The Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and officer responses were noted.

DECISION

1.    To approve Option 3 as set out in the report below. 

2.    To note the Equalities Impact Assessment.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, CHILDREN AND CULTURE (D. JONES)

(Divisional Director, Culture, Sport and Leisure (J. St John)

Councillor Sabina Akhtar, Cabinet Member for Culture, Arts and Brexit, introduced the report setting out the findings of the review into the Community Language Service and a number of options for the service. She reported that this followed the budget decision earlier in the year to look to achieve savings in this area by reviewing how the service was provided with the intention of ensuring a sustainable, high-quality model could be created. Of the options set out, Option 3 was being recommended.

It was noted that in other parts of the country community language services were provided by the third sector and it was proposed that this was a more appropriate solution for Tower Hamlets. It was noted that the Council would be looking to support local organisations to build up their capacity to provide good quality language services.

The meeting then heard from a number of residents, service users and unions who expressed concern about the proposed changes and fears that the service would not be able to continue if it was left to the voluntary sector to provide. They highlighted the important role that the community language service plays in supporting a vibrant and diverse local community.

Responding to questions, officers undertook to provide the figures for the number of students who had taken GCSEs and A Levels through the service although it was noted that this option ceased three years ago when government funding was ended.

The Mayor welcomed all the responses, he highlighted that this was a difficult decision but in the circumstances he considered Option 3 as set out in the report to be the most effective solution to secure the long term future of community language services. He noted the Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and officer responses and agreed the recommendations as set out.

RESOLVED

1.    To approve Option 3 as set out in the report below. 

2.    To note the Equalities Impact Assessment.