Apologies of absence were received from:

·         Councillor Kabir Hussain, (Cabinet Member for Environment and the Climate Emergency).

·         Ann Sutcliffe, Corporate Director Place (Jennifer Peters, Director Planning and Building Control was deputising).

·         Janet Fasan, Director Legal and Monitoring Officer (Agnes Adrien, Head of Litigation was deputising as acting Monitoring Officer).

Members are reminded to consider the categories of interest, identified in the Code of Conduct for Members to determine; whether they have an interest in any agenda item and any action they should take. For further details, see the attached note from the Monitoring Officer.

Members are also reminded to declare the nature of the interest at the earliest opportunity and the agenda item it relates to. Please note that ultimately it is the Members’ responsibility to identify any interests and also update their register of interests form as required by the Code.

If in doubt as to the nature of an interest, you are advised to seek advice prior to the meeting by contacting the Monitoring Officer or Democratic Services.

There were no declarations of disclosable pecuniary interest.

The unrestricted minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on xxxxxx are presented for approval.

RESOLVED

1.    That the unrestricted minutes of the meeting on 22 February 2023 be signed by the Mayor as a correct record of the proceedings.

There were no announcements from the Mayor.

Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC) to report on any issues  raised by the OSC in relation to unrestricted business to be considered.

The Cabinet received and noted the Overview and Scrutiny Committee’s pre-decision question on Item 6.2.

Councillor Musthak Ahmed, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, provided an overview of recent scrutiny activity. The Committee had considered the Strategic Performance Report for quarter 3 and was pleased to see performance for measures which are meeting or exceeding the target have remained consistent and was encouraged by new initiatives delivered to meet the ambitions set out in the strategic plan. The Committee expressed concern that the total number of measures with a red status has risen from four in quarter two to eight in quarter three and had enquired into the plans to address underperformance.

The Committee had considered the Budget Monitoring report for quarter 3 and had asked discussed the drivers for £48m drawdown from reserves in 2022/23; work underway to identify savings for future years and the timelines in which these will be achieved; and council tax recovery.

The Committee had also focused on the council’s response to the climate emergency. An update on the recommendations OSC made last year to improve air quality in the borough was reviewed. The Committee asked how the council is working with staff to support net zero ambitions and ensure they are more aware and better informed in both their professional and personal life. The Committee also noted the importance of communicating our plans to residents and ensure this is inclusive of all communities in the borough. The Committee noted that the Council has a new air quality action plan for the next 5 years which has been signed off by the GLA and supersedes the previous plan reviewed by OSC. It had noted that delivery of the new action plan required significant resource and how GLA funding for this may be compromised if there is a decision to remove LTNs.

(Under provisions of Section 30, Rule 59 of the Constitution).

None.

DECISION

1.    To note the council’s forecast outturn position against General Fund, Dedicated Schools Budget, Housing Revenue Account and earmarked reserves for 2022-23, based on forecasts as at 31^st December 2022;

2.    To note the progress made against the 2022-23 savings targets, based on forecasts as at 31^st December 2022;

3.    To note the council’s forecast outturn position against General Fund and Housing Revenue Account capital programme approved budgets for 2022-23, based on forecasts as at 31^st December 2022;

4.    To note that there are no equalities implications directly resulting from this report, as set out in Section 4 of the report.

ACTION BY

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, RESOURCES (C. HOLLAND)

Director of Finance, Procurement and Audit (N. Visram)

Councillor Saied Ahmed (Cabinet Member for Resources and the Cost of Living) introduced the report that presented the forecast outturn compared to the budget report 2022/23 as at 31^st December 2022 (Period 9) for the General Fund, Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) Budget, Housing Revenue Account (HRA), progress made against savings targets and the council’s capital programme as well as projections on General Fund earmarked reserves and the forecast impacts of Covid on the Council’s finances in 2022-23.

The Mayor welcomed the report and agreed the recommendations.

