This week in Tower Hamlets:

• The Mayor's Executive Decision Making meeting was scheduled to discuss the lease renewal for the former Sutton Street Depot.
• The Cabinet agreed to introduce a dog control public spaces protection order, redesign the substance misuse treatment and recovery system, and extend the agency worker contract with MATRIX.
• The Appointments Sub Committee agreed on a shortlist of candidates to interview for the post of Strategic Director of Change and Improvement.
• The Licensing Sub Committee discussed an application for a new premises licence for Vittoria Wharf Studios and a variation to the club premises certificate for Globe Town Community Association, but deferred a decision on both.

Mayor's Executive Decision Making - Tuesday 29 April 2025

The Mayor's Executive Decision Making meeting of Tower Hamlets Council on 29 April 2025 was scheduled to consider a lease renewal for the former Sutton Street Depot, located at 6 Sutton Street, London, E1 0AY.

Cabinet - Wednesday 30 April 2025

The Tower Hamlets Council Cabinet met to discuss a number of issues, including mental health services for young people, noise nuisance, support for local markets, dog control, school amalgamations, substance misuse services and agency worker contracts. The cabinet agreed to formalise a contract for Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), bring the out of hours noise service in-house, note a report on markets, introduce a dog control public spaces protection order, amalgamate Globe Primary School and Rachel Killing Nursery School, redesign the substance misuse treatment and recovery system, and extend the agency worker contract with MATRIX for two years.

Dog Control Public Spaces Protection Order

The cabinet agreed to introduce a dog control public spaces protection order (PSPO). The new rules relate to dog fouling, dogs on leads by direction, excluding dogs from gated play parks and gated sports areas, keeping dogs on leads on roads, pavements and in communal areas on estates, and limiting the number of dogs one person can take out at one time to four. A professional dog walker's license will also be introduced.

Councillor Shafi Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, stated that there will be no public park and open spaces where dogs would be allowed to be off-lead and run freely for exercise, except for gated children's play areas and gated sports areas. He also clarified that people with disabilities are not adversely affected by these measures because the PSPO exempts assistant dog users for these requirements.

Councillor Ahmed said that the recommendations seek to strike a fair balance, and bring the council in line with many other London councils, including its neighbours Hackney and Newham, which have had such rules in place for many years.

Mayor Lutfur Rahman said that it's about protecting children, protecting the most vulnerable, protecting the people of the borough, and supporting our dog owners.

Substance Misuse Treatment and Recovery System Redesign

The cabinet agreed to a redesigned proposal for a refreshed model for substance misuse treatment when existing contracts come to an end in late 2025. The proposal is for a fully integrated consortium contact model with a focus on satellite provision across the borough and an embedded criminal justice service able to deliver specified features.

Councillor Ahmed said that this paper is really important as part of the council's substance misuse strategy, and that the proposals would improve some of the council's services.

One councillor requested assurances around clear management structures, responsibility and accountability in terms of how the council contract manages and performance manages any service provider, including its own in-house council service providers. They also said that the KPIs that are set aren't challenging enough and need to be more challenging, and requested that community detoxes, ambulatory detoxes around alcohol, be included in the proposals.

An officer responded that community detoxes are implicit in the service design, and that they would pick it up when they move to the specification development. They also said that the KPIs are nationally set, but that they have seen a significant increase in access numbers over the last 12 months, and that they are moving over the next 12 months to looking at outcomes in treatment, and making sure that those numbers that go into treatment are successful in their recovery journey.

Mayor Rahman requested that councillors be able to review the draft tender document and the specifications once they're drafted.

Agency Worker Contract

The cabinet agreed to extend the agency worker contract with MATRIX for two years.

The council expects to make savings of just under £900,000 for the year, and will also look at the seamless continuation of the service once they roll out the transformation plans in terms of using agency staff going forward.

One officer explained that they managed to negotiate some savings by being a bit more creative with the way they appoint people, and that they are actively pushing to take people off of third-party contracts with 10% to 15% agency costs and put them onto CDL with a 1.5% cost.

Another officer said that they have a lot of long-term legacy agency workers and interims, and that they have inherited some potentially high rates that the third-party agencies charge. They said that they are able to potentially transfer those workers over to Metrix's own payroll, and only then pay a payroll administration fee, which is approximately 1.5%.

Mayor Rahman said that this gives the council an opportunity to explore its options going forward, and whether to move forward in-house, and thanked the officers for negotiating a good deal for the council over the next two years in the region of just under £900,000.

One councillor raised the issue of social value, and asked what activities had previously been done, saying that it would be good to see what MATRIX are doing.

One officer responded that MATRIX's social value will be reported quarterly, and that it's important that members are cited on the social value returns that the council gets, and that this should feed into a social value report for the council.

Another officer said that they had a meeting that morning about KPIs and the target setting that the council has, and that they discussed exactly that to calculate social value and see how they can actually measure that. They said that they need to put into it an ownership and someone to drive it through, and really measure it going forward.

Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services

The cabinet agreed to formalise a contract with East London Foundation Trust (ELFT) for Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). The contract is worth around £700,000 and will be in place for the next two years whilst the council reviews the value for money and outcomes that are delivered.

Councillor Musthak Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Enterprise, Skills and Growth, said that the service has been essential in delivering timely specialist mental health support to some of the most vulnerable children and young people, especially those with care experience, and that the integration with ELFT ensures seamless access to wider NHS pathways, avoiding unnecessary delays and improving outcomes.

One councillor said that this is an innovative service providing support and treatment for children and young people experiencing moderate to severe mental health difficulties.

Out of Hours Noise Service

The cabinet agreed to bring the out of hours noise service in-house.

Councillor Ahmed said that this service is currently delivered by a third party, and that the council feels it can deliver the service in-house, essentially looking at improving the service that the council currently has for out-of-hours noise and to also use the extra and additional resources that the cabinet has invested in community safety.

One councillor said that residents want direct action and a single point of contact, and that this streamlines the process and delivers what's needed for residents in Tower Hamlets.

Another councillor said that the current system is not working for residents, and that this is the way the council can have more control and better service.

One councillor asked for assurance that the transition will be smooth and that there shouldn't be any disruption felt by the residents at all. An officer assured them that the council has a transition team and a project team, and that it will be seamless.

Mayor Rahman said that the council has invested a great deal of money in the CCTV system and new personnel, and that they have the resources to deliver a coordinated, out-of-hours noise service that existed previously, adding that people were discontent with that service, and that it's well overdue.

Markets

The cabinet noted a report on the Overview and Scrutiny Committee's deep dive review of the borough's markets.

Councillor Ahmed said that the report contains an action to meet the recommendations made by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. The two recommendations which require additional funding are market infrastructure and trader facilities, and attracting young traders and retaining current traders for communication through social media.

One councillor asked about the positive outcomes from events that were organised in terms of how to get more young people involved in the market, and how the engagement was with the young people in terms of getting them involved.

An officer responded that the council has been running the National Young Traders Markets, and that some of those traders have come from outside of the borough and experienced working in London for the first time. They added that one of the gaps that the council has is that it has not been able to promote its markets to the wider sphere, and that it wants to go to that next step to encourage people from all over London to come and trade with them.

Another councillor highlighted the key role markets play in the identity of Tower Hamlets, mentioning Whitechapel market, which won an award for the best large outdoor market, and Columbia Road market, which won an award for the small outdoor market.

Mayor Rahman thanked the members of the Scrutiny Committee for the report, and said that the recommendations and the actions are very fruitful and very constructive in making suggestions how the council can improve its markets, improve the accessibility and connectivity with customers, and support traders.

Globe Primary School and Rachel Killing Nursery School Amalgamation

The cabinet approved the proposal to formally amalgamate Globe Primary School and Rachel Killing Nursery School effective from 1 September 2025.

Councillor Maium Talukdar, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education, Youth and Lifelong Learning (Statutory Deputy Mayor), said that the consultation process has been thorough, transparent and inclusive, with the majority of respondents strongly in favour of the proposal, and that the amalgamation is supported by both governing bodies and is designed to improve sustainability, maximise resources and protect high-quality early years provision in the borough.

She also noted that 94% of the respondents agreed to the proposal and 6% disagreed.

Appointments Sub Committee - Monday 28 April 2025

The Tower Hamlets Appointments Sub Committee met on Monday 28 April 2025 to agree on a shortlist of candidates to interview for the post of Strategic Director of Change and Improvement. After a discussion, the sub-committee agreed on a number of candidates to invite for an interview.

Shortlisting for Strategic Director of Change and Improvement

The sub-committee considered a report recommending candidates to progress to the next stage of recruitment for the role of Strategic Director of Change and Improvement. The public reports pack included a shortlist report prepared by Penna, the recruitment consultants.

The sub-committee is responsible for making appointments to Chief Officer and Deputy Chief Officer posts, according to the council’s constitution and recruitment procedures. The report stated that recruiting for this post permanently was a requirement of the Ministerial Directions.

The role is responsible for leading the improvement agenda for the Council, working closely with the Chief Executive, Corporate Leadership Team and the Ministerial Envoys to ensure the authority delivers the requirements in the Ministerial Directions and that this results in the change Residents and our Communities need to see.

The position was advertised in February and March 2025 on the council’s website, Penna Exec Search, the MJ and social media, including LinkedIn. A targeted executive search was also undertaken by Penna.

The minutes record that following a discussion, the panel agreed on a number of candidates to submit for interview.

Licensing Sub Committee - Thursday 01 May 2025

The Licensing Sub Committee met to discuss an application for a new premises licence for Vittoria Wharf Studios, and an application for a variation to the club premises certificate for Globe Town Community Association. A decision on both applications was deferred.

