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Council
Wednesday, 22nd July 2026 at 7:00pm

 

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  1. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
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  1. Mr Matthew Mannion
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  12. Shupriya Iqbal
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  1. Mr Stephen Halsey
  2. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
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  1. Mr Matthew Mannion
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  6. Mr Matthew Mannion
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  8. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
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  15. Cllr Peter Golds
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  17. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  18. Cllr Halima Islam
  19. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
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  21. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
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  23. Cllr Mohammed Ilyas
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  25. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
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  27. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
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  29. Cllr Abdul Mannan
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  31. Public Speaker
  32. Cllr Abdul Mannan
  33. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  34. Public Speaker
  35. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  36. Public Speaker
  37. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  38. Public Speaker
  39. Mayor Lutfur Rahman
  40. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  41. Public Speaker
  42. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  43. Public Speaker
  44. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  45. Public Speaker
  46. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
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  48. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  49. Cllr Sadiqur Rahman
  50. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  51. Public Speaker
  52. Cllr Sadiqur Rahman
  53. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  54. Public Speaker
  55. Cllr Ahmodul Kabir
  56. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  57. Public Speaker
  58. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  59. Public Speaker
  60. Cllr Shafiq Islam
  61. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  62. Cllr Shafiq Islam
  63. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  64. Cllr Shafiq Islam
  65. Cllr Ahmodur Khan
  66. Public Speaker
  67. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  68. Public Speaker
  69. Cllr Shenaly Miah
  70. Public Speaker
  71. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  72. Cllr Shenaly Miah
  73. Cllr Minara Khatun
  74. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  75. Public Speaker
  76. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  77. Cllr Abulkashem Mohammed Helal
  78. Public Speaker
  79. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  80. Public Speaker
  81. Cllr Kabir Ahmed
  82. Public Speaker
  83. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  84. Public Speaker
  85. Cllr Abul Monsur
  86. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
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  88. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  89. Public Speaker
  90. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  91. Cllr Saied Ahmed
  92. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  93. Cllr Saied Ahmed
  94. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  95. Public Speaker
  96. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  97. Cllr Peter Golds
  98. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  99. Public Speaker
  100. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  101. Public Speaker
  102. Cllr Halima Islam
  103. Public Speaker
  104. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  105. Cllr Saied Ahmed
  106. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  107. Public Speaker
  108. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  109. Public Speaker
  110. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  111. Cllr Kabir Ahmed
  112. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  113. Public Speaker
  114. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  115. Cllr Maium Talukdar
  116. Public Speaker
  117. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  118. Cllr Mads Churchhouse
  119. Public Speaker
  120. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  121. Public Speaker
  122. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  123. Cllr Abu Talha Chowdhury
  124. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
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  1. Mayor Lutfur Rahman
  2. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  3. Cllr Abdal Ullah
  4. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
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  6. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  7. Cllr Rupert George
  8. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
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  14. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  15. Cllr Maisha Begum
  16. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  17. Cllr Halima Islam
  18. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  19. Cllr Bodrul Choudhury
  20. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
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  23. Cllr Kabir Ahmed
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  12. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
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  6. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  7. Cllr Mohammed Omar Mehdi
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  10. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  11. Cllr Abdal Ullah
  12. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  13. Cllr Kabir Ahmed
  14. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  15. Cllr Minara Khatun
  16. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
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  18. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
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  21. Cllr Peter Golds
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  1. Cllr Musthak Ahmed
  2. Webcast Finished

Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Please be seated.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:03:30
Thank you.
Thank you.
Salaam alaikum and good evening everyone.
My name is Councillor Mushtaq Ahmed.
I am the Speaker of the Council.
I will be chairing tonight's meeting.
I extend a warm welcome to the Executive Mayor, fellow councillors, the Chief Executive Corporate
Directors, officers of the Council, members of the media, those joining us online and
and in particular members of the public attending in the Public Gallery this evening.
Thank you all for being here.
Before we begin, I have a few housekeeping announcements.
This meeting is being webcast live via the Council's website.
The cameras will mainly focus on the proceedings of the Council, although anyone attending
the Chamber may appear in the webcast. Should the fire alarm sound during the meeting, please
remain calm and follow the directions of our facilities staff who will guide everyone safely
from the building. If you require the use of a hearing loop, please make yourself known
to a member of the facilities team. Members wishing to speak should indicate by raising
their hand and wait until they are called by the Chair.
Please do not pass papers or messages around the Chamber during the meeting.
If at any stage you are unsure about the procedure before us, including the method of voting,
please indicate and assistance will be provided.
Before we move on tonight's agenda, I would like to update members on some of my activities
as Speaker since our last meeting.
It has been both a privilege and a pleasure to begin representing the borough in my new
role as Speaker.
The past two months have reminded me that being speaker is about far more than attending events.
Every engagement tells a storey. Together those storeys tell the storey of Tower Hamlets.
There is a great deal to learn and along with my new civic colleagues from across London,
I had the opportunity to attend an induction arranged by the London Mail's Association
and meet fellow civic leaders.
I look forward to working with many of them throughout the year ahead.
Since May, I have had the privilege of attending a wide variety of engagements across the borough.
One week I might be welcoming new British citizens, the next celebrating the achievements
of our young people in our schools, visiting community organisations, recognising our armed
forces, or joining residents at cultural and supporting events.
Every engagement has shown me another side of what makes Tau Hamlets such an extraordinary
borough.
Weather meeting, volunteers supporting digital inclusion, celebrating the rich cultural traditions
of our Somali, Bengali and Turkish communities, recognising sporting achievements or encouraging
young people in our schools, every visit has reinforced the same message that Taou Hamlets
is strongest when our communities come together. I took part in my first citizenship ceremony
at the beginning of June, which was a truly rewarding experience and I very much enjoyed
working with the registrants' team, whose guidance and positive feedback have been sincerely
appreciated. Watching residents take the oath of allegiance and become British citizens
serves as a powerful reminder of the values we all share and the importance of welcoming
new members into our borough and our country. I look forward to attending many more ceremonies
and I'm delighted that the registrar's team will be giving me the honour of helping to refresh the speaker's script.
I also followed in the footsteps of my predecessors by becoming a dementia friend.
Many of us will have had our lives touched by someone living with dementia.
and understanding the condition and how we can better support those affected is something
I would encourage everyone to consider.
Last week I joined the Lady Mayor for the traditional annual rent ceremony at Billingsgate
Market.
Standing alongside the Lady Mayor to witness this long standing civic tradition was a reminder
that public office is built not only on serving today's communities but also on preserving
the traditions that connect us with those who came before us. I also spent a wonderful
afternoon at the Suriel Jackson Primary School Careers Day speaking with the children about
my role and the work of the Council while learning about their own aspirations and what
they know about local democracy. I was delighted to hear that they enjoyed the day as much
as I did. I'm supporting two charities. One is Bethnal Green Nature Reserve Trust and
the other is Balance Community Trust. Alongside these engagements, I have also been working
with the Speaker's Office to explore new ways of celebrating our borough, strengthening
civic engagement and bringing the work of the speakership closer to our communities.
I hope that throughout my year as Speaker I will continue to meet as many residents
as possible, celebrate the achievements of our communities and serve as a proud ambassador
for every corner of Tower Hamlets. I look forward to keeping members informed of my
activities at future meetings and I hope that every engagement I undertake will continue
to add another chapter of the storey of Tower Hamlets.
As we now begin the formal business of the meeting, I would like to set out a few simple
expectations.
This chamber should always reflect the very best of local democracy, the very best of
Tower Hamlets.
Debate is encouraged, scrutiny is expected, different views are welcome.
Every member who is called deserves to be heard.
Please wait until you have been called before speaking.
Address all remarks through the chair.
Keep your contributions focused, relevant and within the time limits.
Allow others to finish without interruption.
Our officers are here to advise and support the Council in carrying out its activities.
I mean businesses.
They should always be treated with courtesy and respect, and should not become the subject
of criticism during the proceedings.
If you wish to raise a point of order, please indicate to the chair.
When called, please identify the relevant provision of the constitution or other legal
authority on which your point is based.
As Speaker, I will seek to ensure that all sides of the chamber have the opportunity
to contribute. Whilst I will have regard to any submitted speakers list, I may also call
members indicating during the debate and will seek to hear from a variety of members throughout
the meeting rather than the same voices on every occasion. Given the time available for
many agenda items, I may not be able to call everyone who wishes to contribute.
To those joining us in the public gallery, thank you for taking an interest in the work
of your council. Your presence is very welcome. I simply ask that you observe the proceedings
quietly and allow the meeting to continue without interruption. If I stand during the
meeting, I ask everyone to remain seated, to be seated immediately and remain seated
and allow the chair to be heard. Should the chief executive or the monitoring officer
stand to provide advice requiring the immediate attention of the council, I ask that there
too hard without interruption.
I am confident that we can conduct tonight's business
in the spirit of respect and cooperation
that our residents rightly expect.
However, where conduct falls below the standards expected
by this council, all proceedings are disrupted.
I will act fairly, firmly, and in accordance
with the council's constitution.
Where necessary, I may adjourn the meeting
or direct that a member or visitor withdraw
from the Chamber so that the Council's business can continue in an orderly manner.
That's only as a last result.
Finally, members should note that supplementary information has been published in relation to tonight's agenda.

Thank you for your cooperation. We shall now proceed to the formal business of the meeting.

1 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

I will now ask the Corporate Head of Democratic and Governance Services to take us through procedures
and the admin items at the start of the meeting and note that I will also later be asking
him to conduct any formal votes that we may need to undertake.
Over to you.
Mr Matthew Mannion - 0:14:30
Thank you very much Mr Speaker and if it's okay as usual I'll stay seated as I've got
to make notes as we go.
Good evening everyone, welcome to the first ordinary meeting of this cycle.
I'm going to go through a few bits of procedural stuff here.
I would say as obviously some members it's their first full meeting.
If you've got any concerns or you just get confused, do let us know and we'll try and
take you through what we're doing.
First things first is we look to see if there are any proposals to change procedural rules.
I think there might be a couple, so I'm just looking around to see.
Deputy Mayor.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:15:01
Cllr Maium Talukdar - 0:15:04
Thank you, Mr Speaker. It's a quite long one, so I'll slowly read it out for everyone's
information.
So I move under the Procedure Rule 12 .1c to change the order of business to move item
10 .1, Continuous Improvement Journey and 12 .2, Political Culture Improvement Update, following
Following item 6, our reasons for agency is to ensure that those important reports on
our statutory improvement journey are considered by the Council.
I also move that under procedure 12 .1C to change order of business to move item 12 .3
post election report to be heard following 10 .1 and 10 .2.
The reason for our agency is to ensure that contributions of our officers in delivering safe and democratic and successful elections are properly recognised.
I also move that under Procedure Rule 12 .1c to change the order of business to move item 12 .2, opposition green motion divestment of pension funds from the economies of occupation and genocide,
to be heard following item 7, the administration motion.
Our reasoning is that the pension committee will be redrafting the Council's investment strategy statement
over the coming two months. The proposed change could see Council potentially investing in unethical
and immoral companies and practises.
Contributing to death and destruction across the world, including in Palestine,
It is therefore important that the Council clearly communicates its position to the Committee to help inform this work.
I also move under the Procedure Rule 12 .1c to change the Order of Business to move Item 12 .1 to reaffirm Tahemla's Council's commitments to affordable housing to be heard following Item 12 .2.
The reason for urgency is that the council is currently undertaking legal challenge against the GLA's decision to reduce the affordable housing quota with tens of thousands of people on the waiting list.
And thousands in the overcrowding and consequences of this decision could have a devastating impact on our residents.
We believe it is vital that residents are kept informed of this matter and its potential implication for our borough.
And finally, I move under procedural 5 .1n to suspend the petition scheme procedures
to allow for the petition 5 .2b to be deferred to the next meeting.
Thank you.
I hope you got that.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:17:51
Mr Matthew Mannion - 0:17:53
Thank you.
Can I have a seconder for that, please?
I formally second all of that.
Thank you.
Okay.
So we'll go through this slightly slower, as there's lots of bits here, and make sure
The first thing for most of those was there were various reasons for urgency set out.
So the first thing to ask the speaker is whether you accept any or all of the reasons for urgency
that was set out or whether you want to go through them one by one.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:18:23
Mr Matthew Mannion - 0:18:28
We're going to go through them.
Right.
So let's start with the...
What I'll do here is kind of
pick up Melissa Ken **** popcorn u
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:18:36
thank you.
We want to hear all of
the
motions.
I have considered the reasons
given and am satisfied that
sufficient justification has
been provided under procedural
procedural rules 12 .1 for the proposed changes to the order of business to be put to the
Council.
My ruling relates only to whether the proposal may be put to the Council.
The decision rests with the Council.
Thank you.
Mr Matthew Mannion - 0:19:12
Okay, thank you, Mr Speaker.
So we'll take that.
I think we'll take this probably in a couple of bits.
So the first section of this is the request to move three of the reports, so the two on
best value continuous improvement, the general one and the political culture, and then also
the election report and take them all after the mayor's report early on in the agenda
of item 6.
So that's the first bit.
I guess we'll take that, we'll do the vote on that first.
All in favour of that move?
Anyone against?
Any abstentions?
OK, so that's carried.
So we will take those reports, those three reports after the Mayor's report.
The next bit is to take two of the motions that are at the end under Item 12, so 12 .1
and 12 .2, one on housing and one on divestment of pensions, and the proposal is to move them
after item 7, which is the administration motion.
So we'll take a vote on those two.
So all in favour of that?
Anyone against?
I think there's one against.
Any abstentions?
Okay.
So that's carried as well.
And then finally, just to make sure I've got this right, under 12 .1N to suspend the
petition scheme rules to allow the last petition on the agenda to be deferred to the next meeting.
So the one above that will remain to be noted and then the final one will be deferred to
the next meeting.
Is that right?
Okay.
So all those in favour of that proposal?
Anyone against?
Any abstentions?
Thank you.
So that's carried as well.
So we'll carry that through and we'll adjust the script as necessary.
but anyone shout if there are any questions.
Are there any other proposals around procedural rules before I move on?
Yes, back there.
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
I move that under procedural rule 12 .1n the petition scheme rules be suspended to allow
us to hear the petition under 5 .5 bring our cleaners home in order to help the insourcing
of the Churchill cleaners.
This is due to the time sensitive nature of the petition.
The Council has until the end of July 2026 to act upon a break clause which would allow
the ending of the contract.
These cleaners clean this very chamber.
Public Speaker - 0:21:42
They deserve to be treated with dignity and have their wages respected and received the
London Living Wage.
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mr Matthew Mannion - 0:21:48
Thank you very much.
Is there a seconder for that one?
Yes, I'd like to second that, Mr Speaker.
Thank you.
We now need to ask for the vote on that.
So that's a motion on 12 .1N, no specific urgency required.
So all those in favour?
Anyone against? Any abstentions?
Okay, so that's carried. So we'll be hearing five petitions tonight.
Shupriya Iqbal - 0:22:17
Mr Matthew Mannion - 0:22:19
And one petition is deferred to the next meeting.
Moving on.
Apologies for absence.
Item 1 on the agenda.
We have apologies for absence from Councillor Belal -Odin.
Are there any other apologies for absence tonight?
No, doesn't look like it.

