This week in Tower Hamlets:

Fabwick's Temporary Event Notices Stir Debate

The Licensing Sub Committee convened to consider two temporary event notices (TENs) for Fabwick, a venue located at Unit 4A, Queen's Yard, 43 White Post Lane, E9 5EN. The meeting addressed concerns about noise, planning permission, and the venue's operating hours.

• Two TENs Considered: The committee reviewed two TENs for events on separate dates.
• Applicant's Representation: Nicola Cazzo, the applicant, and Matthew Morgan, the premises user, presented their case, emphasizing their commitment to responsible operation.
• Planning Permission Questioned: Jonathan Melnick from Legal Services raised concerns about planning permission, a point deemed very relevant.
• Noise Mitigation: Morgan offered to restrict hours to mitigate noise, initially suggesting a 5:00 AM closure.
• Midnight Music Cut-Off Proposed: Following concerns about noise in the densely populated area, Morgan proposed ceasing music at midnight and winding down by 1:00 AM.
• Committee Deliberation: The committee adjourned briefly to discuss the proposal with Melnick.
• Undertaking Given: Morgan provided an absolute undertaking to wind down at midnight, which will be recorded in the decision notice.

This decision is significant because it balances the needs of a local business with the concerns of residents regarding noise and disruption. The committee's scrutiny and the applicant's willingness to compromise highlight the complexities of licensing decisions in densely populated areas.

As Councillor Peter Golds, Chair of Licensing Committee, noted:

You've come here in difficult circumstances with a report that clearly shows that this authority has problems with the venue, but you have sought to persuade colleagues that you are a different entity to the venue. This is a very difficult decision for us because we have basically yes or no.

King George's Field Charity Board Meeting Cancelled

The King George's Field Charity Board meeting scheduled for August 6th was cancelled. The meeting was set to discuss the terms of reference of the board, review the trust's finances, activities, and governance, and address matters related to fees, commercial property, and funding from Fields in Trust.

Upcoming Meetings

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

• Employee Appeals Sub Committee - August 12, 2025 - Appeal against employee dismissal.
• King George's Field Charity Board - August 13, 2025 - Terms of reference, finances, activities and governance.
• Appointments Sub Committee - August 18, 2025 - Appointment of council staff.
• Appointments Sub Committee - August 18, 2025 - Appointment of council staff.
• Appointments Sub Committee - August 18, 2025 - Appointment of council staff.
• Appointments Sub Committee - August 18, 2025 - Appointment of council staff.
• Appointments Sub Committee - August 18, 2025 - Appointment of council staff.

This week in Tower Hamlets:

Social Housing Faces Scrutiny Amidst Regulator Concerns and Tenant Voices

Tower Hamlets Council's Housing Management Cabinet Sub-Committee convened this week to address critical issues in social housing, including regulatory compliance, tenant satisfaction, and the well-being of vulnerable residents. The meeting highlighted both progress and persistent challenges in the council's housing services.

Regulator's Verdict: Improvement Needed

The committee discussed the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) inspection outcome, which resulted in a C3 grading for the council's housing management service. This grading confirms that the council is not yet meeting all consumer standards, particularly around building safety, stock condition, and non-decency.

• £140 Million Investment: The council has invested £140 million in an accelerated stock survey program to address building safety and decent homes, aiming to alleviate the non-decency rate by 2026.
• Positive Trends: Progress includes a reduction in high-risk fire safety actions by 60% and legionella actions by 83%. Overall tenant satisfaction is improving, now at 68%.
• Mayor's Concerns: Mayor Lutfur Rahman expressed serious concerns about the repair service, mould and condensation, and fire safety, stating that the performance inherited from Tower Hamlets Homes was shocking. He also raised concerns about the quality of workmanship of repairs carried out by Mears Group, giving an example of a worktop that was replaced with two different colours.

Vulnerable Tenants Prioritized

The committee approved the Vulnerable Council Tenants and Leaseholders' Policy, a move described as one of the most important policies brought forward.

• Clear Definition: The policy includes a definition of a vulnerable tenant, which it never had before.
• Comprehensive Support: It ensures support is available or people are signposted to people who can help them, and that staff and contractors are aware of vulnerabilities.

Tenant Voices Heard

Daniela, speaking on behalf of the Tenants' Voice team, reported a positive working relationship between tenants and council officers.

