Councillor Faroque Ahmed

Children and Education Scrutiny Sub-Committee - Thursday, 13th February, 2025 6.30 p.m.

The committee heard two presentations, one on the provision of free school meals in Tower Hamlets and one on Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and the advice that the council gives to schools on it. At the end of the discussion about RSE, the committee voted to request that the cabinet review the council's advice to schools to ensure that it reflects national guidance.

Development Committee - Thursday, 6th February, 2025 6.30 p.m.

The Development Committee voted unanimously to grant planning permission to Leon Investments Ltd. for the redevelopment of 1-10 Bishops Square. The decision was made following a presentation by the applicant's agent and officers from the Council.

Licensing Committee - Thursday, 16th January, 2025 6.30 p.m.

The Licensing Committee received a report on the outcomes of late-night inspections and enforcement visits to licensed premises. The committee noted the report and no decisions were made.

Council - Wednesday, 22nd January, 2025 7.00 p.m.

The meeting started with a tribute to former Councillor Ray Gibson, who passed away at the end of 2024. The Council then received a presentation from pupils at St John's School, Bethnal Green, who sang to celebrate the Council's recent Ofsted rating for Children's Services. The Council formally noted the 'outstanding' rating, and discussed the improvements that have taken place in the service since it was rated as 'inadequate' in 2017.

Licensing Sub Committee - Tuesday, 7th January, 2025 6.30 p.m.

The Licensing Sub Committee of Tower Hamlets Council met on 7 January 2025 to discuss two applications for new premise licences. The committee refused a new premises licence for Harvest, a supermarket on Brick Lane, due to concerns about its location within a cumulative impact zone[^2] and the potential for increased public nuisance and crime and disorder. An application for a new premise licence for Z & H One Rice Ltd, also on Brick Lane, was withdrawn by the applicant. The committee also agreed to extend the decision deadline for several other licensing applications.