The Cabinet meeting on 16 May 2024 focused on the council's transformation agenda, financial strategy, and improvements to key public services. Key decisions included approving the Housing with Care Strategy 2024-2034, noting progress on the 'Be Well' leisure service insourcing, and agreeing to invest £1.93 million to improve homelessness services.

Transforming Tower Hamlets Council: Building a Stronger Future

Mayor Lutfur Rahman presented a report detailing the significant progress made in the council's 'People First' transformation journey since the appointment of the Chief Executive in July 2023. The report highlighted achievements in fostering a collaborative culture, improving financial stability, embedding a resident-centric approach, and enhancing transparency and accountability. The council has seen a notable increase in award shortlistings and wins, improved its Investor in People status, and received positive feedback from the LGA Corporate Peer Challenge in 2023, which noted a widespread understanding of the council's ambitious priorities among members, officers, and partners. The report also outlined future focus areas, including deepening resident engagement, building long-term financial strength, driving innovation, and enabling a skilled workforce. The Cabinet noted the council's achievements and supported the commitment to redefine the corporate centre for greater efficiency and effectiveness.

Delivering the Medium-Term Financial Strategy

Councillor Saied Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Resources and the Cost of Living, presented an update on the delivery of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS), approved in February 2024. The report detailed the actions being taken to mitigate identified risks and manage emerging financial pressures. The council has identified £43.3 million in savings over the next three years, with £11.9 million secured in the first year (2024/25). The report also outlined investments in additional capacity, including specialists to assist in developing a fit-for-purpose procurement function and senior officers to oversee savings delivery. The council's financial resilience, supported by a strong reserves position, was highlighted, alongside a new Financial Sustainability Plan to manage unexpected financial impacts. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) has a developed financial resourcing strategy to address housing challenges, including plans for capital investment and acquisition of new properties. The Cabinet noted the actions being taken to deliver the MTFS.

Be Well Leisure Insourcing Programme

Councillor Iqbal Hossain, Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation, presented an update on the 'Be Well' Leisure Service, which was brought in-house on 1 May 2024. The report detailed the progress made in mobilising the new service, including the development of a new staffing structure, the launch of the 'Be Well' brand and website, and the commencement of significant improvements to leisure facilities. A 10-year revenue model projects a surplus from 2027/28, with income growth anticipated from events, memberships, and potential NHS commissioned services. The report also outlined a £3.65 million capital programme for 2024/25 to invest in leisure assets. The Cabinet noted the progress made, endorsed the development approach for the service, and authorised the Programme Director for Leisure to produce a revised programme budget.

Scrutiny Improvement Plan

Mayor Lutfur Rahman presented a report on improving the council's Scrutiny function, highlighting its importance in governance and continuous improvement. The report identified areas for enhancement, including member training and support, the role of the Statutory Scrutiny Officer, and the scrutiny support function. It also proposed actions to foster a positive relationship between scrutiny and the executive, including a review of scrutiny procedures and the establishment of a Scrutiny Protocol. The Cabinet noted and endorsed the proposed improvements, which aim to raise understanding of scrutiny among officers and increase its public profile.

Contracts Forward Plan – Quarter Four (FY2023-2024)

Councillor Saied Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Resources and the Cost of Living, presented the Contracts Forward Plan for Quarter 4 of the financial year. The report detailed new contracts planned for procurement, including services for CYP Befriending Short Breaks, specialised vehicle maintenance, and mental health supported living services. The Cabinet was asked to consider the contracts and identify any requiring further reports before award. The report also included a Procurement Forward Plan for 2023-2028 to provide high-level visibility of planned contracting activity. The Cabinet was asked to review the plan and authorise the appropriate Corporate Director to award contracts not identified for further reporting.