Vittoria Wharf Studios

Vittoria Wharf Studios, 10 Stour Road, London, E3 2NT, applied for a new premises licence. The applicant, Mr Thomas Fletcher, described the premises as a single-room, multi-purpose studio and event space. The application requested an extension to the opening hours on Friday and Saturday from 1am to 3am for the sale of alcohol and recorded music.

Corinne Holland, Licensing Officer, clarified that although the application was for a new premises licence, the premises already had a licence granted on 25 June of the previous year. She also sought clarification as to whether the application related to the whole of the building at 10 Stour Road, or just Unit 4, as some submissions mentioned only Unit 4. Mr Rees Rose, agent for the applicant, confirmed that the application related only to Unit 4, a single room on the second floor.

Mr Rose explained that the application was to ensure that the venue was licensed, accountable and regulated. He said that the studio had operated as a private hire space for the last 10 years, with events finishing at 3 or 4am. He added that the police had agreed with their dispersal policy and had withdrawn their representation.

Nicola Kadzo, representing environmental health, raised concerns about public nuisance due to people leaving the venue late at night, as there is no public transport available at that time. Yuri Lee, speaking in objection, raised concerns about dispersal, cumulative nuisance, and the fact that the area is undergoing rapid densification. He also stated that granting later hours to one venue encourages others to apply for similar extensions.

Iona Constantino, a resident of the same warehouse yard, spoke in support of the application, stating that she had not experienced any issues with noise from the unit, and that the unit had a separate entrance, so residents did not come into contact with people entering or leaving the premises.

Councillor Faroque Ahmed asked about the dispersal policy and why it did not include any provision for the use of SIA accredited personnel to manage the dispersal of patrons. Mr Rose responded that SIA personnel would be present on Friday and Saturday nights.

Ms Holland raised concerns about a condition relating to access to the premises, stating that the wording was unclear and that it was not clear whether a fire escape door was being requested to be kept locked.

Councillor Musthak Ahmed asked how the applicant would mitigate the effects of high-spirited patrons being provided alcohol well beyond the framework hours. Mr Rose explained the venue's dispersal policy, which included a staggered dispersal, a 15-minute drinking up time with no music, full house lights, and security to disperse groups gathering in the road.

Following questions from the committee and concluding remarks from all parties, the sub committee agreed to defer a decision on the application.

Globe Town Community Association

Globe Town Community Association, 152-156 Roman Road, London, E2 0RY, applied for a variation to their club premises certificate. The application requested an extension to the hours for the sale of alcohol and regulated entertainment. Specifically, the association sought to extend their hours until midnight on Monday to Friday (an extension of 1 hour and 15 minutes), until 12:30am on Saturday (an extension of 1 hour and 45 minutes), and until 10pm on Sunday (a 15-minute extension). They also applied for the provision of regulated entertainment for live music on Saturday only, from 11pm to 11:30pm.

Corinne Holland, Licensing Officer, stated that the hours for live music in the application stated 6pm, but this was a mistake in the application, and that the intention was to extend the hours, not reduce them. She also stated that the live music would be background music, which is not licensable.

Ms Holland confirmed that the licensing authority had received some complaints about the premises, with the most recent being in January 2024.

Mr John Embry, representing the Globe Town Family Community Association, stated that the association had been in the area for over 30 years and had never had any issues with the police or any fights. He said that they only wanted an hour's extension on a Saturday night and that the premises were soundproofed and had cameras. He also stated that the clientele were from 25 to 90 years of age and that they were not young kids.

Mr Steve Murphy, a director and chairman of the Chaterhouse Tenants Association, objected to the application. He stated that Chaterhouse is predominantly a residential block and that late-night consumption of alcohol and loud music tends to increase late-night noise disruption. He also stated that there had been multiple complaints from residents to the Globe Town Community Association about excessive noise, with no response.

Fabrizio Labrosi, a resident of Chaterhouse, stated that he lived right above the premises and that his life had been challenging since they moved in. He said that they never respect the closing times and that there has been recorded music played regularly every night. He also said that he could hear slamming doors, chairs being dragged around the floor, and broomsticks banging against the wall.

Mr Embry responded that the back door is only used for deliveries and that no one smokes out the back. He also stated that they only have music when they have TENs from the council and that they went round to every single flat when they moved in to invite them to become members.

Councillor Faroque Ahmed asked about the live music and what the maximum number of people would be when it took place. Mr Embry responded that the most people they have in the club on one night is 45 to 55 people, maximum.

Councillor Musthak Ahmed asked about the soundproofing system. Mr Embry responded that they have soundproofing and that when the music starts, they shut the shutters down.

Ms Holland read out the conditions agreed with the noise team, which included that loudspeakers shall not be located in the entrance lobby or the outside of the premises, nor on the ceiling, and that anti-vibration mounts are to be used for speakers attached to the wall. She also stated that a noise limiter is to be fitted.

