The Grants Determination (Cabinet) Sub-Committee of Tower Hamlets Council met on Wednesday, 1 July 2026. The committee noted performance reports for the Mayor's Community Grants Programme (MCGP) and the Mayor's Small Grants Programme (MSGP), and considered options for the future of these programmes. They also authorised grants for High Needs Provision Capital Allocation and for ICT at Wood Wharf Primary School.

Mayor's Community Grants Programme (MCGP) Performance Report – Oct-Dec 25

The committee noted the performance of the Mayor's Community Grants Programme (MCGP) for the period October to December 2025. Of the 107 live projects, 100 were rated Green, indicating they were on track, while five were Amber, suggesting issues that could be resolved with support. Two projects were rated Red due to the closure of the organisations delivering them. The report detailed achievements across five themes: Tackling the Cost-of-Living Crisis, Accelerating Education, Culture, Business, Jobs and Skills, Investing in Public Services, and Empowering Communities and Fighting Crime. Key achievements included over 3,000 clients accessing social welfare advice, £710,000 in debt write-offs, 49 people entering employment, and 53 residents reporting improved health outcomes.

Options for Mayor's Community Grants Programme (MCGP) and Emergency Fund

The committee considered two options for the future of the Mayor's Community Grants Programme (MCGP) and the Emergency Fund, both of which were due to end in March 2027. Option 1 proposed a six-month extension to both programmes until September 2027, allowing more time for the design and implementation of a new, robust successor programme, informed by a deep dive review and co-production with stakeholders. This option was favoured as it reduced the risk of service disruption for vulnerable residents and maintained sector confidence. Option 2 proposed implementing a new programme by April 2027, which carried a higher risk of compromised design, limited stakeholder engagement, and potential service gaps.

Following discussion, the committee resolved to defer consideration of the matter pending further discussions with the Mayor and the Chief Executive.

VCS Funding Awarded Under Delegated Authority

The committee noted an update on funding awarded to Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) organisations under delegated authority since the last meeting. This included two Emergency Fund awards: £5,079 to the City and East London Bereavement Service and £3,200 to Shadwell Community Project. The awards were made due to significant and unexpected reductions in income for the former, and the risk of closure due to funding and lease issues for the latter.

Two Community Benefit Rent Reduction (CBRR) awards were also noted: £5,062 CBRR value to Boundary Estate Community Laundrette CIC and £62,400 CBRR value to The Highway Clubs. These awards acknowledge the value of work carried out by VCS organisations leasing council premises.

An update on the Mayor's Small Grants Programme (MSGP) for 2023-24 Round 1 and 2024-25 Rounds 1 and 2 was also presented. Of the 202 grants awarded, 182 were rated Green (project delivered), 8 Amber (issues to be resolved), and 7 Red (project not delivered or grant withdrawn). An administrative error led to the WISH Foundation receiving two grants under the Community Events theme in 2025-26, which the Director of Finance agreed to honour on this occasion. Strengthened controls have been implemented to prevent recurrence.

Mayor's Small Grants Programme (MSGP) Annual Report – 2023-24 Round 1 and 2024-25 Round 1 and 2

The committee noted the annual report on the Mayor's Small Grants Programme (MSGP) for 2023-24 Round 1 and 2024-25 Rounds 1 and 2. The report detailed the performance of grants awarded, with a high proportion rated Green (project delivered). For 2023/24, 57 out of 58 grants were rated Green. For 2024/25 Round 1, 71 out of 79 were Green, and for Round 2, 54 out of 65 were Green. The report also highlighted specific achievements, such as Wapping Youth Services delivering an Eid & Community Festivity, Youth Of the Ummah's Faith and Fellowship programme engaging 300 participants, and the Rainbow Film Society celebrating its 25th anniversary.

High Needs Provision Capital Allocation – Education Grant

The committee authorised the Corporate Director of Children's Services to issue grants totalling £776,000 to seven Trusts for the costs of delivering Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and inclusion projects. These projects are funded through the Department for Education (DfE) High Needs Provision Capital Allocation (HNPCA) grant. The committee noted the strategic alignment of these projects with local SEND sufficiency needs and national policy direction, which will directly support improved inclusion, access, and life opportunities for children and young people with SEND. The Corporate Director of Children's Services was delegated the power to authorise the execution of any necessary agreements.

Wood Wharf Primary School ICT

The committee authorised the Corporate Director of Children's Services to issue a grant of £270,000 to the Mulberry Trust for the costs of ICT delivery at the new Mulberry Wood Wharf Primary School. This grant will be paid in four instalments as the school grows into its accommodation between 2026 and 2029. The funding is part of the Council's capital programme and aligns with the Mayor's basic needs allocation. The Corporate Director of Children's Services was delegated the power to authorise the execution of any necessary agreements.

Other Unrestricted Business

There were no other unrestricted business items considered to be urgent.

The meeting concluded at 6:35 p.m.