LONDON BOROUGH OF TOWER HAMLETS

MINUTES OF THE Overview & Scrutiny Committee

HELD AT 6.31 p.m. ON Monday, 22 March 2021

Online 'Virtual' Meeting - https://towerhamlets.public-i.tv/core/portal/home

Members Present:
Councillor James King (Chair)

Councillor Bex White (Vice-Chair)

Councillor Faroque Ahmed	Scrutiny Lead for Community Safety & Environment
Councillor Marc Francis
Councillor Ehtasham Haque	Scrutiny Lead for Housing and Regeneration
Councillor Denise Jones
Councillor Gabriela Salva Macallan	Scrutiny Lead for Health and Adults
Councillor Leema Qureshi	Scrutiny Lead for Resources and Finance
Councillor Andrew Wood
Co-opted Members Present:
Halima Islam	Co-Optee
James Wilson	Co-Optee

Other Councillors Present:
Mayor John Biggs
Councillor Sirajul Islam

Officers Present:
Menara Ahmed	(Hate Crime Policy & Partnership Manager)
Onyekachi Ajisafe	(Strategy & Policy Officer, Strategy, Policy & Performance)
Dr Somen Banerjee	(Director of Public Health)
Adam Boey	(Senior Strategy & Policy Manager - Corporate)
Ann Corbett	(Divisional Director, Community Safety)
Afazul Hoque	(Head of Corporate Strategy & Policy)
Sophia Hussain	(Hestia)
Filuck Miah	(Strategy and Policy Officer, Corporate Strategy and Policy Team)
Denise Radley	(Corporate Director, Health, Adults & Community)
Ann Sutcliffe	(Corporate Director, Place)
James Thomas	(Corporate Director, Children and Culture)
David Knight	(Democratic Services Officer, Committees, Governance)

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

No apologies for absence were received at this meeting.

DECLARATIONS OF DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY INTEREST AND OTHER INTERESTS

The following Members for transparency declared a potential interest in relation to Item 10 Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions:

Councillor Marc Francis due to his wife Councillor Rachel Blake being the Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing; and

Councillor Ehtasham Haque due to wife Councillor Sabina Akhtar being the Cabinet Member for Culture, Arts and Brexit.

UNRESTRICTED MINUTES

The Chair Moved and it was:-

RESOLVED

That the unrestricted minutes of the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 1st March 2021 be approved and signed by the Chair as a correct record of the proceedings.

Subject to the inclusion of Halima Islam and James Wilson in the list of those present.

ACTION LOG

Received the Action Log, as a result of discussions on the timelines in relations to those matters outlined in the document the Committee noted the following response as to: (i) why the Resources directorate had an overspend of by £4.6m (indicated in the Cabinet Budget Monitoring report for period 9) for temporary accommodation; and (ii) why this overspend had gone unnoticed for so long.

In previous years it was not uncommon practice to only report gross overspends in Directorates and thus this specific overspend was being offset by underspends elsewhere. The Council’s Finance Improvement Plan is looking to improve budget management and such reporting protocols have now been updated with the need to report all significant under and overspends, which is now taking place and has resulted in this particular overspend being brought to members’ attention. The £4.6m overspend relates to the Housing Subsidy loss from placing Homeless clients into temporary accommodation (T.A.). Rents for T.A. are charged at current Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates + £40, in line with other London Boroughs. This cost is met through the client’s Housing Benefit claim. LBTH claim back the Housing Benefit payment through its subsidy claim at 90% of 2011 LHA rates and the £4.6m represents the difference between the Housing Benefit paid out for T.A. and the amount it can claim back from central government. The rates being paid for TA are higher than the grant received from government and thus if the Council were able to procure more cost-effective accommodation, the level of spend would reduce.

In conclusion, it was agreed to have more detailed breakdowns of such overspends.

REQUESTS TO SUBMIT PETITIONS

No requests were received at this meeting.

FORTHCOMING DECISIONS

Noted

COVID-19 Update

The Committee received an update from Covid-19 from Somen Banerjee – Director of Public Health, the main points of the questioning maybe summarised as follows:

The Committee:

Noted that the numbers vaccinated are lower than in other local authorities because Tower Hamlets has a disproportionately young population with the lowest proportion of over 65s in the country at 6 percent. However, when one looks at Borough in comparison to the rest of North-East London the numbers vaccinated in relation to the average being 2 percentage points lower. In addition, it was noted that there is work being undertaken in the Borough with GP practices and community pharmacies.

Indicated that careful consideration was required going forward on about how the Committee continues to scrutinise the impact and response of Covid-19 as new challenges and situations emerge and that this will need to be reflected in the Committees Work Programme.

In conclusion, the Chair thanked Somen Banerjee for his presentation and to all members and guests for their contributions in the discussions on this topic.