RESOLVED that the Mayor in Cabinet:

1.    Notes the council’s forecast outturn position against General Fund, Dedicated Schools Budget, Housing Revenue Account and earmarked reserves for 2022-23, based on forecasts as at 31^st December 2022;

2.    Notes the progress made against the 2022-23 savings targets, based on forecasts as at 31^st December 2022;

3.    Notes the council’s forecast outturn position against General Fund and Housing Revenue Account capital programme approved budgets for 2022-23, based on forecasts as at 31^st December 2022;

4.    Notes that there are no equalities implications directly resulting from this report, as set out in Section 4 of the report.

DECISION:

1.    Note the summary status as set out at the beginning of the appendix monitoring report.

2.    Review the status of performance measures in Q3 in the appendix to the report.

ACTION BY:

INTERIM CHIEF EXECUTIVE (S.HALSEY)

Data Analytics, Business Intelligence, and Performance Lead (J. Leach)

The pre-decision scrutiny question and response was noted.

Councillor Saied Ahmed (Cabinet Member for Resources and the Cost of Living) introduced the report that provided an overview of the performance measures monitored in Quarter Three (Q3) of the council's Annual Delivery Plan 2022/23.

Stephen Bramah, (Head of Corporate Strategy & Improvement) provided further detail, including how the report had been amended to include commentary such as details of mitigation measures and timescales to rectify red measures.

Cabinet members noted the proposals and welcomed in particular:

Work to improve positive skills and employment. Extra funding for disabilities and extra needs should deliver improved outcomes.

Concern was expressed by the Mayor and Cabinet members at the apparent increase in ‘red’ status indicators since quarter 2. The Mayor stressed it was important that improvement is demonstrated and expressed hope all red indicators would move to amber in the near future. He also explained how previously agreed additional investment in services would assist in this.

Stephen Halsey, Interim Chief Executive, explained how he had been set objectives by the Mayor to address underperformance and secure returns on additional investment. He assured the Mayor and Cabinet he, the Corporate Leadership Team and all officers were working toward those objectives.

The recommendations were agreed.

RESOLVED that the Mayor in Cabinet:

1.    Notes the summary status as set out at the beginning of the appendix monitoring report.

2.    Notes the status of performance measures in Q3 in the appendix to the report.

DECISION

1.    To consider the report and its supporting documents, particularly the statutory notice (Appendix 1 to the report) and the Equality Assessment (Appendix 2 to the report), along with comments made by respondents to the Statutory Notice.

2.    To agree to the amalgamation (merger) of Bishop Challoner Catholic Girls’ and Boys’ Schools to create a Bishop Challoner Co-educational Catholic School for 11-18 year olds from 1st September 2023.

ACTION BY:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR CHILDREN AND CULTURE (J. THOMAS)

Service Head, Pupil Access and School Sufficiency (T. Bryan)

Councillor Maium Talukdar (Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education, Youth and Lifelong Learning) introduced the report that informed of the outcome of the four week period of public representation in response to the statutory notice on the proposal for the amalgamation (merger) of Bishop Challoner Catholic Girls’ and Boys’ Schools to create a Bishop Challoner Co- educational Catholic School for 11-18 year olds. He explained that the consultation was robust and thorough, and that the schools’ new leadership were looking forward to improving outcomes.

Steve Nyakatawa, (Director of Education) provided further context and detail. Steve explained how the amalgamation presented an opportunity to make improvements to the schools as well as securing financial benefits and allowing for a coherent and consistent approach to education for all pupils.

The Mayor welcomed the proposals. He indicated he was looking forward to seeing the improvement. He agreed the recommendations in the report.

RESOLVED that the Mayor in Cabinet

1.    Considers the report and its supporting documents, particularly the statutory notice (Appendix 1 to the report) and the Equality Assessment (Appendix 2 to the report), along with comments made by respondents to the Statutory Notice.

2.    Agrees to the amalgamation (merger) of Bishop Challoner Catholic Girls’ and Boys’ Schools to create a Bishop Challoner Co-educational Catholic School for 11–18-year-olds from 1st September 2023.

