The Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on Monday 13 October 2025 reviewed the council's strategic performance, discussed the development of a new 10-year strategic vision for the borough, and examined the annual complaints report and flood risk management progress. Key decisions included noting the strategic performance report, providing feedback on the draft strategic vision, and reviewing the progress of flood risk management recommendations.

Strategic Delivery and Performance Report

Councillor Saeed Ahmed and John Lloyd presented the Strategic Delivery and Performance Report for Year Four, Quarter One. The report indicated a generally positive performance, with 36 out of 60 performance measures rated as 'green' (meeting or exceeding targets). Three previously 'red' measures (KPI 06, KPI 21, and KPI 26) had improved to 'green'. However, six measures remained 'red', including the percentage of homelessness cases prevented or relieved (KPI 03), the number of overcrowded households (KPI 10), the number of privately rented properties visited (KPI 11), the rate of first-time entrants to the youth justice system (KPI 25), the level of household recycling (KPI 46), and the percentage of tenants satisfied that their home is safe (KPI 55). Four measures were rated 'amber'. John Lloyd noted that benchmarking metrics against statistical neighbours and London averages would be embedded in future reports to provide better context.

Councillor Amy Lee highlighted the positive progress on Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs), noting that additional resources had been allocated to improve both the speed and quality of these plans. Councillor Abdi Mohamed questioned the impact of the Director of Young Tower Hamlets on youth justice and early intervention, particularly concerning first-time entrants to the youth justice system (KPI 28). It was explained that while there had been a significant reduction in first-time entrants over the past two years, there was a slight increase in the current quarter, affecting 40 children. An approach called 'Outcome 22', working with the police and other partners, is being used to avert children's involvement in the criminal justice process. Councillor Asma Islam raised concerns about the accuracy of data collection for free school meals and suggested incorporating a KPI for young people's satisfaction with free school meals, similar to tenant satisfaction.

Strategic Vision 2035 Development & Engagement

The committee discussed the draft Strategic Vision 2035, a 10-year plan developed in collaboration with residents and partners. The vision aims to guide decision-making, shape strategies, and strengthen partnership working. Councillor Abdi Mohamed questioned how kindness, creativity, and determination would change inequalities of opportunity and what constitutes a good life for residents. It was explained that the document is a statement of aspirations, with detailed actions to be outlined in a delivery plan. Concerns were raised by Councillor Abdul Mannan about the timeframe for engagement, the accuracy of baseline statistics, and the need for more granular data, particularly regarding the Bangladeshi community and disability. He urged for the document to be pushed back to allow for more comprehensive engagement. Councillor Amy Lee inquired about the approach to neighbourhood working and how it differs from current practices. The committee also discussed the sufficiency of following 20 individuals for 10 years to understand borough changes and the importance of capturing the voice of businesses. Councillor Ahmodur Khan raised concerns about eradicating racism and ensuring adults can live a good life when they are unhappy with their homes.

Annual Complaints Report

Councillor Gulam Kibria Choudhury, Leah Sites (Acting Director of Customer Services), and Usman Zia (Head of Information Governance) presented the Corporate Complaints Annual Performance and Service Improvement Report for 2024-25. The report detailed that nearly 6,000 complaints were received, with 5,162 at Stage 1 and 591 at Stage 2. The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) considered 211 cases, with an uphold rate of 83%, slightly below the London average of 84%. The LGSCO's annual letter noted a notable improvement in the council's engagement with the Ombudsman. Councillor Amy Lee questioned how feedback from upheld complaints is used to drive change in core departments, and it was explained that structured training and more focused work with directors are being implemented. Councillor Nathalie Bienfait raised concerns about Stage 2 response times and the consequences for teams that do not comply. It was reported that Stage 2 performance had significantly improved since October 2024, reaching 98-100% on time. Councillor Halima Islam asked for insight into the year-on-year increase in Stage 2 complaints despite a reduction in Stage 1 complaints, which was attributed to the cost of living crisis and housing issues motivating residents to escalate complaints. The report also highlighted that 93 out of 211 LGSCO cases were related to Housing.

Flood Risk Management

Simon Baxter (Interim Head of Highways and Transportation) provided an update on the progress of flood risk management recommendations. Key achievements included the drafting of an updated Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (LFRMS) and SuDS guidance, the updating of an asset register, and the appointment of a second flood engineer. Over 200 cycle-friendly gully covers have been installed, and routine drainage maintenance is ongoing. Councillor Nathalie Bienfait inquired about funding for gully sensors in high-risk areas and the approach to risk management. It was noted that funding for some initiatives is still being sought through capital funding streams and external agencies. Councillor Abdi Mohamed asked about building confidence with local residents, particularly in areas like Fish Island that have experienced flooding. It was acknowledged that while formal partnerships have been focused on, building resident confidence is a key area for development.

Scrutiny Leads Updates

Councillor Nathalie Bienfait provided an update on her scrutiny review into reducing road deaths, noting positive engagement with officers and residents. Councillor Abdi Mohamed updated the committee on his review into tackling re-offending rates among 18-25 year olds and highlighted National Hate Crime Awareness Week. Councillor Abdul Mannan mentioned his ongoing work on the council housing regeneration subcommittee and a site visit to a commercial property. Councillor Abdul Wahid indicated that his focus for the year would include mental health issues and bullying in schools.

Pre-Decision Scrutiny of Unrestricted Cabinet Papers

The committee noted that no pre-decision scrutiny questions had been submitted for the upcoming Cabinet meeting. However, members were given an extended deadline of 12 pm the following day to submit any urgent questions.