The Council of Tower Hamlets Council met on Wednesday 19 September 2018, discussing a range of important local issues including the impact of Brexit, anti-social behaviour, school funding, and the adoption of guidelines on antisemitism. Key decisions included the unanimous adoption of a motion calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal and the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism.

Brexit and a People's Vote

The council debated and ultimately passed a motion calling on the government to abandon plans for a hard Brexit and to hold a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal. Councillor Amina Ali, Cabinet Member for Culture, Arts and Brexit, moved the motion, highlighting the borough's vulnerability to Brexit's economic impacts due to its reliance on international financial and tech companies. Mayor John Biggs seconded the motion, emphasizing the council's long-standing opposition to Brexit and its commitment to campaigning for a People's Vote, aligning with the Labour Party's manifesto pledge. Councillor Rabina Khan, while supporting the call for a People's Vote, urged for bolder action. Councillor Andrew Wood, Leader of the Conservative Group, argued that the motion was too late and that the council should have acted sooner, also noting that the parliamentary deadline for a referendum before March 2019 had been missed. He also reflected on the reasons for the Leave vote winning in areas like Tower Hamlets, suggesting division within the Labour Party. The motion was carried with 40 votes in favour and 2 against.

Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour and Crime

A debate took place regarding anti-social behaviour (ASB) and crime in the borough. Councillor Andrew Wood, Leader of the Conservative Group, moved a motion focusing on hard solutions such as a 24-hour hotline, a new app for reporting issues, and extending public space protection orders. Councillor Asma Begum, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Equality, proposed an amendment that was subsequently carried. The amendment acknowledged the challenges of ASB and crime, highlighted the council's existing work, including arrests of drug dealers and weapon seizures, and attributed the difficulties to government cuts to policing and local government funding. Councillor Peter Golds argued for practical, simple solutions and questioned why Tower Hamlets couldn't implement measures already in place in neighbouring boroughs. Councillor Rachel Blake strongly supported the amendment, criticising the original motion as absurd for dismissing the impact of austerity. The amended motion, which became the substantive motion, was carried with 39 votes in favour, 2 against, and 1 abstention.

School Funding Concerns

A motion submitted by Councillor Danny Hassell highlighted concerns over planned cuts to school funding, which he stated would amount to at least £16 million for Tower Hamlets schools. He argued that these cuts would inevitably lead to reduced educational outcomes, teacher redundancies, larger class sizes, and less support for children with special educational needs and disabilities. Mayor John Biggs seconded the motion, linking the issue to broader austerity measures and the need for investment in public services. Councillor Ruhel Amin spoke about the impact on his local school, Marbury Secondary School, which was facing reduced teaching hours. Councillor Bex White also spoke in favour, emphasizing the potential narrowing of the curriculum and the loss of extracurricular activities. Councillor Andrew Wood, however, presented statistics suggesting that while pupil numbers had increased, teacher numbers had also risen, and that Tower Hamlets received high funding per pupil. He suggested that schools could find savings through energy efficiency measures. The motion was carried with 39 votes in favour and 2 against.

Other Discussions and Decisions

• Glyphosate Ban Petition: A petition was presented calling for a ban on glyphosate and Roundup in the borough. Councillor David Edgar, Cabinet Member for Environment, stated that while the council would continue to review the evidence, the product was currently licensed and considered safe for use. The petition was referred for a written response within 28 days.
• People's Vote on Brexit Petition: A petition was presented supporting the People's Vote campaign. Councillor Amina Ali, Cabinet Member for Culture, Arts and Brexit, confirmed the council's support for a People's Vote and highlighted the establishment of the Tower Hamlets Brexit Commission. The petition was referred for a written response within 28 days.
• Child Refugee Resettlement Petition: A petition called for Tower Hamlets Council to commit to resettling child refugees. Councillor Danny Hassell, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Young People, stated that the council was committed to supporting refugees and was already part of national schemes. The petition was referred for a written response within 20 days.
• Millwall Park Noise Petition: Residents presented a petition regarding noise from late-night basketball and football at Millwall Park. Councillor Amina Ali, Cabinet Member for Culture, Arts and Brexit, acknowledged the issue, noting that new housing developments had exacerbated the problem. She stated that while major works would be required to address the noise, there were currently no identified funds, but options would be explored. The petition was referred for a written response within 28 days.
• Mayor's Report: Mayor John Biggs presented his report, highlighting the council's summer activities, exam results, and efforts to combat holiday hunger. He also addressed concerns about violent crime and the impact of police funding cuts.
• Licensing Policy: Councillor David Edgar presented the statement of licensing policy, which required a review every five years. Key changes included the extension of a cumulative impact zone to Bethnal Green and an increased role for license holders in tackling violence against women and girls and protecting children. The policy was unanimously agreed.
• Appointment of Independent Person: Councillor Kevin Brady formally moved the recommendations for the appointment of an independent person under the Localism Act 2011. This was unanimously agreed.
• Questions from Members: Several questions were raised by councillors on various topics, including looked-after children, trees in the borough, lighting in Langdon Park, council communication, CCTV on the Bancroft estate, railway arches, the local plan examination, air quality, disabled parking bays, and loading bays. Responses were provided by relevant cabinet members.
• Adoption of IHRA Guidelines on Antisemitism: Councillor Peter Golds moved a motion for the council to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. Councillor Andrew Wood seconded the motion. Mayor John Biggs spoke in support, emphasizing the importance of adopting the definition and reflecting on its meaning. The motion was unanimously agreed.