The Cabinet of Tower Hamlets Council met on Wednesday 16 October 2024 to discuss a range of important issues, including the Annual Residents' Survey results, the council's Target Operating Model, and strategies for tackling violence against women and girls. Key decisions made included the approval of the new Target Operating Model, the adoption of the VAWG and Women's Safety Strategy, and the resolution to make a Compulsory Purchase Order for the Harriott, Apsley & Pattison Houses regeneration scheme.

Annual Residents' Survey Shows High Satisfaction

The Cabinet received the results of the 2024 Annual Residents' Survey, which indicated a high level of satisfaction among residents with the council's performance and the local area. An overwhelming 84% of residents expressed satisfaction with the local area, an increase of 6% from the previous year and 10% above the London average. Satisfaction with waste collection services rose to 69%, and street cleanliness improved to 63%. Notably, 90% of residents believe that people from different backgrounds get on well in the borough, a figure that has increased over the years. While community safety and customer services were identified as areas for improvement, the council expressed confidence in continued investment and strengthening of existing infrastructure.

New Target Operating Model Launched

The Cabinet formally approved the launch of the council's new Target Operating Model (TOM). This model has been developed to better align with the organisation's priorities and to ensure that residents are at the forefront of decision-making. The previous TOM, drafted in 2019, was criticised for its excessive focus on internal processes rather than resident needs. The new model, developed through extensive engagement with stakeholders including residents, staff, and community groups, is guided by six core design principles: value-driven, community-led, collaborative, enabling, innovative, and accountable. A comprehensive communications plan will be implemented to embed this new model across the workforce.

Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy Approved

A new VAWG and Women's Safety Strategy for 2024-2029 was approved by the Cabinet. This strategy aims to tackle gender-based violence across the borough, building on previous work and addressing emerging issues such as online abuse and safety in public spaces. The strategy is informed by extensive consultation with residents, partners, and experts by experience. It outlines three overarching priorities: Preventing Harm and Promoting Safety, Supporting Victims and Survivors, and Responding to Perpetrators. The council acknowledged the need for a whole-system response to VAWG and discussed how members can support its delivery across the organisation.

Compulsory Purchase Order for HAP Houses Regeneration

The Cabinet resolved to make a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) to facilitate the regeneration of the Harriott, Apsley & Pattison (HAP) Houses estate. This significant housing development will deliver over 400 new homes, including affordable housing, and a new community facility. The decision to proceed with the CPO was deemed necessary due to ongoing negotiations with some leaseholders not reaching an agreement, which could jeopardise the project's timeline and viability. The scheme aims to provide high-quality replacement homes for existing residents, new council homes, and market homes to fund the development, while also improving public realm and community spaces.

Corporate Peer Challenge Update

The Cabinet received an update on the council's progress against the Local Government Association (LGA) Corporate Peer Challenge (CPC) Action Plan. The council has made significant strides, with 84% of identified actions completed and 91% on track for completion by the end of November. Key areas of progress include financial sustainability, governance, and diversity and inclusion. The council welcomed the prospect of an LGA progress review and requested the Chief Executive to write to the LGA inviting them to revisit the council for an updated review.

Supported Living Pathway Procurement Issues

The Cabinet noted that the tender process for the Children and Young People's Supported Housing Pathway had been unsuccessful in awarding contracts for three out of four lots due to insufficient quality bids. Consequently, the council will proceed with a negotiated procedure under Regulation 32 of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 to ensure continued service provision for vulnerable young people. The council is also exploring alternative models, such as a pre-approved supplier list, for future procurement.

Licensing Act Cumulative Impact Assessments Reviewed

The Cabinet agreed to retain the Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA) for Brick Lane and expand its boundaries to the southeastern edge, while removing the CIA for Bethnal Green. This decision follows a statutory consultation process and is based on evidence indicating a cumulative impact on licensing objectives in the Brick Lane area, while insufficient evidence was found to retain the CIA in Bethnal Green. The reviewed CIA Policy Statement was also agreed.

Strategic Delivery and Performance Report

The Cabinet reviewed the Strategic Delivery and Performance Report for Quarter 1 of Year 3. The report detailed the status of 56 performance measures, with 24 rated as green, 9 as amber, and 9 as red. While acknowledging improvements in several areas, the Cabinet expressed concern over the nine red measures, particularly those related to children's services, homelessness, and housing delivery, and requested further action plans and rapid improvement.

Other Decisions

The Cabinet also noted the findings of the Annual Resident Survey, approved the launch campaign for the new Target Operating Model, and agreed to the recommendations within the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and Women's Safety Strategy. Decisions were also made regarding the Harriott, Apsley & Pattison (HAP) Houses regeneration scheme, including the award of a Pre-Construction Services Agreement and delegation of authority for negotiations. The Cabinet also agreed to the recommendations within the Tower Hamlets Special Educational Needs, Disabilities and Inclusion Strategy 2024 to 2029, including the establishment of a task and finish group to ensure sufficient resources for delivery.