Councillor Marc Francis

Meeting Health & Adults Scrutiny Sub-Committee - Tuesday, 10th March, 2026 4.30 p.m.

The Health & Adults Scrutiny Sub-Committee of Tower Hamlets Council was scheduled to consider performance data, review reports, and discuss organisational changes within the health service. Key topics included the performance dashboard for Adult Social Care, outcomes of a consultation on organisational change within the North East London Integrated Care Board, and the future commissioning of community equipment services.

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.

Audit Committee - Thursday, 29th January, 2026 6.30 p.m.

The Audit Committee of Tower Hamlets Council met on Thursday, 29 January 2026, to review progress on the mobilisation of an action plan in response to external recommendations, discuss internal audit and anti-fraud reports, and examine the corporate risk register. Key decisions included noting the progress on the action plan, approving the internal audit and anti-fraud progress report, and agreeing to further scrutiny of specific risks within the corporate risk register and the Children's Services Directorate.

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.