The Cabinet of Tower Hamlets Council met on Wednesday 26 September 2018 to discuss a range of important issues, including the future of local authority day nurseries, regeneration plans for Chris Street Market, and the implementation of traffic management orders on council housing land. Key decisions were made regarding the closure of three local authority day nurseries, the authorisation of a compulsory purchase order for the regeneration of Chris Street Market, and the adoption of new traffic management policies.

Securing the Future of Early Years Services: Phase Closure of Three Local Authority Day Nurseries

The Cabinet discussed the proposed closure of three local authority day nurseries, a decision driven by significant budget pressures and government funding cuts. Councillor Danny Hassell, Cabinet Member for Children's Schools and Young People, presented the report, highlighting that the average spend per child in these nurseries was £11,000, six times the borough's average early years budget spend per child. He acknowledged the extensive consultation undertaken, which included meetings with parents and staff, and noted that a majority of residents supported the proposed closure. Concerns were raised by parents and campaigners about the lack of suitable alternatives, particularly for children with complex needs, and the potential impact on working parents. Councillor Andrew Wood, speaking on behalf of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (ONS), expressed that while change was necessary, there was insufficient information to support the decision, questioning whether alternative options like centralising nurseries had been fully explored. Despite these concerns, the Cabinet ultimately agreed to the recommendation to proceed with the closure, with the Mayor expressing reluctance but accepting it as the right decision given the financial circumstances.

Chris Street Regeneration: Compulsory Purchase Order and Market Relocation

The Cabinet considered the regeneration of Chris Street Market, including proposals for land transactions and a compulsory purchase order (CPO). Councillor Rachel Blake, Cabinet Member for Housing, outlined the need for regeneration due to poor infrastructure, inadequate security, and a lack of activity contributing to anti-social behaviour. She assured that existing Harper tenants have a right to remain and return, and the amount of affordable housing would be increased. Local residents and business owners, Lisa Allison and Shebel Khan, spoke in strong support of the regeneration, emphasizing the decade-long wait and the urgent need for economic improvement and job creation in the area. They expressed excitement about the new plans and urged the council to proceed without further delay. Councillor Amina Ali welcomed the regeneration but stressed the importance of ensuring local residents, particularly those from diverse communities, are taken on the journey and feel part of the process. The Cabinet agreed to authorise the making, confirmation, and implementation of the CPO, along with other related property and market relocation recommendations.

Spitalfields Community Governance Review

A proposal for a Community Governance Review in Spitalfields was discussed, following a petition to establish a Spitalfields Town Council. James Francom, Secretary of the Neighbourhood Forum, and Justin Griggs, from the National Association of Local Councils, presented the petitioners' concerns regarding the proposed consultation area, timetable, and methodology. They argued for a longer consultation period and a more focused approach on the specific area proposed by the petition, rather than a broader consultation across larger wards. Councillor Andrew Wood supported the idea of local decision-making, seeing it as a positive way to manage the borough's growth. Councillors Amina Ali and Denise Jones raised concerns about community cohesion and ensuring all diverse communities are brought on board. The Cabinet agreed to the recommendations in the report, with a commitment to further conversations to design a consultation process that better satisfies the petitioners.

Implementation of Traffic Management Orders on Council Housing Land

The Cabinet discussed the implementation of traffic management orders (TMOs) on council housing land, a move necessitated by changes in government policy regarding parking enforcement. Councillor David Edgar, Cabinet Member for the Environment, explained that the current reliance on contract law for parking management was no longer recognised, and TMOs would be used to enforce parking controls effectively. The report proposed policy changes including unique permits per car, a restriction of two permits per household, and a shift from individual bays to a courtyard bay system. Concerns were raised by Councillor Denise Jones regarding provision for healthcare carers and visitors, and the potential impact on elderly residents. The Cabinet agreed to the recommendations, acknowledging that while the policy would be borough-wide, variations could be considered for individual estates based on local issues.

Pan-London Homelessness Prevention Procurement Hub

The Cabinet agreed to join a pan-London homelessness prevention procurement hub. This initiative allows boroughs to work in a consortium to secure housing and manage the costs of temporary accommodation. The report was presented as a positive step for the borough.

Grant of Lease for the National College for Digital Skills (Ada)

The Cabinet approved the grant of a lease to the National College for Digital Skills, known as Ada, for a new further education provision focused on the tech sector. The college will offer teaching and apprenticeships, aiming to connect local young people with opportunities in the growing tech industry. Concerns were raised about ensuring local residents and youngsters benefited from the apprenticeship scheme, and assurances were given that Ada would engage with local communities and educational establishments.

Compulsory Purchase of an Empty Home in Bow West

The Cabinet agreed to proceed with a compulsory purchase order (CPO) for a house in Bow West that has been empty for approximately seven years and has attracted anti-social behaviour and squatters. The council has attempted to engage with the owner for years, and this CPO is seen as a necessary step to bring the property into public ownership, renovate it, and rent it to a family in need. This was described as a special case due to the prolonged neglect and nuisance caused by the property.

Brexit Challenge Session Report and Action Plan

Councillor Amina Ali presented the action plan based on the recommendations of a scrutiny challenge session held in December 2017 regarding the council's resilience planning in light of Brexit. The report outlines the council's initial assessment of corporate risks and opportunities, focusing on local population cohesion, legal powers, workforce, funding, and regeneration schemes. The majority of the recommendations have been incorporated into the work of the Brexit Commission, which is undertaking further investigations into the impact of Brexit on the local economy, public services, and civil society.

Food Law Enforcement Service Plan

Councillor David Edgar presented the annual Food Law Enforcement Service Plan. The report details the council's work to ensure food is produced and sold in hygienic conditions and meets expected quality standards. It outlines inspections conducted in the 2017-18 period and proposals for the 2018-19 plan, including continued inspection of high-risk premises and a reduction in inspections of low-risk premises. The report also highlights efforts to promote healthy food options and provide training to food businesses. Councillor Andrew Wood raised concerns about the borough's ranking in a national report and the compliance of some food establishments, urging residents to check food hygiene ratings. The Cabinet agreed with the recommendations, including publishing the plan on the council's website.

Contracts Forward Plan

Councillor Candida Ronald presented the quarterly report on supply and service contracts. The report details new contracts planned for Quarter 2, with a cumulative annual value of nearly £10 million. It also includes the procurement forward plan for 2018-22 and the annual procurement report for 2017-18, highlighting community benefits and innovative procurement methods. The Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply awarded the council its corporate certification for its procurement service. Questions were raised regarding film contracts and the potential for reviewing existing contracts in light of budget cuts.

Future Management of the Integrated Community Equipment Service

The Cabinet considered options for the future management of the Council's Integrated Community Equipment Service, which loans equipment to people with disabilities. The recommendation was to award a contract to MedEquip, a service used by 18 other boroughs, as Tower Hamlets is one of the few councils with an in-house service. This move is expected to result in cost savings and service improvements. Concerns from affected staff were addressed through consultation. The Cabinet agreed to the recommendations, acknowledging the importance of the service for maintaining independence and quality of life for service users.