Abu Talha Chowdhury | Councillor for Bethnal Green West, Tower Hamlets

Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury

Aspire Bethnal Green West Cabinet Member for Safer Communities

Email: abu.chowdhury@towerhamlets.gov.uk

Council Profile: View on council website

Committees: Cabinet (Member) Council (Member) Human Resources Committee (Member) Transformation and Assurance Board (Member) Housing Management (Cabinet) Sub-Committee (Substitute) General Purposes Committee (Member) King George's Field Charity Board (Member) Appointments Sub Committee (Member) Grants Determination (Cabinet) Sub-Committee (Substitute) Standards Advisory Committee (Member) Employee Appeals Sub Committee Licensing Sub Committee Audit Committee (Substitute)

Positions, Voting Record & Activity Summary

Last updated: 8 days ago

Abu Talha Chowdhury's council service across multiple years reveals a consistent dedication to community well-being and effective governance, with a pronounced and intensified focus on financial stewardship and community safety in his most recent years.

Key Themes and Priorities: Across his tenure, Chowdhury has consistently prioritized community safety, resident welfare, and effective council governance. He has also demonstrated a strong commitment to housing, supporting vulnerable populations, and fiscal responsibility. In recent years, his focus on financial strategy has become particularly prominent.

Evolution of Focus: While community safety and resident welfare have been enduring themes, Chowdhury's role and emphasis have evolved significantly. In 2024, as Executive Mayor and Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, his efforts were broad, encompassing violence against women and girls, support for vulnerable residents, community engagement, and managing community tensions. In 2025, as Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, his focus sharpened on specific initiatives like the Migrant Care Workers' Charter, the insourcing of the Out of Hours Noise Service, and the governance of substance misuse services. He also began to address international issues and misinformation. The most recent year, 2026, sees a dramatic shift in emphasis, with Chowdhury, as Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, dedicating his efforts almost exclusively to championing the council's financial strategy. This indicates a move from direct operational oversight of safety initiatives to a more strategic, macro-level focus on the financial underpinnings that enable all council services.

Most Significant Contributions (Especially in Recent Years):

2026: Chowdhury's most significant recent contribution is his strong advocacy for the council's financial strategy. He has been a vocal proponent of the budget report and the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2026-2029, framing it as transformative. His emphasis on fiscal responsibility, balancing prudence with investment, and highlighting the positive outcomes of financial diligence (rebuilt reserves, improved services, better quality of life) underscores his current priority in ensuring the council's long-term financial health.
2025: His instrumental role in the insourcing of the Out of Hours Noise Service and significant investment in CCTV and personnel are key contributions. He also played a crucial role in adopting the Migrant Care Workers' Charter and in the governance of the substance misuse system. His clear stance on international issues and addressing misinformation also stands out.
2024: The development and presentation of the Women's Safety Action Plan and the launch of the White Ribbon Campaign are significant achievements in addressing violence against women and girls. His dedication to supporting vulnerable residents through various payment and campaign initiatives, and his commitment to being more accessible and be out in the community, also mark his contributions.

Patterns and Consistent Areas of Interest:

Community Focus: A consistent thread throughout Chowdhury's service is his deep concern for the well-being of residents. This is evident in his support for vulnerable populations, his engagement with community issues, and his stated commitment to serving the people. > The people of this borough are in my heart and soul. They are the people who gave me a second chance in life and very much those are the people that we want to look after. Our residents, ladies and gentlemen, come first. We're here to serve them and those are the people that I hope we are serving.
Governance and Transparency: Chowdhury has consistently shown an interest in ensuring good governance and transparency, whether through enhancing councillor understanding of their responsibilities (2025), implementing robust assessment processes (2024), or focusing on transparency in housing policies (2025).
Proactive Problem-Solving: He demonstrates a proactive approach, whether by addressing community tensions, advocating for policy reversals (like the Bethnal Green Police Station closure), or suspending policies for further review to ensure resident welfare.

In summary, Abu Talha Chowdhury has evolved from a broad-based community advocate and safety champion to a highly focused proponent of sound financial management, while retaining his core commitment to resident welfare and effective governance. His recent emphasis on the council's financial strategy in 2026 highlights a strategic maturation, recognizing that fiscal health is paramount to delivering on all other council priorities.

Yearly Activity Timeline

In January 2026, as Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, Abu Talha Chowdhury was a vocal proponent of the council's financial strategy. He expressed strong support for the budget report and the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2026-2029, praising the council's financial health and its commitment to fiscal responsibility. Chowdhury emphasized the importance of balancing prudence with investment, highlighting how diligence, hard work, and a focus on efficiencies have safeguarded frontline services. He also noted the positive outcomes of thorough financial review and enhanced governance, which have led to rebuilt reserves, improved services, and a better quality of life for residents. He described the budget as transformative.

Monthly Activity in 2026

In January 2026, as Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, Abu Talha Chowdhury expressed strong support for the budget report and the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2026-2029. He commended the Mayor, Steve, and the team for the council's financial health, stating that the MTFS reflects the council's commitment to financial responsibility, balancing fiscal prudence with investment in the borough through diligence, hard work, and a focus on efficiencies while safeguarding frontline services. Chowdhury acknowledged initial reservations about front-loading investment but affirmed its necessity for essential services. He highlighted the positive impact of thorough financial review and enhanced governance, which have allowed the council to rebuild reserves, improve services, and positively affect residents' lives. He concluded by thanking various individuals and teams for their contributions to the transformative budget.

Meetings in January 2026

Council - Wednesday, 21st January, 2026 7.00 p.m. - 21 January 2026

Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, addressed a petition concerning noise and disruption on Mornington Grove. He outlined actions taken by the Council to enhance access and egress in the area and indicated that the Council would consider implementing additional No Through Road signage at the junction of Mornington Grove and Eleanor Street. Councillor Chowdhury clarified that while a 20mph speed limit is enforced on residential roads, the Council does not possess the legal authority to enforce against speeding, reckless, or dangerous driving. He advised residents to report such incidents to the police and stated that the Council would collaborate with law enforcement to ensure investigations and prosecutions for those involved in speeding or dangerous driving.

Cabinet - Wednesday, 7th January, 2026 5.30 p.m. - 7 January 2026

As Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, Abu Talha Chowdhury expressed his support for the budget report and the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2026-2029. He acknowledged the efforts of the Mayor, Steve, and the team in achieving the current financial standing. Chowdhury stated that the MTFS reflects the council's commitment to financial responsibility, balancing fiscal prudence with investment in the borough through diligence, hard work, and a focus on efficiencies while safeguarding frontline services. He mentioned initial doubts about front-loading investment but affirmed the necessity of a new approach for essential services. He highlighted that thorough financial review and enhanced governance have enabled the council to rebuild reserves, improve services, and positively impact residents' lives, with the MTFS demonstrating the success of this strategy by maintaining investment in frontline services and prioritizing prevention and resilience. Chowdhury extended his gratitude to the Chief Executive, Corporate Director for Resources, their respective teams, cabinet colleagues, and officers for their contributions to the transformative budget and then invited the Lead Member and Corporate Director to proceed.

