The Tower Hamlets Council meeting on 16 July 2025 addressed several key issues, including petitions related to community assets and funding, and the ongoing continuous improvement journey required by the government. While motions on housing and child poverty were submitted, they were not debated due to time constraints.

Petitions

The council considered multiple petitions, including those concerning Mudchute Park and Farm, the Soane Centre, and Layla's Shop.

Mudchute Park and Farm

A petition was presented requesting the council grant Mudchute Park and Farm a 30-year lease at a peppercorn rent¹ to secure its future. Sue Mortimer, representing the Mudchute Association, argued that the lease would unlock major funding opportunities, reduce reliance on council funds, and support the council's priorities related to health, equality, climate action and community well-being. Councillor Moffita Bastin asked about the diversity of visitors to the farm. Martin Young, a fellow trustee, responded that the Mudchute welcomes people from all communities and is at the heart of the Isle of Dogs. Councillor Moustak Ahmed questioned the barrier to a modest, sustainable grant reflecting the use of public land. Mr Young responded that every penny paid in rent is a penny less for the community, and the council has never demanded rent from the Mudchute. Natalie Benifit asked if the mayor had been approached for support, and the response was that there had been no answer. Peter Gold asked about recent negotiations, and Mr Young stated that there had been no response apart from through the courts.

Councillor McPhee formally moved a motion to grant the Mudchute a 30-year lease at a nominal rent. Councillor Maim Talukdar proposed an amendment to the motion, and Councillor Asirad al-Islam seconded the amendment.

Councillor Talukdar stated that Mudchute is not under threat, and there are no plans to build on it. She also announced that the Mayor will be meeting with the Mudchute team to discuss a way forward and review the lease terms.

Councillor Asma Islam spoke in favour of a 30-year lease with nominal rent, stating that it is not unreasonable. Councillor Peter Golds stated that the Mudchute Farm costs the council practically nothing and that anything that damages the farm will damage the reputation of the borough. Mayor Lutfur Rahman stated his commitment to Mudchute and that he would request a meeting to review the lease term.

Councillor Natali Bienfait stated that all organisations with leases in the borough need to be treated fairly. Councillor Abdal Ullah stated that the Mudchute Farm delivers for the people of Tower Hamlets and beyond. Councillor Rebecca Sultana stated that Mudchute and the Soane Centre bring people together and that these places need security. Councillor Kobir Ahmed stated that the administration supports Mudshute Farm and will fight to protect it.

The amendment was carried, and the motion as amended was carried as well.

Soane Centre

A petition was presented requesting the council support the Save the Soane Centre campaign and grant Setpoint London East a long, secure lease for the Soane Centre, their home for the last thirty years. Juliet Kan, chair of Setpoint London East, stated that Setpoint has been the primary occupant of the Soane Centre since 1997 and has spent over 25 years trying to finalise its lease.

Councillor Mayim Talukdar asked what happened at the meeting between Setpoint and the acting corporate director for assets. Ms Kan responded that what was offered in that meeting was a one-year shared licence, and it is very difficult to plan for the future with that short a time frame. Natalie Benifit asked if the mayor had been contacted, and Ms Kan responded that they had reached out to the mayor's office but not received a response yet. Councillor Mahmoud Choudhury asked how the service users will be impacted if Setpoint is not allowed to remain at the Soane Centre. Ms Kan responded that a lot of their service users are very afraid that the building might not be there for them. Councillor Moustak Ahmed asked how Setpoint sees a long-term arrangement that accommodates the needs of both Setpoint and the Friends of Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park. Ms Kan responded that they see themselves as siblings and that it's important that both organisations have security and leases so they can partner together collaboratively.

Councillor Talukdar stated that the one year will give both parties and the council opportunity to come to some kind of agreement. Councillor Bienfait stated that the council has a responsibility as landlords to make sure that the spaces that they own have the security and are able to thrive. Councillor Brustin stated that poverty is not just about money, it's about access to education and welfare spaces, and the Soane Centre provides that. Councillor Al-Kabir stated that the council values the work being done by Setpoint East London and Friends of Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park. Councillor Choudhury stated that it's unacceptable that the Soane Centre has been left uncertain about their future with no meaningful engagement or clarity from the council. Councillor Ahmed stated that the council wants to operate transparently and that it's trying to resolve the dispute between the two organisations. Councillor Hussain stated that the council is working with both groups to develop a fair and sustainable model for the centre. Councillor Ahmed stated that the council recognises the valuable contribution the Soane Centre and Setpoint London East have made over the many years.

The petition stands referred to the corporate director for resources for a written response within 28 days.

