The Council meeting on Wednesday 22 July 2026 saw significant debate and decisions on a range of important issues for Tower Hamlets residents. Key discussions included the adoption of the Aspire administration's manifesto as the council's policy platform, a motion calling for the divestment of pension funds from companies linked to the occupation of Palestine, and a series of petitions addressing critical resident concerns such as lift failures, the need for a public library in Wapping, and the insourcing of cleaning services. The council also reviewed its continuous improvement journey and political culture, alongside reports on recent elections and housing allocation policies.

Procedural Matters and Announcements

The meeting began with procedural matters, including the approval of changes to the order of business. Notably, the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Maium Talukdar, successfully moved a motion to bring forward discussions on continuous improvement, political culture, and the post-election report, placing them after the Mayor's report. A further procedural motion to suspend petition scheme rules to hear the Bring Our Cleaners Home petition was also carried. Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Bellal Uddin.

Petitions Presented to the Council

Several petitions were presented, highlighting pressing resident concerns.

Lift Failures at Berkeley House and Grafton House

Residents from Berkeley House and Grafton House presented a petition detailing ongoing and unacceptable lift failures in their 24-storey buildings. They described prolonged periods with no working lifts, difficulties in contacting Eastend Homes for repairs, and instances of residents, including those with asthma, becoming trapped. The petitioners called for Eastend Homes to take immediate action or for residents to cease paying service charges due to the lack of essential functionality.

In response, Mayor Lutfur Rahman expressed disappointment with Eastend Homes' performance and pledged to instruct the monitoring officer and chief executive to investigate the council's powers under existing stock transfer documents and current legislation, including the possibility of referring non-performing housing associations to the housing regulator. The petition was referred to the Corporate Director for Housing and Regeneration for a written response within 28 days.

Public Library for Wapping

A petition was presented by residents calling for the establishment of a public library and learning hub in Wapping. Petitioners highlighted the growing population, the need for safe study spaces for children, and the current dangers faced by young people who must cross a busy highway to reach the nearest Idea Store. They proposed utilising an empty council-owned property in Wapping for this purpose.

Councillor Minara Khatun, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism, responded by explaining that the location of Idea Stores is based on population data and that a new Idea Store is planned for the northwest of the borough. She noted that while there is a deficit in library provision in Wapping, the existing Idea Store Watney Market was intended to serve the area. She assured that residents' feedback would be considered in future development plans. The petition was referred to the Corporate Director for Communities for a written response within 28 days.

Cut Mears Campaign for Housing Repairs

The Cut Mears campaign presented a petition urging the council to end its contract with Mears for housing repairs and bring the service in-house. Petitioners cited years of poor-quality repairs, unfinished work, unnecessary distress to tenants, and negative impacts on residents' health and well-being. They highlighted that other councils, such as Stoke-on-Trent and Brighton and Hove, have successfully insourced their repair services, leading to cost savings and service improvements.

Councillor Saeed Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Homebuilding and Enhancing Council Homes and Neighbourhoods, acknowledged the concerns raised regarding delays, poor communication, and missed appointments. He stated that the administration is undertaking a detailed review of the current arrangements, including exploring the option of bringing the service in-house, with a view to improving services and resident outcomes. The petition was referred to the Corporate Director for Housing and Regeneration for a written response within 28 days.

Restructuring of Tower Hamlets Housing Allocation System

A petition was presented proposing a restructuring of the housing allocation system to make it fairer for all tenants seeking a transfer. The petitioner argued that the current system prioritises overcrowding, domestic abuse, and homelessness, but lacks a category for long-term council tenants who may no longer require their current property but have no prospect of moving due to demand. The proposal suggested a new priority category based on length of tenure.

Councillor Saeed Ahmed responded by acknowledging the challenge of balancing supply and demand in a borough with approximately 31,000 households on the housing register. He confirmed that reviewing the allocations policy is a commitment within the housing strategy and that work is underway to examine whether the current policy adequately reflects housing needs. He emphasised the council's commitment to building more affordable homes and making better use of existing stock. The petition was referred to the Corporate Director for Housing and Regeneration for a written response within 28 days.

Bring Our Cleaners Home Campaign

Representatives from Tower Hamlets Unison presented a petition calling for the council to bring its outsourced cleaning staff in-house. They highlighted concerns about the treatment of cleaners, including bullying, harassment, and unpaid wages, and argued that outsourced workers have worse rights than directly employed council staff. The petition also called for outsourced staff to receive the London Living Wage uplift from 1 May annually, rather than the following April, resulting in a significant financial loss for low-paid workers.

Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury, Cabinet Member for Finance, Assets and Governance, stated that while the council recognises the contribution of cleaning staff and is committed to fair employment practices, there is insufficient time and resources to conduct the necessary due diligence for insourcing at this moment. However, he assured that all options would be considered at the appropriate time and that the Mayor and Chief Executive would explore the cost-benefit analysis. He also committed to reviewing contractual arrangements and procurement policies regarding the London Living Wage uplift. The petition was referred to the relevant Corporate Director for a written response within 28 days.