Throughout 2025, Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury demonstrated significant engagement across various council functions, with a strong emphasis on community safety, housing, and council governance. He was a vocal advocate for the protection of migrant care workers, successfully moving an amendment to adopt the Migrant Care Workers' Charter in January. Chowdhury consistently linked community safety to socioeconomic factors like the cost of living and housing, highlighting the council's substantial investments in new housing stock and CCTV infrastructure as key crime reduction strategies. As Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, he was instrumental in the insourcing of the Out of Hours Noise Service, emphasizing the need for a seamless and coordinated approach, and the significant investment in CCTV and personnel to achieve this. He also played a key role in the governance and monitoring of the substance misuse treatment and recovery system. Chowdhury took a strong stance on international issues, condemning actions in Palestine and advocating for divestment and a ceasefire. He also addressed misinformation regarding asylum seekers, reinforcing the council's commitment to diversity. His contributions extended to housing policy, where he focused on transparency and accountability in areas like landlord health and safety, housing complaints, and rent collection. Furthermore, he championed a skills-focused member induction plan to enhance councillor understanding of council services and legal responsibilities. Towards the end of the year, he addressed concerns about reckless driving and advocated for the reversal of the Bethnal Green Police Station closure. He also proposed a shorter extension for the Interim Director of Community Safety to ensure adequate handover time.

Monthly Activity in 2025

During December 2025, Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury was active in several council meetings. He served as a substitute member for the Audit Committee on December 10th. In his role as Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, he introduced and presented the Hate Crime Reporting Journey – Response to OSC Scrutiny Challenge Session and Action Plan at the Cabinet meeting on December 17th, advocating for its promotion among Councillors. He also proposed shortening the extension for the Interim Director of Community Safety at the Human Resources Committee meeting on December 22nd, suggesting an end date of February 28th to allow sufficient handover time.

Meetings in December 2025

Cabinet - Wednesday, 8th January, 2025 5.30 p.m. - 31 December 2025

Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury was present at the Cabinet meeting on January 8th, 2025, in his capacity as Cabinet Member for Safer Communities. The provided minutes do not record any specific statements or actions taken by him during the meeting.

Human Resources Committee - Monday, 22nd December, 2025 6.30 p.m. - 22 December 2025

Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury proposed shortening the extension for the Interim Director of Community Safety. He suggested the extension should end on 28 February instead of 31 March, believing this would provide adequate time for a handover.

Cabinet - Wednesday, 17th December, 2025 5.30 p.m. - 17 December 2025

Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, introduced Agenda Item 6.1, the Hate Crime Reporting Journey – Response to OSC Scrutiny Challenge Session and Action Plan. He presented the Hate Crime Reporting Action Plan, developed in response to recommendations from an Overview and Scrutiny Challenge Session, aimed at improving reporting and community confidence. He, along with other Cabinet Members, agreed to promote this action plan amongst Councillors.

Extraordinary, Audit Committee - Wednesday, 10th December, 2025 6.30 p.m. - 10 December 2025

Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury was listed as a substitute member for the Audit Committee meeting on December 10th, 2025. No specific statements or actions were recorded for him in the provided documents.

During November 2025, Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, addressed concerns about reckless driving on Roman Road, reporting that council data indicated average speeds of around 15 mph and an 85th percentile speed of 20 mph. He confirmed that the Highways team would collaborate with the Community Safety Team and the Metropolitan Police for further speed enforcement investigations. Chowdhury also moved an administration motion concerning the closure of Bethnal Green Police Station and its front-desk service, stating the Council would discuss the matter further, seek a full explanation from the Metropolitan Police, and lobby the government for a reversal of the decision. He also raised the issue at a pan-London level. Additionally, Chowdhury inquired about a petition for a new cricket pitch in Victoria Park, asking if a discrepancy in the number of pitches reported would affect the petitioners' stance.

Meetings in November 2025

Cabinet - Wednesday, 26th November, 2025 5.30 p.m. - 26 November 2025

Abu Talha Chowdhury is not mentioned in the provided transcript for the Cabinet meeting on November 26th, 2025.

Council - Wednesday, 19th November, 2025 7.00 p.m. - 19 November 2025

Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, addressed concerns regarding reckless driving on Roman Road, stating that Council Officers had reviewed the road safety dashboard and found average speeds of approximately 15 mph and an 85th percentile speed of 20 mph. He noted that while some vehicles may exceed the speed limit, most drivers appear to comply. He confirmed that the Council's Highways team would work with the Community Safety Team and the Metropolitan Police for further investigation into speed enforcement. Chowdhury also moved an administration motion regarding the closure of Bethnal Green Police Station and responded to a petition on the closure of its front-desk service. He stated that the Council would discuss the issue further as part of the administration motion, was seeking a full explanation from the Metropolitan Police, and had raised the matter at a pan-London level. The Council would continue to lobby the government for a reversal of the decision. Additionally, Chowdhury asked a question during a petition presentation about a new cricket pitch in Victoria Park, inquiring if the discrepancy between the petition's claim of five pitches and the officers' report of four would change the petitioners' position.

During September 2025, Abu Talha Chowdhury was actively involved in several council meetings. In the Human Resources Committee, he declared no interests. He was present at the Appointment Sub-Committee for the Director of Public Protection and Integrated Enforcement. As Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, Chowdhury played a significant role in the Cabinet meeting, introducing the Statement of Gambling Policy 2025-28 and emphasizing its updated safeguards for children while maintaining the no-casino policy. He also welcomed the Safeguarding Adults Board annual report and noted its overlap with the Community Safety Partnership Board. At the Housing Management (Cabinet) Sub-Committee, he focused on transparency and accountability, introducing and seeking approval for various housing policies including Landlord Health and Safety Compliance, Housing Complaints Compensation, and Rent Collection, highlighting efforts in fire safety, lift safety, and contractor performance. He also contributed to discussions on rent collection figures and resident engagement. Finally, in the General Purposes Committee, Chowdhury advocated for a skills-focused member induction plan, emphasizing the need for a minimum level of understanding of council services and specific training on legal responsibilities for councillors appointed to outside bodies, supporting a person-centric approach to induction.

Meetings in September 2025

General Purposes Committee - Thursday, 25th September, 2025 6.30 p.m. - 25 September 2025

Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury contributed significantly to the discussion on the member induction plan. He advocated for a shift towards a more skills-focused induction, moving away from a purely information-based approach, a point previously discussed in the member steering group. He stressed the continued importance of communicating relevant information to address a perceived knowledge gap among councillors across parties, suggesting a minimum level of understanding of how council services like housing operate. Chowdhury also highlighted the value of training on different processes for raising issues, including those involving third parties, and specifically emphasized the need for training on legal responsibilities for councillors appointed to outside bodies. He expressed support for a person-centric approach to induction and the effective utilization of the training budget to enhance councillor effectiveness.