2 DECLARATIONS OF DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY INTERESTS AND OTHER INTERESTS

Excellent, thank you.
Item 2, declarations of disclosable pecuniary interest.
Would any member of a disclosable pecuniary interest or any other interest to declare?
Any item on the agenda please indicate.
No? Okay. Thank you. Item 3 minutes of the previous meeting, the draught unrestricted minutes

3 MINUTES

of the annual meeting of the Council held on 20 May are presented. The draught minutes
agreed as a correct record. Is that a yes? Okay. Thank you.

4 TO RECEIVE ANNOUNCEMENTS (IF ANY) FROM THE SPEAKER OF THE COUNCIL OR THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Item 4 is to receive announcements. I will now hand over to the Chief Exec, Steve Horsey,
Mr Stephen Halsey - 0:23:14
who has some announcements. Thank you, Matthew. Thank you, Mr Speaker.
I would like to advise members about some significant events since our last full council
meeting on 20 May.
In early June we marked Volunteers Week by celebrating the thousands of residents who
give up their time to support local communities and encouraging more to get involved.
This included working with the Tower Hamlets Volunteer Centre and the Idea Stores to promote
new volunteering opportunities.
Also in June the council appointed Guildmore Group to deliver the next phase of the £67
million pound St George's legislature redevelopment which would include a new
swimming pool and sports facilities alongside 13 new council owned homes. I'm
also pleased to advise that schools across Tower Hamlets have been recognised
as leaders in London for their commitment to improving health and
well -being. The borough has the highest number of healthy school silver and gold
awards in the capital and the highest proportion of schools with bronze award
with around 84 % of schools holding the accreditation or working towards it.
Around 160 pupils and staff from 21 schools
attended a Healthy Lives event at the Town Hall to celebrate those achievements.
This month we are celebrating South Asian Heritage Month
with a programme of cultural activities including performance,
comedy, music, film screenings, heritage walks, talks and a range of community activities
which honour the histories, cultures and contributions of the South Asian communities.
In July we promoted ASB Awareness Week with more than 500 residents receiving help and support.
A total of 22 events were held across the borough, including weapon sweeps, drug searches and a range of action days.
I can also advise the Council that Tau Hamnitz, along with Hackney and Lewisham councils,
launched a JR to the GLA on its decision to reduce affordable housing targets across London
from 35 to 20 per cent. The Council feels and felt this was detrimental to our residents
as we have high demand to build housing in our borough.
Also in recent weeks we have flown different flags at the Town Hall to show our support
for different events. They include Pride, Trooping the Colour, Armed Forces Day and
Most recently we have flown the St. George's Cross in support of the England football team.
Also we are just about to launch our annual Summer of Fun programme which offers hundreds
of free activities for families over the summer in our parks.
Last year more than 50 ,000 people took part in those activities.
And finally I am pleased to report that on July 16th the Council held its most successful
all -staff event yet.
Over 3 ,000 staff attended the event at the ExCEL Arena.
This annual event is an ideal opportunity for the Mayor and myself to directly talk
to your staff about the successes of last year, the challenges that lie ahead and progress
on our continuous improvement journey.
The event was warmly received by staff and I would like to personally thank those councillors
and ministerial envoys that were able to join us on that day.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:26:23
Thank you, Chief Executive.

