Mayor Lutfur Rahman

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

As Mayor, Lutfur Rahman chaired the Cabinet meeting on December 18, 2024. He welcomed attendees, noted apologies, and addressed formalities. He allowed public participation, specifically addressing concerns about the LTM removal issue. He also deferred a question regarding reserves management to the lead member and corporate director.

Rahman made a significant statement covering several key areas. He announced the High Court ruling in favor of the council regarding the removal of low-traffic neighborhood schemes (LTNs), citing negative impacts on poorer areas and businesses.

Yesterday, the High Court officially ruled in favour of Tri-Hamlet's Council, following the legal challenge to the decision, our decision to remove free low-traffic neighbourhood schemes in the borough.

He announced the reintroduction of the Council's Mills on Wheels scheme, allocating £1 million to the base budget. He also mentioned attending the launch event for the Council's WOM Hub, pension credit, and winter fuel payment campaigns. He thanked officers for their work on these initiatives.

He thanked the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for their work and responded to concerns, particularly regarding the Home Care contract, reiterating the council's commitment to caring for vulnerable residents.

As a council, we are, and I am, very committed and passionate about caring for, looking after our elderly, the most vulnerable in our community, and I can assure you, no member in our community will forgo the care that they deserve.

He commented on the Strategic Delivery and Performance Report, noting improvements in green indicators and a decrease in red indicators, emphasizing continuous improvement and serving residents. He specifically addressed concerns about education, health, and care assessments for youngsters, and recycling rates. He also thanked the finance team for their work on the budget monitoring report and noted the waste improvement program report.

Rahman made announcements regarding White Ribbon Day and Islamophobia Awareness Month. He announced Council service activity updates, including a new Tower Hamlets Winter Fuel Payment, a new campaign called Credit Where Credit Is Due, the launch of Warm Hubs, exploration of reintroducing the Meals on Wheels scheme and elderly luncheon clubs, the opening of three new youth centers, reduced carbon emissions, the start of work on a grass cricket pitch and cricket square at Victoria Park, and additional funding for leisure facilities.

He welcomed the Young Tower Hamlets report and expressed hope it would ensure all local young people had the support and opportunities they needed to be successful adults. He asked that provision include a strong focus on academic performance, to include partnership with schools to secure mentoring opportunities, and provision of safe spaces for homework. As with the wider Council, the Mayor stressed the workforce should reflect the community.

He advised that a response on pre-decision scrutiny question 4 regarding Housing Consumer Standard Compliance would follow and that Councillor Islam would receive written replies to the questions submitted in relation to the Housing Consumer Standard Compliance report. He welcomed the approach for an independent health check of the performance of the Council’s housing services, expressed disappointment in the performance of the repairs service in the past, and asked officers to take steps to improve contractor performance and contract management. He welcomed the Tenant & Leaseholder Engagement Strategy and asked that the final version include a written foreword from himself. He also welcomed the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy and the Combating Drugs Partnership - Substance Misuse Strategy, expressing thanks to all officers and Members involved in their development.

Rahman endorsed the contribution from the Cabinet member for Environment and the Climate Emergency and welcomed the Child Healthy Weight Scrutiny Challenge Session - Action Plan Response and the Health and Adult Scrutiny - Disabilities Peoples Access to Sports and Exercise Provision action plan. He welcomed the Planning for School Places 2025/26 Review and Recommendations report and the Stepney Greencoat CE School – Expansion to Include Permanent Nursery Provision report, asking that an appropriate communications plan be developed to acknowledge and promote the additional provision.

He indicated he wished to defer consideration of the neighbourhood forum redesignation application pending resolution of outstanding concerns regarding a lack of community representation on the Forum and in particular its management committee, noting in-principle agreement to the application, subject to satisfactory resolution of these concerns. He indicated he was agreeable to authorising the Corporate Director of Housing and Regeneration to take the final decision on the application, following consultation with himself.

He welcomed the Continuation of Business Rates Pooling report and agreed the inclusion of the delegation of authority to the Corporate Director to approve continuation of membership of the business rates pool in future years. He noted and agreed the reasons for urgency as set out in the Be Well - Leisure Capital Investment Proposals report. He asked that, in addition to the proposals set out in the report, provision of sauna and steam facilities should be included for Poplar Baths and Tiller Leisure Centres, asking that development of options appraisals and feasibility studies for their provision be progressed and delegated authority to the Chief Executive to provide the necessary capital funding for delivery. He also asked that an appropriate communications campaign is prepared for the Be Well proposals, to include explanation of how the Council would minimise disruption to residents during works.

He concluded by thanking everyone for their contributions and moving on to the next agenda item.

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

Lutfur Rahman, as Mayor, chaired the Cabinet meeting on November 27, 2024. He welcomed attendees, addressed apologies and attendance, and managed the agenda. He announced the upcoming launch of a new Mayor’s winter fuel allowance and expressed disappointment regarding statements about the Housing Allocation Policy, reiterating that no resident would be re-homed further than 90 minutes journey time from the borough.

Rahman introduced and commented on several reports, including the Annual Resident Survey (ARS) 2024 results, the Corporate Peer Challenge Action Plan, the Tower Hamlets Council's Target Operating Model, the Strategic Delivery and Performance Report, the Tower Hamlets Special Educational Needs, Disabilities and Inclusion Strategy 2024 to 2029, the Review of the Licensing Act Cumulative Impact Assessments, and the Supported Living Pathway report. He expressed concern about performance measures showing as 'red' in the Strategic Delivery and Performance Report and requested an options paper to address KPI021.