SCRUTINY SPOTLIGHT

Town Hall - Impact on Assets/LBTH Estate; Financing, Capacity

The Committee considered a presentation that reviewed the progress on the plans for the New Town Hall and how this is being delivered. The presentation covered (i) financing of the project; (ii) changing “the way we work”; and (iii) “Resident Hub” and the “Local Presence” The Chair welcomed Mayor Biggs; Ann Sutcliffe (Corporate Director for Place); Yasmin Ali Project Director and Sarah Steer Project Manager (Town Hall Project) to tonight’s meeting. The key themes arising from the questioning on the presentation may be summarised as follows:

The Committee:

Was advised that the funding for the project comes primarily from the Public Works Loan Board (PWLB) which operates under a policy framework set by HM Treasury and ensures that lending to local government complies with statute. Also borrowing from the PWLB is very straightforward and at a very low rate of interest.

Observed that the new civic centre will make full use of its location in the most accessible part of Tower Hamlets. It will be served by four different train and tube lines including Crossrail, along with well-used bus and cycle routes. The building has been designed to be more than just an office for council staff.

Was reminded that the business case for this project it had been demonstrated that it was better value for money than renting a building elsewhere or extending tenancy agreement for Mulberry Place and that in spite of being subject to a further review in the light of the different financing options becoming available it still is the most viable method of financing the project.

Noted that it is being constructed on the site of the former Royal London Hospital building, the new civic centre will provide 26,700m2 of civic space, with the ground floor designed for public use. In addition, LBTH will be welcoming partner organisations to co-locate in the building, which will enable residents to be served by a diverse range of services from one site.

Noted that the entire ground floor of the new civic centre will be dedicated to public use. A new Idea Store that will include supported access to a full range of council services alongside books, a café, drop in space and new public square.

Expressed concern that as the new civic centre has been designed to be more than just an office for council staff how will this impact on the future of the libraries and arts provision in Whitechapel for example given its close proximity to the London Hospital site on the Mile End Idea Store. Especially as this was a trusted space where residents are able to explore and share reading, information, and knowledge. In response it was noted that the Mile End Store was to be re-developed into part of a learning campus with a stronger focus on learning, skills and supporting residents into work.

Noted in response that the intention of the Council regarding cultural and creative enrichment in the Borough was to promote venues such as the Brady Centre as welcoming places where local people can immerse themselves in every form of art; learn from local artists; create their own art; watch theatre, music, and dance performances; and learn about art and culture through books and reading.

Noted that it is estimated that the cost of this project is in the region of £114.5 million. The Council will be saving public money because as well as securing ongoing annual savings of at least £5m from rental of Mulberry Place, there will be additional savings from more efficient working. Also capital receipts: £78.2m to £91.2m from potential disposals from the sale of old council buildings that will no longer be needed once staff have moved to the new civic centre, which will go towards the £114.5m estimated total cost of the new civic centre.

Wanted a breakdown of the capital receipts from the above-mentioned disposals as outlined in the updated Business Case.

Noted that the design of the new civic centre will celebrate the rich history of the building – with a new building ‘wrapping’ around the old to create dynamic and flexible spaces for the workforce. Also, by moving from Mulberry Place to Whitechapel will relocate the Councils ‘Front Door’ presence to the centre of the Borough.

Noted that the new civic centre would be heated by an air source heat pump system that does not create heat. It simply moves it from one place to another through the vapour compression cycle thereby raising its temperature.

Noted that engagement is currently underway with staff on facilities within LBTH buildings in a post Covid environment and that elements of the Covid layout will be considered alongside the revised plans i.e. one-way systems around the floor layouts.

Noted that staff are to continue working as they have been and are not being instructed to return to work in the office, this is purely preparing to be ready when the guidance allows LBTH to commence a phased return.

Was advised that as part of the wider vision on changing the way LBTH works an engagement programme is underway with staff to review the desk to staff ratio from 6:10 to 4:10, with more flexible working furniture within the building for different work styles.

Was informed that Staff will be relocated from John Onslow House and Albert Jacob House to Mulberry Place. Also, that all desks at Mulberry Place have been allocated at divisional level, rather than individual teams, allowing greater flexibility and enabling LBTH to test how the 4:10 principle works ahead of the move to the new civic centre. Whilst also creating additional flexible working spaces within Mulberry Place.

Accordingly, it was agreed:

Thanked Mayor Biggs; Ann Sutcliffe; Yasmin Ali Project and Sarah Steer for their presentation and to all members for their contributions in the discussions on this topic; and

Indicated that the following should be added to the Committees Action Log.

(i) the evolution of the new civic centre business case; (ii) the capital receipts from the potential disposals from the sale of old council buildings as outlined in the new civic centre business case; and (iii) the assessment of the relocation of the Councils ‘Front Door’ presence to the centre of the Borough.

Domestic Abuse

The Committee received a presentation that outlined the extent of Covid-19 impact on Domestic Abuse and effectiveness of partners response. Including (i) national and local policy landscape; (ii) culturally sensitive provision; (iii) funding; (iv) impact of pandemic; (v) the Independent domestic violence advisory (IDVA) provision; (vi) adult and children social care; (vii) housing for victims; and (viii) the next steps. The Chair welcomed Denise Radley(Corporate Director, Health, Adults & Community); Ann Corbett

(Divisional Director, Community Safety); Menara Ahmed

(Hate Crime Policy & Partnership Manager) and Sophia Hussain (Hestia) to tonight’s meeting. The key themes arising from the questioning on the presentation may be summarised as follows:

The Committee

Observed that whilst domestic abuse affects women from all ethnic groups, and there is no evidence to suggest that women from some ethnic or cultural communities are any more at risk than others. The form the abuse takes may vary; in some communities, for example, domestic abuse may be perpetrated by extended family members. Whatever their experiences, women from Black, Asian or minority ethnic communities are likely to face additional barriers to receiving the help that they need e.g. unwilling to seek help from statutory agencies or afraid of rejection from their own community if they ask for outside help.

