The Tower Hamlets Cabinet met to discuss a range of important issues, including the council's response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, significant investments in secondary education, and a revised Common Housing Register Allocation Scheme. Key decisions included the approval of a £120 million investment in three new secondary schools, the adoption of an updated housing allocation policy, and the approval of a substantial capital programme for infrastructure and public realm improvements.

COVID-19 Response and Public Health

Mayor John Biggs opened the meeting by highlighting the continuing challenge of COVID-19, noting that the virus levels in London were rising rapidly. He urged residents to adhere to the hands, face, space guidance. Councillor Asma Begum, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Equalities and Youth Services, and Denise Radley, Corporate Director for Health, Adults and Community, elaborated on the council's efforts, including the launch of a COVID champions programme to disseminate information through community networks and the establishment of a new test centre. They also stressed the importance of tackling the flu season by encouraging residents to get their flu jabs. The economic impact of the pandemic was also acknowledged, with the council working with other boroughs and politicians to mitigate potential unemployment.

Investment in Secondary Education

A significant announcement was made regarding a £120 million investment in secondary education across the south of the borough. The Department for Education has committed to funding over 90% of the cost for a new state-of-the-art mixed secondary school on the London Dock site in Wapping, to be delivered by the Mulberry Schools Trust and ready for September 2023. This development will also facilitate a full rebuild of George Green School on the Isle of Dogs. In return for the funding for Mulberry, the Department for Education will secure a permanent site for Canary Wharf College on the Westbury site, also on the Isle of Dogs. Councillor Danny Hassell, Cabinet Member for Children's Schools, and James Thomas, Corporate Director for Children and Culture, will work with officers to address concerns regarding admissions and the inclusion of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Annual Council Performance and Livery Report

The Cabinet reviewed the annual council performance report, which assesses progress against strategic targets. Councillor Rachel Blake, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Equalities and Youth Services, presented the report, noting that 20 performance indicators had met or exceeded their targets, while 17 were falling short. Areas of success included affordable housing, young people in education, employment and training, and stable placements for looked-after young people. Challenges were identified in areas such as direct payments for adult social care users and delayed discharges from hospital. Councillor James King, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, raised supplementary questions regarding the performance of Workpath, the council's employment support service, and the delivery of School Streets initiatives. Councillor Motin Uz-Zaman, Cabinet Member for Resources and the Voluntary Sector, explained that Workpath's performance had been impacted by a major restructure, IT issues, and reduced staffing capacity, but partnerships with the Job Centre Plus and the government's Kickstart programme are being explored. Councillor Dan Tomlinson, Cabinet Member for Environment and Public Realm, confirmed that the ambitious School Streets programme is progressing, with six schemes being implemented this term and further consultations planned. Councillor Peter Golds, Leader of the Conservative Group, expressed concern about staff sickness and turnover rates, which were noted as being higher than desired. Will Tuckley, Chief Executive, acknowledged these concerns and highlighted ongoing efforts to improve staff support and morale.

Common Housing Register Allocation Scheme

A significant amendment to the Common Housing Register Allocation Scheme was discussed and approved following extensive consultation. Councillor Asma Islam, Cabinet Member for Environment and Public Realm, introduced the report, which aims to better manage applicant expectations and the limited supply of housing. A key change involves removing social tenants under the age of 50 from Band 3, affecting approximately 1,500 applicants. This decision was made after considering feedback from nearly 70% of respondents who opposed the original proposal. The revised amendment will allow these tenants alternative housing options, such as mutual exchange and housing moves. A six-month transition period will be provided, and the council is developing an intermediate housing register to offer additional options. Councillor King welcomed the amendment from Councillor Islam, acknowledging that there are still unknowns regarding the policy's impact, particularly for those removed from Band 3 and those reaching the three-year limit for out-of-borough accommodation. He also raised concerns about anti-social behaviour and domestic violence cases within the housing system. The Cabinet agreed to an additional recommendation to review the policy annually and for the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to report on its implementation one year after its introduction.

Capital Programme 2020-21 to 2022-23

Councillor Rachel Blake presented the ambitious capital programme for 2020-23, which outlines investments in frontline services. The programme includes £14.6 million for infrastructure on the Isle of Dogs, including the South Dock Bridge, and significant investment through the Local Infrastructure Fund for projects such as the Thames Path and improvements to East India Dock Basin. The report also details plans for the new secondary school at London Dock and the George Green School rebuild. A key amendment was made to Recommendation 6, clarifying that education schemes should not be funded by council borrowing or non-education capital receipts unless the impact on other priority schemes and the extent of Department for Education funding are fully considered. Councillor Martin Zussman welcomed the proposals, particularly highlighting the homes built in Jubilee Street and the commitment to estate regeneration. Councillor Mufeedah Bustin expressed excitement about the George Green rebuild. Councillor James King raised questions about how the programme will evolve and how residents and partners can feed into it, with Councillor Blake explaining that updates will be provided annually and that resident involvement is facilitated through Local Infrastructure Fund consultations. Councillor Peter Golds inquired about the Westbury school site, and Ann Sutcliffe, Corporate Director for Place, confirmed that the landowner is agreeable to the scheme proceeding.

Seahorse Homes Limited, Shareholder Representative Report and Loan Facility

The Cabinet approved an increase of £50,000 to the credit facility provided by the Council to Seahorse Homes Limited, bringing the total to £150,000. Seahorse Homes is a wholly-owned company established to acquire residential properties for private rental. Councillor Asma Islam explained that the company has re-examined its objectives and identified acquisition opportunities. Will Tuckley, Chief Executive and shareholder representative, confirmed that the company has lacked capacity to fulfil its objectives but is now looking to recruit a housing company manager. Councillor Rachel Blake highlighted this as a critical part of housing delivery, especially as the council has maximised its own borrowing resources. Councillor King asked about alternative avenues for Seahorse to raise capital, and Neville Murton, Corporate Director of Resources, clarified that while New Homes Bonus was initially considered, other financing sources are being explored, and the intention remains to provide equity and loan funding.

Nominations for Outside Bodies and Contracts Forward Plan

The Cabinet agreed to nominations for various outside bodies, which will help the council fulfil its purposes. Councillor Candida Ronald presented the quarterly contracts forward plan, which lists contracts to be procured in the coming months and a five-year procurement pipeline. The plan includes a range of services, from temporary agency contracts and youth services to school furniture and the provision of fresh and frozen meat for schools. Councillor King confirmed satisfaction with the answers provided to pre-decision scrutiny questions on the plan.