Housing Management (Cabinet) Sub-Committee - Wednesday, 24th September, 2025 5.30 p.m. - 24 September 2025

As Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, Abu Talha Chowdhury was an active participant in the Housing Management (Cabinet) Sub-Committee meeting. He emphasized the administration's commitment to transparency and accountability, offering to provide deep dives into specific areas for Scrutiny. Chowdhury introduced and sought approval for the Housing Management Services Landlord Health and Safety Compliance Policies, covering gas, electrical, fire, water hygiene, asbestos, and lift safety, noting positive trends in fire risk actions and lift safety compliance, while acknowledging ongoing work on electrical safety. He also addressed concerns about lift safety, distinguishing between checks and repairs, and highlighted efforts to improve contractor performance. Regarding the Housing Complaints Compensation Policy, he explained its aim for a fair framework and stressed the priority of preventing issues. Chowdhury introduced the Rent Collection Policy, describing it as a structured and compassionate approach focused on early intervention and tenancy sustainment. He also contributed to the discussion on the Performance and Compliance Report, adding context to rent collection figures and supporting continuous door-knocking for resident engagement.

Cabinet - Wednesday, 17th September, 2025 5.30 p.m. - 17 September 2025

Abu Talha Chowdhury introduced the Statement of Gambling Policy 2025-28, noting that the Council must review and adopt a new policy by November 25th. He highlighted that the changes are largely based on the Gambling Commission's guidance and include improved safeguards for children. He clarified that the new policy is a refresh of the existing one, maintaining the no-casino policy and that no new gambling premises have opened since 2022. Chowdhury responded to a question about the consultation process, stating that while engagement cannot be forced, officers made a significant effort, and he believes people are content with the current policy and safeguards. He also commented on the Safeguarding Adults Board annual report, welcoming it and pointing out cross-cutting themes with the Community Safety Partnership Board, particularly concerning mental health and domestic violence. He expressed anticipation for working with the relevant team in the coming months, as an item related to this will be presented at the next Community Safety Board meeting, which he co-chairs.

Interviews for the Director of Public Protection and Integrated Enforcement, Appointment Sub-Committee - Monday, 15th September, 2025 10.15 a.m. - 15 September 2025

Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury was present at the Interviews for the Director of Public Protection and Integrated Enforcement, Appointment Sub-Committee meeting on 2025-09-15. No specific statements or actions were recorded for him in the minutes.

Human Resources Committee - Monday, 1st September, 2025 6.30 p.m. - 1 September 2025

During the Human Resources Committee meeting on September 1st, 2025, Councillor Talha Chowdhury declared no interests. He stated, Councillor Abit, Talha Chowdhury. Nothing to declare.

During August 2025, Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury was active in two Appointment Sub-Committee meetings on August 18th. In the meeting concerning the Director of Public Protection and Integrated Enforcement, he seconded the proposal to appoint Councillor Maium Talukdar as Chair of the Appointment Sub-Committee. In a separate meeting on the same day, related to the Director of IT appointment process, it was noted that Councillor Chowdhury had previously proposed Councillor Maium Talukdar to be elected as the Chair of that committee during a meeting on July 29, 2025.

Meetings in August 2025

Shortlisting for Director of Public Protection and Integrated Enforcement, Appointment Sub-Committee - Monday, 18th August, 2025 6.30 p.m. - 18 August 2025

Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury seconded the proposal to appoint Councillor Maium Talukdar as Chair of the Appointment Sub-Committee for the recruitment process of the Director of Public Protection and Integrated Enforcement.

Shortlisting for Director of IT, Appointment Sub-Committee - Monday, 18th August, 2025 7.00 p.m. - 18 August 2025

During the Appointment Sub-Committee meeting on Tuesday, 29 July 2025, Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury proposed Councillor Maium Talukdar to be elected as the Chair of the committee for the Director of IT appointment process.

During July 2025, Abu Talha Chowdhury was actively involved in council meetings, notably as Cabinet Member for Safer Communities. He made significant statements regarding the situation in Palestine, condemning actions and advocating for divestment from companies involved in genocide. He urged the UK government to cease arms trade with Israel, demand a ceasefire, and ensure aid to Gaza, stating,

People in Palestine deserve the same life chances and future as those in Tower Hamlets.

Chowdhury also presented the Mayor's Accelerated Housing Program, outlining plans to deliver approximately 3,300 generally affordable homes on council-owned sites. He addressed misinformation about asylum seekers at the Britannia Hotel, clarifying the central government's role and emphasizing the council's commitment to welcoming diverse communities, stating,

We will not bow to hatred and division.

He also participated in Appointment Sub-Committees, seconding the proposal for Councillor Maium Talukdar to chair one committee and proposing the same for another. Chowdhury was also listed as a member and present at the Standards Advisory Committee and the Transformation and Assurance Board, though no specific actions were attributed to him in those meetings.

Meetings in July 2025

Longlisting for Director of IT, Appointment Sub-Committee - Tuesday, 29th July, 2025 6.20 p.m. - 29 July 2025

During the Appointment Sub-Committee meeting on July 29, 2025, Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury proposed that Councillor Maium Talukdar be elected as the Chair of the committee.

Longlisting for Director of Public Protection and Integrated Enforcement, Appointment Sub-Committee - Tuesday, 29th July, 2025 6.00 p.m. - 29 July 2025

Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury seconded the proposal to appoint Councillor Maium Talukdar as Chair of the Appointment Sub-Committee.

Cabinet - Wednesday, 23rd July, 2025 5.30 p.m. - 23 July 2025

Abu Talha Chowdhury, as Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, made several significant statements during the meeting. He addressed the situation in Palestine, expressing strong condemnation and stating the council's intention to divest from companies facilitating genocide. He urged the UK government to cease arms trade with Israel, demand a ceasefire, and ensure aid to Gaza, emphasizing that People in Palestine deserve the same life chances and future as those in Tower Hamlets. Chowdhury also presented the Mayor's Accelerated Housing Program report, announcing plans to deliver approximately 3,300 generally affordable homes on council-owned sites, in addition to over 4,000 homes by May 2026. Furthermore, he tackled misinformation regarding asylum seekers at the Britannia Hotel, clarifying that the decision was made by central government and that the council has no say in this decision. He highlighted Tower Hamlets' history of welcoming diverse communities and stated the council will not bow to hatred and division, while working with partners to ensure support for asylum seekers, hotel workers, and residents, urging the government to provide proper support. He also noted apologies for absence in the minutes, but this appears to be from a different meeting date.

Transformation and Assurance Board - Monday, 14th July, 2025 3.00 p.m. - 14 July 2025

Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury was present at the Transformation and Assurance Board meeting on July 14th, 2025. There is no record of him making any statements or taking any actions during the meeting.

