The Overview & Scrutiny Committee in Tower Hamlets met to discuss the Strategic Delivery Performance Report for Quarter 4, the Budget Monitoring Report for 2024/25, and the Strategic Vision 2035 Development and Engagement plan. Councillors raised concerns about recycling rates, the council's overspend on homelessness services, and the timetable for the new strategic vision.

Strategic Delivery Performance Report

The committee reviewed the Strategic Delivery Performance Report for Quarter 4, noting that 34 out of 56 performance measures were on track. Councillor Nathalie Bienfait highlighted improvements in homelessness prevention and other areas, but raised concerns about the household recycling rate and a reduction in community arts events.

Recycling Rates

KPI 46, the household recycling rate, was a key point of discussion. Councillor Bienfait noted that the rate was flatlining. Councillors heard from officers that contamination remained a significant challenge, with a contamination rate of around 28%.

Ashraf Ali, Director of Public Realm, explained that officers were working to reduce contamination through community engagement and working with registered social landlords (RSLs). He mentioned piloted initiatives such as door knocking, relocating bins, and providing different types of sacks.

Councillor Goulam Kibria Choudhury noted that the council was continuing to see improvements in recycling rates in autumn.

Councillor Kasal asked about the timeline for providing recycling bags across all wards. Ashraf Ali responded that the council was evaluating piloted areas before scaling up the programme, but that bags were available in idea stores.

Councillor Amy Lee asked when the council would see value for money on recycling, given the millions of pounds invested. Ashraf Ali acknowledged that it was a million-dollar question but said that the council was aiming for a 23% recycling rate and working to change behaviour through education and partnerships.

Councillor Jahed Ahmed raised concerns about the practicality of the recycling bags and suggested incentivising schools and businesses to recycle more.

Councillor James King said that recycling rates were at 20% when the new administration came in in 2022, but that they had since declined.

Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)

KPI 21, the percentage of education, health and care assessments completed within 20 weeks, was also discussed. Councillor Halima Islam noted that this measure had been red for a couple of years. Susanna, an officer, said that 61 out of 151 plans were completed within 20 weeks in the last quarter, bringing the percentage up to 40%. She said that the council was balancing timeliness with quality and had appointed a quality assurance manager and trained caseworkers.

Councillor Abdi Mohamed said that there needed to be a bold plan to deal with the problems in the SEND system.

Overcrowded Households

KPI 10, lets to overcrowded households, was another area of concern. Councillor Halima Islam asked about measures to address overcrowding, such as occupation checks, tenancy checks, knock-throughs, and incentives. An officer responded that there were constraints due to the types of accommodation available, but that the council was looking at increasing incentives for downsizing and exploring knock-throughs where possible.

Homelessness Prevention

KPI 03, percentage of homelessness cases prevented or relieved, was a positive area, with the percentage increasing from 36% to 45%. Councillor Abdi Mohamed asked about the data behind this measure and how the council monitors families after preventing homelessness. An officer said that the council tracks repeat visits and outcomes after placing someone in private rented sector accommodation.

Budget Monitoring 2024-25

The committee then moved on to the Budget Monitoring Report for 2024-25. Councillor Saeed Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Resources and the Cost of Living, introduced the report, noting that the council's outturn had been significantly impacted by demand-driven pressures in homelessness, adult social care, and SEND. He said that the net overspend for the year was £16.5 million, which was funded through the council's risk reserves.

Councillor Asma Islam asked about plans to reduce spending on temporary accommodation for homeless people. An officer responded that the council was pursuing an acquisitions programme, increasing resources for temporary accommodation procurement, revising the landlord incentive scheme, and making additional council homes available for temporary accommodation.

Councillor Ahmadul Khan asked about plans to reduce the £6 million net overspend in adult social care. An officer responded that the council was trying to increase capacity for reablement services and provide therapy support to people leaving hospital.

Councillor Amy Lee asked how the council was factoring in the increase in demand for home care and the Mayor's pledge to introduce free home care. An officer responded that the council was working to forecast demand and monitor unit costs.

Councillor Halima Islam asked if the council was looking to draw down on reserves to balance the budget at the end of the year. An officer responded that the plan was not to rely on reserves, but to control mitigations as much as possible.

Councillor James King asked why the mayor was not present to answer questions about the budget.

Strategic Vision 2035

Finally, the committee discussed the Strategic Vision 2035 Development and Engagement plan. Jonathan Lloyd, the new director of strategy improvement and transformation, introduced the item, explaining that the vision was being co-produced with residents and partners.

Councillor Asma Islam expressed support for the concept but raised concerns about the timeline and the level of engagement with residents. She said that 500 residents was not enough for a 10-year programme and that the council needed to spend more time engaging with people.

Councillor Sabina Khan liked the mission statement but said that partnership was something that did not work well. She also said that climate change and overcrowding were issues that needed to be addressed.

Councillor Abdi Mohamed echoed concerns about the timeline and the level of engagement. He also asked how the strategic vision would fit in with the council's continuous improvement plan.

Several councillors suggested that the strategic vision should be a borough plan, not a council plan, and that it should be a long-term anti-poverty strategy.

Other Business

The committee agreed to send any further questions on the agenda items to officers via email. They also discussed the draft overview and scrutiny work programme for 2025/26 and agreed to send any suggestions to the chair.