Councillor Asma Begum

Extraordinary, Audit Committee - Thursday, 13th March, 2025 6.45 p.m.

The Tower Hamlets Audit Committee convened to address statutory recommendations from the external auditor, EY, regarding the 2023-24 audit results, as required by the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014[^1]. The committee agreed to the recommendations relating to closing of accounts and internal controls, but requested a more detailed action plan concerning procurement and contract management. After this, the press and public were excluded from the meeting to discuss a report from PWC regarding a homecare contract and forensic audit.

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

The Council agreed to approve the 2025/26 budget report and the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) 2025-28. It was also agreed to adopt the Treasury Management Strategy Statement, Investment Strategy Report and Capital Strategy Report for 2025-26. The Member Allowance Scheme for 2025/26 was also approved.

Extraordinary - , Audit Committee - Monday, 24th February, 2025 6.30 p.m.

This meeting has been postponed.

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

The meeting started with a tribute to former Councillor Ray Gibson, who passed away at the end of 2024. The Council then received a presentation from pupils at St John's School, Bethnal Green, who sang to celebrate the Council's recent Ofsted rating for Children's Services. The Council formally noted the 'outstanding' rating, and discussed the improvements that have taken place in the service since it was rated as 'inadequate' in 2017.

Strategic Development Committee - Wednesday, 15th January, 2025 6.30 p.m.

The Strategic Development Committee of Tower Hamlets Council met on Wednesday 15 January 2025. The meeting began with a discussion of a previously deferred application, PA/24/00173, a large mixed-use redevelopment scheme at 2-6 Commercial Street, 98-105 Whitechapel High Street and the site of the Canon Barnett Primary School. The application, which was recommended for refusal by planning officers, was to demolish 101 Whitechapel High Street, 6 Commercial Street and the western annex of the Canon Barnett Primary School, partially demolish 102-105 Whitechapel High Street and 2-4 Commercial Street (retaining the façades of those buildings) and redevelop the site to provide an 18-storey office block with community space, relocation and expansion of the school playground, and a new school annex. After discussing the application, the Committee resolved to grant planning permission.