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Cabinet - Wednesday, 16th October, 2024 5.30 p.m.
October 16, 2024 Cabinet View on council website Watch video of meeting Read transcript (Professional subscription required)Summary
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The Cabinet of Tower Hamlets Council met on Wednesday, 16 October 2024, to discuss a range of key issues including the Annual Resident Survey results, the Corporate Peer Challenge Action Plan, and the council's Target Operating Model. Significant decisions were made regarding the regeneration of HAP Houses, including the resolution to make a Compulsory Purchase Order, and the adoption of a new VAWG and Women's Safety Strategy.
The meeting began with announcements from Mayor Lutfur Rahman, who highlighted the council's commitment to supporting pensioners with a winter fuel allowance and addressed concerns regarding the homelessness policy. He also welcomed Georgia Chimbani as the new Corporate Director for Health and Adult Social Care.
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Annual Resident Survey (ARS) 2024 results and analysis. The survey indicated overwhelmingly positive resident satisfaction with the local area and community cohesion, with 84% satisfied with the local area (up 6% from 2023) and 90% believing people from different backgrounds get on well. Satisfaction with council services also showed general improvement. However, residents expressed concerns about the cost of living, crime, and anti-social behaviour. The council committed to using these results to inform service improvements and further research.
The Cabinet received an update on the Corporate Peer Challenge Action Plan, noting that 84% of identified actions were completed, with 91% on track for completion by November 2024. Key progress areas included financial sustainability, governance, and diversity and inclusion. The council also requested the LGA to conduct a progress review.
A new Target Operating Model (TOM) was formally launched, designed to prioritise residents and improve efficiency and responsiveness. This model is underpinned by six design principles: Value-Driven, Community-Led, Collaborative, Enabling, Innovative, and Accountable.
The Strategic Delivery and Performance Report for Year 3 Quarter 1 was presented, showing 24 out of 56 measures were green, indicating performance met or exceeded targets. However, nine measures remained red, including issues related to homelessness, recycling, and children's services, prompting discussions on mitigation actions.
A key decision was made regarding the Harriott, Apsley & Pattison (HAP) Houses Regeneration Scheme. Cabinet resolved to make a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) to facilitate the delivery of over 400 new homes and a community centre. This decision was supported by extensive resident engagement and planning permission. The scheme aims to increase affordable housing, improve housing stock, and provide economic and environmental benefits.
The VAWG and Women's Safety Strategy 2024-29 was approved, building on previous work and incorporating new priorities such as women's safety in public spaces and a broader approach to gender-based violence. The strategy includes detailed action plans for prevention, support for victims, and responding to perpetrators.
The Cabinet also considered and approved the Review of the Licensing Act Cumulative Impact Assessments, deciding to retain and expand the Brick Lane CIA while removing the Bethnal Green CIA.
In relation to the Supported Living Pathway, Cabinet noted the unsuccessful tender outcome for several lots and the subsequent decision to enter into a negotiated procedure under Regulation 32 of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 to ensure continued service provision for vulnerable young people. Efforts are also underway to explore alternative models, such as a pre-approved supplier list.
Finally, the Cabinet agreed to the Tower Hamlets Special Educational Needs, Disabilities and Inclusion Strategy 2024 to 2029, which outlines shared outcomes and priorities for supporting children and young people with SEND. A task and finish group will be established to ensure sufficient resources and support for its delivery.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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Tower Hamlets Special Educational Needs, Disabilities and Inclusion Strategy 2024 to 2029.
Recommendations Approved...to note the partnership Special Educational Needs, Disabilities and Inclusion Strategy for 2024 to 2029, the Equalities Impact Assessment, and to establish a task and finish group to ensure sufficient resources and support for delivering the strategy's improvements.
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ANY OTHER UNRESTRICTED BUSINESS CONSIDERED TO BE URGENT
Recommendations Approved...whether to take any other unrestricted business items considered urgent on October 16, 2024, despite there being none currently scheduled.
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VAWG and Women’s Safety Strategy
Recommendations Approved...whether to approve the council's Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and Women’s Safety Strategy for 2024-2029.
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Annual Resident Survey (ARS) 2024 results and analysis
Recommendations Approved...the Cabinet of Tower Hamlets noted the findings of the 2024 Annual Resident Survey, acknowledged the report, and agreed to share the results to contribute to service improvement.
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Review of the Licensing Act Cumulative Impact Assessments
Recommendations Approved...whether to retain, modify, or remove Cumulative Impact Assessments (CIAs) for licensed premises in Brick Lane and Bethnal Green and to formally adopt the revised CIA Policy Statement.
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Strategic Delivery and Performance Report Year 3 Quarter 1
Recommendations Approved...whether to note the strategic delivery and performance report for Quarter 1 (1st April 2024 to 30th June 2024), review the status of 56 performance measures tracking delivery of Year 3 of the Strategic Plan 2022-2026, and consider if any major changes are needed to the assumptions underpinning the targets set for the 2024/25 financial year.
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Harriott, Apsley & Pattison (HAP) Houses Regeneration Scheme - Two Stage Tender Negotiation
Recommendations Approved... whether to award the build contract for the redevelopment of Harriott, Apsley and Pattison Houses, creating over 400 new homes and a reprovisioned community space.
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Corporate Peer Challenge Action Plan – Position Statement and Organisational Impact
Recommendations Approved...whether to request a progress review from the Local Government Association regarding the Corporate Peer Challenge Action Plan.
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Harriott, Apsley & Pattison (HAP) Houses Regeneration Scheme - Resolution to make a Compulsory Purchase Order
Recommendations Approved...whether to approve a Compulsory Purchase Order to acquire land for the Harriott, Apsley & Pattison (HAP) Houses regeneration scheme.
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Tower Hamlets Council's Target Operating Model
Recommendations Approved...to formally launch the council's new Target Operating Model (TOM) and take note of the associated launch campaign commencing on 1 November 2024.
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Supported Living Pathway
Recommendations Approved...whether to enter into a negotiated procedure to award lots from a failed tender for supported living provision, ensuring continued service for vulnerable residents while exploring alternative models for future provision.
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