to open from 07:00 to 22:00 and to sell alcohol from 08:00 to 22:00.

The committee heard an objection from Ms Lindsay Stano, who lives above the shop. Ms Stano had previously complained about the shop’s ventilation system, which she said is noisy. She was concerned that if the shop was allowed to open until midnight, the ventilation system would continue to operate late into the night. She was also concerned about noise from waste collections and the potential for anti-social behaviour. The committee were told that Ms Stano had not complained to the council about the shop in the past two years.

The applicant’s representative, Mr Suresh Kanapathy, stated that conditions were in place to prevent public nuisance, and offered to amend the licence to restrict deliveries to between 07:00 and 22:00 and waste collections to between 08:00 and 20:00. He also stated that the waste is kept inside the shop, not outside.

The committee asked for clarification on what the shop meant by the term ‘late-night refreshment’. Mr Kanapathy explained that this would include the use of a photocopier, hot drinks, and light snacks.

The sub-committee clarified that the applicant was proposing to restrict deliveries to between 07:00 and 22:00 and waste collections to between 08:00 and 20:00. They also confirmed that the shop would accept all of the conditions that had been agreed with the police, namely that the shop should risk assess the need for security personnel and provide security as required by the risk assessment. The shop should also provide details of its risk assessment, its staffing and security levels, and its policies relating to vulnerable people and anti-social behaviour to the police and the council upon request.

After some deliberation, the sub-committee decided to defer making a decision on the application. They said that they would write to all interested parties with their decision within 5 working days.

Extension of Decision Deadlines

The committee agreed to extend the decision deadlines for the following applications to February 2025:

• Portuguese Love Affair Basement, 324 Hackney Road, London E2 78X
• Hargan Express Bar, Unit 230 South, London E1 45EZ
• Highway Service Station 102-106, The Highway, London E1W 3TP
• The Dorset Canary Wharf, 48 March Wharf, London E1 49TP

The committee was told that the deadlines needed to be extended because of the large number of applications that the committee needed to consider and because of the complexity of the applications. The committee agreed that the extensions would give them more time to consider the applications and to make informed decisions.

This week in Tower Hamlets:

• The Children and Education Scrutiny Sub-Committee saw an in-depth discussion of the provision of school places in the borough, the corporate parenting strategy, and mental health provision for children and young people.
• The General Purposes Committee decided to note the reports it received, to continue to discuss the location of the State of the Borough debate, and to develop a proposal for the use of AI in council reporting.
• The Audit Committee approved the council's accounts for the years 2020/21, 2021/22 and 2022/23, all with disclaimers of opinion from the outgoing external auditors, Deloitte.
• The Employee Appeals Sub Committee met in private to consider an appeal against an employee dismissal.
• The Appointments Sub Committee met to interview candidates for the role of Director of Adult Social Care.
• The Housing & Regeneration Scrutiny Sub Committee heard presentations from officers and tenant and leaseholder representatives, and reviewed two public interest reports from the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman on the council's handling of homelessness cases.

Children and Education Scrutiny Sub-Committee - Thursday 05 December 2024

The Children and Education Scrutiny Sub-Committee held a meeting on Thursday 05 December 2024 where they discussed the provision of school places in the borough, the corporate parenting strategy, and mental health provision for children and young people. No decisions were made at this meeting, which is often the case with scrutiny meetings, as their purpose is to hold the council's executive to account, to review and scrutinise decisions that have been made, and to ensure that the council is delivering services effectively.

General Purposes Committee - Monday 02 December 2024

The General Purposes Committee is responsible for overseeing the council's constitution, governance, and democratic processes. It is responsible for ensuring that the council is run in an open, transparent, and accountable way. The committee also has a role in overseeing the council's elections and electoral registration processes.

The committee met on Monday 02 December 2024 to consider a number of reports on a wide range of issues, including the appointment of school governors, whether it should formally respond to a government consultation on remote council meetings, proposed changes to the council’s constitution, and received reports on the conduct of recent elections.

Audit Committee - Wednesday 04 December 2024

The Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing the council’s financial reporting, internal control, and risk management processes. It is also responsible for overseeing the work of the council’s internal audit function and the external auditors. The committee has a key role in ensuring that the council is managing its finances effectively and that it is complying with its legal and regulatory obligations.

The committee met on Wednesday 04 December 2024 to consider a number of reports on a wide range of issues, including approving the council’s accounts for the years 2020/21, 2021/22 and 2022/23, all with disclaimers of opinion from the outgoing external auditors, Deloitte. The committee also heard updates from EY, the incoming external auditors, internal audit, risk management, and treasury management.

Housing & Regeneration Scrutiny Sub Committee - Monday 02 December 2024

The Housing & Regeneration Scrutiny Sub Committee met on Monday 02 December 2024 and received a number of reports about the performance of the council's Housing & Regeneration directorate, and of social housing providers in the borough.

Housing Consumer Standard Compliance

The committee heard from Councillor Kabir Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Inclusive Development and House Building, and David Joyce, Corporate Director of Housing and Regeneration, about the progress that has been made since the council brought housing management services back in house in November 2023, following a referendum of council tenants and leaseholders. Prior to this, these services were delivered by Tower Hamlets Homes, an Arms Length Management Organisation (ALMO)¹. ALMOs are independent, not-for-profit companies that are set up by local authorities to manage their housing stock. They are governed by a board of directors, which includes tenants, leaseholders, and councillors. In 2022, 64% of council tenants voted in the referendum, with 84% voting in favour of bringing services back in house.

The committee was informed of a number of achievements that have been made since the service was brought back in house, including a saving of £1.7m per year to the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), an increase in the capital works budget for repairs and maintenance to £140m, and the integration of the Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) team into the wider Community Safety Team.

However, the committee also heard about a number of issues that have been identified, including concerns about building safety, particularly in relation to fire safety and the removal of ACM cladding². Members of the committee expressed concern about the length of time it was taking to complete repairs, and the council's poor performance in responding to complaints.

Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSMs)

The Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSMs) are a set of key performance indicators that are used to measure the performance of social housing providers. They are collected annually by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH). The indicators cover a range of areas, including repairs, complaints, and tenant involvement.

The committee discussed the latest TSMs for Tower Hamlets Council, which showed that overall satisfaction with the council’s housing services was 65%. This is higher than the London average of 59%. However, the committee also heard that there were some areas where the council needed to improve its performance, including emergency and non-emergency repair targets, stage two complaint responses, and satisfaction with handling ASB.

Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman Reports

The committee discussed two recent reports from the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) that had identified serious failings in the council’s handling of homelessness cases. The LGSCO is an independent body that investigates complaints about councils and other public bodies.

In the first case, the LGSCO found that the council had failed to properly assess the needs of an individual with disabilities, and had failed to provide him with suitable accommodation. The Ombudsman also found that the council had failed to properly communicate with the individual and had caused him significant distress. The LGSCO ordered the council to pay the individual £500 in compensation and to review its procedures for assessing the needs of homeless people.

In the second case, the LGSCO found that the council had failed to provide a mother fleeing domestic abuse with suitable accommodation. The council was ordered to pay the mother £300 in compensation for the distress caused, and to apologise for its failings.

The committee expressed serious concern about the findings of the Ombudsman’s reports and asked officers to provide a detailed action plan setting out how the council will address the issues identified.

Scrutiny Challenge Session

The committee agreed to hold a Scrutiny Challenge Session on 30 January 2025 to discuss the council’s plans for using commercial assets to regenerate neighbourhoods.

Licensing Sub Committee - Tuesday 03 December 2024

The Licensing Sub Committee considered two applications for premises licences at its meeting on 03 December 2024.

Application for a New Premises Licence for Osteria Angelina

The committee considered an application for a new premises licence for Osteria Angelina, a new restaurant at 1 Nicholl’s Clarke Yard. The applicant, represented by Mr Robert Sutherland of Poppleston Allen, sought permission to sell alcohol for consumption on and off the premises, to provide late night refreshment, and to open until 11:30pm Monday to Saturday and 10:30pm on Sundays.

The application was opposed by the council's Environmental Protection Team, who raised concerns about noise nuisance, public safety, and anti-social behaviour. The restaurant is located in the Brick Lane and Shoreditch Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ), which means that there is a presumption against granting new premises licences in the area. The Environmental Protection Team argued that the applicant had not demonstrated how they would mitigate the impact of their proposals on the licensing objectives, given the late hours of operation and the restaurant's large capacity. The restaurant will have over 100 covers, and the Environmental Protection Team were concerned that the applicant had not provided sufficient detail about how they would manage noise and crowds, particularly in the external seating area.

The applicant argued that the restaurant would be a high-quality operation with a focus on food, and would be different to the other late-night venues in the area, such as pubs and clubs. They also argued that the design of the building and the surrounding area would help to minimise noise nuisance. The applicant offered to implement a number of additional conditions to address the concerns of the Environmental Protection Team.

The committee agreed to grant the licence, but with a number of additional conditions, including:

• The removal of five standing spaces at the bar.
• No off-sales of alcohol other than to customers seated at tables outside.
• The external seating area to close at 9pm.
• A maximum of five smokers allowed outside the premises after 9pm.
• The provision of an external management plan.

The committee also granted permission for the provision of late-night refreshment.

The decision to grant the licence was made against officer advice, who had recommended that the application should be refused. However, the committee felt that the applicant had demonstrated that their business would be well-run and would not have a negative impact on the area, subject to the conditions. The committee was also persuaded by the representations of Christopher Lloyd, a local resident, who stated that residents had been involved in the development of the site and were satisfied with the applicant’s proposals.

Application for a Provisional Statement for Vertus NFL Limited

The committee considered an application for a provisional statement for a new cafe at 5 Newfoundland Place. A Provisional Statement allows an applicant to apply for permission to carry out licensable activities before the premises is open for business. They are often used where a developer wishes to let a property, and the applicant for the Premises Licence will be the tenant. The committee heard an application by Vertus NFL Limited, who were represented by Mr Alan Thomas, and Mr George Chapman of Poppleston Allen.

The applicant, Vertus NFL Limited, sought permission for late-night refreshment from 11pm to 11:30pm Monday to Thursday, 11pm to midnight Friday and Saturday, and 11pm to 11:30pm on Sundays. They also requested permission for off-sales of alcohol, and for the cafe to open until midnight on Sundays before bank holidays. The application also included a request for non-standard timings for the delivery of hot food and non-alcoholic beverages between 11pm and 5am. The applicant had previously agreed a number of conditions with the Council's Environmental Protection team to address concerns about noise nuisance. These conditions included a requirement for deliveries to be made from a designated location, for delivery drivers to switch off their engines, and for drivers and staff to keep noise to a minimum.

The meeting heard objections from a number of residents who were concerned about noise, anti-social behaviour, and the impact on the residential amenity of the area. The cafe is located underneath a large residential block, and residents were concerned that noise from the cafe would be audible in their homes.

The committee agreed to grant the provisional statement, subject to conditions.

The applicant agreed to amend their operating hours for late-night refreshment to 11pm to 11:30pm on Sundays before bank holidays, and confirmed that they would not be applying to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises.

This week in Tower Hamlets:

• The Strategic Development Committee refused planning permission for student accommodation at 7 Brannan Street, citing concerns about anti-social behaviour, and approved a variation of condition for the Blackwall Yard Jetty to allow it to operate 24 hours a day.
• The Transformation Advisory Board met on Tuesday but no record of the discussion has been made public.
• The Overview & Scrutiny Committee appointed scrutiny leads for its six sub-committees, heard an update from Chief Executive Steve Halsey on the council’s response to the recent Best Value Inspection, and received a report from Councillor Shafi Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Environment and the Climate Emergency, on the Mayor’s Waste Improvement Programme.
• The Cabinet approved a new Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy and a new Substance Misuse Strategy.
• The Development Committee approved an amended application to redevelop Montgomery Square in Canary Wharf.

Strategic Development Committee - Monday 25 November 2024

The Strategic Development Committee meeting on 25 November 2024 saw two deferred applications considered, one refused and one approved. A third application was also considered and approved. The first deferred item was refused, the second was approved, and the third application was also approved.

7 Brannan Street

The application for a 46-storey student accommodation block at 7 Brannan Street was refused on the grounds of the potential for anti-social behaviour, noise pollution, and disturbance to local residents as a result of students' lifestyle choices such as parties, late-night gatherings, and late-night deliveries.

The committee also considered the scale of the development and the number of student bedrooms in coming to their decision that it was an inappropriate location for student accommodation. In particular, Councillor Choudhury stated:

students often have different schedules with late night gathering and social activities that lead to noise and disturbance for family and long-term residents.

This was despite the fact that the site has extant planning permission¹ for a residential tower of a similar size, that it would result in the transfer of an equivalent quantum of student accommodation from another consented scheme in the borough, and that 35% of the accommodation would be affordable. The decision was taken against officer advice, and it was acknowledged that the applicant would likely appeal the decision.

Blackwall Yard Jetty

A Section 73 application² to vary the operating requirements of the consented jetty at Blackwall Way Yard was approved following its deferral at a previous meeting.

The application sought to remove restrictions on operating hours, the type of vessels able to use the jetty, and the number of vessel movements allowed at the jetty per hour. The original condition had been included in order to mitigate potential impacts on air quality and noise pollution, following assessments submitted with the original planning application for the jetty.

The applicant, Hadley Property Group, stated that the original condition would have made the operation of the jetty unviable and that the impacts on air quality and noise pollution as a result of the proposed changes would be negligible.

Representations from residents, in particular Keith McLean from the New Providence Wharf Residents Association, were made in objection to the proposed changes, with concerns raised as to the potential impacts on sleep as a result of the introduction of night-time services, and the impact of the use of older, more polluting vessels to service the jetty.

The committee resolved to approve the variation of the condition subject to an amended condition and an obligation to secure noise and air quality monitoring. The amended condition included the following restrictions:

• All vessels must comply with the International Maritime Organisation’s Tier II vessel engine emissions standard[^3]. [^3]: The IMO Tier II engine emissions standard for marine diesel engines sets limits on the amount of nitrogen oxides (NOx) that can be released into the atmosphere. Tier II engines emit considerably less NOx than older engines and became mandatory for new engines from 2011.
• There will be a maximum of 212 vessel movements to and from the jetty per day, with no more than 12 movements per hour between 11pm and 1am and between 5am and 6am.
• No movements are allowed between 1am and 5am.
• The jetty can only be used by passenger service boats, excluding private boat hire or river cruise vessels.

The obligation will secure the installation of noise and air quality monitoring stations at the jetty for a period of three years from the date of the first operation. Residents will recall that the committee considered a similar application to vary conditions at a previous meeting, when Hadley Property Group was granted permission to operate a jetty at North Quay for 24 hours a day.

Poplar Gas Holder

A hybrid planning application³ for phases 2 and 3 of the redevelopment of the former Poplar Gas Holder site at Leven Road, London was approved.

The application sought to deliver a mixed-use development of 989 residential units (35% affordable) and 812 sqm of commercial space in Phase 2, with up to a further 945 residential units (35% affordable) and up to 1,000 sqm of commercial space to be delivered in Phase 3.

The proposal is a drop-in application, meaning that it is intended to be incorporated into a wider extant permission granted in 2019. The current proposal is for a denser scheme than that already approved with taller buildings.

Concerns were raised about the level of affordable housing, with one resident stating that the habitable room measure used to calculate it was a con, despite the fact that this is the standard measure used in Tower Hamlets and is compliant with the London Plan.

The proposal was approved on the grounds that it would deliver a significant quantum of new housing, including a high proportion of family-sized affordable rented units, as well as various other benefits to the borough. It will contribute over £14.85m in Community Infrastructure Levy payments which can be used by the council to fund a variety of infrastructure improvements.

Overview & Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday 26 November 2024

The Overview & Scrutiny Committee approved the appointment of Alia Begum to the Health and Adults Scrutiny Sub-Committee. The committee also approved the Scrutiny Executive Protocol and took note of reports from the Chief Executive and the Cabinet Member for Environment and the Climate Emergency, as well as updates from the scrutiny leads.

Proportionality of Scrutiny Subcommittees and Appointment of Lead Members

The committee discussed a report on the proportionality of scrutiny subcommittees and the appointment of lead members. A proposal to defer the appointment of scrutiny leads to the next meeting was defeated, and the committee instead proceeded to appoint leads for the following subcommittees:

• Adults and Health Services: Councillor Bellal Uddin was elected over Councillor Amy Lee.
• Children and Education: Councillor Abdul Mannan was elected over Councillor Amy Lee.
• Housing and Regeneration: Councillor Badr Chavri was elected over Councillor Amy Le.
• Resources: Councillor Ahmadou Rahman Khan was elected over Councillor James King.
• Community Safety: Councillor Abdi Mohammed was elected unopposed.
• Environment and Climate Emergency: Councillor Natalie Bienfait was elected unopposed.

The committee agreed that it would revisit the proportionality report at its next meeting once it has been passed by the full council.

Chief Executive Spotlight

Chief Executive Steve Halsey addressed the committee on a number of issues raised in the recent Best Value Inspection report.

I and the senior team at the council accept the findings of the best value inspection report in every respect and acknowledge the need for urgent action to address the serious failings identified.

Mr Halsey stated that he had spoken to over 1,000 staff and various partners about the report's findings, including senior leaders from schools, higher education, the NHS and the Integrated Care Board, police, fire service, the Canary Wharf Group, community organisations, and chairs of the Statutory Partnership Boards. He also confirmed that he had briefed group leaders on the report, and encouraged all members to engage with its findings and the next steps.

Mr Halsey reported that he had formally notified the regulator for social housing of the council's intention to self-refer on 4 October 2024, and that he will be encouraging lead members to attend scrutiny meetings at every appropriate opportunity. He also provided updates on the following issues:

• Home Care Procurement: Mr Halsey stated that the outcome of the recent issue with a third-party home care service provider will be fully reported to the Audit Committee on conclusion of an ongoing independent investigation.
• External Audit Opinions: Mr Halsey confirmed that the final external audit opinions for the years 2021/22 and 2022/23 will be presented to the Audit Committee on 4 December 2024.
• Corporate Performance Reports: Mr Halsey noted a reduction in both RED⁴ and AMBER⁵ measures over the last quarter, which he was pleased to see.
• Member Development Strategy: The Mayor and Mr Halsey have agreed a new member development strategy.
• Empowering Services Review: A review is currently underway to strengthen the corporate centre and empower directorates. This will be reported in the new year.
• Mayor's Office Restructure: Mr Halsey reported that the Mayor's Office restructure is progressing, with agreement on a new structure that will reduce the team from 36 staff to 9.

Mr Halsey apologised for not commenting on the annual resident survey or the women's commission, and committed to providing a detailed update immediately following the meeting.

Mayor's Waste Improvement Programme

Councillor Shafi Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Environment and the Climate Emergency, provided the committee with an update on the Mayor's Waste Improvement Programme (MWIP).

Councillor Ahmed highlighted a number of service improvements that have been made as part of the programme, including:

• Enhanced waste clearance arrangements 7 days a week, including morning, afternoon and night-time clearing.
• Separation of domestic and commercial waste collections.
• Introduction of time banding in high streets and town centres to enforce unregulated waste.
• Introduction of additional weekday and weekend sweeping beats in hotspot areas around the borough, as well as targeted deep cleaning.
• Deployment of 'Find It, Fix It' vehicles to respond immediately to problem areas and fly-tipping.
• Updated service arrangements for recycling on estates.
• Introduction of a pilot for daily use recycling sacks.

Councillor Ahmed reported that 95% of inspections for street cleansing undertaken in Tower Hamlets by Keep Britain Tidy were graded as acceptable, and that Quarter 2 NI 195⁶ results show that Tower Hamlets has significantly improved and is now performing better than the London benchmark for litter and detritus.

The committee viewed a short video produced by the council in partnership with the East London Mosque to encourage residents to recycle. Councillor Ahmed confirmed that the council is also working with the Interfaith Forum to deliver this message.

Councillor Ahmed concluded by stating that education and communication are paramount to making the Mayor's Waste Improvement Programme a success, and that the council will continue to work with local third parties to educate and create awareness amongst residents.

Scrutiny Executive Protocol

The committee discussed a draft Scrutiny Executive Protocol, which sets out the terms of reference for all members of the Overview & Scrutiny Committees and the Cabinet.

Some members expressed concern that the protocol did not take into account the findings of the Best Value Inspection report, and that it placed too much emphasis on the behaviour of scrutiny members while failing to address the lack of engagement from the executive.

I think the onus of this paper is kind of shifted in the wrong direction. I think there's a lot about the protocol of what you expect of us as scrutiny leads. And in return officers will provide impartial information. I'm not necessarily sure in my two months, my two meetings here, it's always been the most impartial information. - Councillor Abdi Mohammed

The committee agreed to approve the protocol as a starting point, with the understanding that it will be reviewed and amended in light of the Best Value Inspection report and further feedback from members.

Scrutiny Leads Updates

Councillor Ahmadou Rahman Khan, scrutiny lead for Resources, provided an update on his recent work, which included three meetings with Julie Ruarez, Corporate Director of Finance.

Councillor Abdul Mannan, scrutiny lead for Children and Education, informed the committee that his sub-committee would be meeting on 5 December 2024 to discuss early help and the recent children's social care inspection. He also highlighted that there would be an inspection of school dinners in January or February 2025.

Councillor Amy Lee, scrutiny lead for Housing and Regeneration, confirmed that she had had a pre-meeting with officers and that her sub-committee would be meeting on 4 December 2024. She stated that she would be providing the committee with dates for upcoming site visits soon, and that she hoped to bring a report on commercial and community assets to scrutiny in February 2025.

Councillor Natalie Bienfait, scrutiny lead for Environment and the Climate Emergency, apologised for the late notice on the recent flood risk site visits. She stated that she had been doing a lot of work on the Net Zero Scrutiny Review, and that the committee would be discussing flood risk at its December meeting, with the support of an external consultant.

Councillor Bellal Uddin, scrutiny lead for Adults and Health Services, stated that he would provide the committee with a more detailed update at its next meeting. He also reminded female members of the committee that there would be a meeting on 4 December 2024 at 5pm, and encouraged them to attend.

Cabinet - Wednesday 27 November 2024

The Cabinet of Tower Hamlets Council made a number of decisions at its meeting, including approving the continuation of business rates pooling arrangements with seven other London Boroughs, the adoption of a new Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy, and a new Substance Misuse Strategy. The Cabinet also approved plans to create a new nursery at Stepney Greencoat CE Primary School and to make a £1.5 million investment in leisure facilities across the borough. The Cabinet agreed to defer a decision on an application from The Roman Road Neighbourhood Forum to formally designate the area as a neighbourhood planning area.

Young Tower Hamlets

The Cabinet received a report on the progress of the Young Tower Hamlets programme. The programme is on track to deliver new or refurbished youth centres in all 20 wards of the borough by May 2025, with 16 centres now operational.

The Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, stated that Young people need the best infrastructure and the foundation in life to help them and support them to be successful adults. He reminded the Cabinet that the Council had increased its annual spending on youth services by £30 million and stated that putting in additional, just about 30 million pounds, additional money per year I think would be well spent.

The Mayor raised concerns that youngsters not only played [in the old youth centres], engaged in recreational activities but also we worked in partnership with the schools, with the parents, with the other communities, the volunteer sector and faith sector to ensure the youngsters were focused on attainment at that age. He instructed officers to ensure that when we had youth service last time youngsters not only played, engaged in recreational activities but also we worked in partnership with the schools, with the parents, with the other communities, the volunteer sector and faith sector to ensure the youngsters were focused on attainment at that age.

The Mayor also asked officers to ensure that space is available in the new youth centres for young people to do their homework, stating that I come across in my surgeries twice a week, parents, kids also come with their parents saying they don't have a space to do their homework.

The Young Tower Hamlets programme was a manifesto pledge made by Lutfur Rahman in the run up to the 2022 Tower Hamlets Council election: https://www.lutfurrahman.org/my-plan-for-tower-hamlets/

The Cabinet noted the report.

Housing Consumer Standard Compliance

The Cabinet received a report on the self-referral of the Council's housing management service to the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH)⁷. The self-referral was made on 4th October 2024 following the in-sourcing of the service from the Tower Hamlets Homes Arms Length Management Organisation (ALMO). The self-referral is intended to provide assurance to the RSH that the Council is aware of its responsibilities as a social housing provider and is taking steps to improve its performance.

In the meeting the Mayor stated that we want to be open and transparent and it is a service that we inherited. We weren't responsible for the ALMO for seven years, we came in and it was our commitment, manifesto commitment, there will be a referendum or consultation and we will bring it in-house, we will put it in-house and it does need a proper independent health check.

A representative from the RSH met with the Council's Chief Executive, Stephen Halsey, and the Corporate Director of Housing & Regeneration to discuss the self-referral. The regulator thanked the council for the self-awareness and transparency that [it] showed in self-referring and noted that [self-referral] is always the way that they want to hear from councils. The regulator confirmed that a full inspection of the Council's housing management service would take place in early 2025 and would include fieldwork in February 2025.

During the meeting the Mayor raised concerns about the quality of the housing stock that the Council had inherited from Tower Hamlets Homes, stating that some of the stock is in a very poor condition, you know, inside in particular. You know, there are some flats or homes that they are seriously mould ridden, mould infestation and condensation, serious problems.

The Mayor went on to express further concerns about the performance of the repairs service, which is currently delivered by three external contractors: Axis Europe PLC, Fortem Solutions Ltd and Morgan Sindall Property Services. The Mayor described the service as rubbish, arguing that too many occasions our residents are telling us it's happening that tenants sometimes can't get through, can't get through to report to repair, and if they do eventually get through, when they are promised a visit will be made and the visit is not made, it's on the second, third, fourth occasion when someone will attend, will attend, promise X, Y and Z, then they don't come back to do the work. Or when they do the work, most of the time it's shoddy work, or they leave behind unfinished work. The Mayor asked officers to obtain legal advice on options for terminating the contract with the Council's repairs contractors, stating that we need a legal, because we can't continue in the current state, we're continuing. A lot of money has been spent, has been contracted out, it's not working, if we need to break the contract, we need to break the contract, unless you give us a better reason we shouldn't.

The Cabinet approved the creation of a new Housing Management sub-committee to provide increased scrutiny of the housing service.

Council's Tenant & Leaseholder Engagement Strategy 2024 - 2029

The Cabinet received a report on a new draft Tenant and Leaseholder Engagement Strategy for 2024 - 2029. The strategy sets out how the Council will engage with its tenants and leaseholders and is a key part of the Council's response to the in-sourcing of its housing management service. The strategy was co-designed with residents in workshops throughout 2023.

The Cabinet approved the new strategy.

Approval of the Council's new Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2024-2029

The Cabinet received a report on a new draft Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy for 2024-2029. The strategy sets out how the Council will prevent and tackle homelessness in the borough over the next five years. The strategy is structured around six key priorities:

• Working with people earlier to prevent them from becoming homeless.
• Providing good quality accommodation for people who are at risk of or where they become homeless.
• Improving customer service and individual experience.
• Making sure that people have access to the right support services.
• Preventing rough sleeping.
• Boosting staff resilience and wellbeing

The Cabinet approved the new strategy.

Combatting Drugs Partnership - Substance Misuse Strategy

The Cabinet received a report on a new Substance Misuse Strategy that sets out how the Council will reduce the harm caused by drugs and alcohol in the borough. The strategy is structured around three key pillars:

• Prevention: This includes activities such as providing drug and alcohol education in schools, working with parents and carers to prevent substance misuse, and providing support to young people who are at risk of substance misuse.
• Treatment and Recovery: This includes providing a range of treatment and recovery services for people who are dependent on drugs or alcohol, such as detoxification, rehabilitation, and support groups. The Council has committed to spending £10 million on Treatment and Recovery, and £1.4 million on creating a Culturally Sensitive Recovery Service.
• Enforcement and Tackling Supply: This includes working with the police and other agencies to tackle the supply of drugs in the borough, and to support people who are involved in the criminal justice system as a result of their substance misuse.

In the first quarter of 2024/25 there were 500 arrests for drug trafficking in Tower Hamlets.

The Cabinet approved the new strategy.

Child Healthy Weight Scrutiny Challenge Session - Action Plan Response

The Cabinet received a report on the Council's response to the recommendations of a Scrutiny Challenge Session on Child Healthy Weight.

In May 2024 the Health and Adult Scrutiny Sub-Committee published a report⁸ on childhood obesity. The report found that there were high levels of childhood obesity in the borough, which was contributing to a range of health problems, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some types of cancer. The report made a number of recommendations for how the council could address this issue, including:

• Increasing the availability of healthy food in schools.
• Providing more opportunities for children to be physically active.
• Raising awareness of the importance of healthy eating and exercise.

The Cabinet noted the report.

Health and Adult Scrutiny - Disabilities Peoples Access to Sports and Exercise Provision

The Cabinet received a report on the Council's response to the recommendations of a Scrutiny Challenge Session on empowering disabled residents, accessible sports and fitness initiatives.

The Cabinet noted the report.

Planning for School Places 2024-25 Review and Recommendations

The Cabinet received a report on the Council's annual review of school places. The report highlighted that the birth rate in Tower Hamlets is falling, leading to a reduction in demand for primary school places. This is in line with national trends: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-61980578.

The Cabinet noted the report.

Stepney Greencoat CE School Expansion to Include Permanent Nursery Provision

The Cabinet received a report on a proposal to create a new 30-place nursery at Stepney Green C of E Primary School. The proposal follows a successful pilot scheme at the school. The new nursery would provide high-quality early education for three- and four-year-olds in the local area and would help to address the demand for full-time childcare in the area. The proposal is cost-neutral, as it would be fully funded through the early years entitlement scheme.

The Cabinet agreed to the proposal.

Roman Road Neighbourhood Forum Redesignation Application

The Cabinet received a report on an application from The Roman Road Neighbourhood Forum to formally designate Roman Road as a neighbourhood planning area. The Council is required to make a decision on the application within 13 weeks of the end of the consultation period.

Some members of the Cabinet expressed reservations about the current composition of the Forum's management committee, and asked for the matter to be deferred to allow time to discuss these concerns with the Forum.

The Cabinet agreed to defer a decision on the application. The Corporate Director of Housing and Regeneration was delegated to approve or refuse the application, in consultation with the Mayor and the Cabinet Member for Housing, following further discussions with the Forum.

Be Well Leisure Capital Proposals

The Cabinet received a report on proposals for £1.5 million of capital investment in the Council's Be Well Leisure facilities. If approved, the proposals would see the delivery of eight capital projects across the borough by December 2025, generating an estimated £906,000 of additional income for the Council over three years.

During the meeting the Mayor asked officers to develop proposals for sauna and spa facilities at Tiller Leisure Centre and Poplar Baths Leisure Centre and Library, stating that we can't see it before we want to see spa and sauna facilities in Tilla and at Poplar Park Police.

The Cabinet agreed to the proposals in the report and asked the Chief Executive to bring a further report to the next meeting of the Cabinet with proposals for sauna and spa facilities at Tiller Leisure Centre and Poplar Baths Leisure Centre.

Business Rates Pooling Report

The Cabinet received a report on the continuation of its Business Rates Pooling arrangements.

Business Rates Pooling is a system where a group of local authorities agree to pool their business rates income and then share it out between them according to an agreed formula. This is intended to help to reduce the financial risks associated with business rates income, which can be volatile. The Greater London Authority (GLA) operates a pooling scheme for London Boroughs. Tower Hamlets is a member of a pool with seven other London Boroughs.

The Cabinet agreed to continue participating in the pool for a further year.

Development Committee - Thursday 28 November 2024

The committee unanimously approved an application to redevelop Montgomery Square in Canary Wharf. The plans will see a new, larger pavilion building built that will provide a new restaurant with terraces and spill out seating. The existing temporary marketing suite and the current occupier 640 East will be removed to allow for new landscaping that will increase the amount of Publicly Accessible Open Space and introduce extensive planting and new trees. In related changes, Water Street will be closed to vehicles travelling eastbound.

Montgomery Square Redevelopment

This application was previously considered by the committee on 3 October 2024, however the committee resolved to refuse planning permission, arguing that:

The road closures would adversely affect local businesses; The road closures would affect traffic and congestion within Canary Wharf; and The adverse impact on residents entering and exiting Wood Wharf by car.

The applicant amended the plans, and following further public consultation, only one objection was received. The key changes were the removal of the complete closure of Water Street to public through traffic, which will still allow residents to access their properties, and to amend the timing of the introduction of the restriction so that it will not happen until all of the access roads into Wood Wharf are open, not just the Cartier Circle entrance.

Many of the original objections to the scheme came from people who use or work at the 640 East café in the square. The café has occupied a unit at 10 Water Street since October 2023 as part of the applicant's attempts to ensure that they could continue to trade nearby. The new unit is a similar size to the café's current unit, will include outdoor seating, and is located inside the application site.

The committee raised no issues with the rest of the proposals during the previous meeting. They liked the proposed changes and felt they were decent and made quickly.

Closure of Water Street to eastbound traffic

The proposals will make Water Street one-way, removing the ability for vehicles to travel eastbound. Access will still be retained for service and emergency vehicles, taxis and blue badge holders. This will allow the applicant to introduce pocket parks, additional greenery and new seating areas to Water Street, which will also be resurfaced to demarcate it as semi-pedestrianised.

The Wood Wharf masterplan contains a restriction that prevents the applicant from closing roads to the public, so they will have to enter into a deed of variation to allow the changes.

A condition was placed on the application to ensure that the restriction to Water Street will not be introduced until both the access route through Cartier Circle is open to two-way traffic, and the exit onto Preston's Road has also been delivered.

During the debate, Councillor Farooq Ahmed raised concerns that the re-consultation period for the amended application, which only received one objection, may not have been sufficient. The council's Statement of Community Involvement sets out a minimum consultation period of 14 days, which the applicant complied with. Officers clarified that there is no statutory requirement to consult on amendments to planning applications.

Councillor Iqbal Hossain closed the meeting by paying tribute to Jerry Bell, the area planning manager, who was attending his last meeting before leaving to take up a new role at Westminster City Council.

This week in Tower Hamlets:

• The Council meeting saw Mayor Lutfur Rahman announce a winter fuel payment scheme, offering £175 to pensioners in the borough, to mitigate the impact of the Government's recent cut to the Winter Fuel Allowance, and Chief Executive Steve Halsey acknowlege the need for urgent action to address the failings identified by the recently published Best Value Inspection report.
• The Licensing Sub Committee granted a new premises licence to Club Row Limited for the Knave of Clubs at 1 Club Row.

Council - Wednesday 20 November 2024

This week's meeting of the Full Council began with a minute's silence in memory of the late President of Somaliland, Ahmed Mohammed Silanyo.

