The Council of Tower Hamlets Council met on Wednesday, 20 January 2016, to discuss a range of important issues including antisocial behaviour on the Ocean Estate, cuts to children's services, and the controversial Bishopsgate Goods Yard development. Key decisions included referring a petition on antisocial behaviour to the corporate director for communities, localities and culture, and referring a petition on children's services cuts to the corporate director of children's services. The council also voted to support a motion to write to mayoral candidates regarding the Bishopsgate Goods Yard development.

Antisocial Behaviour on the Ocean Estate

The meeting heard a petition from residents of the Ocean Estate regarding rising levels of antisocial behaviour, particularly drug abuse and dealing. Petitioners requested the installation of CCTV cameras, a review of the estate's layout, and increased liaison between the community safety team and residents. Councillor Shahed Ali raised concerns that potential reductions in police funding could exacerbate the situation. In response, Councillor Shiria Khatun, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Community Safety, outlined existing measures, including targeted patrols by Tower Hamlets Enforcement Officers and the use of dispersal zones, which had resulted in an arrest and the recovery of a shotgun. A community safety surgery was scheduled, and residents would have the opportunity to devise an action plan with police and landlords. The petition was referred to the corporate director, communities, localities and culture, for a written response within 28 days.

Cuts to Children's Services

A petition was presented by Christine Trumper and others, pleading with the council not to make cuts to children's centre funding or related services, and instead to increase services offered by local one o'clock clubs. The petitioners highlighted the high rate of child poverty in Tower Hamlets and the vital role children's centres play in supporting families, providing essential services from family support to pathways to employment. Concerns were raised about reduced hours at the Wapping One O'Clock Club, with a significant reduction from 25 hours to four untargeted hours per week, despite recent investment in the facility. Councillor Rachel Saunders, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Children's Services, acknowledged the financial pressures facing the council due to government cuts, stating that a proposal to change the earliest budget to be within the financial envelope of the dedicated schools grant was being considered. She emphasised the council's determination to engage with more parents and families to achieve better outcomes and committed to a frank and open conversation about the best use of resources. The petition was referred to the corporate director of children's services for a written response within 20 days.

Bishopsgate Goods Yard Development

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the proposed development at Bishopsgate Goods Yard. Councillor John Pearce, as one of the ward councillors for Weavers Ward, detailed concerns about the development, which involves constructing 12 towers on arches. He highlighted issues with affordable housing provisions failing to meet local plan standards, the potential for the towers to overshadow historic neighbourhoods, and environmental impacts. The council voted to move motion 12.6 regarding Bishopsgate Goods Yard up the agenda. Following extensive debate, the council passed a motion, with amendments, to write to mayoral candidates Sadiq Khan and Zac Goldsmith, asking if they would oppose or reject the development if elected. The motion also called for a concerted cross-party campaign to express disapproval of the Mayor of London's intervention in the planning process.

Protection of Heritage and Community Assets

Councillor Andrew Cregan proposed a motion regarding the protection of historic fabric at the Norton Folgate site in Spitalfields, following the Mayor of London's decision to call in and approve the application against the council's refusal. The motion, which was seconded by Councillor Joshua Peck, called for a revised local list of heritage assets, better engagement with local residents and heritage groups, and a specific pub protection policy. The motion was supported by a wide range of councillors, who shared concerns about the loss of historic buildings, pubs, and community spaces. Councillor Peter Golds highlighted the need for tangible action beyond motions, citing examples such as the Queen's Head pub campaign and the Brunel Slipway. Mayor John Biggs supported the motion, noting that it should inform the revision of the local plan and stressing the need for a balance between development and heritage preservation. The motion was carried.

Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme 2016-17

Councillor David Edgar presented a report on the local council tax reduction scheme for 2016-17. He explained that the council proposed to maintain the existing scheme, which mirrored the national council tax benefit scheme, to continue supporting low-income council tax payers. This would be alongside an increase in funding for the discretionary housing pot. The report also indicated a review of the scheme in the coming year to assess the impact of government welfare reforms. Councillor Mike Francis spoke in support of the recommendation, but criticised the government's policy, describing it as a new poll tax and highlighting the financial burden on claimants in other boroughs. He also criticised the perceived lack of independence in the government's review of the policy. The council agreed to note the report.

Treasury Management and Investment Strategy

Councillor David Edgar also introduced a report on the Treasury Management and Investment Strategy, a six-month review required under the appropriate codes of conduct. The report detailed the Treasury Management team's activities, compliance with the investment strategy, and commentary on the economic environment. Councillor Edgar noted that the report highlighted investments in Australian banks, which he believed would have pleased former Councillor Eaton. The council agreed to accept the recommendations in the report.

Proportionality Review of Committee Representation

A report on a proportionality review of committee representation was presented by Mayor John Biggs. He explained that due to a reduction in the number of members in one group, a review was necessary, resulting in a redistribution of committee seats. Councillor Oliur Rahman and Councillor Shahed Ali expressed concerns about the proposed changes, particularly regarding the Strategic Development Committee (SDC), arguing for greater representation for all parties on this important committee. Councillor Chris Chapman, however, questioned the meaningful contribution of some independent councillors to committees. Following debate, the council voted on the recommendations, with the motion being carried.

Housing and Planning Bill

A significant debate took place regarding the Housing and Planning Bill. Councillor Rabina Khan moved a motion to debate the bill, which was seconded by Councillor Danny Hassell. The motion highlighted concerns about pay-to-stay proposals, starter homes, and the sale of high-value council homes, arguing that these policies would disproportionately affect Tower Hamlets residents and lead to social cleansing. The motion called for the mayor and councillors to campaign against the bill. The debate saw strong opposition from Conservative councillors, who presented their own housing action plan and criticised the Labour group's approach. The motion was carried by the council.

Other Matters

The meeting also included discussions on:

• Antisocial Behaviour on the Canal Path: Councillor Marc Francis raised concerns about an attempted knife-point robbery on the towpath of the Hertford Union Canal. Councillor Shiria Khatun, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Community Safety, confirmed that police were undertaking bike patrols and that new lighting was being installed. She stated that CCTV was not currently justified due to other pressures in the borough, but a community safety surgery would address local priorities.
• Bonfire Night Fireworks Display: Councillor Craig Aston asked about the cost of the Bonfire Night fireworks display in Victoria Park. Mayor John Biggs stated that the event cost £180,000, with £60,000 raised through sponsorship, and acknowledged that financial control needed to be improved for future events.
• Support for Long-Term Unemployed: Councillor Sabina Akhtar, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Social Care, outlined a new £2.8 million programme aimed at supporting long-term unemployed and economically inactive individuals by addressing issues such as addiction, childcare, debt, and skills training.
• Support for Community Organisations: Councillor Muhammad Ansar Mustaquim raised concerns about small community organisations suffering from funding cuts. Councillor Rachel Saunders explained that the council was funding a partnership project through Tower Hamlets CVS to provide training and support to local organisations, including assistance with fundraising applications.
• 20mph Experimental Traffic Order: Councillor Julia Dockerill questioned the future of the borough-wide 20mph experimental traffic order, asking how all road users would be included in the decision-making process. Councillor Arasmi, Cabinet Member for the Environment, stated that a decision would be made in September 2016 based on a comprehensive review of the scheme's impact.
• Community Cohesion: Mayor John Biggs discussed the importance of community cohesion and outlined ongoing work to develop a community cohesion action plan, involving a range of community partners. He acknowledged the need to challenge the effects of poverty and exclusion and address issues of radicalisation and racism.
• Report of the Proprietor's Resources: The council received and agreed a report on the proprietor's resources, responding to recommendations from auditors and the mayoral election judgment. Mayor John Biggs endorsed the report, emphasising the seriousness of the issues and the progress being made.