Following questions from the committee and concluding remarks from all parties, the sub committee agreed to defer a decision on the application.

This week in Tower Hamlets:

• The Strategic Development Committee approved the redevelopment of Clare House and extensions to the Global Switch House.
• The Development Committee approved the redevelopment of the Stifford Community Centre, retrospective planning permission for Halley Primary School, and commercial space reconfiguration at 5 Yeo Street.
• The Audit Committee discussed the external auditor's annual report, the corporate code of governance, the internal audit plan, and risk management.

Strategic Development Committee - Wednesday 23 April 2025

The Strategic Development Committee convened to discuss two planning applications, approving both with conditions. The more significant application concerned the redevelopment of Clare House, while the other involved extensions to the Global Switch House.

Clare House Redevelopment

The committee unanimously approved the application for the demolition of the existing Clare House at 10 Hawthorn Avenue, and the construction of new buildings. The development will consist of two part four/part five-storey buildings and a 23-storey tower, providing 145 new residential dwellings and community floorspace, subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement, which are legal agreements between local authorities and developers, used to mitigate the impact of new developments on the community and infrastructure.

The development will provide 100% affordable housing, with all units offered at social rent, which is cheaper than both London Affordable Rent and Tower Hamlets Living Rent. The development will include 39 one-bed units, 32 two-bed units, 52 three-bed units, and 22 four-bed units, with 16 units designed to be wheelchair accessible. A new community centre providing 198.5 square metres of floor space will also be built.

Concerns were raised about the limited number of parking spaces, particularly for residents who rely on private hire vehicles. Officers explained that the development is designed to be car-free, with only six wheelchair-accessible parking spaces provided. They also noted that Clarion Housing Association Limited is managing parking on the wider estate to accommodate residents who may need parking spaces.

Councillor Kamrul Hussain raised concerns about fire safety, particularly regarding the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) planning gateway. Officers clarified that the scheme is compliant with fire safety regulations at this stage, and further checks will be conducted during the construction phase.

The development's height was questioned, as it is not located in a designated tall building zone. Officers explained that the scheme replaces an existing tall building and the design has been carefully considered to minimise its impact on the local townscape.

Global Switch House Extensions

The committee also unanimously approved the application for extensions to the Global Switch House at 3 Nutmeg Lane, subject to planning conditions and obligations. The proposal includes the erection of east and west extensions to the existing data centre building, alterations to the north and south facades, infill of the reception atrium, installation of new flues and plant, and upgrades to rooftop chillers.

Councillor Gulam Kibria Choudhury asked about the potential impact of the development on human life, given its proximity to residential areas. Officers clarified that the data centre has been in operation since 2002 without any known health impacts.

Councillor Shahaveer Shubo Hussain asked if the development would change the look of the building. Officers explained that the extensions would slightly vary the design and external appearance, with the addition of coloured cladding and visual interest.

Councillor Rebaka Sultana asked about the number of employees working at the data centre. Officers were unsure of the exact number but clarified that the extension would not generate any additional jobs.

Development Committee - Thursday 24 April 2025

The Tower Hamlets Council Development Committee met to discuss three planning applications. Permission was granted for a retrospective change of use at Halley Primary School, the redevelopment of the Stifford Community Centre, and the reconfiguration of commercial spaces at 5 Yeo Street.

Stifford Community Centre Redevelopment

The committee approved the redevelopment of the Stifford Community Centre site, located at 2-6 Cressy Place and adjoining land to the east of Stepney Green. The plan includes the construction of four and five-storey buildings with 31 self-contained residential flats and a replacement community centre.

100% of the 31 residential units will be affordable rent homes. A new community centre (Class F2b¹) will be included on the ground floor of one of the buildings.

The council received a large number of objections to the proposal, mainly relating to the loss of the existing community centre.

Tim Waters, agent for the applicant, stated that the development would provide a greatly improved facility for the local community.

Joy Tara Bibi, speaking on behalf of residents and service users, raised concerns about the lack of consultation and transparency, and sought reassurance that the community centre would remain accessible and affordable for local residents.

In response to concerns about the future of the Stifford Centre, it was clarified that the council has a process for marketing redeveloped community facilities, and the Stifford Centre can reapply. The council also stated that rents for the new centre would be set on a community rate, with potential for a community benefit reduction of up to 80%.

The committee voted four in favour and two against the application, granting planning permission for the redevelopment.

Halley Primary School Retrospective Planning Permission

The committee approved a retrospective planning application for a change of use at Halley Primary School, located on Halley Street. The application sought to regularise the installation of a multi-use games area (MUGA) on the site of an existing sports pitch.

The MUGA was installed in 2022, and the application sought permission for the change of use from Class F1 (learning and non-residential institution) to a mixed F1 and F2 (local community) use. The school sought permission to rent out the MUGA to local residents for sporting activities between 5pm and 8pm, Monday to Friday, to generate additional revenue.