5 TO RECEIVE PETITIONS

Council has received five petitions to be heard and one to be deferred.
Can the Corporate Head of Democratic and Government Services please take us through the procedures?
Mr Matthew Mannion - 0:26:53
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
So the standard procedure for petitions to be heard is as follows.
The petitioners will come down to the lectern and they have three minutes to give their
presentation.
Following that, there's the opportunity for four minutes for members to ask them very
brief to the point questions and to receive responses to those questions.
And then at the end of that there's two minutes for the lead member to provide a response.
And that is the process. And it's very important we keep it nice and tight so the speaker will be keeping an eye on the countdown clocks as we go.
Thank you Mr Speaker, over to you.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:27:34
Thank you.
The first petition is immediate action required on lift failures at Barclay House and Grafton
House.
Can I ask Raihan Alam and Tracy to present the petition for immediate action required
on lift failures at Barclay House and Grafton House.
You have three minutes to present the petition.
Good evening.
We're residents of Berkeley.
Public Speaker - 0:28:33
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:28:34
Public Speaker - 0:28:38
Mr Matthew Mannion - 0:28:42
Sorry, I'm just not sure the microphone is on.
Just cheque.
Public Speaker - 0:28:53
Is that better?
As we were saying, in the past year, both blocks, they're 21 storeys high.
They have one lift not working for months at a time.
But most recently, we've had no lifts working, both out of service,
waiting a matter of 45 minutes to get through on the alarm in the lift,
which, no response.
You can't phone anybody and when you do get there, they do it by, oh, we need a part.
We're waiting. The other, well, we've been about two months ago, someone was stuck in the lift, having an asthma attack, and no one could do nothing.
We've got elderly people, we're walking up 36 flights of stairs and we're having no lifts for 67 hours a day.
Both lifts, 21 storeys in both blocks.
What we want or recommend, East End Homes are saying call this one, don't call the fire
brigade because they get charged for that.
But we have no choice.
When someone's stuck and having an asthma attack, they need to be out of that lift.
There's going to be an accident.
There's elderly people, disabled people, children, and it's just not acceptable.
We need something to do.
East End Homes ain't budging at all.
We're going months without lifts and now both blocks, no lifts for 21 storeys.
All we recommend is that can it be pushed forward that E -Send don't do something or
stop paying the service charges.
The whole 130, 260 flats between the two blocks, stop paying the service charges because it's
not acceptable.
Yeah, go on.
Good evening.
My name is Inra and I want to talk about how when our lifts are broken I struggle to get to school on time
and I get quite late to school and recently I haven't been getting enough time at school so my exams they go a bit downhill.
And also on some floors there are lots of disabled, pregnant or people who just struggle walking in general.
So it's difficult for them to go downstairs.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:31:23
Public Speaker - 0:31:24
And also East End Homes says that...
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:31:28
You have 15 seconds remaining.
Public Speaker - 0:31:30
East End Homes policy seems to be within working hours,
three hours for a repair, out of hours, four hours, and if you can't be mended on that
day, they get five working days. That is impossible. We can't live like that. We're 21 storeys
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:31:50
high, 130 flats. It's like I have to walk up the stairs.
Public Speaker - 0:31:54
Thank you. Your time is finished. Thank you.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:31:58
Thank you.
There are now four minutes for questions.
Does any member wish to put a question to the petitioner?
Please do not refrain from making statements or comments.
Thank you.
Cllr Peter Golds - 0:32:29
Thank you very much, Mr Speaker.
I have the misfortune to have a number of East End home, well a lot of East End home
property in my ward on the Isle of Dogs. Can you ask a basic question? Do you find it incredibly
difficult to get actually in touch with anybody that matters in East End home and get anything
down and a simple yes or no? Thank you so much.
Public Speaker - 0:32:53
It's impossible at the moment, they've got these new lines but you can't get hold of
them.
That's exactly the same storey as on the Isle of Dogs. Thank you very much.
Not even out of hours during the day you cannot get hold of East End homes.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:33:07
Can I invite now Councillor Halima Islam.
Cllr Halima Islam - 0:33:22
I'm really sorry to hear this. My question is have they provided any time scales around
how long it will take in terms of getting the lifts fixed and any sort of actions?
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:33:40
Public Speaker - 0:33:41
When they could fix that the next one went out and now it's both lifts constantly. It's
And all they keep saying is they're waiting on the park.
Well, do the service on them properly so we've got running lifts.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:33:59
A question from... I would like to invite Councillor Muhammad Elias for your question.
Public Speaker - 0:34:08
I'm really sorry to hear that.
Cllr Mohammed Ilyas - 0:34:13
And it's in my ward, Berkeley House and Grafton House, and myself, alongside Councillor Mannan,
have raised many members' inquiries as well as trying to sit down with Eastern Homes.
Unfortunately, nothing happened.
So if I was to specifically ask that, what were the, do you have anything in emails,
they've come back to you with like, what parts have they ordered?
Because last time I heard, were the parts were being ordered from Germany, and have
they still arrived yet?
Well I think they did arrive but then it's much harder again. Now literally the new one
is when the lifts go out of service and people ring up the whole residents get a text message.
Public Speaker - 0:34:57
The lifts are out of service if you need any help phone he send homes but you can't get
through to his send homes. They're not going to come and help us at night time or evening
to get up them stairs. So they get the parts, they say they fix it but obviously they're
not doing the job properly.
Thank you.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:35:10
I have got very limited time, but I would like to take as many questions as possible.
Councillor Mannan, please.
Public Speaker - 0:35:15
Thank you.
Thank you, Chair.
Thank you, practitioner.
You are from my ward.
I just want to say thank you for sharing your storey.
I remember in November that when you are resident, call me half past ten at night.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:35:29
Specific to the question, Councillor Mannan.
Questions.
Public Speaker - 0:35:30
Cllr Abdul Mannan - 0:35:32
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:35:39
I have to call a fire brigade to come in.
Please come to your question, Councillor Manan.
Public Speaker - 0:35:42
Cllr Abdul Mannan - 0:35:44
My question is, since then, what the Eastern Home has done to repair it, I know the past
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:35:54
has been waiting so long, I'm constantly saying I will raise so many questions from some member
in Korea.
Thank you, Councillor Manan.
I will ask you to speak.
Time is getting over.
Only 35 seconds left.
Can I hear from you?
Public Speaker - 0:36:01
Thank you.
Thank you for the question.
Unfortunately,
there is no permanent solution for this
problem.
They said they bring the staff from
German and they fixed it.
Within a week time,
there is another broken.
We understand that a broken lift is a
part of the high -rise building.
Unfortunately, leaving both of the
lifts broken make people feel
people vulnerable, particularly pregnant lady, disabled people.
This is unacceptable and it has been happening for ages.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:36:36
We recommend that if you please...
Thank you, your time is over.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:36:40
Public Speaker - 0:36:40
To conclude this item, I understand the Executive Mayor would like to say a few words.
Thank you.
Public Speaker - 0:36:47
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Mayor Lutfur Rahman - 0:36:50
Thank you for the petitioners, thank you for coming.
I do not on those buildings, both of them, and I know how high they are.
Sadly, one of the travesty of this council and the former administration was stock transfer.
There was a mistake to make and it's a travesty from the Blair government.
To giving away our properties to those housing associations was wrong.
was wrong.
And I, as the leader of this council in 2008,
I stopped all the talks transfer.
I stopped it.
I'm going to, today, I said it in cabinet,
we're having problems with the Navajo Association,
whose performance is very bad.
I'm a bit disappointed with Eastern Homes.
I thought they were much better.
The new Chief Executive, when I met him,
seemed much more empathetic, much more responsible.
I'm going to instruct the monitoring office and the chief executive.
When I want an external case's senior browser's advice, what are the current legislation,
what powers, if any, we have as a local authority under the stop transfer documents,
they're contracts. They're contracts between us and the House and House decision.
We can't, as a council, just say we have no responsibility.
officers can't just say that. So I want to test those contracts, what powers we have
and what powers we have under the current legislation and whether any non -performance
local housing associations, whether we can as a council, refer them to the housing regulator.
We must do that. We are fed up. We've got elders, we've got elders, we've got families
We've got disabled people living in high rises and for both lifts to be out, you're in the
prison. And in this summer, in this heat, to be in your room, can't go to have some
fresh air, is despicable. So we're going to do our best to support you. Thank you.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:38:59
Thank you very much Mr Mayor. That concludes the item. The petition stands
referred to the corporate director for housing and regeneration for a written response within 28 days.
Thank you, petitioner.
The next petition to be heard is a petition for a public library in Wapping.
Can I ask Muhammad Jahangir Alam Khan, Abu Tahir Muhammad Arjul Islam and Rafi Qudin to
present the petition for a public library in Wapping.
Thank you.
Public Speaker - 0:39:47
Good evening, Mr Speaker, honourable Mayor and Councillors, and ladies and gentlemen.
My name is Jahangir Alam Khan.
It is a true privilege to stand here tonight representing the proud, vibrant community
of Wapping.
Alongside three of our wonderful local schools and their dedicated parents, we are filled
with hope. We are here to campaign an inspiring step forward, a new public library and learning
hub for Wapping. We deeply appreciate your transformative vision for our youth. We share
your belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to shine. This learning hub
is the perfect way to unlock their incredible potential.
Right now our children overcome great obstruct
just to study.
They must cross a dangerous highway
to reach the Shadwell Idea Store,
a road that has tragically claimed three lives,
including two children.
In the winter dark, this journey is
This journey is perilous.
At home, many face the challenge of overcrowd housing with no quite space to learn, yet
their desire to education shines bright.
They deserve a safe century to thrive.
We have a beautiful ready -made solution.
We do not ask for an expensive new building.
a perfect council -owned property already sits empty in Wapping, waiting to be filled with
life and learning.
May I look for Rahman?
We warmly invite you to review this building together.
Set us turn this empty space into a beacon of safety, opportunity and bright future for
Wapping.
Thank you.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:42:16
Thank you, Priti Shrinath.
There are now four minutes for questions.
Does any member wish to put questions to the petitioners?
Please once again refrain from making statements or comments.
Public Speaker - 0:42:30
Thank you.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:42:32
I'm sorry, so you have 39 seconds actually remaining.
I was under the impression that you have completed.
Public Speaker - 0:42:44
I'm sorry, thank you.
As -salāmu ʿalaykum wa r -rahmatullāh.
Good evening Mr. Speaker, Mayor Luther Rahman and the Councillors.
My name is Rafi Quddit. I'm here to present the alert evidence of the local demand.
I have spoken directly to residents and collected hundreds of physical signatures from concerned,
whopping parents, students and neighbours.
These hundreds of names have proved that local learning hub is not a luxury.
It is necessary for our community and safety and education.
Hundreds of presidents have already signed our petition and there's hundreds of boys
telling you they need this.
This petition is still open and support is still growing.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:43:34
Your time is finished.
Public Speaker - 0:43:37
The working community is behind this.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:43:41
Thank you.
Your time is finished.
Thank you very much for coming forward.
Now, once again, there are four minutes for questions.
Does any member wish to ask questions?
Councillor Sadiq Rahman.
Cllr Sadiqur Rahman - 0:44:02
Thank you, Speaker.
and I'd like to thank you, the petitioner,
and everyone who has spoken today.
My question is beyond traditional library services,
what essential public services would you like to see included
within the process learning hub?
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:44:23
Thank you.
Thank you.
Public Speaker - 0:44:28
Cllr Sadiqur Rahman - 0:44:28
Okay, can you repeat your question again, please?
The traditional services, what essential public services would you like to see included within
the proposed learning hub?
Thank you.
Can I ask now, Councillor Ahmed and Kabir?
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:44:55
Public Speaker - 0:44:56
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Thank you, petition.
Thank you for the petition.
I would like to ask what kinds of communication you have with the council and what's the response
you received so far?
Cllr Ahmodul Kabir - 0:45:08
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:45:09
Public Speaker - 0:45:12
We've been told that we have to follow the procedure to ask and we'll see what happens.
That's what they said, yeah.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:45:25
Thank you.
There is next I would like to invite Councillor Shafiq Islam.
Public Speaker - 0:45:35
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Firstly, I would like to thank the petitioner for their efforts.
Cllr Shafiq Islam - 0:45:47
Can you please let us know what communication you have had with the councils on this issue
and what was the response?
We've been told that we need to follow the procedure to apply and you're going to decide.
and we are going to decide.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:46:15
Thank you.
Can I invite Councillor Ahmadul Khan for the next question?
Cllr Shafiq Islam - 0:46:20
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:46:23
Petitioner switch your mic off, please.
Cllr Shafiq Islam - 0:46:26
Cllr Ahmodur Khan - 0:46:28
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Thank you, petitioner, for your petitions.
Given the council is currently developing new local plan, have you engaged with the
process to ensure that warping residents use their library provisions and community facilities
are formally considered.
Public Speaker - 0:46:51
We have already speaking to our local presidents and we have collected signs and everything
they signed and they are looking forward to see a library in warping.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:47:04
Thank you.
I have time to take another question.
I'd like to invite Chancellor Sinalimia.
Public Speaker - 0:47:13
Can I just, good evening.
Thank you petitioners for coming.
Cllr Shenaly Miah - 0:47:18
Can I just ask, how often do you believe local families
and children and older residents would use their service
if there was one to be library in Wapping?
Public Speaker - 0:47:31
We have a great response from the parents and children as well.
Because of the highway is dangerous to cross, they will use quite often because of what
kind of people as well live in mopping.
Thank you.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:47:49
Thank you, petitioner.
To conclude this item, does Councillor Minna Rakhathian, cabinet member for leisure, culture
and tourism, wish to address the meeting in response to the petition?
You have two minutes, Councillor Amina.
Cllr Shenaly Miah - 0:48:06
Cllr Minara Khatun - 0:48:08
Thank you, Mr Speaker. Thank you for the petitioners to bring this petition forward.
The location of idea stores is based on analysis of population data,
which over the years has resulted in five idea stores built since 2002,
being located in areas with the highest football.
There is currently a relatively small deficit in overall library provision in town limits,
But recent population data shows that the gap is mostly in the northwest part of the borough,
Bethel Green Shoreditch, and that is why there is a plan to create a new IdeaStore in that area.
IdeaStore Watney Market opened in 2013 with the remit to provide library and adult learning services
for Limehouse, Watney, Market and Wapping areas based on population data at that time.
The council is currently working on a new local plan which involves local residents and aims to identify their needs in future years
There will be a review of residents feedback and part of the process and suggestions will of service improvements will be considered
We will consider this in future development. Thank you
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:49:19
Thank You councilman I cut and thank you very much that concludes the item Thank You petitioner
The petition stands referred to the corporate director for communities for a written response
within 28 days.
I'm moving to the next petition which is Tel -Tau Hamlet's Council, Kat Meers.
Can I ask Hester Galen to present the petition on Tel -Tau Hamlet's Council, Kat Meers.
You have three minutes to present the petition.
Public Speaker - 0:49:52
Thank you very much.
My name is Hester.
I'm a member of the London Renters Union in Tower Hamlets.
I live in a council flat with my two children in the Weavers Bethnal Green area.
Two years ago I started knocking on my neighbours doors because I was being impacted mentally and physically so severely by fighting disrepair in my flat.
That's damp and mould, drainage problems, water issues and more general repairs stuff.
and I just knew that my neighbours had to be suffering the same things.
We started building a campaign and as the Cutmeers campaign spread across the borough,
we heard the same storeys from hundreds of Tower Hamlets tenants,
dealing with frustrating admin, unfinished repairs, poor workmanship,
people taking time off of work for appointments where no one showed up,
and families waiting months or years for problems that simply should have already been fixed.
It became clear that this wasn't about one tenant or one estate.
It was about a repair system that just wasn't working.
This petition isn't just about ending one contract.
It's about deciding what kind of borough we want to be, one where public money generates
private profit or one where public services exist to serve the public.
Every pound that leaves Tower Hamlets in corporate profits is a pound that isn't repairing homes,
maintaining estates or investing back into our communities.
Bringing repairs back in house means a service that answers to residents through this council,
not to shareholders, with control over the quality of the work back in public hands.
Tower Hamlets has a proud history of standing up for working people and at a time when some
people seek to divide working class communities by blaming migrants and blaming our neighbours,
this issue reminds us where one real problem lies and that's public money leaving our
borough while residents are left waiting for safe and decent homes.
Council housing is one of Talhamlet's greatest achievements.
It deserves a repair service worthy of it.
Our petition hand in, the Deputy Mayor committed to bringing the repairs in house, publishing
a timeline for that process and meeting with the London Renters Union within the first
hundred days of the new administration.
We're approaching that deadline, that meeting's not on the cards yet.
I think you guys are going to be discussing adopting the administration's manifesto this
evening and I hope that councillors from every party will use that debate to make
sure bringing repairs back in -house is firmly set as part of that vision. We all
agree we need more council homes but building new homes means very little if
we allow the ones we already have to fall into decline. Looking after existing
existing council housing isn't separate from tackling the housing crisis it is
tackling the housing crisis so I ask councillors from every party to support
this campaign to raise it in tonight's debate and to help build a repair
service and a council housing service that everyone in Tower Hamlets can be proud of.
I can't believe I did that in three minutes.
I can look at you now.
Sorry.
Thanks.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:52:49
Thank you, Hester.
Thank you, petitioner.
As usual, there are now four minutes for questions.
I'm looking at the hands.
Can I invite Councillor Aboulkashin, please?
Cllr Abulkashem Mohammed Helal - 0:53:10
Thank you, Mr Speaker, thank you, petitioner.
Do the petitioner know of experience in other councils where ensuring of repair was successful?
We are serious about ensuring your experience would be valuable to our officer.
What is the question do I know about councils that do have good repairs?
I know that some exist, I can't remember, they are listed on our petition.
Public Speaker - 0:53:42
I can't remember which ones they are that have already been sourced.
I don't research other councils myself, personally I use all my energy to try and get my repairs
done in my flat and speak to my neighbours.
There are examples of other campaigns, of other insourcing programmes that exist and
yeah obviously examples before outsourcing and PFI became such a problem of more successful
council run services.
I also think it's worth thinking about how you create jobs and learning opportunities
for local people within your borough when you provide your own repair services as well.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:54:19
Thank you.
Thank you, Britishna.
Next question I'd like to take from Councillor Cobiramont.
Public Speaker - 0:54:26
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Cllr Kabir Ahmed - 0:54:29
I'm your ward councillor.
I'm one of your ward councillors, yes.
So just wanted to ask have you had experience of missed appointments or cancelations on the day or
purported
attendance of appointments when not a ghost ghosts have appeared
Public Speaker - 0:54:47
Yeah, like 100 %
Especially the thing that I find it's not so much
Booked in advance and no shows I find that you report a repair and then the evening before about 10 p .m
you'll get a text message saying we're going to attend tomorrow at 8 a .m. between 8 and 10 and I don't understand how anyone is
Supposed to meet that so, you know and then if I'm not there between 8 and 10 I get an attack saying well
You've missed your appointment now. So you have to start the entire process again
I believe that I have like a part -time job
Working chasing repairs within this council the amount of admin that it takes to try and get something quite simply done. Yeah
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:55:24
Thank you very much. Next question. Can I invite?