Councillor Amina Ali, the longest-serving Somali Councillor, then gave a speech about the late President, whom she described as a freedom fighter who had brought peace to Somaliland. She also spoke about the recent elections in Somaliland, which she described as one of the most peaceful in East Africa. The Council had previously voted to recognise Somaliland as an independent state in 2015, a motion that had been proposed by Councillor Ali.

Before moving onto the agenda, Councillor Sirajul Islam, Leader of the Labour group, asked the Monitoring Officer why an “emergency motion” on the Best Value Inspection report had not been accepted. The Monitoring Officer explained that the motion had been submitted late, was initially inaccurate, and had not been resubmitted after being corrected.

In response, Councillor Islam indicated that the Labour group would submit a motion on the topic at a future Council meeting, and the Speaker, Councillor Saifuddin Khaled, indicated that he would ask the Chief Executive to address the issue in his announcements.

The Chief Executive, Steve Halsey, began his announcements by addressing the recently published Best Value Inspection report, which found that the council was failing in its best value duty. Mr Halsey acknowledged that the council needed to take urgent action to address the serious failings identified, but also highlighted positive aspects of the report, such as the recognition of the council's robust financial position and the dedication of council staff. He said that the council would develop an improvement plan and would bring an update report on the progress with our improvement journey to every full council meeting throughout 2025.

Mr Halsey also spoke about several other issues, including the council’s recent Ofsted inspection of Children’s Social Care services, its self-referral to the Regulator of Social Housing, the outcomes of an investigation into a home care service provider, preparations for the 2025 local elections, and his new role chairing the Association of Chief Executives for Mayoral Authorities.

The Council then moved on to consider a number of petitions.

The first petition, presented by Alicia Mishra and Pranudhath Mylavarapu, called on the council to reject the proposed Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) on dogs. The petition had been signed by over 5,000 residents. Ms Mishra argued that the PSPO, which proposed introducing mandatory leashing at all times, restrictive dog exclusion zones, and a limit on the number of dogs that could be walked at once, was unfair, overly broad, and [didn't] target the real issues. She said that it would disproportionately impact vulnerable dog owners, that existing regulations were already sufficient to manage the issues that the PSPO was intended to address, and that the money could be better spent on other priorities such as tackling violent crime.

In response to questions from councillors, Ms Mishra also argued that the PSPO would be difficult to enforce, that it could lead to an increase in dog aggression, and that it would have a detrimental impact on the mental health of dog owners.

The petition was supported by Labour and Aspire councillors, and a motion to refer the petition to the Corporate Director for Communities was passed unanimously.

The next petition was presented by Andrew Wood. Mr Wood’s petition related to the poor state of the dockside path on the Isle of Dogs. He explained that the path is owned by the Canal & River Trust, a national charity that cares for 2,000 miles of waterways in England and Wales. Mr Wood argued that the path was dangerous and in need of repair, that the Canal & River Trust did not have the resources to properly maintain it, and that the Council should work with the charity to improve it.

In response to questions from councillors, Mr Wood argued that although the Council did not own the path, it should do more to support the Canal & River Trust, as the path is a vital public amenity.

The petition was referred to the Corporate Director for Communities.

The final petition was presented by Terry McGrenner, who called on the council to provide more social housing. He argued that the council had consistently misrepresented the number of genuinely affordable social homes that had been built, using the example of the Sidney Street development in Stepney, which he said had been advertised as providing 407 new council homes, when in fact there would only be 27 additional social rented homes. He called for the abolition of Section 106 agreements and the Community Investment Levy, which he said were both flawed systems, and for the repeal of the 1961 Land Compensation Act and the Right to Buy Act, which he argued would allow local authorities to keep a larger share of the planning gain from new developments.

In response to questions from councillors, Mr McGrenner confirmed that his primary concern was the Council’s “misrepresentation” of the number of new social homes that had been built, and argued that there should be more input from social housing tenants in the planning process.

The petition was referred to the Corporate Director for Communities.

The Council then received the Mayor’s report.

Mayor Lutfur Rahman began by welcoming Councillors Sabina Akhtar and Sabina Khan to the Aspire group. He went on to discuss the Government’s Best Value Inspection report, which found that the Council was failing in its best value duty, and highlighted the positive aspects of the report, such as the recognition of the Council’s strong financial position. The Mayor said that he was committed to improving the Council’s “toxic” political culture and announced the launch of a winter fuel payment scheme to offset the Government’s recent cut to the Winter Fuel Allowance. He also proposed the reintroduction of the Meals on Wheels scheme and luncheon clubs for elderly residents.

Councillor Sirajul Islam, Leader of the Labour Group, also spoke about the Best Value Inspection report, which he said highlighted a toxic culture and a breakdown of trust within the council. He said that Labour would work constructively to improve transparency and accountability, and criticised the Mayor for not acknowledging the additional funding the Government had provided to the Council to support households through the cost of living crisis.

The Mayor responded defensively, accusing Labour of failing to deliver during their time in office.

Councillor Maium Talukdar proposed a motion to investigate the feasibility of reintroducing the Meals on Wheels scheme and luncheon clubs for elderly residents. This was seconded by Councillor Sabina Akhtar.

Councillor Mufeedah Bustin opposed the motion, arguing that it was politically motivated.

The motion was debated and passed with a majority vote.

Councillor Amy Lee proposed a motion to adopt the Migrant Care Workers Charter, which was seconded by Councillor Asma Islam. The motion was amended by Councillor Abdal Ullah to include a requirement for care providers to offer a minimum of 16 hours of work per week to all care workers, and a requirement to establish a joint task force with the police to investigate instances of modern slavery in the care sector. The motion was debated and passed unanimously.

Councillor Maium Talukdar proposed a motion to defer the consideration of the Proportionality and Allocation of Seats on Committees report until the next Council meeting. This was opposed by Councillor Sirajul Islam, who moved a motion to change the order of business to bring the consideration of the report forward. The motion was defeated and the report was deferred.

The Council noted a number of reports, including the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report and the Flexible Use of Capital Receipts Strategy 2024/25.

The Council considered a number of motions, including a motion to empower SEND children and young adults and a motion on concerns over a possible merger between Tower Hamlets Community Housing (THCH) and Hyde Housing Group. The motion on concerns about the THCH / Hyde Housing merger was amended by Aspire and passed, while the other motions were not reached due to the time limit.

The Council agreed to remove and reappoint the chairs of all of its committees, and proceeded to elect new chairs for the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, the Development Committee, the Strategic Development Committee, the General Purposes Committee, the Audit Committee, the Pensions Committee, the Licensing Committee and the Human Resources Committee. The Council was unable to appoint a new chair for the Standards Advisory Committee before the time limit was reached.

Licensing Sub-Committee - Tuesday 19 November 2024

The Licensing Sub Committee met to consider an application for a new premises licence for the Knave of Clubs at 1 Club Row, London E1 6JX.

The applicant, represented by Mr James Anderson of Poppleston Allen, sought permission for the sale of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises, the provision of late-night refreshment, and regulated entertainment.

The meeting heard objections from the Licensing Authority and Environmental Protection, who expressed concerns about the impact of off-sales of alcohol on the cumulative impact zone.

Mr Anderson argued that the pub had historically operated in this way, and that many other pubs in the area were allowed to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises. He offered a number of conditions to mitigate the risk of public nuisance, including a 9pm curfew on drinking outside.

The Sub-Committee ultimately decided to grant the application for off-sales, subject to a number of conditions, including a requirement to display notices asking customers to respect the needs of local residents, a requirement to sweep the pavement outside the pub at the end of the night, a requirement to provide table service to customers drinking outside, and a limit of 40 people drinking outside at any one time.

The Sub-Committee also granted permission for the provision of late-night refreshment and regulated entertainment, subject to conditions agreed with the police.

The applicant agreed to install and maintain a comprehensive CCTV system, to ensure that all front of house staff complete welfare and vulnerability awareness training, and to employ a minimum of two SIA licensed door supervisors from 8pm until close on Fridays and Saturdays, and on bank holiday weekends.

This week in Tower Hamlets:

• The Strategic Development Committee saw decisions on three planning applications, including one deferred for a site visit after the committee tied on a vote, with the Chair using his casting vote to decide in favour of a site visit.
• The Transformation Advisory Board has been postponed.
• The Pensions Committee heard a presentation from Schroders, the council’s real estate investment managers, and approved the holding of a Pension Fund Information Forum for scheme employers and members in January 2025.
• The Employee Appeals Sub Committee considered the appeal of an employee against their dismissal in a meeting that was not open to the public because the agenda included confidential information relating to the employment of a member of staff.
• The Appointments Sub Committee met to discuss the shortlisting of candidates for the post of Director of Adult Social Care.

Strategic Development Committee - Wednesday 13 November 2024

The Strategic Development Committee met on Wednesday 13 November 2024 to consider three planning applications. The Committee decided to grant planning permission to change the use of two floors of One Canada Square from office space to teaching space for University College London (UCL) School of Management. They also resolved to allow a variation to a Section 106 agreement to allow the construction of a residential development at the Leaven Road bus carriage depot. The committee also considered an application for a new student accommodation development at 7 Brannan Street, but deferred making a decision on the application until a later meeting, after they voted to conduct a site visit.

Redevelopment at 7 Brannan Street, Wood Wharf

The committee considered a full planning application for the redevelopment of 7 Brannan Street, Wood Wharf for the construction of a 46-storey building for purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), along with a small amount of commercial space for Class E uses¹. The committee heard from Nicholas, the planning case officer for the application. Nicholas explained that the application site is located in a new neighbourhood that is being built as part of the wider Canary Wharf Estate. Wood Wharf has outline planning permission for a range of different uses including residential, commercial, community, and educational. He told the committee that the outline planning permission requires the developer to build at least 1,700 homes, and to date they have delivered or have consent for 3,334 homes.

Nicholas went on to explain that while the application site currently has permission for standard C3 residential use², the developer wants to build PBSA instead. This change in use requires the committee to assess whether the proposal would undermine the supply of self-contained housing in particular family homes as required by Policy SH1 of the Tower Hamlets Local Plan. Nicholas stated that officers felt it would be difficult to justify refusing the application on that basis as a significant amount of housing is already being delivered as part of the Wood Wharf development, and the developer has already fully complied with their obligation to build homes. He also stated that, as PBSA counts towards the borough's housing targets, the proposal would actually deliver a greater number of homes than could be built under the existing use class.

Nicholas told the committee that the developer also intends to submit a Section 96a non-material amendment³ to the planning permission for the nearby North Quay development, to reduce the amount of student accommodation to be built there and transfer that floorspace to the Wood Wharf development. He explained that the North Quay development currently has permission for up to 100,000 square metres of student accommodation. The Section 96a application would reduce this by 32,791 square metres and allow that floorspace to be built at Wood Wharf instead. He also pointed out that the development would provide £12.5 million in Community Infrastructure Levy payments⁴ to the council that would not be payable if the site remained under its existing use class.

Members of the committee asked questions of the officers about a number of topics, including whether the council's consultation on the proposal had been adequate, given that only two objections had been received, whether enough cycle parking was being provided, and what steps were being taken to ensure the safety of women and girls in the area, given that Transport for London had expressed concerns in their consultation response on the application. Officers explained that while the council had met all of its statutory requirements on consultation, the location of the site means it is unlikely to be of interest to a large number of residents. They also stated that the number of cycle spaces provided meets both local plan policy requirements and Transport for London requirements. In response to the concerns about safety, officers explained that while the application does not directly provide funds for the improvements identified in the Active Travel Zone assessment for the area, the £12.5 million in Community Infrastructure Levy payments from the development could be used for this purpose.

Councillor Sabina Khan stated that she supported the development, arguing that:

It's a really amazing project. We will get business rate and it will keep regenerating. The more activities happen in the area, the more businesses will come.

Councillor Gulam Kibria Chudri proposed that the committee undertake a site visit before making a decision, arguing that:

It's a massive site. It's 46 storey. And a number of residential areas there. I think we need to visit this, because I think a lot of students, their schedule is not like resident. A lot of social gathering, a lot of activities they do, and definitely it will disturb our established residential cohesion.

This was seconded by Councillor Celic Ahmed, who stated that he supported a site visit for clarification. Councillor Khan argued against a site visit, stating:

We have made an attempt to contact each and every single one of us, and a couple of weeks ago, to get us to go to a site visit before this application was presented to us. So I think we would have had plenty of time to go and do that. Then we would be looking at the papers and we'd be looking at this probably. We get the papers as well as that as well. So we get that amount of time to look at the papers and then we'd go to do that which is asking for the council services.

Councillor Khan went on to explain that she was already familiar with the area, having been to that area and know[ing] the area quite well, and so she was:

in a position where I'm comfortable of making a decision today.

When put to a vote, four members of the committee voted for a site visit and four voted against. The Chair, Councillor Amin Rahman, used his casting vote to decide in favour of a site visit. The application was therefore deferred to a later meeting.

Change of Use at One Canada Square, Canary Wharf

The committee considered an application to change the use of floors 48 and 49 of One Canada Square from Use Class E (office space) to Use Class F1 (learning and non-residential institutions). The applicant intends to use the space to provide teaching space for University College London (UCL) School of Management.

Nick Graves, the case officer for the application, explained that UCL School of Management already occupies two floors in the building, and that changes of use to allow them to do so were granted by the Strategic Development Committee in 2015 and 2020. The case officer explained that the application had come to the committee because, as the change of use involves over 2,500 square metres of floorspace and represents a potential departure from the local plan, the council's constitution requires these decisions to be made by elected members. He went on to explain that Canary Wharf is a Primary Preferred Office Location, meaning that the loss of office space is contrary to local plan policy. However, he argued that the proposal was acceptable for a number of reasons:

• The loss of floorspace is relatively small compared to the total amount in the building.
• There is already a large pipeline of consented office space being built in Canary Wharf.
• The site is located in the Canary Wharf Metropolitan Town Centre and so a range of uses would be acceptable there, including educational uses.
• UCL is considered a centre of excellence for research, meaning that its use of the space would be considered a 'strategic central activity zone use', in compliance with the London Plan.
• UCL has already established links with businesses in Canary Wharf and the expansion of their facilities would allow them to continue this work, in compliance with London Plan Policy E8.

Officers recommended that the committee grant permission for the change of use.

Members of the committee asked a number of questions, including why the proposal was acceptable despite the loss of office space. Councillor Gulam Kibria Chudri quoted from the officer's report, asking:

Can you clearly explain this? Just last paragraph and your executive summary.

The paragraph that Councillor Chudri referred to states that:

The proposal would result in the net loss of 4,138 square metres of office floor spaces. And this loss within the primary preferred office location is not normally supported. However, in this specific instance, it is considered to be acceptable as the proposal would not undermine the supply of office floor space within the Canary Wharf.

In response, officers explained that the building has over 115,000 square metres of floorspace and so the loss is relatively small, and that the Canary Wharf estate has a significant pipeline of consented office space coming forward. Councillor Khan, picking up on concerns raised by officers about the amount of empty office space in Canary Wharf, asked:

So, for example, if we have this, if we grant this, in terms of business rate, are we going to lose money out of it or how does that affect our income?

Officers explained that this is not a planning consideration and so is not something that the committee can take into account when making their decision. However, they pointed out that:

if the floor space is empty and it's not being used, then there's no business rates. As we've indicated, there is a lot of surplus floor space in Canary Wharf. It's better to use it for something that is going to generate business rates than leave it empty because our policies suggest that we should. I think, on balance, this is a much better way of making sure that the building continues to get used, that it doesn't generate jobs and employment and also generates business rates, which is not relevant to this committee, by the way, so I might have to make that clear.

Councillor Khan stated that she supported the application, arguing that:

I think it would be really good to have UCL coming to Tower Hamlets and bringing this world-class education facilities and give the people who are working around the experience and then more people will come to Tower Hamlets and it will keep Canary Wharf special the way it is.

When put to a vote, all of the members of the committee present voted to grant permission for the change of use.

Variation to Section 106 agreement for Leaven Road bus carriage depot

The committee considered an application by Taylor Wimpey to vary the terms of the Section 106 Agreement for the Leaven Road bus carriage depot. Planning permission for the construction of 532 residential units at the site, including 35% affordable housing, was granted by the committee in July 2020. However, the application had come back to the committee because work on the development had stalled due to the withdrawal of a registered provider from the project and changing market conditions that have affected the viability of the scheme. The developer sought to reduce the amount of affordable housing to 21.9%.

Jane Jean, the case officer for the application, explained that the committee was being asked to consider the application under Section 106A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. This allows the council to vary the terms of an existing Section 106 agreement. She explained that although the scheme would result in an overall reduction in the number of affordable homes, it would actually lead to a net increase of 27 affordable rented units, from 89 to 116. This includes an increase of 11 large, family-sized, three- and four-bedroom units. All of the shared ownership units would be removed from the scheme and 38 private units would be added.

Officers recommended that the committee approve the variation to the Section 106 agreement. They acknowledged that the reduction in the total amount of affordable housing is not ideal, but argued that, on balance, this was outweighed by the benefits of the scheme, including:

• The increase in the number of affordable rented units, which are in high demand in the borough.
• The prioritisation of affordable rented units in the phasing of the development, meaning that these will be built before the private units.
• A commitment from the developer to recommence work on the development within six months, which will ensure the rapid delivery of new homes.

In response to questions from the committee, Ms Jean explained that a viability assessment undertaken by the council's own viability team had concluded that, even with the reduced amount of affordable housing, the development would still be in deficit by £6.9 million. However, she explained that this is an improvement on the previously consented scheme, which was in deficit by £12 million.

Members of the committee expressed concern about the reduction in the amount of affordable housing and asked questions about the developer's commitment to delivering the scheme. Councillor Asma Begum stated:

I could understand the shared ownership part of it completely disappeared, but the social housing element of it does reduce. I do see that there are four-bedroom properties, but I don't think that outweighs the fact that it's still going to be reassurance that the building may be able to be developed.

Councillor Begum went on to state that while the increase in family-sized units and affordable rented units was welcome, she remained concerned about the risk of the scheme coming back to the committee in the future with further requests to vary the Section 106 agreement, stating that:

there have been several planning agreements that we've put forward and then they come back after 10 years with a completely different plan because they've decided to rejig it.

Councillor Cameron Hussain echoed these concerns, stating that:

it's not balancing the figure. Yeah, it's not balancing in terms of percentages and I think it's important to recognise that affordable housing for real people is actual housing and that's what we're looking at.

In response to these concerns, officers explained that the council had sought to protect the borough's interests by adding a clause to the revised Section 106 agreement that would require the developer to revert back to the original 35% affordable housing requirement if they failed to recommence work on site within six months. They also reiterated that the council's viability team had confirmed that the scheme is only viable with the reduced amount of affordable housing.

In response to requests from the committee for further reassurance, a representative from Taylor Wimpey, Stuart Blakely, addressed the committee. He explained that the company was very much about delivery of homes and had no intention of leaving the site undeveloped. He said that:

we're actually geared up to fully restart on site, as Ms Gin has been saying, and we really want to deliver these homes. Within six months, we'll be able to deliver the homes that we want to deliver, and we'll be able to deliver the homes and within six months, we can guarantee that we will have certain works done which will be agreed in the section 106 data variation. Admittedly, of course, there's an overall reduction in the affordable, but we do believe there's actually a 30% increase in what we would probably all consider to be truly affordable homes, the affordable rent rather than the shared ownership.

When put to a vote, the majority of the committee voted to approve the variation to the Section 106 agreement.

Pensions Committee - Monday 11 November 2024

The Pensions Committee met to discuss the performance of the Tower Hamlets Pension Fund. The committee received a number of reports from officers and from the council's investment managers, Schroders, and also heard a deputation from Kerie Anne, Tower Hamlets UNISON Branch Secretary, calling for the council to divest from fossil fuels.

The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)

Ms Anne said that the divestment campaign wanted the council to revise their [Investment Strategy Statement](https://democracy.towerhamlets.gov.uk/documents/s244421/FINAL+Minutes+300924+PUBLIC.pdf) (ISS) toidentify and problematic investments"". The committee resolved to respond to the request in writing after forming an opinion on it.

Local Government Pension Schemes (LGPS) are occupational pension schemes that provide retirement, death and ill-health benefits to employees of local authorities and a range of other employers that provide public services. The schemes are administered locally by administering authorities, which in the case of Tower Hamlets is the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. Administering authorities are responsible for ensuring that schemes are run effectively and efficiently, and that members' benefits are paid correctly. They also have a responsibility to ensure that the assets of the scheme are invested appropriately. The assets of LGPS funds are invested in a range of assets, including equities, bonds, and property. The aim of this investment is to generate returns that will help to pay for members' benefits. Administering authorities have a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of scheme members and employers. This means that they must make decisions about the investment of scheme assets that are in the best interests of the scheme as a whole. This fiduciary duty means that administering authorities must consider the financial risks and returns of different investment options, as well as the ethical and social impact of those investments.

Schroders Presentation

The committee received a presentation from Schroders, the council’s real estate investment managers. The presentation explained the advantages of investing in real estate, the different sectors the council invests in, and how the portfolio is managed. When asked if the council could use the investments to fund its house building projects, Ms Docker said that there was an explicit social or impact objective within the fund and that such an investment would only be made if it would have to have a more attractive risk-return profile than the other opportunities.

The committee also questioned the manager about its sustainability policy in light of the council’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2035. Ms Liss explained that Schroders had a policy to work with its partners to have all of them having 90% of the carbon emission reduction by 2030 for scope one and two, and then for scope one, two, and three by 2040. The committee then discussed the benchmark performance of the fund, which Councillor Begum said was underperforming based on the target of 5.2% set in September 2023. In response, Mr English said that there was not a fixed benchmark every year.

Pension Administration Report – September 2024

The Pension Administration Report was noted. This report provided an update on the work done by the Pensions Administration team. It was noted that there had been a disproportionate growth in the number of undecideds in the LGPS, but that we are obviously looking to survey this in a particular group just to supersede this one. The report also explained that the number of outstanding cases was putting the pensions team under pressure because the workflows produced to be under-resourced.

Scheme Engagement and Communications Report

The Scheme Engagement and Communications Report was noted. This report set out plans for a Pension Fund Information Forum to be held in January 2025. The proposed agenda included sessions on the LGPS scheme, investment performance and the 2025 Actuarial Valuation.

Pension Fund Risk Register

The Pension Fund Risk Register was noted. Councillor Saeed asked what the target risk rating of 9 meant for a given risk, and how a risk could be considered mitigated when its target was still in the 'amber' range. Mr Kassim explained that the risk ratings were not rug ratings but instead likelihoods in the four different levels, where 'yellow' was the best before green. He explained that a rating of 9 was 'yellow' because there’s always a chance of data going wrong.

Liquidity and Cashflow Monitoring – September 2024

The Liquidity and Cashflow Monitoring – September 2024 report was noted. This reported that the fund had a positive position of £10.6m and was therefore expected to have sufficient liquidity in 2025/26. Councillor Begum queried a £37.2m entry for 'other miscellaneous payments' in the 2023/24 actuals, which was explained as payments for AVC Lumsum, death grants for admitted bodies [and] death grants for the authority.

Work Programme

The Work Programme was noted. This report listed the work to be undertaken by the Pensions Committee and the Pension Board in the 2024/25 municipal year.

Licensing Sub Committee - Tuesday 12 November 2024

The Licensing Sub Committee met to consider applications for a new licence for ZNH One Rice Limited at 46 Brick Lane, London, and a variation of licence for Bourbon, Kisses from Nunner at 387 Roman Road, London. The committee agreed to defer a decision on the application by ZNH One Rice Limited, and agreed to grant a licence variation to Bourbon, Kisses from Nunner for the supply of alcohol and late-night refreshment.

Application for a new Premises Licence for ZNH One Rice Limited, 46 Brick Lane, London E16RF

The applicant, Mr Zing Zhao Hu, requested an adjournment of the meeting to allow him to better prepare after he appeared to struggle to answer questions about the application.

The committee agreed to defer making a decision on the application until 12 December 2024. They asked that the applicant consider attending the next meeting in person.

The committee also suggested that a director of the company should provide a letter authorising Mr Hu to act on the company's behalf. Mr Hu stated that the sole director of the company is Dong Rong Yu.

Application for a variation of a premises licence for Bourbon, Kisses from Nunner, 387 Roman Road, London E35QR

The applicant, represented by Mr Paul Greenoe, sought permission to extend the opening hours of the premises by one hour to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Objections to the Application

The meeting heard objections from Mr O'Leary, an Environmental Health Officer, and Mr Amit Patel, a local resident.

I'm obviously speaking on behalf of my colleague, Nicola Carso. I'm giving a licence to the chair and committee. I'm having reviewed a variation of the premises licence application for cases from Nona, 3S7, Roman Road, E352.

Mr O'Leary explained that he was concerned that the later closing time would lead to noise nuisance. He also expressed disappointment that his request that a condition be added to the licence requiring that windows and doors should be kept closed during licensable hours had not been agreed to.

Mr Greenoe suggested that the Environmental Health Officer's concerns about noise nuisance were speculative. He also suggested that the committee should not add a condition to the licence prohibiting public nuisance because it would duplicate existing provisions in the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

The issue with the noise nuisance raised by both environmental protection and Karen Shoemaker in her representation, I would say, is the distinct possibility of a possible maybe.

Mr Greenoe argued that the objections made by Mr Patel, who lives in a flat above the Bourbon, were vexatious. He pointed out that Mr Patel's father is the landlord of the property and alleged that Mr Patel was attempting to use the licensing process to force his father to raise the rent.

Decision

The committee agreed to grant the licence variation. However, they agreed to amend the licence to remove the applicant's request to provide regulated entertainment.

In making their decision, the committee took into account the fact that the applicant had agreed to withdraw their application for regulated entertainment.

Employee Appeals Sub Committee - Wednesday 13 November 2024

The Employee Appeals Sub Committee met to consider the appeal of an employee against their dismissal.

The meeting was not open to the public because the agenda included confidential information relating to the employment of a member of staff.

The meeting considered the appeal process for employees of Tower Hamlets Council.

The committee considered a report about an employee's appeal against dismissal that included:

• details of the appeal
• a confirmation letter
• the case for the appellant
• the management case against the appeal
• relevant HR policy documents
• the job description and person specification of the employee.

The committee was scheduled to hear the case for the appeal and the case against it, and to allow both sides to question each other's cases.

The committee was scheduled to adjourn to make a decision in private.

The report pack reminds councillors of their obligation to declare pecuniary interests. The report describes these as:

any employment, office, trade, profession or vocation carried on for profit or gain.

The report also reminds councillors that they may not vote on any matter relating to council tax if they are more than two months in arrears.

Appointments Sub Committee - Tuesday 12 November 2024

The Appointments Sub Committee met to discuss the shortlisting of candidates for the post of Director of Adult Social Care.

Shortlisting for the Post of Director of Adult Social Care

The Sub-Committee were scheduled to consider a report by the Interim Head of Corporate Human Resources. This report contained details of the candidates for the post of Director of Adult Social Care. The report suggested potential candidates that the Sub-Committee could agree to put forward for interview.

This week in Tower Hamlets:

• The Pension Board was scheduled to receive a report on the potential impact of the McCloud remedy on the pension fund and the performance of the pensions administration team.
• The Health & Adults Scrutiny Sub-Committee heard a presentation on the council's work to support people aged over 55, discussed the council's plans to introduce free community care for all residents, and received an update on the council's plans to support vulnerable residents during the winter.
• The Grants Determination (Cabinet) Sub-Committee voted to withdraw funding from the Linepass Welfare Association, citing concerns about the organisation's capacity to deliver the project, and agreed to delegate the authority to award small and emergency grants from the Director of Strategy, Improvement and Transformation to the Director of Finance.
• The King George's Field Charity Board agreed to proposals for a programme of improvements to sports facilities at Stepney Green Park and Mile End Park, including the installation of new practice cricket nets, the creation of a small refreshment kiosk, and the redevelopment of hardcourts.

Pension Board - Monday 04 November 2024

The Pension Board met to review the performance of the Tower Hamlets Pension Fund. The Board reviewed several reports, including the Fund’s Risk Register and the Pensions Administration Report.

Risk Register

The Board reviewed the Pension Fund’s Risk Register, which listed 22 different risks to the fund. The three risks that were graded as having the highest likelihood and impact were errors in pension scheme member data, inability to meet legal and performance expectations due to a lack of data, and McCloud implementation. The register said that officers would be seeking to gather data in order to establish the potential scheme members that will be affected by the McCloud remedy.¹

Pensions Administration Report

The Board received the Pensions Administration Report. The report showed that the number of people in each of the membership categories of the scheme had increased slightly in the quarter to September 2024. The report provided information on the employers that had active members in the scheme, listing 40 employers, including the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, Age UK East London, East End Homes, Swan Housing Association and the Mulberry Academy. The report also said that there was a backlog of tasks that required logging and allocating, and that the team had failed to meet some of the CIPFA benchmarks.

The report also provided an update on the data cleanse project, which is being undertaken by ITM. The report said that ITM had almost completed the GMP reconciliation, were currently undertaking electronic address tracing, and had agreed to begin the GMP and Payroll Rectification Project in November. It is anticipated that the entire project will be completed by the end of February 2025.

The report said that three employers – the Mulberry London Dock Academy, Caterlink and Atlas FM Payroll Ltd – were currently in the process of being admitted to the scheme.

Finally, the report provided an update on two legislative requirements that the scheme needs to comply with: the introduction of Pension Dashboards and the transition of the member self-service portal to a new system called “Engage”. The report said that officers were preparing for the introduction of Pensions Dashboards, which the scheme is required to comply with by 31 October 2025, and that they were working with Heywood to transition the scheme’s member self-service portal to the “Engage” system from January 2025.

Health & Adults Scrutiny Sub-Committee - Tuesday 05 November 2024

The Health & Adults Scrutiny Sub-Committee met to hear presentations from council officers and partner organisations on the council's work to support residents aged over 55. The meeting began with a discussion of the importance of preventative care for this demographic group, which has a higher prevalence of chronic conditions.

The committee heard presentations from three partner organisations that deliver services for over 55s in the borough: Age UK East London, LinkAge Plus, and Carers Centre Tower Hamlets. The presentations outlined the services that each organisation provides, the challenges they face in delivering these services, and the outcomes they are seeking to achieve.

The committee then discussed the council's proposed implementation of its manifesto pledge to introduce free community care from April 2025, and heard a presentation from Georgia Cimbani, Corporate Director for Health and Adult Social Care, on how this would work. Committee members raised a number of questions about the policy, including how the council will manage the potential increase in demand for care as a result of the change and why the council is continuing to pursue historic debt for community care when it has decided that the service should be free.

The meeting concluded with a presentation by Julie Dublin, Senior Programme Manager for Unplanned Care in the Integrated Commissioning Team, on the council's plans to support vulnerable residents during the winter. The presentation included details of national guidance on winter planning and Tower Hamlets’ performance against national targets for A&E waiting times. It also outlined the range of schemes that the council is putting in place to support vulnerable residents during the winter, including additional beds in the Royal London Hospital, step-down provision in the community, increased capacity for discharge to assess for mental health services, and in-reach pharmacy. The committee heard that Tower Hamlets is currently performing well against national targets for A&E waiting times, but was warned about potential risks associated with winter planning, including the risk of staff shortages due to illness, the potential for increased demand for services, challenges to the delivery of the flu vaccination programme, and the possibility that funding for out-of-hospital schemes may not be approved.

Grants Determination (Cabinet) Sub-Committee - Wednesday 06 November 2024

The Grants Determination (Cabinet) Sub-Committee met to discuss the performance of the Mayor's Community Grants Programme. The Committee also agreed to delegate the authority to award small and emergency grants from the Director of Strategy, Improvement and Transformation to the Director of Finance, following an internal restructure of the council.

The committee was told that three projects had been rated amber because they had missed deadlines for submitting monitoring data to the council. These were: Platform Cricket, Quaker Social Action, and Young and Talented. The committee heard that Quaker Social Action and Young and Talented had subsequently submitted the missing data, but that Platform Cricket was considered to be at risk of having its funding withdrawn.

The committee then discussed the performance of the Linepass Welfare Association, which had been rated red, meaning that it was considered to be "very behind schedule and unlikely to meet the agreed targets”.

“This report is the regular performance report for the Mayor's Community Grants Programme, a quarterly report. This was due to go to the 18th September meeting, so this covers April to June.”

Linepass Welfare Association had received funding to run Bengali and Arabic language classes, but the project had failed to deliver anything during its first eight months. The committee heard that although the organisation had started delivering sessions in July 2024, it was a one-man band and that there were concerns about its long-term viability.

So this one person is doing everything, so if they're not available then things don't get done. So they will need support if we continue to fund them to help develop their organisation to build the capacity in it. So it is a risk continuing the funding because there's a danger that they might underperform in the future because the organisation isn't strong enough to ensure the delivery.

The committee heard that an unannounced visit to one of the sessions in July had found only seven attendees, despite the fact that 25 people had registered for the project.

“I attended with the grant officer on an unannounced visit in July, you know, a couple of weeks after they'd started delivery, and there were seven children, seven in that session, the tutor couldn't make that session, so they got a substitute in to deliver.”

The committee decided to withdraw the funding from the Linepass Welfare Association, and asked officers to provide details of when spot checks had been conducted on projects in future reports.

King George's Field Charity Board - Wednesday 06 November 2024

The King George's Field Charity Board met to discuss the charity's finances and approve a programme of improvements to sports facilities at Stepney Green Park and Mile End Park.

King George’s Field Trust Accounts 2022/23

The Board approved the King George’s Field Trust Accounts for the 2022/23 financial year, which had been independently audited by Arnold Hill & Co LLP. The accounts showed a deficit of £165,354. It was explained that the 2022/23 accounts were due to be filed with the Charity Commission² by 31 January 2024, but this deadline was missed due to circumstances outside the board’s control. The accounts have since been audited and will be submitted to the Charity Commission.

So the annual accounts are due for year ending 23. This is a legal requirement, as the turnover of the charity is in excess of 1 million. These accounts are overdue. We have notified the Charities Commission.

The key items of income for the Charity in 2022/23 were commercial rents generated from shop lettings at Mile End Park, hire charges for the Arts and Ecology Pavilions at Mile End Park, Stepney Green Astroturf pitch bookings, and a corporate volunteer programme. The Charity’s expenditure included staff salaries, and costs for the repairs and maintenance of buildings, trees and fences, as well as grounds maintenance.

