This week in Tower Hamlets:

Local Plan Approved Amidst Heated Debate Over Housing and Heritage

Tower Hamlets Council has approved its Local Plan 2023-2038, a strategic blueprint for the borough's development, despite strong opposition over concerns about its impact on heritage and the provision of genuinely affordable housing. The decision, made at a Council meeting on Wednesday, has ignited debate about the future of the East End.

Contentious Plan Aims for 52,000 New Homes

The Local Plan sets out a vision for growth, including policies on housing, environment, design, employment, and community infrastructure. A key aim is to deliver at least 52,095 new homes, with a target of 40-50% affordable housing.

• Administration's Stance: Councillor Kabir Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Inclusive Development and Housebuilding, stated the plan would help address priorities set out in the mayor's strategic plan such as overcrowding and related inequalities experienced by our communities.
• Opposition's Critique: Councillor Mark Francis argued the plan represents the final nail in the coffin of the historic character of the East End, criticising the permissive approach to tall buildings and potential loss of daylight and public space.
• Concerns Over Social Housing: Councillor Ohid Ahmed voiced worries about the lack of specific targets for social housing, stating, Without social homes, how do we protect our existing communities? We are already struggling with basic services.

Heated Debate Highlights Deep Divisions

The Council meeting saw passionate speeches from councillors on all sides, reflecting the complex trade-offs between development and preservation.

• Heritage at Risk? Historic England has warned that the plan could put the borough's heritage and identity at risk due to the focus on tall buildings and dense housing.
• Affordable Housing Doubts: Councillor Peter Golds questioned the viability of achieving the affordable housing targets, citing past failures and the influence of developers.
• Community Division: Councillor Andrew Wood expressed concern that the plan would create more division and feelings of inequity, particularly on the Isle of Dogs, due to a lack of infrastructure and community facilities.

The approved Local Plan will now be submitted to the Secretary of State for Examination in Public.

Child Poverty and School Safety Top Petitioners' Concerns

The Council meeting also heard petitions from residents on a range of pressing issues, including child poverty, school safety, and support for small businesses.

Child Poverty Crisis Demands Action

Joy Tara Bebe and Mariam Mourad presented a petition highlighting the alarming rates of child poverty in Tower Hamlets, where 56% of children live in poverty and food insecurity.

• Petitioners' Plea: They called for child poverty to be placed at the heart of every Council policy, the establishment of a community-led Child Poverty Commission, and stronger advocacy for struggling families.
• Council's Response: Mayor Lutfur Rahman committed to setting up a commission with its first meeting by the end of January 2026, stating, Child poverty has not gone away, and we still need a structured approach.

Safer School Journeys Campaign Gains Momentum

Ted Maxwell presented a petition calling for investment in school streets to create safer routes to and from school for children, reduce car trips, and improve air quality.

• Petitioners' Concerns: Maxwell criticised the council for removing a school street at Chisholm Hill Primary School and for spending £2.5 million on destroying safer streets in Bethnal Green.
• Council's Defence: Councillor Shahfi Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Emergency, stated that the council remains committed to creating safer streets but that improvements are assessed on a site-by-site basis.

Other Petitions Addressed

The Council also considered petitions on:

• Victoria Park Cricket Pitch: Concerns about the safety of a new cricket pitch in Victoria Park.
• Mornington Grove: Residents' concerns about disruption and safety issues related to the Bow Business Triangle.
• Support for Small Businesses: Calls for urgent action to protect small businesses and ensure fair treatment across the borough.

Children and Education Scrutiny Sub-Committee Focuses on Vulnerable Youth

The Children and Education Scrutiny Sub-Committee convened to discuss child exploitation, serious youth violence, and corporate parenting accountability.

Addressing Child Exploitation and Serious Youth Violence

The sub-committee reviewed data on victims and suspects under the age of 25, as well as local data on missing children.

• Police Initiatives: DI Conrad Trotman highlighted the implementation of a local missing hub to professionalise the response to missing persons and improve the understanding of risk.
• Multi-Agency Collaboration: Macy McMillan emphasised the importance of daily partnership intelligence meetings and specialist intervention workers to support at-risk children.

