The Cabinet of Tower Hamlets Council met on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, approving a new £9.7 million Community Grants Programme for the voluntary and community sector, alongside revisions to planning fees and a significant acquisition of commercial buildings for temporary accommodation. The meeting also saw the approval of interim contracts for electrical maintenance and the commencement of procurement for a new mechanical maintenance contract.

Community Grants Programme Approved

Cabinet approved the new Community Grants Programme, set to run from July 2027 to March 2031 with a total investment of £9.7 million. This programme aims to support a diverse and resilient voluntary and community sector (VCS) by aligning funding with the Council's strategic priorities and addressing local needs. The programme will consolidate existing grant streams into a single framework, making funding more strategic, transparent, and accessible. Key themes for funding include advice and information, employment and skills, community safety, health and wellbeing, access to sport and physical activity, tackling inequalities and community cohesion, arts, culture and heritage, and lifelong learning. The decision was made to note the extensive engagement undertaken to develop the programme, agree its framework and outcomes, authorise the Chief Executive to finalise grant awards for the Mayor's Community Grants Programme, and to note the proposed timetable and assessment arrangements. The programme is funded through a combination of Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) and Public Health contributions.

Planning Fees and Building Control Fee Review

Revisions to planning and building control fees were approved, aiming to improve cost recovery and align charges with comparable Inner London boroughs. The decision included approving updated pre-application fees, new service categories, and the introduction of a paid-for fast-track planning service for suitable applications, subject to further testing. These changes are projected to generate an additional £400,000 in income in the first year and £800,000 annually thereafter. Authority was delegated to the Director of Planning and Building Control to implement the necessary operational changes.

Electrical and Mechanical Measured Term Contracts

An interim contract arrangement for electrical maintenance services was approved for a maximum period of six months, with a value of £0.9 million, to ensure continuity while a replacement contract is procured. This decision was made to avoid a gap in critical electrical maintenance and statutory compliance services. Separately, approval was given to commence a competitive procurement exercise for a new Mechanical Measured Term Contract, with an estimated value of £12 million over an initial two-year period, with options to extend for a further two years. This contract will cover planned and reactive mechanical maintenance across the Council's estate.

Acquisition of Marsh Wall Properties for Temporary Accommodation

Cabinet approved the acquisition of four commercial office buildings at 191, 193, 195 and 197 Marsh Wall for conversion into temporary accommodation. This initiative aims to provide approximately 180 self-contained family-sized units, significantly increasing the supply of local temporary accommodation and reducing reliance on costly out-of-borough placements. The decision delegates authority to the Corporate Director of Housing & Regeneration to conclude negotiations and finalise lease terms, approves an initial capital allocation funded by General Fund borrowing, and authorises the commencement of procurement for consultants and contractors. The proposal carries financial risks, but these are to be balanced against the significant social benefits of bringing homeless families back into the borough, enabling them to maintain support networks, access local services, and achieve greater household stability.

Other Business

The Cabinet also noted the minutes of the previous meeting held on 23 September 2026 and received announcements from the Mayor. An item concerning the acquisition of properties at Marsh Wall was discussed with exempt information, and the press and public were excluded for this part of the meeting.