The Council of Tower Hamlets Council met on Wednesday 17 November 2021, discussing a range of issues including the climate emergency, knife crime, and changes to ward names. Key decisions included the adoption of a new member code of conduct and the review of community impact policies for Brick Lane and Bethnal Green.

Climate Emergency Motion

Councillor Asma Islam, Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning, moved a motion acknowledging the climate emergency and the council's commitment to becoming a carbon-neutral borough by 2045. The motion highlighted the council's existing work, such as adopting net-zero carbon policies for new developments and purchasing 100% renewable energy. Councillor Islam referenced the impact of climate change on countries like Bangladesh and the vulnerability of Tower Hamlets due to its riverside location. Mayor John Biggs seconded the motion, emphasizing the global nature of the problem and the need for local action.

An amendment was proposed by Councillor Rabina Khan, who pointed out that Tower Hamlets was the third worst borough in London for recycling, with a recycling rate of 19.5% compared to the UK average of 46.2%. Councillor Khan argued for a more targeted approach to recycling and more frequent refuse and recycling collections. Councillor Mel Whitehead spoke in favour of the council's commitment to retrofitting 90% of existing housing stock to low-energy standards by 2030, praising Tower Hamlets Homes for this initiative. Councillor Christian Perry highlighted the global inadequacy of COP26 commitments and the need for government support for local authorities. Councillor Peter Golds criticised the council's use of diesel vehicles and the ongoing issue of fly-tipping, stating that the council was the second worst in the country for recycling. Councillor Muti-Nabasté spoke about the importance of engaging young people in climate action, citing their creative ideas for sustainable practices. Councillor Indy Ode questioned the council's pace of action, noting that purchasing renewable electricity had been done by his own household in 2009. Councillor Rachel Blake defended the council's record, detailing investments in bike hangers, electric vehicle charging points, and community energy schemes. Councillor Kevin Brady welcomed the motion but criticised the Glasgow agreement and the Prime Minister's attendance. Councillor Kabir Ahmed stated that the Aspire Group supported the motion, clarifying that opposing the Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) policy did not mean opposing climate change. Councillor Kahar Chowdhury highlighted the link between air quality and the climate emergency, detailing the council's initiatives such as school streets and tree planting.

Following the debate, the amended motion was put to a vote and approved.

Motion on Knife Crime Emergency

Councillor Kabir Ahmed, representing the Aspire Group, moved a motion calling for a fresh approach and a new strategy to address the surge in knife crime in Tower Hamlets, emphasizing the need for cross-party support and effective utilization of resources. He highlighted recent incidents and the fear among residents. Councillor Jaramillo seconded the motion.

Councillor Sirajul Islam proposed an amendment, stating that tackling crime is primarily a police responsibility but acknowledging the council's supporting role. The amendment detailed the council's investment in additional police officers, the Stevie Network, and the All Dogs Mayans project, as well as council-funded police patrols. Mayor John Biggs seconded the amendment, agreeing that the issue was serious and that the council was already undertaking significant work. He also made a political point about the previous administration's handling of the youth service.

Councillor Mofida-Bustin argued that tackling poverty and providing employment opportunities were critical to preventing knife crime, and that headline-grabbing initiatives like arresting a dealer a day were counterproductive. Councillor Andrew Wood noted that police officer numbers in London had reached their highest in over a decade, suggesting that the focus should be on effective deployment. Councillor Ayas Miah requested increased government funding for community safety and youth activities, citing population growth in Tower Hamlets. Councillor Peter Golds stated that while there was a problem with knife crime, he did not believe there was a stabbing epidemic in Tower Hamlets, and that most incidents were drug-related. Councillor Sousa mentioned the success of Operation Continuum in his ward. Councillor Rabina Khan highlighted the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on young people's mental health as a contributing factor to violence.

Councillor Kabir Ahmed, in his right of reply, stated that the amendment was politically driven and that the original motion had been hijacked to shift blame. He argued that all elected members had a responsibility to do more. He then requested to withdraw the motion, which was agreed by the meeting. The council then voted on the amendment proposed by Councillor Sirajul Islam.

Community Impact Policies Review

Councillor Asma Islam, Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning, presented a report on the review of the council's Community Impact Policies (CIPs) for Brick Lane and Bethnal Green. She explained that these policies, which aim to manage the cumulative impact of licensed premises, were being reviewed as required every three years. A statutory consultation had taken place, with a majority of respondents supporting the continuation of both policies. Councillor Peter Golds commended the policy, noting the opposition from some business groups in Brick Lane but emphasizing the support from residents and the police. Councillor Kabir Ahmed also supported the proposal, noting support from resident groups in his ward. Mayor John Biggs highlighted the importance of the nighttime economy and the need to manage its impact on residents' quality of life. The council agreed to review the cumulative impact assessment policy statements.

Appointment of External Auditor

Councillor Mel Whitehead, Chair of the Audit Committee, presented a report on the appointment of a new external auditor for 2023-2024 for a five-year term. She recommended opting into the national scheme for appointing auditors, which was a straightforward administrative process. Councillor Kabir Ahmed agreed to the recommendation.