King George's Field Trust Investment Programmes

The Board approved a programme of improvements to sports facilities at Stepney Green Park and Mile End Park, subject to securing match funding and planning permission. This will include:

• Practice Cricket Nets at Stepney Green Park: New practice cricket nets will be installed. The estimated cost will be £55,000, funded by a grant from Fields in Trust.[^3] [^3]:Fields in Trust is a UK charity that legally protects parks and green spaces in perpetuity for future generations to enjoy.
• Small Refreshment Kiosk at Stepney Green Park: A small kiosk will be created, enabling Astroturf users to purchase snacks and drinks. The estimated cost will be £25,000, funded by a grant from Fields in Trust. It is estimated that the kiosk will generate revenue of £10,000 per annum for the Charity.
• Stepney Green Outdoor Gym Expansion: Additional outdoor gym equipment will be provided. The estimated cost will be £32,500, funded by a grant from Fields in Trust.
• Five-a-side Football Pitch at Stepney Green Park: A new five-a-side astroturf pitch will be created in the southeast of the park. The estimated cost will be £70,000. The Council has applied to the Football Foundation[^4]'s Playzone programme for funding, which would provide up to 75% of the cost. If successful, the remaining 25% would be funded by a grant from Fields in Trust. [^4]: The Football Foundation is a charity funded by the Premier League, The FA, and Government that develops new and better grassroots sports facilities in order to improve the quality and experience of playing football.
• Redevelopment of Hardcourts at Mile End Park: The existing hardcourts will be redeveloped and a new 2G surface suitable for football, cricket, netball, and hockey will be installed. The estimated cost is £82,500. 75% of the cost would be funded by Section 106 / CIL contributions[^5], with the remaining 25% to be funded by a grant from Fields in Trust. [^5]: Section 106 (S106) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 allows a local planning authority (LPA) to enter into a legally-binding agreement or planning obligation with a landowner or developer. S106 agreements are a mechanism that makes a development proposal acceptable in planning terms that would otherwise be unacceptable. A Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a planning charge, introduced by the Planning Act 2008, as a tool to help local authorities deliver infrastructure to support the development of their area. It allows local authorities in England and Wales to raise funds from developers undertaking new building projects in their area.

King George's Field Trust Leases Update

The board then discussed the leases of four properties in Mile End Park. The board noted that rent arrears for “Tenant A” remain outstanding, and that the tenant has proposed to offset the arrears against their rental deposit as part of a lease assignment to a new tenant. Further information about the lease arrangements for “Tenant B” was requested by the Board at its previous meeting, and the board noted the change of business name and company director that has occurred. The Board also noted that “Tenant C” has requested to assign their lease to a new tenant.

Finally, the board agreed to authorise the marketing of an arch located near to the skate park in Mile End Park, which is currently being used for storage. It was noted that consent would be required from Network Rail³ before the arch could be let, and that the arch could generate additional income for the charity. The Board will select a tenant at a future meeting.

Approve the marketing of an arch located in Mile End Park with the outcome to be reported back to the Board at a future meeting to decide on the tenant to be selected and the granting of the lease.

This week in Tower Hamlets:

• The Licensing Sub-committee heard two applications for new licences for the Tea Garden in Whitechapel and the Quiz Room in Bell Lane.

Licensing Sub Committee - Tuesday 29 October 2024

The Licensing Sub-committee considered applications for the Tea Garden at 138 Whitechapel Road, London to provide late-night refreshment, and for the Quiz Room at Ground Floor Brodie House, 19-25 Bell Lane, Londo to sell alcohol and provide regulated entertainment. The first application was rejected on the basis that the applicant had not demonstrated how they would uphold the licensing objectives, having previously been the subject of enforcement action by the Licensing Authority for opening beyond their permitted hours and selling illicit cigarettes. The second application was granted, but with additional conditions to mitigate the concerns of local residents and the Licensing Authority regarding public nuisance.

Application for a New Premises Licence for Quiz Room

The application for Quiz Room, a new business described in the Officer's report as an interactive entertainment venue where customers can play knowledge-based quiz games in groups with friends or colleagues, requested the sale of alcohol from 11am to 10:45pm Monday to Saturday and 11am to 8:45pm on Sundays. It also requested permission for films and recorded music to be played from 11am to 11pm Monday to Saturday and 11am to 9pm on Sundays.

Many residents objected to the application on the basis that the premises are located in the Brick Lane and Shoreditch Special Policy Area, which has a cumulative impact policy in place. This means that there is a presumption against granting new licences for the sale of alcohol in the area. Residents expressed particular concern about noise from patrons, music, and films emanating from the premises, particularly given its location underneath residential properties. Some residents also expressed concerns about the potential for antisocial behaviour from customers leaving the premises late at night.

The applicants, Quiz Room UK Ltd, argued that their business would not negatively impact the area as the sale of alcohol is ancillary to the main business, which is providing quiz-based entertainment. They stated that they would primarily cater to corporate clients and groups of friends looking for a unique entertainment experience. They argued that their business model, with pre-booked time slots and limited customer dwell time, would mitigate the risk of public nuisance.

Readers may recall that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee discussed the implications of the Council’s Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA) policy at their meeting on 15 October 2024. They were told that the Home Office guidance on CIAs was updated in 2018 to require a greater degree of evidence to introduce one. This was because there had been some legal challenges to the use of CIAs, which argued that they were discriminatory and that they did not take into account the individual merits of each application. The Home Office guidance now states that, “CIAs should be based on robust evidence of the cumulative impact of licensed premises in the area, and should be reviewed regularly to ensure that they remain appropriate.”

The applicant had previously offered a condition stating that “The licensable activities authorised by this licence and provided at the premises shall be ancillary to the main function of the premises as a quiz room entertainment facility.” The committee felt that this condition could be open to interpretation and asked the applicant to tighten the wording. The applicant agreed to amend the condition to specify that licensable activities would be ancillary to participation in quiz activities.

The Licensing Authority requested additional conditions, including a restriction on the supply of alcohol to people eating a table meal, a prohibition on “vertical drinking”¹ and a requirement that all staff authorized to sell alcohol be authorised in writing by the Designated Premises Supervisor².

The committee ultimately decided to grant the licence subject to conditions that will ensure the identities of staff authorized to sell acohol are made available to police on request.

Application for a New Premises Licence for Tea Garden

The applicant, Mr Sekander Hossain, requested permission to provide late-night refreshment at the Tea Garden between 11pm and 2am, seven days a week.

The Licensing Authority objected to the application, primarily due to the applicant's past history of non-compliance with the Licensing Act 2003. The Licensing Authority provided evidence that Mr Hossain had repeatedly opened beyond permitted hours and sold illicit cigarettes at the premises. The Licensing Act 2003 consolidated much of the existing legislation on the sale and supply of alcohol, the provision of entertainment, and the regulation of clubs and other licensed premises.

The applicant was invited to attend the meeting and make representations but did not attend.

The Environmental Health Officer also objected to the application, citing concerns about noise breakout from the venue. The Environmental Health Officer stated that the applicant had not responded to their request for additional conditions to be added to the licence to mitigate the risk of public nuisance.

The committee considered the objections from the Licensing Authority and Environmental Health Officer and concluded that the applicant had demonstrated a disregard for the Licensing Act 2003 and the Council's warnings. The committee concluded that they did not have confidence that the applicant would uphold the licensing objectives if granted a licence and rejected the application.

This week in Tower Hamlets:

• The Licensing Committee heard an update about proposed changes to the Council's Cumulative Impact Assessment policy, which is due to be debated by full council on 20 November 2024.

Licensing Committee - Tuesday 22 October 2024

The Licensing Committee met to note the proposed changes to Tower Hamlets' Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA) policy, which is due to be considered by full council on 20 November 2024. The new policy retains the existing CIA in Brick Lane and expands it slightly to the south east, but it removes the existing CIA in Bethnal Green.

Cumulative Impact Assessment Policy 2024-27

The meeting was to consider a report on the Council's proposed new Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA) policy for 2024-27 (CIA Policy 2024 - 22 Oct 24).

CIAs are areas where the council has decided that there is already a high concentration of licensed premises. When considering new applications for licences, or variations to existing licences, the council must, by law, consider whether they would add to the problems already being experienced as a result of the high number of licensed premises in these areas. This means that applicants have to work harder to demonstrate that they would not add to the cumulative impact of licensed premises in a CIA.

You can read the council's existing statement on CIAs here: Statement of Licensing Policy 2020-2023.

The new policy keeps the existing Brick Lane CIA, but expands it slightly south eastwards to cover more of the area around Ailsa Wharf. The new policy removes the existing CIA in Bethnal Green.

Councillors were told that these proposals were supported by the evidence, with data from the Metropolitan Police, the London Ambulance Service, and from complaints about licensed premises all showing a greater concentration of issues in Brick Lane than in Bethnal Green. This is illustrated in the report in Appendix 8 (CIA Policy 2024 - Appendix 8- 22 Oct 24 v2).

Brick Lane

Councillor Peter Golds asked if any consideration had been given to expanding the Brick Lane CIA northwards into Weavers Ward. Mr Tom Lewis, the Service Manager for Licensing, said that there had been some calls to expand the zone in this way, and that the council had previously considered extending the CIA to cover more of the Columbia Road area in 2020. However, he said that there was not sufficient evidence to support the inclusion of this area in the CIA. This is explained in the report at paragraphs 5.20 to 5.56.

Bethnal Green

Councillor Golds noted that although 40% of respondents to the council's recent consultation on the new CIA policy supported the removal of the Bethnal Green CIA, 47% of respondents supported either retaining it, or expanding it. He asked if this meant that there was support for retaining the Bethnal Green CIA. Mr Lewis responded by saying that although the views expressed during consultation were taken into account, the main consideration for the council was the evidence of crime, disorder, and nuisance in the area, and he reiterated that the available evidence did not support the retention of the CIA.

Hackney Wick and Fish Island

Councillor Abdi Mohammed asked what consideration had been given to the possibility of introducing a CIA in Hackney Wick, which borders Tower Hamlets, or the adjacent Fish Island, which is partly in Tower Hamlets. He noted that although a recent Environmental Impact Assessment in Hackney Wick had concluded that a CIA was not necessary, the area was a growing night-time economy hotspot, and was already subject to additional council and police attention because of it. He expressed concern that because the area straddles three boroughs (Tower Hamlets, Hackney and Newham) it was possible for issues to fall between the cracks. He asked if the council could liaise with its counterparts in the other boroughs to try to better understand the issues and whether a more coordinated approach was needed.

This concern has been raised previously by Councillor Mohammed at other meetings, including the Overview and Scrutiny meeting on 15 October 2024.

Mr Lewis acknowledged that the area was changing rapidly and said that although Tower Hamlets did not routinely share data with other boroughs, he was willing to contact the Licensing Teams in both Hackney and Newham to see if they could provide any relevant information.

Framework Hours

Councillor Mohammed also asked Mr Lewis for his assessment of how effective the council's policy on framework hours had been in regulating the night-time economy.

The licensing act requires licensing authorities to publish a statement of their policy on framework hours. Framework hours are the times when the authority would normally expect licensed premises to stop selling alcohol. However, they are a guide only, and are not a set of fixed rules. You can read Tower Hamlet's current statement of licensing policy here: Statement of Licensing Policy 2020-2023.

Mr Lewis said that although framework hours were useful in providing guidance to both applicants and the council, the fact that they are not a set of fixed rules means that they can be difficult to rely on. He did note however that since 2020 the council's own licensing policy had contained a presumption that outside areas at licensed premises should close by 9pm, which made it easier for the council to control licensed activities.

The effectiveness of CIAs

Councillor Mina Ali asked Mr Lewis to provide examples of where the CIA had been used to prevent the granting of licences. She noted that in her experience the existence of a CIA had not always been enough to convince applicants to either amend, or withdraw, their applications. Mr Lewis acknowledged this, but said that the main effect of the CIA policy was to shift the burden of proof from the objector to the applicant. Mr Jonathan Melnick of Legal Services explained that the effect of the CIA is to introduce a presumption against granting licences in the designated areas. However, he stressed that it does not mean that applications can, or should, be refused automatically. He said that applicants can, and do, overcome this presumption by demonstrating that their business will not add to the cumulative impact of licensed premises in the area. In practice this is often achieved by ensuring that the premises will be primarily food-led, or that they will operate for reduced hours, or with a greater emphasis on off-sales.

Councillor Golds concluded the discussion by reminding the committee that they will have a further opportunity to discuss the policy before it is voted on at full council on 20 November 2024.

This week in Tower Hamlets:

• The Overview & Scrutiny Committee discussed the council's progress on the Local Government Association's (LGA) Corporate Peer Challenge (CPC) Action Plan, its performance on tackling rent arrears, its Youth Justice Plan and the Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA) Policy for licensed premises.
• The Cabinet decided to make a one-off payment of £175 to nearly 5,000 pensioners in the borough who are no longer eligible for the Government’s Winter Fuel Payment, considered the results of the 2024 Annual Resident Survey, and agreed new strategies on SEND and VAWG, a new CIA policy for licensed premises, and the CPO for the redevelopment of the Havering Estate in Stepney.
• The Appointments Sub Committee met to longlist candidates for the role of Director of Adult Social Care.
• The Children and Education Scrutiny Sub-Committee discussed progress on the council's Family Hubs, preparations for an upcoming Ofsted inspection, and preparations for a separate inspection of the council's SEND provision.

Overview & Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday 15 October 2024

This meeting of Overview & Scrutiny discussed a number of important items relating to the council's performance in Quarter 1 of 2024/25, including updates on the delivery of the LGA’s Corporate Peer Review Challenge action plan, the council's progress on tackling temporary accommodation rent arrears, the Youth Justice Plan, and the Cumulative Impact Assessment policy.

The committee received an update on the Local Government Association's (LGA) Corporate Peer Challenge (CPC) Action Plan, and questioned whether the report, which was written by council officers, was impartial, highlighting a reference to the council inheriting a budget deficit as an example of what they perceived to be an overly political tone.

In 2023, the council started with a quite significant deficit, exceeding circa £38 million

The Chief Executive, Steve Halsey, explained that the wording had come directly from the LGA's own report, but agreed to consider suggestions from the committee about how the report’s tone could be improved.

The committee also raised concerns that a section in the report on the council's commitment to diversity and inclusion did not go far enough, with Councillor Amy Lee arguing that it was “personally insulting” given that a number of female councillors had raised concerns with the LGA about how they had been treated in meetings.

Women in this council went and spoke to the LGA and talked about their experiences in this council, talked about how they'd been treated in these committees. They talked about the knock-on impact that that was having in the community.

The committee also questioned whether sufficient attention was being paid to performance in service delivery, rather than just financial performance. Mr Halsey explained that there were a range of existing mechanisms for monitoring and managing service performance and agreed to provide more detail about these to the committee at a future meeting.

The committee also discussed the council’s performance on tackling rent arrears. The committee heard that an internal audit in October 2023 had identified £11.94 million in rent arrears dating back to 2012 and an additional £8.9 million in more recent arrears.

The committee was told that the council has set aside £18.8 million in its Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) to cover bad debt. An MTFS is a document that sets out a council’s financial plans for the next three to five years. The MTFS includes details of the council’s expected income and expenditure, as well as its plans for borrowing and investment. The committee also heard that the council had set up a team and procured new software to help recover the debt. This had resulted in £1.3 million of the more recent debt being recovered.

Committee members questioned the cost-benefit analysis of chasing smaller debts and how these decisions are made.

Is there a point where it doesn't become affordable for the council to chase it? So you've talked about 35 officers, you've talked about putting a lot more investment into it. If it's a debt of £500, I mean we should be chasing this debt, but you've got an officer spending 20, 30, 40 hours doing this. Where's the cost benefit analysis, at what point is that?

Abdul Razak Kassim, the Director of Finance, explained that the council was using the new software to identify the most economical debts to chase, which would then inform decisions about writing off unrecoverable debts. Mr Halsey added that the 35 additional officers were not just focused on recovering existing debt but were also working on preventing residents falling into arrears in the first place, and intervening quickly to help those who are struggling to pay their rent.

The committee also received a report on the Youth Justice Plan for Tower Hamlets. Susanna Beasley-Murray, the Director for Children's Services, explained to the committee that the Youth Justice Plan has four key priorities:

• Child First: Embedding a child-first approach in every aspect of the Youth Justice Partnership.
• Consistently Good Practice: Continuous raising of practice standards to achieve improved outcomes for children.
• YJS Health Offer: Coordinated access and intervention to universal and specialist health provision to meet children’s holistic health and wellbeing needs.
• Post 16 E2E Offer: Increasing children’s participation in post 16 education, training and employment to support children’s aspirations, desistance and safety.

The committee were told that the number of first-time entrants to the youth justice system in Tower Hamlets had fallen by 40% in the last 24 months. This was below both the London and England and Wales averages. The committee heard that this was a significant achievement for the borough, and reflected the hard work of the Youth Justice Service.

However, Ms Beasley-Murray told the committee that the re-offending rate had increased to 35.8% which was above the London and national average. She argued that this was partly due to the impact of the smaller cohort of first-time entrants on the calculation of the rate.

If you look at the box underneath, previously, those children that were first-time entrants, when we had a bigger number of children that were first-time entrants, we therefore had a bigger cohort of children that could then reoffend, because you have to become a first-time entrant before you can then reoffend.

The committee also questioned the length of time children were assigned a youth justice support officer for and whether bonds between young people and officers were broken too quickly. Ms Beasley-Murray explained that the service tried to keep children with the same youth justice support worker but that they did not exit children on a “cliff edge”, and ensured they continue to receive support from other services, such as social workers, where appropriate.

The committee concluded its meeting with a discussion of the council's Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA) policy.

CIAs are a tool that can be used by councils to manage the concentration of licensed premises in an area. The CIA policy sets out the criteria that the council will use to decide whether to grant a new licence or vary an existing licence, taking into account the cumulative impact of existing licensed premises.

Tower Hamlets currently has two CIAs in place, in Brick Lane and Bethnal Green. A CIA effectively creates a rebuttable presumption against granting new premises licences or variations to existing licences in an area if they are likely to add to existing problems. Each application will still be considered on its merits, but the applicant will need to provide more evidence to the Licensing Committee to demonstrate that their proposal will not add to problems already being experienced in the area.

The report proposed retaining and expanding the CIA in Brick Lane and removing it in Bethnal Green.

Several members of the committee asked about the possibility of introducing a CIA in Hackney Wick, which is located on the border with Hackney.

If you could talk a bit more about the analysis that was done to decide against this, I'd welcome you to come to Hackney Wick in Fyshinde on a Friday night outside Hackney Wick Station. I appreciate it goes into two local authorities, but the area is not like it was five, ten years ago, and there is a lot that goes on there.

Tom Lewis, Service Manager for Regulatory Services, explained to the committee that the Home Office guidance on CIAs was updated in 2018 to require a greater degree of evidence to introduce one. This was because there had been some legal challenges to the use of CIAs, which argued that they were discriminatory and that they did not take into account the individual merits of each application. The Home Office guidance now states that, “CIAs should be based on robust evidence of the cumulative impact of licensed premises in the area, and should be reviewed regularly to ensure that they remain appropriate.”

Mr Lewis explained that while the council recognised concerns about crime and disorder in Hackney Wick, it had been working with the police and the Community Safety team to address these and had installed additional CCTV using money from the Late Night Levy. A Late Night Levy is a charge that local authorities can introduce on licensed premises that sell alcohol late at night. The money from the levy can be used to fund services that address the impact of the late-night economy on the area, such as extra policing. The committee heard that the council was continuing to monitor the situation in Hackney Wick and would consider introducing a CIA if there was sufficient evidence to support it.

Cabinet - Wednesday 16 October 2024

The Cabinet of Tower Hamlets Council met on 16 October 2024. The meeting considered the Council's performance in a variety of areas and made decisions on several matters, including the adoption of new strategies on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), a new CIA policy for licensed premises, and a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) for the redevelopment of the Havering Estate in Stepney.

This meeting of Cabinet included a number of important items about the council’s performance in Quarter 1 of 2024/25, as well as decisions on new strategies for SEND and VAWG, the renewal of the CIA policy for licensed premises, and the CPO for the redevelopment of the Havering Estate.

The meeting began with a statement from the Mayor about the cost of living crisis. He announced that the Council had been able to find funds to make a one-off payment of £175 to nearly 5,000 pensioners in the borough who were no longer eligible for the Government’s Winter Fuel Payment, which had recently been scrapped by the new Labour Government.

The Mayor thanked officers for identifying the necessary funds. The Mayor explained that, although data from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) shows that more than 4,000 pensioners who are eligible for Pension Credit are not claiming it, the Council did not have the budget to provide a similar payment to these people. However, he committed the Council to launch a campaign to encourage those pensioners to apply for Pension Credit before the December 2024 deadline.

The Mayor then criticised the previous Labour administration of the Council for making cuts to the Council’s homelessness services, arguing that this had resulted in an increase in the number of homeless families being placed in unsuitable accommodation such as bed and breakfasts. The Mayor said that there were now no families in Tower Hamlets in B&Bs beyond the statutory six-week time limit and that no families were placed in commercial hotels.

The Cabinet then considered the results of the 2024 Annual Resident Survey. The results of the survey were generally positive, with 84% of the 1,100 people surveyed saying they were satisfied with the local area. The survey also found that 90% of residents believed that people from different backgrounds got on well in the borough, a figure that the Mayor highlighted in light of what he said were “negative statements… made by individuals about our borough”.

The survey also revealed some areas of concern, such as community safety and customer services.

The Cabinet also received an update on the Council’s action plan in response to the Local Government Association’s (LGA) Corporate Peer Challenge. They were told that 84% of the actions identified in the plan had been completed by August 2024 and that the Council was on track to complete 91% of actions by November 2024.

The Cabinet also noted the formal launch of the Council’s new Target Operating Model. The model is intended to support the Council to deliver on its four-year strategic plan and to be more resident-focused. The model is based on six design principles: value-driven, community-led, collaborative, enabling, innovative and accountable.

The Cabinet considered the Strategic Delivery and Performance Report for quarter one of year three of the Council's four-year strategic plan. The report uses Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to monitor the council's performance. KPIs are quantifiable measures that are used to track the progress of an organisation towards its goals. For example, a KPI for a council's housing service might be the number of new homes built in a year, or the percentage of tenants satisfied with the council's repairs service. The Council has a range of KPIs that cover a wide range of services, including education, social care, housing, and waste management.

Of the 56 measures included in the report, 24 showed performance exceeding targets. However, there were also nine areas where performance was below target. The Mayor expressed concern about the number of areas where performance was below target, highlighting those relating to the SEND strategy, cycling provision for children and young people, and the percentage of tenants who are satisfied with the Council’s repairs service. The Cabinet noted the report and the mitigating actions being taken by the Council.

The Cabinet agreed to adopt the Council’s new Special Educational Needs Disabilities and Inclusion Strategy 2024-2029. This document sets out the council’s plans for supporting children and young people with SEND in the borough. The Strategy outlines six key priorities for the Council in this area:

1. Timely and coordinated support for children and young people with SEND
2. User-friendly services for families
3. Early identification and support for children under five
4. Effective education and support for school-aged children with SEND
5. Opportunities for young adults with SEND
6. Valuing and supporting individuals to thrive.

The Cabinet also agreed to add an additional recommendation to the report, creating a partnership task and finish group to support the Corporate Director for Children’s Services in implementing the strategy.

The Cabinet then considered the council’s Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA) policy. The report presented to the Cabinet explained that Tower Hamlets Council is required to review its CIAs every three years. Following a consultation, which ran from January to April 2024, The Cabinet agreed to:

• Retain the existing CIA in Brick Lane and expand it to include parts of Whitechapel.
• Remove the existing CIA in Bethnal Green.
• Agree the updated CIA policy statement.

The Cabinet also agreed to approve the direct award of contracts to provide supported housing and support services for care leavers in the borough. This followed the failure of two procurement exercises to find a suitable provider. Local authorities are required to provide leaving care services to all young people who have been looked after by the council. These services are intended to help young people make the transition to adulthood and independent living. The services may include help with finding accommodation, getting a job, and managing money.

The Cabinet also agreed to the making of a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) for the redevelopment of the Havering Estate in Stepney. A CPO is a legal order that allows a local authority to acquire land or property without the consent of the owner. CPOs are typically used when the land or property is needed for a public purpose, such as the construction of a new road, school, or hospital. The CPO for the Havering Estate will allow for the redevelopment of the estate by the developer Redcoat, which will include the construction of 407 new homes, of which 53% will be affordable housing. The scheme will also include the construction of a new community facility.

The meeting concluded with an agreement that the Deputy Mayor would have corporate responsibility for overseeing the implementation of the strategy.

Appointments Sub Committee - Tuesday 15 October 2024

The Appointments Sub Committee of Tower Hamlets Council met to consider the longlisting of candidates for the role of Director of Adult Social Care. The meeting was not open to the public.

Children and Education Scrutiny Sub-Committee - Thursday 17 October 2024

This week, the Children and Education Scrutiny Sub-Committee discussed progress on the council's Family Hubs, preparations for an upcoming Ofsted inspection, and preparations for a separate inspection of the council's Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) provision.

Family Hubs

The committee heard from Mohammed Jalil, Head of Service for Early Help at the council, about the borough’s Family Hubs. The Family Hubs are a network of children's centres that provide a range of services for families, including early education, health visiting, and parenting support. The aim of the Family Hubs is to provide a one-stop shop for families, where they can access all the support they need in one place. The committee heard that the Family Hubs have been successful in increasing the number of families accessing services, and that there has been a significant increase in the number of families accessing early help services.

The committee heard that the hubs had received over 15,800 visits from families in the first two quarters of 2024. They were also shown a video featuring three parents, who described how the hubs had supported their families.

This place is like family to me, like when you come to the family home, there is someone that will always listen to you, someone is always there to give you support

The committee raised questions about a number of issues, including the location of the Family Hubs, their financial sustainability, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the service, the council's website, and support available for victims of domestic abuse.

Responding to a question from committee member Councillor Rabina Sultana about provision in the centre of the borough, Mr Jalil explained that whilst the Family Hubs are located in specific sites, they are supported by a ‘hub and spoke model’ which uses a number of other sites across the borough to deliver services.

in terms of the spokes that we've got for the hubs, they cover where the most dense and the most, as I mentioned, the lowest super output areas which is the most deprived areas in the borough as well.

Super Output Areas (SOAs) are geographic areas used for the reporting of census data. They are designed to be as socially homogeneous as possible, based on characteristics such as age, ethnicity, and housing tenure.

Inspection of Children's Social Care

The committee heard from Susannah Beasley-Murray, the Director of Children's Social Care at the council, about preparations for the upcoming Inspection of Local Authority Children's Services (ILACS).

Ofsted's ILACS framework focuses on the experiences and progress of children who need help and protection, the experiences and progress of children in care and care leavers, and the impact of leadership on practice. Local authorities are judged in these three areas on a four point scale: Grade 1 (Outstanding), Grade 2 (Good), Grade 3 (Requires Improvement) and Grade 4 (Inadequate).

Tower Hamlets was judged to be 'Good' at its last inspection in 2019, but Ofsted's new inspection framework places more weight on the experiences of children and families, meaning it is harder to achieve a good rating.

The committee heard that the inspection process will begin with a phone call from the inspection team at 9:30am on a Monday morning. Following this initial contact there will be a week of remote meetings and requests for information. The inspection team will then arrive at the council the following Monday and spend a week reviewing the work of the service.

Councillors on the committee raised questions about a number of issues, including supported accommodation for 16 and 17-year-olds, corporate parenting, partnership working, neglect, child sexual abuse, missing children, the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), and the role of faith groups in safeguarding.

MASHs are a way of bringing together different agencies that have a role in safeguarding children, such as local authorities, the police, and health services. The aim of a MASH is to improve information sharing and communication between agencies, and to make it easier for professionals to identify and respond to concerns about children.

Councillors on the committee were particularly interested in supported accommodation for 16 and 17-year-olds. This is a type of accommodation that is provided to young people who are leaving care, or who are at risk of homelessness. The committee heard that there are a number of different types of supported accommodation, and that the quality of accommodation can vary significantly.

The Children (Regulation of Private Fostering and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2019 introduced a requirement for all supported accommodation for 16 and 17-year-olds to be registered with Ofsted. This is to ensure that the accommodation meets certain standards of quality and safety. Ms Beasley-Murray confirmed that the service was working to ensure that all supported accommodation for 16 and 17-year-olds in the borough is Ofsted registered.

SEND Inspection

The committee then discussed preparations for the inspection of the council's SEND provision.

Lisa Fraser, Director of Education, told the committee that the inspection could happen at any time. She explained that the inspection team would be particularly interested in the experiences of children, young people and their families, and that it would consider the work of the local authority, health services, and schools in relation to SEND provision.

The committee heard that the inspection team would look at a range of evidence, including the council's SEND self-assessment, the quality of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), the timeliness of the EHCP process, the provision of alternative education, the outcomes for children and young people with SEND, and the engagement with parents and carers.

The committee raised questions about a number of issues, including the timeliness of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), the exclusion rate for children with SEND, the council's SEND self-assessment, the support available for children with mild to moderate needs, the gender imbalance in SEND provision, and the rising cost of transport for children with SEND.

EHCPs are legally binding documents which describe the special educational, health, and social care needs of a child or young person, the support they require to meet those needs, and their outcomes. They are used to ensure that children and young people with SEND receive the support they need to achieve their potential.

Responding to a question from committee member Councillor Shahaveer Shubo Hussain about the availability of resources, Mr Reddy, the Corporate Director for Children’s Services, said that funding for SEND services is set by the government, and that there is concern nationally that this is insufficient to meet the rising demand for services.

[...] i think it's fair to say the new government has already identified, the feedback from education leads and local authorities is that nationally the SEND resource is not enough.

This week in Tower Hamlets:

• The Audit Committee discussed the backlog of audits for previous years, a new planning report for the 2023/24 audit, and a risk management health check.
• The Licensing Sub Committee heard two applications for new licences from a cafe in Island Gardens and a warehouse in Ezra Street that plans to become a high-end restaurant.
• The Strategic Development Committee finally resolved to grant permission for the redevelopment of the former Westferry Printworks site at 235 Westferry Road after years of controversy.

Audit Committee - Thursday 10 October 2024

This meeting focussed on the ongoing challenge of completing the audits for the 2020/21, 2021/22 and 2022/23 financial years. As you may recall from previous emails, these audits are significantly behind schedule. The committee also discussed the risks facing the council, received an update on the progress of the internal audit work plan, and considered a health check of the council's risk management processes.

The committee was told that Deloitte, the auditor for the 2020/21, 2021/22, and 2022/23 accounts, expects to issue a 'disclaimer of opinion' on these accounts. A disclaimer of opinion means that the auditor is unable to give an opinion on whether the accounts give a true and fair view of the council's finances. This is usually because the auditor has not been able to obtain sufficient evidence to form an opinion. The committee heard that the government has imposed a deadline of 13 December 2024 for councils to publish their accounts and audit reports for these years, and that there is simply insufficient time for Deloitte to complete the audits.

The committee was also told that EY, the new auditor for the 2023/24 accounts, has assigned a 'close monitoring' risk rating to this audit, which is the highest risk rating possible. This is due to a number of factors, including the volume of disclaimed audit opinions on prior years, the Best Value Inspection of the council by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities¹, the Council's recent history with the removal from office of the former Mayor Lutfur Rahman² and the two current investigations being undertaken into the Council's conduct.

The committee heard that EY plans to set the 'planning materiality' for the 2023/24 audit at £7 million, which is 0.5% of the council's gross expenditure for that year. Planning materiality is the amount that the auditor considers would influence users of the accounts decision making. The lower the planning materiality, the more detailed the audit work will be. EY also plans to set the 'performance materiality' at 50% of planning materiality, which is £3.5 million. Performance materiality is the level at which the auditor performs its audit testing. Setting performance materiality at 50% of planning materiality is the standard approach for an audit with a 'close monitoring' risk rating. However, the committee heard that even if the risk rating was lower, there were other factors at play that would have resulted in this figure. These include the fact that this is EY's first year auditing Tower Hamlets, and that there have been a number of findings from previous audits, as well as from recent internal audits, that suggest there is a risk of heightened error in the council's financial statements.

The committee was told that EY may not be able to complete the audit of the 2023/24 accounts by the statutory deadline of 28 February 2025. This is because the majority of the audit work will need to be completed by the end of November 2024, and the current backlog of audit work means that EY is not as far through the audit as it would like to be.

The committee discussed the implications of having four consecutive years of disclaimed audit opinions. Julie Lorraine, the Corporate Director of Resources, assured the committee that the situation was not unique to Tower Hamlets. She explained that many other councils are in a similar position due to a national backlog in audit work. Ms Lorraine highlighted that this backlog was one of the factors that led to the government introducing backstop dates for publishing accounts and audit reports. She also reassured the committee that, provided Tower Hamlets receives a disclaimer of opinion for the same reason as other boroughs, it should not have a significant impact on the council's ability to operate. She did note, however, that it does put the council in a less favourable position than a council with a clean audit opinion.

Ms Lorraine praised the professionalism of the council's finance team, and highlighted that they are 'victims of their own success' in terms of the close monitoring risk rating. She explained that the finance team has worked incredibly hard to close down the previous years' accounts, and that this has resulted in their being identified as a high risk by the auditors. She argued that the situation would be worse if the finance team had not been so successful in completing the accounts for previous years, as this would have made the council a higher risk still.

“Had we not resolved the issue and closed the number of accounts we’ve closed in the period of time we’ve done it and the current year’s position, then the issue of actually you’re a heightened risk because you’ve done it to some extent wouldn’t be there.”

Ms Lorraine also highlighted the impact on the finance team of the level of testing and sampling that will be required by EY.

"I have never interfered in any way with the audit plan... I intend to let him determine what the risk base is… I would just say… you've got a finance team that is pulling out every single stop to get us through this audit in the most professional way we can.”

The committee also considered the Corporate Risk Register, which lists the top 15 risks facing the council. The committee heard that 3 risks had been added to the register since the last meeting: community cohesion, People First Transformation, and civil contingencies; and that 2 risks had been relegated to the directorate level: the Building Safety Act, and the Protection of Freedoms Act.

Some committee members were concerned that there was no risk on the register relating to the recent Best Value Inspection of the Council, or to the possibility of other adverse inspection outcomes. David Dobbs, the Head of Internal Audit, Anti-Fraud and Risk, agreed to discuss these concerns with the Corporate Management Team.

The committee also considered the Risk Management Health Check that was commissioned by Mr Dobbs and completed by Zurich Municipal, the Council's liability insurer. The check found that the Council had made a good start in restoring risk management processes and embedding them into the organisation's culture, but that there is still a long journey ahead. The report also found that leadership of risk management was not currently clear for all interviewees, that members need more training in risk management, and that the current system for recording and managing risks may not be appropriate. The Council has developed an action plan to respond to these recommendations.

Jesper Klesius, a risk consultant for Zurich, presented the findings of the health check to the committee. He explained that while the report had identified a number of weaknesses in the Council's risk management processes, these were largely attributable to the high turnover of senior managers in recent years. He said that he was confident that the new leadership team was committed to improving the Council's risk management processes, and that the action plan was a good first step in achieving this.

“I think overall, while there is a low level of maturity that’s evidenced at this moment, it is on an upward trajectory and it is going to take a bit of time to really improve in these areas.”