Regarding the Young Time program (agenda item 6.1), he thanked contributors and inquired about the timeline for delivering youth sites and using digital platforms for income generation. He emphasized the importance of investing in young people:

Absolutely there should be no price when it comes to young people. Young people need the best infrastructure and the foundation in life to help them and support them to be successful adults.

He stressed the importance of educational achievement, collaboration with schools, performance monitoring, full utilization of youth centers, outreach work, a good communication strategy, a diverse workforce, and the recruitment of staff. He requested a paper on skilling-up youth workers and suggested a postcode-targeted social media campaign.

Concerning agenda item 6.2, he introduced the report, highlighting the priority of ensuring safe, warm, accessible homes for all residents. He thanked Steve for agreeing to establish a subcommittee and asked Kabir to address questions on KPIs and self-referrals. He echoed the Deputy Mayor's sentiment about the openness and transparency of self-referrals. He emphasized the importance of a good communication strategy, addressing residents' concerns quickly, and prioritizing health and safety.

He approved an additional recommendation to establish a partnership task and finish group to support key actions for improvement for the Tower Hamlets Special Educational Needs, Disabilities and Inclusion Strategy 2024 to 2029 and agreed to an alternative approach for the Supported Living Pathway procurement.

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

Mayor Lutfur Rahman presented his report to the Council. He also provided concluding remarks following a response to his report by the Opposition Group Leader, Councillor Sirajul Islam.

Grants Determination (Cabinet) Sub-Committee - Wednesday, 6th November, 2024 5.30 p.m. - 6 November 2024

As Mayor, Lutfur Rahman chaired the Grants Determination (Cabinet) Sub-Committee meeting. He facilitated the discussion by thanking speakers, inviting the Deputy Mayor to speak, and acknowledging comments from council members. A significant portion of the discussion focused on the Limehouse Welfare Association. Rahman summarized concerns about the organization's operational status and structure, ultimately advocating for option two, which involved drawing funding from the organization. He stipulated that if the organization had genuinely incurred costs, they should be reimbursed after verification.

We're drawing funding from that organisation. However, if they have genuinely spent some money and incurred costs, we should apportion that cost and give them that money. But please do test it and make sure that cost has been incurred, but no further money should be awarded. I just want to request that. Is that okay? Is that okay? Yep.

Rahman emphasized the importance of monitoring, evaluation, and value for money in grant allocation, requesting a paper on other organizations of concern for the next meeting. He clarified the purpose of the grant program, stating:

This isn't a programme to hold their hands. That's another programme, capacity building. It's not this. This is a mainstream grant.

He confirmed the decision regarding the Limehouse Welfare Association and closed the meeting, thanking officers and members.

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

Lutfur Rahman, as Chair of the King George's Field Charity Board, played a significant role in the meeting. He approved and signed the minutes of the previous meeting. He also moved the recommendations for several items (4.1, 4.3, 4.4, and 4.5), which were subsequently resolved by the Board. Furthermore, he moved the motion to exclude the press and public from the remainder of the meeting. Finally, his signature as Mayor of the London Borough of Tower Hamlets is required on the Letter of Ownership Confirmation for the charity's auditors to sign off the accounts.

Quorum wasn't met so meeting has been rescheduled to Wednesday 6 November 2024, King George's Field Charity Board - Wednesday, 30th October, 2024 5.30 p.m. - 30 October 2024

Lutfur Rahman served as Chair of the King George's Field Charity Board meeting on October 30, 2024. While the meeting was ultimately rescheduled due to a lack of quorum, the reports pack includes details from the previous meeting on May 29, 2024, where Rahman also served as Chair. During that meeting, he moved the recommendations for items 4.1, 4.3, 4.4, and 4.5. He also moved the resolution to exclude the press and public from the meeting and signed the minutes as Chair.

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

As Mayor, Lutfur Rahman presided over the Cabinet meeting. He began by introducing David Joyce and requesting declarations of interest. He approved the minutes from the previous meeting. A key announcement was the provision of a £175 winter fuel allowance for nearly 5,000 eligible pensioners, stating: > I am pleased to announce that we have been able to locate funds, officers have clearly helped us, we're very grateful to them, to provide each of the nearly 5,000 eligible pensioners with a £175 payment towards their bills this winter. He discussed the Annual Residents Survey, highlighting positive satisfaction rates: > With over 1,100 adults surveyed, 84% of residents are satisfied with the local area, up 6% from 2023 and 10% above the national average. However, he expressed disappointment with the number of 'red' measures in the Council's performance report: > However, I am especially disappointed to see the nine reds at the end of quarter one. Rahman also thanked the Deputy Mayor and Corporate Director for Children's Services for their work on the SEND strategy, commented on a housing development in Tamla, and discussed the violence against women and girls strategy. He defended the administration's record against criticism from the opposition, stating: > In short, they created a mess, ladies and gentlemen, and then made demands that someone else fixes it. That's what it's been like for the last two and a half years. He reiterated the Council's commitment to housing residents within a 90-minute radius of Tower Hamlets: > No resident in this borough will be sent further than 90 minutes away from Tower Hamlets. He acknowledged the borough's diversity, noting: > Just to say generally, we are a very diverse borough. Over 100 languages are spoken in our borough. He welcomed external feedback and criticisms, stating: > as an administration, we welcome external feedback, we welcome criticisms too, and thanked officers and the Chief Executive for their contributions.

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

Mayor Lutfur Rahman presented his report to the Council. He welcomed the new Councillor for Bow East and announced that the council received a Youth Justice Sent quality lead status. He thanked the corporate director for children's services, their team, and the deputy mayor for the turnaround in youth justice services, noting the improvement since the previous administration.

