LONDON BOROUGH OF TOWER HAMLETS

MINUTES OF THE Overview & Scrutiny Committee

HELD AT 5.32 p.m. ON Monday, 26 April 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

Officers Present:
Dr Somen Banerjee	(Director of Public Health)
Adam Boey	(Senior Strategy & Policy Manager - Corporate)
Sharon Godman	(Director, Strategy, Improvement and Transformation)
Afazul Hoque	(Head of Corporate Strategy & Policy)
Will Tuckley	(Chief Executive)
David Knight	(Democratic Services Officer, Committees, Governance)

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

It was noted that apologies for lateness had been received from Councillor Denise Jones.

DECLARATIONS OF DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY INTEREST AND OTHER INTERESTS

The following Members for transparency declared a potential interest in relation to Item 9 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

18th March 2021

The Chair Moved and it was: -

RESOLVED

That the unrestricted minutes of the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 18th January 2021 be approved as a correct record of the proceedings and the Chair was authorised to sign them accordingly.

22nd March 2021

The Chair Moved and it was: -

RESOLVED

That the unrestricted minutes of the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 22nd March 2021 be approved as a correct record of the proceedings and the Chair was authorised to sign them accordingly. Subject to the inclusion of the following in the list of those present:

Halima Islam	Co-Optee
James Wilson	Co-Optee

REQUESTS TO SUBMIT PETITIONS

Nil items

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:

Observed that Tower Hamlets GP Care Group has worked hard to ensure that any unused supplies of vaccine are use appropriately especially with the Pfizer vaccine where there is an issue about shelf-life once unfrozen, to maximise the people who are vaccinated. Accordingly the GP Care Group have a process whereby they have a set of contacts that they have identified (e.g. those in the highest need groups) are able to access unused vaccines. Therefore, people should not show up to a vaccination centre without an appointment as they would not be seen.

Were advised that people have expressed uncertainty about getting a jab, or who were unwilling or unable was because they did not trust the vaccines; they did not feel the vaccines were necessary for them and the ease of access to vaccination centres. Therefore the GP Care Group and the Council are reaching out to non-responders, ramping up promoting of the vaccine programme and establishing walk in centres.

Heard that whilst reactions to the AstraZeneca vaccine have been very rare and this includes when blood clots and low levels of platelets occur between four and 28 days after the jab. Therefore, some residents are now expressing reluctance to have their next jab although overwhelming message is this is a safe and effective vaccine whereas the risk of getting severely ill from the coronavirus, or of being hospitalised in intensive care, is much higher.

Was informed that LBTH have set up a network of Covid Champions who will help residents to stay up to date with the latest advice about Covid-19. Covid Champions provide a trusted source of information and will help to dispel myths and avoid confusion. They help their family, friends, and the wider community to make sense of the latest advice and information, to make sure we all stay safe and alert to the risks of the virus. The Champion are sent regular updates on Covid-19 and they aim to get the right information to local residents, to keep themselves, their family, and community safe.

Was advised that regarding the Indian variant it is one of four mutated versions of coronavirus which have been designated as being "of concern" by UK public health bodies, with others first being identified in Kent, South Africa, and Brazil. The Indian variant has mutated to become less recognisable to neutralising human antibodies and therefore allows it to get past the first line of immunological defence in people who have been vaccinated or previously infected, enabling the virus to carry on circulating.

Wanted to receive localised data regarding household infection rates, positive cases by age group and ward and hospital admission rates in the Borough by age group.

The Committee indicated that it would wish to be updated on the knowledge surrounding the role of children in the transmission Covid-19 and the role of schools during the pandemic, based on the experience in the Borough this data should include transmission to and from staff in school settings, school-related mitigation measures including risk communication, testing, contact tracing and the efficacy of partial and full school closures.

Noted in terms of numbers there is not any significant increase in numbers of cases in schools.

Noted that Tower Hamlets Council, NHS Test and Trace is providing additional testing and genomic sequencing in targeted areas which follows the identification of multiple confirmed cases of the variants first identified in South Africa and Brazil. All the confirmed cases will be self-isolating.

Was advised that any resident over 11 years of age and live, work or are educated in an E1 postcode are being encouraged to take a Covid-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test which is a type of coronavirus test you do at home and send back to be processed in a laboratory. The results are sent by text and email.

Noted that enhanced contact tracing will be used for individuals testing positive with a variant of concern (VOC). In these instances, contact tracers will look back over an extended period to determine the route of transmission.

Was advised if a resident has symptoms, they then need to book a free test online or by phone so they can be tested at a testing site or have a testing kit sent to their home. Residents should also continue using twice-weekly rapid testing alongside the PCR test as part of surge testing.

Noted that local data is being used to target roadshows in those areas of low uptake so as to promote the vaccination programme and this will be shared with Members.

