Councillor Asma Islam

Council - Wednesday, 25 February 2026 - 1.00 p.m.

The Tower Hamlets Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, 25 February 2026, was set to discuss the Budget Report for 2026-27 and the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2026-29. This comprehensive report outlines the council's financial plan, addressing national and local economic challenges, including rising demand for services and constrained resources. Key areas for discussion included proposed increases to Council Tax and the Adult Social Care precept, significant investment in housing stock, new savings and efficiencies, and a revised reserve strategy to safeguard against financial volatility. The meeting agenda also detailed proposed changes to fees and charges, the capital programme for both the General Fund and Housing Revenue Account, and the Treasury Management Strategy.

Overview & Scrutiny Committee - Monday, 16th February, 2026 6.30 p.m.

The Overview & Scrutiny Committee of Tower Hamlets Council met on Monday, 16 February 2026, to discuss a range of topics including anti-social behaviour, integrated enforcement, reoffending rates among young adults, and road safety. The committee also reviewed forthcoming decisions and received updates from scrutiny leads.

Overview & Scrutiny Committee - Monday, 26th January, 2026 6.30 p.m.

The Overview & Scrutiny Committee meeting on 26 January 2026 focused on the proposed amendments to the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) approach, the progress of the Be Well leisure services initiative, and the council's communication strategy. After a tied vote on the NCIL amendments, the Chair used their casting vote to uphold the original Cabinet decision, meaning the proposed changes to how NCIL funds can be spent will proceed. The committee also received updates on the Be Well leisure service transition and the council's communication strategy, and reviewed a challenge session report on reducing road danger and deaths.

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

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.

Housing & Regeneration Scrutiny Sub Committee - Tuesday, 13th January, 2026 6.30 p.m.

The Housing & Regeneration Scrutiny Sub Committee met on Tuesday 13 January 2026 to review the performance of social housing landlords in Tower Hamlets, discuss the progress of the Your Voice, Our Action improvement programme, and examine the council's preparedness for the Renters' Rights Act 2025. Key concerns raised included the high percentage of non-decent homes managed by the council, issues with repairs and safety checks across various landlords, and the implementation of new tenant protection legislation.