The Cabinet of Tower Hamlets Council met on Tuesday 08 September 2015, discussing the refreshed Community Plan and the planning for school places across the borough. The meeting also approved capital estimates for two children's centres to secure provision for two-year-olds.

Community Plan

The council discussed and agreed to the recommendations within the refreshed Community Plan. This plan, which has been developed over the last 12 months with consultation from partners, the community, and cross-party input, outlines key priorities for the borough. These include employment, fostering a healthier community, increasing community resilience, and managing population growth. Councillor Peter Golds, Chair of the Licensing Committee, raised points about localism and empowering local people through their wards and elected councillors, suggesting that the Community Plan should offer an opportunity for the authority to align with this. Mayor John Biggs committed to bringing forward proposals on how to better involve councillors and constituents in decision-making within a short timeframe. Councillor Amy Whitelock Gibbs highlighted the focus on healthier lives and a proactive approach to prevention as a welcome agenda. The plan also references housing affordability, the landlord licensing scheme, school maintenance, the Business Charter for Tower Hamlets, and the contributions of the Fairness Commission.

Planning for School Places

The Cabinet reviewed the annual plan for meeting the significant demand for school places across Tower Hamlets. The report outlines the council's strategy to fulfil its statutory duty to provide adequate school places, with particular attention to areas experiencing high development such as Bow, Poplar, and the Isle of Dogs. Councillor Peter Golds welcomed the proposed Westferry Printworks school and noted the planning application for the Wood Wharf and Mill Harbour schools, as well as the extension of Canary Wharf College. He suggested learning from other councils on how to manage free schools effectively. Councillor Rachel Blake, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education and Children's Services, acknowledged the challenges of meeting the demand, particularly in densely populated areas like the Isle of Dogs, where physical space for new schools is limited. She stressed the importance of collaboration between schools, the local community, and the council, regardless of future government structures for schools, to ensure that the needs of the community remain at the heart of decision-making. Councillor Pegg highlighted the pressing need for more space for pupils with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and dyslexia, referencing the situation at Phoenix School. The Cabinet agreed to the recommendations in the report, with a commitment to maintaining the ethos of collaboration among schools.

Capital Estimates for Two-Year-Old Provision

The Cabinet adopted a capital estimate for the Whitehorse One O'Clock Club and the Bethnal Green Rangers office to secure provision for two-year-olds. This initiative is a priority due to the vital role of early intervention in lifelong outcomes and a government target to meet specific provision levels for two-year-olds. Councillor Blake inquired about addressing the government's commitment to 30 hours of free childcare for two to five-year-olds, with Councillor Blake clarifying that this specific report focuses on provision for two-year-olds from particularly needy backgrounds. The report also alludes to strategies for encouraging uptake of these places, acknowledging that while not enough places are currently provided, demand is also not as high as desired, potentially due to geographical distribution within the borough.

Report of Director's Decisions

The Cabinet noted a report detailing decisions made by directors and the discretion they have exercised. Barry Scarr, standing in for the Director of Finance, was available to answer any questions regarding the items within the report.