Standards Advisory Committee - Thursday, 10th July, 2025 6.30 p.m. - 10 July 2025

Abu Talha Chowdhury was listed as a member of the Standards Advisory Committee and was present at the meeting on 10 July 2025. No specific statements or actions were attributed to him in the provided documents.

During June 2025, Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury sent his apologies for absence from the General Purposes Committee meeting on June 17th. He was active in the Cabinet meeting on June 18th, where he introduced the report on the Out of Hours Noise Service – Insourcing. He stated that insourcing the service would lead to improvements by utilizing additional resources already designated for community safety by the Mayor.

Meetings in June 2025

Cabinet - Wednesday, 18th June, 2025 5.30 p.m. - 18 June 2025

Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury introduced the report concerning the Out of Hours Noise Service – Insourcing . He stated that insourcing the service would result in improvements by leveraging additional resources already allocated to community safety by the Mayor.

General Purposes Committee - Tuesday, 17th June, 2025 6.30 p.m. - 17 June 2025

Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury sent his apologies for not being able to attend the General Purposes Committee meeting on Tuesday, 17th June, 2025. There is no record of him speaking or taking any action during the meeting.

During the Annual Meeting of the Council on May 14th, 2025, Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury declared a non-pecuniary interest in Item 5.3, noting his employment with a Developer.

Meetings in May 2025

Annual Meeting, Council - Wednesday, 14th May, 2025 7.00 p.m. - 14 May 2025

During the Annual Meeting of the Council on May 14th, 2025, Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury declared a non-pecuniary interest in Item 5.3, stating that he works for a Developer.

During April 2025, Abu Talha Chowdhury was present at council meetings on April 2nd, April 14th, and April 24th, with no specific actions or statements recorded for him during these sessions. However, in his role as Cabinet Member for Safer Communities at the Cabinet meeting on April 30th, he was actively involved in several agenda items. He highlighted the innovative nature and significant funding of the Children, Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) report, emphasizing the need for monitoring delivery and financial risks. Regarding the insourcing of the statutory outdoor hours noise service, Chowdhury discussed the substantial investment in CCTV and personnel, stressing the importance of a coordinated and seamless service to address past public discontent. He stated,

We've invested a great deal of money in the CCTV system over £4 million, plus new personnel in TEOs over £2 million, plus 73 TEOs currently in operation. And I think we have the resources to deliver a coordinated, out-of-hours noise service that existed previously. And during my walkabouts in the borough, and especially leading up to the last election, people were discontent with that service. I think it's well overdue. We need to have a seamless service in the borough, according to service, though each department, whether it's housing, whether it's public room, whether it's community safety, that we're working as a team. I believe this will deliver this. So we fully support the services coming in-house. It's very important. But we do want a seamless service, please.

He also elaborated on the governance structure for the substance misuse treatment and recovery system redesign, noting,

Just to further add to what Carrie and Sharmin have said, in terms of the governance, we have a system sort of improvement group that officers and the relevant people sort of meet together, and they sort of monitor the data, as you were talking about, councillor. That group feed into the Combating Drugs Partnership Board, which myself, Sharmin, and other colleagues here are part of. So, there is a clear governance structure on performance monitoring, and it's something that members, officers, wider stakeholders, the third-party providers, it's quite a mixed stakeholder group where we monitor the performance.

Chowdhury sought clarification on financial allocations within the consortium model and expressed strong support for the recommendations. He also briefly supported the agency worker contract and commented on the council's growth, stating,

So, we're on the right track, but we are a bigger and a better council than we were, you know, pre-2022, and growth has been introduced. You know, more people are working for us than they did pre-2022, so that's a good thing.

Meetings in April 2025

Cabinet - Wednesday, 30th April, 2025 5.30 p.m. - 30 April 2025

As Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, Abu Talha Chowdhury addressed several agenda items. Regarding the Children, Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) report (6.1), he highlighted the innovative nature of the service, the significant funding of over £9 million over two years, and the importance of monitoring delivery and financial risk management.

On the statutory outdoor hours noise service insourcing paper (6.2), Chowdhury discussed the substantial investment in CCTV and personnel, emphasizing the need for a coordinated and seamless service, especially given past public discontent. He stated,

We've invested a great deal of money in the CCTV system over £4 million, plus new personnel in TEOs over £2 million, plus 73 TEOs currently in operation. And I think we have the resources to deliver a coordinated, out-of-hours noise service that existed previously. And during my walkabouts in the borough, and especially leading up to the last election, people were discontent with that service. I think it's well overdue. We need to have a seamless service in the borough, according to service, though each department, whether it's housing, whether it's public room, whether it's community safety, that we're working as a team. I believe this will deliver this. So we fully support the services coming in-house. It's very important. But we do want a seamless service, please.

Concerning the substance misuse treatment and recovery system redesign (6.4), he explained the paper's outline for a borough-wide, world-class system and the proposed refresh model for the existing contract. He elaborated on the governance structure, noting,

Just to further add to what Carrie and Sharmin have said, in terms of the governance, we have a system sort of improvement group that officers and the relevant people sort of meet together, and they sort of monitor the data, as you were talking about, councillor. That group feed into the Combating Drugs Partnership Board, which myself, Sharmin, and other colleagues here are part of. So, there is a clear governance structure on performance monitoring, and it's something that members, officers, wider stakeholders, the third-party providers, it's quite a mixed stakeholder group where we monitor the performance.

Chowdhury also sought clarification on a graph on page 260, confirming that the percentages represented the allocation of money within the consortium model. He concluded by expressing strong support for the recommendations for this item and confirming approval for all five recommendations.

He briefly supported the agency worker contract (6.7) and commented on the council's growth, stating,

So, we're on the right track, but we are a bigger and a better council than we were, you know, pre-2022, and growth has been introduced. You know, more people are working for us than they did pre-2022, so that's a good thing.

Audit Committee - Thursday, 24th April, 2025 6.30 p.m. - 24 April 2025

There is no record of Abu Talha Chowdhury speaking or taking any action during the Audit Committee meeting on April 24th, 2025, based on the provided reports pack.

Transformation and Assurance Board - Monday, 14th April, 2025 3.30 p.m. - 14 April 2025

Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury was present in person at the Transformation and Assurance Board meeting on April 14th, 2025. No specific statements or actions were recorded for him during the meeting.

Council - Wednesday, 2nd April, 2025 7.00 p.m. - 2 April 2025

There is no record of Abu Talha Chowdhury speaking or taking any action during the Council meeting on 2nd April 2025. He is noted as being present at previous meetings, but no specific contributions are attributed to him in the provided documents for this meeting.

Abu Talha Chowdhury, in their role as Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, attended the Cabinet meeting on March 26, 2025. However, the available documentation does not indicate any specific statements or actions taken by them during the meeting.

Meetings in March 2025

Cabinet - Wednesday, 26th March, 2025 3.00 p.m. - 26 March 2025

Abu Talha Chowdhury attended the Cabinet meeting on March 26, 2025, in their capacity as Cabinet Member for Safer Communities. There is no record of them speaking or taking any specific action during the meeting based on the available documentation.