Councillor Sulu -Kadma, please.
Public Speaker - 0:55:30
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, the petitioner,
Cllr Abul Monsur - 0:55:37
it's such a wonderful initiative you took on behalf of your other residents as well.
I'd like to simply ask you, if the Council were to bring in -house the repair service,
What specific measure would you like to, do you want to see put in place to ensure the tenants are happy and they're getting their service they are looking for?
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:56:07
Public Speaker - 0:56:08
Yeah, I'm like not responsible for the entire plan, you know, and I know about the things that would make a difference to me
and I think communication with like a tenants union like,
and I know that you already organised like tenants sort
of panel things within the borough, but yeah,
talking to tenants and making it easy to talk to tenants,
like at the moment the complaints process is just
like another, it's like another six hour tour that I have to do
for everyone to go in the end, oh yeah, you're right,
it wasn't good enough, would you like 20 pounds?
No, I would like to go into a bathroom in the morning
without that's not covered in black mould
and it's not being painted once a year and then the black mould coming back you
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:56:55
know yeah I don't really know about yeah procedural like things that would be
Public Speaker - 0:56:57
helpful but I do know that the fact that I see a different work person every time
come into my flat you know if I if I when I was a kid there was people that
did the repairs on an estate and you knew them and they knew if they didn't
do a good job they were coming back another time it wasn't just someone who
was contracted in for a day and never had to see the place again.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:57:17
Thank you very much.
I wish I could take more questions, however the time doesn't permit me.
To conclude this item, I would like to first of all thank you petitioner for a wonderful
brief and petition.
Does Councillor Said Ahmed, cabinet member for home building and enhancing council homes
and neighbourhoods wish to address the meeting in response to the petition.
You have two minutes, Councillor Said.
Thank you, Mr Speaker, and thanks to the petitioner for bringing this to the Council.
Cllr Saied Ahmed - 0:57:49
Housing repair is one of the most important services we provide to our residents.
And when repairs are not completed and when it's not done properly, when appointments
are missed and when residents feel that they're not being listened to, that impacts our Council,
that impacts our residents and their livelihood.
And it affects people's homes, their wellbeing, their confidence in the services and in some
cases the physical and mental health.
So I thank you for coming forward today with this petition.
I want to acknowledge the concerns that have been raised through this petition.
Delays, poor communication, appointments not proceeding as expected and repairs not always
being completed to the standard that our residents deserve.
And I completely understand why those experiences create frustration and concern.
Mr Speaker, residents should know that this Administration is not satisfied with simply
the status quo. The Mayor has made it clear in many fronts and many meetings that improvement
is required in this service. And this Administration is already undertaking detailed review into
the delays and the missed appointments so the future service and disrepair can be fixed.
That review in examining all available options for the contractual arrangements beyond July
2027, including the options of bringing the service in -house, is explored.
The purpose of that work is very simple, to identify how services can be improved and
how residents can achieve better outcome in the future.
The review has included detailed examination of existing arrangements and extensive case
reviews based on residents' direct experiences of the repair services.
We want all future decisions, we want future decisions to be informed by the experiences
of tenants and the leaseholders and by what will deliver the best service for our residents.
That said, we won't wait until 2027 to improve the services.
We will take reviews very seriously going forward now and we also have day -to -day repairs
and legal disrepair cases that we will continue to work with.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 0:59:58
Cllr Saied Ahmed - 1:00:00
Time is short, I welcome this petition and I thank the residents to continue to hold
us to account, make sure that this service is fixed once and for all.
Thank you.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 1:00:05
Thank you very much petitioner and councillor Said Ahmed.
That concludes the item.
The petition stands referred to the corporate director for housing and regeneration for
a written response within 28 days.
Moving to the next petition, which is a petition to propose the restructuring of the housing
allocation system to make it fairer for all tenants seeking a move.
Can I ask Terry McGrenneran to present the petition to propose the restructuring of the
housing allocation system to make it fairer for all tenants seeking a move.
You have three minutes.
Public Speaker - 1:00:48
Thank you Mr Speaker. As you said, my petition is to propose the restructuring of Tar Hamlet's
housing allocation system to make it fair for the majority of tenants seeking a transfer.
The recent elections were an opportunity for voters to hear what the various political
parties had to say about housing other than promising to build more homes than their opponents.
Since six of the nine candidates for mayor had never attended a council meeting over
the previous four years, voters knew that any promises made by such candidates would
be worthless.
You know who you are.
My petition is not about promises but priorities.
Tarham is housing allocation system has three priority categories.
They are overcrowding, domestic abuse and homelessness.
Yet it seems strange to me that after all the tenants, there is nothing about their
chances of being allocated a move regardless of their circumstances.
That is wrong, that has to change.
The Housing Directorate has failed to address the imbalance.
It has to be more proactive.
As it is, tenants can be stuck for decades in a property which they no longer want to
live with no prospect of moving to another home. It is a totally unsatisfactory situation.
What I propose is that there should be a new priority category for tenants depending upon
their length of tenure. It would give tenants hope that sometime in the future they will
be moved. When I was allocated my hard -to -let -consult
home some 40 years ago, I was told I would be eligible to move within a couple of years.
That is no longer the case, but at least it gave me hope that I would be able to do so.
Although circumstances have changed due to demand, the principles should be the same.
In July, I went to my local housing hub in Crispfield Library and told the girl that
I wanted to bid for a transfer.
She said it would be best to wait until August
and a new system would be announced, no consultation.
I hope that the new system takes into consideration the suggestion I have made
about making the system fairer for people like myself who are
in long -time council tenants but have no chance of a transfer if,
like persons of other tenants, I don't fit into the present priority categories.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 1:03:31
Thank you. Mr. McGrennare. There are now four minutes for questions. I'm looking into the
chambers for hands. Can I invite Councillor Armin Rahman for the first question? Thank
Cllr Peter Golds - 1:03:49
you. Thank you, Mr Speaker. Thank you, petitioner. We suffer from overcrowding. Families with
multiple children are forced into inadequate homes. Besides building more family size homes,
What are your suggestions for better education and to support them?
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 1:04:03
Public Speaker - 1:04:04
At the moment they are recognised as a special category and they do get priority.
What my petition is about is about providing a category for other people.
I'm overcrowded, yet I live in a one room, hard to let bed sit.
Over the 40 years which I've lived there, I've done a couple of the post -master's degree,
I've stood for an election to this council, to the London Assembly and for Parliament,
I collect things, you mean books, files, etc.
Now, I have nowhere basically to serve, to invite anyone to my home.
I'm ashamed of my home.
It's not my home anymore, it's where I keep my belongings.
So what I'm saying to you is, you mean, sir, yes, I accept what you say, there is overcrowding, you mean, sir, but at the same time, don't limit it to people who are physically, people who have large families.
Accept the fact that overcrowding applies to everyone, not only in my situation, but to all the people who have lived a long time in their home, that they collect belongings.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 1:05:18
Thank you Mr. McNamara. If you keep your answers short you will have more opportunity and we'll
Public Speaker - 1:05:29
have more opportunity to listen to more questions. Next questioner, Councillor Halima Islam.
Cllr Halima Islam - 1:05:33
Thank you Mr. Speaker. So my question is do you think the increased supply of housing through
our commitment to house building will go about resolving some of the issues you have mentioned?
Do you think the increased supply of housing through our commitment to house building will
go about resolving some of the issues you have mentioned?
Public Speaker - 1:06:02
No, I don't actually mean, sir, that's yes, yes, to a certain extent, but also you mean
the fact that when any development comes to this council and the breakdown of the homes
that are provided. Single homes are not provided. There is no allocation whatsoever for bedsits
or for homes for single people. They are basically ignored, they are just basically forgotten
about, they are not given any preference whatsoever. So what I'm asking is that people like myself
and we have the largest growth in single people in this borough and they get no allocation,
no provision, no recognition and that's breaking by the way, not only the London Plan, it's
breaking the rules of the local plan. So what I'm asking is that the local plan and the
London Plan be implemented by this Council.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 1:07:00
Thank you.
If there are no more questions, I'm happy to move to conclude this item.
Scanning the room in vain.
So to conclude this item, does Councillor Said, cabinet member for home building and
enhancing council homes and neighbourhoods wish to address the meeting in response to
the petition?
You have two minutes, Councillor Said.
Cllr Saied Ahmed - 1:07:27
Thank you Mr Speaker and thanks to the petitioner.
Everyone wants a housing allocation system that is fair.
The challenge we face however is not simply one of policy but one of supply and demand.
Today around 31 ,000 households are on the housing register.
There are currently almost 3 ,000 households in priority band 1 alone, more than three
times the number of homes that were made available last year.
demand for housing far exceeds in Tower Hamlets.
That means it's a difficult choice.
Every group that is prioritised within the allocations
policy inevitably means that another group waits longer.
In a borough facing such acute housing pressure,
there is no easy answer.
However, that does not mean that whilst the policy
is being drawn, we should just stand still.
Reviewing the allocations policy is already a commitment within both our housing strategy
and our homelessness and rough sleeping strategy.
And work is now underway.
Over the next year, we will be examining whether the current policy properly reflects housing
needs, including the balance between homelessness, overcrowding, health needs, disability and
wider vulnerability.
And the pressures are significant.
We currently have around 3 ,100 families in TA, while more than 2 ,700 households are on
the register in severe overcrowding situations.
Both groups face genuine hardship and both have compelling housing needs.
Mr Speaker, the most important message tonight I want to give to our residents is this.
This Council is listening.
This Administration is one that takes real actions.
Resident engagement will be central to this review.
Ultimately, the long -term solution remains the same.
Building more affordable homes, making better use of existing stock and helping more household access accommodation.
Tower Hamlets continues to be one of the highest deliverables of affordable housing in the country,
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 1:09:34
but we know that there is still more to do and the work is still carrying on. Thank you.
Thank you, Councillor Sahib.
That concludes the item.
And the petition stands referred to the corporate director for housing and regeneration for
a written response within 28 days.
This helps me to move to the next petition, which is bring our cleaners home.
Can I invite Kerri -Ann and Justin Kennedy to come forward and present your petition.
Thank you.
You have three minutes.
Public Speaker - 1:10:10
Good evening, Mr Speaker and Mr Mayor, and thank you to Council for allowing our petition
to be heard this evening.
My name is Kerry Anne, I'm the Branch Secretary of Tower Hamlets, Unison, and we are the largest
trade union in the town hall, representing and organising in -house and outsource workers,
providing local government services and this includes many, many cleaners.
I'm going to hand over to Justine Kennedy who is our lead steward,
who leads on supporting our cleaner members to present the petition.
Thank you. The cleaning staff working in Tower Hamlets Council buildings have been outsourced for years.
Earlier this year, the cleaning contract was moved from one private contract to another,
held by Churchill, a company that makes millions of pounds a year,
which is taken outside the borough for shareholder profit.
Instead of moving cleaning staff to yet another private contract,
Unison would have wished that cleaning services were brought under direct control
at this point in January 2026.
Luckily, the opportunity has arisen for the Council to initiate a break clause in the contract
and bring the cleaners home, but the decision to do so needs to be made now
or will be locked into a private contract for years.
Unison is campaigning to bring cleaners in -house because unions have received concerning reports
about the treatment of cleaners, including bullying, harassment and unpaid wages.
Unfortunately, this is consistent with what we know about the negative impact of outsourcing
on service quality, pay, rights and treatment.
It is unjust that workers who clean this very chamber have worse rights than workers like
myself who are directly employed by the London Borough Tower Hamlets.
Cleaners in this building do not have a recognised union and they only receive meagre statutory rights.
This two -tiered workforce must end, especially as a vast majority of cleaners in this building are migrant workers who have come to London for economic opportunity and to learn English.
However, unfortunately, they work long on social hours just to make ends meet, meaning that many of them cannot attend the English classes that they've come to London aspiring to attend.
Furthermore, Unison calls on the Council to implement a policy to ensure that all outsourced
staff on London Living Wage are given the London Living Wage outlift from the 1st of
November when the uplift is confirmed.
Currently, the Council gives the London Living Wage uplift from the 1st of April the following
year.
For a cleaner working full -time, they lost almost a thousand pounds this year by having
this uplift implemented five months later.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 1:12:45
Public Speaker - 1:12:46
That's a thousand pounds not in the pockets of the lowest paid worker.
It's been inspiring to see the Council's commitment to public ownership, tackling poverty and social justice.
Unison wants to see this commitment extended to the cleaners in this very building.
Please take advantage of this brief window to bring our cleaning staff home. Thank you.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 1:13:06
Thank you, Petitchana.
We now have four minutes for questions and answers.
And I'd like Councillor Kabir Ahmed for the first question.
Cllr Kabir Ahmed - 1:13:22
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Just a question to the petitioner.
How do you feel that the cleaning staff feel about their relationship with the council,
given that they work in the council buildings but are not directly employed by the council.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 1:13:40
Public Speaker - 1:13:41
Thank you for the question.
Um, so I've spoken to many of the Queeners who are members and a vast majority of them are actually very eager to become
employees of the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. I think people really enjoy
being in the council and kind of like seeing all the amazing kind of services that we do.
but I do think that there is a feeling that they're sort of left behind in all of this,
especially given that we are, that's so committed to tackling poverty,
when these are people who themselves are living in poverty,
but I think definitely have a positive view towards the Council
and would love to be an employee of it.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 1:14:20
Thank you. Next question. Can I invite Councillor Mayim Talibde?
Cllr Maium Talukdar - 1:14:27
Thank you. You've mentioned some concerns regarding the treatment of staff. I just wanted to understand some experience from you in terms of what concerns they have raised with you or the direct impact from council staff.
Public Speaker - 1:14:43
Thank you. That's a really good question. So I think I'm going to talk on the issues around unpaid wages because I think
That's really serious and you know because of union activity
We've been able to make sure that these wages were backdated
But because so many of these workers are on universal credit it meant that the universal credit was messed up
So even though they later on got these backdated wages
It meant that they're actually overall
worse off because the employer was negligent and unable to pay them the correct wages at
the right time.
I mean, I think we all know that payroll is a very important part of the Council, but
we'd imagine that any large company would understand how to properly run a payroll system.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 1:15:28
Thank you.
Petitioner, next question.
Can I invite Councillor Mudd's charge house?
Cllr Mads Churchhouse - 1:15:36
Thank you, petitioner.
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
I would like to know whether you have any data regarding the complaints you've received
about the treatment of church, how Churchill cleaners treat their cleaners versus the previous
contractor and on your point about migrant workers, in what ways insourcing would particularly
benefit those vulnerable class of workers?
Thank you.
I'll start with the second question first.
Public Speaker - 1:16:00
So for a vast majority of these workers, they have family abroad and so it means that they,
being able to have a better holiday pay, holiday entitlement, and also access to
some of the great opportunities that other council staff have like extended
leave policies would mean that they'd be able to see their family more, but it
also would mean that they would be put on basically more secure conditions. So
if they got sick for example, they're less likely to have family that can help
them out if things are going wrong, and it is an issue for every single worker
in this building but particularly if you do not have family in this country.
On your issue around data, so we saw a massive uptick in complaints and actually which is
why we've been able to have such a successful union drive basically when the contract was
switched over to Churchill as a result of these very serious payroll issues as well
as the general treatment.
So it was I think quite stark and quite noticeable in terms of the way that cleaners felt and
how much they kind of came to the union with their issues.
Can I say something on that?
Hi, yeah, the previous contractor was Wettons,
and we did, as Justine said, we noticed a noticeable spike
in outreach to Unison from cleaners,
people wanting to join, people wanting support,
when the contract changed.
Now we're not kind of really a slick corporate operation,
so we don't have loads of data,
but we can speak anecdotally from the sense of people
coming to us and outreaching. Justine has talked about the unlawful deduction of wages,
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 1:17:41
allegations of that. We're also dealing with some severe bullying cases, we're talking
Public Speaker - 1:17:45
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 1:17:47
about inadequate uniforms, concerns about annual leave allowances. There's a whole range
of concerns.
Thank you, petitioner. Your time is over. Thank you.
Thank you. Thanks, everyone. Good night.
So that concludes the item.
The petition stands if...
Can I invite Councillor Saeed Ahmad or Councillor Abu -Dahab instead.
Thank you.
You have two minutes, Councillor Abu -Dahab.
Cllr Abu Talha Chowdhury - 1:18:20
Thank you, Speaker.
Thank you, petitioners.
I have been discussing this issue at my portfolio meeting and needless to say the Council recognises
the important contribution that cleaning staff make to maintaining safe, accessible and welcoming
buildings for all of us.
We are committed to being a fair employer, ensuring that all workers providing services
on the Council's behalf are treated with dignity, respect and fairness.
This commitment extends to staff employed through external contractors delivering Council
services.
In terms of insourcing, the Council has a strong track record of reviewing service delivery
models and has successfully brought a range of services back in -house, but this has been
demonstrated to provide better outcomes and value for money.
The Council remains open to considering insourcing, where there is a robust business case and
where there has been a detailed assessment of legal and contractual implications, staffing
and TUPE considerations, financial costs and liabilities, service continuity requirements
and overall value for money for residents.
In this instance, there is insufficient time and resources available to ensure that due
diligence is applied to the insourcing of cleaning staff in line with the Council's
established governance and decision -making processes.
However, we will be open to all options at the appropriate time and I will be asking
the Mayor and the Chief Executive to explore the cost -benefit analysis and consider this
proposal.
In terms of London Living Wage commitments, Town Hamlets has long supported the principles
of the London Living Wage and expects contractors delivering services on its
behalf to pay at least the prevailing London Living Wage rate. Officers will
review current contractual arrangements and procurement policies to identify
whether additional measures could strengthen expectations around
implementation of future uplifts and improve consistency across contracted
services. The Council will also continue to monitor contractor compliance with
employment standards and the London Living Wage requirements and review
opportunities to improve employment conditions for workers delivering council services. This
will include considering whether alternative service delivery arrangements, including insourcing,
represent the best option for residents, staff and the council.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 1:20:27
Thank you, Councillor Abadolaj. That concludes the item. The petition stands
referred to the relevant corporate director for region response within 28 days.
This takes me to the last but not least petition which is being deferred to the next meeting
and it was for call for an investigation into the Kabinasdul Centres Partnership.
We now move on to item 6 on the agenda, it's the Mayor's report.
I call upon Mayor Lutfa Rahman to give his report to Council.

