The Grants Determination (Cabinet) Sub-Committee of Tower Hamlets Council met on Wednesday 3 February 2021, approving additional funding for a new health centre and renewing service level agreements for two key green spaces. The committee also awarded a grant for community engagement activities on Wentworth Street and noted updates on the Local Community Fund and delegated grant awards.

Sutton's Wharf Health Centre Funding

The committee approved an additional grant of £398,000 for the completion of the Sutton's Wharf Health Centre. This funding is to address a shortfall that has arisen due to project delays and cost inflation, exacerbated by factors including Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and necessary redesigns following the Grenfell tragedy. Michael Coleman, Capital Programme Manager for Health, Adults and Community, explained that the original budget of £3.1 million, approved in September 2017, had been insufficient to cover the escalating costs. The redesign necessitated by the Grenfell tragedy, which involved a radical change to the building's cladding solution, contributed approximately £130,000 to the increased costs. The pandemic impacted the construction pace due to social distancing measures and supply chain issues, further elongating the project timeline and increasing costs. Brexit uncertainty also led to price increases as contractors factored in potential customs duties and supply chain risks.

Councillor Sirajul Islam, whose ward includes Sutton's Wharf, expressed his pleasure at the anticipated April-May completion date and inquired about design adaptations for COVID-19 restrictions. Jack Dunmore from the Clinical Commissioning Group explained that while temporary screens would be installed, the health centre's design, with its separate zones and adjoining corridors, already facilitates one-way patient flow systems, making it well-suited to current public health needs. Councillor Leema Qureshi raised concerns about the date of regulatory changes related to cladding, which were clarified to have been implemented around 2018, with cost implications feeding through to the current report. Mayor John Biggs welcomed the investment in primary care facilities, noting that while NHS capital projects can be slow, the outcome is a significant improvement for residents. The committee was assured that any future liabilities related to the building's fabric, such as cladding issues, would rest with the NHS and property owners, not Tower Hamlets Council.

Renewal of Service Level Agreements for Mudchute Farm and Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park

The committee approved the renewal of Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for Mudchute Farm and the Friends of Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park. Mohammed Raja, Parks Development Officer, presented the report, highlighting that both locations are significant green spaces within the borough: Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park is London's largest urban woodland walk, and Mudchute Park is the largest inner-city farm. The SLAs, each for £31,000 per year from April 2021 to March 2024, will enable these organisations to continue their work, which includes providing vital educational programmes on biodiversity and ecology for thousands of children annually. Councillor Qureshi questioned alternative delivery methods, the extent of external funding for these organisations, and how success, value, and equity would be measured. Mr. Raja explained that the unique expertise, resources, and surrounding environments offered by these organisations are difficult for the council to replicate, particularly in engaging children with nature. He also noted that both organisations receive funding from other sources, though specific figures were not immediately available. The committee was assured that a project manager would oversee the programmes and that regular reports would be produced to monitor progress. Mayor Biggs and Councillor Asma Begum welcomed the recommendations, praising the partnerships and the value for money provided by both organisations.

Grant to Toynbee Hall for Wentworth Street Activities

A grant of £93,000 was awarded to Toynbee Hall to deliver community engagement and cultural activities on Wentworth Street. Anna Zucchelli, Heritage at Risk Project Officer, explained that this funding is part of the council's High Street Heritage Action Zone programme, supported by Historic England, aimed at rejuvenating historic high streets. The grant to Toynbee Hall, to be delivered over three years at £31,000 per year, will form part of a larger regeneration programme. The decision to award the grant directly to Toynbee Hall, bypassing standard procurement, was made because they were considered the most suitable supplier, having collaborated with the council and a cultural consortium of local groups to shape the programme. Councillor Qureshi sought clarification on risk considerations related to delivery amidst current socio-environmental issues, how the £93,000 would deliver expected outcomes, and to what extent the outcomes would reflect local needs. Ms. Zucchelli confirmed that the three-year funding allows for flexibility in adapting to potential restrictions, and a project manager within the local authority will oversee the programme, with Toynbee Hall expected to produce regular reports. Councillor Sirajul Islam questioned the uniqueness of Toynbee Hall's expertise and suggested redirecting funds towards COVID-19 recovery for businesses on Wentworth Street. Mayor John Biggs and Councillor Begum expressed support for the grant, highlighting the importance of the consortium approach and Toynbee Hall's work. It was clarified that the funding is part of a larger Historic England grant for the regeneration of the area.

Local Community Fund Mitigation Actions Update

David Freeman, Policy and Strategy Manager, and Robert Mee, Programme Analysis and Review Officer, presented an update on the Local Community Fund Equality Action Plan and mitigation actions. The report indicated good progress in most areas, including transition funding, small grants, and capacity building. However, the assessment of outcomes has been more challenging due to the impact of COVID-19, which has delayed some activities, such as the physical activity contract, and led to others being delivered in different ways. Mayor Biggs commented that the proposals were a satisfactory outcome to address equality concerns that had arisen during the grant-making process. The committee noted the report.

VCS Funding Awarded Under Delegated Authority

A report detailing Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) funding awarded under delegated authority since the last meeting was presented by Awo Ahmed and Emily Fieran-Reed. This noting report provided an update on funding awarded and available to VCS organisations, including highlights from the innovation fund. Mayor John Biggs commended the report for showcasing the breadth of grassroots organisations supported by the council and the innovative nature of the grant funding programme. The committee noted the report.