The Tower Hamlets Council Cabinet met to discuss several key issues, including mental health services for children, noise complaints, market improvements, dog control, school amalgamations, substance misuse services, and agency worker contracts, making decisions on each. The Cabinet agreed to insource the out of hours noise service, introduce a dog control public spaces protection order, and approve the amalgamation of Globe Primary and Rachel Keeling Nursery Schools. They also approved a contract for Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services, a redesign of the substance misuse service, and an agency worker contract extension with MATRIX.

Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

The Cabinet authorised the Corporate Director of Children’s Services to award a contract to East London Foundation Trust (ELFT) for Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). This decision aims to ensure continuous mental health support for young people in the borough's social care system.

The service provides outpatient assessments, support, and treatment for children and young people up to the age of 18 experiencing moderate to severe mental health problems. Councillor Musthak Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Enterprise, Skills and Growth, highlighted the importance of the service in delivering timely specialist mental health support to vulnerable children, especially those with care experience. Councillor Choudhury, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Social Care, emphasised the need to monitor the service closely and ensure financial risk management.

The report noted that a recent Ofsted inspection gave positive feedback on the service.

Out of Hours Noise Service

The Cabinet authorised the delivery of the Out of Hours Noise service in-house, ending the contract with Parkguard Ltd on 30 June 2025. This decision aims to improve the service by using existing council resources, specifically Tower Hamlets Enforcement Officers (THEOs), and integrating it with the Community Safety Directorate.

Councillor Kobir Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Inclusive Development and Housebuilding, emphasised the importance of direct action and a single point of contact for residents. Councillor Kampoog, Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation, supported the move, stating that the current system was not working for residents. Councillor Saeed Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Resources and the Cost of Living, sought assurance of a smooth transition, which was provided by officers.

Mayor Lutfur Rahman noted the investment in CCTV systems and THEOs, expressing the need for a seamless service across council departments.

Scrutiny Deep Dive Markets Challenge Action Plan

The Cabinet noted the report on the Scrutiny Deep Dive Markets Challenge Action Plan, agreeing to implement actions to support markets and traders in the borough. The plan addresses recommendations from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, focusing on market infrastructure, trader facilities, anti-social behaviour, waste management, and attracting young traders.

Councillor Shafi Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Environment and the Climate Emergency, introduced the report, highlighting the recommendations made following visits to markets in Tower Hamlets and Hackney.

Councillor Waheed, Cabinet Member for Customer Service, Equalities and Social Inclusion, inquired about the engagement of young people in the markets. Councillor Kobir Ahmed highlighted the role of markets in the identity of Tower Hamlets, praising the awards won by Whitechapel market and Columbia Road market. Councillor May, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education, Youth and Lifelong Learning (Statutory Deputy Mayor), thanked the scrutiny members for their constructive report.

The Mayor thanked the Scrutiny Committee for their work, noting that the actions would be implemented using existing resources.

Dog Control Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO)

The Cabinet approved the creation of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for dog control, delegating authority to the Corporate Director of Communities to finalise its introduction. This decision follows a consultation in response to dog attack incidents in the borough. The PSPO will address dog fouling, require dogs to be on leads when directed, exclude dogs from gated play parks and sports areas, and limit the number of dogs one person can walk to four. A professional dog walker licensing scheme will also be introduced.

Councillor Shafi Ahmed made a comprehensive statement, emphasising that the measures aim to protect children and vulnerable people while supporting responsible dog owners. The Mayor supported the recommendations, highlighting the importance of protecting the people of the borough.

Amalgamation of Globe Primary and Rachel Keeling Nursery Schools

The Cabinet agreed to the amalgamation of Globe Primary and Rachel Keeling Nursery Schools, effective from 1 September 2025, forming an all-through 3 to 11 years’ primary school. This decision follows a statutory consultation period and aims to improve sustainability, maximise resources, and protect high-quality early years provision.

Councillor Mayim Talukdar presented the report, noting that 94% of respondents agreed with the proposal. A video was shown featuring voices from the community, expressing support for the amalgamation.

Substance Misuse Service Redesign

The Cabinet approved the proposed Integrated Drug and Alcohol Treatment system model, including the co-location of the criminal justice team, and authorised the Corporate Director of Health and Adults Social Care to award a three-year contract (with a possible two-year extension) for the service. The decision aims to deliver a borough-wide, world-class substance misuse treatment system, as outlined in the Combatting Drugs Partnership Substance Misuse Strategy 2024-2027¹.

Councillor Gulam Kibria Choudhury, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Social Care, highlighted the importance of the strategy in providing a world-class treatment offer. Councillor Kobir Ahmed requested assurances regarding management structures, accountability, and the inclusion of community detoxes.

Agency Worker Contract

The Cabinet authorised the Corporate Director of Resources to award a two-year contract to Matrix, the existing agency worker provider, in accordance with framework terms. This decision aims to ensure a cost-effective framework and achieve savings of nearly £900,000 per year.

Councillor Saied Ahmed introduced the report, noting the urgency due to the contract's expiration. Julie Lorraine, Corporate Director of Resources, emphasised the priority of reducing agency costs. Andy Grant, Corporate Head of Procurement, explained the savings would come from transferring workers to Matrix's own payroll.

Councillor Mayim Talukdar raised the issue of social value, requesting a quarterly report on the social value activities provided by Matrix. The Mayor supported this request, emphasising the importance of tracking social value in contracts.