6 MAYOR'S REPORT

You have six minutes Mr. Mayor.
Thank you Mr. Speaker.
Mayor Lutfur Rahman - 1:21:13
Salaam alaikum.
Greetings of history to each and every one of you.
Welcome to all the new councillors to our first proper full council meeting of this
new term. Ladies and gentlemen, with more than 42 percents of residents taking part
in the election, we are grateful to the people of our borough for their continued support
trust in me and our administration. We are your servants. Thank you for your trust. That
support reflects four years of delivering a cost of living support, investing in frontline
services and delivering thousands of affordable and social homes.
Today we are voting on a motion to implement the pledges that we made leading up to the
May elections, our manifesto, continue our record of delivery for our residents and build
on our previous successes.
This includes becoming the first council in the country to provide universal free school
meals for all primary and secondary school peoples.
The first council in the country to restore education maintenance announced,
University Bursary, winter field payments and Universal School uniform grants
and only the second to introduce Universal Free Home Care.
This is in addition to opening 20 youth centres, opening the NARIS Centre to support women and girls
and bring back this term our one -stop shops to support our residents.
We brought back Mills on Wheels for vulnerable residents, launched a new fund to support
the most vulnerable tenants with rent increases and invested in equipment for disabled residents
and support for young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
At a time of austerity, I am proud that we demonstrated a different path is possible.
We've sourced leisure to deliver a better service for residents and to introduce free
swimming which has already been taken up by 20 ,000 people across the borough.
Insourcing has also enabled us to invest some £6 million to upgrade facilities, address
longstanding maintenance issues and improve paying conditions for workers such as annual
leave and pensions.
We recognise that the insourcing process has been difficult because of the organisational
transition involved. I have instructed officers to work closely with the unions throughout
this process. Unison and GMB have supported the final structure and discussions are ongoing
with Unite to seek to resolve their concerns and reach a resolution as quickly as possible.
Our priority remains, ladies and gentlemen, to reach a resolution while ensuring residents
can continue to access our leisure services.
On housing, we have delivered, or have in delivery, more than 6 ,400 affordable and social
rented homes since 2022.
Alongside this, we have committed a record £609 million investment to improve existing
council homes.
But as we face a desperate housing crisis in London, the GLA is cutting the affordable
housing quota from 35 to 20 per cent. That's why this Council has launched a legal challenge,
a JR proceeding. We are proud that Town Hall Council is leading this challenge, joined
by Hackney and Lusham councils as core claimants and we are formally supported by Lambert,
Southwark, Haringey and Waltham Forest councils. Thank you to them. Together our seven councils
are standing up for genuinely affordable homes Londoners need to prioritise over the profits
of developers. Our renewed electoral mandate gives us the opportunity to go even further,
building thousands more affordable homes, delivering a new Lido in Victoria Park and
expanding cost of living support, including introducing free travel for new students,
university students from low -income backgrounds, providing laptops to help bridge the digital
divide, supporting new parents through our pregnancy payment, introducing after -school
provisions for people with special education needs and disabilities and
sensory rooms and play spaces in our leisure centres. Expanding our free
school uniform programme further to year three and year ten peoples and much more
ladies and gentlemen. There is much more to do. Too many of our residents continue
to face poverty, overcrowding and inequality. We will continue to invest in
communities, giving our children their best start in life and creating opportunities for
everyone to thrive.
We are proud of what we have achieved together so far over the last four years and look forward
to delivering even more for our brother in the coming four years.
Thank you.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 1:26:34
Thank you Mr Mayor.
Councillor Abdallah, leader of the level group, would you like to respond to the Mayor's report?
You have two minutes.
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Cllr Abdal Ullah - 1:26:48
Can I start by congratulating you on your position?
And also, I echo what the mayor has said,
congratulate all the newly elected and some of the reappointed,
and it's always good to see Councillor Abinakan back in the chamber.
I'm sure it's given sleepless night to some people in this room.
But I'm here to sort of say, the people of Tahel Hamas have spoken.
We believe in a fair, free democracy and people have spoken,
not all majority, but people have spoken in the borough
and we accept that decision.
I have been in this chamber like the mayor for many years,
Peter Gold also.
And it's an absolute privilege and honour
to represent and serve the people of this borough.
So I take this job very seriously.
Listening to the mayor,
reading out some of the achievement,
I can't stop but think,
but a lot of this has happened because of the foundation.
A new Labour government has come into this country
and has delivered in local priorities,
has delivered, has given.
the Mayor might not want to acknowledge but the grant that has come to this Council,
the grant that has come to London is because of a Labour Government.
Under the new leadership of Mr Burnham, I hope we will see more opportunities to come to this party.
Can I ask members to be quiet please and let Councillor Abdullah speak. Thank you.
Thank you for that intervention by the monitoring officer.
Under the new leadership, I hope the continuous growth and opportunities for this borough,
because end of the day, irrespective of which party we represent, we're here for the best
interest of the people of this borough.
So a new Labour government, a new leadership under Burnham, and I hope our three local
MPs working with the Council to bring more resources that will benefit the people that
most need it, because they're the reasons why we're here, to improve the quality of
life of the people of this borough.
But I want to finish by saying this.
The mayor has overlooked the state the fact that the envoys are still here.
There is a stain on our council.
We need to make sure that we are seen not to be working in fear or favour of anyone.
That there's transparency in this council in our recruitment.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 1:28:51
There's transparency in the wonderful things we talked about.
Councillor, your time is finished. Thank you very much for your contribution.
Because I was interrupted, I'm sure the monitoring office is acknowledging that.
Cllr Abdal Ullah - 1:29:01
What I will say is that we are seen to be delivering, without fear, without favour,
Well, let's just finish on the fact that the government is still Labour, the London
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 1:29:08
Mayor is still Labour, us five will be keeping that team direct.
Councillor Ahtalu, your time is finished.
Thank you very much.
I'm going to move to the next speaker which is in this case Councillor Rupert George,
leader of the Green Group.
Would you like to respond to the Mayor's report?
Yes please, thank you Mr Speaker.
Thank you, you have two minutes.
Cllr Rupert George - 1:29:26
I was really cheered to hear from the Mayor after the petition about East End Homes today,
about holding the residential social landlords in the borough that have benefited from stock transfers to account.
This is a really excellent thing to do.
And I would like to see a similar consistency of approach when he talks about insourcing.
We've also heard petitions about cleaners and about MIRs.
Particularly MIRs, we all as councillors, we are new councillors in this green group
and we have been inundated with issues around housing.
And I really feel that we need some consistency from council officers
and from the Executive, from the Cabinet on the issue of insourcing
and the issue of following through on those issues.
I really feel that we should consider taking that.
I think there are huge benefits to come in terms of training.
We have very high youth unemployment.
There are all sorts of opportunities and it's applying the approach that has been laid out
consistently and not yielding to those things.
I'm really pleased to see that other Green Councils are supporting the Mayor in the judicial
review.
It's excellent news and I think we can align with lots of those policies but those policies
require consistency and it requires consistent work around a set of principles and not shirking
responsibility on some things that prove a little difficult. Thank you.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 1:31:02
Thank you, Councillor Rupert George. Now is Mr Mayor. Mr Mayor, would you like to respond?
Thank you, Mr Mayor.
Thank you for everyone's contribution in this matter.
As agreed at the start of the meeting, we will now move to consider the best value reports
agenda. I propose that we spend no more than 30 minutes discussing these reports.
Agenda item 10 .1 is a report on the continuous improvement journey update. Report to the
invoice summer 2026. If you would like to refer to them in the pages of the bundled
dust pages 35, 38 and the agenda supplement. Can the agenda be updated?
Can Councillor Abutalha Choudhury introduce the report?
You have three minutes, maximum.
Cllr Abu Talha Chowdhury - 1:32:13
Thank you Mr Speaker.
I've been closely involved, like many other colleagues, in developing the Council's continuous
improvement plan, or SIP for short.
And I genuinely feel this continuous improvement plan is making a difference to the way this
Council operates.
We are strengthening our corporate foundations and becoming more disciplined, transparent
and accountable to residents.
The intervention identified serious, long -standing weaknesses, with many being inherited. These
weaknesses have been around for years without being addressed in any meaningful way. However,
more recently I accept the pace of change could have been different. While this may
have been a hard pill to swallow, I think the envoys will agree that, especially in
the last year, we have responded with decisive action, embraced constructive criticism and
accepted that change is necessary in some areas.
We still have lots of work to do in order to complete our improvement journey, but we've
also delivered against many of our statutory recommendations in ways that are worth being
proud of.
For example, draught 25 -26 accounts were published by the statutory deadline of 30 June.
The annual governance statement was produced earlier with broader internal challenge and
assurance statements from every corporate director and director.
Significant progress has been made in clearing outstanding internal audit actions.
A Director of Compliance and Statutory Recommendation worksroom leads have been appointed.
A new corporate grip and assurance function is operating.
More than 100 Council meetings have been mapped to create a clearer, more coherent government system.
The Council continues to fund itself without requesting exceptional financial support from government and the list goes on.
The improvement journey will be further embedded as part of the new strategic plan for the
new term, which guides the council like a business plan and ensures this becomes a business
as usual function.
At the same time, we are working very closely with the invoice to establish what good looks
like and ensure our improvement journey is data -led.
This is specifically important for the deep dives as data should determine facts and not
perception.
And I look forward to that work being completed over the summer.
In conclusion, I submit this continuous improvement plan update to you all as an honest reflection
of where we have started, what we have delivered so far and what we need to do to get to where
we want to in the coming year.
Thank you.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 1:34:37
Thank you.
I call upon Councillor Sayeed Ahmad to second the recommendations.
Cllr Saied Ahmed - 1:34:46
You have three minutes.
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
This is important to remember the purpose of this report and the continuous improvement
journey.
Yes, we can use phrases such as good governance, internal control, strategic capacity and organisational
discipline, but ultimately, what all this boils down to is a question where the residents
are seeing better services, safer homes and a council that is better run.
The organisation improvements that this report outlines do not exist in the abstract.
The result in improvement is what residents can see.
In housing we have achieved 100 % compliance with fire risk assessments, 100 % compliance
with water hygiene assessments and there are now zero overdue high risk domestic electoral
safety actions.
Alongside this, the administration has committed £609 million over the next decade to improving
council homes and meeting the DCEP homes standard.
This demonstrates how seriously this administration is taking our council's improvement journey.
And the same storey can be found across our frontline services.
Children's Services received outstanding offset judgement in 2025, while Adult Social
Care achieved an overall good rating from the CQC, including positive findings on governance,
management and sustainability. Strong organisational leadership. Mr Speaker, this is translating
into better services for our residents. The report is also honest about the work that
that remains in hand. Some corporate systems need to become more consistent. Workforce
challenges remain and improvement is not yet embedded evenly across the organisation, which
this administration acknowledges. But importantly, we understand those challenges and we are
confronting them openly and we have an incredible plan to address them equally.
What is clear from this report is that we as a Council are learning, improving and delivering in equal measure.
The next phase will be about ensuring that Council practises remain consistent across every service and every neighbourhood in Tower Hamlets is improved. Thank you.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 1:37:10
Thank you. Do any members wish to speak?
Thank you. I have a list of councillors here before me.
I'm going to also try to take from the floor.
Can I invite Councillor Mayantalanda?
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Cllr Maium Talukdar - 1:37:34
What this report shows is that the council is continuously improving.
who have strong governance, better financial oversight and improved assurance processes
and a clear plan for addressing the areas where more work is needed.
I also welcome the honest approach taken in the report.
It recognises that there is still more to do, but it also shows that the foundations
for long -term improvements are now in place.
Ultimately, the continuous improvement is not an end itself, but it's about delivering
better services and better outcomes for residents.
This is what this administration remains focused on.
So I would like to thank everyone involved and urge everyone, let's work together, continuously
work together, so that we can get the best outcome.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 1:38:27
Thank you very much.
Thank you.
Can I now call up on to speak,
call up on Councillor David Edgar,
should he wish to speak, thank you.
Cllr Maisha Begum - 1:38:38
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
This is clearly a comprehensive report
which covers a lot of ground,
but I think there are some gaps in it.
For example, it makes no reference to the topic
that we talked about in our opposition motion,
which is on the Be Well Leisure Workforce.
And if you look at the series of problems there,
the scale of those problems,
to find no reference to that as an issue within this report,
I think is a surprising omission.
And earlier on we heard a set of points being made about the conditions under which the
contractors work.
And clearly the Council has a responsibility to manage that, it manages those contracts
for cleaners and others.
And given those admissions in this report, this summary, we think that this should be
noted rather than noted and endorsed.
We believe it is something that should be noted, but those gaps hold us back from wishing
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 1:39:25
to endorse it.
Thank you. Can I call upon Councillor Halima Islam?
Cllr Halima Islam - 1:39:38
Thank you, Mr Speaker. I would like to begin by saying that I am pleased to see the progress
the Council is making on its improvement journey. While these reports demonstrate that Saha
Hamles is strengthening the foundations of a well -run Council, there is still more to
As Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, I will continue to challenge our lead members
and officers to raise their ambitions and ensure that we become one of the best run
authorities in the country. However, we should be candid. The intervention identified serious
and long -standing weaknesses, particularly within the Council's corporate core. We
are confronting these challenges, learning from them and put stronger systems in place.
There is now clear evidence of progress. The Council published its draught 2025 -26 accounts by the statutory deadline of 30 June, alongside a more rigorous and self -critical annual governance statement.
Every corporate director and director completed an annual assurance statement, demonstrating that responsibility for good governance is being shared across the organisation.
We have made significant process in clearing outstanding internal audit actions.
A director of compliance and dedicated workstream leads are now in place.
The new corporate grip assurance function is operating and more than 100 meetings have been mapped
so that we can create clearer lines of accountability, reduce duplication and improve decision making.
We also continue to manage our finances without seeking exceptional financial support from
government.
This matters because good governance protects public money, identifies risks earlier and
gives residents confidence that decisions are transparent, evident -based and properly
scrutinised.
There is still more to do.
Through the work of the Over -re -in -Scrutiny Committee, we will continue to monitor progress
closely and hold the Council to account.
Where we see standard slipping or progress stalling, we will not hesitate to say so,
because our residents deserve nothing less.
However, the foundations are now stronger, the direction of travel is clear and there
is a shared determination across the Council to turn improved governance into better services,
better outcomes and lasting value for the people of Tower Hamlets.
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 1:42:09
Thank you very much.
Can I next call up on Councillor Gulam Kibriya Chaudhuri.
Cllr Bodrul Choudhury - 1:42:22
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
First I want to comment the excellent work carried out by our officers as a part of our
improvement journey.
Mr Speaker, a local authority is a large and complex organisation.
Before 2022, these authorities suffered from weak management and oversight, seven years
of unsigned accounts, poor governance and ineffective resources allocation.
Since then, the Aspire administration has been actively listening and learning, ensuring
that every constructive suggestion to strengthen our governance has been taken on board.
Mr. Speaker, our mandate in 2022 and again in 2026 is clear expand frontline services
and ensure that Council works for our residents.
Our policies are popular as demonstrated by the result of the last election.
Mr. Speaker, with a more transparent and efficient and better done authority, we are now in a
position to expand our policies and serve residents more effectively.
Mr. Speaker, consider for example our plans for transforming council homes.
When we self -reported to the housing regulator, we sought an independent assessment for the
condition of our council stock so that we could proceed with the vital work for modernising
the homes for our residents.
Mr. Speaker, since then we have ensured that 100 % of council homes have been assessed for
fire rigs, water hygiene and we have committed 609 million over 10 years to improve council
homes.
Mr. Speaker, under our leadership residents can be confident not only that their homes
will be free of dump mode and equipped with double glazed windows and new doors but also
that all of this work will take place under a fair more robust and effective governance
structure.
Mr. Speaker, in chemistry there is a process, it's called titration.
One solution is added to another, drop by drop until the liquid changes its colour.
This is called the end point.
And no more drops are needed after that.
Mr. Speaker, there is no real end point in public and commercial organisations.
There is always a room to improve, learn and do better service.
Mr. Speaker, once again, I would like to thank our officers for their dedication and hard work to continually improve this council. Thank you
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 1:44:49
Thank you, Councillor Greer. Now, can I call upon Councillor Peter Golds?
Cllr Peter Golds - 1:45:02
Thank you, thank you very much, Miss. Thank you very much, Speaker.
I've looked very carefully at both the agenda and the documentation. I think firstly in
a tiny piece of criticism it would have been a very good idea if we'd had the ministerial
letter and the envoy's letter to the council attached, because we have the response, but
we don't know what the question was, or we have a good idea of what the question was,
and the response is in detail. We should actually have seen what we are responding to in this,
and where both the envoys and the minister, or the now departed minister, thinks where we have travelled from.
And I say we because I think in many ways on the council we've acted collectively,
and the council have tried certainly in the year running up to the election to be as collegiate and as collective as possible,
not always completely successfully, but we have tried, and I think we are starting to move that way.
And in many ways looking at Tower Hamlets we could say some of our meetings are as boring
as many others.
We could say that we're going to bore the world like Hillingdon or somebody does where
you go to a council meeting and it's all sweetness and light which probably would be not exciting
for many of our people but it would be actually quite a good example of good local governments.
The issues that do concern me are still this subject of a deep dive on page 59.
Recruitment practises, grants and community assets, we've heard that over the years.
Housing allocations, we've heard that over the years.
Planning and licencing decisions, I'm not sure we have any problems on licencing, but
I understand on the planning and the functions of the Mayor's office.
What, as I would say, we need to look at is in the next time we see this document, let
us see where they have gone on those points I have raised and let us have what both the
envoys and the ministerial letters are so that we can judge one against the other.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 1:47:08
Thank you, Councillor.
Can I now invite Councillor Cobir -Achtman to say your words?
Thank you, Mr Speaker. I don't believe that the envoys are a stain on this council.
I believe that the envoys are here to provide a support package in this council delivering
Cllr Kabir Ahmed - 1:47:33
better governance and accountability. It's been stated by ministers and auditors that
we've had unsigned accounts, we've had huge gaps in procurement, there have been gaps
in this council and I think the first step is to accept where there are gaps.
So with that I want to reiterate that this is an opportunity for this council to improve
its governance and accountability and this report demonstrates a way forward in order
to do that and this is for the whole council. So when we talk about toxic culture it's not
from one side, it takes two hands to clap.
So there was all sorts of shenanigans happening
across this council.
And I think this meeting is a demonstration
of what a good meeting can be,
where we can be collegiate with our political opponents,
but work together in order to improve
both residents' experience of this borough
as well as employees.
In relation to how residents judge us,
it's not just about the policies we adopt,
but about how effective we are in delivering those policies,
whether we tackle in my portfolio anti -social behaviour,
supporting victims of domestic abuse, improving CCTV coverage,
or working alongside the Metropolitan Police and other partner organisations effectively.
And that word has meaning in the sense that we can just have policies which say we work with our partners,
but not actually do very much.
So this wholesome approach of this council,
working both with our statutory partners as well as the envoys
who are here, is a very important factor
in this improvement journey.
And I'll finish off by saying that this, you know,
a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step,
and I think we've made multiple steps in getting
to where we need to get to.
and it demonstrates that the envoys are proactive in working with us and our officers, as well as the administration,
and numerous councils will also effectively work with the envoys.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 1:49:46
Thank you very much, Councillor Kobi Rahmat, and thank you very much to all of the councillors who have contributed in this matter.
Being conscious of the time constraints, I would like to now ask,
Does the full Council agree to the recommendations in the report to note and endorse the contents
of the town's continuous improvement journey report January 2, June 2026, attached as Appendix