Tower Hamlets Council Strategic Plan: 2024/25 Annual Delivery Plan

Mayor Lutfur Rahman presented the Annual Delivery Plan for 2024/25, which outlines how the council will progress the delivery of the Strategic Plan's priorities. The plan details annual deliverables and performance measures across all eight strategic priorities, including tackling the cost-of-living crisis, providing homes for the future, accelerating education, boosting culture and business, investing in public services, empowering communities, creating a clean and green future, and ensuring the council listens to its residents. The report also introduced changes to performance reporting processes and a new RAG rating scheme for milestones. The Cabinet approved the Annual Delivery Plan and refreshed performance measures for 2024/25.

Procurement of a Technology Enabled Care Transformation Partner

Councillor Gulam Kibria Choudhury, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Social Care, presented a report seeking approval to procure a Technology Enabled Care (TEC) Transformation Partner. TEC aims to transform care delivery, enabling residents to live more independently and with improved wellbeing. The council has committed £2.939 million in growth and approved £4.933 million in savings associated with this transformation, projecting a net benefit of £1.994 million over the MTFS period. The report proposed using the ESPO framework for a faster procurement process. The Cabinet agreed to use the ESPO framework and authorised the Corporate Director for Health and Adult Social Care to award the contract.

Tower Hamlets Partnership Review

Mayor Lutfur Rahman presented a report on the review of the council's partnership arrangements, aiming to simplify the structure, improve focus, strengthen accountability, and promote transformational partnership working. The review identified headline findings such as the complexity of the current partnership structure, informal communication, a lack of formal accountability, and challenges in community representation. Draft recommendations included reforming the Partnership Executive Group (PEG) to focus on strategic priorities, tackling duplication, developing distributed leadership, creating an equitable and inclusive partnership, and improving communications and engagement. The Cabinet agreed to the review recommendations and guiding principles for thematic partnerships.

Victoria Park Licence to Occupy

Councillor Iqbal Hossain, Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation, presented a report on the proposed extension of the licence to occupy for Victoria Park with AEG Presents Limited. The extension would allow AEG Presents Limited to deliver events from August 2024 to September 2027, providing a guaranteed rental fee to the council and enabling the testing of an increased number of major event days. This approach aligns with the Council's Major Events Policy for Victoria Park and aims to generate income for park maintenance and community events. The Cabinet approved the option to enter into the Licence to Occupy with AEG Presents Limited.

Housing with Care Strategy 2024-2034

Councillor Gulam Kibria Choudhury, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Social Care, presented the proposed Housing with Care Strategy 2024-2034. The strategy aims to address the growing demand for adult social care due to population increases and complexity of needs, by providing high-quality housing with care options. It highlights an over-reliance on residential care and proposes expanding Extra Care Housing and Supported Living to offer more choice and better outcomes for residents. The strategy aims to mitigate financial risks and achieve long-term savings. The Cabinet agreed and approved the proposed Strategy and agreed that options for additional housing with care settings would be developed as part of the delivery plan.

Improving Our Homelessness Services

Councillor Kabir Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Inclusive Development and Housebuilding, presented a report on improving the Housing Options Service, which is facing unprecedented levels of increasing demand and complexity in homelessness cases. The report highlighted the exponential increase in homelessness presentations and the pressure on frontline staff. To address these issues, the report sought approval for an immediate release of £1.93 million in additional revenue allocation for frontline services. This investment will fund new frontline roles, extend service operating hours, and support a full service review and redesign. The Cabinet approved the immediate release of the additional revenue allocation and agreed to establish a special taskforce to oversee the recruitment and restructuring of the service.

Contracts Forward Plan – Quarter Four (FY2023-2024)

Councillor Saied Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Resources and the Cost of Living, presented the Contracts Forward Plan for Quarter 4 of the financial year. The report detailed new contracts planned for procurement, including services for CYP Befriending Short Breaks, specialised vehicle maintenance, and mental health supported living services. The Cabinet was asked to consider the contracts and identify any requiring further reports before award. The report also included a Procurement Forward Plan for 2023-2028 to provide high-level visibility of planned contracting activity. The Cabinet reviewed the plan and authorised the appropriate Corporate Director to award contracts not identified for further reporting.

