The Council of Tower Hamlets met on Wednesday, 15 November 2023, to discuss a range of important issues including the adoption of a new local plan, support for the information and advice sector, and the updated member-officer relations protocol. Key decisions included the approval of the new local plan, which aims to increase affordable housing and address overcrowding, and the adoption of the revised member-officer relations protocol.

New Local Plan Adopted to Address Housing Crisis

The council voted to adopt a new local plan designed to revolutionise housing development in Tower Hamlets. The plan aims to increase the provision of affordable housing from 35% to 40%, with a focus on social housing and a shift in the balance towards affordable units over intermediate ones. A significant aspect of the plan is the creation of additional tall building zones across the borough to accelerate the availability of affordable housing and tackle chronic overcrowding. Developers will be required to include community facilities in major property developments and contribute to local regeneration. The plan also aims to protect residents from gentrification and displacement.

Arguments in favour highlighted the urgent need to address overcrowding, which impacts residents' health, well-being, education, and employment. It was argued that the plan would create pathways away from poverty and criminality by focusing on apprenticeships and career development programmes. Concerns were raised by the opposition regarding the potential for overdevelopment and the vagueness of definitions for genuinely affordable housing. They also disputed statistics presented by the administration regarding previous affordable home delivery rates. One councillor abstained from voting, citing concerns about the environmental impact of tall buildings and a lack of specific provisions for environmental upgrades to existing housing stock.

Increased Support for Information and Advice Sector

The council debated a motion regarding increased support for the information and advice sector, ultimately voting to support an amended motion. The amended motion acknowledges the vital role of the sector in supporting residents through the cost of living crisis and the rollout of Universal Credit. It commits to reviewing funding allocations and ensuring continued support for organisations like Tower Hamlets Connect (TCAN) and Tower Hamlets Council for Voluntary Service (THCVS).

The opposition motion called for increased funding for the advice sector, arguing that current allocations were insufficient and not in line with inflation, leading to a reduction in the level of advice provided. They highlighted the importance of TCAN's referral portal, which was at risk of closing. The administration's amendment emphasised the council's commitment to the voluntary community sector, noting a significant increase in funding through the Mayor's Community Grant Scheme. They argued for an outcome-based approach to funding allocation, ensuring resources are spread fairly and deliver optimal outputs for residents. Several councillors spoke in support of the amendment, praising the transparency of the grant process and the council's investment in a diverse range of organisations.

Public Space Protection Order for Nuisance Vehicles

A petition was presented requesting the introduction of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to address nuisance vehicles and their drivers. The petitioner highlighted issues such as illegal parking, noise pollution from revving engines, and dangerous driving, particularly in areas like West Ferry Circus. The petition called for the council to consult publicly on a borough-wide PSPO, similar to measures implemented in Newham.

The lead member for Safer Communities, Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury, stated that the council was working with the police to crack down on vehicle-based anti-social behaviour, including successful sting operations that resulted in fines and car seizures. He added that the council was investigating the practical effects of a PSPO and would continue its operations with the police. The petition was referred to the Chief Executive for a written response within 28 days.

Petition on Missed Waste Collections

A petition was presented by residents of Matilda House concerning missed waste and recycling collections during July and August. The petitioners requested compensation for council taxpayers who had paid for a service that was not consistently provided. They also highlighted the nine-day strike by rubbish collectors in September, during which private companies were engaged at a cost of £300,000.

The council's response indicated that the waste collection service is now council-run, not outsourced to Veolia, and therefore does not receive compensation from private providers for service failures. While apologising for inconvenience, the council stated that most missed collections were late rather than absent. The petition was referred to the corporate director for communities for a written response within 28 days.

Petition on Housing Allocation for Single People

A petition was presented regarding the Tower Hamlets housing allocation system, arguing that it disadvantages single people. The petitioner linked the issue to a fire at 18 Maddock's House in Shadwell, where a death occurred, suggesting that overcrowding and the lack of suitable housing for single people contributed to the tragedy. The petition called for a review of the allocation system to include single people.

The lead member for Regeneration, Inclusive Development and Housebuilding, Councillor Kabir Ahmed, acknowledged the sensitive issue and the council's commitment to supporting residents. He noted that the council's policy allows residents who have lived in Tower Hamlets for three years or more and earn less than £90,000 per year to apply for the housing register. He also highlighted the council's focus on building one-bedroom properties, with 476 delivered in the last year, and the intention to increase three- and four-bedroom properties to create a ripple effect that would free up smaller units. The petition was referred to the corporate director for housing and regeneration for a written response within 28 days.

Mayor's Report and Council Accounts

Mayor Lutfur Rahman delivered his report, addressing the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and reiterating Tower Hamlets' commitment to tolerance and respect. He also provided an update on the refreshed local plan, which he believes will revolutionise development in the borough by prioritising affordable housing and tackling overcrowding. The Mayor also touched upon the recent corporate peer review and the ongoing issue of unsigned council accounts, promising an update at the next full council meeting.

Updated Member-Officer Relations Protocol Adopted

The council unanimously agreed to adopt the revised member-officer relations protocol, which will be added to the council's constitution. The protocol emphasises the indispensable nature of councillors and officers to one another and the importance of mutual respect for effective local government. Councillors from across the chamber spoke in support of the updated protocol, highlighting the need for clear communication, understanding, and respect for each other's roles in delivering services for the community.

Questions from Members

Several questions were raised by councillors during the meeting:

• Outstanding Council Accounts: Councillor Shafiya asked for an update on the council's outstanding accounts. The lead member confirmed that the 2018-19 and 2019-20 accounts were expected to be signed off by the end of November, with the 2020-21, 2021-22, and 2022-23 accounts to be published early in the new year. Improvements in processes and the appointment of a permanent Section 151 officer were highlighted as measures to prevent future backlogs.
• Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure: Councillor Mohamed Chowdhury inquired about the council's strategy for installing electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The lead member announced that approximately 350 charging points have already been installed, with plans to deliver an additional 2,000 by the 2025-26 financial year. A procurement process will begin in early 2024, with a method found to install chargers at no cost to the council, potentially generating a modest income.
• LGA Corporate Peer Review: Councillor Benjamin asked for an update on the outcome of the LGA corporate peer review. The lead member confirmed that a formal report is scheduled to be published by the LGA in December, alongside an action plan devised by the council to address the review's recommendations.
• Homeless Families in Bed and Breakfast Accommodation: Councillor Marc Francis raised concerns about homeless families being housed in bed and breakfast accommodation beyond the six-week legal limit. The lead member acknowledged the perfect storm of factors contributing to this issue, including rising interest rates, rent hikes, and the unaffordability of the private rented sector. He stated that there were currently 229 residents in B&Bs beyond the six-week limit, but stressed that Tower Hamlets was not alone in facing this challenge.
• Income Generation from Victoria Park Events: Councillor Cambrou asked about plans to generate income from events in Victoria Park. The lead member explained that Victoria Park is a key asset and that changes to the major events policy will increase the number of commercial events and raise the threshold for a major event. This is intended to bring the borough in line with other areas and generate income for community benefit and key service areas.