I would like to thank the corporate director for children's services, their team and his team, and the deputy mayor for this impressive turnaround which demonstrates that under this administration, the council is taking the steps to improve and deliver the best services possible for our residents.

Rahman stated he cancelled proposed changes to the council's placement policy for homelessness services, reiterating that the 90-minute cap remains in place.

Therefore, I would like to reiterate that the 90-minute cap remains in place and homeless people and affected residents should be housed ideally with the tire hamlets and if this is not possible, then no further than this distance from the borough.

He announced the continuation of the warm hub and warm packs program for the winter, and addressed the decision to scrap the winter fuel allowance payment for pensioners nationally. He requested officers to assess the possibility of creating a Mayor's Winter Emergency Fund and announced a campaign to promote awareness of pension credit eligibility.

I have requested officers to assess the possibility for the creation of a Mayor's Winter Emergency Fund to help offset the impact of this decision for our vulnerable and the elderly.

Finally, he addressed the situation in Gaza and called for a ceasefire.

Now more than ever it is essential that a ceasefire is agreed across the board before we see yet more tragedy unfold.

He also provided concluding remarks and responded to Councillor Islam's response to his report with a simple Thank you. Thank you.

Quorum wasn't met so meeting has been until the next meeting, Grants Determination (Cabinet) Sub-Committee - Wednesday, 18th September, 2024 5.30 p.m. - 18 September 2024

Lutfur Rahman chaired the Grants Determination (Cabinet) Sub-Committee. Based on minutes from a previous meeting (June 26, 2024) included in the reports pack, he had asked officers to provide guidance on the council's intervention and support removal processes for underperforming community groups.

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

As Mayor, Lutfur Rahman chaired the Cabinet meeting on September 11, 2024. He began by welcoming attendees and addressing initial audio issues. A significant announcement was the suspension of proposed changes to the Homelessness Placement Policy, pending further review.

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. As things stand, ladies and gentlemen, the 90 minute limit on relocation remains in place. I will update you all on the outcome of our review in due course. Thank you very much.

He welcomed new members and guests to the meeting. He also welcomed the report on the Free Swimming Programme, expressing concern about the operational hours at the Tiller Leisure Centre and requesting a review. He also asked officers to ensure all facilities were clean and safe. He requested a review of opening hours and more sessions at the Docklands swimming facilities. He spoke about the benefits of insourcing leisure services, particularly in reducing health inequalities, and discussed the B-Well Leisure Insourcing Capital Programme, highlighting the need for improvements to Myland Leisure Centre and York Hall. He requested a report on further capital works for the sporting facilities for the November cabinet.

Rahman introduced the waste regulations and time-banded waste collections report, emphasizing the importance of clean streets. He also introduced the Watchable Markets report, highlighting the market's importance to the East End, and spoke about the Whitechapel vision and master plan, envisioning Whitechapel as a mini city and the market as a lifeline. He hoped the works would modernise and support the stallholders and shopholders.

He welcomed the Serious Violence and Exploitation Strategy report, explaining it was just one of the many ways his administration had helped to improve and invest in the community to reduce crime. He welcomed the Budget monitoring report and expressed confidence in his Cabinet and officers to take robust action to mitigate the extraordinary pressures faced. He indicated that, despite challenges, the Council’s financial performance continued to impress. He welcomed the Spitalfields & Banglatown masterplan SPD report, indicating it would protect the heritage and legacy of the area. He welcomed the Contracts Forward Plan report. He welcomed the Council Housing Acquisitions Programme (CHAP) and Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF R3) report and asked the Lead Member and officers to ensure all homes delivered under this programme do so before 31 December 2024. He also requested an update to the next Cabinet meeting.

He noted and agreed the reasons for urgency regarding Fire Safety & Capital Investment Works Latham House and welcomed the report and his inclusion in the a special project team. He noted and agreed the reasons for urgency regarding Procurement Route of HRA Capital Investment Contracts and welcomed the report, his inclusion in the special project group, and asked that a suitable communication campaign be developed to explain the befits of this important investment to the wider community. He noted and agreed the reasons for urgency regarding Domiciliary Care Service Contract award and welcomed the report.

He asked the Cabinet to note the procurement process as reported was an officer-led one in which he nor other elected Members had direct roles in. He explained how the value caps would ensure a fairer description of funding and work amongst the range of providers.

He stressed that excellent care was a key aspiration of his administration. He asked officers to take care to monitor performance of all providers to ensure no safeguarding issues might arise. He indicated particular regard for how the contracts would offer protection to care workers. Tackling zero hour contracts and offering valuable protections. He stressed the need for LBTH officers to ensure agencies are not dissuading care workers from getting a contract and to ensure they receive their full LLW entitlement.

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

As Mayor, Lutfur Rahman presided over the Cabinet meeting. He opened the meeting, addressing fire alarm procedures and filming, and acknowledged apologies from absent members and welcomed attendees. He also addressed a correction to the minutes of the previous meeting and announced the withdrawal of report 6.3.

Rahman thanked the chair of the Over-Inscrutiny Committee and requested the call-in regarding the homelessness accommodation placement strategy be dealt with quickly, promising a written response to their questions later.

He introduced agenda item 6.1, the Council's strategic plan performance targets, emphasizing its importance and encouraging members to take ownership of their portfolios. He then introduced agenda item 6.2, regarding place shaping and the environment, making a lengthy statement in support of the document and outlining key policies: increasing affordable housing to 40%, delivering real affordable homes (85% for social rent), and incorporating community facilities into developments. He expressed offense at the idea that One Canada Square should be the only iconic building in Tower Hamlets and stated that height restrictions have been removed on 10 key sites to encourage development. He recommended Option A to the cabinet.