10 a) Continuous Improvement Journey Update: Report to Envoys Summer 2026

1 of the report?
I think we need to do a proper vote.
To do a proper vote, I think.
All those in favour?
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 1:50:32
Anyone against?
Any abstentions?
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 1:50:44
It's carried.
Was there truly one abstention?
Thank you.
The report has been carried.
And agenda item 10 .2 is a report on political culture improvement updated.
Can the Chief Executive, Steve Halsey, introduce the report?
Thank you.
Mr Stephen Halsey - 1:51:31
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 1:51:32
Mr Stephen Halsey - 1:51:33
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Yes, I noticed that.
I'm going to have to cut it short then, because I was going to do a relatively long introduction
to this paper, because an awful lot of work has gone into it.
So I will try and be brief and certainly stay within three minutes.
Before I present this report, I would like to thank both current and past councillors
for the enthusiasm they have brought to developing the Member Pledge and the empowerment protocol
that you're considering this evening.
Its development has been a really important tool for officers.
It's been both inspirational and motivating for officers across the Council.
A huge amount of work has been undertaken in the last year to ensure that the perception
of political toxicity that's already been referred to following the best value inspection
in 2024 is eradicated that a new set of standards for member behaviour is adopted.
The report you have in front of you this evening asks members to note progress and formally
endorse the Member Pledge and Empowerment Protocol.
It is particularly pleasing to note that all members have now signed the Pledge.
Following the election on May 7th, 2026, the Council is delighted to welcome over 20 new
And considerable time and effort will now be spent applying the improvement protocol,
the empowerment protocol and the member pledge and ensuring they become the default position
for all member activity and adopted by all new and returning councillors.
An important next step as is detailed in paragraph 3 .8 of the report is consulting with group
representatives in the coming weeks to a process for regularly reviewing the effectiveness
of the Pledge and including opportunities to discuss member behaviour.
The work that has been undertaken post -election includes those activities detailed in paragraph
3 .13 of your report and I'm delighted to advise that member involvement and attendance at
those various activities has been particularly pleasing.
At a practical level, as a Chief Executive, I have a responsibility not only to observe
member behaviour and to guide where appropriate, but also to ensure that you have regular opportunities
and appropriate resources to undertake your role effectively.
And that includes those activities detailed in paragraph 322 of the report.
Attached to the report are two appendices.
One is the Member Plaiture that you're all familiar with and the other is the Empowerment
Protocol, which gives guidance to members under headings, ward council activity, chairs
of committees, opposition spokespersons, cabinet members, speaker of the council, nominations
to outside bodies, political groups and for all councillors generally.
I commend the work that's been undertaken, I commend the report and the empowerment protocol
and the Member Pledge and I know that you will work incredibly hard to make sure that
we are dear to both.
I would welcome any comments this evening and I would also finally like to thank the
ministerial envoys who have been part of this journey in developing this report.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 1:54:33
Thank you.
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Thank you, Mr Speaker, for introducing the report.
Can I now ask Deputy Mayor, Councillor Mayim Talid there to move the recommendations?
Cllr Maium Talukdar - 1:54:44
Thank you, Mr Speaker.

10 b) Political Culture Improvement update

I'm pleased to move this report and endorse it.
This is really about how we work together as councillors and how we make sure residents
come first.
Following the elections, we welcome many new members to the council.
Since then, there has been a big focus on training, support and setting clear expectations about standards and behaviour.
The members pledge is a key part of that. It's built around simple principles.
Respect, listening to each other, working together where we can and being transparent and keeping debates professional.
We will not always agree politically, nor should we, but residents expect us to focus on solving problems
and delivering for our communities rather than getting caught up in unnecessary arguments.
I think we've already seen some positive examples of cross -party working in this chamber and that's something we should continue to build on.
This report is about creating a council culture that is respectful, professional and focused on residents.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 1:56:03
I therefore ask council to note the report and endorse the members pledge and the members empowerment protocol. Thank you.
Cllr Kabir Ahmed - 1:56:13
Thank you. Can I call on Councillor Kobi Rahmat to second the recommendations? You have three minutes.
Thank you Mr Speaker. I formally second this report and welcome the report because trust,
respect and accountability are at the heart of effective leadership. As lead member for
community safety, I know that strong partnerships are essential. We work closely with the Metropolitan
Police, the London Fire Brigade, Housing Associations, voluntary organisations, local communities.
Those relationships are built on professionalism, openness and mutual respect.
The same principle should apply within this chamber and between fellow councillors who are all elected by residents of Tower Hamlets.
Residents rightly expect us to debate passionately, but they also expect us to behave professionally and focus on problem solving, as the Deputy Mayor has said,
rather than creating division and trying to score political points against one another.
The work outlined in this report, including the continued development of Members Pledge
and the Members Empowerment Protocol, helps reinforce those expectations.
Improving political culture is not about limiting democratic debate.
It is about ensuring that debate remains respectful, constructive and focused on improving outcomes for residents.
By fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability, we strengthen public confidence in local democracy and create an environment where officers and members can work together effectively.
I would like to thank everyone involved in progressing this important work and recommend
the report to the Council and ask for support of all members.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 1:58:13
Thank you, Councillor Kobi Rahmon.
Do any members wish to speak?
I have a couple of names.
So I would like to invite first of all,
Councillor Shafi Ahmed.
Cllr Shafi Ahmed - 1:58:32
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I am pleased to support this report
because political culture is fundamental
to how we serve our residents.
Good governance is not simply about process and procedures.
It's about how we conduct ourselves as elected members.
Mr. Speaker, how we engage with one another
and how we work with officers to deliver the best possible outcomes for our communities.
Within my portfolio, we often deal with issues that residents feel passionately about, whether
it's climate change, waste services, parking, transport or public spaces.
These debates can be robust, but they should always be respectful, evidence -based and focused
on what is best for the borough.
Mr Speaker, the report recognises that building a positive political culture requires commitment
from every member.
This includes listening to different viewpoints, treating colleagues with respect and ensuring
that challenges is constructive rather than confrontational.
By strengthening relations between members and officers, we strengthen decision making,
better decisions lead to better environmental services, better value for money and greater
confidence from our residents.
Mr Speaker, this administration has consistently promoted openness, accountability and collaboration.
And I welcome the continued work to be embedded values across the Council.
Mr Speaker, political culture is not about politics alone, it's about leadership, integrity
and earning the trust of the people we represent.
So I recommend this report to the Council, we can all support it.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 2:00:13
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you.
Can I call up on next Councillor Savinakta?
I would be really grateful if you could keep your speech to two minutes.
Cllr Shafi Ahmed - 2:00:29
Okay, that's fine.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I'm pleased to also support this report and the continued work to improve the political culture at Tahemat's Council.
Cllr Sabina Akhtar - 2:00:42
As Aspire Councillors, we were elected to deliver for our communities.
And that doesn't only mean just to make the right decisions, but also to conduct ourselves in a way that earns political, sorry, that earns and maintains public trust.
In Town Hamlets, we know there are significant challenges in recent years.
We cannot change the past, but we can learn from it.
So this improvement journey gives us the opportunity to build a stronger, more respectful and more
effective council that puts residents first.
So I welcome, like the Steve execs and other members, welcome the members' place that
every councillor has signed up for.
I also welcome the member empowerment protocol where every councillor in administration or
position has that equal access to information, officer support and the resources that they
require to represent the residents effectively.
So when our members are properly supported, our democracy is stronger and our residents are served better.
Of course, we need to be honest with ourselves, changing political culture cannot happen overnight,
but we can take this leadership and personal responsibility from each one of us in this chamber.
So as Aspire Councillors, we support a culture where robust political debate is encouraged,
Scrutiny is respected and differences of opinion are expressed with professionalism and mutual respect.
We can disagree strongly on policy while still treating one another with dignity.
Ultimately, our residents are far less interested in political point scoring than they are in seeing the council to work effectively to improve residents' lives.
So we expect to focus on cleaner streets, safer neighbourhoods, better housing, opportunities for young people,
and serving the most vulnerable and making sure value for taxpayers' money.
So supporting this report is strengthening our ways to work together and deliver those outcomes more effectively.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 2:02:42
So I really welcome this progress, support the next stage of the inclusion of the youth.
Thank you. Thank you, Councillor. Your time is finished.
And can I call upon now the Councillor of the
Councillor Peter Golds.
Cllr Peter Golds - 2:02:58
Thank you very much, Speaker. I declare one interest.
A great advantage to this Council, as Councillor Chaudry will know,
on September I'm leading a delegation of local government from England and Wales
to a European convention and we are going to discuss
good politics amongst cross -party.
And previously I have taken one of the papers
we produced from Tower Hamlets and put it before
the local government association.
You'll be interested to know.
They look it forward and it's being circulated
to councils throughout the country.
So for those of us who beat Tower Hamlets up,
let's not beat Tower Hamlets up all the time.
We can do good things.
The important thing here is not only understanding how members relate to each other and how we
relate to the council chamber, but what goes on outside.
And I've got many years now of dealing with the horrors of councillors who have basically
been driven out of office, the sort of people who arrive in a council chamber absolutely
brilliantly and do one term, do their four years and say never ever again and that includes
the woman who was, who stupidly wore a purple coat was denounced as an Illuminati and somebody
put on Twitter that her husband was a paedophile and it ended up in children demonstrating,
people demonstrating outside their house. This is the level of what you get sometimes
of what goes on out there.
And the point is, if people in Tower Hamlets
or any other council beep in and see us behaving atrociously,
their view is, well, if that lot are behaving atrociously,
we can behave atrociously to them.
And as I say, it is a two -way,
it has been a real two -way journey on this subject.
I once had to appear, or once attended a court case,
which unbelievably was held in, one part of it was held in camera.
And obviously I can't hear what happened, but anybody who wants to speak to me afterwards, I'll tell you,
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 2:05:10
because it was quite extraordinary what went on and how we...
Thank you, Councillor Peter Gold.
But I'll report back on what happens in September to the Council.
Thank you. Can I call up on now Councillor Abdullah, should you wish to speak?
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Cllr Abdal Ullah - 2:05:27
I want to counsel ago to go before me because I mean, you know
This is a show of unity in terms of we as a council both be the administration party
As I was in lyrics earlier about the return of Councillor car and Peter goals and obviously our new friends the greens
But I raised the question at the very first full council meeting that one of the council's elected in this chamber is it was under
some sort of
scrutiny or investigation, can the monitoring officer for transparency and clarity inform
what the outcome was?
I think it's important that people feel confident that any issues raised in the Council or towards
an elected member, that they can also feel that there's been a sufficient investigation.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 2:06:06
Because in the spirit of working together and being fair, I think the public also needs
I'd like to request you to keep your comments relevant to the issue before the Council and
Cllr Abdal Ullah - 2:06:17
I'm sorry, Mr Speaker, do you want to repeat that?
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 2:06:19
Like councillors, everyone, particularly in your case, to keep your speech relevant to the issue?
Cllr Abdal Ullah - 2:06:30
The whole point is about good governance and good political culture.
As an elected member, I want the public to know that this chamber is people who are here, fit and purpose.
I raised an issue in the very first meeting about an investigation.
I would like to hear for the public to know the outcome of that and it will be useful
for that level of confidence on all of us that this chamber is fair and this council
is run without fear or favour.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 2:06:52
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Thank you.
I am minded to take no further questions in this item.
I mean not questions, no further speeches.
Does the full council agree to the recommendations in the report to note progress to improve
and strengthen the council's political culture as set out in the report?
Note and endorse the member's pledge at Appendix 1 of the report.
Note and endorse the member empowerment protocol at Appendix 2 to the report.
Thank you.
It's carried now.
Moving to Agenda item 10 .3 is a report, post elections report.
Can the Chief Executive Steve Halsey introduce the report?
You have three minutes.
Thank you.
Mr Stephen Halsey - 2:07:51
Thank you Mr Speaker, I'll be brief.

