The Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting focused on community safety and the Mayor's priorities. Key discussions included efforts to tackle youth violence, drug-related crime, and antisocial behaviour, alongside concerns about women's safety and police culture. The Mayor presented an overview of the council's achievements, challenges, and priorities, with significant discussion around housing, waste management, and youth services.

Community Safety Spotlight

Detective Chief Superintendent Marcus Barnett, Borough Commander for the Metropolitan Police Service's Central East Borough Command Unit, and Councillor Siraj Al-Islam, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Environment, presented an overview of community safety efforts in Tower Hamlets. They detailed priorities for the year, including tackling street and youth-based violence, gangs, weapons, and violence against women and girls. Performance data showed reductions in burglary and robbery compared to pre-COVID levels, but increases in domestic abuse and sexual offences.

Operation Continuum, a partnership initiative with Tower Hamlets Council, continues to focus on drug trafficking and related violence. Project ADDA, a multifaceted enforcement and healthcare approach to drug activity, has yielded significant results. Antisocial behaviour (ASB) remains a high priority, with nearly 5,000 ASB warnings issued and a 50% reduction in ASB calls reported between July and December of the previous year. Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) have been introduced for issues such as nitrous oxide and responsible drinking.

Stop and Search figures have reduced, with a focus on ensuring legality, proportionality, and ethical application, supported by improved officer training and body-worn video compliance. Section 60 orders have also seen a significant reduction. Efforts to tackle youth violence involve a comprehensive approach, including intelligence-led patrols, investigations into gangs, and work with partners to address exploitation and vulnerability.

Concerns were raised by councillors regarding police culture and women's safety. Detective Chief Superintendent Barnett acknowledged these concerns, highlighting the Metropolitan Police's Not In My Met campaign and internal efforts to improve standards, inclusion, and equality. Anne Corbett, Director for Community Safety, outlined the council's investment in services to tackle violence against women and girls (VAWG), including misogyny training, outreach programmes, and support for survivors of domestic abuse.

Councillor Mark Francis raised concerns about safety in areas like Roman Road Market, particularly after dark, and the need for a more consistent police or council enforcement presence. Councillor Andrew Wood questioned how new recruits are trained to engage with children, referencing a report on Child Sexual Exploitation by Organised Networks. Councillor Eve McKillen asked why efforts in community safety were not translating into higher conviction rates and public confidence. Detective Chief Superintendent Barnett explained the complexities of the judicial process, including backlogs and the role of the Crown Prosecution Service, while acknowledging the need to improve victim service and build trust.

Councillor Gabriela Salva Macallan inquired about specific planning for the accessibility of child sexual exploitation services to ethnic minority communities. Councillor Faroque Ahmed asked for details on weapons seizures, the definition of dangerous weapons, and actions taken regarding premises selling illegal substances and facilitating gambling. Halima Islam, Scrutiny Co-Optee, asked about the rollout of youth scrutiny to other parts of the borough and the effectiveness of partnerships in tackling county lines and serious violence that cross borough boundaries. Detective Chief Superintendent Barnett provided further details on these issues, including ongoing work with specialist crime teams and external partners to dismantle county lines.

Mayor's Spotlight

Mayor John Biggs presented an overview of the council's priorities, achievements, and challenges, largely aligned with the strategic plan and manifesto commitments. He highlighted ongoing budget pressures and increasing demand for services, particularly in adult social care. The council has set stretching targets, with 26 performance indicators at or above target in quarter two, and a high delivery rate of manifesto commitments.

Key service areas discussed included housing, community safety, the environment, and the response to COVID-19. The council aims to provide over 2,000 additional council properties. Challenges in cleansing services were acknowledged, with ongoing work to improve performance. Partnership working with the police, health services, businesses, and the voluntary sector was emphasized as crucial for service delivery.

Councillor Gabriela Salva Macallan raised concerns about council policies and procedures following the trial of Apsana Begum, requesting an independent inquiry. Mayor Biggs stated that it would be inappropriate for him to get involved in operational decisions about prosecutions but assured that checks and balances are in place. Councillor Faroque Ahmed sought clarification on affordable housing, specifically the distinction between social and affordable housing, the number of larger properties (three and four bedrooms) built, and policies regarding property extensions. Mayor Biggs committed to providing figures on larger properties and noted that THH's current policy does not favour knock-throughs for property extensions due to value for money concerns. Councillor Andrew Wood asked about the council's plan for staff returning to the office following the end of working from home guidance. Will Tuckley, Chief Executive, outlined a phased return plan, with staff expected to be in the office at least one day a week from early February, increasing to two days a week from late February, with a focus on anchor days for collaborative activity.

Councillor Denise Jones echoed concerns about waste and recycling services, particularly in her ward, and raised questions about residents keeping cycles in garages. Mayor Biggs stated that while refurbishment of St. George's Baths is possible, replacement with modern facilities is considered the better option, a decision to be discussed at Cabinet. He also indicated that keeping bicycles in garages is reasonable, subject to THH bylaws. Councillor Mark Francis and Councillor Denise Jones both raised persistent issues with refuse and recycling collections, highlighting missed collections and a lack of timely follow-up. Will Tuckley apologised for the unacceptable level of service and detailed ongoing efforts to address staff shortages, recruit drivers, and improve the IT system for waste management. He also mentioned the significant challenge posed by underground refuse systems and the ongoing process of remapping the borough's waste routes. A significant investment of £5.4 million is planned for the waste service.

Mayor Biggs also addressed questions regarding the commissioning of youth services, stating that the vision is to have an excellent, responsive youth service delivered through commissioned providers, with a focus on securing additional funding. He acknowledged that it is early days for the recommissioned services. Regarding youth unemployment, he noted that while a significant wave of youth unemployment has not yet materialised post-COVID, the council is closely monitoring the situation and providing support through initiatives like the Kickstart scheme. He also highlighted the importance of addressing the needs of young people who fall into the NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) category.

Other Business

Councillor Mark Francis raised concerns about the proposed disposal of the car pound for residential development, questioning its necessity and advocating for a delay in the decision to allow for further discussion and public input. He argued that selling assets while spending significant amounts on private landlords for homeless families is not a sensible use of council resources. The Chair agreed to raise this issue at the Cabinet meeting.

The next Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting is scheduled for 21 February 2022, with an additional budget scrutiny meeting on 14 February 2022.