• Diversity Needed: The team is seeking new recruits to better represent the borough's diversity, including young people, residents from the Isle of Dogs, and Somali residents.
• Residents' Feedback: Daniela reported that residents felt they were being listened to and that actions were being taken as a result of their feedback.

These discussions are significant because they directly impact the living conditions and well-being of thousands of residents in social housing. The council's response to the RSH's findings, its commitment to vulnerable tenants, and its engagement with tenant voices will be crucial in ensuring that residents have access to safe, decent, and well-managed homes.

Awaab's Law Looms

The committee discussed the Housing Management Policies Plan, with concerns raised about the damp and mould policy being pushed back to November.

• Awaab's Law Compliance: It was noted that Awaab's Law¹ will start from October, and that the policy is more in line with being ready for Awaab's Law than to say oh we're going to start dealing with damp and mould in November.

Council Seeks Regeneration Director

The Appointments Sub Committee convened to discuss the longlisting of candidates for the Director of Regeneration and Development position. The meeting was also scheduled to cover standard opening items, including the election of a chair. Due to the confidential nature of the substantive agenda item, the public was to be excluded from the majority of the meeting.

• Extensive Search: The post had been advertised across various platforms, including the council's website, Penna Exec Search, the Municipal Journal, Guardian Jobs, Inside Housing, and social media. Penna, the recruitment consultants, also undertook a targeted executive search.
• Stability Needed: The report noted that alternative options, such as not recruiting to the post and continuing with interim arrangements, would not create the necessary stability required by filling a Director role on a permanent basis.

Other Matters

• The Health and Adults Scrutiny Sub-Committee meeting scheduled for July 29th was postponed. Health & Adults Scrutiny Sub-Committee
• The Licensing Sub Committee was scheduled to convene to consider a temporary event notice, note the rules of procedure, and discuss extending the decision deadline for applications under the Licensing Act 2003. Licensing Sub Committee
• The Audit Committee convened to discuss key governance and financial matters, including the appointment of a vice-chair, the 2024/25 audit plan, and the annual governance statement. Audit Committee
• The Strategic Development Committee was scheduled to discuss several planning applications, including proposals for a data centre, a commercial building, and the redevelopment of the Truman's Brewery site. Strategic Development Committee
• The Appointments Sub Committee met to discuss the longlisting of candidates for the position of Director of IT. Appointments Sub Committee
• The Appointments Sub Committee met to discuss the longlisting of candidates for the position of Director of HR and OD. Appointments Sub Committee
• The Appointments Sub Committee met to discuss the longlisting of candidates for the position of Director of Corporate Property and Estates. Appointments Sub Committee
• The Appointments Sub Committee met to discuss the longlisting of candidates for the position of Director of Public Protection and Integrated Enforcement. Appointments Sub Committee

Upcoming Meetings

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

• King George's Field Charity Board - August 6, 2025 - Finance, activities, and governance of the charity.
• Employee Appeals Sub Committee - August 12, 2025 - Appeal against employee dismissal.

This week in Tower Hamlets:

Social Housing Regulator Slams Council's Housing Management

Tower Hamlets Council's Housing Management Service has received a C3 grading from the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH), indicating serious failings in meeting consumer standards. This comes after the council brought Tower Hamlets Homes back in-house in November 2023.

• Serious Failings: The RSH found serious failings in assuring that the council is meeting consumer standards in social housing.
• Self-Referral Acknowledged: The RSH acknowledged the council's positive engagement and self-referral, demonstrating self-awareness and progress in addressing issues identified upon insourcing.
• £140m Investment: The council has invested £140 million in urgent repairs and building safety upgrades.
• Areas of Strength: The RSH noted positive engagement from the council and acknowledged progress in addressing issues identified upon insourcing.
• Transparency: The council has been transparent and open at all stages of this process.

This decision is significant because it directly impacts the living conditions and well-being of thousands of residents in social housing. The council's response to the RSH's findings will be crucial in ensuring that residents have access to safe, decent, and well-managed homes.

Cabinet Approves Spending Amidst Budgetary Pressures

The Cabinet reviewed the Budget Monitoring 2024-25 Provisional Outturn report, revealing significant financial strain due to rising demand for services.