This meeting of the Audit Committee highlighted the challenges that the Council faces in completing its audit work for previous financial years. The Committee heard that the Council's external auditors, Deloitte and EY, have both identified a number of risks that they will be focusing on during their audits. The Committee was also told that the Council's risk management processes need to be improved, and that the Council needs to do more to ensure that its staff are aware of their responsibilities in relation to fraud and safeguarding.

Licensing Sub Committee - Tuesday 08 October 2024

The Licensing Sub-Committee met to consider two applications for new premises licences. The first was from Rotunda Cafe in Island Gardens, and the second was from Solid Floor Ltd in Ezra Street.

Rotunda Cafe, Island Gardens

Rotunda Cafe sought permission to sell alcohol for consumption on and off the premises from 8am to 11pm, Monday to Sunday. The application was opposed by one local resident, Mr Ralph Hardwick.

Mr Hardwick's concerns related to the cafe's location near George Green's School, and Canary Wharf College. He was worried that the sale of alcohol would encourage anti-social behaviour and could lead to children being exposed to drunk and disorderly behaviour. He argued that the sale of alcohol would conflict with the borough-wide PSPO, which prohibits drinking alcohol in a public place after being asked to stop by a police officer or an authorised council officer.

The applicant, Mr Gianluca Collini, agreed to reduce the hours for the sale of alcohol from 8am to 5pm and to a number of conditions, including that all alcohol sales must be accompanied by a meal and that alcohol for consumption off the premises could only be sold in sealed containers. The Sub-Committee were satisfied that these measures were sufficient to address Mr Hardwick’s concerns and granted the licence, subject to the agreed conditions.

Solid Floor Ltd, Ezra Street

Solid Floor Ltd sought permission to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises from 9am to 10.30pm Monday to Thursday, 9am to 11.30pm on Friday and Saturday, and 9am to 7.30pm on Sunday. The application was opposed by a total of 17 local residents. The key concern of the residents was the size of the proposed restaurant and its impact on a small, narrow street.

The applicant argued that the size of the restaurant, 80 covers, would be managed through a number of measures, including the use of a booking system and the provision of information to diners about how to arrive and depart the premises using public transport. The applicant also said that the restaurant would be high-end and that the clientele would be unlikely to cause any problems.

However, the residents were unconvinced, arguing that the restaurant would cause an increase in noise and traffic congestion, and that it would attract anti-social behaviour. Some residents highlighted the large number of licensed premises already in the vicinity and disputed the applicant’s assertion that customers at high-end restaurants don't arrive by car or taxi.

"It is undoubtedly the statistics are there. And my main point about this is that you can’t consider this application without thinking about the neighbourhood as a whole.”

The applicant argued that the venue would be better regulated if it had a licence, and that opening a high-end restaurant would improve the area, which they said was currently blighted by graffiti and street drinking.

“I believe that a restaurant…[would improve] Ezra Street [which] currently … appears to be derelict, the street is covered in graffiti by owners who don’t look after the buildings, that’s why kids go to the Sainsbury’s around the corner, buy alcohol and sit on the street.”

The Sub-Committee decided to refuse the application on the grounds that it was likely to result in an increase in noise, traffic congestion, and anti-social behaviour. This decision suggests that the Sub-Committee are taking a cautious approach to the granting of new licences in areas that are already well-served by licensed premises.

Strategic Development Committee - Wednesday 09 October 2024

This week's meeting saw the committee consider two deferred applications: a new application for a mixed-use development at 4-5 Harbour Exchange Square in Canary Wharf, and a Section 73³ application for minor material amendments to a previously approved scheme at Blackwall Way Yard Jetty. The committee also considered two deferred applications from previous meetings, one for the former Westferry Printworks at 235 Westferry Road, and another for the Whitechapel Road Development Site.

Former Westferry Printworks, 235 Westferry Road, London

As you may recall from previous emails, the redevelopment of the former Westferry Printworks has been controversial, resulting in a successful judicial review and years of delays. The committee had previously deferred the application three times. On this occasion, it voted to grant planning permission for the construction of 1,358 new homes, a secondary school, commercial space, community uses, and a police base.

The committee heard from three objectors, two of whom highlighted concerns about delays to the construction of the new secondary school on the site. The original application, which was granted planning permission in 2016, had included the school in a Section 106 agreement that stated it should be built by 2022. However, the developer, Westferry Developments Ltd, had failed to meet this deadline. The third objector raised concerns about construction traffic using Millharbour, arguing that the road was too narrow for large construction vehicles and that access to the site should be from Westferry Road instead.

The applicant, Mr Marginson, sought to reassure the committee that the school would be built, and that funding for the school had been confirmed by the Department for Education (DfE). He said that a clause had been included in the Section 106 agreement to ensure that the lease for the secondary school would be signed before planning permission was granted.

“The S106 agreement has a clause included to ensure that the secondary school lease is signed before planning permission is granted.”

The application was granted on a vote of 6 in favour to 1 against, with no abstentions.

Blackwall Way Yard Jetty, Blackwall Way, London

The committee voted to grant permission for a Section 73 application by Hadley Blackwall Yard Property Limited to amend a condition restricting the hours of operation of a previously approved jetty. The original application, which was granted under reference PA/21/00288, provided for the construction of a riverboat station and associated jetty at Blackwall Way Yard. Condition 22 of the permission restricted the operating hours to those of the Thames Clippers Uber Boat service.

The applicant sought to remove this restriction and to replace it with a condition that would limit the number of boat movements to six per hour between 11pm and 6am, with noise not to exceed 73dB. The application was supported by updated noise and air quality assessments, which were reviewed by the Council’s consultant. The applicant said that the amended condition would only apply to passenger boats and exclude private hire.

The committee voted to grant the application on a vote of 7 in favour, with no abstentions.

4-5 Harbour Exchange Square

The committee considered a new planning application submitted by GAW Capital and City & Docklands for the demolition of two existing office buildings and the construction of a mixed-use residential-led development with 450 residential units, retail space, and community facilities. The application had been deferred at the previous meeting to allow members to establish whether the scheme could incorporate more family-sized units.

Following a brief discussion, the committee voted to grant planning permission.

Whitechapel Road Development Site, Whitechapel Road, London E1 2BB

This application, by the Department of Health and Social Care, was seeking permission to redevelop a number of vacant plots on the site of the former London Hospital. The scheme would provide life science floorspace and a new academic building for Queen Mary University of London (QMUL). It also proposed the demolition of a number of buildings on the site, including the former Outpatients Building. The scheme had previously been deferred so that members could carry out a site visit and to allow the applicant to improve their offer in relation to apprenticeships.

The committee heard from the Council’s Conservation Officer, who explained that the development would result in “significant harm” to the heritage value of the site, and to the Former London Hospital Conservation Area. Historic England also objected to the application on the grounds that it would damage the significance of a number of listed buildings on the site.

The proposal would undoubtedly cause significant harm to the Outpatients Building itself and harm to the Former London Hospital Conservation Area.

The applicant’s agent explained that the proposals would generate a number of public benefits, including the creation of a significant life sciences cluster, provision of affordable workspace, and improvements to public realm. He said that the scheme was vital to:

“realise the strategic vision to provide a new world class life sciences cluster in proximity to the Royal London Hospital."

The Committee accepted the Officer’s recommendation to grant planning permission.

Last week in Tower Hamlets:

• The Pensions Committee discussed upcoming actuarial valuations, communications with members and employers, and the risks to the fund. They also heard deputations from trade unions on divestment from companies profiting from the oppression of Palestinians, the bombardment of Gaza, weapons manufacturing, and fossil fuels.
• The Council debated two motions, one from the Administration on Winter Fuel payments, and another from Labour on the Accommodation Placement Policy.
• The Overview & Scrutiny Committee considered a call-in of the Cabinet’s recent decision to award new contracts for the provision of domiciliary care services in Tower Hamlets.
• The Development Committee refused an application to redevelop Montgomery Square because of concerns about the impact on local businesses and increased traffic congestion.

Pensions Committee - Monday 30 September 2024

The Committee received training on the upcoming triennial valuation of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), heard deputations from trade unions on divestment from fossil fuel companies, arms manufacturers, and companies profiting from the oppression of Palestinians, and reviewed the Fund's Risk Register.

Actuarial valuation training

Barry Dodds, from Hymans Robertson, the Fund's actuary, presented the Committee with a training session explaining how actuarial valuations work and what the key issues are likely to be for the next valuation, which is due in March 2025.

Mr Dodds explained that the valuation is a risk management exercise that seeks to ensure that the fund has enough money to pay the benefits that have been promised to scheme members. He explained that the valuation process involves making assumptions about future investment returns, life expectancy and inflation, and that the level of prudence used in making those assumptions will have a significant impact on the funding level of the fund, and on the contribution rates that employers will be required to pay.

“There is not one single funding level that is the correct answer. This is all based on assumptions."

He explained that while the fund’s funding level had improved significantly since the last valuation in 2022, this was largely due to rises in interest rates, which had led to a reduction in the value placed on the fund's liabilities. He urged the Committee to be cautious about these figures, as they were sensitive to future investment returns, which are inherently volatile.

Mr Dodds also highlighted the potential impact of inflation on the fund, explaining that it increases the cost of benefits and therefore increases the fund's net cash flow requirements. He explained that recent pension increases of 10.1% in 2023 and 6.7% in 2024 have had a significant impact on the fund’s cash flow position, as the fund is now required to pay out more money in benefits than it is receiving in contributions.

He explained that the Committee could potentially use any surplus in the valuation to:

• Reduce employer contributions
• Change the investment strategy to be lower risk
• Increase the prudence level used in the valuation
• Retain the surplus and build up a buffer

Divestment from fossil fuels and arms manufacturers

The Committee also heard deputations from Kerry-Ann, Branch Secretary of Tower Hamlets UNISON, and Rupert Franklin, a social worker at Tower Hamlets Council and member of the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS).

They asked the Council to commit to a plan of identifying and divesting from any companies that the fund is invested in that support or profit from:

• The Israeli State’s oppression of Palestinians
• The military bombardment of Gaza
• Weapons manufacturers
• Fossil fuel companies

They argued that the Council has a moral duty to ensure that its pension fund is not invested in companies that are contributing to climate change, human rights abuses, and the military occupation of Palestine. They highlighted the defeat of the Conservative government's anti-boycott bill, arguing that this has given councils greater freedom to make ethical investment decisions based on the values of their local communities.

Risk register review

The Committee reviewed the Fund’s Risk Register. Paul Audu, the Pensions Officer, explained that the risk ratings of three risks had been reduced following steps taken to mitigate them.

• HRP0019: Risk of increased liabilities due to yields/inflation out of sync with actuarial assumptions/forecasts.
• HRP0021: Risk that the London CIV and fund managers underperform.
• HRP0027: Risk of high pensions administration costs, processing errors, and IDRP costs¹.

Mr Audu explained how the rating of HRP0019, the risk of liabilities increasing due to market yields and inflation moving out of line with forecasts, had been reduced because of the improved funding level.

Mr Audu said that the rating of HRP0021, the risk of underperformance by the London CIV, had been reduced because the risk was being “intensely monitored” and because officers meet regularly with the London CIV to discuss strategy and managers.

“There is the presumption that we see and hear enough, and if things, you know, really get out of hand, then that should be picked up as part of the overall governance.”

Mr Audu explained that the rating of HRP0027 had been reduced from 16 to 4 because of the “comprehensive data cleanse” that was being undertaken and the recruitment of three new members of staff to the administration team.

Colin Robertson, the Fund’s Independent Advisor, disagreed with Mr Audu’s assessment of the London CIV, saying that they had “underperformed in seven out of eight funds in the previous year”, and had recently lost their Chief Investment Officer. He argued that the situation was “getting worse, not better”.

The Committee noted the Work Programs for the Committee and the Pension Board for the remainder of the 2024/25 municipal year.

Council - Wednesday 02 October 2024

The meeting of the full council considered a motion from the Aspire group proposing the creation of a Mayor’s Winter Emergency Fund to provide financial support to pensioners who were ineligible for the scrapped Winter Fuel Allowance, and a Labour motion calling on the Council to scrap its revised Homelessness Accommodation Placement Policy. The meeting also heard a petition about the renewal of the lease on the Attlee Centre.

Winter Fuel Allowance

The Aspire group proposed a motion to provide residents of pension age who are no longer eligible for the Winter Fuel Allowance due to the recent change of government with a payment of £165 towards their winter fuel bills.

Labour councillors proposed an amendment to the motion stating that the money should come from the Council’s General Fund and increasing the payment to £300 for residents over 80 and £200 for residents under 80, arguing that this was more in line with the original scheme. Labour councillors argued that the Council should step in to address hardship caused by their own government's recent changes to the Winter Fuel Allowance. Aspire members responded by arguing that they were stepping in to mitigate the impact of the Labour government’s cuts.

The amendment was defeated by 23 votes to 22. The original motion was then passed by the same margin.

Revised Homelessness Accommodation Placement Policy

Labour proposed a motion to scrap the Council’s recently adopted revised Homelessness Accommodation Placement Policy. The policy removed the 90-minute journey time cap on the distance residents could be relocated from the borough when being placed in temporary accommodation.

Councillor Asma Islam, who proposed the motion, highlighted the detrimental impact of the policy on families and argued that it had been introduced without proper consultation.

This is yet another example of the Mayor badging government money with his own brand.

She also criticised the Council’s performance in relation to housing.

Record number of unlawfully placed residents in bed and breakfast. Record number of applications still waiting to be processed.

Aspire proposed an amendment to the motion noting that the Mayor had already cancelled the proposed policy in a cabinet meeting on 11 September 2024.

Aspire members responded by arguing that the policy had already been in place before Mayor Rahman’s election in 2022, and that they had acted swiftly to reverse it when residents raised concerns.

Don't try and deceive the public.

The amendment was defeated by 39 votes to 23, and the original motion was then carried.

Save the Attlee Centre

Tania Shaikh, Chair of the Attlee Centre, presented a petition to the Council asking for the renewal of the Centre’s lease on peppercorn rent. She highlighted the Centre’s history and its role in the community since it was built in 2006. The Centre is located in Councillor Kabir Ahmed’s ward and he stated that he had visited it twice and seen the “fantastic work” the centre does.

Councillor Saeeda Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Resources and the Cost of Living, responded by saying that the lease would be reviewed in 2026, in line with Council processes. She explained that the Council recognises the contribution of the Attlee Centre and offers rent reductions of up to 80% to voluntary and community sector organisations under its Community Benefit Rent Reduction Scheme.

Standards Advisory Committee Report

John Pulford MBE, the Independent Chair of the Standards Advisory Committee, presented the Committee’s annual report to the Council. He highlighted the low number of complaints (only 3 out of 11 requiring investigation), and the success of the Council’s reporting requirements for gifts and hospitality. The Committee raised concerns about the length of time taken to resolve complaints, and Mr Pulford stated that voters should be informed of any breaches of the Councillor Code of Conduct by the elected members of the council.

Voters should be told.

Ethnic Pay Gap

Councillor Abdi Mohamed proposed a motion that the Council should formally adopt the GMB Race campaign for an Ethnicity Pay Gap. The motion was seconded by Councillor Kabir Ahmed, and passed unanimously. During the debate on the motion, Councillor Ahmed highlighted the diversity of the Council's senior officers.

Time-Banded Waste Collections

The Council considered a report seeking approval for the introduction of new Household and Commercial Waste Regulations and the implementation of time-banded waste collections. The new regulations will require residents and businesses in 31 streets to present their waste within specified two-hour time bands in the morning and evening.

The report explained that the new regulations were being introduced to improve the borough’s street scene and to reduce illegal dumping.

The Council has statutory powers to enforce household and commercial waste regulations. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in the issuing of fixed penalty notices.

Members of the Council debated how the regulations would be communicated to residents, and whether adequate consultation would take place.

Overview & Scrutiny Committee - Monday 30 September 2024

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered a call-in of the Cabinet’s decision to award contracts for the provision of domiciliary care services in Tower Hamlets. The committee ultimately voted to confirm the Cabinet’s decision.

Domiciliary Care Service Contract Award - Unrestricted Aspects

The meeting began with a discussion of the process by which the decision was made to award the contracts. Councillor Sirajul Islam, who proposed the call-in, questioned why the report on the proposed contracts had been presented to the Cabinet with less than two hours’ notice and argued that this had prevented proper scrutiny of the decision.

“This prevented scrutiny from opposition groups on the council…”

Councillor Islam also raised concerns about the Council's commitment to the UNISON Ethical Care Charter, to which it is a signatory. He noted that the report did not rule out the use of zero-hours contracts. In response, officers confirmed that the Council was still a signatory to the Charter and that all providers would be required to offer contracted hours to carers.

The committee expressed concern about the decision to split the contract between a larger number of smaller providers, rather than continuing to work with a smaller number of larger firms. Officers explained that this was intended to provide greater choice to service users, improve the Council's resilience, and make it easier for residents to manage their own care through direct payments.

“...it gives us more providers for residents to have some choice about who they receive services from…”

The committee also questioned what safeguards were in place to ensure that care is being delivered to a high standard by providers who are not registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Officers stated that all providers would be required to be registered with the CQC, and that the Council would be working with those who are not currently registered to help them achieve registration.

The committee then moved into private session to discuss the details of the contracts and the reasons for the urgency of the decision. After returning to public session, the committee voted to confirm the Cabinet’s decision.

Development Committee - Thursday 03 October 2024

The Development Committee met to consider an application for planning permission for the redevelopment of Montgomery Square and Water Street in Canary Wharf.

Montgomery Square redevelopment

The application by Canary Wharf Group proposed to redevelop Montgomery Square, which is currently a hard-landscaped square with an event space in the centre. The development would see the replacement of the existing 640 East café and bar with a larger, three-storey pavilion that would also be used as a restaurant. The plans also included the removal of a road running along the south side of the square, making it fully pedestrianised.

The report explained that 193 objections to the scheme had been received during the public consultation phase.

The large majority of the objections were from customers of a business which operates from within the square and primarily related to the loss of that business from the square.

Canary Wharf Group argued that 640 East had been offered a suitable alternative location within the estate on Water Street, and that the increased size of the new pavilion would make it unviable for the current business to operate from.

Water Street closure

The proposals also included the pedestrianisation of Water Street. Access would be maintained for servicing, deliveries, emergency vehicles, and blue badge holders.

Councillor Baskin raised concerns about the impact of the road closure on traffic flow on Preston’s Road, but the case officer, Nicholas Pelling, explained that the scheme was not expected to generate any additional traffic on the public highway.

Refusal of the Application

Some committee members expressed reservations about the plans. Councillor Rahman argued that the value of the development did not seem to be adequately reflected in the Section 106 contributions that would be secured if the application were approved.

“...the value of the development did not seem to be adequately reflected in the Section 106 contributions.”

Councillor Chowdhury echoed Councillor Rahman’s concerns, while Councillor Uddin was worried about the impact on 640 East.

Ultimately, the committee voted to reject the officers’ recommendation to approve the application. The decision was made because of concerns about the negative impact the road closures would have on local businesses and on traffic congestion.

This week in Tower Hamlets:

• The Tower Hamlets Health and Wellbeing Board discussed mental health, maternity care, violence against women and girls, and the Council's readiness for its forthcoming Care Quality Commission inspection.
• The Licensing Sub Committee considered two new license applications - one for a Taco Taco on Commercial Street and another for the Widow's Son on Devons Road.
• The Human Resources Committee received an update on the recent reorganisation of the Housing and Regeneration directorate, approved the extension of the contract for the Interim Director of Governance, and considered the results of the council's recent Early Retirement/Voluntary Redundancy scheme.

Tower Hamlets Health and Wellbeing Board - Monday 23 September 2024

The meeting discussed a range of local health and social care issues and updates, including a review of the Better Care Fund (BCF); an update on children's mental health provision; and a presentation about the Council's readiness for its forthcoming Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection of Adult Social Care.

Children's Mental Health

The meeting discussed the Children’s Mental Health report, which was presented to the Board as a matter of urgency given high levels of need in this area. The report highlighted increasing demand for children’s mental health services in Tower Hamlets, including from young people presenting with neurodevelopmental needs such as Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

The Board heard that investment in Children's Mental Health services has led to the development of a range of services, including the Tower Hamlets Emotional Wellbeing Service (THEWS), FUSE (which works with young people and families with more complex needs), and improvements to crisis and home treatment services.

Councillor Suluk Ahmed enquired about access to services for young people experiencing a mental health crisis. Sarah Wilson, Director of Children and Specialist Services at East London NHS Foundation Trust, confirmed that services have improved, with good access to crisis services, inpatient beds, intensive home treatment, and good provision for children with eating disorders.

“So there's stuff out there. I think the real challenge is how we get it out there”.

Dr Catherine Bell, Medical Director for Children's Services at ELFT, added that although access is good, work needs to be done to improve early intervention and prevent mental health issues escalating to a crisis. She highlighted the difficulties around assessment for ASD and ADHD, explaining that lengthy waiting lists are an issue both locally and nationally.

I don't think the answer is to just do more and more assessments. I think we need to think radically about how we approach that.

Councillor Wahid suggested that the Council needs to do more to encourage parents to engage with these services and asked how members could help to promote services. Steve Reddy, Corporate Director of Children’s Services, confirmed that plans are in place for a briefing for all members on SEND and Mental Health in the next few months. Grace Walker, Head of Commissioning and Strategy, added that the emotional mental health and wellbeing services are working with young people at a range of locations including the Youth Offending Service and via support for care leavers.

SEND Progress Update

Steve Reddy also presented an update on the Council's SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) services, including a draft of the Council's SEND and Inclusion Strategy 2024-2029, which had been developed through consultation with young people, families, schools and providers.

Councillor Suluk Ahmed asked how the strategy addressed support for young people with other diagnoses such as ADHD and OCD and also questioned whether the strategy addressed the gap in post-16 SEND provision. Mr Reddy confirmed that the strategy does encompass all SEND needs including ADHD and OCD, and that several of the strategy priorities specifically address age phases and transition support.

NEL Maternity & Neonatal Demand & Capacity

Philippa Cox, Clinical Lead for the North East London Maternity and Neonatal Service at the North East London Integrated Care Board (NEL ICB), presented an overview of the NEL Maternity and Neonatal Demand & Capacity work programme. This piece of work is being undertaken in response to a growing population and increasing complexity in the needs of pregnant women and babies, as well as a need to improve equity of access and quality in services.

The work programme has two key stages: firstly, to develop an understanding of current needs and issues; and secondly, to work with clinicians and service users to design future models of care. The Board heard that clinical working groups and stakeholder engagement events have been completed and service user engagement is currently underway. Ms Cox explained that Carnell Farrar, who have been commissioned by NEL ICB to support the work programme, are writing up their findings. The resulting report will be reviewed by the ICB Board and individual trust boards and it is hoped that recommendations will be agreed and a consultation launched in November.

Shereen James Courtney, Group Director of Midwifery at Barts Health, also provided a brief overview of the maternity services provided at the Royal London Hospital. She highlighted the importance of improving patient experience, including culturally appropriate care, and described a number of recent improvements including the introduction of a new self-referral pathway which has been translated into 100 languages and a new triaging system for urgent maternity care.

Matthew Adrien, Service Director at Healthwatch Tower Hamlets, asked how the Maternity and Neonatal Service intended to address negative feedback raised in the Maternity Voices Partnership Chair’s report, which described service users’ experiences of the Maternity Triage service. Ms James Courtney confirmed that the report had been reviewed, and that feedback is being used to improve the service.

“The way that women and birthing people are using triage as a 24/7 access all area has become incredibly challenging for us in terms of environment and resourcing and timeliness of care”

She explained that the new triaging system for urgent care introduced in August will improve patient flow and safety.

Sabrina Wells, Patient Experience and Quality Lead Midwife at Barts Health, also described plans to address concerns around staff attitudes, including a patient experience development day for all staff working in maternity. She also confirmed that the service is planning to expand the birth reflection service to improve support for women who have had previous traumatic experiences.

VAWG Strategy 2024-29

Simon Smith, Head of Community Safety at Tower Hamlets Council, presented the VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls) and Women’s Safety Strategy, which is to be considered by Cabinet on 16 October. The new strategy was developed to build on the progress made under the previous strategy which expired in 2024, as well as to broaden its focus beyond the criminal justice and community safety team.

The Strategy includes three overarching priorities: Prevention and Safety; Supporting Victims and Survivors; and Responding to Perpetrators. Simon Smith highlighted the need for all stakeholders to take ownership of VAWG, explaining that “VAWG is everyone’s business”.

He added that the strategy adopts an intersectional approach to violence and abuse, recognising that vulnerabilities to violence can be compounded by factors such as housing need, substance misuse, and mental health.

Naveed Mughal, Strategy and Policy Officer at Tower Hamlets Council, also described the process of developing the new strategy, including the methodology and engagement undertaken. He highlighted the need to incorporate the views of local residents, explaining that more than 370 residents and 120 professionals were engaged during the strategy development process.

“There’s a lot of collaboration that we’ve had with residents and stakeholders in developing this work.”

Councillor Amy Lee questioned whether there were areas where partnership working could be strengthened to improve identification of VAWG. Simon Smith confirmed that the action plan underpinning the strategy has strengthened the partnership response, with more services and organisations taking part. He added that the partnership’s focus is now on strengthening links with schools to ensure that young people are educated about misogyny and VAWG.

We do consider that some of the issues that we currently face around misogyny and violence really do need to be addressed with younger people in the school system.

CQC Inspection Readiness

Margaret Young, Interim Director of Adult Social Care, presented an update on the Council’s readiness for the Care Quality Commission (CQC) Inspection of Adult Social Care (ASC). The CQC are inspecting all councils with responsibility for adult social care services. The Council has not yet been notified of inspection but this could happen at any time.

She explained that once a council is formally notified, it has a week to submit information to CQC, including a self-assessment, an information return, and details of 50 cases that CQC will use for case tracking. The inspection process will conclude with an onsite visit involving interviews with key stakeholders, including the Mayor and senior managers. The overall process may take up to six months.

Ms Young also described the progress made to prepare for inspection, including holding a peer review in January 2024 to support reflection and continuous learning. She confirmed that a programme of communications with council staff is underway, including a dedicated conference on CQC in October 2023 and a webinar in June 2024, with monthly videos and presentations also provided to staff teams.

“There’s a range of different things without going into all the detail, but yeah, we’re very much working with staff, sort of talking about it all the time and helping to prepare them and providing opportunities for them to tell us what they need and kind of responding to that as well.”

Councillor Suluk Ahmed enquired whether any work had been done to ensure that more recent members of staff understand the inspection process. Ms Young confirmed that staff are being offered the opportunity to attend a briefing and familiarisation session provided by the Local Government Association, and that information and briefings are also being shared with staff in partner organisations. She explained that the peer review in January was very positive.

“I think there is a very good story to be told”

Better Care Fund 2023-25 Review

The meeting received an update on the ongoing review of the Tower Hamlets Better Care Fund (BCF). This review aims to ensure that the allocation of funding and existing schemes are effective and will inform future planning.

Iliya Islam, Better Care Fund Programme Lead, reported that the review includes an audit of all individual BCF schemes to ascertain spending, confirm their continued relevance, and ensure alignment with THT priorities.

"Overall, the review is a comprehensive process that seeks to be one that assesses the effectiveness of our current initiatives, the spend and establishes internal performance reporting.”

In addition to this, the review will also include recommendations for new schemes to be included in the next BCF plan. Councillor Suluk Ahmed questioned whether the budget allocations were sufficient to meet increased demand and costs for services. Ms Islam confirmed that inflationary increases have been applied to all relevant schemes, and that the Council is awaiting the outcome of the spending review to understand any future uplifts.

Councillor Wahid also asked how the Better Care Fund objectives were localised to meet the needs of Tower Hamlets residents. Ms Islam explained that the national conditions and metrics for the BCF are set by the Department for Health and Social Care, and that while these are aligned with the THT priorities, the collection of borough-level data that could demonstrate the specific impact on Tower Hamlets is not routinely collected.

Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment 2023

The meeting received the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment 2023 for information. The Board heard that the assessment is a statutory requirement which takes place every five years, and that all 51 pharmacies in Tower Hamlets were consulted as part of the 2023 assessment. Councillor Vicky Scott highlighted a gap in provision on Saturday evenings and noted that there were no 100-hour pharmacies in the north-west or south-east localities.

Tower Hamlets Health and Wellbeing Board and the Tower Hamlets Together - proposal for future arrangements

The Board agreed to defer consideration of this item. It was noted that there is a degree of duplication between the Health and Wellbeing Board and the Tower Hamlets Together (THT) Board and that THT also plays a role as the place committee of the ICB. A further meeting will be scheduled to discuss this in more detail ahead of the next Health and Wellbeing Board meeting in December.

Licensing Sub Committee - Tuesday 24 September 2024

The Licensing Sub-Committee met to consider two applications for new premises licences: one for Taco Taco at 141 Commercial Street and one for The Widow's Son at 75 Devon's Road. The committee decided that they would not announce their decisions at the meeting, but would instead inform the applicants of their decision in writing within five working days.

Taco Taco, 141 Commercial Street

The applicant, Mr Damien Aiudi, sought a new premises licence to sell alcohol for consumption on and off the premises from 12:00 to 21:00, Monday to Sunday. The application had been opposed by 11 residents of The Cloisters, a residential development above the premises. The residents were concerned about the noise levels, the potential for antisocial behavior, and the smells from the kitchen.

The applicant sought to reassure the sub-committee that Taco Taco was a small, food-led establishment and not an alcohol-led venue. He stated that the sale of alcohol was intended solely to complement the dining experience and that he had agreed to conditions with the police, including a Challenge 25 scheme¹ and the requirement for all off-sales to be in sealed containers and ancillary to a food order for delivery only.

The Licensing Authority, acting as a Responsible Authority, also raised concerns about the application. In their written representation, the Licensing Authority noted that the premises were in the Brick Lane Cumulative Impact Zone. The Council’s Licensing Policy states that applications for the grant or variation of premises licences or club premises certificates which are likely to add to the existing cumulative impact will normally be refused following the receipt of representations, unless the applicant can demonstrate in the operation schedule that there will be no negative cumulative impacts with one or more of the licensing objectives.

The Licensing Authority also stated that they were concerned that the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises would encourage customers to drink in the street, and that this would potentially undermining the licensing objectives.

During the meeting, members of the sub-committee questioned the applicant about how they would ensure compliance with the conditions offered to the police and the Licensing Authority.

Mr Aiudi accepted that some of the conditions they had offered were not sufficiently specific. In one exchange, he agreed to amend a condition about monitoring and maintaining outdoor spaces at the premises:

We can do every 30 minutes, every 20 minutes is really important.

The Widow's Son, 75 Devon's Road

The applicant, Mr Selim Balta, was seeking a new licence to replace the existing licence for the pub, which had been revoked following a police raid in November 2022. The new licence would allow for the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises between 12:00 to 22:30 from Sunday to Thursday, and between 12:00 to 23:30 on Friday and Saturday. Late night refreshment would be allowed between 23:00 to 00:00 on Friday and Saturday.

Two residents, Mr Josh Oldham and Ms Rebecca Oldham, had objected to the application, citing the pub's previous history of noise and antisocial behavior. Ms Oldham stated that she and her neighbours had been forced to involve their MP, Apsana Begum, before the Council engaged with them. She was also concerned that recent building works to the roof of the pub indicated that it would be used to accommodate patrons.

Mr Oldham described the impact the pub had had on their lives before it closed:

Our mental health was severely impacted at this time, our work suffered, and we looked to move out, viewing four flats in a different borough. As soon as the pub closed, we stopped our search, and have happily remained at the flat.

The applicant, who was represented by an agent, Mr Dilek Alagoz, argued that the new licence would allow for a different style of operation. Mr Alagoz said that the new owners had no connections with the previous owner, and that they intended to run a family business and a family welcoming pub, mostly like a restaurant. They had also agreed to a number of conditions with the Environmental Health department in order to mitigate the risk of noise nuisance to residents. These conditions, which were listed in the Officer's Report, included limiting the number of patrons permitted to temporarily leave and re-enter the premises, such as to smoke, to 8 at any one time, and requiring all windows and external doors to be kept closed when regulated entertainment took place.

Human Resources Committee - Thursday 26 September 2024

The Human Resources Committee of Tower Hamlets Council met on Thursday 26 September 2024. The Committee received an update on the recent reorganisation of the Housing and Regeneration directorate. Members were informed of the results of the council's recent Early Retirement/Voluntary Redundancy scheme, and gave their approval to extend the contract of the Interim Director of Governance.

Housing and Regeneration Restructure

Paul Patterson, the Interim Corporate Director for Housing and Regeneration, updated the committee on the recent restructure of his department.

Mr Patterson reminded the committee that the Housing and Regeneration directorate had been formed in November 2023 when the council brought Tower Hamlets Homes (THH) in house. The new directorate began work immediately on a restructuring that would see the integration of THH into the council's existing housing management function. The restructure plans were presented to the committee at their meeting on 16 May 2024, and were implemented on 1 September 2024.

The new structure creates separate divisions for Strategy and Policy, Housing Options, Housing Supply, and Regeneration, Housing and Supply of Assets.

Mr Patterson also reported that David Joyce would be taking up his position as the new permanent Corporate Director for Housing and Regeneration on 1 October 2024. One of Mr Joyce's first tasks will be to oversee the recruitment processes for a number of vacant positions in the directorate.

The committee asked Mr Patterson to circulate a chart of the new structure to them after the meeting.

Employee Relations Casework and Policy Quarterly Review

Liz Hensley, Interim Head of Corporate Human Resources, presented the committee with an Employee Relations Casework and Policy Quarterly Review.

The report showed that there had been a significant increase in the number of employee relations cases being handled by the council, with a total of 81 cases handled in Quarter 1 2024/25, up from 63 in Quarter 4 2023/24.

Of significance, numbers of formal cases are increasing, and the trade unions as well as senior management are concerned about the length of time taken to resolve cases.

The committee raised a number of issues in relation to the report, including:

• The length of time it takes to resolve cases.
• The need to support managers to deal with cases more effectively and informally.
• The lack of administrative support for investigating officers.
• The need to ensure that all those involved in disciplinary and grievance cases are aware of their safeguarding responsibilities.

The committee asked Ms Hensley to provide more contextual information on the cases in future reports.

Senior Recruitment Update

Liz Hensley, Interim Head of Corporate Human Resources, presented a report that provided an update on the recruitment to senior management vacancies.

For director of public realm, we are just going out to mark of housing management, the director of housing options and homelessness, the director of regeneration and housing assets, and the senior head of housing.