Corporate Parenting Accountability

The sub-committee also discussed the council's responsibilities as a corporate parent for children in care.

• Progress and Challenges: The report highlighted progress in education, engagement, and pathways to employment for care-experienced young people, but also recognised the need for more work around CAMHS waiting times and timely specialist support.
• Care Experience as a Protected Characteristic: The council has adopted care experience as a protected characteristic, leading to new initiatives such as apprenticeships and enhanced housing support.

Appointments Sub Committee Advances Search for Resources Director

The Appointments Sub Committee met to conduct interviews for the Corporate Director Resources position, a key role for managing the council's finances. The majority of the meeting was held in exclusion of the press and public.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a list of upcoming meetings and their main topics:

• Licensing Sub Committee - December 02, 2025 - Licensing applications.
• Audit Committee - December 03, 2025 - Details not available.
• Standards Advisory Committee - December 03, 2025 - Details not available.
• General Purposes Committee - December 04, 2025 - Details not available.

This week in Tower Hamlets:

Planning Decisions Loom for Housing and Commercial Developments

Tower Hamlets Council is set to make crucial decisions on major planning applications, including residential developments and licensing for local businesses. These decisions will shape the future of housing, commerce, and community life in the borough.

Strategic Development Committee to Decide on Key Planning Applications

The Strategic Development Committee met on Wednesday, 12 November 2025, to discuss two significant planning applications concerning residential and commercial developments. The meeting addressed proposals for new housing and commercial spaces in Poplar and Shoreditch.

Estate Regeneration in Poplar: Kedge House, Starboard Way and Winch House

The committee considered application PA/25/00779/A1 for the demolition of existing buildings at Kedge House, Starboard Way and Winch House, Tiller Road, London E14 8PS, and the construction of new residential dwellings with community/commercial floorspace.

• Proposal: The application proposes an estate regeneration project, replacing 72 existing flats/houses with four blocks delivering 400 homes.
• Policy Compliance: The development does not fully meet the policy requirement for on-site children's play provision.
• Recommendation: The report pack recommended that planning permission be granted with conditions and planning obligations.

Co-Living and Affordable Housing in Shoreditch: Land at Fleet Street Hill

The committee also considered application PA/25/00240 for land at Fleet Street Hill, Shoreditch, London, E2 6EE. The proposal involves the comprehensive redevelopment of the site to provide two buildings and a pavilion building together delivering Purpose Built Shared Living Accommodation, affordable housing units, a flexible commercial space, and public realm improvements.

• Proposal: The application seeks permission for the redevelopment of the site to provide two buildings and a small pavilion building, delivering 220 co-living units and 25 social rented homes.
• Affordable Housing: The scheme proposes 37% affordable housing on-site in the form of 25 social rented homes, measured by habitable rooms.
• Recommendation: The report pack recommended that planning permission be granted with conditions and planning obligations.

Licensing Sub Committee Reviews Late-Night Refreshments and Alcohol Sales

The Licensing Sub Committee convened on 13 November 2025, to consider applications for new premises licences under the Licensing Act 2003. The meeting addressed concerns about crime, disorder, public safety, and the protection of children from harm.

Midpoint, 112-116 Whitechapel Road

The sub-committee reviewed an application for a new premises licence for Midpoint, a restaurant located at 112-116 Whitechapel Road. The applicant, M M International PVT Ltd, sought permission to provide late-night refreshment indoors between 23:00 and 03:00, Monday to Sunday, with extended hours until 05:00 during Ramadan.

• Concerns: Representations were made against the application by the Licensing Authority, the Police, Environmental Protection, and residents, citing concerns about crime and disorder, public nuisance, the protection of children from harm, and public safety.
• Cumulative Impact Area: The Licensing Authority noted that the premises is in the newly extended part of the Brick Lane Cumulative Impact Area.
• Police Concerns: The Police stated that the applicant had been unwilling to discuss or propose any conditions/amendments to operating hours.