Noted that it may be particularly hard for these women to admit to having problems with their marriage, and they may experience additional pressure from their extended family to stay with their partner e.g. If their marriage fails, it may be seen as their fault, and they may be blamed for damaging the family honour; and treated as an outcast within their community.

Commented that if they have recently arrived in the country, or if their first language is not English, it may be much harder for them to understand the systems of support available or to access appropriate sources of help or be unaware of support services and not know where they should go to get help.

Noted the assistance available from Hestia that supports women and children experiencing domestic abuse to find safe, secure, and suitable refuge spaces across London. Observed that Hestia’s refuges are a place of safety for any mother and child made homeless by domestic abuse. They also offer emotional and practical support and ensure that every service user has an up-to-date risk assessment; support plans tailored to their needs and to start a conversation around healthy relationships.

Commented on the rising number of allegations of abuse in the home were an indication of the “emotional burden” weighing on many couples as a result of the coronavirus lockdowns.

Noted agencies within the Borough have been upping their training and that undertaking an audit of safeguarding interventions to look at practice quality around domestic abuse

Noted in response to their concerns that the restrictions on face to face visits during the lockdowns have affected earlier identification of abuse. Agencies have provided training to raise awareness amongst their staff on how to safeguard individuals remotely.

Noted that the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) had secured additional funding to assist to charities supporting vulnerable people including victims of sexual violence and domestic abuse. The Committee welcomed this funding as it will provide a stronger safety net for anyone facing the threat of abuse in their own home.

Agreed that domestic abuse is a complex problem that requires a coordinated, multi-faceted approach. The needs of different members of a household (including adults perpetrating and experiencing abuse and children) are multi-dimensional and inter-linked, and meeting these requires integrated and joined-up services. Which involves collaboration between, for example, police, child protection and specialist support services for people who have experienced abuse.

Committee in response to the events surrounding the death of Sarah Everard, recognised the wider problem of gender-specific violence. Members agreed on the need for advocacy and support for women’s rights to live in a safe space, without having to change their behaviour to maintain their safety. Also, to encourage public education about unacceptable behaviour that is either threatening or misogynistic e.g. putting in good programmes within schools educate students and staff around male violence towards women and how ‘socially accepted behaviours’, including ‘locker room banter’ contribute to this.

Accordingly, the Chair: Thanked The Chair welcomed Denise Radley (Corporate Director, Health, Adults & Community); Ann Corbett (Divisional Director, Community Safety); Menara Ahmed (Hate Crime Policy & Partnership Manager) and Sophia Hussain Sophia Hussain (HESTIA) for their presentation and to all members for their contributions in the discussions on this topic; and Indicated that the impact of Covid-19 on Domestic Abuse should be included in the Action Log

VERBAL UPDATES FROM SCRUTINY LEADS

The Committee noted the updates that had been submitted from Councillor Bex White the Scrutiny Lead for Children & Education.

The Committee noted that:

The April 2021 meeting of the Sub-Committee will focus on Children’s Social Care, both during the pandemic and looking into the future.

The Sub-Committee will also be looking at the performance of the Regional Adoption Agency one year on from its creation, particularly focusing on how the Council retains oversight and follows the journey of the Boroughs children now that this is being managed at a regional level.

The Scrutiny Lead at her last regular catch-up with the Corporate Director and Cabinet Member had focused discussions on the agenda for the upcoming Sub-Committee, and on updates to the expected Ofsted timelines.

PRE-DECISION SCRUTINY OF UNRESTRICTED CABINET PAPERS

Following comments by the Committee the Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions (PDSQ) were agreed for submission to the Cabinet on the 24th of March 2021 (See attached appendix).

ANY OTHER UNRESTRICTED BUSINESS WHICH THE CHAIR CONSIDERS TO BE URGENT

The Committee noted the following:

The virtual scrutiny feedback survey will be available to all members of scrutiny until the 9th of April 2021 the survey will help to inform the work programming for 2021/22.

The Scrutiny Annual Report will be ready by the by the beginning of May 2021; and A briefing session was planned on the Strategic Plan at 6:00 p.m. on 25th March 2021.

EXCLUSION OF THE PRESS AND PUBLIC

As the agenda circulated contained no exempt/ confidential reports and

there was therefore no requirement to exclude the press and public to allow

for its consideration.

PRE-DECISION SCRUTINY OF EXEMPT/ CONFIDENTIAL) CABINET PAPERS

Nil items

ANY OTHER EXEMPT/ CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS THAT THE CHAIR CONSIDERS URGENT

Nil items

The meeting ended at 8.43 p.m.

Chair, Councillor James King

Overview & Scrutiny Committee