The committee sought clarification on a number of issues in the report, including:

• Director of Youth and Commissioning. The committee were confused by the fact that the report stated that the role of Director of Youth and Commissioning was vacant, as they believed it was currently being filled on an interim basis. > So the title matches with the name that I have in mind, and as far as our council email and our system, it says this person is employed for this role, so either this is a typo, which could be, but it's the wrong information.

Ms Hensley agreed to look into the discrepancy and report back to the committee.

• Lead in time for Director of Legal Services. The committee noted that the lead in time between the interview process for the Director of Legal Services concluding and the successful candidate taking up their position would be unusually long, and queried the reasons for this. > I'd like to know when the interview, when was the last day of the interview, because the lead in time for this role is longer than what I know to be usual, so it feels like a six month, seven months type of leading, and that would be a discussion between the chief exec and the candidate.

The committee asked that future reports include details on the costs of appointing interim staff.

The committee expressed their approval at the fact that the council has now recruited permanently to all of its statutory Corporate Director roles.

Just on a positive note, I just wanted to mention the fact that we've got permanent recruitment in all corporate director positions, I think is important to note, so the fact that George Ishambani has already started, we've got Julie here, David Joyce, we're excited to welcome, and the same as the monitoring officer. I think that's a very important step for this administration, this council, and I guess there are other, sadly, London authorities, and even across the country, that don't have permanent members of their corporate leadership team. So I'm really proud that we have managed to secure those positions to permanent basis.

Decision The committee voted to approve the request to extend the contract of the Interim Director of Governance for a period of six months.

Update on Savings from ER/VR

The committee were due to receive a verbal update on the savings that the council had made as a result of its Early Retirement and Voluntary Redundancy (ER/VR) scheme. The Director of Corporate Efficiency was unable to attend the meeting, so Julie Lorraine, the Corporate Director of Resources, updated the members. Ms Lorraine explained that 58 members of staff had left the council under the scheme, and that a detailed report on the savings would be circulated to members. The committee expressed their disappointment at the lack of information available to them on the issue.

This week in Tower Hamlets:

• The Housing & Regeneration Scrutiny Sub Committee discussed the merger of Tower Hamlets Community Housing with the Hyde Group, the new Tenant's Voice panel, its priorities for 2024/25, and two Ombudsman reports.
• The Grants Determination (Cabinet) Sub-Committee discussed the renewal of funding agreements for Mudchute Park and Farm and Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park, the performance of the Mayor's Community Grant Programme, and grants awarded under delegated authority.
• The Standards Advisory Committee discussed new guidance for standards committees, reviewed its Code of Conduct and related procedures, and discussed recent complaints about councillors.
• The Licensing Committee meeting has been postponed.
• The Licensing Sub Committee granted a licence to Perfetto Pizza and The Pickle Factory, subject to conditions, and approved a number of decision deadline extensions.
• The Pension Board received training about the next triennial valuation of the Local Government Pension Scheme, agreed to delay a decision on the report on the cessation of City Gateway College, and noted a range of other reports.
• The Transformation Advisory Board met, but the discussion was not made public.

Housing & Regeneration Scrutiny Sub Committee - Monday 16 September 2024

This meeting consisted of five spotlight discussions: an update on Tower Hamlets Community Housing (THCH); a presentation on the newly established Tenant's Voice panel; priorities for 2024/25; an update from THCH in response to residents' feedback; and the presentation of two Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman reports and the council's action plans in response to them.

Tower Hamlets Community Housing

Mandeep Bogle, Director of Operations at THCH, gave a presentation responding to residents' feedback from the previous meeting on 24 June 2024. This largely consisted of an explanation of the organisation's plans to merge with the Hyde Group, a large Housing Association, as a result of THCH's limited capacity to deliver improvements.

The merger is a response to a number of factors, including the Right to Buy scheme reducing THCH's rental income by around a third since the stock transfer, as well as the large cost of fire safety works following the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017. Ms Bogle stated that the cost of fire safety works, also known as fire remediation works, would be around £50 million for THCH. She argued that seeking a merger would accelerate improvements for residents and allow for investment in their housing stock.

Councillors raised concerns about the lack of communication and engagement with residents. They also asked about how residents are being involved in prioritisation of works. Ms Bogle stated that THCH remained a local and community based organisation. She assured the committee that Hyde was committed to keeping THCH local and investing in community benefits and social value. She also argued that Hyde's investment would allow for the acceleration of works on schemes such as lift upgrades at Luke House, kitchen and bathroom upgrades, and roof upgrades.

Tenant's Voice panel

Councillor Kabir Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Inclusive Development & Housebuilding, and Paul Patterson, Director of Housing and Regeneration, presented an update on the council's Tenant's Voice panel. This panel was established following the 'insourcing' of Tower Hamlets Homes by the council in November 2023, and as a response to the Regulator for Social Housing's new consumer standards, which came into force in April 2024.

The panel is intended to give residents a formal way to engage with the council's housing management services and to scrutinise the council's strategies, policies and service design.

The meeting discussed the purpose and work plan of the panel, its role in working with the Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny Sub-Committee, and recommendations for its future reporting.

Councillors questioned the effectiveness of the panel and asked what would be done to ensure it would not be a 'talking shop'. Councillor Ahmed stated that the panel had an important role in driving how housing is delivered in the borough, and that he and the Mayor would meet with the panel every six months. Mr Patterson argued that the panel was an important part of the council's response to the new consumer standards, which require landlords to listen to residents and design their services around residents' needs.

Housing and Regeneration priorities for 2024/25

Councillor Ahmed and Mr Patterson presented the council's priorities for Housing and Regeneration for 2024/25.

Councillor Ahmed highlighted the recent discovery of ACM cladding¹ at Randall House, which had previously been thought to have been removed, as an example of the council's commitment to ensuring its housing stock meets the new regulatory assurance standards brought in under the Social Housing Regulation Act 2023. He stated that the council was prioritising cladding remediation works at schemes like Randall House and Johnson House.

The presentation outlined five key areas for the council:

• Housing Management
• Regulation and Compliance
• Housing Supply
• Planning and Place-Based Regeneration
• Homelessness

The presentation outlined a number of priorities, including expanding the council's direct delivery of housing and increasing engagement with housing providers to better understand their regeneration ambitions. The council also plans to consult with council tenants and leaseholders on a new engagement strategy.

Councillors raised concerns about the lack of focus on the direct delivery of housing, and argued that the council should be prioritising building council homes. Councillor Ahmed responded by arguing that the council was committed to delivering social housing, and that the new Local Plan would seek to increase the amount of social housing in new developments from 35% to 40%.

On homelessness, Councillor Ahmed argued that the council was committed to driving down costs. He outlined a number of ways in which the council is trying to reduce the use of commercial accommodation, such as a buy-back scheme, the development of new Council housing, and by proactively engaging with Registered Providers.

Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman

Usman Zia, the council's Head of Information Governance, Leah Owen, Director of Customer Services, and Councillor Ahmed presented the committee with two public interest reports from the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.

The reports identified a number of failings in the council's housing services, including delays in responding to residents' queries and failures to properly consider residents' medical needs when making housing decisions.

The committee asked what steps the council was taking to ensure that these failings would not be repeated. Councillor Ahmed stated that the council had increased the number of staff working on housing complaints and that there was a renewed focus on compliance within the Housing Management team.

He highlighted that a number of new systems were being implemented to improve the council's services and reduce delays, including a new telephony system. Mo Hussain, Interim Director of Housing Options and Homelessness, also confirmed that the Housing Options team would be undertaking training on homelessness legislation, allocations policy, suitability, and HHSRS inspections².

Grants Determination (Cabinet) Sub-Committee - Wednesday 18 September 2024

This meeting was about the performance of grants schemes, as well as approving new grants to community organisations. The committee was also scheduled to note individual grant decisions that had been taken by the Mayor since the last meeting.

Renewal of Service Level Agreement of Mudchute Park and Farm

The committee was asked to approve the renewal of the Service Level Agreement (SLA) with the Mudchute Association for the management of Mudchute Park and Farm. The report pack stated that the SLA was to be in the sum of £31,000.

The report pack explains the history and context of the agreement:

The site is owned by the local authority and has been managed by the local charitable organisation since the land was secured though community lobbying as a public park in 1974. To provide support to the organisation for the maintenance, upkeep and ongoing community access, the Council has had a service level agreement with the Mudchute Association for over 20 years.

The report pack also explains the alternative options the council considered, and why the chosen option was preferred:

Cease providing support for the maintenance and management of the site. This would have a very negative impact on the Mudchute Association and the valuable services they provide. Although, as is pointed out in section 3, the Council’s contribution to the organisation’s income does not represent a high percentage of their turnover, the support of the local authority is essential for unlocking other funding sources, and cessation of this support could potentially have a negative knock-on effect resulting in the reduction (or loss) of other funding. These projects are extremely valued by local residents, and well embedded in the community, and cessation (or, indeed reduction) of this support is likely to elicit considerable protest from local residents.

Renewal of Service Level Agreement of Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park

The committee was also asked to approve the renewal of the Service Level Agreement with the Friends of Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park for the management of the site. The report pack stated that the SLA was to be in the sum of £31,900.

Mayor’s Community Grant Programme (MCGP) Performance Report – Apr-Jun 24

The report pack stated that the committee was scheduled to receive a report on the performance of the Mayor's Community Grant Programme for the period April - June 2024.

The report pack stated that 106 of the 110 projects were classified as GREEN, 3 as AMBER, and 1 as RED. The single RED rated project was being reported to the committee for the second consecutive quarter as RED, and it was for the committee to make a decision on whether to continue to fund it. The project in question was the LWA Community Language Bengali and Arabic Support Programme which is run by the Limehouse Welfare Association.

The report pack explains that the project was rated RED because:

No delivery took place in Apr – Jun 24. Preparation work took place with the intention to deliver in June but delays in booking the venue meant delivery took place in July

The report pack recommends that the committee consider two options for dealing with the underperformance of this project.

The first is:

The project activity and targets are revised to take into account the delayed start with the lifetime grant funding of £76,533 reduced to £67,200 due to the non-delivery between Nov 23 and Jun 24.

The second is:

The project grant funding is withdrawn. Any evidenced spend on the activity in July is reimbursed but the project is ended following the process set out in the Funding Agreement for termination of the funding. New activity is commissioned to deliver the activity to the residents in the area.

The report pack goes on to list each of the projects that received a rating of AMBER, explaining what the issues were and what was being done to address them.

VCS Funding Awarded Under Delegated Authority

The report pack stated that the committee was scheduled to note details of funding that had been awarded under delegated authority since the last meeting. The report pack lists two organisations that had been awarded money from the council's Emergency Fund since the last meeting:

• Grand Union Orchestra - £6,480.00
• Tower Hamlets Community Transport - £6,100.00

The report pack explains the purpose of the emergency fund:

The Emergency Funding is grant support from the Council to local VCS organisations based in Tower Hamlets who are facing a significant loss of council funding. Organisations can apply for one-off grants up to £10,000. Applicants must clearly demonstrate the need for the funding and the fact that they are facing an unforeseen emergency.

The report pack also includes the details of what each organisation planned to spend the money on. For example:

Tower Hamlets Community Transport applied for emergency funding to improve their building's functionality... The organisation has been awarded £6,100 of emergency funding to replace stained floor tiles with easy-to-clean industrial lino. In addition to upgrading LED lighting throughout the building (depot & office) for better visibility, reduced energy consumption, and a more positive user environment.

The report also stated that the committee was scheduled to note that there had been no new awards of funding from the Community Benefit Rent Reduction Scheme. The scheme is described in the report pack:

The Community Benefit Rent Reduction (CBRR) scheme was set up by the Council to acknowledge the value of the work carried out by VCS organisations leasing its premises through a reduction in the rent payable. The Council charges an appropriate ‘market’ level rent for its premises and organisations can apply for up to 80% of this as a rent reduction... CBRR is only available for short leases of three to five years. To qualify, organisations need to meet several criteria relating to governance, management and quality standards. Full details of the scheme are set out on in the council’s VCS Premises Policy...

Finally, the report stated that the committee was scheduled to note that the first round of the council's Small Grants Programme for 2024/25 had closed on 28 June 2024, and the recommendations were awaiting a decision. The report pack describes the Small Grants Programme:

The Council’s Strategic Plan 2022-26 sets out eight priorities designed to improve outcomes for residents. This includes a commitment to partnership working with the voluntary and community sector. In March 2023 Cabinet agreed a new Grants Policy & Outcomes Framework with a commitment to provide long-term funding to enable the achievement of our shared vision to ‘support and invest in a thriving and diverse VCS to enable it to improve outcomes for Tower Hamlets residents’... To support this vision, the Council launched the Mayors Small Grants Programme on Monday 11th December 2023. The new programme provides £800,000 of annual grant funding between November 2023 – March 2027. The Small Grants is targeted at small voluntary and community sector organisations with an income under £150,000, to ensure a wide range of organisations can access Council funding.

Standards Advisory Committee - Wednesday 18 September 2024

The committee discussed guidance for standards committees that is being prepared by the LGA, and decided to suggest to the LGA that Tower Hamlets' unusual standards committee structure be considered for inclusion in the new guidance. The committee also agreed to review its Code of Conduct and consider creating a new protocol about gifts and hospitality. The committee also discussed its communications responsibilities and the delays it had been experiencing in getting responses to complaints about Councillors.

Local Government Association Standards Committee Guidance

The committee discussed a draft of best practice guidance that is being prepared for the Local Government Association (LGA) by Hoey Ainscough Associates³. The committee had previously provided feedback on the new guidance at its meeting in June. The committee learned that the LGA is particularly interested in Tower Hamlets' unusual standards committee structure. In Tower Hamlets the standards committee is made up of an equal number of elected Councillors and unelected co-opted members⁴, and is chaired by a co-opted member. Most councils have standards committees made up only of Councillors. The committee decided it would write to Paul Hoey⁵ to suggest that the LGA's guidance should include consideration of Tower Hamlets' model, as it is an excellent way of:

demonstrating the independence of the Committee relative to the political groups and ensuring that no one party would ever have a majority on the Committee.

The committee then discussed some potential issues raised by the draft guidance:

• Restorative Justice: The committee discussed whether restorative justice⁶ should be considered as an alternative to its existing arrangements for handling complaints against Councillors.
  
• Formal Member Development: The committee discussed whether it should be more formally involved with Member development.
• Liaison with other committees: The committee discussed whether it should have a formal liaison with other committees, in particular the Audit Committee.
• Working with residents and stakeholders: The committee noted that whilst the guidance suggested standards committees should be working with stakeholders and residents, it did not specify how that should be done.
• Member Officer Relations Protocol: The committee discussed whether it should take on responsibility for the Member Officer Relations Protocol⁷.

No decisions were taken on any of these matters.

Standards in Public Life Webpage

The committee considered the creation of a webpage on the council's website that explains what 'Standards in Public Life' are. The purpose of the webpage would be to make clear the importance Tower Hamlets Council places on Standards in Public Life, and to signpost residents to more information on the topic. It was proposed that the new webpage should be a summary of the Seven Principles of Public Life⁸ - also known as the Nolan Principles - and should link to the website of the Committee on Standards in Public Life. The committee reviewed a draft of the webpage and suggested some improvements to its content and presentation. The committee also suggested that the page should include quotes from the Chief Executive and the Mayor. Councillor Sirajul Islam suggested the page should also be linked from the Council's 'Be a Councillor' campaign webpage.

Annual Review of the Member Code of Conduct and related procedures

The committee reviewed its Code of Conduct for Members⁹, and related procedures for handling complaints. The review was required by the Code of Conduct. The committee considered an officer suggestion that Appendix C of the Code of Conduct - which describes the procedures for dealing with complaints - be removed from the Code of Conduct and merged with the committee's procedures. The committee discussed the content of the new combined procedures document and suggested some minor changes. These included making it clear that there is no right of appeal against a decision of a hearings subcommittee. Councillor Fiona Browne noted that:

potentially pretty much anything a council does is judicially reviewable

The committee also considered the arrangements for standards complaints about Councillors when they are fulfilling a council appointment on an outside body. Jill Bayley, the Deputy Monitoring Officer said that:

if somebody is appointed as a councilor to an appeal to an external body and someone makes a complaint about them on that external body... they will be subject to this procedure and not the external body's procedure

Councillor Elizabeth Marshall MBE said that the council's arrangements for managing this were unclear and that:

the LGA guidance, might it be a good idea to suggest that IPs should be welcomed to attend standards committees because there was a little bit of uncertainty at one point as to whether it was legitimate for them to be there?

The committee learned that the council had previously provided training to Councillors on their responsibilities when serving on outside bodies, and that Bethan Evans¹⁰ had presented it. The committee asked for the slides from the training session to be circulated.

Standards Advisory Committee - Report on Code of Conduct Matters

The committee considered a report on the Code of Conduct complaints received by the council between 1 May 2024 and 16 August 2024. The committee was told that during that period 2 new complaints had been received, that 4 complaints from the previous year had been closed without a hearing, and that 1 complaint was still awaiting consideration by the Monitoring Officer and an Independent Person. The committee was told that a complaint that had been investigated was now closed because the Monitoring Officer had decided to take no further action. The committee was also told that a complaint referred to in its June report as having been referred to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman had been closed by the council and that no referral had been made. The complainant had subsequently made a referral to the ombudsman.

The committee then discussed delays in handling complaints. Councillor Asma Islam said:

that seems to be the only one on this list at the moment and I was just looking at the date range between the date perceived by the monitoring office of June 2023 and actually being like you say going to the LGS CO on a year later... Is that typical for the process to take that long or was it as you referred that there was time lag between getting information between officers and members because that seems to take a lot I mean if we had a sudden surge of complaints then one would think that if one is taking a year then a number of others would take a lot longer and what is our capacity to be able to deal with more complaints coming in.

Jill Bayley, the Deputy Monitoring Officer said the delay had been caused by a change of Monitoring Officer and that:

Most of them are much shorter as you'll be able to see by the dates.

The committee was told that getting responses from Councillors who are the subject of a complaint is a problem, and that in one case the Monitoring Officer had had to ask a political group to intervene to get a response. The committee was told that the council's Independent Persons have been reminding Councillors that they have to cooperate with complaints procedures. Councillor Elizabeth Marshall MBE said:

delays... made the complaint cases into bigger things than they actually were in the first place. And I think maybe members don't think it's important, which it often doesn't seem to be... members need to be encouraged to respond in a timely manner... maybe we need sanctions against them

Councillor Fiona Browne said that the delays meant that there were:

so many gaps for something to go wrong. Not that I don't trust our officers and our members... but it's open to abuse... counsellors can also abuse this process by not responding back

Councillor Sirajul Islam suggested that the political groups should take responsibility for ensuring their members respond quickly.

The committee was told that a lack of informal resolutions¹¹ of complaints was also an issue, but that the Monitoring Officer was becoming more proactive about achieving them. The committee was told that the number of standards complaints received by Tower Hamlets was relatively low.

Work Plan

The committee noted that it would need to schedule a meeting to discuss its response to the LGA's consultation on its new guidance on standards committees.

Any Other Business

The Chair raised three matters under Any Other Business:

• His Price: The committee was told that the council is still waiting for His Price¹² to provide an estimate for a survey of members' views on the effectiveness of the committee.
• Media Mentions: The chair reminded the committee that it had previously asked to be informed of any media mentions of Tower Hamlets, and that it had not yet received any. He noted that whilst he had seen the council mentioned in the media, he had not been informed through the internal processes the council had agreed to establish for this. Councillor Abu Chowdhury said that Councillors had also previously been sent:

an email that said, gave a brief link to everything... We haven't had that for at least around six months, maybe more.

The committee agreed that the chief executive should be reminded of its request to be informed of media mentions of the council.

• Best Value Inspection: The Chair asked when the report of the council's recent Best Value Inspection¹³ would be published. He was told that nobody knew.

Licensing Sub Committee - Thursday 19 September 2024

The Licensing Sub Committee of Tower Hamlets Council met on Thursday 19 September 2024. The Committee heard two applications. The first, for Perfetto Pizza at 391 Cambridge Heath Road was granted for Monday-Sunday 23:00 to 03:00, with 01:00 to 03:00 being delivery only. The second, for a new premises licence for The Pickle Factory at 11-14 The Oval was granted subject to conditions. The committee also approved a number of deadline extensions for licensing applications.

The Pickle Factory

The application for The Pickle Factory at 11-14 The Oval was for a new Premises Licence to authorise the sale of alcohol, the provision of regulated entertainment, and the provision of late night refreshment.

The application was opposed by several residents and by the Environmental Health Service. The principal concerns related to noise breakout from the premises and the potential for anti-social behaviour (ASB).

Mr Butt, the solicitor acting for the applicant, stated that the applicant intended to surrender the existing licence for The Pickle Factory at 14 The Oval if the new application was granted. He highlighted the benefits that a combined venue at 11-14 The Oval would bring to the local area, including a significant investment in refurbishment and soundproofing. He also described the extensive community work that the applicant had been involved in.

Reverend Petras Gucevicius, of the Lithuanian Church, which is located at 5 The Oval, spoke of his concerns that granting the application would lead to a repeat of the problems experienced when the venue at 29-32 The Oval was operating as Oval Space. He said that there had been a number of serious incidents, including shootings and stabbings, and that there had been recurring problems with noise, littering and public urination.

Levi Rijper, speaking on behalf of residents at 24 The Oval, which is located directly opposite The Pickle Factory, said that residents were concerned about the impact of noise from the courtyard at the rear of the premises. Sebastian Fernandez, a resident at Impress Works, echoed these concerns and said that he had frequently had to contact the premises in the early hours of the morning and ask them to reduce the music volume.

In response, Mr Butt said that the premises had commissioned an independent acoustic report from Torben Anderson, a sound consultant. Mr Anderson said that he had proposed significant noise attenuation works to the premises. These included:

...the replacement and upgrading of the doors at the rear of the property to acoustic material in filling all windows and doors that are not currently in use at the rear and air locking and soundproofing the bridge between the premises.

Mr Butt also said that the applicant had agreed a condition that all regulated entertainment would be subject to a noise limiter, the level of which would be set by Environmental Health.

Members raised concerns about the impact of noise from vehicles, particularly mopeds. Mr Butt said that the applicant had agreed a condition that deliveries would be made in hybrid or electric vehicles after 01:00.

The application was granted, subject to conditions, including the surrender of the existing licence for 14 The Oval. The Environmental Health Service withdrew its objection after the applicant agreed conditions limiting the hours of operation for the courtyard, requiring a noise limiter, and limiting the number of people permitted in the external area at the front of the premises after 23:00. The Committee also imposed the condition, as requested by Mr Butt, requiring the noise attenuation works detailed in Mr Anderson's report to be completed before the new licence became operational.

Perfetto Pizza

The application for Perfetto Pizza at 391 Cambridge Heath Road was for a variation to the Premises Licence to extend the permitted hours for the provision of late night refreshment. The application was opposed by the Licensing Authority and the Environmental Health Service.

The application originally sought to extend the permitted hours to 05:00 seven days a week. Following discussions with the police, the applicant agreed to reduce the hours to 03:00, with 01:00 to 03:00 being delivery only.

Mohsin Ali, a Senior Licensing Officer, said that the premises were within the Bethnal Green Cumulative Impact Zone¹⁴ (CIZ) and that the applicant had failed to demonstrate that the variation would not negatively impact the licensing objectives. He drew attention to a complaint alleging that the premises had been operating past their permitted hours. Nicola Kadzo, an Environmental Health Officer, raised similar concerns and said that the applicant had not provided details of how they intended to mitigate noise and disturbance from delivery vehicles.

Abdulhadi Azimi, appearing on behalf of the applicant, Qari Azimi, said that the premises had been operating under their existing licence for over a year and that there had been no negative impact on the area. He said that the applicant used their own delivery drivers and did not employ third-party delivery drivers, who were more difficult to control.

Members expressed concern about noise from mopeds being used for deliveries. Mr Azimi said that his uncle had a hybrid car and that the applicant could use this for late-night deliveries. He agreed that if the application was granted, he would not use third-party delivery drivers and that he would use either a car or an electric vehicle for deliveries after 01:00.

The application was granted, subject to conditions, for the following hours:

Monday – Sunday 23:00 – 03:00 hours

Between 01:00 hours – 03:00 hours delivery only

Decision deadline extensions

The Committee agreed to extend the decision deadlines for a number of applications to 31 December 2024. These included an application for the Melbourne pub at 387 Roman Road, an application for 7 Eleven at 46 Brick Lane, and an application for One Canada Square at One Canada Square, Canary Wharf.

Pension Board - Monday 16 September 2024

The Board received training about the next triennial valuation of the Local Government Pension Scheme¹⁵. The board agreed to delay making a decision on the report on the cessation of City Gateway College, and noted a range of other reports.

Triennial Valuation Training

Barry Dodds of Hymans Robertson, the fund actuary, gave a presentation to the board on the upcoming 2025 actuarial valuation of the scheme.

He told the board that the fund was in a strong position, with a funding level of 163% as of June 2024.

So the funding level at the valuation last time around was one hundred and twenty three percent as at the end of June. It was one hundred and sixty percent one hundred and sixty three. We've estimated so.

This is significantly higher than the 123% that was reported at the last valuation in 2022. He explained that the main reason for this was the increase in interest rates.

The main impact has been rising interest rates and the corresponding and higher expected returns on the assets that the fund holds so generally speaking if interest rates go up and you can get higher returns on low risk assets you would expect to get higher returns on your higher risk assets that you hold as well within the fund.

This week in Tower Hamlets:

• The Overview & Scrutiny Committee considered the latest budget figures for this financial year, and learned more about the financial challenges presented by business rates appeals.
• The Cabinet decided to suspend implementation of a new policy allowing homeless families to be placed outside of London, and discussed the feee swimming programme, improvements to York Hall and Mile End Leisure Centre, improved waste collection schedules, investment in new market stalls on Whitechapel road and several other significant topics.
• The Licensing Sub Committee and the General Purposes Committee were both postponed.

Overview & Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday 10 September 2024

The Overview & Scrutiny Committee met this week to consider reports on the Quarter 1 2024/25 budget, business rates risks in the borough, and the Council’s new Transport Strategy. The Committee also considered the Local Government Ombudsman’s decision on a complaint about the Council’s handling of a Blue Badge application, and agreed its work programme for the year ahead.

Quarter 1 2024/25 Budget

The Committee considered a report detailing the Council's financial performance for the first quarter of the 2024-25 financial year. The report showed that the Council is forecasting an overspend of £13.3 million for the year, driven by nationally recognised pressures on adult social care, homelessness and special educational needs and disability (SEND).

Councillor Julie Lorraine, Corporate Director for Resources and Deputy Chief Executive, highlighted to the committee that these pressures were likely to be greater in inner London boroughs like Tower Hamlets, which has a high population density.

...these issues are national issues. Not only are they national issues but in an area like Tower Hamlets some of those national issues are amplified because of the cost and scarcity of things like private sector properties or affordable housing...

The committee asked questions about the high cost of temporary accommodation, and the availability of educational psychologists in the borough. As you may recall from a previous email, last year, the Council voted to use money from its reserves to restore funding to the Tower Hamlets Arts and Music Education Service (THAMES) for the 2024/25 financial year, following a call-in of the Mayor in Cabinet's decision of 10 July 2024 to approve the revised Homeless Accommodation Placement Policy. The Call-in was proposed by Councillors Mark Francis, Sirajul Islam, Asma Begum, Shahaveer Hussain and Mohammed Chowdhury. The Committee voted to refer the decision back to the Cabinet for reconsideration.

Business Rates Risks

The Committee received a presentation from Chris Leslie, Head of Strategic Finance and Chief Accountant, on business rate risks.

Mr Leslie explained that one of the key risks to the council’s income from business rates is from appeals against valuations made by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA).

He highlighted the example of the old Barclays Building in Cabot Square, which is expected to be removed from the business rates list for one year due to refurbishment. This will result in the Council losing £7 million in business rates income.

Mr Leslie presented a graph showing that rate reductions in 2023/24 were over three times higher than in previous years. This was attributed to appeals decided from December 2023 onwards. The Committee heard that the top five successful business rates appeals in 2023/24 totalled £22.4 million, including repayment of prior years’ rates. All of these appeals related to properties in Canary Wharf.

Mr Leslie explained that there is often a ‘domino effect’, where once one business has had an appeal upheld, others will follow.

...it's a bit like dominoes, once a principle has been established...

The committee questioned the criteria for successful appeals, and sought reassurance that the council has mitigating actions in place to deal with the risks from business rates appeals.

Transport Strategy

The committee also received a presentation on a refresh of the council’s transport strategy.

Councillor Shafi Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Environment and the Climate Emergency, explained that the Council’s current transport strategy, which was adopted in 2019, covers the period 2019 to 2041. However, he explained that a number of local, national, and political changes had taken place since the strategy was adopted, requiring a refresh.

The committee raised concerns about a number of issues, including:

• The lack of dedicated bays for Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points.
• Accessibility on pavements in the borough.
• The safety of cyclists in the borough.
• The lack of legislation around dockless bikes and scooters.

Councillor Ahmed explained that the Council was working with Transport for London (TfL) and neighbouring boroughs to mitigate against any potential negative impacts of the new Silvertown Tunnel on the borough.

Local Government Ombudsman Decision

The Committee also considered the Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) final decision and service action plan response.

The LGSCO investigated a complaint about the council’s handling of a resident’s Blue Badge renewal process and found that the Council was at fault.

Councillor Abdul Wahid, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Equalities and Social Inclusion, introduced the report. He explained that the LGSCO made a number of recommendations to the Council about how it can improve its service.

That fault was that the complainant, Mr X, suffered avoidable distress and incurred time and trouble in having to repeat his request for a reasonable adjustment.

The Committee received a report on the Council's proposed action plan to remedy the situation, including the development of a new reasonable adjustments policy for service users, a review of the Council’s training for staff on reasonable adjustments, and the implementation of a new system for recording reasonable adjustments. The Committee agreed to receive an update on the Council’s progress in implementing the action plan at a future meeting.

Work Programme 2024/25

Finally, the Committee agreed its annual Work Programme for the year 2024-25. This includes a number of key priorities, including scrutinising the council’s budget, reviewing the council’s performance against its strategic goals, and carrying out scrutiny reviews on a range of issues.

The committee noted the council’s annual Scrutiny Report for 2023-24, which provides a summary of the work that the committee carried out last year.

Councillor Amy Lee raised a concern that the Work Programme only allocates one Mayor’s Spotlight meeting, suggesting that this was inadequate and requesting more opportunities to scrutinise the Mayor.

So there's only one opportunity to do that for the rest of the year, I just want to put on record that I think that's completely wild, this is an Overview and Scrutiny Committee, he's the Mayor, I think that's not okay, to be honest.

Councillor Lee also informed the committee that a report on Net Zero targets was due to be considered by Cabinet in November, asking that the committee be given an opportunity to carry out pre-Cabinet scrutiny on this issue.

Finally, the committee submitted a question to Cabinet about the communications plan for the new policy on time-banded waste collections, which was due to be considered by Cabinet the following day. They were concerned that the report did not make it clear if or when residents would be informed of the new policy.

Cabinet - Wednesday 11 September 2024

The Cabinet met this week and agreed to suspend the implementation of a proposed amendment to the Council’s Homelessness Placement Policy, which would have removed the 90 minute travel time limit on the relocation of homeless people from the borough. They also agreed to proceed with a number of capital investment schemes and ratified a number of other decisions.

Homelessness Placement Policy

As you may recall from a previous email, last month, the Overview and Scrutiny Committee voted to refer the Mayor in Cabinet’s decision to approve the revised Homeless Accommodation Placement Policy back to the Cabinet for reconsideration.

This week, the Mayor, Mr Lutfur Rahman, announced that he was suspending the implementation of the proposed change to the Homelessness Placement Policy to allow more time to properly review and assess its implication for residents. He explained that, since the proposed amendments were originally recommended to the Cabinet, there had been both a change of national government and the publication of new data about the numbers of homeless families living in hotels in Tower Hamlets.

Councillor Di Ciozzoli, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC) for Urban Security, explained that the OSC acknowledged the financial pressures on the Council’s homelessness service but had recommended delaying implementation of the policy, “until funding details are clarified”.

Free Swimming Programme

The Cabinet received a report detailing the progress of the Council’s Free Swimming Programme. The Programme, which was launched by the Mayor at Poplar Baths on 15 July, will provide 37,600 free swimming sessions per year to women and girls over the age of 16 and men over the age of 55. The Programme is being run in partnership with Swim England and the Royal Life Saving Society and will cost £248,000 per year.

Councillor Hussain, Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation, explained that since the programme was launched, 10,447 people had signed up and 9,526 sessions had been booked.

The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Maium Talukdar, asked the Cabinet Member to review the opening hours of the free swimming sessions for women at Tiller Leisure Centre on the Isle of Dogs.

B-Well Leisure Insourcing Capital Programme

The Cabinet received a report seeking approval for a £1.166 million capital investment programme to fund improvements at York Hall and Mile End Leisure Centre. The investment will fund the refurbishment of the York Hall spa and the resurfacing of the outdoor 3G pitches at Mile End Leisure Centre.

Councillor Hussain, Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation, said that both projects would provide, “a significant income contribution to the 10-year revenue model”. He added that a further £3.665 million had already been approved this year to fund essential infrastructural improvements to the Council's leisure facilities, “like things like boilers and electrics, and all those things that are really vital to keep the facilities open”.

Waste Regulations and Time-Banded Collections

The Cabinet agreed to recommend to the full council that it approve the introduction of time-banded waste collections across 31 streets in Tower Hamlets, and the introduction of new Household and Commercial Waste Regulations. The new regulations will set out the requirement for residents and businesses to present their waste for collection within two, two-hour periods of the day, one in the morning and one in the evening, and will be enforced through the issuing of fixed penalty notices.

The Mayor, Mr Lutfur Rahman, said that the new rules would help to “reduce illegal dumping” and that he, “want[ed] a street scene that we can manage”.

The new arrangements are due to come into effect on 1 December 2024.

Whitechapel Market Stalls

The Cabinet agreed to authorise the procurement of a £3.8 million contract to fabricate and install new market stalls on the north side of Whitechapel Road. The contract will also fund the purchase of spare parts to enable the Council to carry out repairs and maintenance for at least 24 months after the stalls are installed. The scheme, which is part of the Whitechapel Road Improvement Programme, will be funded by a £9.3 million grant from the government’s Levelling Up Fund.

Serious Violence and Exploitation Strategy

The Cabinet agreed to approve the Council’s Serious Violence and Exploitation Strategy and recommended to the Community Safety Partnership that robust governance arrangements for its delivery be put in place. The Strategy, which is a legal requirement of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, sets out how the Council and its statutory partners will work together to reduce serious violence in the borough.

Councillor Abu Talha Choudhury, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, said that the legislation, “specifically requires collaboration between key authorities in local government to prevent and reduce serious violence in the area”.