4 TO RECEIVE ANNOUNCEMENTS (IF ANY) FROM THE SPEAKER OF THE COUNCIL OR THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE

I am reporting this evening as the borough's returning officer and not as its chief executive.

10 c) Post Elections Report – Thursday 7 May 2026

The recent elections were delivered successfully and professionally, reflecting the significant
effort from 1 ,200 staff across the Council, elected members, partners and volunteers.
Elections are one of the most important responsibilities we undertake as a local authority and I would
like to thank everyone involved for helping ensure the process ran smoothly.
The report before you this evening provides an opportunity not only to recognise what
went well, but also to reflect on the lessons learned and opportunities for further improvement.
We remain committed to ensuring that future elections continue to be transparent, accessible,
well managed and trusted by residents.
I am particularly pleased at the third party endorsements I have received as a returning
officer, particularly those from political parties and observers that have described
the elections as the best in a generation and the most effectively managed election
in the last 25 years.
I am also pleased to report that we have been invited to share our best practise and present
to numerous other councils, elections teams and returning officers as they
aspire to deliver as well as Tower Hamlets did in May 2026. I commend the
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 2:09:13
report to you and I would welcome any comments or feedback. Thank you.
Thank you. Can the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Mayim Talib, propose the recommendations?
Cllr Maium Talukdar - 2:09:21
Thank you Mr. Speaker. I'm pleased to support this report. May 2026 elections
were one of the most important events in the borough's democratic calendar.
And I would like to thank all the officers and staff involved in delivering them successfully.
Election requires a huge amount of preparation, professionalism and hard work behind the scenes.
Regardless of political views, I think everyone in this chamber can appreciate the effort
that went on into ensuring a resident could cast a vote safely and confidently.
As councillors, we all benefit from a strong and trusted democratic process.
So it is the right that we place on record our thanks to the team that made those elections
a success.
I am therefore happy to support this recommendation in this report.
Thank you.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 2:10:16
Thank you, Councillor Maynthalik.
that I call on Councillor Kobi Rahmat to second the recommendations. You have three minutes
Cllr Kabir Ahmed - 2:10:25
to speak. Thank you, Mr Speaker. I formally second this
report and I want to join colleagues in thanking all those who played a role in delivering
the local elections. The integrity of our democratic process is something that we should
never take for granted. Elections require meticulous planning, effective partnership
working and a strong commitment to ensuring that every eligible resident can cast their
votes in safety and confidently. The professionalism demonstrated throughout the election helped
maintain public confidence and ensured that residents could participate in our democracy
without disruption. The report also provides valuable lessons that will help
us strengthen future elections ensuring that we continue to improve the
experience for voters, candidates and election staff. So thank you to the
Returning Officer and all the other Deputy Returning Officers who were there
as well as all the staff who worked for numerous hours all throughout the election.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 2:11:38
Thank you, Councillor Kobi Rahmat.
Do any members wish to speak?
Cllr Saied Ahmed - 2:11:47
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
I welcome this report and want to begin by thanking the returning officer, the electoral
services team and all staff involved in delivering the May 2026 elections.
These were among the most complex elections in London, electing an Executive Mayor and
45 councillors across 20 wards with some of the largest candidate fields seen anywhere
in the country.
I am happy to note that the Electoral Commission found that polling stations in Tower Hamlets
were well run, staff were well prepared and that the count went smoothly and transparently.
I am also pleased to see numerous improvements that the report outlines including digital
polling registers, improved accessibility arrangements and new counting systems.
Councillor Gold's has suggested that this was the best conducted local election in over
a quarter of a century, which is a coincidence because it is the best result that we have
also seen at the same time.
People of Tower Hamlets recognise good policy.
a council that listens and a party that truly represents the needs of the borough.
That's why they voted the mayor back in and this time with a huge majority of more than 30 councillors.
Thanks again to all those volunteers and staff who were involved in making this process such a success.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 2:13:20
I'm pleased to support this report. Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Cllr Abu Talha Chowdhury - 2:13:32
Councillor, would I like to introduce you to speak?
Thank you, Speaker.
I just wanted to echo what colleagues have said.
I wanted to thank the returning officer and all the staff involved, both the partners,
whether it's the police and other partners that were involved in supporting a very successful
election.
It's very complex, mandanations from very early on from the nomination stage to right
at the end.
And I think overall it was a very successful experience.
I've experienced this a few times now, successfully and unsuccessfully, but I think this one for
me felt quite straightforward, went really well and I did want to commend the officers.
One small request if I may, I had to wait a very long time for Bethlehem West results
to be announced and it kept me very nervous, so next time around if that could be one of
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 2:14:21
the first ones, I'd really appreciate that.
Thank you. With that I would like to conclude this matter and ask the full
council, does full council note the report? Thank you. Moving to, before moving
to the motion I would like to confirm it's carried, the item is carried. Motion
is the administration motion debate. The debate will follow the rules of debate at council
procedure rule 13 and will last no more than 30 minutes.

