Councillor Leelu Ahmed

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.

Children and Education Scrutiny Sub-Committee - Thursday, 13th February, 2025 6.30 p.m.

The committee heard two presentations, one on the provision of free school meals in Tower Hamlets and one on Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and the advice that the council gives to schools on it. At the end of the discussion about RSE, the committee voted to request that the cabinet review the council's advice to schools to ensure that it reflects national guidance.

Licensing Sub Committee - Tuesday, 4th February, 2025 6.30 p.m.

The Licensing Sub-Committee met to consider two applications. The first, an application by Subway for a licence variation for their 379 Mile End Road branch, was granted. The second, an application for a new premises licence by Cable Street Mini Market was also granted.

Licensing Committee - Thursday, 16th January, 2025 6.30 p.m.

The Licensing Committee received a report on the outcomes of late-night inspections and enforcement visits to licensed premises. The committee noted the report and no decisions were made.

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.