During February 2025, Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury was active in two council meetings. At the Human Resources Committee meeting on February 5th, he introduced himself, declared no pecuniary interests, and proposed increasing the membership of the appointment subcommittee to six, with the chair being an executive member. He justified this proposal based on proportionality and diversity, noting Aspire's larger number of councillors and past practice. He clarified that his suggestions were about numbers and past practice, not politics. In the Budget Meeting of the Council on February 26th, he commented on the budget, stating,

We just figured this is not an, this is not the Aspire budget, I must say. Our manifesto in 2018 was to face council tax.

Meetings in February 2025

Budget Meeting, Council - Wednesday, 26th February, 2025 7.00 p.m. - 26 February 2025

During the Budget Meeting of the Council on February 26th, 2025, Abu Talha Chowdhury commented on the budget, stating:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We just figured this is not an, this is not the Aspire budget, I must say. Our manifesto in 2018 was to face council tax.

Cabinet - Wednesday, 19th February, 2025 5.30 p.m. - 19 February 2025

There is no record of Abu Talha Chowdhury saying or doing anything in the provided documents for the Cabinet meeting on 2025-02-19.

Grants Determination (Cabinet) Sub-Committee - Wednesday, 5th February, 2025 5.30 p.m. - 5 February 2025

Abu Talha Chowdhury was listed as a member of the Grants Determination (Cabinet) Sub-Committee and as the Lead Member for the S.92 Police Act 1996 Agreement with the Metropolitan Police. However, there is no record of him speaking or taking any specific actions during this meeting.

Human Resources Committee - Wednesday, 5th February, 2025 6.30 p.m. - 5 February 2025

Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury began the meeting by introducing himself and declaring no Disclosable Pecuniary Interests. He then made a proposal regarding the appointment subcommittee, suggesting an increase in membership to six (three Aspire, two Labour, one ungrouped) and that the chair should be an executive member. He justified this by citing proportionality due to Aspire's larger number of councillors and mentioned diversity as another reason for the increase. He also noted that an executive member had chaired the committee for the past two years. When concerns were raised about his proposal, he clarified that the discussion was about numbers rather than politics and that his suggestion for the chair was based on past practice, reiterating his rationale of proportionality and diversity.

During January 2025, Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury was actively involved in council proceedings. In a Council meeting on January 22nd, he moved an amendment to an Opposition Motion Debate regarding the Migrant Care Workers' Charter. His amendment, which was accepted and led to the motion's approval, proposed that the Council adopt the Charter to protect migrant care workers from exploitation. The proposed actions included becoming the first London Borough to sign the Charter, mandating adherence by contracted care providers, appointing an Oversight Officer, partnering with trade unions, applying for a license to sponsor migrant care workers, launching an awareness campaign, establishing a joint taskforce to prosecute exploiters, and exploring an anonymous reporting hotline.

In a Cabinet meeting on January 29th, Chowdhury addressed community safety, identifying the cost of living and housing overcrowding as key drivers of crime. He highlighted the council's significant investment of nearly half a billion pounds in new housing stock, expressing confidence that this will lead to crime reduction. He also emphasized the commitment to building 4,000 homes by the end of the following year and pointed to a nearly £4 million investment in CCTV on estates as a crucial safety measure. Chowdhury concluded by offering his wholehearted support for the budget, commending the work of those involved and expressing hope for a reduction in borough crime through these investments.

Meetings in January 2025

Cabinet - Wednesday, 29th January, 2025 5.30 p.m. - 29 January 2025

Abu Talha Chowdhury spoke extensively on community safety, identifying the cost of living and housing overcrowding as significant drivers of crime. He highlighted the council's substantial investment of nearly half a billion pounds in new housing stock, expressing confidence that this will not only provide decent homes but also lead to reductions in crime. Chowdhury also emphasized the commitment to achieving a target of 4,000 homes by the end of the following year, stating his confidence in meeting this goal through the current budget. Furthermore, he pointed to a nearly £4 million investment in CCTV on estates as a crucial measure for community safety, believing it will significantly help alongside increased policing and other initiatives. He concluded by offering his wholehearted support for the budget, commending the work of those involved and expressing hope for a reduction in borough crime through these investments.

Council - Wednesday, 22nd January, 2025 7.00 p.m. - 22 January 2025

Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury moved an amendment to the Opposition Motion Debate regarding the Migrant Care Workers' Charter. This amendment, seconded by Councillor Sabina Akhtar and accepted as a friendly amendment by Councillor Amy Lee, proposed that the Council adopt the Migrant Care Workers' Charter. The amendment highlighted the reliance of the adult social care sector on migrant care workers and the issues of modern slavery and exploitation they face. It outlined the Charter's aims to protect these workers through fair recruitment, accommodation, and employment practices. The proposed resolution included becoming the first London Borough to sign the Charter, mandating adherence by contracted care providers, appointing an Oversight Officer, partnering with trade unions, applying for a license to sponsor migrant care workers, launching an awareness campaign, establishing a joint taskforce with the borough commander to prosecute exploiters, and exploring an anonymous hotline for reporting. The motion, as amended by Councillor Chowdhury's proposal, was approved.

Throughout 2024, Abu Talha Chowdhury, primarily in his capacity as Cabinet Member for Safer Communities and also as Executive Mayor, demonstrated a strong commitment to community safety, resident welfare, and council initiatives. A significant theme was his dedication to addressing violence against women and girls, evidenced by the development and presentation of the Women's Safety Action Plan and the launch of the White Ribbon Campaign. Chowdhury also focused on supporting vulnerable residents, particularly through initiatives like winter fuel payments, pension credit campaigns, and efforts to alleviate financial burdens on families. He consistently emphasized the importance of community engagement and accessibility, aiming to be more accessible and be out in the community. Chowdhury actively managed community tensions, addressing concerns related to the Prevent program and flag placements, and highlighted the council's robust assessment process and sensitivity and local context in mind. He played a key role in policy decisions, including suspending a proposed change to the Homelessness Placement Policy to allow for further review, and reiterated that No resident in this borough will be sent further than 90 minutes away from Tower Hamlets. His work also encompassed broader community development, such as celebrating the Bangladeshi Diaspora's contributions, reporting on environmental achievements including carbon emission reductions, and investing in youth provision with new youth centers. Chowdhury also voiced strong support for vulnerable residents facing hardship due to national government decisions, criticizing cuts to winter fuel allowances and advocating for their needs, stating,

The people of this borough are in my heart and soul. They are the people who gave me a second chance in life and very much those are the people that we want to look after. Our residents, ladies and gentlemen, come first. We're here to serve them and those are the people that I hope we are serving.

Monthly Activity in 2024

During December 2024, Abu Talha Chowdhury's participation was noted in one council meeting, the Human Resources Committee on December 12th. However, there is no record of him speaking or taking any specific actions during this meeting.