• £30.5m Overspend: The council faces a gross services overspend of £30.5 million, driven by pressures in homelessness, adult social care, and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
• Reserves Used: A net overspend of £16.5 million was funded from the council's risk reserve.
• Homelessness Crisis: Demand in homelessness has created a £16.9 million pressure on the budget.
• Action Being Taken: The council is undertaking a Flats Recycling Package project to improve recycling infrastructure and signage at blocks of flats.

This decision is significant because it highlights the growing financial challenges facing local authorities and the difficult choices they must make to balance their budgets while meeting the needs of their communities.

New Contracts Approved for Children with Autism

The Cabinet approved the recommissioning of the Overnight and Related Short Breaks Service for disabled children and young people.

• £5.5m Investment: The service will run for four years from 1 November 2026 to 31 October 2030, at a combined value of £5,574,376.
• Statutory Duty: The commissioning of this service enables the council to meet its statutory duty under the Children & Families Act 2014.

This decision is significant because it ensures that vulnerable children and young people with autism and complex health needs continue to receive the support they need.

Pelican House Granted Club Premises Certificate

The Licensing Sub Committee granted a club premises certificate for Pelican House Club, located at 148 Cambridge Heath Road, London, E1 5QJ.

• Community Hub: Pelican House is described as a co-operatively managed office space and community hub for charitable, third sector and progressive organisations.
• Limited Alcohol Sales: The licensable activity was an ancillary part of the overall space, for consumption of alcohol on the premises at certain times, and would not be regular.
• Resident Objections: One local resident had objected to the application, raising concerns about crime and disorder, public nuisance and the protection of children from harm.
• Capacity Condition: The committee agreed to a condition reducing the capacity in the courtyard area to 200 people after 23:00.

This decision is significant because it allows a community hub to generate income through limited alcohol sales, while also addressing concerns about potential negative impacts on the local community.

Other Matters

• The Cabinet reviewed the Tower Hamlets Safeguarding Children Partnership Annual Report 2024-25.
• The Cabinet reviewed the Mayor's Waste Improvement Programme (MWIP) Quarter 4 update, noting improvements in the cleanliness of the borough.
• The Cabinet reviewed the Reduction and Recycling Plan Progress Report – Quarter 4, 2024-25, noting a slight increase in the cumulative recycling rate.
• The Cabinet reviewed the Highways & Transportation delivery spotlight report.
• The Cabinet reviewed the Accelerated Housing Programme report.
• The Licensing Sub Committee deferred a decision on a new premises licence for Niu Hot Pot, situated at 43 Commercial Street, London, E1 6BD.
• The Licensing Sub Committee agreed to extend the decision deadline for several other licensing applications.

Upcoming Meetings

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

• Housing Management (Cabinet) Sub-Committee - July 30, 2025 - Regulator of Social Housing inspection outcome, Housing Ombudsman's annual self-assessment, housing management performance.
• Strategic Development Committee - July 31, 2025 - Planning applications for a data centre, a commercial building, and the redevelopment of the Truman's Brewery.
• Appointments Sub Committee - July 29, 2025 - Longlisting of candidates for the position of Director of Public Protection and Integrated Enforcement.
• Appointments Sub Committee - July 29, 2025 - Longlisting candidates for the position of Director of Regeneration and Development.
• Appointments Sub Committee - July 29, 2025 - Longlisting of candidates for the position of Director of IT.
• Appointments Sub Committee - July 29, 2025 - Longlisting of candidates for the position of Director of Corporate Property and Estates.

This week in Tower Hamlets:

Licensing Decisions Delayed Amid Scrutiny of New Applications

The Licensing Sub Committee convened this week to consider applications for new premises licences for Vertus and Karma Cans Ltd. The meeting also addressed a request to extend decision deadlines for future applications, signaling a potential backlog in the licensing process.

• Vertus Application Draws Police and Trading Standards Objections: Vertus, located at 50-60 Charter Street, seeks a licence to sell alcohol and provide entertainment to residents and their guests. However, Trading Standards and the police have objected, citing concerns about how the applicant will meet licensing objectives¹, particularly the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, and the protection of children from harm.
• Karma Cans Ltd Faces Resident Concerns: Karma Cans Ltd, at 38-50 Pritchards Road, has applied for a licence to sell alcohol and provide late-night refreshment. Residents have objected, raising concerns about crime, disorder, and public nuisance.
• Operating Schedule Measures: Both applicants have offered measures in their operating schedules, including CCTV, incident logs, and Challenge 25 schemes², to address the concerns raised.
• Decision Deadlines Extended: The sub-committee is considering a request to extend the decision deadline for applications to be considered at forthcoming meetings due to the volume of applications requiring a hearing.

