The Council meeting on 21 January 2026 saw extensive debate on housing policy, the proposed Chinese embassy development, and the council's continuous improvement journey. Key decisions included the approval of the Youth Justice Strategic Plan 2025-28, amendments to the Code of Conduct for Members, and the appointment of two Independent Persons to the Standards Advisory Committee. The council also resolved to write to the Secretary of State regarding the Chinese embassy decision and to urge the government to reverse its reduced affordable housing targets.

Urgent Motions and Procedural Matters

The meeting began with the consideration of two urgent motions. The first, concerning the planning permission granted for the Chinese embassy at Royal Mint Court, was accepted onto the agenda and debated. The second, regarding the best value directions, was not accepted. Councillor Marc Francis proposed moving the debate on the best value inspection and government intervention up the agenda, but this was ultimately unsuccessful.

Tributes and Announcements

The Speaker of the Council, Councillor Suluk Ahmed, opened the meeting by wishing everyone a Happy New Year and acknowledging Councillor Peter Gould's birthday. He also paid tribute to the late Dobiru Islam Choudhury, who passed away at the age of 106, and Simon Baxter, Corporate Director for Communities, who passed away on 4 January 2026. Several councillors shared heartfelt condolences and memories of both individuals, highlighting their significant contributions to the borough.

Chief Executive Steve Halsey also announced updates, including the success of the Young Tower Hamlets youth service, which has seen over 180,000 attendees in the past two years. He also mentioned upcoming Holocaust Memorial Day commemorations and a planned demonstration in Whitechapel. Halsey provided a detailed update on the council's continuous improvement journey, noting changes to the intervention model following discussions with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. He confirmed that an updated report on this matter would be circulated to councillors.

Petitions

Three petitions were presented:

• Right to Grow in Tower Hamlets: This petition called for the council to identify and use public land for community food growing, secure fair leases, and support community gardens. Councillor Shafi Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Environment and the Climate Emergency, responded positively, stating the council was developing a borough-wide community gardening strategy and would meet with the petitioners. The petition was referred to the Communities Directorate for a written response.
• Extension of Bus Route 15/115/D6 to London City Island: Residents requested an extension of bus routes to better serve London City Island, citing poor connectivity and safety concerns. Councillor Shafi Ahmed acknowledged the challenges and stated the council would raise the matter with Transport for London. The petition was referred to the Community Directorate for a written response.
• Petition to Remove Tower Hamlets LTNs: This petition urged the council to remove Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) schemes, citing increased traffic on main roads, difficulties for emergency services, and negative impacts on residents. Councillor Shafi Ahmed explained that the LTN in question was introduced experimentally and that the council was awaiting the final outcome of a judicial review before making a decision on its removal. The petition was referred to the Community Directorate for a written response.

Mayor's Report and Opposition Response

Mayor Lutfur Rahman presented his report, also paying tribute to Dobiru Islam Choudhury OBE and Simon Baxter. He also mentioned the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Begum Khaleda Zia. The Mayor highlighted the council's investment in youth services, with nearly £14 million additional funding per year, and the opening of 19 youth centres. He also detailed the council's commitment to fire safety, with an investment of at least £380 million over 10 years to ensure compliance with Grenfell Inquiry recommendations.

Councillor Sirajul Islam, Leader of the Opposition, responded to the Mayor's report, expressing concern over the escalated government intervention into Tower Hamlets Council due to persistent failings. He noted the appointment of commissioners in all but name and pledged constructive opposition to fix problems. Councillor Islam also addressed the Chinese embassy decision, expressing dissatisfaction with the overriding of local democratic planning powers.

Motions Debated

1. Administration Motion: Impact of Government's Reduced Affordable Housing Target

Councillor Kabir Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Inclusive Development and Housebuilding, moved a motion expressing concern over the government's new measures, including a reduced affordable housing threshold from 40% to 20% for fast-tracked planning applications and a 50% discount on the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). The motion argued these measures would prioritise developer profits over residents' needs, exacerbate gentrification, and reduce funding for essential infrastructure. Councillor Maium Talukdar, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education, Youth and Lifelong Learning, seconded the motion, highlighting the housing crisis in London and criticising the Labour government's policy.

Councillor Asma Islam moved an amendment, arguing that the government's measures were temporary emergency measures to address stalled development and that Labour remained committed to delivering homes. She criticised the current administration's delivery record. Councillor Abdi Mohamed seconded the amendment, stating the council had a choice between rhetoric and reality.

After debate, the amendment was defeated, and the main motion was carried.

2. Opposition Motion: Housing Repairs

Councillor Marc Francis, proposing the motion, criticised the administration's handling of housing services since bringing them in-house, citing a downgrade by the Regulator of Social Housing to a C3 rating and poor performance data on repairs, complaints, and tenant satisfaction. The motion called for increased scrutiny meetings, transparent publication of performance data, a Repairs Improvement Charter, and a dedicated taskforce for damp and mould. Councillor Sirajul Islam, Leader of the Opposition, seconded the motion.

Councillor Mufeedah Bustin raised a point of order regarding factual inaccuracies in the motion, stating the housing regulator's grading system had only recently come into effect. Councillor Francis was given the opportunity to amend the motion, but declined. The motion was ultimately amended and carried.

3. Urgent Motion: Approval of the Chinese Embassy

Councillor Ahmodul Kabir moved an urgent motion expressing opposition to the Secretary of State's decision to grant planning permission for the Chinese embassy at Royal Mint Court, overriding the council's refusal. The motion highlighted concerns about public safety, heritage, congestion, and the undermining of local democratic planning powers. Councillor Saied Ahmed seconded the motion, emphasizing the democratic deficit and the need for local decision-making. The motion was carried unanimously.

4. Other Reports and Questions

Several reports were considered and approved, including the Youth Justice Strategy 2025-28, amendments to the Code of Conduct for Members, the Council's response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy recommendations, and the appointment of Independent Persons. The report on the Continuous Improvement Journey Update was noted. Due to time constraints, written responses were provided for all Member Questions.

The meeting concluded with the Speaker of the Council, Councillor Suluk Ahmed, thanking attendees and closing the meeting.