Tower Hamlets Council Strategic Plan: 2024/25 Annual Delivery Plan

Mayor Lutfur Rahman presented the Annual Delivery Plan for 2024/25, which outlines how the council will progress the delivery of the Strategic Plan's priorities. The plan details annual deliverables and performance measures across all eight strategic priorities, including tackling the cost-of-living crisis, providing homes for the future, accelerating education, boosting culture and business, investing in public services, empowering communities, creating a clean and green future, and ensuring the council listens to its residents. The report also introduced changes to performance reporting processes and a new RAG rating scheme for milestones. The Cabinet approved the Annual Delivery Plan and refreshed performance measures for 2024/25.

Procurement of a Technology Enabled Care Transformation Partner

Councillor Gulam Kibria Choudhury, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Social Care, presented a report seeking approval to procure a Technology Enabled Care (TEC) Transformation Partner. TEC aims to transform care delivery, enabling residents to live more independently and with improved wellbeing. The council has committed £2.939 million in growth and approved £4.933 million in savings associated with this transformation, projecting a net benefit of £1.994 million over the MTFS period. The report proposed using the ESPO framework for a faster procurement process. The Cabinet agreed to use the ESPO framework and authorised the Corporate Director for Health and Adult Social Care to award the contract.

Tower Hamlets Partnership Review

Mayor Lutfur Rahman presented a report on the review of the council's partnership arrangements, aiming to simplify the structure, improve focus, strengthen accountability, and promote transformational partnership working. The review identified headline findings such as the complexity of the current partnership structure, informal communication, a lack of formal accountability, and challenges in community representation. Draft recommendations included reforming the Partnership Executive Group (PEG) to focus on strategic priorities, tackling duplication, developing distributed leadership, creating an equitable and inclusive partnership, and improving communications and engagement. The Cabinet agreed to the review recommendations and guiding principles for thematic partnerships.

Victoria Park Licence to Occupy

Councillor Iqbal Hossain, Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation, presented a report on the proposed extension of the licence to occupy for Victoria Park with AEG Presents Limited. The extension would allow AEG Presents Limited to deliver events from August 2024 to September 2027, providing a guaranteed rental fee to the council and enabling the testing of an increased number of major event days. This approach aligns with the Council's Major Events Policy for Victoria Park and aims to generate income for park maintenance and community events. The Cabinet approved the option to enter into the Licence to Occupy with AEG Presents Limited.

Housing with Care Strategy 2024-2034

Councillor Gulam Kibria Choudhury, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Social Care, presented the proposed Housing with Care Strategy 2024-2034. The strategy aims to address the growing demand for adult social care due to population increases and complexity of needs, by providing high-quality housing with care options. It highlights an over-reliance on residential care and proposes expanding Extra Care Housing and Supported Living to offer more choice and better outcomes for residents. The strategy aims to mitigate financial risks and achieve long-term savings. The Cabinet agreed and approved the proposed Strategy and agreed that options for additional housing with care settings would be developed as part of the delivery plan.

Improving Our Homelessness Services

Councillor Kabir Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Inclusive Development and Housebuilding, presented a report on improving the Housing Options Service, which is facing unprecedented levels of increasing demand and complexity in homelessness cases. The report highlighted the exponential increase in homelessness presentations and the pressure on frontline staff. To address these issues, the report sought approval for an immediate release of £1.93 million in additional revenue allocation for frontline services. This investment will fund new frontline roles, extend service operating hours, and support a full service review and redesign. The Cabinet approved the immediate release of the additional revenue allocation and agreed to establish a special taskforce to oversee the recruitment and restructuring of the service.

Contracts Forward Plan – Quarter Four (FY2023-2024)

Councillor Saied Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Resources and the Cost of Living, presented the Contracts Forward Plan for Quarter 4 of the financial year. The report detailed new contracts planned for procurement, including services for CYP Befriending Short Breaks, specialised vehicle maintenance, and mental health supported living services. The Cabinet was asked to consider the contracts and identify any requiring further reports before award. The report also included a Procurement Forward Plan for 2023-2028 to provide high-level visibility of planned contracting activity. The Cabinet reviewed the plan and authorised the appropriate Corporate Director to award contracts not identified for further reporting.