He also introduced agenda item 6.4, tackling drunk related antisocial behaviour and dog control. He jokingly commented on Councillor Chirag's interest in dogs:

Since I met you, it's the first time I've heard you take so much interest in dogs. You have progressed so far in life. Well done. Thank you. I know you are. You did it for seven years and you looked after the dogs very well. They've been biting people around the borough a lot. We're going to put a stop to it.

He emphasized responsible dog ownership and the council's role in protecting residents, sharing a story about a dog attack in Stepney. He stated:

the council is not saying here we're going to ban dog ownership, always saying it's responsible, it's a responsibility.

if you own a dog, you handle a dog, there are certain responsibilities that you should have as individuals towards others, humans, people and property.

we're here to protect the people of this borough, but at the same time those who own or handle dogs, hopefully when the document eventually comes through it will be about them also taking on responsibility.

the risks that it comes with to young children, to the elderly, to the vulnerable when people walk around with dogs. That's all we're trying to say here.

He sought agreement on the recommendation and instructed staff to ensure meaningful consultation. Finally, he introduced agenda item 6.5, the contracts forward plan, reading out the reasons for urgency.

Interview for the post of Corporate Director, Housing and Regeneration, Appointments Sub Committee - Tuesday, 23rd July, 2024 10.00 a.m. - 23 July 2024

Lutfur Rahman chaired the Appointments Sub Committee meeting on July 23, 2024. He also signed the minutes of the previous meeting held on June 26, 2024, in his capacity as Chair.

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

As Mayor, Lutfur Rahman presided over the Council meeting. He delivered his mayoral report, highlighting the council's achievements over the past year, including signing off accounts, meeting service savings targets, and sourcing free key services. He expressed pride in the borough and thanked council staff.

It feels me it's great pride as the mayor of this great borough. While the work will continue, there is so much more to do and so much more room for improvement ladies and gentlemen.

He announced the launch of the council's new policy of free swimming for women and girls over 16 and men over 55.

This Monday, I was proud to launch the council's, I and the lead members were proud to launch the council's groundbreaking new policy free swimming for all women and girls over the age of 16 and for men over the age of 55.

Rahman voiced his support for the opposition motion on poverty and indicated he would ask all members to support it with friendly amendments. He affirmed the council's commitment to fighting poverty.

Finally, I would like to stress address the opposition motion today, which I support and will ask all members in this chamber to support with our friendly amendments. Successive administrations have fought to eradicate the dangers of poverty and the associated impacts it has on our residents. And we will continue this fight with a renewed confidence that we can win.

He also assured petitioners regarding the Boundary Estate Community Laundrette of his full support in finding a permanent solution.

Find a permanent solution and a new permanency as soon as possible. You have our full support. I want to assure you on that.

He also responded to Councillor Islam's comments and called the meeting to order, introducing agenda items.

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

As Mayor, Lutfur Rahman chaired the Cabinet meeting, welcoming attendees and outlining the fire drill procedure. He addressed a question from a member of the public regarding the Council's new Advise Homeless Accommodation and Placement Policy, but then stated he would not take further questions from the public, explaining that this was not the usual procedure.

You asked your question. I'm going to respond to it. Karen has kindly responded. I'm grateful to you.

On that basis, and given what Karen has said, I note your question. I'm grateful to you. I'm moving on with the cabinet. Is that okay? Thank you. I'm grateful. Thank you to you, sir. Thank you for coming. Thank you.

He acknowledged apologies from Steve Reddy and noted Lila's presence in his place, confirmed no declarations of interest, and approved the minutes of the previous meeting. He thanked staff involved in the general election count and Councillor Choudry for attending and presenting feedback from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Good. Thank you. Another chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee is here. Thank you, Councillor Choudry. Thank you for coming. You have up to ten minutes, sir.

Thank you, Councillor. Thank you for your comments and it was indeed a pleasure for me and the Chief Executive and the leader member for resources to attend the over and scrutiny committee yesterday and very much want to convey our gratitude to you and your colleagues on the committee for the invaluable work that you do in driving up performance in this council, serving our residents, but more importantly, holding us to account for the check and balance is absolutely necessary. So thank you very much for coming.

During the budget discussion, he thanked Councillor Said, Madame Julia, and Steve, emphasizing the council's commitment to financial stability while investing in public services.

We want to invest and reinvest in the people of the borough, and get the services up to where it should be, rightfully should be, not at the risk of throwing, in any way, the finances in disarray.

He confirmed he was briefed on the corporate directors' actions and noted the report. He stated the procurement transformation paper was overdue due to inherited governance failures and emphasized the importance of strengthening governance in procurement. He supported transformation recommendations 3 and 4. He sought clarification on conflicting data in the call to performance report and expressed disappointment with housing supply, assessment targets, and recycling rates, stressing lead members' ownership. He postponed item 6.5, the withdrawal of the local plan, to explore removing maximum heights from site allocations.

I have asked that this item is postponed. I have reviewed the draft submission of the local plan, the refreshed local plan and I have asked officers to explore the removal of maximum heights from site allocations as I feel this will help identify more opportunities for delivery of homes, family sized homes and specially affordable homes for our residents.

He asked Karen to explain how people can access the prevention grants. He welcomed reports on the Homelessness Accommodation Placement Policy, improvements to homelessness services, and the Annual Report on School Performance, expressing ambition to address underperformance in LBTH schools and requesting a report on how to drive up attainment. He also welcomed reports on the Interim use of former Shapla School Site, Market Designation, Market & Street Trading Fees & Charges, the LBTH Productivity Plan, and Nominations to Outside Bodies. He asked officers to ensure that the report to Council recommending the changes to Market & Street Trading Fees & Charges include a pounds and pence breakdown of how the new fees would compare to those charged in 2023/24. He also asked officers and the Lead Member to develop proposals to demonstrate goodwill to shop-owners at Watney market.