The council received a significant number of objections, primarily concerning noise disturbances and light pollution affecting local residents.

Shoshana Thompson, Head Teacher at Halley Primary School, explained that the school needed to generate income due to a funding crisis in public services.

Oliver David, an objector, expressed concerns about the noise impact of the MUGA on nearby residents, particularly during evening hours.

The committee discussed mitigation measures, including limiting the hours of operation and implementing a management plan to ensure responsible use of the MUGA.

The committee voted in favour of the application, subject to conditions.

5 Yeo Street Commercial Space Reconfiguration

The committee approved an application for the reconfiguration of commercial spaces at 5 Yeo Street. The application sought permission for internal and external design changes to the ground and mezzanine floor levels of the building.

The application proposed to reconfigure the approved internal layout of the commercial spaces, while maintaining the total amount of commercial floorspace. The proposal included alterations to provide additional residential communal space at ground floor.

The council received objections from residents in the building, primarily concerning noise and disturbance.

Steve Sinclair, architect from 4Space, explained that the application sought to improve the existing commercial space and make it more attractive to potential tenants.

Nadia Uzumi, a resident of Waters Edge Court, raised concerns about existing infrastructure issues in the building, including problems with the heating system and sewage system.

The committee acknowledged the residents' concerns but clarified that the application was for changes to the commercial space and did not involve any new residential units.

The committee voted to grant planning permission for the reconfiguration of the commercial spaces, subject to conditions.

Audit Committee - Thursday 24 April 2025

The Tower Hamlets Audit Committee met to discuss the external auditor's annual report, the corporate code of governance, the internal audit plan, and risk management. The committee approved the internal audit and anti-fraud plan, as well as the updated internal audit charter. They also discussed the progress of actions related to statutory recommendations, particularly concerning procurement and housing.

The committee discussed action plans related to statutory recommendations made by external auditors. These recommendations covered financial reporting, internal audit, and procurement.

The committee reviewed progress on implementing recommendations related to financial reporting.

The committee discussed a draft protocol to elevate the importance of internal audit and ensure responsiveness to its findings. Julie Lorraine, Corporate Director of Resources, explained that the protocol aims to clarify the role of internal audit and ensure that corporate directors are aware of audit recommendations and their responsibilities. The committee requested a comprehensive action plan for the next meeting.

The committee discussed an action plan to address specific procurement issues that led to a statutory recommendation. These issues included breaches of legal requirements related to purchase orders and contract management in home care procurement. Councillor Marc Francis raised concerns about the procurement of consultants, which were not specifically addressed in the action plan. Hayley Clark, Audit Partner at EY, clarified that the statutory recommendations were based on a combination of factors, including non-compliance with laws and regulations, and issues identified in internal audit reports and the Best Value Inspection report. The committee requested that a row be added to the action plan specifying the issue of consultant procurement, with oversight from the Transformation Advisory Board (TAB).

The committee agreed to the internal audit and anti-fraud plan, and the updated internal audit charter. David Dobbs, Head of Audit, presented the plan, which is risk-based. Councillor Marc Francis suggested adding a procurement audit to the plan, focusing on the procurement of consultants.

Councillor Asma Islam asked how external audits are considered when scheduling internal audits, and David Dobbs, Head of Audit, explained that the internal audit plan takes into account the work of other regulators such as Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Councillor Bodrul Choudhury asked whether the council tracks audit fatigue to ensure departments are not over-audited. David Dobbs, Head of Audit, responded that while the audit program is risk-based, they do track which departments are audited and when.

Councillor Marc Francis highlighted a conflict of interest in paragraph 5.2 of the audit charter, which stated that the Head of Internal Audit is responsible for collating and compiling the annual governance statement. He stated that this is not best practice. The committee requested that management consider how to move towards better practice in compiling the annual governance statement.

David Dobbs, Head of Audit, presented an update on the internal audit and anti-fraud progress. He noted that 41% of the planned audit work had been completed.

The committee discussed several deferred audits, including one related to public health grants, which was deferred due to a lack of readiness. Councillor Marc Francis asked about deferred reports and reports still in draft. Steve Reddy, Corporate Director, Children's Services, explained delays in finalising a report on client-side management of schools' capital programmes and said that a revised final report was completed for November.

Julie Lorraine, Corporate Director of Resources, offered to circulate a briefing note addressing concerns about three HR-related audit reports with limited assurance, and to have HR representatives attend the next meeting to provide further updates.

Steve Reddy, Corporate Director, Children's Services, provided updates on the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) improvement plan audit and the business continuity audit. He reported that a follow-up audit showed improvement in the SEND improvement plan, and that changes in operations, monitoring, and governance arrangements had been implemented. He also noted improvements in business continuity plan compliance, driven by the Civil Contingencies Board.