Niu Hot Pot, 43 Commercial Street

The sub-committee considered an application for a new premises licence for Niu Hot Pot, located at 43 Commercial Street. Luxx Catering Ltd applied for permission to sell alcohol, provide recorded music, and open to the public during specified hours.

• Concerns: Representations were made by Environmental Protection and SPIRE (a resident's association), citing concerns about the prevention of crime and disorder and the prevention of public nuisance.
• Cumulative Impact Zone: Environmental Protection stated that the premises was within the Brick Lane Cumulative Impact Zone.
• Agreed Conditions: Conditions had been agreed with the Police, including keeping an incident log, preserving crime scenes, and maintaining a CCTV system.

Health & Adults Scrutiny Sub-Committee Discusses Learning Disability Strategy and Neighbourhood Health Teams

The Health & Adults Scrutiny Sub-Committee met on 11 November 2025, to discuss key strategies and performance indicators related to adult social care and health services. The meeting focused on improving the lives of vulnerable residents through targeted interventions and integrated care.

Learning Disability Strategy 2024-2029

The Sub-Committee discussed the Learning Disability Strategy, which aims to improve the lives and outcomes of people with learning disabilities in Tower Hamlets.

• Key Areas: The strategy focuses on early intervention and prevention, education and employment, housing and independent living, health and well-being, and community inclusion.
• Goals: The strategy is designed to provide support and services to children and families as early as possible, ensure access to high-quality education and training, provide a range of housing options, ensure access to healthcare, and promote community inclusion.

Neighbourhood Health Teams

The Sub-Committee discussed a report on Neighbourhood Health Teams, which are multidisciplinary teams that provide integrated health and social care services to people in their homes and communities.

• Aims: The aims of the Neighbourhood Health Teams are to improve the health and well-being of local people, reduce health inequalities, provide more joined-up and coordinated care, enable people to live independently for longer, and reduce the demand for hospital and residential care.

Adult Social Care Performance Dashboard

The Sub-Committee noted the Adult Social Care Performance Dashboard, which contains data on a range of performance indicators.

• Indicators: The dashboard includes data on the number of people receiving social care services, the cost of social care services, the quality of social care services, and the satisfaction of people receiving social care services.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a list of upcoming meetings and their main topics:

• Appointments Sub Committee - November 17, 2025 - Interviews for the Corporate Director Resources position.
• Children and Education Scrutiny Sub-Committee - November 18, 2025 - Child exploitation and serious youth violence, and corporate parenting accountability.
• Council - November 19, 2025 - Local Plan submission, petitions, and motions.
• Pension Board - November 24, 2025 - Leveraging Tower Hamlets Pension Fund assets to address temporary accommodation needs, and updates on the Pension Fund Annual Report and Accounts, the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) Access and Protection Consultations, and the Pension Fund Risk Register.
• Overview & Scrutiny Committee - November 25, 2025 - Details not available.
• Cabinet - November 26, 2025 - Details not available.
• Development Committee - November 27, 2025 - Details not available.

This week in Tower Hamlets:

Council Faces Criticism Over Corporate Director Shortlist and Housing Repairs

Tower Hamlets Council is under scrutiny this week following a confidential meeting to shortlist candidates for the Corporate Director Resources position. Meanwhile, concerns are mounting over the performance of social landlords, particularly regarding lift repairs and asbestos safety checks, raising questions about resident safety and service standards.

Corporate Director Shortlist Sparks Transparency Concerns

The Appointments Sub Committee met to shortlist candidates for the Corporate Director Resources position, a crucial role for managing the council's finances. The meeting was held largely in private, citing Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, which allows the exclusion of the press and public when confidential information is discussed.

• Confidentiality vs. Public Interest: While the council argues that confidentiality is necessary to protect the privacy of candidates, critics argue that such secrecy undermines transparency and accountability in a key appointment.
• Recruitment Stability: The report to the sub-committee stated that not recruiting to the post and continuing with the interim arrangement would not create the necessary stability that is required by filling a Corporate Director role on a permanent basis.
• Lack of Public Scrutiny: With the public and press excluded, there is limited opportunity to scrutinise the selection process and ensure that the best candidate is chosen to manage the borough's resources.