Kobi Nazrul Centre Partnership Investigation

A petition called for an investigation into the booking of the Kobi Nazrul Centre by SXSW London and a review of policies governing the hiring of council-owned venues. Concerns were raised about the festival's headline sponsor, Waymo (owned by Alphabet Inc.), and whether due diligence had been conducted in light of the council's commitment to anti-racism and human rights. The petitioners asked for transparency regarding the booking process, ethical reviews, and consultation with community stakeholders. They urged the council to investigate the approval process, review venue hiring policies, and ensure council facilities are not used to legitimise organisations associated with the suppression of Palestine solidarity advocacy. This petition was noted but not debated due to time constraints.

Mayor's Report and Responses

Mayor Lutfur Rahman presented his report, highlighting the administration's achievements over the past four years, including cost-of-living support, investment in frontline services, and the delivery of affordable homes. He outlined the pledges in the 2026 manifesto, such as universal free school meals, restoring education and maintenance allowances, opening youth centres, and investing in leisure services. He also detailed the council's legal challenge against the GLA's decision to reduce affordable housing quotas.

Councillor Abdal Ullah, Leader of the Labour Group, responded by congratulating the Mayor and acknowledging the democratic mandate. He emphasised the importance of transparency in recruitment and council operations. Councillor Rupert George, Leader of the Green Group, welcomed the Mayor's commitment to holding social landlords accountable and called for consistency in the council's approach to insourcing.

Continuous Improvement and Political Culture

The council debated reports on the Continuous Improvement Journey and Political Culture. Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury introduced the Continuous Improvement Journey Update, highlighting progress in financial management, governance, and service delivery, including 100% compliance with fire risk assessments and water hygiene assessments. Councillor Saeed Ahmed seconded the recommendations, emphasising that these improvements translate into better services for residents. Councillor David Edgar raised concerns about the omission of the Be Well leisure workforce issues from the report. Councillor Halima Islam, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, welcomed the progress but stressed the need for continued ambition. Councillor Gulam Kibria Choudhury praised the officers' work, while Councillor Peter Golds suggested including ministerial letters and envoy reports in future documentation for better context. Councillor Kobir Ahmed argued that the envoys provide support for better governance and accountability. The council resolved to note and endorse the Continuous Improvement Journey Report.

The report on Political Culture Improvement was introduced by Chief Executive Steve Halsey, who thanked councillors for their work on the Members' Pledge and Empowerment Protocol. Deputy Mayor Councillor Maium Talukdar moved the recommendations, emphasizing respect, listening, and working together. Councillor Kobir Ahmed seconded, highlighting trust, respect, and accountability. Councillors Shafi Ahmed, Sabina Akhtar, and Councillor Abdullah spoke in support, stressing the importance of good governance and resident focus. The council resolved to note progress, and endorse the Members' Pledge and Member Empowerment Protocol.

Post-Election Report and Administration Motion

The council reviewed the Post-Elections Report, introduced by Chief Executive Steve Halsey, who thanked all involved in delivering the May 2026 elections, describing them as the best in a generation. Deputy Mayor Councillor Maium Talukdar and Councillor Kobir Ahmed proposed and seconded the motion to note the report. Councillor Foysal Ahmed and Councillor Abudal-Hajidri also spoke, commending the smooth running of the elections. The council resolved to note the report.

Subsequently, Councillor Maium Talukdar moved the Administration Motion to adopt the Aspire Manifesto as the council's policy platform. She highlighted key pledges such as delivering affordable homes, free travel for students, pregnancy payments, and new leisure facilities. Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury seconded, detailing the manifesto's focus on recovery and strengthening the borough. Councillors Omar Mehdi, David Edgar, Kabir Ahmed, Minara Khatun, and Shafi Ahmed spoke on the motion, with Councillor Peter Golds supporting its adoption as a checklist for accountability. Mayor Lutfur Rahman concluded by defending the election outcome and the manifesto's forward-looking vision. The motion was carried.

Opposition Motion on Pension Fund Divestment

Councillor Jonathan Purcell moved an Opposition Green Motion calling for the divestment of pension funds from companies involved in the economies of occupation and genocide, specifically referencing Israel's actions in Palestine. He detailed personal experiences and cited international law and UN reports to support the motion. Councillor Maium Talukdar seconded, emphasizing that public money should reflect the council's values and calling for transparency in council spending. Councillor Faysal Ahmed spoke in strong support, linking the issue to the council's proud history of standing against injustice. Councillor Victoria Lupton, a member of the Pensions Committee, noted the near consensus but urged the completion of a previously commissioned audit of the fund's holdings. Councillor Goulam Kibriya Choudhury also spoke in support, stressing the moral and legal obligations to avoid profiting from human rights abuses. Due to time constraints, the motion was deferred to a future meeting.

Other Business

The council also resolved to appoint Thomas French (Unison) as the Trade Union representative on the Pensions Committee and approved exit payments under the Localism Act 2011. A series of questions from members on various topics, including housing, CCTV, commemorative events, and environmental issues, were also noted.