Interviews for the post of Director of Legal and Monitoring Officer, Appointments Sub Committee - Tuesday, 9th July, 2024 2.15 p.m. - 9 July 2024

Lutfur Rahman chaired the Appointments Sub Committee meeting. He was present and acted as Chair, as indicated in the minutes from the previous meeting on April 30, 2024.

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

As Mayor, Lutfur Rahman chaired the Grants Determination (Cabinet) Sub-Committee meeting. He opened the meeting, welcomed attendees, and addressed formalities. He led discussions on multiple reports, including report 6.2 regarding London Doc Secondary School ICT funding, report 6.3 and 6.4 regarding the local community fund, report 6.5 regarding the Mayor's Community Grants Program, and report 6.6 regarding VCS funding awarded under delegated authority.

Regarding the London Doc Secondary School ICT funding, he inquired about monitoring and evaluation processes, emphasizing the importance of ensuring funds are used appropriately.

Thank you. I just wanted to know what monitoring and evaluation are in place? How are we going to monitor it? I just wanted to know. OK. We just want to, I know we had a discussion on this. £1.1 million is a lot of money. We just want to make sure that money has been used for the purpose that grant has been made and is for fit for purpose. That's important. That's where your office is. It's very important to make sure the performance.

He also requested Mayim to coordinate with Steve Reddy for an official launch of the school, highlighting the effort involved in securing the land.

Mayim, can you please speak to Steve Reddy and look at an opening please here from us because this is land that we secured when we were here last time. And with St George, a lot of discussion, a lot of struggle to secure that land. Is that okay, yeah? Look at our official launch please of the school. Other than that, can we agree the recommendation? Agreed here?

During the discussion on the Mayor's Community Grants Program, he expressed concern about an organization that had been awarded a grant but had not yet become operational after eight months. He requested a note detailing the process for addressing such situations and determining when to withdraw funding. He also suggested increasing the frequency of unannounced visits to organizations receiving grants.

Has any money changed hands? No. No money has changed hands? No. Okay, that's the positive thing. And can I ask, I'm sure there is a mechanism in place, there's a cut-off date by when, if our organisation is not up and running, we call the plug on the project. I think if it's been 8 months, and they haven't yet been up and running, it says a lot about the capacity of the organisation. And I'm just looking at it, no, the organisation, the registered office is someone's private home? 424 Repton Street, someone's private home. Have you checked that out? It's about now, what the situation is. I don't know what the other member's colleagues were saying. My concern is, it's been 8 months down the line, yes, they succeeded in being awarded the grant, I'm glad no one has changed hands, but I think time has come now for us to make a decision, and take a view, and the officers need to take a view on whether the organisation has the capacity to deliver the project for which they were awarded grants. And I'm just going to leave it there, and see what other members have to say. Can I request, please, a note on the organisation? One and two, can you please set out for us, for me, just want to understand what is the process when an organisation has been awarded a grant and not been able to deliver it for a period of time, substantial period of time? When do we call it a day, because we don't want to help an organisation to fail with them afterwards, and we need to make a decision, there must be a time when the council makes a decision, look, we've had enough time, that money can be used somewhere else, it could be underspent, rather than waiting for you, helping you, and yet you're not performing, you're not delivering. Can I have a note on that, please? I think one visit a year is more, I don't think it's enough, so we need to think about that, increasing the spot visits as well, unannounced visits. Please, yeah. Although, I mean, we very much support the voluntary sector, we want them to thrive, we want them to do well, and historically they played a very pivotal role in this borough, and they've levered in money also. However, the organisation that received public money, we want you to assure us that mechanisms are in place, that money's been used for the purpose it's been sent to, and the KPIs have been met. Okay, so the deputy mayor's point about increasing the visit is important. Okay, so if you can look at that, and if we can have a note on what else could be done to strengthen the process and the governance. Is that okay? Thank you. So apart from this one organisation, we note – there's a couple of ambers as well. Yeah, ambers, but one is particularly red, and we note that and move forward, and couldn't have options to pay for the red one for the next meeting. Great, thank you.

He closed the meeting, expressing gratitude to the attendees.

Shortlisting Corporate Director Housing and Regeneration, Appointments Sub Committee - Wednesday, 26th June, 2024 4.30 p.m. - 26 June 2024

Lutfur Rahman chaired the Appointments Sub Committee meeting on June 26, 2024. He was appointed as Chair of the Appointment Sub-Committee for the duration of the recruitment process for the Corporate Director, Housing and Regeneration. He also signed the minutes of the previous meeting held on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, in his capacity as Chair.

Longlisting Corporate Director Housing and Regeneration, Appointments Sub Committee - Wednesday, 5th June, 2024 4.00 p.m. - 5 June 2024

Mayor Lutfur Rahman was a member of the Appointments Sub Committee for the meeting on June 5th, 2024. However, the provided document does not indicate that he made any statements or took any specific actions during the meeting.

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

As Mayor, Lutfur Rahman chaired the King George's Field Charity Board meeting. He opened the meeting, acknowledged absences, and directed the discussion on various agenda items. Regarding the audit accounts and financial position, he pointed out the impact of COVID on income and sought clarification on donations, specifically asking:

You know where it sets out donations of 363,000 last year and this year, 57, 7, 7, 8, 5. What, what, what does that come from?