Meetings in December 2024

Cabinet - Wednesday, 18th December, 2024 5.30 p.m. - 18 December 2024

Due to a technical fault, we could not summarise Abu Talha Chowdhury's actions during this meeting.

Human Resources Committee - Thursday, 12th December, 2024 6.30 p.m. - 12 December 2024

There is no record of Abu Talha Chowdhury speaking or taking any action during the Human Resources Committee meeting on December 12, 2024.

General Purposes Committee - Monday, 2nd December, 2024 6.30 p.m. - 2 December 2024

There is no record of Abu Talha Chowdhury speaking or taking any action in the provided transcript for the General Purposes Committee meeting on December 2nd, 2024.

During November 2024, Abu Talha Chowdhury was active in council meetings, notably seconding a motion on Winter Fuel Payments Redress on November 20th. As the Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, he made significant announcements on November 27th, including the launch of the White Ribbon Campaign to combat gender-based violence and the opening of nominations for civic awards. He also highlighted initiatives for elderly residents, such as winter fuel payments and efforts to reinstate the Meals on Wheels scheme. Chowdhury reported on substantial investments in youth provision, including the opening of three new youth centers, and detailed the council's environmental achievements, such as a 19% reduction in carbon emissions and a transition to electric vehicles. Furthermore, he announced progress in sports and leisure, including the commencement of work on a new cricket pitch and additional investment in leisure facilities. Finally, he presented a proposal for a new nursery at Stepney Green C primary school for cabinet approval.

Meetings in November 2024

Cabinet - Wednesday, 27th November, 2024 5.30 p.m. - 27 November 2024

Abu Talha Chowdhury, as the Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, made several significant announcements and provided updates during the meeting. He launched the White Ribbon Campaign, urging participation in the White Ribbon Pledge and noting the town would be lit orange. He also announced that nominations for civic awards were open and highlighted upcoming events such as the Young City Makers Award Ceremony, the launch of the Bow Youth Centre, and the Children's Education Awards.

Chowdhury addressed White Ribbon Day, emphasizing the fight against gender-based violence and encouraging public support through wearing white ribbons and social media engagement. He also spoke about Islamophobia Awareness Month, commending a successful conference on tackling the issue and his leadership role in this initiative.

He detailed the council's winter support for elderly residents, including the Tower Hamlets winter fuel payment, a campaign for unclaimed pension credit, the relaunch of warm hubs, and a motion to reinstate the Meals on Wheels scheme and elderly luncheon clubs.

In terms of youth provision, Chowdhury reported on the opening of three new youth centres and a substantial £13.7 million investment in this area. He also highlighted the council's environmental achievements, including a 19% reduction in carbon emissions in one year, ongoing efforts to improve air quality, tree planting, and the transition of the fleet to electric vehicles.

For sports and leisure, he announced the commencement of work on the borough's first grass cricket pitch and an additional £1.5 million investment in leisure facilities.

Finally, Chowdhury presented a proposal for a new permanent nursery at Stepney Green C primary school for cabinet approval.

Council - Wednesday, 20th November, 2024 7.00 p.m. - 20 November 2024

Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury seconded the motion on Winter Fuel Payments Redress, which was moved by Councillor Saied Ahmed.

King George's Field Charity Board - Wednesday, 6th November, 2024 6.00 p.m. - 6 November 2024

There is no mention of Abu Talha Chowdhury's statements or actions in the provided documents for the King George's Field Charity Board meeting on November 6th, 2024.

During October 2024, Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury was active in two council meetings. In the October 2nd Council meeting, he seconded motions regarding the Mayor's Winter Emergency Fund and the Bangladeshi Diaspora in Tower Hamlets. He strongly supported the Winter Emergency Fund, highlighting the struggles of vulnerable residents with heating and eating due to national government decisions, and criticized the cut to winter fuel allowance. In the October 16th Cabinet meeting, as Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, he announced a £900,000 investment for winter fuel payments to pensioners and a campaign to help them claim pension credit. He defended the council's homelessness policy, stating no resident would be relocated more than 90 minutes from Tower Hamlets, and criticized the opposition's record. Chowdhury emphasized the council's commitment to residents, stating,

The people of this borough are in my heart and soul. They are the people who gave me a second chance in life and very much those are the people that we want to look after. Our residents, ladies and gentlemen, come first. We're here to serve them and those are the people that I hope we are serving.

He also highlighted progress on housing development and the violence against women and girls strategy, reinforced positive findings on social cohesion from the residents survey, and stressed the importance of supporting children with SEND. He expressed concern over performance report red measures and called for innovation. He reiterated the homelessness relocation policy:

No resident in this borough will be sent further than 90 minutes away from Tower Hamlets. Ideally, we want to keep them in a borough. If that's not possible, their journey will be maximum 90 minutes, ladies and gentlemen.

He concluded by reaffirming the council's dedication to residents:

Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. The people of our borough come first. Thank you very much.

Meetings in October 2024

Cabinet - Wednesday, 16th October, 2024 5.30 p.m. - 16 October 2024

Abu Talha Chowdhury, as Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, outlined several key initiatives and addressed criticisms during the meeting. He announced a £900,000 investment to provide a £175 winter fuel payment to nearly 5,000 eligible pensioners and detailed a multi-lingual campaign to help over 4,000 pensioners claim pension credit before the December 21, 2024 deadline.

Chowdhury defended the council's homelessness policy, stating that no resident would be relocated more than 90 minutes outside of Tower Hamlets. He strongly criticized the opposition's record, citing perceived failures in youth services, education, waste management, financial accounts, and support for community services during their tenure. He emphasized the current administration's commitment to residents, stating,

The people of this borough are in my heart and soul. They are the people who gave me a second chance in life and very much those are the people that we want to look after. Our residents, ladies and gentlemen, come first. We're here to serve them and those are the people that I hope we are serving.

He also highlighted the council's progress on the HAP Clichy estate housing development and the violence against women and girls strategy, stressing the importance of community safety and empowerment. Regarding the annual residents survey, Chowdhury reinforced positive findings on social cohesion and the borough's welcoming nature, emphasizing the council's investment in unity and communication.

He expressed concern over the number of red measures in the strategic and delivery performance report, calling for innovation. He also underscored the importance of supporting children with SEND and their families.

Chowdhury reiterated the council's stance on homelessness relocation:

No resident in this borough will be sent further than 90 minutes away from Tower Hamlets. Ideally, we want to keep them in a borough. If that's not possible, their journey will be maximum 90 minutes, ladies and gentlemen.

He concluded by asserting the council's dedication to serving the borough's residents:

Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. The people of our borough come first. Thank you very much.

Council - Wednesday, 2nd October, 2024 7.00 p.m. - 2 October 2024

Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury, in his capacity as Cabinet Member for Safer Communities and Councillor for Bethnal Green West, seconded two motions during the Council meeting on October 2nd, 2024. He seconded the motion regarding the Mayor's Winter Emergency Fund, expressing strong support for its establishment to assist vulnerable residents, particularly pensioners, who are facing difficult choices between heating and eating due to national government decisions. He stated:

Mr Speaker, why can't we just have a decent winter? The inexplicable choice of choosing between heating and eating has sadly become a familiar phrase. It affected many vulnerable residents during the peak of the cost of living crisis when energy prices spiralled out of control.

