The order of business on the agenda was changed at the meeting due to exempt items on this item. This discussion occurred after item 5.

Reasons for urgency on the late report were agreed by the committee.

Steve Halsey, Chief Executive Officer, provided an overview on the next phase of the corporate restructure. This included enhancing the HR, procurement, IT and scrutiny functions, the introduction of a more collaborative and performance-driven culture, the People First transformation journey and a more resident-focused council.

Members were informed that Mr Halsey will attend the first Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC) of the municipal year on 21 May 2024 to discuss key areas of improvement to the function and provide recommendations. It was emphasised that the OSC decides its scrutiny work program and if recommendations are implemented.

The report set out a number of areas that need addressing, for example, the Strategy Improvement and transformation team, the Housing and Regeneration Directorate, and Resources Directorate all require restructure. The Mayor's Executive Office structure was also no longer suitable. Recommendations also include establishing assistant director roles on a pilot basis, to ensure accountability for a wider range of services. Mr Halsey stated that a chief executive department with 13 direct reports is also no longer practical.

Mr Halsey then stated his view that Executive Assistant support for Corporate Directors requires a change in line management arrangements, which were being progressed. Finally he reported on the voluntary redundancy and early retirement (ER/VR) scheme had approved 58 staff to exit the Council.

Paul Patterson, Corporate Director, Housing & Regeneration, presented an overview of the next phase which will impact the directorate, particularly with the housing supply and property and major programs. The new structure will create an Assistant Director of Housing Management, merging the current Director of Neighbourhoods and Director of Housing Asset Management roles.

Proposals will also move the current housing management function to a new Assistant Director of Regeneration and Housing Supply and Assets, which will enhance the integration of Tower Hamlet Homes (THH). This will ensure the service is more customer focused. There will also be a new Assistant Director for Housing Options and Homelessness and one for Housing Policy and Strategy.

Julie Lorraine, Corporate Director, Resources noted that on 16 May, the Cabinet approved recommendations to enhance the resources for the housing options service. This budget was agreed in principle. Ms Lorraine emphasised that significant expenditure has gone into the homelessness service but was primarily used for temporary accommodation costs. A new position of Housing Options and Homelessness was required; thus a new Assistant Director is proposed in the report. The main objective is to improve the service including longer operating hours to meet resident needs.

Further to questions from the Committee, Steve Halsey, Paul Patterson;

·       Confirmed that the responsibility for restructuring within the Mayor's Office and the Housing Options and Homelessness service had been transferred to the Deputy Chief Executive, Julie Lorraine on a temporary basis.

·       Explained that a report will be submitted to the Human Resources Committee and the Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny Sub-committee regarding the progress of the Housing Options service.

·       Acknowledged that more engagement with the Overview and Scrutiny Committee is required in relation to the scrutiny proposals.

·       This report and the transformation of scrutiny report are aligned.

·       Further details will be discussed at a future OSC meeting.

The report contained a number of Exempt/Confidential Appendices. So the Chair Proposed, and it was unanimously agreed that the meeting now agree to exclude the press and public from the remainder of the meeting.

It was RESOLVED that;

1.    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.”

During the Exempt/Confidential part of the meeting the Committee discussed matters relating to the HR Business Support restructure. At the conclusion of the discussion, the Committee voted to agree the recommendations as set out below:

It was RESOLVED that;

1.    A report be submitted to the Committee on the progress of  the Housing Options service.

2.    The report on the CEO update on the next phase of the corporate restructure be noted.