The Tower Hamlets Cabinet met on Wednesday 24 November 2021, discussing a range of important issues including the council's digital inclusion strategy, the Brick Lane Liveable Streets Review, and the capital programme. Key decisions included the adoption of a new digital inclusion strategy and the approval of significant additions to the capital programme, alongside a review of the Brick Lane Liveable Streets scheme.

Digital Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan

The Cabinet agreed to adopt the new Digital Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan, aiming to ensure all residents of Tower Hamlets have the necessary tools and skills to participate in and benefit from a digital world. The strategy identifies that between 2% and 5% of residents are digitally excluded, with older people, disabled individuals, Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic people, and those on lower incomes disproportionately affected. The plan outlines three key outcomes: ensuring access to devices and broadband, providing digital skills training, and offering support to understand the benefits and safety of digital engagement. Councillor Mufeedah Bustin, Cabinet Member for Resources and the Voluntary Sector, presented the report, highlighting the collaborative approach taken with partners and the identification of 19 actions to deliver the strategy, with 10 prioritised.

Brick Lane Liveable Streets Review

A review of the Brick Lane Liveable Streets scheme was presented, with proposals to retain the northern two closures and lift the southern three. The review found that 79% of businesses opposed the closures, and 74% reported a negative impact on their businesses. Councillor Kahar Chowdhury, Cabinet Member for Public Realm and Highways, stated that the decision to lift the southern closures would support local businesses, and that investment of up to £1.8 million in public realm improvements, planting, and lighting in the Brick Lane area would enhance the experience for residents and businesses. Councillor Peter Golds, Leader of the Opposition, raised concerns about traffic diversion onto the Chicksand estate, a deprived area, and stressed the importance of considering demography and consulting with residents before implementing such schemes.

Additions to the Approved Capital Programme

The Cabinet approved additions to the capital programme totalling £8.408 million, supporting the council's vision for an inclusive and sustainable borough. These additions include funding for 84 electric vehicle charging points for the council fleet, improvements to toilet facilities and the installation of Changing Places facilities in Victoria Park, EV charging bollards for Petticoat Lane and Brick Lane markets, and road safety improvements in various areas including the Morris Road corridor and around Poplar High Street. The programme also includes investment in flat recycling infrastructure and highways projects funded by Transport for London. Councillor Rachel Blake, Deputy Mayor and Lead Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing, highlighted the importance of these investments in delivering on net-zero objectives and improving public realm. The report also noted the impact of Brexit and the pandemic on construction costs, with significant increases in structural steel prices and labour costs.

Budget Monitoring Report 21/22 Period Six

Councillor Candida Ronald, Cabinet Member for Resources and the Voluntary Sector, presented the half-year budget monitoring report, which forecasts a deficit of £300,000 on the General Fund after the application of reserves. The report highlighted pressures emerging in directorates, with significant overspends forecast for Adult Social Care and Children's services. Councillor Rachel Blake drew attention to a serious underlying pressure of an additional £4 million in 2022-2023 due to the potential ending of NHS discharge funding, which is currently unfunded and has no indication of national government support. The report also noted that savings targets have been revised down, and capital expenditure foresees some slippage into future years.

Planning for School Places 2021-22

The Cabinet noted the annual review for planning school places, outlining the latest position and projected demand for school places in Tower Hamlets. The report details progress on increasing primary school places in areas of surplus and plans for new school developments, including the Marbury Academy secondary school and the rebuild of George Green Secondary School. A key recommendation was to issue a statutory notice for the proposed amalgamation of Old Church Nursery and Marion Richardson Primary School. Councillor Asma Islam, Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning, presented the report, acknowledging the complex factors impacting pupil place planning, including the effects of Covid-19 and Brexit. Councillor Peter Golds raised concerns about the lack of school places in the east of the borough and the responsiveness of the admissions service to parental inquiries.

Building Safety Management's Shadow Framework

The Cabinet agreed to establish a shadow framework to prepare for the upcoming Building Safety Act, which will introduce new accountabilities and obligations for building owners of properties over a certain height. Councillor Danny Hassell, Cabinet Member for Housing, explained that this framework will enable the council to meet its obligations as a landlord and provider of social housing, ensuring awareness of its stock's history and challenges, and engaging with residents on safety issues. Karen Swift, Director of Public Realm, added that a webpage has been launched to inform building owners and residents about preparedness for the new legislation.

Roman Road, Bow Neighbourhood Plan Validation

The Cabinet confirmed that the neighbourhood plan submitted by the Roman Road, Bow Neighbourhood Forum meets the legal requirements to qualify as a neighbourhood plan. Councillor Asma Islam stated that a more detailed assessment of the plan's quality and conformity with the local plan will occur during the consultation process. Councillor Peter Golds expressed concerns about the potential for misrepresentation and factual inaccuracies in neighbourhood plans during the consultation and referendum stages, referencing issues encountered with the Spitalfields neighbourhood plan.

Contracts Forward Plan 21-22, Quarter 3

Councillor Candida Ronald presented the Quarter 3 Contracts Forward Plan, which outlines supply and service contracts exceeding £1 million and capital works over £5 million. The report includes a Procurement Forward Plan for 2021-25 and details 16 contracts, including home care services, maintenance of play areas, and street lighting. The Cabinet noted that none of the contracts require specific cabinet attention at this stage, with directors authorised to approve the execution of necessary contract documents.

Strategic Delivery and Performance Reporting, Quarter 2, 21-22

Mayor John Biggs presented the Strategic Delivery and Performance Report for Quarter 2, noting steady progress on a majority of indicators. He acknowledged that while setting stretching targets means not all will be met, the report reflects significant work by officers and cabinet members. The report was scrutinised by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, with Councillor Mohammed Pappu highlighting concerns regarding the timeliness of planning decisions and child protection visits, and the need for better engagement with victims of violence against women and girls. The committee also reviewed the waste and recycling service, making recommendations for improved communication and enforcement.

Westray Printworks Site Announcement

Mayor John Biggs announced that the government minister had decided to uphold the inspector's recommendation to refuse the Westray Printworks planning application, a decision he welcomed as it was an excessive development. The smaller scheme already permitted on the site can proceed, along with the planned secondary school.

Net Zero Commitment

The council's objective to become a net-zero carbon council by 2025 and a net-zero carbon borough by 2045 was reiterated. Mayor Biggs emphasised the importance of addressing climate emergency due to its disruptive effects on the economy and quality of life.

White Ribbon Day

Mayor John Biggs marked White Ribbon Day, highlighting its significance in raising awareness of male violence against women and encouraging a commitment to never commit, excuse, or remain silent about such violence. He noted that 16 days of action against gender-based violence would follow.

Whitechapel Levelling Up Fund

The council was successful in securing funding for the Whitechapel High Street area through the Levelling Up Programme, which will support significant environmental improvements. Mayor Biggs stated this funding would act as a catalyst for regeneration in an area that includes the Crossrail Station, the London Hospital, and a potential biomedical sciences complex.

Clare House Evacuation

Mayor John Biggs addressed the evacuation of Clare House, a tower block in Bow, due to structural safety concerns. He assured residents of the council's continued support in ensuring their safety and provision of temporary housing, working with Clarion Housing Association.