The Cabinet of Tower Hamlets Council met on Tuesday 28 July 2015 to discuss a range of important issues, including the recommissioning of mental health services, the transfer of early years public health services, and the re-procurement of waste management services. Key decisions were made regarding the mental health services, with the contract award deferred to a future cabinet meeting, and the early years public health services, which will be novated to the local authority. The council also agreed to retain the Blackwell Depot as an operational depot for waste management services.

Town Centres and Civic Centre

The meeting received an update on a challenge session report concerning town centres, which made recommendations for a clearer vision and better utilisation of funding. These recommendations are to be sent to the Mayor, Councillor John Chesterton (who advises the Mayor on planning), and the Chair of the Development and Strategic Development Committee to ensure their incorporation into the local plan. The scrutiny committee also launched its transparency commission, aiming to involve the community and stakeholders in developing recommendations for greater openness and accountability. A call-in regarding the Civic Centre and its procedure was discussed, with concerns raised about delays potentially costing the borough £10 million. The decision on the procurement of a new town hall was deferred to allow the new Mayor time to review proposals.

Mental Health, Recovery, and Well-being Services

A proposal to reshape and recommission mental health community services was presented, aiming to integrate 17 separate contracts into a single lead provider model. This new model seeks to improve accessibility, coordination with the NHS, and recovery-oriented support for service users. The plan aligns with national good practice and the council's health and well-being strategy, with no funding cuts anticipated and investment from the CCG. A new recommendation was proposed to defer the award of the contract back to the cabinet for a final decision, rather than delegating it to the Director of Adult Services. This change was made to ensure elected politicians have a role in contract awards, promoting transparency and accountability.

Early Years Public Health Services

The council agreed to take on commissioning responsibility for early years public health services, including health visiting and the family nurse partnership, from NHS England. This transfer, effective from 1 October, is part of broader public health reforms and aims to integrate these services with existing children's centres and services. While the allocated funding from the ring-fenced public health grant covers current services, challenges remain in meeting the target of expanding health visitor numbers to 95 whole-time equivalents due to budgetary and recruitment issues. A full re-procurement of these services is planned before April 2016.

Ending Groups, Gangs, and Serious Violence

The cabinet considered a report on ending groups, gangs, and serious violence, which included an action plan. Councillor Peter Golds highlighted concerns about the high rate of reported domestic violence incidents in Tower Hamlets, noting that 97% are against women. He suggested devolving the youth service to potentially help address these issues. Councillor Shiria Khatun, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Deputy Mayor, concurred on the importance of reporting domestic violence, suggesting that increased reporting may be due to greater confidence among women. Councillor Rachael Saunders emphasised the preventative and safeguarding aspects of the plan, aiming to stop young people from getting involved in gangs. The report also acknowledged the need to address homophobic crime and violence.

Re-procurement of Waste Management Services

The re-procurement of waste management services was discussed, with a particular focus on the Blackwell Depot. Councillor Peter Golds expressed his delight that the council would retain the Blackwell Depot as an operational depot, having previously been concerned about its potential closure. The Mayor confirmed that the depot, used for parking school buses and bin lorries, would remain operational. The report outlined a stepped approach to re-procurement for critical contracts, including waste disposal, municipal waste management, and recycling, to allow for considered decisions on long-term configuration. The waste hierarchy, enshrined in UK law, and European Commission targets for recycling were noted as significant factors influencing these services.

Sovereign Court Change of Use

The cabinet considered a proposal for a change of use at Sovereign Court in Wapping, from offices to residential. As the council owns the freehold, it has the ability to negotiate a financial return, despite planning regulations limiting the council's ability to make a direct planning decision on the change of use. Councillor Joshua Peck, lead member for Work and Economic Growth, expressed reservations, arguing that the council should protect employment use where possible, even though the financial return was significant. However, the Mayor ultimately agreed with the recommendations in the report, acknowledging the constrained context and the government's regulations.

Strategy and Options for Use of Right to Buy Receipts

A report on the strategy and options for using right to buy receipts was presented. The government mandates that a portion of receipts from properties sold under the right to buy must be reinvested in new homes. The council's strategy involves a mixed economy approach, including delivering new homes within the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), buying back properties, supporting housing associations, and offering grants. The report also noted recent government announcements, including a 1% rent reduction for social landlords and market rents for households earning over £40,000, which could impact the HRA and potentially increase right to buy receipts.

Treaty Performance, General Fund, Revenue, Budget and Capital Program Monitoring

The Treaty Performance, General Fund, Revenue, Budget and Capital Program Monitoring Quarter 4 Year End Report for 2014-15 was presented. The report indicated a small overspend on the General Fund compared to the budget, but with significant reserves of approximately £71 million. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) showed a surplus of £2.8 million. The capital program saw only about 70% of the budget spent, leading to concerns about underspending and its impact on service delivery. The report also covered year-end performance for strategic measures and the annual residents' survey.

Contracts Forward Plan

The quarterly report on the forward plan of contracts over £250,000 was presented, aiming to provide transparency on significant council contracts. The cabinet was asked to identify any contracts requiring specific reports before award and to confirm which other contracts could proceed to award after tendering. The Mayor expressed a desire to reserve the option to bring more contracts to the cabinet for detailed scrutiny, particularly a security contract valued at approximately £10 million.

Best Value Improvement Plan

The cabinet reviewed the six-monthly monitoring report for the Best Value Improvement Plan. This plan is submitted to government commissioners to demonstrate progress. The Mayor stated an objective to gain confidence in the council's ability to manage its affairs without the need for commissioners. The report included a commitment to update the progress report following consultation with the Mayor and cabinet members before its submission to commissioners and the Secretary of State.

Strategic and Resource Planning 2016-17 to 18-19

A report on strategic and resource planning for 2016-17 to 18-19 was discussed, outlining the need for savings of approximately £63 million due to government funding cuts. The report proposed budget changes reflecting pressures and the new Mayor's priorities. It also included proposals for replacing social housing, utilising uncommitted new homes bonus funds, and developing a strategy for housing supply. Councillor Joshua Peck welcomed the withdrawal of a proposal to reduce the number of independent reviewing officers and the potential reintroduction of Victoria Park fireworks and improved safe cycle storage. The report also noted an increase in funding for the street cleansing contract, addressing concerns about previous excessive savings.