Housing Scrutiny Highlights Social Landlord Performance Issues

The Housing & Regeneration Scrutiny Sub Committee addressed a range of critical housing issues, including social landlord performance, anti-social behaviour, and the local plan. The meeting revealed significant disparities in service standards across different registered providers, raising concerns about resident safety and quality of life.

Lift Repair Failures and Asbestos Safety Lapses

The Social Landlords Performance Report highlighted concerning failures in lift repairs and asbestos safety checks by some registered providers.

• Lift Breakdowns: Councillor Asma Islam raised concerns about lift breakdowns, particularly in high-rise buildings, and the impact on vulnerable residents. She stated that the service repair service is literally going pear shape .
• Asbestos Safety: Councillor Abdul Mannan highlighted the low asbestos safety check rate for Gateway Housing Association compared to other RPs.
• Lack of Accountability: Residents expressed frustration with the lack of accountability and the difficulty in getting timely responses from registered providers.

Anti-Social Behaviour Policy Aims to Improve Response

The sub-committee discussed the council's updated Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) policy, intended to clarify service standards and improve the response to incidents.

• Resident Experiences: A consultation revealed that drug-related activity, noise nuisance, and fly-tipping were the most frequently reported forms of ASB.
• Policy Focus: The updated policy aims to distinguish between low-level nuisance and serious ASB, clarify the roles and responsibilities of council staff, and improve channels for reporting ASB.
• Concerns about Effectiveness: Some residents expressed scepticism about the effectiveness of the policy, citing past experiences of inaction and a lack of visible patrols.

Local Plan Faces Challenges and Uncertainty

The sub-committee received an update on the new local plan, a crucial document guiding development and land use in the borough.

• Affordable Housing Target: The emerging local plan proposes increasing the requirement for affordable housing from 35% to 40%, but the Greater London Authority (GLA) has objected to this threshold.
• Tall Buildings: The plan proposes a more permissive approach to tall buildings, raising concerns from Historic England about the impact on heritage sites.
• Government Proposals: New proposals from the government to reduce affordable housing requirements and change infrastructure funding are creating uncertainty and potentially undermining the local plan's objectives.

Housing Management Sub-Committee Tackles Damp, Adaptations, and Data

The Housing Management (Cabinet) Sub-Committee addressed critical issues related to council housing, including damp and mould, adaptations for residents with disabilities, and data management. The meeting aimed to improve the quality of life for tenants and ensure regulatory compliance.

New Policies for Damp and Adaptations

The sub-committee discussed new policies for addressing damp and mould and providing adaptations for residents with disabilities.

• Damp and Mould Policy: The new policy sets clear time scales for responding to damp and mould reports, emphasizing proactive landlord responsibility and resident support.
• Adaptations Policy: The updated Enlargements and Adaptations Policy expands the scope of adaptations and includes enhanced building and fire safety protocols.
• Communication is Key: Concerns were raised about the need for effective communication with residents about the new policies and the available support.

Data Strategy Aims to Improve Service Delivery

The sub-committee discussed a new Housing Management Data Strategy, intended to improve the quality and accuracy of data used by housing management services.

• Regulatory Compliance: The development of a Data Strategy was identified as a priority during an inspection by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH).
• Improved Decision-Making: The strategy aims to create a unified data ecosystem that empowers staff, improves decision-making, and enhances resident outcomes.
• Resident Involvement: Residents will have the opportunity to scrutinise the draft strategy and provide feedback.

Pensions Committee Addresses Risk and Governance

The Pensions Committee convened to discuss the management of the council's pension fund, focusing on risk, governance, and financial performance. The meeting addressed the challenges of ensuring the long-term sustainability of the fund and meeting its obligations to pensioners.

• Risk Register Review: The committee reviewed the Pension Fund Risk Register, noting changes in the assessment of risks related to real yields, consolidation mandates, and persistent inflation.
• Annual Report and Accounts: The committee considered the Draft Pension Fund Annual Report and Accounts 2024/25, noting that the fund had achieved a positive investment return of 4% despite economic volatility.
• Governance Concerns: The Independent Chair of the Pension Board raised concerns about the Fund's investments in the Middle East and the steps being taken to protect the Fund's financial position.