The committee reviewed the risk management report, focusing on the Housing and Regeneration Directorate. Julie Lorraine, Corporate Director of Resources, highlighted health and safety, regulatory, and economic risks as key concerns. She noted that economic risks had increased due to global factors, such as tariffs, investor sentiment, and contractor insolvency.

Councillor Marc Francis commented on the transfer of housing stock to an organisation, stating that an external check and balance around it and scrutiny is really important. He also raised concerns about the housing options service, stating that the service is struggling.

Councillor Harun Miah asked about a specific risk related to delays in house building due to a lack of available electricity supply.

The committee received an update on the corporate code of governance. Robin Beatty introduced the report, explaining that the purpose of the code is to set out the principles and processes for good governance within the council.

Councillor Marc Francis expressed concern that the report did not adequately reflect the challenges facing the council, given the statutory intervention in place. Councillor Asma Islam suggested a briefing on the code of governance to clarify the guidance, the council's presentation, and the role of the audit committee.

This week in Tower Hamlets:

• The Transformation and Assurance Board considered the Continuous Improvement Plan, Culture Change Programme, and Political Mentoring Programme.
• The Mayor's Executive Decision Making meeting occurred, but no information is available about the topics discussed.
• The Housing & Regeneration Scrutiny Sub Committee discussed social landlord performance, an action plan, and an update on the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) report.
• The King George's Field Charity Board was scheduled to discuss fees and charges, finance updates, and commercial property matters.

Transformation and Assurance Board - Monday 14 April 2025

The Transformation and Assurance Board (TAB) met to consider the Continuous Improvement Plan, costed Culture Change and Political Mentoring Programmes, in line with the Ministerial Directions. The board was also scheduled to review and agree updated terms of reference and a workplan. Unfortunately, no video of the meeting was provided.

Mayor's Executive Decision Making - Tuesday 15 April 2025

The Mayor's Executive Decision Making meeting occurred, but no information is available about the topics discussed. Unfortunately, no video of the meeting was provided.

Housing & Regeneration Scrutiny Sub Committee - Tuesday 15 April 2025

The Housing & Regeneration Scrutiny Sub Committee met to discuss the performance of social landlords, the progress of an action plan related to housing provider performance, and an update on the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) report. The committee received presentations on each of these topics. No decisions were made, but the discussions aimed to inform future scrutiny and improvements in housing services.

The committee received an update on the RSH inspection, which commenced in November 2024 and concluded in March 2025. The inspection involved a mix of desktop reviews, observations, meetings with residents, and interviews with the council administration and staff. The RSH allocated five inspectors to assess the council's performance against consumer standards, including neighbourhood and community, safety and quality, tenancy, transparency, influence, and accountability, as well as the rent standard.

Positive feedback from the RSH included recognition of the council's community and resident focus, strong governance structures, and evidence of progress in complaints handling and data management. The RSH also noted robust compliance reporting, an improving picture in building safety work, and a strong Housing Revenue Account position.

Areas for development identified by the RSH included plans being at early stages, compliance remedial actions still outstanding, repairs remaining an area of concern, and tenant engagement not fully embedded yet. The council needs to improve how it evidences outcomes, service standards, performance, and positive impact for residents.

The committee also received an update on the action plan resulting from a scrutiny challenge session on housing provider performance in Tower Hamlets, which took place on 26 March 2024. The challenge session aimed to improve understanding of the roles of the Regulator of Social Housing and the Housing Ombudsman, and to consider how the sub-committee can add value to its work with Registered Providers (RPs) to drive performance improvements.

The committee reviewed the Social Landlords Performance Report for Quarter 3 of 2024/25. The report provided an update on the performance of registered providers (RP) within the borough, using data and commentary to showcase performance in line with the Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSMs) set by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH). Key highlights from the report included data on the Decent Homes Standard, emergency and non-emergency repairs, gas safety checks, fire safety checks, asbestos safety checks, water safety checks, lift safety checks, complaints, anti-social behaviour, re-let times, and vacant units.

King George's Field Charity Board - Wednesday 16 April 2025

The King George's Field Charity Board was scheduled to discuss a review of fees and charges, finance, activity and governance updates, and commercial property recommendations and updates. The board was also scheduled to note the Charity Commission’s Public Benefit Guidance, and declare any conflicts of interest. Unfortunately, no video of the meeting was provided.

The King George’s Field Trust (KGFT) Board was scheduled to review and approve proposed hire charge increases for the Art and Ecology Pavilions in Mile End Park from 1 May 2025, and for the Stepney Green astroturf from 1 July 2025. The report pack stated that the proposed increases were in line with the council’s fees and charges review, and that the level of inflation was a key factor in determining the recommended changes.

The King George’s Field Trust Board was scheduled to note an update on the submission of the audited accounts and annual report for 2022/23 to the Charity Commission, and the position on the drafting and submission of the audited accounts and annual report for 2023/24 to the Charity Commission.

