The Council of Tower Hamlets Council met on Wednesday 21 November 2018, discussing a range of important local issues including the impact of Universal Credit, affordable housing provision, and the future of local authority day nurseries. Key decisions included the passing of a motion calling for Universal Credit to be stopped and replaced with a more comprehensive system, and an amendment to a Conservative motion on affordable housing which was subsequently carried.

Universal Credit Motion Carried

The council debated and ultimately passed a motion calling for the complete cessation of the Universal Credit system, advocating for a genuinely comprehensive system where no one is worse off. The motion highlighted the detrimental impact of Universal Credit on residents, citing issues such as poorly designed processes, increased debt, and significant hardship. Councillors shared personal experiences and data from local surveys, indicating that 80% of claims took five or more weeks to process, with a substantial percentage of claimants not receiving correct payments from the outset. Arguments against the current system included its potential to exacerbate domestic abuse by concentrating payments into a single household account, and the difficulties faced by individuals with mental health issues or those with English as a second language in navigating the online claims process. The motion was carried with 41 votes in favour, 2 against, and 0 abstentions.

Affordable Housing Debate and Amended Motion Carried

A debate took place regarding affordable housing in Tower Hamlets, initiated by a motion from the Conservative Group. An amendment proposed by Councillor Rachel Blake, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Air Quality, was debated and subsequently carried, becoming the substantive motion. The amendment, which was supported by Mayor John Biggs, emphasised the council's commitment to building new council homes and acquiring existing properties, including those from Section 106 agreements and Right to Buy sales, to increase the overall number of affordable homes. The debate highlighted the council's ambition to deliver 2,000 new council homes and invest in temporary accommodation for homeless families. The amended motion was carried with 39 votes in favour, 2 against, and 1 abstention.

Future of Local Authority Day Nurseries Debated

The council debated a motion concerning the closure of local authority day nurseries. An amendment proposed by Councillor Danny Hassell, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Young People, argued that the decision to close the nurseries was a necessity due to funding pressures, particularly the threat to maintained nursery school funding and the shortfall in funding for children with special educational needs and disabilities. The amendment stated that the day nurseries were not considered core educational provision in the same way as maintained nursery schools and that continuing to fund them would require diverting funds from other essential services. The amendment was carried with 39 votes in favour, 2 against, and 1 abstention, becoming the substantive motion.

Petition Regarding Calder's Wharf Referred

A petition from the Friends of Island Gardens was presented, calling for an inquiry into the land at Calder's Wharf. The petitioners raised concerns about the ownership and status of the land, arguing it was earmarked as an extension to Island Gardens Park and was transferred as such in 1972. They questioned the council's legal advice and the process by which the land was transferred to East End Homes. Mayor John Biggs responded, stating that the land was lawfully transferred to East End Homes in 2005 and that it no longer enjoyed open land status at the time of transfer. The petition was referred to the acting corporate director, Place, for a written response within 28 days.

Petition on EU Citizens' Voting Rights

A petition was presented calling on the council to campaign for EU27 citizens to retain their voting rights in local elections. Petitioners highlighted that over 41,000 EU citizens reside in Tower Hamlets and contribute to the local economy through council tax. They expressed concern about losing democratic rights after Brexit and emphasised the importance of these rights for integration and community cohesion. Councillor Amina Ali, Cabinet Member for Culture, Arts and Brexit, stated that the council would continue to monitor the situation, make representations at all levels, and campaign to ensure EU residents retain their right to vote and stand locally. The petition was referred to the Corporate Director, Governance and Monitoring Officer, for a written response within 28 days.

Petition on Palestinian Solidarity

A petition was presented regarding Palestinian solidarity and the adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism. Petitioners expressed concern that the IHRA definition, particularly the phrase claiming that the state of Israel is a racist endeavour, could be used to stifle legitimate criticism of Israel and branded as antisemitic. They requested the adoption of a caveat to safeguard their right to discuss Palestine. Councillor Kevin Brady and Mayor John Biggs spoke against amending the IHRA definition, emphasising the importance of solidarity with the Jewish community in the face of rising antisemitism and stating that the council's full adoption of the IHRA definition, supported unanimously in September, was the correct stance. The petition was referred to the Chief Executive and Corporate Director, Governance and Monitoring Officer, for a written response within 28 days.

Mayor's Report and Other Matters

Mayor John Biggs presented his report, highlighting the council's progress since being freed from government directions, its efforts to improve children's services, and the challenges of significant government funding cuts. He also mentioned the upcoming budget setting, the council's work on affordable homes, the launch of a Tackling Poverty Fund, and the strategic review of Tower Hamlets Homes.

Other discussions included:

• Foster Carers: Councillor Danny Hassell, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Young People, responded to a question about encouraging more residents to become foster carers, detailing increased social media activity and support mechanisms for existing and new foster carers.
• Crime and Safety: Councillor Asma Begum, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Equality, addressed concerns about sexual assaults in the Pacific Quarter, explaining that the council relied on police communications and that decisions on public notification were operational policing matters. She also provided an update on Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) and the Violence Against Women and Girls Charter.
• Housing and Regeneration: Councillor Rachel Blake provided an update on the Bishop Gate Goods Yards development, noting that the Mayor of London remains the planning authority and that amended proposals are out for public consultation, with a minimum of 35% affordable housing being pushed for. Councillor Shirazul Islam, Statutory Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing, discussed the council's affordable housing programme and funding.
• Brexit Commission: Councillor Amina Ali provided an update on the Brexit Commission's work, including roadshows to advise EU residents and the upcoming report.
• Tackling Poverty Fund: Councillor Rachel Blake outlined the use of the Tackling Poverty Fund, including a crisis support scheme and Universal Credit support services.
• Violent Crime Summit: Councillor Asma Begum reported on the outcomes of the Violent Crime Summit, highlighting the need for a multi-agency approach and the development of a statement for action.
• Financial Health Centre: Councillor Candida Ronald, Cabinet Member for Resources and Voluntary Sector, detailed the services offered by the new financial health centre operated by Tower Hamlets Homes, which has supported over 300 people since its launch.
• Transport for London Cycle Route: Councillor David Edgar, Cabinet Member for Environment, discussed ongoing work with Transport for London regarding the proposed North-South cycle route, focusing on maintaining resident access and addressing concerns about rat runs.
• Drugs and Anti-Social Behaviour: Councillor Shihadul Islam, Statutory Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing, confirmed that closure orders for anti-social behaviour in communal areas are a step in the right direction and have shown positive results.
• Audit Committee Report: The council agreed the recommendations within the report from the Audit Committee.