The Cabinet of Tower Hamlets Council met on Tuesday 20 March 2018, discussing a range of important issues including the future of community grants and commissioning, the disposal of a Grade 1 listed building at Trinity Green, and improvements to children's services. Key decisions included agreeing in principle the proposals for community commissioning and grants, and agreeing to the disposal of the property at 2 Trinity Green, subject to further discussions.

Community Commissioning and Grants

The Cabinet discussed proposals for community commissioning and a grants policy framework, aiming to ensure a more rigorous and accountable approach to funding voluntary and community sector organisations. While the principles of the strategy, developed in partnership with the Tower Hamlets CVS (Council for Voluntary Service), were broadly welcomed, concerns were raised by representatives from the voluntary sector regarding the proposed timescales and the potential impact on local advice services. Farida Yasmin, CEO of Limehouse Project, speaking on behalf of TICAN (Tower Hamlets Community Advice Network), expressed apprehension that the proposed timescale was too rushed and that advice services had not been sufficiently involved in the process. Alison Roberts of Tower Hamlets CVS echoed these concerns, highlighting the risk of destabilising the third sector and the need for a longer consultation period. The Cabinet acknowledged these concerns, with Mayor John Biggs stating his intention to continue discussions with the voluntary sector and agreeing in principle to the proposals, noting that a judicious mixture of commissioning and grant-making could provide security for the sector. The proposals will return to Cabinet in June for further consideration.

Disposal of 2 Trinity Green

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the proposed disposal of 2 Trinity Green, a Grade 1 listed building in poor condition. Councillor David Edgar presented the report, highlighting the high cost of refurbishment and maintenance, and the fact that the building has been empty for three years. The recommendation was to sell the building, with the proceeds intended to secure equivalent or better housing elsewhere in the borough. Rupert Monday, representing the Friends of Trinity Green, requested that the decision be postponed to allow for a wider strategy discussion for the entire Trinity Green site, which includes former almshouses, a chapel, and shared areas. He expressed concerns that disposing of the house in isolation would further fragment the tenure arrangements and make future strategy implementation more difficult. The Spitalfields Trust also submitted a letter expressing interest in acquiring the site. Mayor Biggs acknowledged the concerns but expressed a desire to move forward, noting the building's deteriorating condition and the need to provide housing. He indicated a willingness to consider a proposal from the Spitalfields Trust within the next week that could secure the site's restoration and generate a receipt for social housing investment.

Children's Services Improvement

The Cabinet received the third quarterly report on children's services improvement, detailing steady progress made since a previous Ofsted inspection. The report highlighted that no children were at immediate risk of harm, a significant improvement. Key areas of progress included leadership, management oversight of cases, and the multi-agency safeguarding hub (MASH). Councillor Amy Whitelock Gibbs, the lead member for Children's Services, thanked staff for their hard work but acknowledged that there was still a long way to go. Challenges identified included maintaining momentum through leadership changes, embedding improvements across the whole service, and addressing high volumes of contacts and referrals, which continue to impact caseloads. Ofsted was due to conduct a further visit focusing on high-risk young people. Councillor Rachel Blake and Councillor Joshua Peck commended the work done and raised questions about the quality of analysis and caseload management, which were addressed by officers.

Other Discussions and Decisions

• Private Sector Housing Renewal Policy: The Cabinet agreed to recommendations for the private sector housing renewal policy, which outlines available grants for renovating private sector accommodation.
• Impact of Short-Term Holiday Platform Lets: The Cabinet discussed the impact of platforms like Airbnb on the private rental sector and anti-social behaviour. Recommendations included applying to the Secretary of State for an exemption from the 90-day rule for severely affected boroughs and establishing an online system for residents to report short-term lets.
• All-Zone Multipurpose Permits for Car Clubs: The Cabinet agreed to recommendations for multipurpose permits for car clubs, aiming to encourage car club usage and reduce unnecessary car use. Councillor Joshua Peck noted the significant delays in implementing this policy.
• Section 106 and SIL Spend: The Cabinet approved the allocation of Section 106 and SIL funds for two projects: the Goodmansfield development, which will provide a new healthcare centre, and Whitechapel Public Realm Improvements, aimed at enhancing open spaces.
• London Modular Temporary Accommodations: The Cabinet agreed to establish a pan-London company, chaired by Tower Hamlets, to acquire modular buildings for temporary accommodation for homeless people. Councillor Rachel Blake declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in this item.
• Planning Compliance Policy: The Cabinet agreed to recommendations for a new Planning Compliance Policy, aimed at consolidating the council's approach, establishing service level standards for residents, and outlining proactive engagement areas.
• Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Strategy: The Cabinet agreed to the SEND strategy for 2018-23, a joint strategy with the CCG developed through extensive consultation. Challenges around funding and service delivery were acknowledged.
• Sheltered Housing Funding Model: The Cabinet approved the implementation of a new funding model for sheltered housing support, which will see savings reinvested into a tenant activity programme focused on reducing loneliness and isolation.
• Tower Hamlets Adult Social Care Local Account: The Cabinet agreed to the Adult Social Care Local Account, a report detailing the quality and performance of services, designed to be accessible to residents.
• Renewal of Insurance Policies: The Cabinet agreed to renew a range of insurance policies, including leaseholders' building insurance, despite a significant increase in premiums. The increase was attributed to rising insurance premiums generally, insurance premium tax, and the council's claims history.
• Best Value Improvement Plan: The Cabinet agreed to the Best Value Improvement Plan, which had been scrutinised by other committees.
• Quarter 3 Performance Monitoring Report: The Cabinet agreed to the Quarter 3 Performance Monitoring Report, noting steady progress but also areas requiring attention, particularly in Children's Services indicators and employment rates.