Licensing Sub Committee Addresses Premises Licence Applications

The Licensing Sub Committee met to consider a number of licensing applications, including a variation to a premises licence, a review of a premises licence, and a transfer of a premises licence holder. The meeting addressed concerns about crime, disorder, public safety, and the protection of children from harm.

• The Widow's Son: The sub committee adjourned a decision on a variation to a premises licence for The Widow's Son pub, citing concerns about the lack of clarity regarding the outside seating area.
• East End (Kaymax) Off Licence: The sub committee considered an application to review the premises licence for East End (Kaymax) Off Licence, due to concerns about the sale of illicit goods and breaches of licensing objectives.
• Temporary Event Notice: The sub committee also considered a Temporary Event Notice for 63 Redchurch Street, but the applicant withdrew the application.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a list of upcoming meetings and their main topics:

• Children and Education Scrutiny Sub-Committee - November 18, 2025 - Details not available.
• Appointments Sub Committee - November 17, 2025 - Details not available.
• Council - November 19, 2025 - Details not available.

This week in Tower Hamlets:

Council to Boost Housing Benefit Income Amid Homelessness Crisis

Tower Hamlets Council is seeking to increase its income from Housing Benefit subsidies for council-owned temporary accommodation, aiming to address a growing homelessness crisis. The Mayor's Executive Decision Making meeting on October 31st focused on reclassifying properties and raising rents to Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates, a move projected to generate an additional £7.191 million annually. The meeting highlighted the council's efforts to balance financial pressures with its duty to provide affordable housing.

Maximising Housing Benefit Subsidy

The council currently houses approximately 3,250 households in temporary accommodation, with 587 in council-owned properties. The report presented by David Joyce, Corporate Director of Housing and Regeneration, stated that the council has been classifying these properties in a way that limits Housing Benefit subsidy claims to 90% of the January 2011 LHA rate.

The proposed changes involve:

• Reclassifying properties: To claim Housing Benefit subsidy for 100% of the actual rent charged.
• Increasing rents: Aligning rents for council-owned temporary accommodation with current Local Housing Allowance rates.

Financial Impact and Hardship Fund

The council forecasts a significant increase in Housing Benefit subsidy income:

Based on a snapshot of the existing makeup and number of council owned properties being used for Temporary Accommodation on 13 October 2025, the combination of making rents for council owned Temporary Accommodation consistent with current LHA rates as well as reclassifying them to maximise Housing Benefit subsidy income is forecast to increase income for a full year as follows:

To ensure a neutral impact on households, the council plans to establish a hardship fund for existing tenants who may be negatively affected by the rent increases. The report stated that the council has a statutory duty to ensure that the rent is affordable for the applicant.

Equalities Impact Assessment

An Equalities Impact Assessment was conducted, concluding that a full assessment was not required as the proposals are expected to have no impact on the 565 affected households.

King George's Field Charity Board Meeting Cancelled

The King George's Field Charity Board meeting scheduled for October 29th was cancelled. The meeting was set to cover finance, activity, and governance updates for the King George's Field Trust, as well as a review of fees and charges, an update on Fields in Trust funding, and commercial property recommendations.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a list of upcoming meetings and their main topics:

• Housing & Regeneration Scrutiny Sub Committee - November 03, 2025 - Local Plan update, review of commercial assets, social landlord performance, and the Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy.
• Licensing Sub Committee - November 04, 2025 - Licensing applications.
• Housing Management (Cabinet) Sub-Committee - November 05, 2025 - New policies on housing enlargements and adaptations, damp and mould, and data management.
• Appointments Sub Committee - November 06, 2025 - Shortlisting candidates for the role of Corporate Director Resources.
• Pensions Committee - November 06, 2025 - Pension administration, scheme engagement, risk management and the annual report and accounts.
• Health & Adults Scrutiny Sub-Committee - November 11, 2025 - Details not available.
• Strategic Development Committee - November 12, 2025 - Details not available.
• Licensing Sub Committee - November 13, 2025 - Details not available.