He suggested adding a narrative to explain the sources of income:

Okay, what I suggest for the future going forward, just have a bracket, just to a small narrative underneath how it's made up and break down the amounts, where, from what sources we get the rivers' money, so we know what it is, yeah? It's for public consumption, so people don't think, people just donating money to us, it's also the various sources that income, how we generate income. Is that okay?

He also inquired about license fees and advertising income. On the Stepney Green Astroturf improvements, he disagreed with spending on the pedestrian entrance, security, and accessibility, suggesting the money could be better used elsewhere. He supported a kiosk at Stepney Green Astroturf for income generation, subject to vetting. He requested a report on alternative play zone locations and an update on anti-social behavior at Wellington Green. He inquired about upgrading the football pitch at Mile End Park stadium and sought assurance on securing external funding for artificial pitches. He summarized the board's decisions on Fields & Trust funding and asked Richard Ward for an update on the title deeds. He introduced the fees and charges review, suggesting corporate bookings as a potential avenue, and agreed with the proposed fee increases due to inflation. He requested a meeting to discuss the commercialization and marketing strategy for the ecology and arts pavilion and proposed a private session to discuss item five. He also signed the minutes as chair.

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

Lutfur Rahman, as Mayor, chaired the Cabinet meeting on May 16, 2024. He welcomed attendees, including new members, and outlined the rules for filming the meeting. He addressed a question from Councillor Natalie and moved to the formal business, including apologies, declarations of interest, and confirmation of the previous meeting's minutes. He welcomed Councillor Jai-head as the new chair of the ONS (Overview and Scrutiny Committee), stating:

Welcome to your first cabinet meeting. I know you've not had a chance to see these papers being developed as such but you're getting an opportunity to say a few words and as things progress, you pick up matters in ONS. We very much look forward to the executive to work with you and your team, your colleagues in ONS, we believe your role and the role of the members of the ONS are extremely important to hold us to account for us to hear you out, learn from you and your constructive suggestions also as a critical friend to hear you out and where we need to improve ourselves and the policies we will do so. Please feel free to say a few words.

He also stated:

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you very much. And I look forward to being before you and your colleagues in the next Tuesday for my squad life session with the Chief Executive.

Rahman introduced the agenda, acknowledging the effort involved in developing the papers, and introduced the first paper (6.1) on transforming Tower Hamlets Council. He explained the urgency of the report and apologized for moving the meeting due to a personal commitment, stating:

First of all, I just want to say the reasons for the urgency is set out on the board. The body of the paper is there. However, I want to say this too, that due to a personal commitment on the 22nd of May, I had to bring the cabinet forward to today. I apologize for that. I had no choice and I'm grateful to the Chief Executive and the monitoring officer for allowing me to do so and advised me that that is possible. Given that the time sensitivity and the time sensitive nature or some of course, including today's agenda, we had no choice but to move the cabinet forward to today. On this particular report, this report is one such example of the need to bring it forward and to hear it because the urgency of the transformational agenda, I therefore can confirm I agree the reasons for urgency are set out in the report.

He commented on the council's transformation, highlighting improvements in culture, governance, and transparency, but noted that the work was unfinished. He invited contributions from Steve, cabinet members, and corporate directors. He made concluding comments on the transformation and inherited issues, contrasting the current administration's efforts with the previous one, particularly regarding financial management and service delivery. He stated:

I was constructing comments Councillor Ahmed I bring in Sayyid you want to come and say if you want and I bring Tala having Councillor Shavya I want to say a few words but keep it to the point please yeah thank you thank you Mr Mayor so I will keep it to the point and as much as related from my profession and my my direct to it in terms of when we first came in and I identified the outstanding accounts and then all the qualified accounts coming following through from my studies in audience assurance we knew that is something that an organization doesn't want at any certain start so having seen that we have all these qualified accounts and in terms of sort of assuring the direct the auditors of the in any organization it's about showing that we have management control within our reporting showing that we can manage our risks having grip within our performance and having controls controls very important assuring the auditors that we know how we deliver our services and it's just not it's not about just finances alone that affects the whole organization because finance relies on information to be you know to come from different areas so if there's issues within the direct threats within the different services it all trickles down to finance at the end and obviously we need a strong finance team at the same time so in so far forwarding where we are at the moment the contracts are very very important within procurement making sure that we have the right you know information the right person with the right knowledge that can support those areas is very important and and hearing from the LJ peer review that we are going in the right direction and more importantly hearing from all the directors today and not just as a cabinet member or a counselor as a resident I feel like this council is going in the right direction it shows a one council approach which is very very important and I'm actually quite glad to hear from all the directors today and the last point is about power BI power BI is actually very very important power BI many many large organizations rely on power BI and some organizations are struggling to find the right expertise to find the right information available so I guess we are in the right track with power BI and the right dashboard I think we are going to be a great borough even better. Thank you Councillor Said I'm just going to bring one more person in some very conscious of the time Councillor Shafi you are eager to make some contribution keep it nice and short and welcome to the cabinet again your first time will say if you were to the cabinet. Thank you everybody good evening it's a good afternoon and thank you Mr Mayor humble to join your cabinet this afternoon and I look forward to working with you and corporate directors and officers to achieve together we can achieve and deliver for the residents your vision on a greener clean at our handlers. I am aware of the good work already taking place to improve the environment and public realm and waste services as per your budget and in induction of a five minute investment is an ambitious aspiration as per the council's people first transformation journey and I believe we can go beyond this and really achieve high quality standards for the great people of this borough as for myself I want to lead to embrace this important role by leading from the front being visible challenging and working with my corporate directors and officers to ensure that we do more for this people of this borough and more walkabouts and I thank you once again for giving me this opportunity I look forward thank you very much.