He criticized the national government for cutting the winter fuel allowance and highlighted the council's commitment to supporting residents through initiatives like warm hubs and warm packs. He also seconded the motion on the Bangladeshi Diaspora in Tower Hamlets.

During September 2024, Abu Talha Chowdhury, in his capacity as Executive Mayor, announced the suspension of a proposed change to the Homelessness Placement Policy. This change would have removed the 90-minute limit on the relocation of homeless individuals and families. Chowdhury stated,

As a result of this listening, I am suspending the implementation of the proposed change to the Homelessness Placement Policy to allow us more time to properly review and assess its implication for our people.

He confirmed that,

As things stand, ladies and gentlemen, the 90 minute limit on relocation remains in place.

He also briefly addressed questions regarding acquisition and homelessness. Additionally, as Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, Councillor Abu Chowdhury introduced the report on the Partnership's Serious Violence and Exploitation Strategy.

Meetings in September 2024

Human Resources Committee - Thursday, 26th September, 2024 6.30 p.m. - 26 September 2024

There is no record of Abu Talha Chowdhury speaking or taking any specific action during the Human Resources Committee meeting on 2024-09-26. While he is listed as a member of the committee, no contributions are attributed to him in the provided documents.

Cabinet - Wednesday, 11th September, 2024 5.30 p.m. - 11 September 2024

As Executive Mayor, Abu Talha Chowdhury announced the suspension of a proposed change to the Homelessness Placement Policy, which would have removed a 90-minute limit on the relocation of homeless individuals and families. He stated,

As a result of this listening, I am suspending the implementation of the proposed change to the Homelessness Placement Policy to allow us more time to properly review and assess its implication for our people.

He confirmed that,

As things stand, ladies and gentlemen, the 90 minute limit on relocation remains in place.

Chowdhury also addressed a question regarding acquisition and homelessness, indicating that it had been largely covered in his statement and would be further addressed later. Separately, as Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, Councillor Abu Chowdhury introduced the report on the Partnership's Serious Violence and Exploitation Strategy, outlining its key strategic themes and the consultation process involved in its development.

During July 2024, Abu Talha Chowdhury was active in multiple council meetings, primarily in his roles as Cabinet Member for Safer Communities and Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. As Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, he provided updates on the Women's Safety Action Plan, discussed police checks and self-defense classes, and reported on efforts to combat crime, noting positive KPI developments in substance abuse treatment engagement and victim safety. He also presented a proposal for a public consultation on a dog control public space protection order (PSPO) to address dog-related anti-social behavior, emphasizing responsible ownership and the need to protect residents from dog attacks. As Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, he presented feedback on various reports, highlighting red flags in performance and issues in areas like recycling and care admissions. He also reported on the extension of the Victoria Park AEG license, stressing the importance of resident access and reinvestment of income into park maintenance. In a council meeting, he seconded a motion on the Bangladeshi Diaspora, delivering a speech that celebrated their contributions to Britain and highlighted their embodiment of British values and increasing involvement in decision-making.

Meetings in July 2024

Cabinet - Wednesday, 24th July, 2024 5.30 p.m. - 24 July 2024

As Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, Abu Talha Chowdhury presented a report on tackling dog-related anti-social behaviour, proposing a public consultation for a dog control public space protection order (PSPO). He outlined potential measures including orders on dog fouling, exclusion of dogs from certain areas, mandatory leashes, limiting the number of dogs walked, and a professional dog walking license. Chowdhury emphasized the borough-wide application of the PSPO and the use of fixed penalty notices for breaches. He stressed the importance of a thorough statutory consultation with stakeholders to avoid penalizing responsible dog owners and to address fear and misinformation. The intention is to introduce the PSPO in the autumn following the consultation.

Chowdhury reiterated that the initiative is a consultation focused on responsible ownership, not targeting dog owners, and highlighted the need to protect residents due to serious incidents of dog attacks. He noted that the council is adopting existing legislation from the 1980s. He further clarified that the measure is not anti-dog but aims to promote responsible ownership, citing dangerous dog attacks in his ward and the need to convey this message. He also raised concerns about individuals managing multiple dogs and the impact on children's access to backyards in Whitechapel due to dog owners bringing many dogs into those spaces.

Chowdhury pointed to Section 1.7 of the report, stating it emphasizes that the PSPO is not about punishment or targeting, as the majority of dog owners are law-abiding. He drew a parallel to how aggressive human behavior is handled by the police, suggesting bylaws would be necessary for aggressive dogs. He mentioned a rise in dog attacks and a campaign for dog-free green spaces, acknowledging that some people are unaccustomed to dogs and that dog residue is an issue. He concluded that the measure supports responsible behavior in civil society.

Council - Wednesday, 17th July, 2024 7.00 p.m. - 17 July 2024

Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, seconded the Administration Motion on the Bangladeshi Diaspora in Tower Hamlets. He delivered a speech highlighting the contributions of the British Bangladeshi community to Britain, emphasizing their embodiment of British values such as democracy, rule of law, respect, individual liberty, and tolerance. He spoke about their historical role in rebuilding Britain after the World Wars, their impact on industries, and the cultural enrichment brought by the curry industry. Chowdhury also touched upon the community's fight against racism and fascism, their increasing involvement in decision-making, and the achievements of prominent British Bangladeshis from Tower Hamlets, including the first British Bangladeshi member of the House of Lords, the first British Bangladeshi MP, and the first executive mayor in Europe from a non-white background. He specifically mentioned the benefits of Mayor Rahman's policies, such as universal free school meals and education bursaries, as examples of progress.

Cabinet - Wednesday, 10th July, 2024 5.30 p.m. - 10 July 2024

Abu Talha Chowdhury, in his capacity as Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, provided an update on the Women's Safety Action Plan, noting progress on previously submitted recommendations and discussing the council's stance on police checks, self-defense class participation, and future initiatives.

Later, as Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, he presented feedback from their recent meeting. This included a review of the Provisional Out-turn Project Monitoring Report and the Year-End Report, Strategic Delivery Performance Report, highlighting red flags in quarter four and persistent issues in areas such as recycling, home care, and residential care admissions. The committee also focused on corporate structure and reviewed various proposals.

He also reported on the calling committee's decision to extend the AEG license for Victoria Park. He emphasized the park's importance to residents and stated that event decisions should not impede resident access or cause disturbance. While acknowledging the benefits of cultural events, local economic spending, and income generation for council services, he stressed that these benefits should be tangible for residents and that any additional income should be reinvested in park maintenance.