DECISION

1.    To approve the contract award for the Highways and Street Lighting Term Service Contract, as outlined in the report, to the highest scoring contractor emboldened under the section “Final Score” detailed in Appendix 1 to the report for an initial period of 60 months from 1.7.2023, with a right for the Council, in its absolute discretion, to extend the contract for a period of up to a further 24 months in accordance with the advertised opportunity.

2.    Note that that any exercise of the contractual option to extend will only be undertaken by the relevant Chief Officer following consultation with the Mayor.

ACTION BY:

CORPORATE DIRCETOR PLACE, (A. SUTCLIFFE)

Director, Public Realm (D. Jones)

Wajid Majid (Group Manager Design & Delivery) introduced the report that sought approval for the award of the Highways & Street Lighting Works Term Service Contract following a re-procurement exercise. Wajid provided details about the procurement process and the “call-off” nature of the contract.

Wajid and Nigel Davies (Head of Highways & Transportation) explained the rationale for the new duration for the contract.

The mayor welcomed the report and in particular the rigorous process to assess and award the contract. He agreed the recommendations in the report.

RESOLVED that the Mayor in Cabinet.

1.    Approves the contract award for the Highways and Street Lighting Term Service Contract, as outlined in the report, to the highest scoring contractor emboldened under the section “Final Score” detailed in Appendix 1 to the report for an initial period of 60 months from 1.7.2023, with a right for the Council, in its absolute discretion, to extend the contract for a period of up to a further 24 months in accordance with the advertised opportunity.

2.    Notes that that any exercise of the contractual option to extend will only be undertaken by the relevant Chief Officer following consultation with the Mayor.

DECISION

To approve the entering into a Neighbouring Authority Agreement with London City Airport.

ACTION BY

CORPORATE DIRECTOR PLACE, (A SUTCLIFFE)

Jennifer Peters, Director Planning and Building Control (J. Peters)

Councillor Kabir Ahmed (Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Inclusive Development and Housebuilding) introduced the report that proposed the Council enter into a Neighbouring Authority Agreement with the airport to enable them to oversee and if required enforce planning obligations within the S106 Legal Agreement where it relates to properties within those boroughs. Councillor Ahmed explained that without entering into th agreement, the Council, would not have the legal means to oversee and if necessary, enforce the planning obligations relating to properties within Tower Hamlets and as such these properties may be at risk of not receiving the noise insulation that they are entitled to.

Sarah Wilks (Infrastructure Planning Manager) provided further detail, explaining that the final agreement from London City Airport had now been received. Further to questions from Cabinet members, Sarah explained that under the agreement it was the obligation of the airport to publicise support available to eligible residents.

The Cabinet discussed the apparent low response rate in the consultation compared to neighbouring boroughs and potential reasons for it.

The Mayor welcomed the report which he hoped would provide additional protection for residents. He agreed the recommendations in the report.

RESOLVED that the Mayor in Cabinet

1.    Approves the entering into a Neighbouring Authority Agreement with London City Airport.

DECISION:

1. To note the consultation and engagement undertaken to develop the policy and outcomes framework as set out in para 3.3 and Appendix 2 to the report.

2. To agree the Grants Policy and Outcome Framework as set in paras 3.4-3.5 and Appendix 3 to the report.

3. To authorise the Chief Executive to finalise the detailed prospectus of each grants programme.

4. To note the proposed timetable for new grants arrangements as outlined in  para 3.6 of the report and agree the three and a half-year programme for the Mayor’s Community Grants, from October 2023 to March 2027.

5. To agree the grant assessment arrangements as set out in para 3.7 of the report, subject to amending the second bullet point to of paragraph 3.7(d) to ‘Track record of successful service delivery, or for new organisations, clear ability to demonstrate capacity and skills to deliver services successfully’.

6. To agree the budget for the grants programme as set out in para 3.8 of the report.

7. To agree that the proposed governance process for the development and  implementation of the grants programme for the VCS as set out in  paragraph 3.9 of the report and note a further update will be provided to Cabinet April  2023.