Adoption of New Member Code of Conduct

Councillor Tarik Khan presented a report on the adoption of a new member code of conduct. Councillor Andrew Wood raised concerns about councillors living outside their wards and the need to adhere to the Seven Nolan Principles of Public Life. Councillor Kabir Ahmed clarified his residency and his roots in Tower Hamlets. Councillor Rabina Khan and Councillor Mufeedah Bustin thanked the Standards Committee for their work on the code of conduct, with Councillor Bustin also highlighting issues of disrespect and bullying in the council chamber. The council agreed to adopt the new member code of conduct.

Proposed Change to Borough Ward Names

Councillor Helal Uddin, Chair of the General Purposes Committee, proposed changes to ward names, including renaming Nanging Ward to Beth Nanging East Ward and St. Peter's Ward to Beth Nanging West Ward. Councillor Andrew Wood presented consultation responses indicating that a majority of residents in Bethnal Green and St. Peter's wards did not support the name changes. Councillor Peter Golds questioned the rationale for changing ward names when residents did not express a desire for it. Councillor Kabir Ahmed also questioned why the debate was continuing when residents had expressed their opposition. Councillor Kevin Brady spoke about the confusion caused by ward names in Bethnal Green and St. Peter's, suggesting that renaming them Bethnal Green East and Bethnal Green West would be more logical. The council voted to change Bethnal Green to Bethnal Green East and St. Peter's Ward to Bethnal Green West, while not changing Canary Wharf.

Questions to the Mayor and Cabinet Members

Several questions were raised by councillors to the Mayor and Cabinet Members:

• Liveable Streets Programme and CCTV Cameras: Councillor Eve McQuillan asked about the Liveable Streets Programme, and Councillor Peter Golds questioned the number of CCTV cameras in Tower Hamlets compared to neighbouring boroughs. Mayor John Biggs responded that the council had over 1,140 cameras across various locations and was replacing them with upgraded equipment. He refuted claims that Tower Hamlets had a significantly lower number of cameras than other boroughs.
• Levelling Up Funding for Whitechapel: Councillor Shah Amin asked about the levelling up funding for Whitechapel Ward. Mayor John Biggs confirmed the success of the bid and highlighted the potential for regeneration, including a biomedical sciences complex, and the priority of making the area safer and more pleasant for residents.
• Council Accounts: Councillor Kabir Ahmed questioned the timely submission and auditing of the council's accounts. Councillor Candida Ronald, Cabinet Member for Resources and Voluntary Sector, explained that the delay was due to ongoing audits of prior years by Deloitte and that draft accounts for 2021 would be provided to auditors in early 2022.
• Mayor's COVID-19 Recovery Fund: Councillor Amin Ali asked about the Mayor's COVID-19 Recovery Fund. Mayor John Biggs stated that the multi-million-pound scheme was supporting 25 projects across four key priority areas, including community-led recovery and support for children and young people.
• Utility Service Capacity in Marshwall: Councillor Andrew Wood raised concerns about the capacity of utility services along Marshwall. Councillor Asma Islam, Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning, confirmed that the council was working with utility companies and the GLA to address these challenges, including plans for water delivery and enhancing electricity provision.
• Council Property Review: Councillor Faruq Ahmed asked about the Council Property Review. Councillor Mufeedah Bustin, Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion, stated that a detailed action plan was under preparation and that work had begun to implement recommendations, including an early financial intervention programme.
• Watney Street and Cabell Street Junction: Councillor Harun Miah raised concerns about the road markings at the Watney Street and Cabell Street junction. Councillor Kahar Choudhury, Cabinet Member for Highways and Public Realm, assured that the issue would be looked into again.
• Climate Change and Resident Empowerment: Councillor Val Whitehead asked about the council's efforts to empower residents to address climate change. Councillor Asma Islam outlined a comprehensive plan to engage and empower residents, including information provision, awareness-raising, and supporting sustainable actions.
• Parking Enforcement Issues: Councillor Marc Francis asked when Tower Hamlets Homes would begin consulting residents on introducing a new traffic management order for parking enforcement on the St Stephen's Estate, Usher Road, and Park Road. Councillor Danny Hassell, Cabinet Member for Housing, confirmed that plans would be drawn up before Christmas, with resident consultations starting in late February or early March. Councillor Francis also asked about making unused parking bays available to local businesses.
• Cars to Universal Credit: Councillor Amin Ali asked about the communication strategy for residents to access financial support. Councillor Mufeedah Bustin stated that a communications campaign would be launched, utilizing existing data for targeted outreach.
• Parks Investment Programme: Councillor Helal Uddin asked about the Parks Investment Programme. Councillor Sabina Akhtar, Cabinet Member for Culture, Arts and Sports, highlighted the £10 million programme to improve over 60 parks and open spaces.
• Schools' Equality Information and Objectives Policy: Councillor Purumia asked about the number of schools with up-to-date equality information and objectives policies. Councillor Asma Begum, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Children, Youth Services, Education and Equalities, stated that schools' policies were the responsibility of their governing bodies and that the council did not hold this information. She added that schools with service level agreements were regularly reminded of their duty. Councillor Purumia then raised a specific concern about Swansea School.

The meeting concluded after reaching its time limit, with any unaddressed motions falling.