These decisions are significant because they directly impact the quality of life for residents and the vibrancy of the local economy. The scrutiny of these applications highlights the council's role in balancing the needs of businesses with the concerns of the community.

Housing Scrutiny Sub Committee Examines Social Landlord Performance and Regulatory Failings

The Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny Sub Committee met to discuss the performance of social landlords in the borough and to review the council's response to a critical report from the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH). The meeting shed light on key challenges and areas for improvement in the provision of social housing.

• Regulator's Damning Report: The committee received an update on the RSH's inspection of the council's Housing Management Service, which resulted in a C3 grading, indicating serious failings in meeting consumer standards³ and the need for significant improvement.
• Safety and Quality Concerns: The RSH identified issues in meeting the safety and quality standard, particularly regarding stock condition and overdue fire risk actions.
• Council's Response: The council has referred itself to the regulator, commissioned a review of the service, and implemented an improvement plan.
• Social Landlord Performance: The committee reviewed the performance of registered providers¹ in the borough, finding that Tower Hamlets Council had the highest non-decency rate at 20.1%, though this was an improvement from the previous quarter.
• Asbestos Safety Concerns: Councillor Amina Ali asked why the percentage of asbestos safety checks was so low for Gateway Housing Association compared to the other RPs.
• Complaint Handling Issues: THCH and Notting Hill Genesis had the highest complaint proportions, raising concerns about the responsiveness of these landlords.

These discussions are crucial because they directly impact the living conditions and well-being of thousands of residents in social housing. The scrutiny of social landlord performance and the council's response to regulatory failings aims to ensure that residents have access to safe, decent, and well-managed homes.

Council Discusses Improvement Plan, Petitions, and Motions

The Tower Hamlets Council meeting included discussion of petitions, motions, the Corporate Parenting Board Annual Report, and the council's continuous improvement journey. The meeting covered a wide range of issues affecting residents and the council's operations.

• Continuous Improvement Journey: A report on the council's continuous improvement journey was scheduled to be presented, covering the first six months of a statutory support package. This followed a Best Value Inspection in 2024 that led to government intervention.
• Mudchute Farm Lease Petition: A petition requesting a minimum 30-year lease for Mudchute Farm and Park was scheduled to be debated, highlighting the importance of community provisions in the Isle of Dogs.
• Leila's Shop Eviction Petition: A petition to save Leila's Shop on Calvert Avenue from eviction by Tower Hamlets Council, which wants to triple the rent, was scheduled to be debated, raising concerns about the impact on a vital part of the community.
• Child Poverty Action Motion: The council was scheduled to debate a motion focusing on the Mayor's Child Poverty Action, noting the growing number of children living in poverty in Tower Hamlets and outlining measures taken by the council to address the issue.
• Housing Issues Motion: The council was scheduled to debate an opposition motion addressing housing issues in Tower Hamlets, criticizing the Mayor's handling of council housing and the performance of the Housing Directorate.

These discussions are significant because they address key issues facing the borough, including governance, community resources, child poverty, and housing. The outcomes of these debates will shape the council's policies and priorities in the coming months.

Other Business

• The Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny Sub Committee agreed the terms of reference, membership, quorum and meeting dates for 2025/26. The last meeting is scheduled for 9 March 2026, which may fall during Ramadan. It was proposed that the meeting be held in February instead, but this could not be confirmed.

Upcoming Meetings

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

• Audit Committee - July 28, 2025
• Appointments Sub Committee - July 29, 2025
• Appointments Sub Committee - July 29, 2025
• Appointments Sub Committee - July 29, 2025
• Appointments Sub Committee - July 29, 2025
• Appointments Sub Committee - July 29, 2025
• Housing Management (Cabinet) Sub-Committee - July 30, 2025
• King George's Field Charity Board - July 30, 2025
• Strategic Development Committee - July 31, 2025