The King George’s Field Trust Board was scheduled to note ongoing discussions with Tenant A in respect of outstanding arrears and their lease arrangements, and additional information provided in respect of the lease arrangements for Tenant B. The Board was also scheduled to note that an agent has been appointed to market the Mile End Park arches.

Housing Management (Cabinet) Sub-Committee - Wednesday 16 April 2025

This meeting has been cancelled.

This week in Tower Hamlets:

• The Appointments Sub Committee was scheduled to interview candidates for the position of Director of Homelessness and Housing Options.
• The Employee Appeals Sub Committee met, but no information is available about the topics discussed.
• The Health & Adults Scrutiny Sub-Committee discussed initiatives to support disabled residents' access to sports and fitness, and reviewed the council's strategy for long-term condition prevention.
• The Grants Determination (Cabinet) Sub-Committee approved changes to the Emergency Fund application process, and reviewed the Mayor’s Community Grant Programme.
• The Appointments Sub Committee was scheduled to discuss the longlisting of candidates for the role of Strategic Director of Change and Improvement.
• The Licensing Sub Committee discussed a new premises licence for House of Music and Entertainment, and a variation of an existing premises licence for The Sun Tavern.

Health & Adults Scrutiny Sub-Committee - Tuesday 08 April 2025

The Health and Adult Scrutiny Sub-Committee met to discuss initiatives to support disabled residents' access to sports and fitness, and to review the council's strategy for long-term condition prevention. Councillors agreed to note the progress made on empowering disabled residents, and discussed ways to improve the strategy for long-term condition prevention. Councillor Marc Francis requested that the officers provide an update on the action plan in the near future.

Empowering disabled residents: Accessible sports and fitness initiatives

Councillors reviewed an action plan update in response to recommendations made on empowering disabled residents to access sports and fitness initiatives. The review focused on improving participation in sports and exercise among disabled individuals and those living with long-term health conditions. It also aimed to increase awareness and education through targeted campaigns, drive policy improvements, and enhance representation and empowerment of disabled people within the leisure industry.

Councillor Kamrul Hussain, Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation, said that bringing the ledger centre in house was a great initiative, as it allowed the council to support residents by providing top class services in a cost effective way.

Simon Jones, Head of Leisure Operations, gave an overview of the progress made on the six recommendations: disability representation, better data-driven evidence on disability access and usage, developing trusted disability communication channels and campaigns, create sports and exercise disability forum, collaboration with primary care, and creating transitional arrangements.

Councillor Abdul Mannan asked how the council would ensure that joint working protocols with primary care, NHS, and other healthcare partners are effectively established and maintained. Simon Jones said that Public Health fund a leisure programme manager, and that this person is the link between the NHS, public health, and the council.

Councillor Sabina Khan requested that the council look at how to communicate with more disabled people, especially from ethnic minority backgrounds, and how to monitor whether new people are coming in from campaigns.

Councillor Amy Lee asked about initiatives for autistic children and autistic coaches, how the council recruits sports tutors, and how parents are told about them. She also asked about capital investments into basketball courts or swimming adaptations, and how the council communicates with people who are receiving personal independence payments (PIP)¹.

Tower Hamlets strategy for long-term condition prevention: Vital 5

Councillors reviewed the Tower Hamlets strategy for long-term condition (LTC) prevention, focusing on five key risk factors: smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, mental health, and alcohol consumption.

Councillor Gulam Kibria Choudhury, Cabinet Member for Health and Well-being and Social Care, said that the strategy focuses on essential work that the council is doing with partners to prevent major disease. He said that the initiative is a cornerstone of the administration's commitment to tackling health inequalities and improving the well-being of all residents.

Liam Crosby, Associate Director of Public Health, said that some residents in Tower Hamlets are likely to live shorter lives and to live much longer in poor health because of the situations that they live in. He said that the main conditions that cause these health inequalities are diabetes, respiratory illness, and heart disease. He also said that certain population groups are more likely to get these conditions, and that there are geographic inequalities in how these things are spread across the borough.

Councillor Abdul Mannan asked how the strategy would tackle the high rate of undiagnosed hypertension and common mental illness among residents. Liam Crosby said that as part of the checks that are being done in workplaces and communities, invitations are extended to explore the issues further, and referral pathways are in place.

Councillor Marc Francis agreed with the rationale for identifying the five long-term conditions to focus on, and said that the way that community-based activity is being used to raise awareness is really positive. He asked for an indication of where each of the actions are in terms of delivery, and how the changes to disability benefits might affect the strategy.

Grants Determination (Cabinet) Sub-Committee - Wednesday 09 April 2025

The Grants Determination Sub-Committee convened to discuss and approve changes to the Emergency Fund, review the Mayor’s Community Grant Programme, and note funding awarded to voluntary and community sector organisations under delegated authority. The committee approved changes to the Emergency Fund application process and prospectus, and requested to join officers on visits to organisations who are part of the Mayor’s Community Grant Programme. They also requested that any underspend of grant funding be put aside for future grant schemes.