Thank you Councillor Councillor okay I'm just going to say a few words in support and also some references what we inherited. I think Councillor Ahmed and Said and other Councillors have clearly set out you know when we came in in May 2022 shocking to see what we inherited as an administration after seven years of the previous administration six years of unsigned accounts you know when we left in 2015 there was a last when unqualified accounts were signed left behind you know I ran a business a medium-sized solicitor's firm for many years never heard of in my business that your accounts not returned on time your VAT not returned on time your VAT of discounts will start up standing for six years governance statements you know outstanding for five six years is shocking what they did during that seven-year period you know the homelessness service I'm going to make some comments later on you know the homelessness service the lack of serious customer care the empathy the empathy and the care to the very people who've elected us who pay our wages including officers the lack of empathy sympathy the language that sometimes are used against residents in services you know it's shocking shocking and I've put those more comments to the chief executive of the last you know one year since he's been there in the previous give executive when he was there and hardly anything was dumb about it you know the leisure facilities you know the fact that it wasn't culturally insensitive fact that it was dirty it wasn't fit for use some of the equipments were falling away you know cleanliness is so important now we we paid for the services and we weren't our residents weren't getting a clean and they fit leisure service it's shocking we had no choice to bring it in house and I hope we deliver Simon and the newly member for the promise that we made to the residents of our borough we said to them will be an administration of change and will invest in public services we already started that process started that process the lack of investment in young in young people council my email said it no 22 million pound additional investment in young people there was no hardly any youth services we knew to get our use service up and running Steve and my you as quickly as possible we go a young borough our youngsters need somewhere to go they need a place to go and spend the extra time after school during the weekends not on the streets the crime in the borough or shocking you know last seven eight years I saw kids drug dealing front of my face front of me young women on the street that's not on that's not the borough we left behind in 2014-15 that's the borough we inherited the financial chaos that existed in this borough I'm grateful to the corporate directors I'm grateful to Steve for listening to our residents our residents come first ladies and gentlemen you know they are the people we're here to serve our staff need to understand that throughout the service we need to understand that as elected members and we've got to get it right and I'm quite confident with the investment that's gone in the cultural shift that's going to happen beginning to already began to happen in the council and the leadership that Steve and the corporate doctors are showing already not only in paper but practically it's something that we we very much are welcome I very much want to see the change the transformation in this borough over the next you know months and years so that we can compete with the best in the country and our residents could feel proud that they live in a borough that is clean that's the best leisure facilities the housing services we reduce in the housing inequality that people don't have to contribute to live in mold rat invested homes that the repair services is something we can proud of our repair services what we inherited what's a rubbish what's rubbish Paul you know that when you came in I told you that you know the previous director corporate actor knew about it you know I thought enough wasn't being done one of the reason why we brought timeless homes in house the pledge we made because the repair service wasn't doing it for our residents we need to make that transformation quickly should be done yesterday not tomorrow but we've got to deliver it over the next you know few months in few months on that basis can I ask people to note the recommendations on page 22 and agree note and agree the recommendation and please can we have a regular update Steve to cabinet where we are at relevant intervals in our time so okay thank you so okay thank you very much we agreed yeah I'm going to move on to item 6.2 in the agenda the median term financial strategy can I again can we agree the reasons for for the urgency set up in the body of the report and again what I said earlier on for bringing this item forward is for a personal commitment I have on the 22nd of May and hence we're we're heading this today I too am pleased to say that the saving targets we set out ourselves in the MTFS it's well underway I'm very pleased with the budget that Said Julie and the team delivered and this council delivered on the 28th of February it's forward looking gives us opportunity but also gives us responsibilities that goes with it I would like to reiterate my desire to push and squeeze the council's reliance on consultancy staff we have to reduce that what happened over the last seven eight years we have to move on from that the way the consultancies fees and the number of people who are consultants ballooned under the previous administration we have to vigorously and over a limited time a timeline we're appropriate you know reduce it so it gives us more flexibility we want to squeeze more out of contracts you know what half a million if not more of contracts we we we we we service would occur a year we want to squeeze more out of those contracts but performance is at the same time very important that's why I'm going to say invite say it to say a few words then Julie we move on thank you thank you mr may as the like you articulate very well this this report is very very important because of the build up to the budget setting process we had and the council agreed that when we've identified the 43.3 million pound of savings and the most important thing now council must now deliver the identified savings alongside managing the ongoing national pressures experience in homelessness and adult social care in parallel the council must deliver the additional new service investments as well this paper provides an update on the actions being taken to ensure delivery of the 2024 25 budget which forms year one of the MTFS including mitigation of risks which we've highlighted before which is very very important section four of the report covers current and planned actions around savings delivery as well as arrangements to monitor the delivery of the 2024 25 budget and the provision of additional capacity required section five considers the council's capacity to manage the required changes section six looks at the council's financials sustainability considering its levels of reserves and contingencies it introduces a financial s

He asked for people to note the recommendations on page 22 and agree. He then moved on to item 6.2, the median term financial strategy, agreeing to the reasons for urgency. He reiterated his desire to reduce consultancy staff and squeeze more out of contracts. He invited Sayid and Julie to speak.

