The Cabinet meeting on Thursday, 16 May 2024, focused on the council's transformation agenda, financial strategy, and improvements to key services. Key decisions included the approval of the Annual Delivery Plan for 2024/25, the adoption of the Housing with Care Strategy 2024-2034, and significant investment to improve the Housing Options service.

The meeting began with the Mayor, Lutfur Rahman, welcoming new Cabinet members and thanking outgoing members. The minutes of the previous meeting were approved without discussion, and there were no declarations of interest or called-in decisions.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to Transforming Tower Hamlets Council: building a stronger future. Chief Executive Stephen Halsey detailed the progress made on the 'People First' transformation journey, highlighting improvements in culture, financial stability, resident focus, and transparency. He referenced Deloitte's audit reports from 2018-2020 that identified deficiencies in financial reporting, risk management, and performance oversight, necessitating a new approach. The report outlined key action points including strengthening strategic alignment, fostering continuous improvement, implementing a new target operating model, establishing a Transformation Advisory Board, and introducing a performance dashboard. Corporate Directors provided updates on how these changes would impact their services. Cabinet members expressed their support for the Mayor's vision and commitment to delivering high-quality services.

The Cabinet then discussed Delivering the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS). Councillor Saied Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Resources and the Cost of Living, presented an update on the current MTFS position, actions being taken to mitigate risks, and further options for managing emerging risks. The primary objective is to ensure the delivery of the 2024/25 budget, which forms the first year of the MTFS approved in February 2024. The report detailed the £43.3 million in savings to be achieved over three years, with £11.9 million secured in the first year. The Mayor stressed the importance of financial stability and sustainability for residents and commended the officers' efforts.

The Be Well Leisure Insourcing Programme was presented by Councillor Kamrul Hussain, Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation. This report detailed the progress made since the insourcing of the service on 1 May 2024. The Cabinet noted the achievements to date, endorsed the approach for developing the service in 2024/25, and authorised the Programme Director to produce a revised budget. A 10-year revenue model projects a surplus from 2027/28, and a capital programme of £3.65 million for 2024/25 was noted.

Improvements to the Scrutiny function were discussed, with the report identifying areas for enhancement and outlining dedicated actions. Recommendations included improvements to member training and support, strengthening the role of the Statutory Scrutiny Officer, and enhancing the relationship between scrutiny and the executive. The Chief Executive highlighted efforts to improve officer structures supporting scrutiny and the need to prevent politicisation of issues. The Mayor welcomed the report and emphasised the value of input from all elected members.

The Contracts Forward Plan 2023/24 - Quarter 4 was presented, outlining supply and service contracts over £1 million. The Mayor reminded officers that contract extensions would be an exception, with open procurement being the default. An amendment to the value of the Culturally Sensitive Substance Misuse Service contract was noted.

The Tower Hamlets Council Strategic Plan: 2024/25 Annual Delivery Plan was introduced, detailing the activities the council will undertake to deliver its strategic priorities. The plan includes new actions such as preparing for the transition of planning and regeneration powers from the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC). The Cabinet approved the Annual Delivery Plan and refreshed performance measures.

The Procurement of a Technology Enabled Care Transformation Partner was discussed, with approval sought to commence procurement. The report highlighted the potential for TEC to transform care delivery, support independence, and deliver significant savings. The use of the ESPO framework was agreed to expedite the process.

The Tower Hamlets Partnership Review presented draft recommendations for streamlining partnership efforts and improving focus. The review identified a need to simplify the partnership structure and enhance collaboration. Recommendations included reforming the Partnership Executive Group (PEG) to focus on strategic priorities, tackling duplication, developing distributed leadership, creating an equitable partnership, and improving communications.

The Victoria Park Licence to Occupy was discussed, proposing an extension of the licence to AEG Presents Limited to hold events from August 2024 to September 2027. This extension aims to provide guaranteed income for park maintenance and offer more cultural events for residents. The Cabinet approved the option to enter into the Licence to Occupy.

Under Any Other Unrestricted Business, the Housing with Care Strategy 2024-2034 was adopted, setting out plans for high-quality housing with care options to meet future needs. The strategy aims to increase Extra Care Housing and Shared Lives arrangements, reduce reliance on residential care, and promote independence. A capital growth bid of £20 million was submitted for a culturally sensitive Extra Care Housing development.

Finally, the Improving the Homelessness Service report sought significant additional investment to address structural issues within the Housing Options Service. The proposal includes frontline capacity improvements, enhanced training, and a taskforce for immediate implementation. The Cabinet approved the immediate release of £1.93 million in revenue allocation for these improvements.

The meeting concluded with the exclusion of the press and public for any exempt/confidential business, though none was deemed necessary.