Budget Monitoring Report

The Cabinet received a report detailing the Council’s financial performance for the first quarter of the 2024-25 financial year. As we learned from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, the Council is forecasting a £13.3 million overspend for the year, driven by overspends on homelessness (£7.6 million), adult social care (£3.5 million), and SEND (£2.2 million).

Spitalfields & Banglatown Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)

The Cabinet agreed to adopt the Council’s Spitalfields & Banglatown Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). A Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) is a document that provides guidance on the implementation of policies in a Local Plan. SPDs can be used to provide more detailed guidance on a range of issues, including the design of new buildings, the protection of trees and open spaces, and the provision of community facilities.

The new SPD will provide guidance to developers on the type and scale of development that will be acceptable in the area, with the intention of encouraging new development that enhances the existing character of the area, and protecting and enhancing existing businesses and communities. It also aims to increase the supply of affordable housing in the area.

The Mayor, Mr Lutfur Rahman, explained that the SPD was “so important” because it would protect the characteristics of the area.

Council Housing Acquisitions Programme

The Cabinet agreed to approve the inclusion of two externally funded housing capital schemes in the Council’s capital programme. The schemes, which will enable the Council to purchase 237 homes, will be funded by £40 million of grant funding from the Greater London Authority’s Council Housing Acquisitions Programme and £8 million from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities’ Local Authority Housing Fund.

The Mayor, Mr Lutfur Rahman, said that the scheme was “so important” because there is a “serious lack of one-family sized homes in the borough”.

Nominations to Outside Bodies

The Cabinet agreed to nominate Councillor Kamrul Hussain to replace Councillor Iqbal Hossain on the board of Greenwich+Docklands Festivals, and to nominate Councillor Shafi Ahmed to replace Councillor Abdul Wahid on the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority.

Fire Safety Capital Works Programme at Latham House

The Cabinet agreed to approve a capital works programme to improve fire safety at Latham House. The works, which will include the installation of sprinklers and fire doors, are estimated to cost £1.2 million.

HRA Capital Investment Procurement Route

The Cabinet agreed to approve the procurement of a £140 million capital works programme to improve the quality and safety of the Council’s housing stock. The programme will deliver the Council’s Decent Homes 2.0 programme and will include works to improve fire safety, building safety and energy efficiency.

Domiciliary Care Service Contract Award

The Cabinet agreed to award a contract for the provision of domiciliary care services to eight providers. Councillor Gulam Kibria Choudhury, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Social Care, said that, “It is through home care that so many of our most vulnerable residents are able to remain with their families and in their communities and living full and independent lives for as long as possible”.

The Mayor, Mr Lutfur Rahman, said that “delivering excellent care to the most vulnerable in our residents is our primary objective”. He urged the officers to monitor the performance of the providers closely to ensure that there are no safeguarding issues, and that care workers are paid the London Living Wage.

Appointments Sub Committee - Tuesday 10 September 2024

This week, Tower Hamlets Council's Appointments Sub Committee met to consider applications for the post of Director, Adult Social Care. As with their previous meeting, which considered applications for the post of Corporate Director, Housing and Regeneration, the meeting was not open to the public as the items discussed were considered confidential.

This week in Tower Hamlets:

• The Overview & Scrutiny Committee referred the decision to remove the 90-minute journey time limit for homeless families back to the Cabinet for reconsideration.
• The Health & Adults Scrutiny Sub-Committee welcomed the council's new Corporate Director of Health and Adult Social Care, and discussed preparations for the Care Quality Commission inspection of Adult Social Care.
• The Development Committee permitted the construction of an additional storey at Compass Point and the redevelopment of Empson Street Industrial Estate.

Overview & Scrutiny Committee - Monday 02 September 2024

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered a call-in of the Mayor in Cabinet's decision of 10 July 2024 to approve the revised Homeless Accommodation Placement Policy. The Call-in was proposed by Councillors Mark Francis, Sirajul Islam, Asma Begum, Shahaveer Hussain and Mohammed Chowdhury. The Committee voted to refer the decision back to the Cabinet for reconsideration.

Councillor Mark Francis, who proposed the Call-in, argued that the new policy had been implemented prematurely and that the Council had not sufficiently explored all of the options available to it to increase the supply of temporary accommodation in the borough. In particular, Councillor Francis argued that the removal of the 90 minute journey time restriction on placements was unnecessary in advance of the government's Comprehensive Spending Review, which may provide new funding sources to local councils.

Why then is the Mayor and officers rolling out this awful policy in advance of that decision?

Councillor Francis also highlighted the detrimental effect on vulnerable families of being placed far from the support networks of their family and friends and criticised the lack of consultation with homeless families about the new policy, urging the Mayor to commission a survey of homeless households to properly understand the impact of placements away from the borough.

Councillor Kabir Ahmed, the Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Inclusive Development and Housing Building, argued that the changes to the policy were necessary in the face of the unprecedented housing crisis.

This is the same struggle that was faced by administration after administration, not only in this local authority, but currently in every single local authority in the country.

Councillor Ahmed acknowledged that the cost of temporary accommodation is a significant burden on the Council's finances, explaining that Tower Hamlets currently faces a 'housing benefit subsidy loss'¹ of £12.7 million each year.

Local authorities like Newham are facing potential section 114 territory, which is essentially going into administration and bankruptcy as a result of the bill associated with temporary accommodation.

He argued that by expanding the areas in which the Council can procure temporary accommodation, the Council would be able to secure homes for residents at a cheaper rate. Councillor Ahmed also stated that no Tower Hamlets MP had been working with the Council to lobby the Government for additional funding for temporary accommodation, and invited the borough's three MPs to meet with him to discuss housing issues in the borough.

...I'd like to take this opportunity to invite all three MPs to specifically come and discuss housing issues and how central government can support this council in these challenging situations, particularly around finance, particularly around issues of good financial management, because on the one hand we do operate with the heart, and on the other hand we have a balanced budget that we must deliver.

Councillor Ahmed also stated that the Council would always endeavour to place households within Tower Hamlets, and that the revised placement policy simply made it clear where the Council would look for accommodation if this was not possible.

Our first priority will always be to locate people in Tower Hamlets.

Karen Swift, the Council's Director of Housing, added that the new placement policy uses zones to define the areas in which temporary accommodation can be procured. The new policy divides England into four zones, starting with Tower Hamlets (Zone A), then London (Zone B), then outside of London (Zone C) and finally the rest of England (Zone D). The policy states that only families with children in their final year of GCSEs or A levels will be placed in temporary accommodation in the borough. Families with children in other year groups will be placed anywhere in London, and those whose children are not yet at school could be placed anywhere in England. Ms Swift said that the Council is following best practice from other London boroughs in setting out these zones, citing Newham, Waltham Forest, Camden and Southwark councils as examples.

So the first zone is Tower Hamlets, and then it's London, then it's out of London, then it's further afield. A lot of other boroughs just say in or out of London. So we're taking the best practice from all of the other placement policies and putting it there so residents can see that we're transparent about where it is that we're going to look for accommodation.

Ms Swift also stated that the Council has a good track record of procuring temporary accommodation in areas that are suitable for the needs of residents, and cited Slough, Lewisham, Ilford and Romford as examples.

And Abel's, the rest of Abel's work is around Ilford and Romford. So we, we don't think that this policy is going to move us any, any further away than what we're already procuring. It's just making it much clearer and transparent because people tend to focus on the zones in the placement policy, but there's all sorts of other really good improvements.

The Committee debated the merits of the revised policy for over an hour. Several members of the Committee expressed concerns about the impact of the removal of the 90 minute limit, in particular they were concerned about the impact of being placed far away from support networks on vulnerable families, and families with children in exam years. Councillors also questioned whether the revised policy would actually save the Council money.

Following the debate, the Committee voted 6 to 2 to refer the decision back to the Cabinet for reconsideration, with a request for a written response to the Committee's concerns.

It is not known what action the Cabinet will take in response to the Committee's request. As you will recall from a previous email, the Overview and Scrutiny Committee voted to refer the Mayor in Cabinet's decision to reduce funding to the Tower Hamlets Arts and Music Education Service (THAMES) back to the Cabinet in February 2024. The Cabinet subsequently voted to overturn the Committee's decision and to proceed with the original funding cuts. However, in May 2024, the Council voted to use money from its reserves to restore funding to THAMES for the 2024/25 financial year.

Health & Adults Scrutiny Sub-Committee - Tuesday 03 September 2024

This week, the Health & Adults Scrutiny Sub-Committee received three presentations. The first of these was on preparations for the forthcoming Care Quality Commission (CQC)² inspection of adult social care services. The Committee then heard a presentation on the Council's Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategy and the services provided by the All East sexual health clinic. Finally, the committee received a presentation on the borough's smoking cessation services.

Adult Social Care, Care Quality Commission (CQC) Inspection Preparation

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is responsible for regulating and inspecting health and social care services in England. They will be inspecting all local authority adult social care services by December 2025.

The Sub-Committee heard from Emily Fieran-Reed, Adult Social Care Improvement, Transformation & Assurance Lead at the Council, who explained that the forthcoming inspection would use a new regime.

Ms Fieran-Reed explained that the new inspection regime would use a new assessment framework, consisting of four themes:

• Working with people
• Providing support
• Ensuring safety across the system
• Leadership

She also explained that the inspection process would consist of four parts:

• Review of published data and the Council’s self-assessment
• Inspection of 50 recent cases
• Meetings with senior management
• Site visit, involving interviews with stakeholders and inspection of facilities

She assured the Committee that the Council had made detailed preparations for the inspection.

The Sub-Committee also received an update on the findings of the London Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) peer review of adult social care in Tower Hamlets.

Overall, the Peer Review went very well – many strengths were fed back to us with the passion and commitment of our workforce a stand-out feature.

Councillors raised a number of questions about the peer review findings, including:

• How the Council would address concerns about mixed views of service users and carers.
• How it would be ensured that discharged patients are safe in the community.
• What measures were in place to prevent service users with low support needs from becoming dependent on social care.
• How the Council gathers feedback from service users and how it uses the data to improve services.
• What steps the Council was taking to support care providers that had received poor CQC ratings.

Sexual and Reproductive Health Services

The Sub-Committee received a presentation on the Council's Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategy and an overview of the All East sexual health service.

Councillor Kibriya Choudhury, the Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Social Care, explained that the Council is committed to providing a range of sexual and reproductive health services.

This administration prides ourselves on our commitment to caring for adult residents who need support. We provide high quality care which meets our duties under the Care Act.

Liam Crosby, Associate Director of Public Health, said that Tower Hamlets has a young and sexually active population, and that this leads to high levels of sexual and reproductive health need. He said that, while the borough has seen a recent increase in sexually transmitted infections, the rate of HIV diagnosis has fallen since 2015. Mr Crosby also spoke about the Council's approach to providing services in a variety of settings, including GP surgeries, pharmacies and specialist centres, saying:

We really have a range of services that get these needs close to where people are, close to people's lives.

He explained that the council had made a huge amount of transformation to its sexual and reproductive health services, leading to a reduction in spending of around £2 million a year, saying:

I think that's one of the kind of big sort of transformational successes we can talk about in local government where it's one of the big successes

Dr Andy Williams, a Consultant in Sexual Health and HIV at Barts Health NHS Trust, gave an overview of the All East sexual health service, explaining that the service is based at the Ambrose King Centre in Whitechapel. He also spoke about the challenges that sexual health services face, including:

• Antibiotic resistant gonorrhoea
• Increasing rates of syphilis
• Rising rates of teenage pregnancies

Lynn Toji, project manager for the Door to Hope project, spoke about the work the charity does to support women selling sex in Tower Hamlets. She highlighted the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sex work, saying:

The number of women who are coming back onto the streets has increased

Ms Toji also highlighted the importance of accessible information about sexual health services for both men and women, saying:

Some people may not even know what a sexually transmitted disease is.

Councillors asked a number of questions about the services provided, including:

• How the Council advertises its sexual health services and how much treatments cost.
• What steps the Council is taking to reach out to communities that are less likely to access sexual health services.
• What plans the Council has to address the increase in sexually transmitted infections.

Smoking Cessation Services at Tower Hamlets

Councillor Choudhury said that rates of smoking have reduced in Tower Hamlets, calling the report good news. Mr Crosby explained that the rate of smoking in Tower Hamlets has fallen sharply over the last decade, from 20% to 12%, but that we still have a long way to go. He confirmed that the Council was working towards being smoke-free by 2030. Mr Crosby then outlined some of the Council's approaches to reducing smoking rates, including working with Trading Standards to limit sales and providing a range of cessation services to residents. He highlighted the success of the services, explaining that we supported 1500 people to quit smoking ... last year.

Shamsia Begum-Foreman, Specialist Stop Smoking Service Manager for Quit Right Tower Hamlets (QRTH), spoke about the range of services provided by QRTH, explaining that the service was based on a prime supplier model and that it provides an eight-week programme of behavioural support and medication. Ms Begum-Foreman also highlighted the importance of providing a culturally-sensitive service, saying:

Our service is culturally sensitive.

Saeeda Begum, Community Tobacco Dependency Lead for the East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT), gave a presentation on ELFT's smoking cessation services, highlighting that they provide specialist support to people with severe mental illness (SMI), who are three times more likely to smoke than the general population. Ms Begum explained that ELFT operates two community clinics in Tower Hamlets, one on Old Montague Street in Whitechapel and one at Stainers Road, and also runs a virtual clinic for those who are unable to attend in person. She explained that ELFT's service offers 12-week behavioural support combined with the nicotine replacement therapies and/or vapes.

Councillors asked a number of questions about smoking cessation services, including:

• What steps the Council is taking to address the increase in the use of vapes.
• How QRTH reaches out to minority ethnic groups and whether it could use the Idea Store in Poplar to deliver some of its services.

Development Committee - Thursday 05 September 2024

The Development Committee considered two planning applications, voting to grant both.

Compass Point (PA/22/02363)

The Committee considered an application by GLO Properties for the construction of an additional storey at Compass Point, to create six new flats.

Three residents addressed the meeting to object to the application.

Ms Hanfri, a registered architect, criticised the lack of engagement with residents by the developer, raised concerns about the information provided in the submitted drawings, and asked the Committee to ensure that the development would not present a fire risk to residents. Ms Yao, an existing resident of Compass Point, asked the Committee to refuse the application, arguing that it would increase noise and dust pollution, exacerbate residents' health issues, put a strain on inadequate waste facilities and have a detrimental impact on the wellbeing of the community. She also questioned whether the development was needed, given the vacancy rate at a nearby development of affordable homes.

This indefinite timeline fails to comply with Tower Hamlet's plan policy DDHA, which mandates the minimising disruption.

Ms Yao also raised concerns about the affordability of the scheme, pointing out that it would provide no new affordable homes.

The £120,000 contribution [to] affordable housing is minimal. This is less than the price of a single flat according to current market prices.

A third resident said that the existing waste facilities were inadequate, and that the development would exacerbate existing problems.

Mr Brandicchu, the applicant's agent, argued that the design was in keeping with the surrounding area and that the construction would be well-managed. Ms Ariana, the applicant's representative, said that the car park was managed by allocating spaces to each flat in the development's leases.

Councillors raised a number of concerns about the scheme, including:

• Lack of engagement with residents.
• The car-free nature of the development and whether parking would be enforced.
• The affordability of the scheme.
• The impact on existing waste facilities.

The Committee's concerns about the low level of affordable housing contribution from the scheme echo concerns raised by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in their recent meeting about the revised Homeless Accommodation Placement Policy. You will recall from a previous email that the Council's finances are under significant pressure from the cost of temporary accommodation and that this is one of the factors in the Council's decision to lift the 90 minute limit on placements.

The Committee voted to grant the application, subject to a number of conditions and planning obligations, including an affordable housing contribution of £120,000.

Epson Street (PA/24/00568/A1)

The Committee considered an application by Fabrics for the demolition and redevelopment of Empson Street Industrial Estate in Bromley-by-Bow.

The applicant sought permission to demolish the existing industrial buildings and to construct two new industrial buildings. The application also sought permission to refurbish an existing MOT building³ to provide affordable workspace and a ‘circular economy hub’. The circular economy hub will provide space for businesses that are focused on repairing, re-using, recycling and re-producing waste from the local area. The applicant also proposed to make a number of contributions to improve the local area, including paying for improvements to the nearby underpass beneath the A12 and for maintenance and upgrades to the Limehouse Cut towpath.

Councillors praised the scheme for its innovative circular economy hub, the high level of affordable workspace and its significant biodiversity net gain⁴, which is predicted to be over 5000%.

The application before you is on a strategic industrial location… and I think it’s very much for this type of use. We’ve looked at the application quite carefully… I’m happy in terms of the impacts from traffic movements… That’s a good level of improvement benefits.

The Committee voted to grant planning permission subject to conditions and planning obligations.

This week in Tower Hamlets:

• The Transformation Advisory Board met but the discussoin was not made public.
• The Strategic Development Committee defered decisions on the redevelopment of 4 & 5 Harbour Exchange Square and a number of sites to the south of Whitechapel Road.

Transformation Advisory Board - Tuesday 27 August 2024

This meeting was scheduled to take place on Tuesday 27 August 2024. No transcript or minutes were available at the time of writing, so no information about what was actually discussed during the meeting is available.

Strategic Development Committee - Wednesday 28 August 2024

The Strategic Development Committee considered two applications for planning permission, voting to defer both.

Redevelopment of 4 & 5 Harbour Exchange Square (PA/22/00731)

This application was previously considered by the Strategic Development Committee at their meeting on 16 July 2024, which you will recall from a previous email. At that meeting, the Committee voted to defer a decision on the application in order to allow time for a site visit to take place. The application proposes the demolition of two office buildings (4 & 5 Harbour Exchange Square) and the construction of a mixed-use residential building containing 450 residential units, of which 120 would be classed as 'affordable' under the terms of the National Planning Policy Framework¹.

The Committee voted to defer the application for a second time after raising concerns that the scheme did not include enough family-sized affordable homes to offset the disruption to residents that the construction of the development would cause. The Committee resolved to ask the developer to reconfigure the development to provide more 3 and 4 bedroom affordable homes.

The Committee discussed at length the impact that the construction of the development would have on traffic on Marsh Wall. The applicant said that they would put in place a construction management plan to manage traffic flows but several members of the committee said that they felt that the negative impact on traffic would be too great.

Former West Ferry Printworks (PA/23/02375)

The Strategic Development Committee also voted to defer a decision on an application for the comprehensive and phased mixed-use redevelopment of the former West Ferry Printworks site.

The applicant, West Ferry Developments Limited, applied for planning permission for the demolition of all existing buildings on the site and the construction of 1,358 new homes in 13 blocks ranging in height from 4 to 31 storeys. The scheme also includes the provision of a new secondary school, business and service uses, community uses, a police base, car and cycle basement parking, landscaping, a new public realm, and enabling works.

The application attracted a number of objections from local residents and resident groups including the Isle of Dogs Neighbourhood Planning Forum.

We developed the Isle of Dogs Neighbourhood Plan to stop development outstripping infrastructure. Statutory planning policy, it says, large proposed residential developments are only to be permitted after all the infrastructure needed to support them and all the other developments nearby have been fully considered and allowed for. If the infrastructure is not there, the proposal should be phased for when the infrastructure can be delivered or the scheme rejected. Officers have only assessed infrastructure for the site's own needs and not assessed the cumulative impact of all the development on the wider area.

• Councillor Ruth Burberry, Isle of Dogs Ward.

Residents explained to the Committee that the development would have a significant impact on daylight and sunlight for a number of properties close to the development.

The development would cause Mount Terrace to lose a significant amount of daylight, and asked that the plans for the scheme be changed to mitigate this impact. Another resident, who lives at Gwyn House, said that the development would cause an unacceptable reduction in the amount of sunlight that enters Gwyn House and that this would have a detrimental impact on the health and wellbeing of the people who live there.

The Committee discussed the impact the development would have on local infrastructure, noting that Thames Water had stated that the existing water main may not be sufficient to meet the needs of the development.

Concerns were also raised about the delay to the delivery of the new secondary school which is part of the scheme, pointing out that planning permission for a new school on the site had already been granted in 2016 but that this school had not yet been built.

The developer this year told parents that they won't sign the lease now unless you grant planning permission tonight. So a commitment they made in 2016 to a new school by 2022, they're now saying they won't deliver unless you give planning permission for their third application.

• Andrew Wood, Isle of Dogs resident.

Responding to these concerns, the applicant said that an agreement for lease was already in place with the Department for Education and that it was ready to be signed.

The developer said that they were committed to building the school and that they had an agreement for lease in place with the Department for Education which was ready to be signed. They said that the only thing holding up the delivery of the school was the granting of planning permission.

Following this discussion, the Committee voted to defer the application to allow time for a site visit to take place.

The committee also discussed the Section 106² agreement associated with the development, which is likely to be in the region of £35 million. Of this £18 million is expected to be spent on the provision of public open space and £1.5 million on a community centre. The applicant is seeking to deliver these payments in-kind, by building and maintaining these facilities themselves. In-kind payments are relatively common for developments of this scale, but it is important for the council to ensure that these assets will be delivered to a high standard and maintained in the long term.

This week in Tower Hamlets:

• The Licensing Sub Committee considered a variation of the premises license for Perfetto Pizza, but no decision was made due to absent legal counsel.
• The Development Committee meeting was cancelled.

Licensing Sub Committee - Tuesday 06 August 2024

The Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider an application for the variation of a premises license for Perfetto Pizza, located at 391 Cambridge Heath Road. The application sought to vary the existing license to permit the sale of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises. However, the meeting was adjourned until 19 September 2024 due to the unavailability of legal counsel. This is not unusual, as the Licensing Sub-Committee is a legal committee and is required to have legal representation present at all of its meetings. The applicant expressed concern about the delay, as delays can be costly for businesses. In this case, the business will have to wait almost two months for a decision on its application.

The Sub-Committee also approved the deferral of eight other Premises Licence applications:

• Go Puff 89 Hemington Street, London E1 5BL
• The Widow's Sun, 75 Devens Road, London E3 3PJ
• Solid Floor, 7A Ezra Street, London E2
• Noisy Oyster, 2 Nichols Clark Yard, London E1
• Montgomery Square Canary Wharf, London E14 5JJ
• Sainsbury's, 120 Bow Common Lane, London E1
• The Quiz Room, 19-25 Bell Lane, London E1
• Cafe Island Gardens, London E14 3EA

The deferral extends the deadline by which the Council must make a decision on the applications to 30 October 2024. These deferrals are likely to have been requested by the applicants themselves, perhaps in order to allow more time to address concerns that have been raised by residents or other interested parties.

Licensing applications are often controversial, particularly in areas like Tower Hamlets which has a high density of licensed premises. Residents often raise concerns about the potential for noise, anti-social behaviour, and crime and disorder. You can find out more about the licensing process on the council's website, by searching for 'Licensing Act 2003' ¹.

The Appointments Sub Committee was scheduled to discuss the longlisting for the role of Director of Adult Social Care at Tower Hamlets Council.

Appointments Sub Committee - Tuesday 30 July 2024

This week, Tower Hamlets Council's Appointments Sub Committee was scheduled to meet to discuss applications for the post of Director, Adult Social Care. The meeting was not open to the public as the items discussed were considered confidential. This is not unusual. As you will recall from a previous email, this committee met on Tuesday 23 July 2024 to consider applications for the post of Corporate Director, Housing and Regeneration, and that meeting was also not open to the public. These committees are often required to consider commercially sensitive information, or information that could identify individuals, and for these reasons they are often held in private.

As always, The Open Council Network will continue to monitor the council's publications and will provide you with information about the outcome of this process as soon as it is made public.

The Overview & Scrutiny Committee reviewed recycling performance, agreed the Strategic Asset Management Plan 2024-29, and considered the new Target Operating Model. The Licensing Sub Committee considered three applications for premises licenses, granting two and adjourning one. The Appointments Sub Committee was scheduled to consider a report on applications for the post of Corporate Director, Housing and Regeneration. The Cabinet agreed to consult on the introduction of a Public Space Protection Order for dog control, and voted to proceed with Option A for the new Local Plan.

Overview & Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday 23 July 2024

The Overview & Scrutiny Committee received updates on the council's performance and reviewed a number of significant strategy and policy documents. This is one of the council's most important committees as it provides non-executive councillors with the opportunity to hold the Mayor and Cabinet to account for the decisions they make. It also has the power to ‘call in’ decisions made by the Mayor or Cabinet if it believes that they have not been made properly, allowing for a full debate and a vote at a meeting of the full council. Scrutiny is also a vital part of the council's commitment to good governance and transparency, giving the public and the media an opportunity to see how decisions are made and to understand the rationale behind them.

Recycling Rates

The committee discussed the borough's recycling performance, which is currently the worst in London at just 16%. The committee heard a presentation from officers on the council's plan to increase this to 23% by March 2025, which has three strands: service improvements, infrastructure improvements, and communication and behaviour change. The committee welcomed the plan but raised concerns that operational issues, such as missed bin collections, were contributing to low recycling rates.

If we really want to deep dig and you want answers and you want solutions and you want to support the offices and vice versa, then we've got to start making sure in these meetings we're actually doing the right thing and making sure the right people are here to answer the questions that we need.

• Councillor Asma Islam

The committee also noted that the council will be reintroducing the distribution of recycling sacks to households in August.

Strategic Asset Management Plan 2024-29

The committee also reviewed the Strategic Asset Management Plan, which sets out how the Council will manage its property portfolio of over 1,100 non-residential properties over the next five years.

As a borough we're well off for corporate assets and it's important that we have a strategy to direct how we're going to use, develop and promote that portfolio.

• David Hughes, Divisional Director of Property and Asset Management

The committee heard that the Council is an asset rich authority, and that the new plan will provide a framework for a rolling programme to review non-residential assets. This will allow the Council to optimise revenue for income generating assets, release assets for other priorities such as new housing developments, and better utilise buildings currently occupied by community organisations.

The Committee raised a number of questions about the plan, including how the Council will assess the value of assets currently being used by community organisations, and how it will communicate with organisations about the future of their leases.

Target Operating Model

The committee considered the draft Target Operating Model, which is a blueprint for how the Council will operate and deliver its strategic priorities in the future.

So this update… relates to our target operating model, which I suppose in itself thinking about the language target operating model is not particularly accessible for our communities, residents, et cetera.

• Ayesha Hakim, Acting Head of Corporate Strategy and Transformation

The committee heard that the new model represents a significant shift from the council's previous model, which was heavily focused on internal processes and structures. The new model prioritises community needs and engagement, and will empower council directorates to innovate and work more collaboratively with partners. It is also intended to deliver a more transparent and accountable council that is better able to communicate its successes to the public.

The committee welcomed the new model but raised some questions about the engagement process, particularly around the involvement of organisations representing disabled people. The final Target Operating Model will be presented to Cabinet in October 2024.

Licensing Sub Committee - Tuesday 23 July 2024

The Licensing Sub-Committee of Tower Hamlets Council met on Tuesday 23 July 2024 and considered three applications for premises licenses. Licensing Sub-Committees are responsible for making decisions about the grant and variation of premises licenses. All applications for premises licenses must be made to the Licensing Authority, which is a committee of the council. The Licensing Authority is responsible for ensuring that all licensed premises operate in accordance with the four licensing objectives:

• The prevention of crime and disorder
• Public safety
• The prevention of public nuisance
• The protection of children from harm

Boulebar at 7 Frying Pan Alley

The committee granted a new premises license to Boulebar for their premises at 7 Frying Pan Alley, London, E1 7HS.

The application was for a new premises license to operate a restaurant and bar with a focus on the game of pétanque. The bar would operate within the Brick Lane Cumulative Impact Zone. A Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ) is an area in which the concentration of businesses selling alcohol is so great that it is likely to lead to an increase in crime and disorder. In these areas, there is a presumption against granting new premises licenses unless the applicant can demonstrate that their application is exceptional.

The Licensing Authority and Environmental Protection initially objected to the application, but both withdrew their objections after the applicant agreed to a number of conditions, including:

• The sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises would be restricted to 9 p.m.
• The licence would be tied to the individual company, minimizing the risk of a change of use.
• The number of people permitted in the external area after 9 p.m. to a maximum of fifteen at any one time.

The Licensing Sub-Committee granted the application for a new premises license, as amended by these conditions.

House of Music & Entertainment Limited at 20 Commercial Street

The committee also granted a new premises license to House of Music & Entertainment Limited for their premises at 20 Commercial Street, London, E1 6LP.

The applicant applied for a new premises license to sell alcohol at their premises, which operate as a co-working space during the day and an event space during the evening. This application also fell within the Brick Lane Cumulative Impact Zone and attracted objections from the Licensing Authority and Environmental Protection.

I'm asking this question because the title you put there, the license of House of Music and Entertainment, that seems that what you have to describe is something different.

• Councillor Ahmodur Khan.

After the applicant agreed to all of the conditions requested by Environmental Protection, the Licensing Sub-Committee granted the application for a new premises license.

GoPuff at 8 Hemming Street

The committee adjourned an application for the variation of a premises license for GoPuff at 8 Hemming Street, London, E1W 2BH to a future meeting.

GoPuff applied to vary their existing premises license to permit the sale of alcohol for delivery 24 hours a day. The application attracted 33 objections from local residents who raised a number of concerns about the application, including noise from delivery vehicles and anti-social behaviour. They also presented evidence that GoPuff was in breach of several conditions attached to its existing license. The applicant disputed the allegations and requested an adjournment to allow them time to investigate. The Licensing Sub-Committee adjourned its determination of the application to a future meeting to allow the applicant time to respond to the concerns raised.

Cabinet - Wednesday 24 July 2024

The Cabinet of Tower Hamlets Council made a number of decisions at their meeting, agreeing to consult on the introduction of a Public Space Protection Order for dog control, voting to proceed with Option A for the new Local Plan, ratifying a number of other decisions, and noting the contents of several reports.

The Cabinet is the executive decision-making body of Tower Hamlets Council. They are responsible for making most of the council’s decisions, and for implementing the council’s policies. The Cabinet consists of the Mayor and a number of other councillors who are appointed by the Mayor. The Cabinet meets in public and its meetings are webcast on the council’s website.

Dog Control Orders

The Cabinet agreed to begin a public consultation on plans to introduce a Public Space Protection Order covering dog control. The order would cover dog fouling, introduce areas where dogs are excluded, such as gated children's play areas, and require dogs to be kept on leads in specified locations. It would also limit the number of dogs that can be walked by one person at a time, and consider introducing a licensing scheme for professional dog walkers.

We know that the vast majority of dogs are peaceful and dog owners low abiding and respectful of feelings of others around them.

• Councillor Shafi Ahmad, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Emergency

Councillor Shafi Ahmad, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Emergency, explained that the proposed consultation would be comprehensive, engaging all communities in the borough, and that the Council would work to ensure that it was clear that the consultation was not intended to demonise dogs or penalise responsible dog owners.

Local Plan 2038

The Cabinet approved Option A of the Tower Hamlets Local Plan 2038, which will now proceed to the Regulation 19 stage of the process, meaning that it will be published for consultation.

A Local Plan is a document that sets out a local planning authority’s policies for the development and use of land in its area. It covers a wide range of issues, including housing, businesses, community facilities, transport and the environment. The Local Plan is prepared in consultation with local people and businesses. It is then submitted to the Secretary of State for examination. If the Secretary of State approves the Local Plan, it becomes part of the development plan for the area. The development plan is used by the local planning authority to make decisions about planning applications.

This stage of the Local Plan process is known as Regulation 19 because it is set out in Regulation 19 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012. Regulation 19 requires the local planning authority to publish the proposed submission version of the Local Plan and to invite representations on it. The local planning authority must then consider any representations that it receives and to make any necessary changes to the Local Plan before it submits it to the Secretary of State for examination.

Overcrowding and the associated health, social, economic inequalities and education inequalities that are born out of such conditions remains one of the biggest challenges that our borough faces.

• Mayor Lutfur Rahman

The Mayor spoke passionately about the new Local Plan, and particularly the need to address the issue of overcrowding, highlighting the three main elements of the new strategy: an increase in the proportion of generally affordable housing; a commitment to ensuring that at least 85% of affordable housing is let at social rent; and the incorporation of community facilities into new developments.

Option A of the plan includes the removal of height restrictions at ten key sites in the borough in order to encourage the development of taller buildings that can accommodate more homes.

As a borough, our planners should be, and you are, we should be, and as a council, we should be much more challenging, much more robust, creative in designs, in height, and be enabling to [invert] investment in the borough.

• Councillor Kabir Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Planning.

Appointments Sub Committee - Tuesday 23 July 2024

This meeting of Tower Hamlets' Appointments Sub Committee was scheduled to consider applications for the post of Corporate Director, Housing and Regeneration. Because the meeting was not open to the public, no information about what was actually discussed during the meeting is available.

Since Saturday 13 July 2024, the council has held 4 meetings: the Strategic Development Committee on 16 July, the Council on 17 July, the Licensing Sub Committee on 18 July, and the Mayor's Executive Decision Making on 19 July. The Mayor's Executive Decision Making session did not produce a video. The Strategic Development Committee approved plans to redevelop the former London Chest Hospital, but voted to defer a decision on an application to redevelop 4 & 5 Harbour Exchange Square, requesting a site visit before making a decision. The Council unanimously agreed to a series of reports relating to market designations and charges, planning powers, the Corporate Parenting Board, and committee places. The Licensing Sub Committee granted a new license to a bar on Quaker Street, and considered an application from a business in Hackney Wick, for which a decision is pending.

Strategic Development Committee - Tuesday 16 July 2024

The Strategic Development Committee made two significant decisions at its meeting. Firstly, it approved the redevelopment of the former London Chest Hospital site[^1]. This decision was made despite some objections from local residents concerning the height of one of the buildings and the loss of trees. The Committee also voted to defer the application to redevelop 4 & 5 Harbour Exchange Square, requesting a site visit to further understand the scale of the project before making a decision.

Redevelopment of the former London Chest Hospital (PA/24/00184)

The Committee considered two linked applications: one for planning permission and one for Listed Building Consent. Both applications were approved subject to a number of conditions and planning obligations.

The planning application sought permission to demolish all of the buildings on site, except for the Grade II Listed main hospital building, South Wing and sanitation tower. The site would then be redeveloped to provide 274 new homes (Use Class C3)[^2] and a flexible commercial and community floor space (Use Class E(b) / F2(b))[^3] with landscaping and other associated works.

The Listed Building Consent application sought permission to undertake various works to the retained listed buildings including a new extension, internal alterations, and works to boundary features.

There were a number of objections to the scheme. The most significant of these objections related to the height of Building E, which will be the tallest element of the proposed scheme at 9 storeys in height. Objections were also raised in relation to the proposed loss of trees on site, impacts on neighbouring amenity (including daylight/sunlight impacts), parking and highways impacts, and concerns that the scheme provided too few genuinely “affordable” homes.