Was informed that going forward it is intended that the vaccination need to be part of the Borough’s health and care system as with Influenza Vaccination Programme and this will enable the Borough to achieve heightened levels of uptake.

In conclusion, the Chair:

Thanked Somen Banerjee for his regular updates and contributions that have been really insightful and helpful to understand the scale of the threat posed to the Borough by Covid-19; and

Indicated that Members will discuss how take this forward into the next municipal year.

MAYORS SPOTLIGHT

Executive Mayor's Priorities

The Chair introduced the main substantive item this evening that will focus on the Mayor’s Spotlight.

He (i) thanked the Executive Mayor John Biggs and the Chief Executive Will Tuckley for, attending this evenings meeting; and (ii) indicated that that the Committee wished to understand:

Council’s Response to Covid-19.

Pandemic Recovery Priorities; and

Achievements of this past year and any Non Covid challenges and situations for Tower Hamlets.

The key themes arising from the questioning on the presentation may be summarised as follows:

The Committee:

Enquired what the Council and its partners would be doing to address residents’ concerns (i) following the murder investigations that are underway following fatal stabbings in Poplar and Canning Town; and (ii) in regard to addressing the high incidence anti-social behaviour in Tower Hamlets.

Noted that as a consequence of these fatal stabbings a section 60 notice had been issued.

Noted that whilst police-recorded crime had seen its biggest annual decrease since 2010 with robbery and theft having dropped dramatically during 2020 as people have not been in as many situations where they felt they had to pull a knife or a gun because people have not been gathering at places like they used to before lockdown, but with restrictions being lifted there are concerns of a spike in knife and gun crime as venues re-open and groups begin to mix again in public places - increasing the potential for conflict.

Noted that there are two types of people who tend to carry weapons – criminals for threats and their protection because of their lifestyle choices and young people who believe that every other young person is carrying a knife. The police can tackle the first group by concentrating on organised gang crime, but a lot needs to be done to help the young people change their mindset so that they realise that not everyone carries a knife despite what they are led to believe.

Was advised that the recent stabbings in Poplar and Canning Town have led to a renewed focus on knife crime and how to reduce it. One power available to the Police Service being a Section 60 notice and understood that a significant percentage of older people in the Borough feel if its use means that lives can be saved, then these residents feel it is a very good thing.

Noted the increased activity of local policing teams in the Bethnal Green; Spitalfields and Whitechapel wards these officers are made up of officers based in the area, supported by additional officers from the wider area who are working closely with LBTH, organisations, partners to address local problems.

Was pleased to be informed about the crackdown on antisocial behaviour including the use of nitrous oxide, with police officers undertaking foot patrols and the Council’s Trading Standards Officers working with the police and residents to tackle retail outlets that sell gas to people who misuse it. In addition, it was noted that residents can report discarded canisters so the Council can clean them up. Whilst residents can also report retail outlets selling nitrous oxide to Trading Standards.

Noted the Isle of Dogs programme that aims to provide centre-based and detached community outreach through mentoring, courses providing qualifications and other support tailored to meet the needs of young people on the Island.

Welcomed the Mayors offer to attend future Scrutiny meetings to ensure in a consistent and objective scrutiny of the work being done to add social value by contributing to the long-term wellbeing and resilience of residents, communities, and the Borough.

Noted that the Council is looking closely at the wider financial and non-financial value through its day to day activities in terms of the wellbeing of individuals and communities, social capital created and the environment e.g. to look beyond the financial cost of a contract and consider how the services commissioned and procurement can improve the economic, social and environmental well-being of Tower Hamlets. As the Council is becoming increasingly financially self-reliant, it has considered how to make its limited resources go ever further while still maintaining the quality and breadth of services. As such, it can be seen as a complementary activity to other strategies such as crime reduction.

Commented that there are a range of entrenched social problems that the Council has to address, including children in care, homelessness, youth unemployment or long-term health issues. The traditional models have failed to deliver the results needed to make inroads with these issues. Therefore, the Council is looking at Social Impact Bonds (SIBs) bring together the public, private and voluntary sectors to solve these challenges by having a clear and relentless focus upon delivering the desired outcomes and to make funding for services conditional on achieving results. Social Investors pay for the project at the start, and then receive payments based on the results achieved by the project. Therefore it would be logical for such Social Investors to be invite to scrutiny meetings to provide an opportunity for such projects to be subject to wider scrutiny.

Commented that it was important to invest in community sport and that physical activity plays an important role in boosting the local economy and will provide an opportunity to help level up inequalities within the Borough, and build a healthier, happier, and more prosperous Tower Hamlets.

Noted the anxieties of communities in regard to the Liveable Street Scheme which aims of the Scheme to produce safe streets, vibrant public spaces that connect people to the places where they live, work, but some residents feel that it may actually divide neighbourhoods, communities, and people. It was felt that a more transparent approach was needed around the consultations on the proposals to introduce such schemes e.g. all residents should have a have a say in decisions that affect their communities.

