The Council meeting on Wednesday, 19 November 2025, saw the approval of the draft Local Plan for submission to the Secretary of State, alongside discussions on petitions concerning child poverty, school safety, and support for small businesses. Key decisions also included the adoption of the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report for 2024-25, highlighting the committee's work in scrutinising council services and holding leadership to account.

Local Plan Submission to the Secretary of State

The Council debated and ultimately approved the submission of the draft Tower Hamlets Local Plan 2023-2038 to the Secretary of State for examination in public. This plan, which has been in development for several years and undergone extensive public consultation, sets out a strategic vision for growth across the borough, aiming to deliver over 52,000 homes by 2038. It includes policies on housing, environment, design, employment, town centres, community infrastructure, biodiversity, connectivity, and waste.

Councillor Kabir Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Inclusive Development and Housebuilding, introduced the report, emphasizing the plan's ambition to tackle overcrowding and related inequalities by prioritizing family-sized, social, and affordable housing. He highlighted that the plan seeks to increase the affordable housing requirement from 35% to 40%, with a strong emphasis on socially rented homes. Councillor Mayim Talukdar, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education, Youth and Lifelong Learning, seconded the report, noting that the plan puts residents first and addresses the housing crisis by allowing for higher building in appropriate areas, with plans for public space and amenities.

However, the plan faced significant opposition. Councillor Marc Francis argued that the draft plan would negatively impact the East End's historic character, criticizing the permissive approach to tall buildings and the potential for increased pressure on public services. Councillor Ohid Ahmed voiced concerns about the plan's emphasis on tall blocks and dense housing, suggesting it could lead to the displacement of local residents and a loss of heritage and identity. He also questioned the deliverability of affordable housing targets and the lack of specific targets for Gypsy and Traveller communities. Councillor Peter Golds echoed concerns about the height of proposed buildings, advocating for homes that are closer to the ground and designed for families, rather than high-rise blocks potentially sold off-plan.

Councillor Shafi Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Environment and the Climate Emergency, spoke in favour of the plan, highlighting its commitment to tackling the climate emergency, promoting biodiversity, and improving waste management. He stated that the plan represents a critical step towards a cleaner, greener, and more resilient borough. Councillor Kamrul Hussain, Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation, also supported the plan, emphasizing its role in addressing overcrowding and delivering affordable homes.

Despite the criticisms, the motion to approve the submission of the Local Plan documents to the Secretary of State for examination in public was carried.

Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2024-25

Councillor Asma Islam, who chaired the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for the first half of the municipal year, presented the Annual Report for 2024-25. She highlighted the committee's diligent work in ensuring transparency, accountability, and resident-focused decision-making. The report detailed the committee's scrutiny of the council's budget, including concerns about delivery risks and long-term sustainability, and welcomed the move away from reliance on reserves. It also covered the committee's examination of the council's progress towards Net Zero targets, noting that the council is on track to meet its 2025 target for council emissions, but borough-wide emissions require further attention. The report also detailed reviews into flood risk management, hate crime reporting, and revenue collection strategies.

Councillor Jahed Choudhury, who chaired the committee for the latter half of the year, seconded the report, thanking officers and members for their hard work. Councillor Marc Francis praised the work of the scrutiny committee, particularly highlighting efforts to secure changes regarding homeless families and the leadership shown in health scrutiny. Councillor Gulam Kibria Choudhury, Chair of the Health & Adults Scrutiny Sub-Committee, commended the report, noting its balanced approach and constructive recommendations, particularly regarding maternity care. Councillor Abdi Mohamed spoke about the positive evolution of scrutiny, moving from an adversarial approach to a more collaborative critical friend role. Councillor Ahmodur Khan, Scrutiny Lead for Finance and Resources, highlighted the committee's contribution to budget scrutiny and financial well-being. Councillor Abdul Mannan praised the work of the Children and Education Sub-Committee, particularly their engagement with parents on free school meals. Councillor Ahmodul Kabir also spoke, emphasizing the importance of scrutiny in driving improvement.

The Council resolved to note the Annual Report.

