The Cabinet of Tower Hamlets Council met on Wednesday 16 October 2024, with Mayor Lutfur Rahman presiding. The meeting focused on a range of key decisions including the adoption of the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and Women's Safety Strategy 2024-2029, the approval of the new Target Operating Model (TOM), and the resolution to make a Compulsory Purchase Order for the Harriott, Apsley & Pattison Houses Regeneration Scheme. The Cabinet also reviewed the findings of the Annual Residents' Survey 2024, noting overall satisfaction with the council's performance and highlighting areas for continued improvement.

Annual Resident Survey (ARS) 2024 Results and Analysis

The Cabinet noted the findings of the 2024 Annual Resident Survey, which indicated positive results across several areas. Overall satisfaction with the council remains statistically unchanged from 2023, a notable achievement given the challenging national context. The survey also highlighted that 84% of residents are satisfied with the local area as a place to live, an increase of six percentage points from the previous year and above the national benchmark. Community cohesion remains a strong point, with 90% of residents agreeing that people from different backgrounds get on well together. However, the survey also revealed that crime and the cost of living remain the top personal concerns for residents. The Cabinet discussed how these results would be used to contribute to service improvement and commented on priorities for further research.

Tower Hamlets Council's Target Operating Model (TOM)

The Cabinet approved the formal launch of the council's new Target Operating Model (TOM). This model aims to create a more efficient, effective, and responsive public sector organisation that is better able to meet the needs of its communities. The new TOM, developed through extensive stakeholder engagement, is guided by six core design principles: Value-Driven, Community-Led, Collaborative, Enabling, Innovative, and Accountable. A launch campaign will highlight the TOM Guidance Notes and the TOM People First Activity Map.

Harriott, Apsley & Pattison (HAP) Houses Regeneration Scheme - Resolution to make a Compulsory Purchase Order

The Cabinet resolved to make a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) to facilitate the regeneration of the HAP Houses estate. This scheme aims to deliver over 400 new homes, including affordable housing, and a new community centre. The decision was made after extensive consultation with residents, who voted in favour of the redevelopment. The CPO is considered necessary to overcome land assembly risks and ensure the timely delivery of the scheme, which is expected to provide significant social, economic, and environmental benefits to the borough. The Cabinet also delegated authority to officers to negotiate development agreements and second stage prices with the successful bidder.

VAWG and Women's Safety Strategy 2024-2029

The Cabinet approved the council's Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and Women's Safety Strategy for 2024-2029. This strategy, developed through extensive engagement with residents, partners, and stakeholders, sets out the council's approach to tackling gender-based violence. It encompasses prevention, support for victims and survivors, and responding to perpetrators. The strategy acknowledges the need for a whole-system response and seeks to improve system leadership across the organisation. The Cabinet also noted the importance of addressing the specific needs of marginalised groups and promoting gender-inclusive design in public spaces.

Strategic Delivery and Performance Report Year 3 Quarter 1

The Cabinet reviewed the strategic delivery and performance report for Quarter 1, covering April to June 2024. Of the 56 performance measures, 24 were rated as Green (meeting or exceeding targets), 9 as Amber (between target and minimum), and 9 as Red (below target). Key achievements included the launch of the 'Be Well' initiative and the transfer of seven leisure centres to council management. However, the Cabinet expressed disappointment regarding the nine Red measures, particularly those related to homelessness services, cycling for children, and education, health, and care plans (EHCPs). Specific concerns were raised about the timeliness of EHCP assessments, with a commitment made to bring an options paper to the next Cabinet meeting.

Review of the Licensing Act Cumulative Impact Assessments

The Cabinet resolved to retain the Brick Lane Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA) and expand its boundary to the southeast edge, while removing the Bethnal Green CIA. This decision followed a statutory consultation process and was based on evidence indicating a higher concentration of licensed premises and associated issues in the Brick Lane area compared to Bethnal Green. The reviewed CIA Policy Statement was also agreed, and the new policy will take effect from 20th November 2024.

Tower Hamlets Special Educational Needs, Disabilities and Inclusion Strategy 2024 to 2029

The Cabinet noted and endorsed the Special Educational Needs, Disabilities and Inclusion Strategy 2024-2029. This partnership strategy outlines shared outcomes and collaborative approaches to support children and young people with SEND and their families. Key priorities include timely and coordinated support, user-friendly services, early identification, effective education and support, opportunities for young adults, and fostering an inclusive borough. The strategy also includes an additional recommendation to establish a task and finish group to ensure sufficient resources and support for the strategy's delivery.

Supported Living Pathway

The Cabinet noted the outcomes of the recent tender for the Children and Young People's Supported Housing Pathway. Due to a lack of sufficient quality bids, only one of the four lots could be awarded. Urgent action is being taken under Regulation 32 of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 to ensure continued service provision for vulnerable young people. The council is exploring alternative models, such as a pre-approved supplier list, for future provision.

Corporate Peer Challenge Action Plan – Position Statement and Organisational Impact

The Cabinet noted the council's progress against the LGA Corporate Peer Challenge Action Plan, with 84% of actions completed and 91% on track for completion by November 2024. Key areas of progress include financial sustainability, governance, and diversity and inclusion. The Cabinet also requested the Chief Executive to write to the LGA, inviting them to revisit the council for a progress review at the earliest opportunity.

Harriott, Apsley & Pattison (HAP) Houses Regeneration Scheme - Two Stage Tender Negotiation

The Cabinet noted the award of the Pre-Construction Services Agreement and JCT Minor Works Contract for the first stage of the HAP Houses regeneration scheme. Authority was delegated to the Corporate Director of Housing and Regeneration to appoint consultants and enter into negotiations for the Development Agreement and Second Stage Price with the successful bidder. A further report will be presented in late 2025 for approval to enter into the Development Agreement.

The meeting also included announcements from Mayor Lutfur Rahman regarding the winter fuel allowance payment for eligible pensioners and a campaign to assist those eligible for pension credit. The Cabinet also confirmed the minutes of the previous meeting and noted any declarations of interest.