Commented that 2020-21 has seen an unprecedented and unforeseen growth in the digital and e-commerce sectors, which have been beneficial for council services. However, some have not capitalized on pandemic-induced shift to digital platforms due to persistent barriers.

Noted that people may be digitally excluded for multiple reasons, including not having access to the required infrastructure and/or devices, lack of skills, or lack of motivation to use technology.

Commented that the main factors that influence the digital divide in London include age, region, socioeconomic status and whether a person has a disability.

Indicated that there have been particular concerns raised about the digital divide during the Covid-19 pandemic, as people have been more reliant on the internet to access services and health information and socialise with friends and family.

Was concerned that digital exclusion may make it more difficult for adults to access support services, medical appointments, and welfare activities. Also those adults who do not have sufficient internet safety skills may be at higher risk of online harms such as misinformation, fraud, and computer viruses. In addition, digitally excluded people may not be able to use contact tracing apps and may experience negative health impacts. Therefore, finding ways to address the digital divide in the Borough has never been more important. As families that are unable to access the internet find themselves cut off from access to services, advice, and information, contact with loved ones and in the context of the pandemic, crucial education resources for their children.

Noted that school closures and absences during COVID-19 have necessitated home-schooling and online distance learning. However, as not all children have access to the devices and internet connections they need support for remote schooling. Therefore, the Council is working with partner agencies to provide devices, good quality internet connection and training for parents. The aim being to prevent children with poor access to online learning falling further behind as home-schooling continues during the pandemic.

Commented that Tower Hamlets has a very diverse population, and this is one of the Borough’s strengths and it means that the Council needs to be at the forefront of the equality agenda. The Council has an integral role advancing equality of opportunity, fostering good community relations, and eliminating unlawful discrimination and harassment. It also has a key role in enabling those who are disadvantaged to reach their full potential. Therefore, it was important to really look at and reflect on what is being done to accelerate the pace and scale of achievement to have a workforce that reflects the Borough’s community. Especially increasing the proportion of (i) BAME staff overall in the workforce, to reflect the working age population of Tower Hamlets; (ii) BAME staff given fair opportunity to progress to managerial roles and particular senior management posts; (iii) of staff with disabilities overall and in senior management positions.

Was reminded that the Councils equality policy sets out a clear commitment to ensure equality is at the heart of everything it does from the money it spends and the people they employ, to the services we provide. The policy applies to all aspects of the Council’s functions including recruitment, employment, training, and development of staff

Commented that diversity is one of the Borough’s greatest strengths and the Council works with its partners to provide accessible and responsive services that enable it to improve outcomes for local people. Through ensuring the Council meets local needs helps to deliver value for money, improve customer services and reputation, and to enable the empowerment of local people to lead fulfilling lives.

Observed that equality in Tower Hamlets is first and foremost addressed through the Tower Hamlets Strategic Plan which sets out the strategic direction for the Council and its partners. Equality being embedded throughout this plan and is a key driver for everything the Council does.

In conclusion, the Chair:

Thanked Mayor Biggs and Will Tuckley for their presentation and that the key points the Committee considered included

The importance of reflecting on what is being done to accelerate the pace and scale of achievement to have a workforce that reflects the Borough’s community.

What the Council is doing with partner agencies to provide good quality internet connection to ensure that children with poor access to online learning do not fall further behind as home-schooling continues during the pandemic.

OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY ANNUAL REPORT 2020-21

This report provides a summary of the work that Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC), it’s sub-committees and scrutiny leads delivered in 2020-21 municipal year. The main points of the discussion and the question raised may be summarised are follows: The Committee:

Agreed that benchmarking is an extremely effective tool for Members to observe, analyse and comment on performance over a given time frame. Benchmarks help Members to scrutinise the key performance drivers for the Council’s contained within the Strategic Plan and how realistic are the objectives set out in that document. Therefore it was felt that it was important to (i) obtain such information in a timely manner; and (ii) follow up on the Executive reports and the action plans that do get created in response to Scrutiny reports to help in demonstrating the impact of the Committee.

Discussed the importance of the culture shift within the Council that needs to happen around scrutiny so that the Council would be ready to have discussions about those areas that are harder to investigate or to review or where problems might be arising and that the Scrutiny Process is properly valued.

Recommendations: The Overview and Scrutiny Committee:
Noted the attached Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2020-21, comment and agree the report for submission to Full Council in the new municipal year; and Authorises the Divisional Director Strategy, Policy and Performance to amend the report following comments by the committee before submission to Full Council.

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 28th of April 2021 (See attached appendix).

ANY OTHER UNRESTRICTED BUSINESS WHICH THE CHAIR CONSIDERS TO BE URGENT

Nil items

Action Log

Noted (See attached appendix).

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 19:23hrs

Chair, Councillor James King

Overview & Scrutiny Committee