The applicant, Latimer by Clarion Housing Group, addressed the Committee and outlined the significant public benefits that the scheme would introduce:

Firstly, our proposals will create 270 for high quality homes helping to meet the growing demand for housing across the borough. 50% of these homes, by help to room 121 total, will be affordable with the significant proportion at social rent levels, the lowest cost of housing available.

The applicant confirmed that 50% of the homes would be affordable, calculated by habitable room, and that these homes would be offered at Social Rent levels. Social Rent is cheaper than the London Affordable Rent that the Council’s policies require, but are capped at nationally-set levels. The applicant also confirmed that 39 of those Social Rent homes would be family-sized homes of 3 or 4 bedrooms.

In response to a question about the level of rent that would be applied, Mr Paul Buckenham, Head of Development Management, Planning and Building Control, stated:

The social rent levels won't actually be 80% of market value. They will be social rent, which are set by central government agencies… The actual rent levels are worked out based on kind of local rent levels and local earnings, I believe. So, yeah, it is the cheapest possible level of social housing that can be provided, and all of the social affordable rent units will be this social rent level, which is nothing to do with kind of 80% of market rent or anything like that.

Clarifying this point, Mr Prudence, of the Latimer by Clarion Housing Group, stated:

So, that applies nationally, but what we're saying is that this product isn't just meeting the definition of affordable, it's going way beyond that. It's social rent, which is the most affordable product that we can deliver, essentially.

The applicant also confirmed that all of the social rented homes would be of the same high standard of design and use the same high-quality materials as the private sale homes, and that in fact:

the social homes are kind of weird, which say the best on the site.

The applicant also confirmed that the Grade II Listed hospital building, south wing and sanitation tower would be retained and sensitively refurbished and that a new community café facility would be located within the South Wing to be run as a community-led facility open to all, which would also be available for free to local community groups in the evening.

The applicant also made it clear that the Veteran Mulberry Tree would be retained in its current location and that it would benefit from a dedicated landscaped space, would be protected throughout construction and be made accessible to the public.

In response to a question about how the proposals seek to address potential construction and highways impacts, Mr Buckenham stated:

Obviously, in theory, any challenge, any decision could be subject to a challenge… In terms of the likelihood of a challenge, well, any decision the Council makes in theory could be challenged. Obviously, our role as officers is to give you advice that we believe would result in whatever decision you make being a robust decision and hopefully challenge-proof.

The applicant then confirmed that demolition was likely to commence early next year.

In terms of the loss of trees, the applicant confirmed that whilst 20 trees would be removed from the site, 51 new trees would be planted, and that larger species would be planted on the edge of the site to provide the same visual screening to the site.

Officers confirmed that the applicant’s daylight, sunlight and overshadowing report had been reviewed by an independent consultant and found to be acceptable.

The committee also questioned the applicant on the adequacy of ventilation to the flats and how the internal design and layout of the affordable homes would be delivered.

Officers confirmed to the Committee that the proposals complied with the development plan. The Committee ultimately accepted the Officers’ recommendations that the application be approved.

Redevelopment of 4 & 5 Harbour Exchange Square (PA/22/00731)

The Committee considered an application for planning permission to demolish the existing office buildings (4 & 5 Harbour Exchange Square) and to redevelop the site to provide a mixed-use building containing 450 residential units with flexible retail, community and creative uses at the podium levels as well as basement blue-badge parking, public realm, landscaping and other associated works. The proposal also included provision of additional public realm and play space underneath the adjacent Docklands Light Railway.

The applicant was not present at the meeting.

The most significant objection to the proposal was the scale of the proposed development with concern that, whilst the existing buildings were of a low scale and had minimal impact upon the street-scene, the proposed 52 storey tower would be out of keeping with its surroundings and create a significant increase in construction and highways traffic.

I think it is going to be useful for the committee to go and have a site visit and understand the scale of the project because I think this is actually quite big and for what we see on paper then what it actually is going to be for that particular site within marsh wall along that stretch of road.

Officers confirmed that the development could be controlled to some extent by the inclusion of a Construction Management Plan in the decision notice and that the Council now had a ‘more hands-on approach’ to development which would seek to limit some of those construction and highways impacts, but the Committee voted to defer the application and request a site visit in order to better understand the scale of the development in the context of surrounding buildings.

The committee also raised queries about the density of the development, the carbon offsetting payments and the waste management plan.

Strategic Development Committee Terms of Reference, Quorum, Membership and Dates of Meetings 2024/25

The Committee considered the Strategic Development Committee Terms of Reference, Quorum, Membership and Dates of Meetings 2024/25 report and resolved to adopt the proposed amendments to the terms of reference [^4] which were minor in nature and to note the schedule of meeting dates for the year. The Committee also confirmed that Councillor Iqbal Hossain would be the Vice Chair for the year.

Appointment of a vice chair for the committee

The committee appointed Councillor Iqbal Hossain as vice-chair.

Minutes of the previous meeting

The minutes of the previous Strategic Development Committee meeting, held on 14th May 2024 were approved.

Recommendations and procedure for hearing objections and meeting guidance

The Committee noted the procedure for hearing objections at meetings of the Strategic Development Committee. They also agreed that any changes made to recommendations would be formalized by the Corporate Director Housing and Regeneration.

Site at the former Bishopsgate Goods Yard, Braithwaite Street E1

The Committee noted the observations of the GLA regarding the Reserved Matters Application (RMA) for Plot 1 of the Bishopsgate Goodsyard development[^5].

They resolved that the report be referred to either the Strategic Development Committee or the Development Committee to formalise the borough’s response to the GLA.

Council - Wednesday 17 July 2024

The Council unanimously agreed to the recommendations made in five reports, on market designations, market fees and charges, a planning powers delegation scheme, the Corporate Parenting Board annual report and a report on proportionality and the allocation of places on the council's committees.

The Council also debated a petition to the council asking them to take steps to secure the long-term future of the Boundary Estate Community Launderette. The Council also debated two motions, one proposed by the Aspire administration, and one proposed by the Labour opposition.

The Boundary Estate Community Launderette petition

The petition was presented to the meeting by three petitioners, Jonathan Moberly, Lorraine Hart and Abdul. It asked the council to:

• Grant the Launderette a temporary tenancy at will, so they can continue to operate while a long-term solution is worked out.
• Add the Launderette to the council's community premises portfolio.
• Agree that the Launderette is eligible for a community benefit rent reduction.[^6]

The petitioners began by explaining that the Launderette had served the community for 30 years, and that it had unexpectedly been closed by the council in February 2024. They told the meeting that the closure had damaged the Launderette's business and that the 2,100 residents who had signed the petition were reliant on the services it provided.

The petitioners were asked by Councillor Asma Islam to describe the engagement they had with the council after the closure, and how the closure had affected the community.

At the point when it was closed down, we'd had no engagement at all. It was a complete surprise to everyone when bailiffs turned up, trained the locks, and it was our staff that first learned a bit.

The petitioners said that since the petition was submitted they had been able to get the keys back to the Launderette, but that a sustainable, long-term solution was needed.

Councillor Amy Lee asked what a sustainable future looked like, and Councillor Abdul Mannan asked why the Launderette had been moved from the council's community asset portfolio to their commercial asset portfolio.

A sustainable future is a long-term, affordable lease, which takes into account the social value that the lawn drets delivers.

The petitioners said that they had not been made aware of the move to the commercial asset portfolio. Councillor Mannan also asked whether the Launderette had been involved in the development of the criteria that determined whether an asset could be part of the community premises portfolio.

We've had no input into anything regarding Council policy ... we have no input at all. We've never been asked.

Finally, Councillor Ahmed responded to the petition, explaining that he had met the petitioners, that the Launderette was providing a vital service to the community and that it had been granted a 12-month tenancy at will to allow it to continue to operate while a long-term arrangement was made.

I can assure the public and the petitioners that I along with Councillor Kabya Ahmed, Mayor's office and the senior officers have already had an initial meeting and agreed a tenancy at will until a move to permanent solution is found.

He explained that while the Launderette did not currently meet the criteria to be part of the community premises portfolio, Mayor Lutfur Rahman had called for a review of the council's rents and leases policy for the corporate asset portfolio and that the council was committed to finding a long-term solution for the Launderette.

Celebrating the Bangladeshi Diaspora in Tower Hamlets motion

The motion noted the long history of Bangladeshi people in Tower Hamlets, starting with the arrival of Lascar seaman who crewed European vessels, continuing with the arrival of many more Bangladeshi people in the 1950s and 1960s, and culminating with today's borough, where Bangladeshi people make up more than a third of the population. The motion also noted the many achievements of the Bangladeshi community in Tower Hamlets.

That this community – just like all other immigrants who have made this borough their home alongside the working class Eastenders who accepted and coexisted alongside them – have together made a massive contribution to the cultural; social; and economic fabric – not only of Tower Hamlets and London – but the UK more broadly. They all represent what is best about Britain, and the benefits of diversity; multiculturalism; and bringing the best out each other.

Councillor Musthak Ahmed proposed the motion, calling Tower Hamlets a microcosm of the best of Britain and celebrating the contribution of more than £3 billion to the local economy made by Bangladeshi businesses in the previous financial year. He finished by saying:

Let us ensure the legacy of Bangladeshidiaspora is known and honored across Tower Hamlets, London, the United Kingdom and beyond the borders.

The motion was seconded by Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury, who also celebrated the long history of Bangladeshi people in Tower Hamlets, making specific reference to the role they had played in rebuilding Britain after World War II, and in the face of continued racism and xenophobia.

They faced, they faced, and overcame the violent racism of the national front in the 1970s, the B&P in the 1990s, and the EDL in the 2000s and 2010s.

Councillor Shirajul Islam, the leader of the Labour group, also spoke in favour of the motion, pointing out that Tower Hamlets had a history of welcoming immigrants and celebrating diversity.

When there has been a ceiling to broken in this para, we have broken it.

Councillor Sabina Akhtar also supported the motion. While she was proud of the achievements made by the Bangladeshi community, she also asked why, despite these achievements, Bangladeshi's had the lowest average hourly pay, the highest rate of poverty, struggled to secure the best jobs, and were more likely to have died during the Covid-19 pandemic than any other ethnic group.

She asked the council to add an amendment to the motion asking them to better represent Bangladeshi's in research and statistics, to ensure that senior staff proportionately reflected the community, and to ask the BAME commission to report to the council on its work.

We must address the systemic barriers that hinder our process.

Councillor Saied Ahmed then spoke in favour of the motion, and celebrated the success of Brick Lane and the Bangladeshi community's success in establishing the curry industry.

Councillor Rebecca Sultana also spoke about the history of the Bangladeshi community, their efforts to rebuild Britain, the racism they had faced, and the efforts they had made to improve the borough, and Councillor Andrew Wood spoke about the way that the Bangladeshi community had grown on the Isle of Dogs, and the contributions they had made there.

Councillor Shaheveer Shubo Hussain said that he had seen Tower Hamlets at both its best and worst and was proud to represent people in the council chamber. He finished by saying:

I am proud of who I am. I am proud of my community. I am proud of my borough.

Councillor Ahmed Durhane also spoke in favour of the motion, and Councillor Jahed Choudhury spoke about the role that immigrants played in the success of the NHS, and celebrated the success of the Bangladeshi community in creating the curry industry. Councillor Musthak Ahmed then spoke again, reflecting on his arrival in the United Kingdom in 1983, the history of Bangladeshi people in the borough and the values they had brought with them. He thanked all members for supporting the motion, saying:

It's not every day that we agree on anything, but today, two items in a row we've agreed on, and it's a display of unity and how politicians should work together and can come together if the issues are right.

Councillor Abdal Ullah also spoke in favour of the motion, highlighting the work he had done to celebrate the contribution of Bangladeshi people to British society, and celebrating the visit of the King and Queen to Brick Lane. He highlighted a heritage lottery funded project documenting the history of the Bangladeshi community in the borough, and asked whether the council would be interested in hosting an exhibition of the work.

The motion was put to the vote and was passed unanimously.

Child Poverty opposition motion

Councillor Asma Islam proposed the motion, which noted the high levels of child poverty in Tower Hamlets, where 56% of children live in poverty, and said that ending child poverty should be the council's most important objective.

The reason of the motion isn't that we haven't helped tackle poverty in this council. The need of this motion comes from the fact that we now need to look at a long-term strategy, one that is not dependent on any local election or general election.

She noted the work that the council had done to tackle poverty, but called for a poverty commission to be established that could develop a strategy for the next 15 years.

The motion was seconded by Councillor Amy Lee, who said that the motion showed that the council was committed to tackling poverty.

We talk all the time about the poverty that we all see ... but I really do think that this motion will put us in such a better position to repair some of that damage.

Mayor Lutfur Rahman proposed an amendment to the motion, replacing the call for a poverty commission with a call for the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to establish an 'Ending Child Poverty' task and finish group to devise a 15 year plan to solve the problem. He called on opposition members to support this amendment, and also called on the government to lift the limit on child benefits.

And finally to my opposition colleagues, I call on you to have a word with the first customer and to ask him to lift the limit on child benefits.

Councillor Abdul Wahid then spoke in favour of the amendment, saying:

By creating opportunities for our young people, we would not only influence the trajectory of their lives, but we will invest in the future of childhood as a whole.

Councillor Muffida Bustin spoke in favour of the amended motion, noting the findings of the council's previous poverty review, and calling for more collaboration with partners like Canary Wharf to provide opportunities for young people. She finished by calling for the council to recognise the specific poverty issues faced by women, disabled people and the LGBTQI+ community.

Councillor Shafi Ahmed then spoke in support of the amended motion.

As the lead member for health well-being, I received a service manager's report in June of April from our Director of Public Health. This report presents an overview of health and quality of life in Tar Hamlets through data and highlights areas where more work is needed to support our resident to live well.

He said that one of the worst statistics for the borough was the high rate of child poverty, and that a 15 year plan was needed to address the issue.

Councillor John Pierce also spoke in favour of the motion, congratulating Councillor Rachel Blake on her election as MP for the Cities of London and Westminster.

So for the past 14 years, austerity and cuts have reversed the progress that was made under the last Labour government in terms of reducing child poverty and reducing pensioner poverty and raising living standards for all.

He said that the recent general election gave the country the chance to start again in terms of tackling poverty, and that the council needed to do more than rely on the government to deliver positive outcomes for residents.

We've been building the solid Social Security system that Gordon Brown created by the time that he left office, the Labour left office in 2010, which was systematically dismantled by George Osborne and Co.

He welcomed the proposal to establish a task and finish group, and was pleased to hear that Mayor Lutfur Rahman would support it.

Councillor Amina Ali also spoke in favour of the motion, describing the cost of living crisis and the need to combat child poverty.

It is unacceptable. This council has made it a priority to earn child poverty so that children of this borough are not kept at a disadvantage.

She spoke about the role that the council had played in tackling poverty, the work done to reduce carbon emissions, the creation of green jobs, and the need to ensure that green spaces were available to everyone.

Councillor Puru Miah spoke in favour of the motion, saying that poverty kills people's dreams, dignity and aspirations.

Poverty is dangerous if it isn't stopped.

Councillor Shaheera Chowdhury also spoke in favour of the motion, celebrating the launch of the council's free swimming initiative.

Councillor Asma Islam then exercised her right of reply, thanking members for supporting the motion and saying that child poverty was an issue close to her heart.

My own life experiences shaped my life, political views, it's my lived experiences of how socialist policies can change and impact people's lives is the very reason why I do what I do.

She then said that she was pleased to announce that the new Labour government had set up a task force to work on a child poverty strategy.

As my party branding goes, so if you want change, you've got to vote for it and so, Mr. Speaker, I'm happy for us to move to a vote.

The motion as amended was carried.

Market Designation: Columbia Road, Watney Market & Whitechapel Market report

Councillor Shafi Ahmed presented the report, which recommended that the council agree to a series of improvements to the three markets. These improvements related to the size of pitches and the layout of markets. He asked the council to agree to the following improvements:

• At Columbia Road Market, permanent adoption of measures introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic, namely increasing pitch sizes to 3 metres by 3 metres, and permanently adopting the existing layout.
• At Watney Market, to carry out engagement with traders about the use of gazebos, to delegate the decision on the adoption of a new pitch size of 3 metres by 3.81 metres to the Corporate Director, depending on the results of the engagement exercise, and to formally designate the area currently being used by traders.
• At Whitechapel Market, to formally designate the area currently being used by traders, and to make the existing pitch size of 2.57 metres by 4.5 metres official.

Councillor Kamrul Hussain seconded the motion, and a number of councillors spoke in favour of it. Councillor Abdal Ullah said:

What I want to convey a message from a lot of the traders in Columbia Road is that the three by three is welcome. However, as you know, it's a jewel in the crown of probably the best market in the country, the Columbia Road on a Sunday.

He welcomed the increase in pitch sizes, but asked whether the Corporate Director would consider allowing Columbia Road Market traders to extend the legs of their gazebos beyond the red line marking their pitches.

Councillor Nathalie Bienfait highlighted the findings of a review into market improvements carried out by the previous chair of the Environment and Climate Change Scrutiny Sub-Committee. She finished by saying:

So I wanted to bring this to the attention of everybody here. This is something that I'm hoping to look and look to bring forward over the next few months, and I've been working with officers, but this is, you know, this thing, this report is just one part in what I hope will be a significant improvement in the markets in Ta'amis.

Councillor Harun Miah asked the lead member to be mindful of charges to ensure that markets remain affordable. Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury said:

We should do whatever it takes to help our market traders and support them, and I welcome this report. I hope everyone supports this as well.

Councillor Ahmedil Kabir also spoke in favour of the motion, and echoed Councillor Ullah's request that Columbia Road Market traders be given some leeway with the size of their gazebos.

Councillor Shaheera Chowdhury then asked whether the gazebos used in Hackney markets could be introduced in Tower Hamlets, and Councillor Kabir Ahmed welcomed the report.

Small businesses are the lifeline of the economy of our borough. I personally thank all the officers and the lead member for the hard work.

The motion was put to the vote and passed unanimously.

Market & Street Trading Fees & Charges 2024/25 report

Councillor Shafi Ahmed then presented the report, which recommended that street trading fees and market fees be increased by 3.1%. Councillor Ohid Ahmed seconded the motion.

Councillor Marc Francis said that the Labour group would not be supporting the report. He said that the council was not doing enough to support market traders, and that the case for increasing fees had not been made.

On this side of the chamber, we will not be supporting the proposed increase in pitch fees from September ... We also think the case has not been made that there is sufficient requirement for this money to be raised from traders and essentially from shoppers as well.

He also questioned the value for money being offered by the council, and said that there was no breakdown of income and expenditure for market services in the report. He asked the council to vote on an option not to raise the fees.

Councillor Shafi Shell also said that Labour would not be supporting the report.

I note the increase of traders market fees by 3.1% from September. My graph 3.7 of the report acknowledges the decline in number of market traders in the past 20 years. And I'm not sure if the proposed increase would help the situation.

Councillor Saied Ahmed then responded to the debate, reminding the Labour councillors that they had increased fees by the same amount when they were in administration, and saying:

This Labor percentage increase is now funny how members' opposite are now not agreeing to their own percentage, because this is a convenient for them to disagree with at the moment. And I believe, Mr Speaker, this is playing politics with our residents.

Councillor Asma Begum then spoke against the motion, saying:

I've read the report even in Christian market where the street market trader was clearly said that it's too expensive to live under the report. It says it's too difficult to pay current fees.

The amendment proposed by Councillor Francis was put to the vote and fell. The motion was then put to the vote and carried.

London Legacy Development Corporation interim delegations schemes report

Councillor Kabir Ahmed presented the report, which asked the council to approve two interim schemes to delegate planning powers back to the council from the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC). The first scheme would delegate some planning powers back to the council, namely the right to process new planning applications, starting on 1 September 2024.

In preparation for the transfer of LLDC's planning powers on 1st December 2024, the first interim delegation scheme would enable London borough of town hamlets to take on limited planning functions, mainly the receipt and determination of new planning applications received between 1st September 2024 and 30th November 2024, three months prior to the transition date.

The second scheme would transfer all planning powers back to the council, starting on 1 December 2024.

The second interim delegation scheme would delegate all planning functions from the LLDC to town hamlets as part of the growth boroughs from 1st December 2024 and it could only be required in the event that the legislation required for transfer of all planning powers does not receive parliamentary approval prior to the transition date.

Councillor Amin Rahman seconded the motion. Councillor Marc Francis said:

Goodness. Alleluia. Praise the Lord. Finally, after nearly 20 years, we get planning powers for part of the ward I represent back into some form of democratic process.

He welcomed the delegation of powers back to the council, but cautioned against tearing up the LLDC's local plan, in particular the restriction on the height of buildings in the area.

Councillor Peter Golds also welcomed the report, but asked whether the proposals might be overtaken by the proposals contained in the new government's King's Speech.

I just wonder if the proposals here before us this evening and indeed what are being talked about might just be overtaken by the proposals in the King's speech of the new planning regulations and the new planning bill and further transferring more powers into regional mayors as opposed to local authorities.

Councillor Jahed Choudhury welcomed the return of planning powers to the council and said:

Like Councillor Martin says, the planning should be subject to democratic process.

The motion was then put to the vote and passed unanimously.

Corporate Parenting Board annual report

Councillor Maium Talukdar presented the report and asked the council to note its contents.

I therefore asked the council to note the content of the corporate parenting board, annual report, and continue to support the work we do to look after the children and young people in the area.

Councillor Bodrul Choudhury seconded the motion. Councillor Abdul Wahid welcomed the report, saying that it was a sad and tragic reality that children who have spent time in the foster system are more likely to become involved in criminality or to become addicted to drugs. He finished by saying:

It is for this reason that I'm truly impressed by this Council's corporate parenting board, annual report, and in particular, the emphasis it puts on the rights and autonomy of our looked after children.

Councillor Saied Ahmed praised the work of staff, saying:

The report outlines some good news. We have increased the percentage of children in care who receive annual health and dental checks, increased the percentage of people who are expected to progress, and increased the percentage of people who develop personal education and pathway plans.

Councillor Amina Ali also welcomed the report, saying:

As you see, this report, notable progress has already been done.

Councillor Muffida Bustin also welcomed the report, saying that it was clear that members of the council took their responsibilities to looked after children seriously, but highlighted a statistic on page 93 of the report.

Because whilst the number of looked after children, the numbers of looked after children have dropped, the percentage of repeat children looked after has actually doubled.

She asked the members of the corporate parenting board to investigate this trend and report back to the council. Councillor Shaheera Chowdhury offered to mentor any care leavers who were looking for support.

Councillor Amy Lee praised the report, but asked for more detail about the mental health support offered to care leavers.

The report was noted unanimously.

Proportionality and Allocation of Places on Committees of the Council 2024/25 report

Councillor Maium Talukdar introduced the report, which set out the number of councillors from each party who would sit on the council's various committees. Councillor Bodrul Choudhury seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously, including the nominations of Councillor Sabina Akhtar to the Licensing Committee and the Strategic Development Committee.

Member Questions

Councillor Amin Rahman asked the Lead Member for Resources and the Cost of Living, Councillor Saied Ahmed, for an update on the council's outstanding accounts, which were left unsigned for six years by the previous administration.

Could the lead member provide an update on the council's outstanding accounts regarding the sign off? The accounts were left unsigned for the last six years under the previous administration.

Councillor Ahmed responded, saying:

Yes, the accounts were left unsigned for a very, very long time, which was unheard of in this council. So all previous outstanding accounts from 2016-17 to 2019-20 have been prepared, published, inspected as required, and signed off by the external auditors.

He said that the accounts for the 2020/21 and 2021/22 financial years were awaiting opinions from the external auditor, and that for the first time in several years, the 2023/24 accounts were published on time.

Councillor Rahman then asked a supplementary question, asking Councillor Ahmed to provide an example of how long the delay was in publishing accounts, and to describe the measures that had been put in place to ensure that accounts were produced on time.

Can the lead member please provide us an example of how long were the delays in publishing their accounts previously and what is the mitigation in place now?

Councillor Ahmed replied, saying that in 2020/21 the draft accounts were published seven months late.

To pick up an example, in the year 2020-21, the submission date was 31st of July 2021. But the publication date of the draft report was done on the 27th of February 2022. That is seven months delay.

He said that the council now had a permanent section 151 officer, a capable finance team, and that it was working tirelessly to make sure that accounts were produced on time.

Councillor Muffida Bustin then asked Councillor Saied Ahmed about targets for income generation from parks and open spaces on the Isle of Dogs. Councillor Ahmed responded, saying that an income target of £522,000 had been set, and that the council generated income from sports facilities, pitches and other spaces in the area.

So there is an income target of £522,000 for arts, parks and events team for £2,424,25 ... The arts, parks and events team managed the parks and open spaces across the borough, including the spaces on the island.

Councillor Bustin asked a supplementary question about specific references in the budget to a market in Millwall Park and to concession stands on the island, asking what progress had been made in implementing these proposals. Councillor Ahmed responded, saying that the plans were subject to funding, and that if funding was confirmed, the council's events and parks teams would follow appropriate procedures.

So in the island gardens, the plans at this stage is around the funding. So when the funding is confirmed, the residents will be consulted, and the events parks teams would have different processes to follow.

He also said that licensing processes would be followed, and that residents would be consulted.

Licensing Sub Committee - Thursday 18 July 2024

The Licensing Sub-Committee met to consider two applications for new premises licenses. They granted a new license to Carwash, 1 Quaker Street, for the sale of alcohol, on the condition that the business only sell alcohol during pre-booked events and restrict the number of events taking place each month. The second application for a new license, by Fabwick, Unit 4A Queens Yard, was considered in the absence of the applicant. Having heard a report from the licensing officer, the committee

The council held 8 meetings in the last week, including discussions of the council's accounts, performance, and the progress being made on delivering its youth services strategy.

Transformation Advisory Board

On Monday 08 July 2024, the Transformation Advisory Board met, but no transcript or video was provided.

Audit Committee

On Monday 08 July 2024, the Audit Committee received an update from its external auditors, Deloitte and Ernst & Young on the progress of their audits of the council's accounts. The auditors are expected to complete their audits by the government's backstop date of 30 September, but the committee heard that this may be subject to change depending on government policy.

Based on discussions in the sector to date, we understand that we should continue with our planned approach, assuming that the government will implement a backstop.

• Jonathon Gooding, Deloitte.

The committee also received updates on the progress of various internal and external audits being carried out at the council. Councillors noted four reports on School Audits, Risk Management, Insurance and Internal Audit. The committee also discussed its work plan for 2024/25. Finally, the committee moved into private session to discuss a confidential matter.

Licensing Sub Committee

On Tuesday 09 July 2024, the Licensing Sub-Committee met to consider two licensing applications: an application for a new premises license for the Borough of Bethnal Green Working Men's Club and an application for a variation of a premises license for the Victoria Park Market. The committee adjourned to make their decisions in private, and the applicants were to be notified within five working days.

Borough of Bethnal Green Working Men's Club

The Borough of Bethnal Green Working Men's Club, on Pollard Row, applied for a new premises license to permit the sale of alcohol, the provision of regulated entertainment, and the provision of late-night refreshments. The application related to the basement and ground floor of the building. There were multiple objectors to this application, including local residents, the Licensing Authority, and, unusually, the holder of two existing premises licenses for the same property: Warren Dent of Working Men's Club Ltd.

The Licensing Authority noted that if granted, the new license would cover the same area and times as one of the existing licenses, meaning that the same premises would be subject to two different licenses. This, it was argued, would make it difficult to determine which license holder was responsible for any breaches of licensing objectives, especially as both licenses would permit the sale of alcohol. This meant that the new application would fall foul of Tower Hamlets' Cumulative Impact Assessment policy, which restricts the number of licenses granted in areas where there is a high density of existing licenses in order to prevent crime and disorder and public nuisance¹.

Victoria Park Market

Victoria Park Market, operated by The Good Market Company Ltd in Victoria Park, sought to vary their existing license to add a Saturday market day with the sale of alcohol from 11:00 to 17:00. The market had been operating every Sunday since 2017, and already had a license permitting the sale of alcohol on Sundays.

A number of local residents and a Councillor from the neighbouring London Borough of Hackney, Councillor Penny Root, objected to the application on the grounds that it would cause public nuisance and potentially impact public safety. Concerns were raised about the additional traffic and parking that the market would generate, especially as access was only possible through the narrow Gore Road, which is designated as a Low Traffic Neighbourhood.

Overview & Scrutiny Committee

On Tuesday 09 July 2024, the Overview & Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the Council's budget outturn, its annual strategic delivery and performance report and progress against its Women's Safety Action Plan. The meeting also reviewed proposals for the next phase of the Council's corporate restructure and discussed a new draft work programme for Overview & Scrutiny.

The committee heard that the Council's general fund underspent by £300,000 in the 2023/24 financial year. This is a favourable movement from the forecast position of a £100,000 underspend that was reported in quarter 3. This positive outturn was delivered despite the Council spending £11.5 million over budget on homelessness, special educational needs and adult social care. This reflected national pressures on these service areas.

In the current climate for any authority [a £300,000 underspend] is a significant achievement

said Ms Julie Lorraine, the Council's Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director of Resources¹, adding that every other local authority, particularly [in] London, would be in a similar, if not slightly worse, overspending position.

There was a £2.7 million overspend in the Dedicated Schools Grant, with most of this relating to individual high needs arrangements for children with special needs, educational needs and disabilities. The Housing Revenue Account also overspent, by £5.2 million. This was mostly due to higher than anticipated expenditure on repairs and maintenance.

Pension Board

On Monday 08 July 2024, the Pension Board meeting was postponed.

Cabinet

On Wednesday 10 July 2024, the Cabinet noted the council's provisional financial outturn for 2023-24, reviewed the Quarter 4 performance report, and approved the revised Homelessness Accommodation Placement Policy.

The Budget

The Cabinet noted the provisional budget monitoring 2023-24 outturn which identified an underspend of £300,000 on the General Fund and overspends of £2.7 million on the Dedicated Schools Grant and £5.2 million on the Housing Revenue Account.

Speaking about the budget, Chief Executive Ms Julia Lorraine said:

I joined halfway through this financial year, but was presented with a series of significant budget pressures that you all faced at the beginning of the year when the budget was set. And to do that, and throughout the year continue to face the pressures that most London boroughs face around homelessness, send an adult social care, and still end up in the position that we did, is a real reflection of prudent, proactive budget management.

The Mayor praised the efforts made to control the budget, highlighting the council's commitment to fiscal responsibility whilst also continuing to fund and reinvest in public services.

Procurement Transformation

The Cabinet approved a procurement transformation programme that is intended to address 'significant procurement failures' and ensure that the council is in compliance with the Public Procurement Act 2023. The new Act comes into force in October 2024, so the programme is intended to achieve compliance ahead of that date. The Act itself aims to reduce bureaucracy in public procurement and to open it up to small businesses and social enterprises.

The Mayor referred to the programme as 'well overdue', alluding to historic governance failures in the council's procurement practices.

The Local Plan 2038

The Mayor announced that he had asked for discussion of the proposed submission version of the Tower Hamlets Local Plan 2038 to be postponed. He said that he wanted to investigate the possibility of removing maximum heights from building site allocations in order to explore the delivery of more family homes and affordable homes. The plan is now to be discussed at the next Cabinet meeting, scheduled for the 24th July 2024.

Homelessness Accommodation and Placement

The Cabinet approved a revised Homelessness Accommodation Placement Policy which will guide the way that the council allocates accommodation to homeless households, including where it secures accommodation for them.

Former Shapla School Site Interim Use

The Cabinet approved the interim use of the former Shapla School site as a decant location for a number of services that currently occupy the Professional Development Centre site and the Commercial Road site. The move will make way for two other projects: the development of an Institute of Academic Excellence at the Professional Development Centre site, and the development of housing at the Commercial Road site. The interim use will be in place until 2027, after which it is anticipated that the Shapla School site will be incorporated into a larger scheme for the redevelopment of the Ocean Estate.

Children and Education Scrutiny Sub-Committee

On Thursday 11 July 2024, the Children and Education Scrutiny Sub-Committee met to discuss the progress that has been made in delivering the council's youth services, including plans to open a youth club in each of the borough's wards.

Youth Services

The Children's Services Directorate presented plans to expand youth services provision in the borough as part of the new Young Tower Hamlets strategy. Councillor Maium Talukdar, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education, Youth and Lifelong Learning, highlighted the strategic aims of the new strategy which include providing A safe space in every ward and A workforce that reflects the community.[1] The Sub-Committee heard that there are currently eight universal youth clubs operating in the borough, and that plans are in place to identify a suitable building for youth work in each ward by 2025.

The Sub-Committee also heard about the need for increased investment in youth services. Steve Reddy, Corporate Director for Children’s Services, said:

A significant reduction in funding to youth services at a local and national level over the past decade has led to an increase in crime and anti-social behaviour and lack of safe spaces for young people to go outside of school hours or during holiday periods.[2]

Appointments Sub Committee

On Tuesday 09 July 2024, the Appointments Sub Committee met to interview candidates for the position of Director of Legal and Monitoring Officer. The meeting was not open to the public.

Employee Appeals Sub Committee

On Monday 08 July 2024, the Employee Appeals Sub Committee met to consider an appeal against dismissal by an employee of Tower Hamlets Council. The meeting was held in private and its outcome has not been made public.

Tower Hamlets Council held one meeting this week, which discussed the council's pension fund accounts, policies, and training strategy.

Pensions Committee

On Monday, the Pensions Committee met to discuss several key aspects of the Tower Hamlets Pension Fund, including the draft statement of accounts for 2023/24, governance and compliance, the admissions policy, training strategy, and arrangements for issuing annual benefit statements. The meeting was chaired by Councillor Ananya.

Pension Fund Accounts 2023/24

Paul Aoude, Interim Head of Pensions and Treasury, presented the draft statement of accounts for the 2023/24 financial year. He highlighted that the accounts were prepared following the Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in the United Kingdom 2023/24. Mr. Aoude mentioned that the accounts were being reviewed by the council’s auditors, EY, and would be presented again after the audit’s completion.

Councillor Asma Islam raised concerns about “contentious issues” previously raised by the council’s previous auditors. Mr. Aoude assured the committee that they were working closely with EY and addressing any queries raised.

“Offices are currently working with EY to do the pre-audit walkthroughs ahead of the main audit, commencing later this month and possibly next month, and then with a sign-off due in the very near future.” — Paul Aoude

Pension Fund Governance and Compliance

Mr. Aoude presented a report on the Pension Fund’s governance and compliance. He explained that the existing policy needed updating to align with Regulation 55 of the Local Government Pension Scheme Regulations 2013, the Pensions Regulator General Code of Practice, and the Scheme Advisory Board guidance.

Councillor Rabina Khan enquired about the outdated status of the statement and measures to ensure future compliance.