Layla's Shop

A petition was presented requesting the council save Layla's Shop, whose owner faces a 300% rent increase. Leila Mcalister, owner of Layla's Shop, stated that the increase would immediately close her business.

Natalie Bienfait asked if Ms Mcalister had approached the mayor, and what the answer was. Ms Mcalister responded that the matter of leases and rent reviews for the shops on Calvert Avenue has been put out to a private company, Exigen Property, and she has had replies via Exigen Property who only recognise the market value and don't recognise social value or longevity of tenure. Sabina Khan asked if Ms Mcalister was aware of the rent or how much the rent is surrounding her shop on the current market rate. Ms Mcalister responded that she doesn't think it's a useful comparison. Asma Islam asked how the communication from the external company makes Ms Mcalister feel as an independent business owner. Ms Mcalister responded that it's appalling to be negotiating with someone who doesn't value what you do in any shape or form. Peter Gold stated that Ms Mcalister is effectively doing a social service, helping the community. Councillor My intelligence asked when Ms Mcalister's last rent review was done. Ms Mcalister responded that she agreed a new heads of terms on a new lease in 2018-19, and it's got stuck with legal.

Councillor Bienfait stated that the mayor needs to take responsibility as a landlord to make sure that the spaces that the council owns have the security and are able to thrive. Councillor Brustin stated that the administration needs to not just think of this in terms of assets, but think of it in terms of value for money and the intangible benefit that this gives to the residents. Councillor Al-Kabir stated that the council is working with both groups to ensure that Tower Hamlets residents benefit from this considerable experience of both groups. Councillor Choudhury stated that it's unacceptable that Layla's Shop has been left uncertain about their future with no meaningful engagement or clarity from the council. Councillor Ahmed stated that the council values the work that the Soam Centre does. Mayor Rahman stated that we know about Atlas Centre, the Bethanog Weightlifting Club, and Chisholm Hill, and if you get on with those leases the better because you're going to see a lot more petitions in the future. Councillor Ahmed stated that the council values the role that small independent businesses play in the borough.

The petition stands referred to the corporate director for resources for a written response within 28 days.

CCTV on Cranbrook Estate

The petition regarding CCTV on Cranbrook Estate was withdrawn.

Ocean Regeneration Trust

A petition was presented regarding the use of Ocean residents' funds by Ocean Regeneration Trust (ORT). Jalaluddin, representing the Ocean residents, stated that they call on Tower Hamlets Council to stop the payment of ground grants from Bellway and L&Q currently transferred to ORT.

Councillor Ahmed asked what the interactions with ORT have been over the years. Jalaluddin responded that for the past year, they haven't seen anyone from them. Brenda stated that they don't know when the board meets or anything else.

Councillor Ahmed stated that the council does not control ORT, which is an independent registered charity. He stated that the council will take away the points raised in this petition and give them careful consideration, including whether there is a need to review the effectiveness and transparency of how this funding is distributed.

The petition stands referred to the corporate director for housing and regeneration for a written response within 28 days.

Continuous Improvement Journey Update

Steve Halsley, the Chief Executive, presented an update on the council's continuous improvement journey. He stated that the ministerial directions require the council to report on a six-monthly basis to the secretary of state on the delivery of the best value directions. He welcomed the acknowledgement from both the envoys and the minister about the progress made to date and stated that the council is committed to working with the envoys to get increasing support across the council for the improvement journey.

Councillor Mayim Talukdar moved the report recommendations, welcoming the progress which has been made. Councillor Kobir Ahmed seconded the report recommendations. Councillor Sirajul Islam stated that we must double the speed in which we aim to improve going further and faster to ensure that no more intervention is required in our borough. Councillor Natalie Bienfait stated that it is a shame that some of the councillors couldn't make it to the meeting and that it is important that we have an opportunity as all members of this council to engage with the content of both the best value inspection report but also the continuous improvement plan. Councillor Shafi Ahmed stated that we want to work together and ensure that we are on our best behavior as councillors. Councillor Emily stated that she was really happy to see that progress has been made. Councillor Abutala stated that we do genuinely want to embed change.

The council voted to note the contents of the report and to engage with the next iteration of the continuous improvement plan via all members briefing.

Other Business

The council also voted to approve the following items:

• Corporate Parenting Board Annual Report
• Re-appointment of Standards Advisory Committee Co-Opted Members
• Process to Appoint the Independent Audit Committee Chair
• Pay Policy Statement 2025/26
• Approval of Exit Payments Under the Localism Act 2011

Due to time constraints, the council did not debate the motions on child poverty and housing.