Review of the Emergency Fund

The committee reviewed the Emergency Fund to ensure its processes and procedures align with the council’s new Corporate Grants Framework. The aim of the framework is to ensure greater consistency of grant management processes across the council, and to make it simpler for VCS organisations, businesses and residents to apply for council funding.

The changes to the Emergency Fund include: additional eligibility criteria, clarification of areas of support not funded by the Emergency Fund, a revised application form, and a scoring system.

The committee approved the changes to the application processes and procedures for the Emergency Fund, as well as the revised Emergency Fund prospectus.

Mayor’s Community Grant Programme (MCGP) Performance Report

The sub-committee received an update on the Mayor’s Community Grant Programme (MCGP) for October to December 2024. The MCGP provides funding to voluntary and community sector organisations across five themes: tackling the cost of living crisis, accelerate education, culture, business, jobs and skills, invest in public services, and empower communities and fight crime.

The report indicated that 108 of the 110 projects were rated green, one was amber, and one had funding withdrawn. The committee requested to join officers on monitoring visits to the organisations and suggested that officers undertake more unannounced visits, with findings reported in future performance reports.

Councillor Maium Talukdar, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education, Youth and Lifelong Learning (Statutory Deputy Mayor), requested that officers facilitate councillor visits to the organisations.

Councillor Kabir Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Inclusive Development and Housebuilding, raised concerns about the geographical spread of participants, particularly in Canary Wharf and St Dunstan's, which had the lowest numbers of participants by ward. He questioned whether enough was being done to ensure services were spread throughout the borough.

VCS Funding Awarded Under Delegated Authority

The sub-committee was provided with an update on funding awarded to VCS organisations under delegated authority. The report included details of the Emergency Fund, Community Benefit Rent Reduction scheme, and the Small Grants Programme 2023-2027.

The Small Grants Programme has an annual budget of £800,000 between November 2023 and March 2027, and is targeted at small voluntary and community sector organisations with an income under £150,000.

Mayor Lutfur Rahman, Executive Mayor, requested that any underspend of grant funding be put aside for future grant schemes, and that further reporting be presented at the sub-committee, including a breakdown of organisational spending, with greater details of the organisation, including lead officers and size of the organisation.

Councillor Saied Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Resources and the Cost of Living, added that officers should review the way applications are assisted, to ensure that small organisations are not disadvantaged compared to larger organisations with more experience in writing bids.

Licensing Sub Committee - Thursday 10 April 2025

The Licensing Sub Committee of Tower Hamlets Council met on 10 April 2025 to discuss a new premises licence for House of Music and Entertainment, and a variation of an existing premises licence for The Sun Tavern. The committee heard objections from local residents for both applications. Ultimately, the application for The Sun Tavern was withdrawn, and the application for House of Music and Entertainment was granted with conditions.

The Sun Tavern, 441 Bethnal Green Road

The committee considered an application from Andrew Kerr for a variation of the premises licence for The Sun Tavern, 441 Bethnal Green Road, E2 0AN. The applicant sought to extend the hours for the sale of alcohol, recorded music, and late-night refreshment until 01:00 on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Several local residents objected to the application, citing concerns about noise disturbances, potential for increased disorderly behaviour, litter, disturbances impacting residents' sleep, and rubbish collection issues.

Ultimately, the applicant offered to withdraw the application to allow for further consultation with residents. The committee confirmed that withdrawing the application would mean that any future application would be treated as a fresh application. Residents expressed a preference for an adjournment rather than a withdrawal, but the applicant withdrew the application.

House of Music and Entertainment, 20 Commercial Street

The committee considered an application for a new premises licence for House of Music and Entertainment, 20 Commercial Street, E1 6LP. The applicant described the premises as a co-working space by day and an events space by night, operating as a members-only club. The application sought permission to sell alcohol (on sales) from 17:00 to 23:00, Monday to Saturday, and from 17:00 to 22:00 on Sundays.

A previous application for a new premises licence had been refused by the licensing sub-committee on 23 July 2024.

One resident, named only as Abdul High, objected to the application, citing concerns about excessive noise and disruption. The applicant's representative argued that the resident had not read the application properly and that events had been taking place for the past year without any issues. They also stated that they had attempted to contact the resident to discuss their concerns but had received no response.

Councillor Leelu Ahmed asked about security arrangements to ensure customer safety after drinking. The applicant's representative stated that they would hire SIA² accredited security staff if necessary. They also confirmed that entry to events would be by invitation only, with a guest list and ID checks. The committee added a condition that there would be a guest list with names to be checked off to ensure that the premises was not operating as a bar. They also added a condition that there would be no spirits or shots served, only beer and wine.

The committee granted the application with the additional conditions.