The Cabinet of Tower Hamlets Council met on Tuesday 6 September 2016 to discuss the Medium Term Financial Strategy, the Best Value Action Plan, and the proposed permanent introduction of 20mph speed limits across the borough. Key decisions included the approval of the 20mph speed limit on most roads, with specific exceptions, and the agreement to proceed with the Housing Strategy consultation.

Medium Term Financial Strategy

Councillor David Edgar, Cabinet Member for Resources, presented an update on the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS). The council is adopting an outcome-based budgeting approach, linking financial decisions to the council's priorities as outlined in its strategic plan. This involves reorganising the budget by priorities as well as by directorate, fostering greater cross-directorate collaboration. The strategy now looks three years ahead, a change facilitated by the government's spending review. However, significant uncertainties remain regarding funding from sources like business rates and the new homes bonus. The current projected funding gap over the next three years is £60 million. Further reports will be presented to the Cabinet on 4 October and the Council in February, with a potential final meeting in early March to agree the budget. The Overview and Scrutiny Committee (ONS) Chair, Councillor John Pearce, raised three tabled questions regarding the funding gap, underspends from the previous year, and the need for strategic support. The council is still analysing the reasons for last year's underspend to determine its impact on future projections.

Best Value Action Plan

Kevin Kewin presented the draft Best Value Action Plan, which has been developed in response to interventions from commissioners appointed by the Secretary of State. The plan addresses specific areas of concern identified by the commissioners. Over 95% of the 18 agreed actions with the Secretary of State and commissioners are now complete. The council is requesting that directions placed upon it be lifted, with the expectation that the commissioners' remit will end by March or April of the following year.

20mph Speed Limit

The Cabinet discussed the report on the experimental 20mph speed limit and its potential permanent introduction. Councillor Andrew Wood, a Conservative Member of the Authority, raised concerns, arguing that the report lacked sufficient data to justify making the limit permanent. He cited an increase in collisions on some roads and questioned the analysis of junction accidents. Councillor Wood suggested deferring the decision for a month to gather more comprehensive information. Margaret Cooper, providing technical input, acknowledged mixed results and the difficulty in isolating the impact of the 20mph limit due to other network changes. She noted that while overall collisions had increased slightly, fatal and serious collisions had reduced by 20-22%, suggesting a reduction in severity. The report indicated that the average speed reduction across the borough was 1.4 mph, meeting Department for Transport criteria for justifying 20mph limits.

However, specific roads, including Preston's Road, Cotton Street, and West India Dock Road, were recommended for reversion to 30mph due to average speeds exceeding 24mph, making enforcement difficult for the police due to resource limitations. Councillor Joshua Peck supported the permanent introduction of the 20mph limit, arguing that driver non-compliance necessitated better enforcement, not abandonment of the policy. He expressed concern about exempting busy residential roads from the limit. Councillor Amy Whitelock Gibbs and Councillor Sirajul Islam also spoke in favour of the permanent 20mph limit, highlighting resident support and the need for better enforcement and communication. Councillor Asma Begum shared an anecdote about a serious accident on Globe Road, supporting the need for lower speeds. Councillor Blake, Cabinet Member for Strategic Development, emphasised the safety benefits of 20mph limits and suggested a more ambitious timeline for implementing traffic calming measures on Preston's Road and Cotton Street. Mayor John Biggs ultimately agreed to make the 20mph speed limit permanent on most roads, noting that the decision on Preston's Road, Cotton Street, and West India Dock Road would maintain the 20mph limit, though acknowledging potential enforcement challenges. He also highlighted the importance of air quality considerations for the Bromley Hall School site.

Housing Strategy

Councillor Rachel Blake and Councillor Asma Begum introduced the Housing Strategy for a second stage of consultation. The strategy addresses concerns raised during the initial consultation, including the shortage of affordable housing, the impact of future rents on residents, and the need for more housing choices for young people. It also acknowledges the growth in the private rented sector and the need to improve conditions for private tenants. The strategy includes 28 action areas, focusing on maximising affordable housing, identifying council-owned land for new homes, establishing a housing company, and promoting private tenants' rights. The formal consultation period runs from 16 September to 10 October, with a housing conference scheduled for 1 October. The strategy will be presented for full council approval in November.

Planning for School Places

Councillor Rachael Saunders presented a report on planning for school places, outlining how the council intends to meet future demand and commission schools. The report addresses the need for increased school capacity through development and the emergence of free schools. A key discussion point was the Bowe Primary School, where demographic changes have led to revised predictions for pupil numbers. While the report suggests sufficient primary places borough-wide, there is a recognised pressure in the east of the borough. The Cabinet was asked to decide on the opening year for Bowe Primary School after further detailed work with local councillors. Rachel Ellman, representing the Friends of Bowe Primary School, expressed strong support for the school's development and urged the council to recommit to a September 2018 opening date, citing the impact of delays on local families. Councillor Andrew Wood raised concerns about air quality at proposed school sites, such as Bromley Hall, and the unpredictability of pupil numbers due to free schools. Mayor John Biggs acknowledged the concerns about air quality and the challenges posed by government policy on school choice and free schools. He agreed to continue the consultation on Bowe Primary alongside Bromley Hall, with a view to keeping the 2018 opening option open while further detailed work is undertaken.

Improving Disabled and Ethnic Minority Staff Representation

Councillor John Pierce presented a report from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on improving disabled and ethnic minority staff representation at senior management level. The Cabinet accepted all six recommendations, with significant progress being made, particularly regarding ethnic minority staff. The response from the Executive, largely led by HR, will be integrated into the workforce strategy. Councillor Shiria Khatun, while supporting the aim of reinforcing potential, expressed a personal view that being from an ethnic minority should not be seen as a disadvantage, and that individuals possess the skills and talents to compete equally.

Promoting Shared Responsibility and Improving Recycling

Councillor John Pierce also presented a report on promoting shared responsibility and removing barriers to improving recycling. The report's recommendations will be incorporated into the council's developing waste strategy. Progress is being made on specific recommendations, including discussions with Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) about a reward scheme, a communications campaign on waste minimisation, and the development of policies for future developments regarding waste collection and recycling opportunities.

Corporate Directors Decisions

Mayor John Biggs presented his report on corporate directors' decisions, which was noted for the record.

Regulation 123 List and Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document

Councillor Rachel Blake presented revisions to the Regulation 123 list and the Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). These documents, which detail the types of contributions developers should make, have undergone consultation. Councillor Andrew Wood raised a point about the omission of the latest Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Regulations 2013 from the report. Matthew Pullen, an officer, clarified that the document refers to the CIL regulations as amended, which covers subsequent updates. He also noted that the council's infrastructure delivery framework will address decisions for spending CIL, including the neighbourhood portion. Mayor John Biggs agreed with the recommendations, acknowledging the need for a balance between strategic planning and local spending, particularly concerning the neighbourhood portion of CIL. He also highlighted the importance of addressing air quality issues at the Bromley Hall School site.