The Tower Hamlets Cabinet met on Wednesday 15 July 2026 to discuss a range of significant issues, approving substantial capital budgets for the Mayor's Accelerated Housing Programme and new enforcement policies under the Renters' Rights Act 2025. The Cabinet also agreed to extend the Waste Reception, Treatment and RRC Services contract and approved the continued commitment to the GCA supply of Energy Framework for electricity and natural gas.

Mayor's Accelerated Housing Programme

Cabinet approved capital budgets totalling £143,235,790 for 10 housing development schemes as part of the Mayor's Accelerated Housing Programme (MAHP). This programme aims to deliver over 3,000 new homes across 42 sites, with at least 51% being affordable housing. The strategy will balance tenure and housing mix across the programme, rather than on a site-by-site basis, to ensure viability and meet the borough's housing needs. A further £5,719,522 from the General Fund was approved for the delivery of a new Idea Store and One Stop Shop as part of the Bethnal Green PDC development. The MAHP Procurement Strategy was also approved, authorising the Corporate Director of Housing and Regeneration to procure delivery partners for the first batch of MAHP sites. This approach aims to expedite the transition from planning to delivery, addressing the significant housing need in the borough, including for affordable, family-sized, and wheelchair-accessible homes. The programme is expected to generate local economic investment, job opportunities, and improve public realm.

Enforcement Policies Required by the Renters' Rights Act 2025

Cabinet approved new enforcement policies to comply with the Renters' Rights Act 2025, which aims to provide greater security and rights for private renters. The approved policies include a Supplemental Enforcement Policy and a Policy on Civil Penalties. These policies will ensure the council can lawfully, consistently, and proportionately enforce new tenancy system measures coming into effect from May 2026. The Act introduces new powers for local authorities to enforce housing standards, including the ability to issue civil penalties for various breaches by landlords. The policies were based on model policies developed nationally and aim to protect private renters from unlawful or unfair treatment. Cabinet also delegated authority to the Corporate Director of Housing and Regeneration and the Corporate Director of Communities, in consultation with the Mayor, to make necessary updates to these policies following legislative changes or new guidance.

Waste Reception, Treatment and RRC Service Contract – Future Contracting Approach

Cabinet agreed to extend the Waste Reception, Treatment and RRC Services contract with Cory for two years, with an option for a further two-year extension. This decision ensures continuity of service provision for waste treatment and disposal. The contract extension will continue to benefit from cost-effective pricing and social value contributions. Cabinet also agreed that officers would issue Cory with new leases for the Northumberland Wharf Waste Transfer Station and Reuse and Recycling Centre. A significant focus was placed on maximising and monitoring social value delivery throughout the contract extension period, with a commitment to detailed briefings on social value allocations and a target of at least 10% of the contract value for community benefits, estimated at around £1 million.

Supply of Grid Electricity and Natural Gas Contract Award

Cabinet approved the continuation of Tower Hamlets' commitment to the Government Commercial Agency (GCA) supply of Energy Framework for the provision of gas and electricity for up to three years, from April 2027 to March 2030. This decision ensures the continued supply of energy at favourable market rates for the council's corporate estate, schools, and housing communal areas. The estimated total cost for electricity is £40 million and for natural gas is £23 million, exclusive of VAT. The contract will be reviewed annually, with the option to continue for the second and third years subject to review and consultation with the Mayor. Cabinet also emphasised the importance of social value, requesting consultation with the Mayor on the social value elements to ensure benefits are delivered directly through the council and contribute to borough-wide improvements.

Mayor's Accelerated Housing Programme

Cabinet noted the significant progress made in delivering the Mayor's Accelerated Housing Programme (MAHP), which aims to deliver over 3,000 new homes. They approved the portfolio-based Planning Equalisation Strategy, which allows for the balancing of tenure and housing mix across the programme to ensure viability and meet policy requirements. Capital budgets for 10 MAHP housing development schemes totalling £143,235,790 were approved, with funding offset by GLA grant and Right to Buy receipts. The MAHP Procurement Strategy was also approved, authorising the procurement of delivery partners for the first batch of MAHP sites. This programme is crucial for addressing the borough's acute housing need, particularly for affordable and family-sized homes.

Addition of part of John Onslow House to the Community Premises Portfolio

Cabinet approved the inclusion of the former Bow One Stop Shop area and Room 1.4 of John Onslow House within the Community Premises Portfolio until the site is redeveloped. This decision allows a culturally sensitive substance misuse centre, operated by a VCS organisation, to occupy the space at a community rent. The site has been vacant since 2021 and its inclusion will generate an annual rent of £53,907, while also providing a vital service.

Development of St Georges Leisure Centre – Appropriation for Planning Purposes and use of Section 203 Powers (Rights of Light)

Cabinet authorised the Corporate Director of Housing & Regeneration to appropriate the St Georges Leisure Centre site for planning purposes and to use powers under the Housing & Planning Act 2016 to override rights to light for neighbouring properties. This action is necessary to facilitate the construction of a new nine-storey residential housing block providing 30 affordable homes, and a new five-storey leisure building. The decision allows the council to mitigate the risk of injunctions and associated costs, enabling the development to proceed. Compensation will be paid to affected parties for any infringement of their rights.

Cabinet Member Agreement: Statement of Commitment

Cabinet Members verbally confirmed their agreement to the Cabinet Member Agreement: Statement of Commitment. This document outlines the role, responsibilities, and expected time commitment for Cabinet Members, ensuring a clear understanding of their obligations and promoting a unified approach to delivering the administration's priorities.

Record of Corporate Director's Actions Quarter 4 (2025 -2026)

Cabinet noted the Record of Corporate Directors' Actions for Quarter 4 of 2025-2026, as required by the Council's constitution. This report details actions taken under delegated authority for contracts exceeding £100,000, ensuring transparency and enabling members to scrutinise officer decisions.

The meeting also included an update from the Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on their work, and there were no decisions called in by the committee. No other urgent unrestricted business was considered. The meeting concluded with the exclusion of the press and public for the consideration of exempt/confidential reports.