“Out-dated simply means that it requires updating, but it shouldn’t be seen as overly controversial. I think it was the clauses in [the] document, relevant as they can be, but of course, in an environment like the LGPS where small changes just need to be picked up and refined, and to the extent that we need to ensure that the document is always bang up to date.” — Paul Aoude

Admissions Policy

The committee reviewed the Pension Fund’s admissions policy, outlining how employers are admitted to the fund. Councillor Khan raised concerns about ten outstanding legacy cases of unfinished employer admission, questioning the council’s awareness of potential risks to the fund.

Mr. Aoude clarified that these cases came to light through employer contact and internal investigations. He emphasized that employers are only admitted after thorough checks by lawyers and actuaries to mitigate risks.

Training Strategy

The committee discussed the scope of the draft training strategy for the Pension Board and Committee.

Councillor Mohammed Ahbab Hossain inquired about the training provided to committee members, specifically site visits to investment managers.

Mr. Aoude explained the various training options available, including inductions, online resources, seminars, and conferences. He confirmed that site visits to fund managers, including London CIV, would be arranged.

Annual Benefit Statements

Mr. Aoude updated the committee on issuing annual benefit statements to Pension Fund members. The council aims to issue around 8,000 statements to active members and 8,400 to deferred members by 31 August 2024.

Councillor Khan raised concerns about anomalies in pension payments identified in a December 2023 meeting and sought an update on the data cleansing exercise. Mr. Aoude stated that the exercise was ongoing and would inform the 2025 actuarial valuation. He assured the committee that overpayments would be recovered, and underpayments rectified.

Forward Work Programme

The Pensions Committee noted its forward work programme, outlining the schedule and key focus areas for future meetings.

This meeting highlighted the Pensions Committee’s commitment to ensuring the financial stability and transparency of the Tower Hamlets Pension Fund.

This week, Tower Hamlets Council held several important meetings, addressing a wide range of issues from education to housing and community grants. Here’s a detailed summary of the key discussions and decisions.

Mayor's Executive Decision Making

On Friday, the Mayor's Executive Decision Making session saw two significant decisions made by the Mayor:

Wood Wharf School Funding

The Mayor approved a proposal to provide £30 million in funding to the Education & Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) for the construction of a new free school at Wood Wharf in Canary Wharf. The school, to be run by the Canary Wharf College Trust, will offer 1,150 school places, including 200 secondary school places.

The new school is being built to address the increasing demand for both primary and secondary school places in Tower Hamlets. The government’s preferred approach to meeting this demand is through the construction of new free schools, which are funded directly by the government and operate independently of local authority oversight.

Pupil forecasts for Tower Hamlets predict a significant increase in the demand for both primary and secondary school places in the coming years.

Free schools have been a topic of debate since their introduction in 2010. Critics argue that they undermine local democracy and create a two-tier education system, while proponents believe they increase parental choice and drive up standards.

Weavers Fields Playground Refurbishment

The Mayor also agreed to allocate £1.6 million for the refurbishment of a playground in Weavers Fields. A public consultation revealed strong support for the refurbishment, with 93% of respondents in favor of a larger play area with equipment for a wider age range.

The current playground is nearing the end of its life and is not fully accessible to disabled children. It also suffers from anti-social behavior, including drug dealing and rough sleeping.

The existing playground is not fully accessible to disabled children and suffers from anti-social behavior, including drug dealing and rough sleeping.

Housing & Regeneration Scrutiny Sub Committee

On Monday, the Housing & Regeneration Scrutiny Sub Committee met to discuss the council’s housebuilding targets and the state of its refurbishment program. Key points included:

Housebuilding Targets

The council is unlikely to meet its target of starting work on 1,000 new affordable homes per year between 2022 and 2026. Only 459 affordable homes were completed in 2023/24, down from 549 the previous year. Concerns were raised about the reliance on joint ventures with private developers and the need for additional funding to meet viability deficits.

A harsh critic would really, really lay into this performance, especially given that this performance is predominantly based on shared ownership and intermediate rent.

Major Works Programme

The committee received an update on the major works program, which has faced challenges due to market conditions and new regulations. Delays have impacted residents, particularly in terms of addressing damp and mould issues and removing combustible cladding.

In my ward, there is a serious problem with damp and mould. It's better now because it's summer, but throughout the winter, there were so many complaints.

The council is taking a “fabric first” approach to tackling damp and mould, addressing the underlying causes rather than just treating the symptoms.

Licensing Sub Committee

On Tuesday, the Licensing Sub Committee discussed three licensing applications:

Sainsbury's, Mile End Road

The committee considered an application for a new premises license for the sale of alcohol by Sainsbury's at their new store on Mile End Road. Local residents and a Councillor raised concerns about potential anti-social behavior, noise, and traffic. Sainsbury's argued that their stores are well-managed and do not sell high-strength beers or ciders.

We don't sell the high strength ciders, the white ciders. We don't sell the high strength beers that tend to be attractive to those who are harmful drinkers and those that want to drink on the street.

The committee reserved its decision on the application.

Vittoria Wharf Studio, Hackney Wick

An application for a new premises license for Vittoria Wharf Studio was considered. The Metropolitan Police and Environmental Health raised concerns about noise and public safety. The applicant offered to work with authorities to address these concerns, including installing a sound limiter and implementing a noise management plan.

We're happy to have the limiter condition added, no problem, and we're happy to have a condition that the works recommended in the noise management plan are completed and signed off with the environmental health team.

The committee reserved its decision on the application.

Temporary Event Notice: Colour Factory, Hackney Wick

The committee granted a temporary event notice for Colour Factory, subject to an earlier closing time on Sunday. Environmental Health had raised concerns about potential noise nuisance from the new mezzanine area at the venue.

We are a pretty experienced venue. We operate until 4 AM most Fridays and Saturday evenings. We have had no evidence of any statutory noise complaints that have been proven against the venue in the four years that we've been open.

Audit Committee

On Thursday, the Audit Committee reviewed the Council's performance in relation to its finances, risk management, and a recent review of homecare services.

Performance and Accounts 2023/24

The Council successfully delivered a balanced budget for the 2023/24 financial year without using reserves. The level of earmarked reserves was reduced by £77.218 million from the previous year.

The Director of Finance explained that the Council had delivered a balanced budget position, and this had been achieved without the need to use any reserves to fund the budget.

Risk Management

The Council updated its risk management strategy to reflect changes in best practice guidelines from the Institute of Risk Management (IRM). A new risk management system is being implemented in 2024/25.

The revised IRM guidance has resulted in the need to further strengthen the Council's arrangements and a new Risk Management System is being implemented in 2024/25.

Review of Homecare Services

A review of the Council's homecare services found that while generally well-run, there were areas for improvement, particularly in communication with residents and ensuring that residents receive the right care at the right time.

In 40% of cases reviewed, needs assessments lacked sufficient detail in capturing residents' desired outcomes, preferences, and risks, impacting the quality and person-centredness of care.

An action plan is being developed to address the recommendations in the report.

Appointments Sub Committee

On Wednesday, the Appointments Sub Committee discussed two items:

Independent Person for Governance

The committee decided by a majority vote not to appoint an Independent Person for Governance at this time.

Independent Remuneration Panel

The committee interviewed and unanimously appointed a candidate to the Independent Remuneration Panel, which advises the council on the salaries and expenses of Councillors.

Standards Advisory Committee

On Wednesday, the Standards Advisory Committee reviewed its procedures and discussed the handling of complaints made against Councillors.

Procedure Rules

The committee agreed to a minor change to its procedure rules, clarifying the structure of its subcommittees.

Register of Interests

The committee received an update on the register of interests and gifts and hospitality declarations, noting that eight declarations had been made since November 2023.

Complaints

The committee discussed the handling of complaints, raising concerns about the length of time it takes to investigate some complaints and the need for more mediation options.

I've run businesses in my commercial life and if I had senior employees taking two months to come back to me about a complaint that had been raised by a member of staff or a different department, I'd have them out the door following proper employment practice, of course.

The committee also discussed whether Councillors should be subject to the Code of Conduct at all times, even when not acting in their capacity as Councillors.

LGA Best Practice Guidance

The committee agreed to review and provide feedback on draft best practice guidance for standards committees being developed by the Local Government Association (LGA).

Annual Report

The committee reviewed its draft annual report, which will be presented to the Council on 17 July 2024.

Member Attendance

The committee noted the attendance of Councillors at its meetings and agreed to write to those with poor attendance to remind them of their obligations.

These meetings reflect Tower Hamlets Council's ongoing efforts to address both immediate and long-term community needs through thoughtful and inclusive governance.

Tower Hamlets Council held three meetings this week, including a significant Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting that questioned whether the council should be allowed to continue hosting as many commercial events in Victoria Park as it does, and two licensing discussions - one approving a shadow license for the Yard Theatre and one considering but eventually postponing a decision on extended hours for Studio Spaces in Wapping.

Excessive number of major commercial events in Victoria Park

On Tuesday, the Overview & Scrutiny Committee met to discuss several issues, including whether the Council should allow AEG Presents to continue to host commercial events in Victoria Park without seeking public feedback.

This meeting was called in objection to the result of a prior meeting on the 16th of May, in which the Mayor considered a report on the Victoria Park Licence to Occupy and decided to allow AEG Presents Limited to hold commercial events on Victoria park until 2027.

The objection described the decision as [enabling] the Mayor to extend the excessive number of major commercial events in Victoria Park for an additional year (2027).

It went on to note that:

In keeping with its refusal to listen to the views of residents living around Victoria Park, this change has not been notified to residents or even the Friends Group

and that

This change commits an incoming Executive Mayor following the May 2026 local elections to a programme of events for half their term of office.

The previous events held by AEG in Victoria Park, including All Points East, are much loved, but there have been objections from some of the residents to the disturbance they cause.

We do not currently have a transcript of the Overview and Scrutiny meeting so it is as yet unclear whether the decision was overturned.

Review of Housing Strategy

The committee also reviewed the council's housing strategy, focusing on the need for affordable housing and the improvement of existing housing stock. The discussion centred on the council's commitment to increasing the number of affordable homes and ensuring that current housing meets safety and quality standards.

Scrutiny of Local Health Services

The committee scrutinised local health services, particularly the performance of Barts Health NHS Trust. The discussion included an evaluation of patient care, waiting times, and resource allocation. Councillors expressed concerns about the long waiting times for certain treatments and the impact of staff shortages on service delivery.

Licensing Sub Committee

On Tuesday, the Licensing Sub Committee convened to discuss several licensing applications, including a new premises license for Unit 2A, Queen's Yard, and a variation of premises license for Studio Spaces Limited.

New Premises License for Unit 2A, Queen's Yard

The committee reviewed an application for a new premises license for Unit 2A, Queen's Yard, 43 Whitepost Lane, London E8 5EN which houses the Yard Theatre. This application was for a shadow license, a duplicate license held by the landlord to protect against the existing license lapsing due to unforeseen circumstances such as insolvency or surrender. The applicant, Hatton Garden Properties Limited, emphasized that this license would not result in additional use or extended hours but would serve as a safety net.

The committee heard from both the applicant and the licensing officer, who explained the purpose and necessity of a shadow license. The committee also noted that there were no objections from responsible authorities or residents, indicating that the application was uncontroversial. The decision on this application will be communicated within five working days.

Variation of Premises License for Studio Spaces Limited

The committee also considered an application for a variation of the premises license for Studio Spaces Limited, located at 110 Pennington Street, London E1W 2BB. The variation sought to extend the operating hours on Sunday nights into Monday mornings and make minor amendments to the current plan.

The applicant argued that the extension was necessary to accommodate specific events and had been trialed successfully through temporary event notices and existing permissions for bank holidays. They highlighted the absence of objections from the police and the comprehensive management plans in place to ensure public safety and minimize nuisance.

However, objections were raised by the Environmental Health Officer and the Licensing Authority, citing concerns about the potential impact on residents, particularly with new residential developments planned nearby. The committee discussed the agent of change principle, which places the onus on new developments to mitigate noise from existing venues.

The decision on this application will also be communicated within five working days.

Women's Commission

On Wednesday, the Women's Commission convened, but no video or transcript was provided for this meeting.

This week was a busy week for Tower Hamlets Council. Discussions included the borough's high STI rates, particularly among your people and men who have sex with men; a significant increase in the support provided for children with special educational needs and disabilities; a decline in life expectancy across Tower Hamlets; regulation of late-night premises including drinking spots and sexual entertainment venues; and the construction of 407 new residential units on a site in Stepney Green.

Tower Hamlets Health and Wellbeing Board

On Monday, the Tower Hamlets Health and Wellbeing Board convened to discuss key health initiatives and strategies for the borough. The meeting focused on the Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategy 2024-2029, the SEND Improvement Update, and the Serious Violence and Exploitation Strategy.

Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategy 2024-2029

The Board received a presentation on the Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategy 2024-2029. The strategy aims to address high rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and low contraception uptake in Tower Hamlets. Key points included:

• High STI rates, particularly among young people and men who have sex with men.
• Low uptake of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) among women.
• The need for a collaborative approach across North East London to improve sexual health outcomes.
• The strategy's focus on reducing stigma, improving service accessibility, and enhancing community engagement.

The Board agreed to publish the draft strategy for consultation during May and June 2024, with formal approval expected in late summer 2024.

SEND Improvement Update

Steve Reddy, Corporate Director of Children's Services, presented an update on the SEND Improvement. Key points included:

• A significant increase in Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs) from 2000 to nearly 4000.
• The need for self-assessment readiness for upcoming re-inspections.
• Priorities for timely support, user-friendly services, and creating an inclusive environment for young people with SEND.
• The importance of engaging young people in shaping priorities through forums like the Young People's Forum.

The Board discussed enhancing support for individuals over 18 with learning disabilities, addressing low COVID booster uptake among the SEND cohort, and improving leisure and well-being opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Serious Violence and Exploitation Strategy

Leo Hutchinson, Strategy and Policy Manager, introduced the Serious Violence and Exploitation Strategy. The strategy, developed in response to the Police Crime Sentencing Courts Act 2022, includes six strategic themes:

• Prevention and early intervention.
• Safer spaces.
• Disrupting, pursuing, and managing offenders.
• Supporting victims of violence.
• Safeguarding those at risk of exploitation.
• Tackling violence against women and girls.

The Board emphasized the importance of involving schools, housing providers, and the voluntary and community sector in the strategy's implementation. The strategy will be presented to the Cabinet on 24 September 2024.

Public Health Report

Suman Banerjee, Acting Corporate Director of Adult Social Care, presented the Annual Public Health Report. Key findings included:

• A decline in life expectancy in Tower Hamlets, mirroring national trends.
• Significant population growth among older age groups, impacting health and care services.
• High levels of population churn and language proficiency issues.
• High levels of childhood poverty and deprivation among older people.
• Environmental factors such as overcrowding and poor air quality affecting health.
• High rates of diabetes, low birth weight, and dental decay among children.
• Variations in long-term conditions and mental health issues by ethnicity.

The Board discussed the need for improved data collection and analysis to address health inequalities and ensure services meet the needs of the diverse population in Tower Hamlets.

Licensing Committee

On Thursday, the Licensing Committee met to discuss various issues related to licensing enforcement, including the outcomes of late-night inspections and the coordination between Tower Hamlets and Hackney Councils. The Committee resolved to note the activities undertaken by the Environmental Health and Trading Standards Service in regulating late-night licensed premises.

Licensing Enforcement

David Tolley, Head of Environmental Health and Trading Standards, introduced a report reviewing the outcomes of late-night inspections and enforcement activities related to licensed premises. These inspections are conducted based on intelligence alleging contraventions of the Licensing Act 2003, which governs the sale and supply of alcohol, regulated entertainment, and late-night refreshment in England and Wales.

Tom Lewis, Licensing Team Leader, provided additional details on the enforcement activities. Key points discussed included:

• Decrease in Licensing Visits: The Committee inquired about the reasons for the decrease in the number of licensing visits between 2022 and 2023. David Tolley and Tom Lewis explained that this was due to a combination of factors, including changes in enforcement priorities and resource allocation.
• Use of Park Guards: The rationale behind employing Park Guards in enforcement activities was discussed. Park Guards assist in maintaining public order and ensuring compliance with licensing conditions during late-night operations.
• Coordination with Hackney Council: An overview of the coordination between Tower Hamlets Council and Hackney Council in licensing enforcement was provided. This collaboration aims to enhance the effectiveness of enforcement activities across borough boundaries.
• Sexual Entertainment Venues (SEVs): Information was provided on the status of SEVs in the borough, including the number of active venues and the regulatory framework governing them.
• Test Purchases: The process of commissioning test purchases, particularly for age-restricted products, was detailed. The Committee was informed about the circumstances under which formal legal action or prosecution would be pursued following test purchases.
• Licensing Requirements for New Businesses: The Committee discussed the processes in place to alert new businesses about licensing requirements, such as the need for a license for food sales after 11pm. Infractions could be raised by the food team or through complaints from residents.
• Complaint Investigations: Information was provided on the team's timescales and targets for investigating complaints related to licensing infractions.

Further to questions, the Committee made several observations:

• Comparative Data: The Committee suggested that having comparative data from neighbouring local authorities would assist in assessing the Council’s licensing enforcement performance.
• Proactive Communication: A process to proactively identify and communicate licensing requirements to new businesses was deemed beneficial. Councillors noted that they sometimes receive complaints that no advance warning of licensing requirements is provided.

The Committee resolved to note the activities undertaken by the Environmental Health and Trading Standards Service in regulating late-night licensed premises.

Development Committee

On Wednesday, the Development Committee met to discuss several significant planning applications and procedural matters. Key decisions included the approval of a major redevelopment project and the confirmation of a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).

Land Comprising Harriet, Apsley, and Pattison House, and Red Court Community Centre

The committee approved the redevelopment of land comprising Harriet, Apsley, and Pattison House, and the Red Court Community Centre in Stepney Green, London E1. The project involves the demolition of existing buildings and the construction of 407 residential units and a new community centre. The development will include buildings ranging from four to eight stories, with 53% of the housing designated as affordable. The committee noted that the project aligns with the council's housing policies and will provide significant benefits, including new green spaces and improved community facilities.

8 White's Row, London E1

The committee also approved an application for a two-storey roof extension at 8 White's Row, London E1. The extension will create a four-bedroom duplex unit. Despite objections from local residents concerning fire safety and refuse collection, the committee determined that the application met all planning requirements. The decision was influenced by the fact that a similar application had been approved in 2021. The new plan includes internal refuse storage and a strategy for waste collection.

Tree Preservation Order (TPO) for the Dinmont Estate

The committee confirmed a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) for two trees on the Dinmont Estate. The TPO aims to protect a whitebeam and a London plane tree, both of which provide significant amenity value to the area. The decision followed concerns from residents about potential threats to the trees due to proposed development plans by Tower Hamlets Community Housing (THCH). The TPO will ensure that any future development proposals will have to consider the preservation of these trees.

Procedural Matters

The committee reviewed and approved the terms of reference for the Development Committee, including minor updates to referral criteria and terminology. The committee also discussed the dates for future meetings and addressed potential scheduling conflicts.

The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote to confirm the TPO and a majority vote in favour of the planning applications discussed.

This week, Tower Hamlets Council held three meetings. Discussions included an action plan to address a shortage of doctors and nurses in the borough, and solutions were proposed including providing housing incentives and council tax support for NHS workers.

Health & Adults Scrutiny Sub-Committee

On Tuesday, the Health & Adults Scrutiny Sub-Committee met to address several key issues related to health and adult services. This meeting, chaired by Councillor Muhammad Bella-Ludin, focussed on the shortage of workers in the health and care sector.

Workforce Shortages and Action Plan

Garrett Noble, Deputy Director of Workforce Programme at NHS North East London, presented an update on the action plan to address workforce shortages across the health and care sector. Key initiatives include promoting career ambassador programs and developing a workforce strategy for North East London.

Our workforce strategy for North East London was signed off in January 2024. In the next two quarters, we'll be looking at a delivery plan specifically for how we attract, retain, lead, and innovate to deliver the workforce across North East London. — Garrett Noble

The committee discussed the importance of local recruitment and the need for housing allocations for key workers, reflecting ongoing challenges in attracting and retaining healthcare professionals.

Annual JOSIC Update

The committee received an update on the Inner North East London Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee (JOSIC), with representatives from Tower Hamlets participating in discussions on health and care sector workforce issues.

Addressing Workforce Shortages

The committee explored various strategies to address workforce shortages, including housing incentives and council tax support for NHS workers. The discussion highlighted the complexity of these issues and the need for multi-agency collaboration.

One of the interesting conversations that we've had with some of our people directors is about who that [key worker housing] would be accessible for, and we talk very much about our shortage professions both across health and care. — Garrett Noble

Appointments Sub Committee

On Wednesday, the Appointments Sub Committee convened, but no transcript is available for this meeting.

General Purposes Committee

On Tuesday, the General Purposes Committee convened to discuss various administrative and governance matters. The meeting was chaired by Councillor Ahmodul Kabir. Unfortunately, we were not able to get a full transcript of the meeting.

This week, Tower Hamlets Council held several meetings, each addressing important issues that impact the community. Here’s a summary of the most significant discussions and decisions.

King George's Field Charity Board

On Wednesday, the King George's Field Charity Board convened to discuss various administrative and financial matters concerning the King George's Field Trust. The meeting covered several key points:

Financial Position and Audit Accounts

The board reviewed the audit accounts for 2021-2022 and discussed the current financial position for 2023-2024. A notable point was the in-year deficit due to backdated rent and additional pressures on repairs and maintenance. The board plans to address this deficit with a strategy to reduce it by £40,000 in the 2024-2025 financial year.

We are hoping to reduce that by £40,000 deficit in 24-25. — Board Member

Governance and Activity Updates

The board received updates on governance-related matters and ongoing work by legal services. There was also a discussion on the allocation of grant funds for the Fields in Trust, which aims to support various projects within the trust's remit.

Community Safety and Maintenance

The board discussed the need for increased CCTV coverage at Wellington Green to address antisocial behavior. This decision was based on feedback from community safety meetings and neighborhood police teams.

It came out of a wider review of parks and looking at whether there are areas we've identified could benefit from increased CCTV. — Board Member

Development Committee

On Thursday, the Development Committee met to discuss planning applications and procedural matters. Unfortunately, no transcript is available for this meeting.

Appointments Sub Committee

On Tuesday, the Appointments Sub Committee convened, but no transcript is available for this meeting.

This week, Tower Hamlets Council held several important meetings, each addressing key issues that impact the community. Here’s a summary of the most significant discussions and decisions.

Tower Hamlets Health and Wellbeing Board

On Monday, the Tower Hamlets Health and Wellbeing Board met to discuss ongoing health initiatives. Unfortunately, no video broadcast of this meeting is available.

Pension Board

The Pension Board also convened on Monday. However, the notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.

Overview & Scrutiny Committee

The Overview & Scrutiny Committee meeting on Tuesday was particularly impactful, focusing on several administrative and operational issues within the council.

Mayor's Spotlight

Mayor Lutfur Rahman provided an overview of the council's achievements and challenges over the past year. Key initiatives included:

• Education Maintenance Allowance and University Bursary Schemes: Supporting students in higher education.
• Free School Meals: Tower Hamlets is the only borough offering free school meals to all students up to age 16.
• Cost of Living Support: A £10 million investment to support residents.
• Council Tax Freeze: Universal freeze for all residents, with continued freezes for the poorest.
• Youth Services: Nearly £14 million invested.
• Community Safety: Recruitment of 42 additional enforcement officers and new CCTV infrastructure.
• Resident Hubs: Reopening of five hubs.
• Environmental Initiatives: Planting thousands of trees, retrofitting buildings with green technology, and installing over a thousand EV charging points.
• Waste Services: A £14 million investment, including greening the fleet and bringing Tower Hamlets Homes in-house.

The Mayor also discussed challenges such as housing, financial stability, homelessness, and customer services.

Committee Appointments and Subcommittees

The committee confirmed various appointments and the establishment of subcommittees:

• Scrutiny Lead for Adults and Health Services: Councillor Baledin
• Scrutiny Lead for Children and Education: Councillor Abdulman
• Scrutiny Lead for Housing and Regeneration: Councillor Baledin
• Scrutiny Lead for Resources: Councillor Abdulman
• Scrutiny Lead for Community Safety: Councillor Pseudogovernment
• Environment and Climate Emergency: Councillor Nathadi Beyond Free

Governance and Restructuring

Chief Executive Stephen Halsey discussed restructuring to improve service delivery and support for the scrutiny function, emphasizing the need for additional resources.

Questions from Committee Members

Committee members raised questions on topics such as:

• Governance of Tower Hamlets Homes
• Free School Meals
• Customer Services
• Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
• Homelessness
• Crime and Community Safety
• Maternity Services

Statutory Guidance for Scrutiny

The committee reviewed statutory guidance, emphasizing the importance of a strong culture, adequate resources, and effective planning.

Co-opted Member Attendance

The committee discussed co-opted member attendance and decided to provide additional support, with a review in six months.

Cabinet

The Cabinet met on Wednesday, but no video broadcast is available.

Licensing Sub Committee

The Licensing Sub Committee met on Thursday. No video broadcast is available for this meeting.

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee on Thursday focused on key administrative and governance issues.

Appointment of Vice Chair

Councillor Amina Rahman was appointed as vice chair for 2024/2025.

Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes

Minutes from the April 23, 2024, meeting were approved.

Audit Committee Terms of Reference

The committee agreed on the terms of reference, membership, and meeting dates for 2024/2025.

Annual Governance Statement (AGS) 2023/2024

David Dobbs presented the AGS, with committee members requesting more balanced and detailed information. A revised AGS will be presented at the next meeting.

External Audit Update

Steven Reed from EY provided an update on the external audit process, assuring no concerns in the handover from Deloitte.

Audit Committee Work Plan

The committee reviewed and noted the work plan for 2024/2025, suggesting additional items for inclusion.

Exclusion of Press and Public

The committee moved to exclude the press and public for the remaining items on the agenda.

Key Implications

• Community Support: Initiatives like free school meals and cost of living support are crucial for residents.
• Environmental and Safety Investments: Investments in green technology and community safety will have long-term benefits.
• Governance and Oversight: The restructuring and scrutiny efforts aim to improve council operations and transparency.

These meetings reflect Tower Hamlets Council's ongoing efforts to address both immediate and long-term community needs through thoughtful and inclusive governance.

This week, Tower Hamlets Council addressed several key issues across multiple meetings, reflecting its ongoing commitment to community development and effective governance.

Strategic Development Committee

On Tuesday, the Strategic Development Committee convened to discuss significant planning applications and procedural matters.

The first major topic was the planning application for a new pedestrian and cycle bridge across the River Lea at Ailsa Wharf. This bridge aims to connect Tower Hamlets and Newham, facilitating better pedestrian and cyclist movement between the two boroughs. Key concerns included the head height clearance under the bridge, the demarcation between pedestrian and cyclist areas, and the potential for anti-social behavior. The committee voted unanimously to grant planning permission with additional conditions for a drainage strategy and a secure by design review of the seating area.

We need to ensure that this bridge not only connects communities but also addresses safety and usability concerns. — Committee Member

The second major topic was the redevelopment of Caxton Hall Community Centre and adjoining land. The proposal included a part seven, part nine-story building with 36 affordable housing units and a replacement community centre. Concerns were raised about the height of the building, its impact on daylight and sunlight for neighboring properties, and the adequacy of consultation with local residents. Despite these concerns, the committee voted to grant planning permission with a majority of six in favor, one against, and two abstentions.

The committee also agreed on procedural matters, including dealing with future reserve matters applications for the Bishopsgate Goods Yard site and an interim delegation scheme for planning applications within the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) area. These decisions will ensure that Tower Hamlets can effectively manage planning powers as they transition back from the LLDC.

Council Meeting

On Wednesday, the Council meeting focused on the election of new leadership and the establishment of committees for the upcoming year.

Councillor Saifuddin Khaled was elected as the new speaker, and Councillor Suluk Ahmed as the deputy speaker. The outgoing speaker, Councillor Jahed Choudhury, was praised for his service, particularly his work with St. Joseph's Hospice and Eden Care UK. Councillor Khaled emphasized his commitment to fairness and integrity, announcing his support for the Sick Children's Trust and Osmani Trust.

I am committed to ensuring that our council operates with fairness and integrity, supporting our residents through these challenging times. — Councillor Saifuddin Khaled

The council also discussed the proportionality and establishment of committees. A proposal to increase the size of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee from nine to eleven members was debated, with some skepticism about whether this would address the real issue of executive engagement with the committee.

Housing & Regeneration Scrutiny Sub Committee

On Monday, the Housing & Regeneration Scrutiny Sub Committee addressed severe complaints and systemic failures of Tower Hamlets Community Housing (THCH). Residents voiced frustrations about poor service, lack of repairs, and overall mismanagement by THCH. The council outlined steps taken, including meetings with THCH management and letters to the regulator, emphasizing the need for a localized solution.

The issues with THCH are unacceptable, and we are committed to finding a solution that prioritizes our residents' needs. — Councillor Kabir Ahmed

The committee also reviewed the performance of other Registered Providers (RPs) and discussed efforts to improve the customer journey for housing needs, focusing on reducing complexity and improving efficiency.

Licensing Sub Committee

The Licensing Sub Committee on Tuesday focused on various licensing applications and objections. Key discussions included applications for new premises licenses and temporary event notices, with concerns about public safety, potential public nuisance, and land access issues. Decisions on these applications are pending further review.

This week, Tower Hamlets Council has been actively addressing key issues through various meetings, reflecting its dedication to community welfare and effective governance.

Children and Education Scrutiny Sub-Committee

On Thursday, the Children and Education Scrutiny Sub-Committee convened to discuss several important topics, with a particular focus on increasing access to sports and physical activities for women and girls. This meeting highlighted the council's commitment to inclusivity and health.

The committee reviewed the progress of recommendations from a previous scrutiny session on this topic. The recent insourcing of leisure services under the new Be Well brand was a significant point of discussion. The aim is to provide more women-only sessions and activities, addressing the gender gap in physical activity participation. Councillor Iqbal Hussain, the cabinet member for culture and recreation, emphasized the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment for women and girls.

Supporting women and girls' access to sports and physical activities remains an important priority because women continue to be less likely to be active than men. — Councillor Iqbal Hussain

The committee also discussed the need for appropriate lighting and safety measures around sports facilities to ensure women feel safe and confident when participating in activities.

Council Meeting

On Wednesday, the Council meeting covered a wide range of topics, from public safety to community engagement. The meeting began with a report from the Chief Executive on new security measures to ensure the safety of council members and the public during meetings. This follows an incident in February that raised concerns about safety.

The council also received a petition opposing the Prevent program, which some community members feel unfairly targets Muslims. The petition called for a series of community meetings to discuss the impact of Prevent and to gather feedback from residents.

We need to make sure that Tower Hamlets Council sets a national example of how a local authority can defend the rights of its community. — Petition Presenter

Additionally, the council debated a motion celebrating the borough's diversity and rejecting recent claims that Tower Hamlets is a no-go area. The motion emphasized the borough's history of welcoming refugees and standing against racism and xenophobia.

This week, Tower Hamlets Council tackled a variety of significant issues across multiple meetings, reflecting its ongoing commitment to enhancing community services and addressing local needs.

Overview & Scrutiny Committee

On Monday, the Overview & Scrutiny Committee convened to discuss several critical community issues. The committee's discussion on the insourcing of leisure provision was particularly noteworthy. Transitioning these services from Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) to in-house management is a strategic move aimed at improving service quality and addressing health inequalities. The council's proactive approach here is evident in its recruitment drive and infrastructure investments, with a goal of achieving operational surplus by the fourth year. Concerns about ensuring adequate female-only sessions and staff were also raised, highlighting the council's attention to inclusivity.

This transition to in-house management of leisure services is not just about financial performance; it's fundamentally about enhancing the quality of service and ensuring it aligns with our community's needs. — Council Member during the meeting

Licensing Sub Committee

The Licensing Sub Committee on Tuesday debated a new premises license application for a venue intended to operate as a cultural hub and nightclub. The discussion was intense, focusing on community concerns about noise and public nuisance. The applicant's amendments to reduce operating hours and the introduction of a traffic management plan were central to the debate. This meeting underscores the council's careful balancing act between fostering cultural development and maintaining community peace.

Cabinet

Significant decisions were made during Wednesday's Cabinet meeting, including the adoption of a new community engagement strategy. This strategy is designed to enhance how the council listens to and involves the community in decision-making. The adoption of recommendations from the Women's Safety Oversight and Scrutiny Committee to enhance women's safety was another critical point, reflecting the council's commitment to creating safer public spaces for women.

By adopting these recommendations, we are taking a strong stand against violence and improving safety across our public spaces, making them more accessible and secure for everyone, especially women. — Council Member during the meeting

Development Committee

On Thursday, the Development Committee approved a planning application for 82 Columbia Road, which includes a single-story rear extension and a new garden entrance. This decision supports local planning policies and the vitality of the Columbia Road neighbourhood centre. Additionally, the committee supported the interim delegation scheme related to the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC), ensuring a smooth transition of planning powers.

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee focused on addressing the backlog of local audits and updating risk management strategies. The approval of an updated anti-bribery policy and the internal audit plan for 2024/2025 were key outcomes, aimed at enhancing the council's governance processes and ethical standards.

This week in Tower Hamlets, the council's focus on health and community welfare was prominently displayed during the Tower Hamlets Health and Wellbeing Board meeting on Tuesday, 16 April 2024. The board tackled several critical issues, from mental health to combating loneliness, reflecting a comprehensive approach to enhancing public services and community well-being.

Mental Health Prevention Concordat

The council has decided to join the Mental Health Prevention Concordat, a significant step towards unifying efforts to improve mental health through prevention. This decision is expected to not only streamline existing initiatives but also attract future resources and funding, enhancing the community's overall mental health landscape.

Be Well Program

In a move to align various health prevention efforts, the council supported the development of the Be Well program. This initiative aims to coordinate actions to tackle prevalent health issues such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, potentially improving public health outcomes through a unified prevention strategy.

Just Say Hello Campaign

The endorsement and continuation of the Just Say Hello campaign highlight the council's commitment to combating loneliness, a growing concern post-pandemic. This campaign has been instrumental in fostering community connections and alleviating feelings of isolation among residents.

COVID-19 Booster Update

The council reviewed the status of COVID-19 booster vaccinations, noting a concerning lower uptake among certain demographics, particularly in minority and vulnerable groups. This has prompted plans for targeted communication and outreach efforts to increase vaccination rates and protect public health.

SEND Strategy

The Draft Special Education Needs, Disabilities, and Inclusion Strategy for 2024 to 2029 received approval for further consultation. This strategy represents a comprehensive approach to improving educational outcomes for students with disabilities, emphasizing better coordination and resource allocation.