The General Purposes Committee of Tower Hamlets Council met on Tuesday 13 June 2023, where councillors discussed updates on the Elections Act 2022, constitutional changes, and made appointments to the Corporate Parenting Board. The committee also noted housekeeping items related to the council's constitution and terms of reference.

Elections Act 2022 Update

Robert Curtis, Head of Electoral Services, provided an update on the significant implications of the Elections Act 2022, which will affect all electors, political representatives, and candidates in Tower Hamlets. The Act, which received Royal Assent on 28 April 2022, is being implemented incrementally over the next few years. Key changes include the requirement for voters to show approved photographic identification at polling stations, with Voter Authority Certificates (VACs) available for those without suitable ID. Postal voting rules have also been tightened, requiring renewal every three years and limiting the number of postal votes an individual can hand in. Proxy voting rules have been updated, and new online application portals for postal and proxy votes are expected. The Act also introduces changes to the rights of EU citizens to register and vote, potentially affecting around 26,000 electors in Tower Hamlets from spring 2024. Overseas electors will now be able to register to vote regardless of how long they have lived abroad, provided they have a past connection to Tower Hamlets. The voting system for local authority and London mayoral elections will shift to a first past the post system. Furthermore, the offence of undue influence has been expanded, making it a criminal offence to intimidate or deceive voters. Mr. Curtis highlighted that preparations are underway, including communication plans and engagement with various communities, with a further presentation planned for the committee in the autumn.

Constitutional Updates

Matthew Mannion, Head of Legal and Governance, presented updates on the council's constitution. The report detailed changes primarily related to the introduction of the new Human Resources Committee, including updated terms of reference and the transfer of officer procurement procedure rules. The committee noted that the Constitution Working Group has a meeting scheduled for 6 July. Councillor Kabir Ahmed raised minor points, suggesting the addition of Interim to the Director of Public Realm title and correcting a typo in his name within the report. The committee agreed to the recommendations in the report.

Appointment of Members to the Corporate Parenting Board

The committee addressed an urgent report concerning the appointment of members to the Corporate Parenting Board. Following an error in initial appointments at the Annual Council meeting, where a Cabinet Member for Children was appointed to a position they were already entitled to, there was one remaining space. Councillor Sirajal Islam was the sole nomination initially tabled. However, Councillor Maium Talukdar nominated Councillor Natalia from the Green Party, subject to her agreement. Councillor James King then nominated Councillor Mafida Bustin, who had expressed interest in participating on the board. After a tied vote between Councillor Sirajal Islam and Councillor Mafida Bustin, the nomination of Councillor Natalia was carried, pending her confirmation.

Housekeeping Items and Terms of Reference

The committee noted housekeeping items, including the council's constitution and the committee's terms of reference, which had been approved by the Annual Council meeting on 17 May. Councillor James King and Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury raised concerns about the significant portion of the committee's remit, particularly HR functions and appointments, being transferred to the new Human Resources Committee. They argued this created additional costs and officer time without a clear necessity, as the General Purposes Committee had previously managed its workload effectively. Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury defended the creation of the HR committee, stating it would provide dedicated focus and resources. The committee agreed to the recommendations in the report.

Appointment of Vice Chair

Councillor Abu Talha Chowdhury was nominated and elected as the Vice Chair of the General Purposes Committee.

Unrestricted Minutes

The unrestricted minutes of the meeting held on 23 February 2023 and the extraordinary meeting of 28 March 2023 were confirmed and agreed by the committee.