8. To authorise the Chief Executive to agree the final grant awards for the  Mayor’s Community Grants Programme.

9. To authorise the Chief Executive to agree an extension of 4 weeks of existing  grants programme, if necessary, as set out in para 3.6 (a) of the report..

10. To note the result of the equalities impact screening as set out in para 4.1 of the report.

ACTION BY:

DIRECTOR STRATEGY, IMPROVEMENT & TRANSFORMATION (S. GODMAN)

Head of Corporate Strategy & Communities (A. Hoque)

The Mayor agreed the reasons for urgency as provided in the report and noted the written submissions provided by Volunteer Centre Tower Hamlets and Tower Hamlets CVS. He indicated he would provide a written response to the submissions and any questions from the organisations.

Councillor Saied Ahmed (Cabinet Member for Resources and the Cost of Living) introduced the report that set out a new VCS grants policy and outcome framework and proposed a new grants programme providing long-term funding to enable the achievement of the vision to ‘support and invest in a thriving and diverse VCS to enable it to improve outcomes for Tower Hamlets residents’. Councillor Ahmed outlined the different funding available for the different programme themes and provided an indicative timetable for the launch, assessment and award of grants.

Councillor Ahmed proposed a minor amendment to the report and recommendations. He proposed adjusting the proposed organisational assessment for applicants to ensure smaller organisations and those new to the sector could also benefit from funding, as follows:

·         amending the second bullet point to of paragraph 3.7(d) to ‘Track record of successful service delivery, or for new organisations, clear ability to demonstrate capacity and skills to deliver services successfully’.

The Mayor explained the importance the VCS sector of Tower Hamlets. The sector is vital to the social and economic vitality of the borough. He expressed disappointment that the sector appeared to have contracted recently, with only a small number of groups benefitting from Council funding in recent years. Accordingly, he had dedicated additional funding to ensure long-term capacity of the sector. He explained the key elements of the proposed new grants programme; the key priorities that drove it and how these were informed by a thorough consultation exercise; and summarised the proposed governance arrangements. Mayoral powers were proposed to be delegated to the Chief Executive for the determination of awards under the Mayor’s Community Grant programme, whilst small grants would continue to be determined by the Grants Determination (Cabinet) Sub Committee.

The Mayor welcomed and agreed Councillor Saied Ahmed’s proposed amendment, which he hoped would ensure all VCS organisations can fairly bid for Council funding. He agreed the recommendations with the amendment.

RESOLVED that the Mayor in Cabinet:

1. Notes the consultation and engagement undertaken to develop the policy and outcomes framework as set out in para 3.3 and Appendix 2 to the report.

2. Agrees the Grants Policy and Outcome Framework as set in paras 3.4-3.5 and Appendix 3 to the report.

3. Authorises the Chief Executive to finalise the detailed prospectus of each grants programme.

4. Notes the proposed timetable for new grants arrangements as outlined in  para 3.6 of the report and agree the three and a half-year programme for the Mayor’s Community Grants, from October 2023 to March 2027.

5. Agrees the grant assessment arrangements as set out in para 3.7 of the report, subject to amending the second bullet point to of paragraph 3.7(d) to ‘Track record of successful service delivery, or for new organisations, clear ability to demonstrate capacity  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.6

Nil items.

Should the Mayor in Cabinet consider it necessary, it is recommended that the following motion be adopted to allow consideration of any exempt/restricted documents.

“That, under the provisions of Section 100A of the Local Government Act, 1972 as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) Act, 1985, the Press and Public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting for the consideration of the Section Two business on the grounds that it contains information defined as Exempt in Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government, Act 1972”.

EXEMPT/CONFIDENTIAL SECTION (PINK)

Nil items.

Nil items.

Nil items.

Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC) to report on any issues  raised by the OSC in relation to exempt/confidential business to be considered.

Nil items.

(Under provisions of Section 30, Rule 59 of the Constitution).

Nil items.

Nil items.