Finally, as Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury, he addressed the priority of combating crime and the drivers of crime. He reported positive developments, including the KPI for adults with substance abuse successfully engaging in treatment after prison release turning green for the first time, and uniform patrols significantly exceeding their target. He also noted a rise to 90% in victims of violence against women and girls feeling safer engaging with the commission provider. Regarding his portfolio, he projected an increase in KPI 007 (net addition to housing stock) for Q1. While affordable homes consented were expected to be high, the number of delivered affordable units was lower but anticipated to rise. He also mentioned a strategic shift towards focusing on larger-sized properties for housing, rather than solely concentrating on achieving numbers with smaller units.

During June 2024, Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury attended two council meetings: the Grants Determination (Cabinet) Sub-Committee and the Standards Advisory Committee, both held on June 26th. The minutes from both meetings indicate his presence, but do not record any specific statements or actions taken by him.

Meetings in June 2024

Standards Advisory Committee - Wednesday, 26th June, 2024 6.30 p.m. - 26 June 2024

Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury was present at the Standards Advisory Committee meeting on June 26th, 2024. The minutes do not record any specific statements or actions made by him during the meeting.

Grants Determination (Cabinet) Sub-Committee - Wednesday, 26th June, 2024 5.30 p.m. - 26 June 2024

Councillor Abu Chowdhury was present at the Grants Determination (Cabinet) Sub-Committee meeting. No specific statements or actions were recorded for Councillor Abu Chowdhury in the minutes.

During May 2024, Abu Talha Chowdhury, as Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, addressed the council on several key issues. He responded to a petition regarding the Prevent program, acknowledging concerns about referrals and emphasizing the council's robust assessment process and sensitivity and local context in mind. He highlighted extensive community engagement activities and noted a drop in referrals, with most being non-council referrals. Chowdhury also addressed perception issues of frustration regarding the new extremism definition and directed residents to contact him or the newly introduced standards and compliance unit, Staku. He further explained the role of the Tension Monitoring Group in managing community tensions, particularly concerning flag placements like Palestine flags, stating that actions were determined on an individual basis depending on the context. Chowdhury voted For the main Budget Motion and Against two amendments. He also introduced the Women's Safety Action Plan at the Cabinet meeting, noting its development in response to previous recommendations and an upcoming overarching strategy. He was also present at the Human Resources Committee meeting.

Meetings in May 2024

King George's Field Charity Board - Wednesday, 29th May, 2024 5.30 p.m. - 29 May 2024

Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury was present at the King George's Field Charity Board meeting on May 29, 2024, in his capacity as Cabinet Member for Safer Communities. The provided minutes do not contain any specific statements or actions attributed to him during this meeting.

Human Resources Committee - Thursday, 16th May, 2024 6.30 p.m. - 16 May 2024

Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury was present and participated in the discussions of the Human Resources Committee meeting on May 16, 2024. No specific statements or actions were attributed to him in the provided transcript.

Cabinet - Thursday, 16th May, 2024 4.00 p.m. - 16 May 2024

Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, introduced the report on the Women's Safety Action Plan. He stated that the plan was developed in response to seven recommendations from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in February 2023. He also noted that all recommendations were already being implemented, with an overarching strategy set to be launched soon.

Annual Meeting, Council - Wednesday, 15th May, 2024 7.00 p.m. - 15 May 2024

Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, addressed a question concerning feedback from the council's Tension Monitoring Group regarding Palestine Flags. He explained that the Tension Monitoring Group, which has been operational for several years, plays a crucial role in managing community tensions stemming from various incidents. Chowdhury stated that since the beginning of the conflict in the Middle East, the group has deliberated on issues related to flag placements, with diverse opinions being voiced. He noted that approximately 346 queries or complaints have been received since October 2023, and that actions taken were decided on a case-by-case basis, considering the specific context of each flag's placement.

"The Tension Monitoring Group has existed for several years and has been critical in managing tensions that emerge in the community due to local, national, and international incidents. Since the start of the conflict in the middle east, the Tension Monitoring Group has discussed matters arising from the placement of flags and a number of different views have been expressed in the meetings.

There have been approximately 346 queries/complaints since October 2023.

The action taken was determined on an individual basis depending on the context of the placement."

Council - Wednesday, 8th May, 2024 7.00 p.m. - 8 May 2024

As Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, Abu Talha Chowdhury addressed the council regarding a petition about the Prevent program. He acknowledged concerns about potential misplaced or misguided referrals and emphasized the council's robust assessment process to ensure referrals are proportionate and meet the relevant legal thresholds. He reassured the council that referrals were being managed with sensitivity and local context in mind, noting a significant drop in referrals in the last quarter and that the majority were non-council referrals. Chowdhury also highlighted the council's extensive community engagement activities aimed at building trust and confidence, stating that their referral process is considered best practice. He acknowledged perception issues of frustration regarding the new extremism definition and invited residents with concerns to contact him or the newly introduced standards and compliance unit, Staku. He also responded to a question about the Tension Monitoring Group, explaining its role in managing community tensions and that action taken was determined on an individual basis depending on the context of the placement of flags, including Palestine flags, since the conflict in the Middle East began.

In other business, Councillor Abu Chowdhury voted For on the main Budget Motion and Against on two amendments moved by Councillors Marc Francis and Nathalie Bienfait.

During April 2024, Abu Talha Chowdhury, as Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, reflected on the 25th anniversary of the Brick Lane bombings, describing it as a sad, a devastating racist attack, intended to strike the heart of the British Bengali British Asian communities here in the East End. He reiterated the community's dedication to a borough where hatred has no place. Chowdhury also highlighted progress in the community engagement strategy, particularly concerning community safety, and stressed the importance of being more accessible and be out in the community. He presented the Women's Safety Overview and Scrutiny Committee Recommendations and Action Plan, confirming that all actions are in train and that this work is part of a wider array of activities that we're doing in terms of addressing violence against women and girls. He also mentioned financial support for families, such as free school meals and university bursaries, as a method to reduce financial burdens on women. The Women's Safety Action Plan was developed based on seven recommendations from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in February 2023, all of which were already being implemented, with a broader strategy set to be launched shortly.

Meetings in April 2024

Cabinet - Wednesday, 24th April, 2024 5.30 p.m. - 24 April 2024

As Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, Abu Talha Chowdhury reflected on the 25th anniversary of the Brick Lane bombings, describing it as a sad, a devastating racist attack, intended to strike the heart of the British Bengali British Asian communities here in the East End. He affirmed the community's commitment to a borough where hatred has no place. Chowdhury also discussed the community engagement strategy, expressing satisfaction with its progress, particularly in community safety, and emphasizing the need to be more accessible and be out in the community. He introduced the Women's Safety Overview and Scrutiny Committee Recommendations and Action Plan, stating that all actions are in train and that the work is part of a wider array of activities that we're doing in terms of addressing violence against women and girls. He also noted the financial support for families, such as free school meals and university bursaries, as a means to alleviate financial pressure on women at home. He further explained that the Women's Safety Action Plan was developed in response to seven recommendations from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in February 2023, all of which were already being implemented, with an overarching strategy to be launched soon.