In addition to the above, Rahman approved the minutes of the previous meeting, noted the flying of the St. George’s flag, and asked for a minute's silence for the victims of the 1999 nail bomb attacks. He thanked the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and welcomed the Community Engagement Strategy, emphasizing his commitment to a 'listening council' and working with faith communities and BAME media. He welcomed the Women’s Safety Action Plan, highlighting his efforts to combat overcrowding and invest in youth services to benefit women. He also asked for some amendments to the recommendations as listed in the Women's Safety Action Plan. He welcomed the New Social Housing Regulatory Functions report. Regarding contract extensions for the Tower Hamlets Young People’s Supported Housing Pathway and the School Health and Wellbeing Service, he stated that while he would agree to extensions as exceptions, he ordinarily insisted on open procurement and wider participation for smaller providers. He stated:

The Mayor asked officers to note that he was minded to agree a six-month extension to the current contract as an exception, but that ordinarily he insisted on open procurement wherever possible. He also asked officers widen future procurement exercises to ensure smaller providers were not excluded or did not face unnecessary barriers.

Further to his comments on the previous item (Item 6.4, Young People’s Supported Housing Pathway) The Mayor asked officers to note that he was minded to agree an eight-month extension to the contracts as an exception, but that ordinarily he insisted on open procurement wherever possible. He also asked officers widen future procurement exercises to ensure smaller providers were not excluded or did not face unnecessary barriers.

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

Lutfur Rahman, in his role as Mayor, was present at the Annual Council Meeting on May 15, 2024. He presented his report to the Council and provided concluding remarks after the Opposition Group Leader responded. While he was initially asked to introduce a report and move the recommendation, Councillor Magmaire Taloggar ultimately did so. Councillor Taloggar also expressed thanks on behalf of the Mayor and the whole council. Another speaker thanked Mayor Luzuramand (likely a misspelling of Lutfur Rahman) for the opportunity to be the first citizen.

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

As Mayor, Lutfur Rahman presented a report to the Council highlighting achievements of his administration over the past two years. These achievements included reintroducing and doubling educational maintenance allowances and university bursaries, providing free school meals for primary and secondary school children, revitalizing the youth service with significant investment, reopening resident hubs, making progress on delivering homes for rent, insourcing timeless homes, beginning the process of undoing road closures, introducing measures to improve health and well-being (including insourcing sports and leisure services and providing free swimming sessions), and strengthening the council's governance, finances, and performances by signing off accounts and repaying debts. He also provided concluding remarks after the Opposition Group Leader responded to his report.

Ladies and gentlemen, the 5th of May 2022, the residents of this borough voted for change. They voted for a new brand of politics, one that would put their interest and need first.

The two years have passed incredibly quickly and I am proud of what this council has achieved during this time.

In response to a question from Councillor Asma Islam, Councillor Kabir Ahmed responded on behalf of the Mayor regarding communication with Peabody HA. The minutes also note that at a Cabinet meeting in January 2024, regarding Best Value Inspections:

the Mayor claimed that the LGA Peer Review Team’s criticisms were actually about the governing culture under former Mayor John Biggs, which wasn’t the case;

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

As Mayor, Lutfur Rahman chaired the Cabinet meeting on April 24, 2024. He began by acknowledging apologies for absence and welcoming attendees. He made an announcement commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Brick Lane bombings, requesting Councillor Suruk to represent the council at a vigil and leading a minute of silence. He also noted that the St. George's Day flag was flown at the town hall.

Rahman thanked the Chair of the Melbourne Scrutiny Committee for their submission and acknowledged the committee's work, apologizing for his absence from a spotlight session due to a family bereavement:

Sure, thank you Chair. Thank you for your submission today. Each and every word is very much noted and we will reflect on it.

He introduced the Community Engagement Strategy, emphasizing the importance of community consultation and expressing dissatisfaction with past efforts:

Engaging with our communities are extremely important. Council does a lot of work, but people need to be consulting before we, you know, either deliver some of the work or in any event we need to hear from the people.

He thanked the team for the paper and for accommodating his views, highlighting the importance of the voluntary sector, faith communities, and Bangladeshi media. He also endorsed the Community Engagement Strategy paper.

Rahman introduced the Women's Safety Action Plan and thanked the team for their work. He also mentioned the importance of preventing overcrowding and homelessness, and asked for some amendments to the recommendations as listed in the Women's Safety Action Plan, before approving the plan with amendments.

He welcomed the report on New Social Housing Regulatory Functions and Nominees to Adopt Responsibilities and approved the appointments related to it. He also expressed a preference for open procurement processes, while agreeing to exceptions for contract extensions for Tower Hamlets Young People’s Supported Housing Pathway, School Health and Wellbeing Service and Integrated Young People’s Health and Wellbeing Service (Safe East), asking officers to widen future procurement exercises to ensure smaller providers were not excluded or did not face unnecessary barriers.

He approved the unrestricted minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday 27 March 2024 and thanked Councillor Ahmed and the rest of the Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee for their role in ensuring checks and balances.

He welcomed the report on Fixed Penalty Notice Increase for Environmental Crime:

The Mayor welcomed the report and the benefits to the Council and residents in deterring the offences that FPNs cover and keeping the Council a cleaner borough. The Mayor echoed the Cabinet comments on making sure that all residents are communicated these changes. The Mayor also asked that officers look into the locations of bins in the borough and whether they are in the correct place.

He thanked officers for the Budget Monitoring 23/24 Quarter 3 report:

The Mayor thanked officers for the report and all the work they have done and asked officers to make sure that any variances in budgets going forward are report to the Cabinet as soon as possible.

He welcomed the Strategic Delivery and Performance Report Year 2 Quarter 3:

The Mayor welcomed the report and noted the successful performance measures. With respect to the seven red, he invited lead members, supported by relevant corporate directors, to provide explanation for the underperformance and to outline the measures in-place, or planned to reverse the underperformance.

The Mayor offered his thanks to Cabinet members and officers for their contributions.