The Council meeting on 02 October 2024 saw significant debate and decisions on several key issues affecting residents. A major focus was the proposed changes to homelessness accommodation placement policies and the council's response to the national decision to scrap Winter Fuel Allowance payments. The council also debated and voted on implementing time-banded waste collections in commercial areas and unanimously passed a cross-party motion to address the ethnicity pay gap.

Petition to Save the Attlee Centre

The meeting began with a petition presented by Tania Shaikh, on behalf of the Attlee Centre, requesting the renewal of their 25-year lease on peppercorn rent. The centre, which has provided free services to the community for over 42 years, faces closure if the lease is not renewed, as it is unable to fundraise without a minimum five-year lease. Petitioners highlighted that the lease expires in May 2026 and that they have faced reluctance from the council in discussing renewal since June 2023, with no response received from the Mayor's office despite multiple attempts at contact. Questions from councillors focused on the centre's crime prevention services, the lack of response from the Mayor's office, and whether the centre continues the traditions of Clement Attlee by providing opportunities for all. Councillor Saied Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Resources and the Cost of Living, stated that any formal decisions on lease proposals would be made before the expiry date in 2026 and that the council recognises the centre's benefit through its community benefit rent reduction scheme, offering up to 80% rent reductions to crucial voluntary and community sector organisations. The petition was referred to the Corporate Director for Communities for a response within 28 days.

Mayor's Report and Opposition Response

Mayor Lutfur Rahman presented his report, highlighting the council's achievement of Youth Justice Sent quality lead status, the decision to maintain the 90-minute cap on homelessness placement policies, and the continuation of the warm hub and warm packs program for the upcoming winter. He also announced plans for a Mayor's Winter Emergency Fund to support vulnerable and elderly residents affected by the scrapping of the winter fuel allowance and expressed concern over the ongoing situation in Gaza.

Councillor Sirajul Islam, Leader of the Opposition, responded by congratulating Councillor Abdi Mohamed on his by-election victory and acknowledging the Mayor's U-turn on the homelessness placement policy, attributing it to community and Labour group protests. He also welcomed funding from the GLA and the government for housing initiatives.

Administration Motion: Winter Fuel Payments Redress

Councillor Saied Ahmed moved a motion calling for the creation of a Mayor's Winter Emergency Fund to support pensioners who will lose out due to the scrapping of Winter Fuel Allowance payments. The motion highlighted that approximately 9,000 pensioners in Tower Hamlets would be affected, potentially forcing them to choose between heating and eating. The council also resolved to write to the government requesting the reinstatement of the Winter Fuel Allowance and to launch a borough-wide campaign to promote Pension Credit eligibility. Councillor Kabir Ahmed seconded the motion, emphasizing the moral indefensibility of the Labour government's decision.

An amendment proposed by Councillor Marc Francis, on behalf of the Labour group, sought to specify payment amounts and eligibility criteria for the local scheme, and to call on the council to be more assertive in its communication with the government. Following extensive debate, the amendment was voted on and fell. The original motion was then put to a vote and carried.

Opposition Motion: Scrap the Revised Homelessness Accommodation Placement Policy

Councillor Asma Islam moved a motion calling for the reversal of the revised homelessness accommodation placement policy, which removed the 90-minute journey time cap, allowing families to be placed further from the borough. She presented a timeline of events, arguing that the policy was an attempt to mask the administration's failed record on homelessness KPIs. Councillor Sirajul Islam seconded the motion, highlighting the detrimental impact of such policies on vulnerable families.

Councillor Kabir Ahmed moved an amendment, stating that the Mayor had already cancelled the policy and that the council would continue to work within the current policy, ensuring the 90-minute cap remains. He also criticised the Labour government's benefit cap and praised the Mayor's listening approach. Councillor Mujzenke Ahmed seconded the amendment, reiterating that the 90-minute cap would be maintained.

After considerable debate, the amendment proposed by Councillor Kabir Ahmed was voted on and fell. The original motion, as amended by Councillor Asma Islam, was then put to a vote and carried.

Reports from the Executive and Council Committees

Standards Advisory Committee Annual Report 2023-24: John Pulford, Chair of the Standards Advisory Committee, presented the annual report, highlighting that only three complaints were investigated out of eleven received. He noted concerns about the length of time taken to resolve complaints and urged members to respond promptly to officer requests. The report was noted by the council.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee Annual Report 2023-24: Councillor Jahed Choudhury, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, presented the annual report, detailing the committee's work in scrutinising the council's budget, strategic performance, and key issues affecting residents, including support for market traders, violence against women and girls, and parking management. The report was noted and commented on by the council.

Cabinet Report: Time Banded Collections (Waste Services): Councillor Shafi Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Environment and the Climate Emergency, presented a report recommending the introduction of time-banded waste collections for domestic and commercial waste on selected high streets, town centres, and main commercial areas. This would involve setting fixed penalty notice amounts for non-compliance. Following a vote to extend the meeting time, the report was debated. Councillor Ahmed confirmed that warnings would be issued before fixed penalties. The council agreed to the recommendations, including the introduction of the Tower Hamlets Waste Regulations 2024 and the associated time bands, with a fixed penalty notice of £80 (discounted to £50 if paid within 14 days). Powers were delegated to the Corporate Director of Communities to make amendments to the regulations in consultation with the Mayor.

Proportionality and Allocation of Places on Committees of the Council 2024/25: Matthew Mannion, Head of Democratic Services, presented a report on the proportionality of seats on council committees following changes in the political composition of the council. The report outlined the proposed allocations for the remainder of the municipal year. The council agreed to note and accept the proposed allocations.

Motions Submitted by Members of the Council

Cross-Party Motion – Ethnicity Pay Gap: Councillor Abdi Mohamed, newly elected for Bow East, moved a cross-party motion calling for the council to annually report on the ethnicity pay gap within its own organisation, work with unions and suppliers to promote best practice, and call on the government to introduce mandatory reporting. He highlighted research showing a significant pay gap for Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic workers. The motion was unanimously carried.

Motion on Support the Campaign to Move the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) to an Ethical Investment Model: This motion was not debated due to time constraints.

Motion on Violence, Abuse and Intimidation in Political Campaigning: This motion was not debated due to time constraints.

Motion on Support the Campaign to Move the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) to an Ethical Investment Model: This motion was not debated due to time constraints.

The meeting concluded at 10:03 p.m.