Petitions

Several petitions were presented and discussed during the meeting:

• Fifth Cricket Pitch in Victoria Park: The petitioner, Peter Nash, raised concerns about the safety of a new cricket pitch in Victoria Park, arguing it was too close to pathways and posed a risk to families with young children. Councillor Kamrul Hussain, Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation, responded that there were no plans to build a fifth cricket pitch and that the existing facilities met safety standards. The petition was referred to the Corporate Director for Communities for a written response.
• Child Poverty in Tower Hamlets: Joy Tara Bebe and Mariam Mourad presented a petition calling for child poverty to be placed at the heart of council policy, advocating for a community-led child poverty commission. Councillor Maium Talukdar, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education, Youth and Lifelong Learning, undertook to ask officers to prepare for the establishment of a commission, with the first meeting planned for January 2026. The petition was referred to the Corporate Director for Communities for a written response.
• Safer School Journey for Tower Hamlets Children: Ted Maxwell presented a petition calling for investment in School Streets to improve safety for children travelling to school. He criticized the council for not implementing new School Streets since 2022 and for removing one at Chisholm Hill Primary School. Councillor Shafi Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Environment and the Climate Emergency, stated that the council was committed to safer streets and that improvements were assessed on a site-by-site basis, acknowledging funding constraints. The petition was referred to the Corporate Director for Communities for a written response.
• Mornington Grove: Residents Justin Far Jones and Bethleen Chatterford-Dye raised concerns about increased traffic, littering, and anti-social behaviour linked to the Bow Triangle Business Centre. Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, outlined steps being taken, including exploring additional signage, enforcing the 20mph speed limit, and increasing patrols. The petition was referred to the Corporate Director for Communities for a written response.
• Support for Small Businesses: Haroon Mia, representing the Ocean Business Association, presented a petition calling for a review of the IZTA rent calculation framework, a freeze on rent increases, improved parking, and the establishment of an SME body. Councillor Musthak Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Enterprise, Skills and Growth, acknowledged the importance of small businesses and outlined measures being explored, including a grant-funded support scheme and parking improvements. The petition was referred to the Corporate Director for Resources for a written response.

Mayor's Report

Mayor Lutfur Rahman presented his report, highlighting international tragedies and the importance of community action. He also spoke about the Local Plan, emphasizing its commitment to delivering over 52,000 homes with a 40-50% affordable housing target, prioritizing family-sized social and affordable housing. He also provided an update on the council's improvement journey, noting progress against the continuous improvement plan. Councillor Sirajul Islam, Leader of the Opposition, responded, congratulating Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury on the birth of his child and highlighting the Renters' Rights Act and solar panel installations at Moulin Primary School. Mayor Rahman then provided concluding remarks.

Administration and Opposition Motions

• Administration Motion on the Impact of Government's Reduced Affordable Housing Target: This motion, proposed by Councillor Kabir Ahmed and seconded by Councillor Maium Talukdar, expressed concern that government measures, including a reduced affordable housing target of 20% and a 50% discount on CIL for developers, would negatively impact affordable housing delivery in Tower Hamlets. The motion called on the government and the Mayor of London to reverse these decisions and for the council to share its expertise in balancing developer profitability with affordable housing needs. The motion was agreed.
• Opposition Motion on Housing Repairs: This motion, proposed by Councillor Sirajul Islam, highlighted a decline in housing repairs performance since 2022, citing low tenant satisfaction rates and numerous outstanding safety actions. It called for increased scrutiny of housing services, improved performance data transparency, co-production of a Repairs Improvement Charter, and a dedicated taskforce to address damp and mould. The motion was agreed.

Bethnal Green Police Station

A motion proposed by Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury and seconded by Councillor Saied Ahmed, calling for the reversal of the decision to close the front counter at Bethnal Green Police Station, was agreed. An amendment proposed by Councillor Mohammed Chowdhury and seconded by Councillor Rebakah Sultana, which sought to further detail the impact of police station closures and call for community engagement, was defeated. The agreed motion called for the Chief Executive to write to the Metropolitan Police Commissioner and Borough Commander, requested a full explanation for the closure, and called for an urgent meeting and a crime summit.

Other Business

• Statement of Gambling Policy 2025-2028: Council agreed to adopt the revised Gambling Policy, maintaining the existing no casino resolution.
• Annual Report of the Standards Advisory Committee: Council reviewed and noted the report.
• Appointment of the Independent Chair of the Audit Committee: Council approved the appointment of the candidate specified in Appendix 1 as Independent Member and Chair of the Audit Committee.
• Localism Act 2011 and Approval of Exit Payments: Council noted and approved the exit payments, including redundancy and early retirement/pension benefits.

Written questions from members were also addressed, covering a range of topics including traffic management, housing delivery, environmental initiatives, and council services.