7 ADMINISTRATION MOTION DEBATE

Councillor Mayim Talagdek, can you please move your motion as set out in the agenda?
Cllr Maium Talukdar - 2:15:10
You have four minutes.
Thank you, Mr Speaker. Despite conspiracy, dirty politics, AI fake videos, false splitting
tactics tactical candidates mail with the Rahman has just delivered historical
full -time victory back of this I move this motion on the adoption of our 2026
manifesto as the council's policy platform for this mayoral term mr.
Speaker. This motion recognises the clear mandate given to Mehlut Rahman and the
Aspire Administration by the people of Tower Hamlets and seeks to ensure that
the commitments we've made to residents are reflected in the work of this
council over the next four years. In May residents voted for an administration
that puts local people first. They endorsed a programme built on delivery,
investment, fairness and ambition.
This motion is about respecting that democratic mandate.
Over the last four years, we have demonstrated the local government can make a difference
when it focuses on needs of residents.
We have delivered millions of pounds in cost of living support, expanded free school meals,
supported families through rising living costs,
invested in youth services,
strengthened in community safety,
improved public services,
and delivered one of the most ambitious
affordable housing programmes in the country.
But tonight is about not looking backward,
it's about looking forward.
On 2026, Manifesto sets out a bold and ambitious vision
for the future of Tower Hamlets.
It includes delivering over 6 ,000 affordable social homes,
free support for students, travel support for students,
for low -income families, a pregnancy payment
to help families welcoming a new child,
laptops for young people to bridge the digital divide,
a new Lido in Victory Park, enhanced CERN facilities,
luncheon clubs and day trips for elderly vulnerable residents.
And a dedicated in -house domestic violence unit.
These are commitments designed to improve everyday life for our residents and ensure
opportunities is shared by all.
Our manifesto is about ensuring that prosperity is shared more fairly.
We want every family, whether they live in Canary Wharf, Blackwall, Poplar, Bethnal Green,
Whitechapel or Limehouse, to benefit from the investment taking place in our borough.
Mr Speaker, that is what this manifesto is about.
It's about making town hamlets a borough of ambition and fairness.
A borough where economic success is matched by social justice.
A borough where opportunity is shared and where no community is left behind.
We believe a resident first council.
We believe in tackling coastal living crisis.
We believe in investing in frontline services.
We believe in building homes for the future.
We believe in strong and united communities.
and we believe that local government should be ambitious on behalf of people it serves.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 2:19:12
Importantly, these commitments are backed by robust financial strategy and a clear programme for delivery.
This is not simply a list of aspirations.
Cllr Maium Talukdar - 2:19:18
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 2:19:21
I therefore urge everyone to support this ambitious manifesto motion. Thank you.
Cllr Abu Talha Chowdhury - 2:19:31
Thank you. I call upon Councillor Abudalha Chaudhry to second the motion. You have three
minutes.
Thank you, Mr Speaker. It feels like the other day when we were adopting an Aspire Manifesto
after the public had rejected seven years of a failed Labour administration. But roll
on, four years and we're here again with a bigger mandate and a bigger rejection of the
local Labour Party.
To remind everyone, the manifesto is not just the priorities of this administration, but also the tens of thousands of residents who voted for it.
It's their endorsement. More importantly, it's their desire for what they want our Hammers to look like for the next four years.
So let's start in 2022 and liken the council to a severely ill person.
Residents were angry about the cuts in education, youth services, community safety, and were frustrated with the pace of house building.
The state of our finances were deeply worrying too and putting our residents at risk.
So our previous manifesto focused on immediate surgery and recovery to improve the lives
of Tohamlet's residents.
Programmes like expanding free school meals, freezing council tax for the poorest residents,
building 6 ,000 new social and affordable homes, investing like no other borough in council
enforcement services, ledger centres, youth centres and waste collection, free home care
for our elderly.
These programmes were like open heart surgeries and we delivered on every single one of those commitments and more.
The result? Educational attainment improved with the results now placing us in the top quartile in the country.
Children entering the criminal justice system for the first time have reduced significantly.
Recycling figures have gone up considerably.
Leisure facilities are being used by thousands of more residents, especially women, to improve health outcomes and the list goes on.
This is a result of a manifesto of recovery.
The next phase is to strengthen and build muscle.
With a fresh mandate from residents, today we will agree a new slate of planned investments
which are fully funded from prudent medium -term budgeting.
The strengthening phase will build on the last four years and accelerate the improvement journey
by investing in new kitchens, bathrooms, lifts, security entry systems,
6 ,000 new homes, 300 of which officially began development last week. These commitments are
just the tip of the iceberg and will strengthen our community. As lead member for resources,
I'll be working closely with officers to identify new ways of improving our residents' lives
and bring down the cost of living, while also keeping our budget balanced and stable. At
a time when other London boroughs have sought emergency bailers from government and basic
services are being cut left, right and centre, Tower Hamlets is doing things differently.
What this Administration has delivered for local residents is one of a kind and in agreeing
this manifesto we commit to four more years of strength, delivery and continuity.
Mr Speaker, the recovery and surgery phase is nearly over. The strengthening phase will
commence very soon and in 2030 you will see a much healthier Tower Hamlets, completely
different to the frailties Labour left behind in 2022. I formally second this motion.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 2:22:35
Thank you very much. Does any other member now wish to speak on the submitted motion
by Councillor Mayen Talita? Thank you, I've got some lists as well. Councillor O'mor
Mahdi.
Cllr Mohammed Omar Mehdi - 2:22:54
Thank you, Mr Speaker. I'm proud to support the adoption of Aspire's 2026 manifesto as
a policy platform for this administration. For residents in Claire Hamlets, housing is
a real concern. Our residents should not live in conditions where they do not know whether
their family has space to grow, whether their family have enough space for their child to
to do homework, whether an elder resident can use the lift,
or whether a tenant can trust the repairs
that have been done properly.
Our record gives us credibility to ask residents
for this mandate.
We brought 22 ,000 homes back under council control.
More than 6 ,400 affordable homes have been delivered
or on delivery, alongside 609 million invested
in improving council homes, tackling damp and mould,
fire and building safety, roofs, windows, kitchens,
bathrooms, and lifts.
This is a delivery residents can see and feel.
But this manifesto is about the work ahead.
As deputy cabinet member for home building
and enhancement to council home,
I will help provide the plan for 6 ,000 new affordable
and social homes during this term.
Alongside the mayor's accelerated housing programme,
we will use the accelerated housing planning unit
to move good schemes forward,
work constructively with housing associations
and other partners, and pursue estate regeneration
that delivers both social and economical renewal.
We will accelerate a decent programme,
improve repairs and customer experience,
reduce void turnaround times and strengthen our response to overcrowding
and housing demand. We will assess our estates, improve lighting, security and
public safety and ensure residents are at the heart of the decisions about
their homes and neighbourhood. A decent affordable home is a right. With this
manifesto, Aspire offers continuity where it works, ambition where more is needed
and a council that listens and delivers.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 2:25:18
I recommend this motion, thank you.
Thank you, can I now call up on Councillor David Edgar?
Cllr Abdal Ullah - 2:25:36
Can I now call up on Councillor Abdulla?
Thank you Mr. Speaker.
We started the meeting with Voll,
The last agenda was about good governance and leadership and council working together.
But yes, there is a whole belief in the structure and I wanted to raise your secret attention,
but I also want to put on record the great work the monitoring officer, the returning
officer and the staff did.
But you can't help, you know, I'm not going to boast about the fact in 2018 there were
42 Labour councillors.
Democracy works in a beautiful way.
People choose, people un -choose in a different time.
But I think we shouldn't use the Council Chamber and all the different political parties and
all the different people to tie us to a manifesto.
We work in policies, we work in procedure, we've got a Council at the executive level,
we have envoys here who are here to oversee the working of the Council.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 2:26:32
Cllr Abdal Ullah - 2:26:33
I think what we need to do is to be mindful about working for the Council that delivers
delivers for everyone, delivers for the whole of the 20 wards,
fairly without fear, without favour.
I think this is the important thing that I want to put on this
Chamber, that the whole of Tower Hamlets, that this council,
this administration, but the council delivers for all of the
people of this borough, maximises the opportunity
working with the government.
And this is what I would like to see this council adopt,
rather than force in the hands of all councillors that this is
what the people have said.
majority of the people in town just didn't actually vote in this council
election majority did it can I sort of through you mr. speaker ask other
members to be please quiet and let the speaker speak thank you thank you I
think you know we've we've as councillors have signed a protocol or
good behaviour I think we should also maybe adopt something about people in
the audience too but I you know I think we should put on record that majority of
the people in this resident of the borough didn't actually vote in this
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 2:27:34
So with that, something we'll also be mindful of.
Thank you very much.
Thank you. Please keep quiet, please, and let the councillors, when their time comes, speak freely.
Thank you. Can I invite Councillor Kabir Ahmed, please?
Cllr Kabir Ahmed - 2:27:50
Thank you, Mr Speaker. So, where do I start?
Right, so after the fiasco of the Game of Thrones in Westminster, where the King of
the North has now taken control as Prime Minister, what do we see?
We see little has changed.
But nonetheless, when the Labour government took office, they made manifesto pledges.
That then translated into a strategic plan, which then was forced through Parliament and
made into laws and certain policies made.
Although, bear in mind, there have been 13 U -turns
on those policies.
But let's not go there.
Let's talk about this council.
So, just to educate, there's numerous new councillors here.
So, you know, just to understand.
Political parties put manifestos forward
and residents vote for those political parties.
Hence, we're all elected.
That's democracy.
That's democracy. The party with the highest number of councillors formed the administration
who in turn create what's known as a strategic plan that comes from the manifesto that they
offered the residents to vote for. Today, as part of this motion, we are implementing
that manifesto into a strategic plan for Taiwan next over the next four years. Hence that's
local democracy and politics. Numerous local authorities around the land have or are doing
exactly the same thing as did Labour when they took office and Aspire when we re -took
Office and Aspire again now with a greater majority are implementing the next strategic
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 2:29:53
plan for the next four years. I hope that explains what this motion is about.
Cllr Minara Khatun - 2:30:13
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
I am more than delighted to rise in support of this motion and adoption of the Aspire
Manifesto, the programme that will shape the future of our borough over the coming four
years.
Culture, leisure and recreation are not luxuries.
They are fundamental to creating healthier communities, supporting local businesses,
bringing people together and giving every resident the opportunity to thrive.
That is why this administration has continued to invest in culture and leisure, even during
a period of significant financial pressures facing local government.
While many councils have been forced to reduce services, we have chosen to invest in them.
Our manifesto builds on that commitment.
It sets out our bold vision to make Tahem less a borough where culture is celebrated,
heritage is protected, sport is accessible and every resident regardless of age, background or
ability has opportunities to participate in community life. Mr Speaker, one of the most
exciting commitments in our manifesto is the return of the Lido to Victoria Park.
This is a project that residents have spoken about for many years and we are proud to be taking
forward plans to deliver a modern outdoor swimming facility that will improve health,
wellbeing and recreation while enhancing one of London's most treasured parks.
Alongside this, we are investing in brand new swimming pools at St George's Leisure
Centre and Whitechapel Leisure Centre, ensuring that residents across the borough have access
to modern, high quality leisure facilities for decades to come.
Mr Speaker, these projects represent one of the largest investments in leisure infrastructure
our borough has seen in many years.
Our ambition, however, goes much further than buildings.
We want every child to have the opportunity to learn to swim, every young person to access
affordable sporting activities, every older resident to remain active and connected, and
every family to enjoy high quality leisure facilities close to home.
That is why our manifesto also commits to creating dedicated send play spaces and sensory
facilities within the leisure centres, ensuring children and young people with additional
needs can enjoy the same opportunities as everyone else.
Inclusion is not an afterthought, it has the heart of our approach.
Culture is also about celebrating who we are in the borough.
Ta 'amless has one of the richest and most diverse histories anywhere in the country.
This year marks the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Cable Street, a defining moment
when Jewish, Irish, Bengali, Cockney and many other communities stood together against fascism
and hatred.
As a council, we are proud to support the many events that honour that legacy and remind
future generations that the importance of unity, equality and standing together against
racism and intolerance, those values remain just as important today as they were 90 years
ago.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 2:33:21
I am proud to support this motion because it reflects the aspirations of our residents and confidence they have placed in us.
Thank you Mr. Keekar.
Thank you.
Cllr Minara Khatun - 2:33:29
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 2:33:30
Thank you.
Thank you, Councillor Minnan -Kulna, Councillor Shafi Ahmed.
Cllr Shafi Ahmed - 2:33:34
And I also wholeheartedly support this motion and we can represent that 42 % of the electorate
did vote and came out, so we'd like to congratulate those voters that did come out, whether people
think that it wasn't done fairly or it wasn't done correctly. And they voted overwhelmingly
for the Aspire councillors, that's why we have a majority.
The adoption of the Aspire manifesto as policy platform for this will cover the councils
for the coming term. In May the people of Tawah Hamlet spoke clearly, they renewed their
confidence in Mayor Nitharaman and the ASPIRE administration because they recognise the
difference this administration had made over the last four years.
Residents voted for action, for investment and for a council that delivers.
It reflects what residents told us.
They wanted cleaner streets, safer neighbourhoods, greener public spaces and a borough that puts
people first.
For an environmental perspective, we have already demonstrated what can be achieved
when we are prepared to invest in frontline services.
When we came into office, residents consistently told us that litter, flight -keeping and street
cleanliness were amongst the biggest concerns.
We responded by declaring a waste emergency and backing that declaration with significant
investment in environmental services.
Mr Speaker, that meant more street cleaning, more enforcement, investment in recycling
and improvements in waste collections across the borough.
But we know our work is not done.
We have our manifesto commits to delivering a cleaner, greener future for every resident.
That means continuing to improve recycling rates, investing in our parks and open spaces,
reducing environmental crimes, supporting biodiversity and ensuring that every neighbourhood
benefits from clean and welcoming streets.
Mr Speaker, we are committed to tackling the challenges of climate change in a way that
is fair and practical.
That means improving air quality, expanding electric vehicle infrastructure, making our
housing stock more energy efficient and ensuring that environmental improvements work alongside
the needs of families, businesses and those who really rely on vehicles for work and caring
responsibility. Mr. Speaker, our approach is of balanced environmental stewardship.
We can create greener communities while continue to invest in housing, schools
and public services. Mr. Speaker, that is exactly what this manifesto sets out to
achieve. This administration has shown that it is prepared to take and make
difficult decisions, invest where it matters and deliver tangible
improvements across the borough. The next four years, Mr. Speaker, gives us the
opportunity to build on those achievements. Mr Speaker, this manifesto reflects the ambitions
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 2:36:37
of our residents, provides a clear programme for delivery and gives this Council direction
it needs for the years to come. Thank you very much.
Thank you for your contributions, your time is over. Can I now call Councillor Peter Golds,
should he is to speak?
Cllr Peter Golds - 2:36:48
Thank you very much Mr Speaker. Very shortly I will be voting for the motion for the very
obvious reason, the resolution is that this manifesto should be incorporated into the
borough's official policy platform. Well of course it will be, then it becomes a checklist.
So the electorate can actually see what the council are or are not doing. And I use the
words are and are not doing because it gives an opportunity. So when we go to the polls
next time there is a checklist and you can say you did that, you did that, you didn't
do that. That is why it should be done and actually very quickly it's the usual policy
now in local authorities up and down the country and of course it's the policy of the government
and we do have now the situation where Mr Burnham has come in and he's sitting there
making policy statements only to be told but it's not in your manifesto. You know you can't
do this, it's not in the manifesto. So what's he reduced to? As well we know. He's reduced
to saying he's cutting the electricity bill. Only the electricity bill for six months,
a short thing, so we're all going to get about two quid a week and apparently that is going
to make everybody incredibly happy because it wasn't in the manifesto. So I would say
of the Council of College, everybody vote for it with great enthusiasm, so the electorate
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 2:38:20
can, as I say, can see what you have or haven't done.
Thank you, Councillor. Can I now invite Councillor Sinalemir? Thank you.
Cllr Shenaly Miah - 2:38:39
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I'm pleased to use my first contribution at full council to support this motion and to
reaffirm this administration's commitment to delivering the affordable and social housing
that our residents need.
We all hear from families living in overcrowded conditions, residents facing rising rents
and households, waiting years for a secure and affordable home.
That is why, under the leadership of the Mayor of the
Rakhman, we have secured more affordable homes,
challenged developers to do more, and ensured that
growth delivers benefits for local people rather than
just profits.
The measures introduced by the government and the
Mayor of London last year risked moving us in the
opposite direction, reducing affordable housing
expectations and weakening local authority influences
over the development does not address the housing crisis facing Abara.
It risks delivering more homes that local people cannot afford, while making it harder
for Council to secure the genuinely affordable housing our community needs.
Chawahamla under Mayor Luthur Rahman has demonstrated that there is a different approach.
This motion is also about standing up for local democracy, local authorities understand
and the needs of their communities better than anyone else.
Decision about housing should not be driven
only by the needs of development markets.
They should reflect local circumstances,
local housing pressures, and aspirations of local people.
That is why it is significant that Tower Hamlet
has worked alongside Hackney, Lewisham, Lambeth,
Southwark, Wolfman Forest, and Haringey
to challenge these proposals.
I welcome the fact that following this challenge, some changes have been proposed, including
a move away from a one -size -fits -all approach.
Council must retain the ability to pursue ambitious affordable housing targets that
reflect the needs of their residents.
Ultimately, this debate comes back to a simple principle.
Everyone deserves a safe, decent and genuine affordable home.
We cannot solve the housing crisis by lowering our ambitions
We solve it by building more affordable homes protecting local decisions makings and ensuring develop
Development delivers for communities rather than simply maximising returns for developers for those reason
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 2:41:18
I am proud to support this motion and I encourage all the members of the council to do the same. Thank you
Thank you.
Can I now invite Mr Merill to say his words?
Mayor Lutfur Rahman - 2:41:32
It saddens me when some people try to delegitimize the election outcome.
42 % of our electorate came forward and voted in the last election.
the second highest in London, ladies and gentlemen.
And they gave the mayor 36 ,000 votes, 15 ,000 more than the Labour mayoral candidate.
And 33 councillors. We live in a democracy.
And we must accept the democratic mandate that is given to a party.
And we accepted the democratic mandate that was given in 2018.
You must accept what was given to us in 2022, now on the 7th of May, 2026.
And this manifesto is a very forward looking manifesto. It will change Tower Hamlets for
good. And this is what the people of this borough voted us in for, to deliver the promises
that we make. We are not a party of utens, we are a party of keeping our promises. And
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 2:43:00
this is what we will do. Thank you.
Thank you, Mr Mayor.
I would like to now...
Speaker, can I propose we move to a vote?
Can I just ask Councillor Mantele to exercise your right to reply?
You propose to move to vote?
I'm sorry, yeah, okay.
Can then Corporate Headed Democratic Services now conduct the votes?
Mr Matthew Mannion - 2:43:31
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
There's no amendments here, so simply all those in favour of the motion.
Thank you.
All those against.
And all those abstaining.
Mr Matthew Mannion - 2:43:48
And that's carried.
Thank you.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 2:43:49
It's carried.

8 OPPOSITION MOTION DEBATE

Now it takes us to the next item as we revise the order of the business.
Opposition Green Motion, thus divestment of pension funds from the economies of occupation
and genocide.
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Cllr Jonathan Purcell - 2:44:23
And firstly, thank you to the Deputy Mayor for making the point, the Speaker for recognising
it and actually councillors all across the spectrum for moving this motion up the agenda
because of its urgency.
So I seek to move the motion regarding the Council's divestment from Israel's genocide
and illegal occupation against the Palestinian people.
I note first of all that this motion builds on a previous motion from January last year
and it's important that that first step was made.
But it was just that, as Councillor said at the time, it was a first step.
And we must now move further.
It has now been a thousand days, over a thousand days, since the beginning of Israel's genocide against the Palestinian people.
But it's not just been that. It's been 59 years of illegal occupation, 78 years of continuous Nakba.
The genocide has correctly focused people's minds about violations of Palestinian people's rights in Gaza.
But these violations do not stop in Gaza. They are felt by Palestinian people across the occupied Palestinian territory.
I know that because I've seen it with my own eyes.
Last year I visited the West Bank with a delegation of MPs.
I could talk about walking down Al -Shahadah Street in Hebron, better known as Apartheid
Street because Palestinians are no longer allowed to walk down it.
The Palestinian man I walked with, he was born on that road and he couldn't show me
his front door.
I could walk up to it.
I could talk too about walking around Jerusalem with a British Muslim MP.
I was allowed through a gate by the IDF and he was not, simply because he was Muslim.
I could talk too about the farmer I met in Masfiatah, who showed me his water tank, which
had been beaten and destroyed by illegal settlers with baseball bats.
In fact, I save the most gruesome details for the dignity and privacy of those that
met, but this is the world that companies operate in, to turn a bigger profit, come
what may.
And we cannot allow investments from the UK and from this very council to fuel this complicity.
International law is unequivocally on our side.
From the International Court of Justice's July 2024 Advisory Opinion on the illegality
of the occupation, to the UN Special Rapporteurs' report last summer on the economies of genocide
and occupation, all the way to the October 2025 updated UN list on complicit businesses.
And domestic law is on our side too, with the Proceeds of Crime Act and the International
Criminal Court Acts, we have obligations as a public body to divest.
Workers in this Council do not want their pensions to be invested in these companies.
Campaigners who are in the gallery and outside tonight have made their voices heard with
petitions and tireless campaigning.
I'm sure everyone in this Chamber can attest to conversations on the doorsteps with members
of this borough who hold Palestine close to their heart.
And that is why it is so important
for their voices to be heard too.
That is why it is a legal, a moral,
and a democratic imperative to support this motion.
Thank you.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 2:48:22
Cllr Jonathan Purcell - 2:48:24
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 2:48:32
Thank you.
Thank you, Councillor Jonathan Parsell, for moving your motion and your end amendment.
Cllr Jonathan Purcell - 2:48:49
I call upon now Councillor Mayantalid to second the motion and amendment.
You have three minutes.
Thank you Mr Speaker.
I rise to second this motion.
We have seen unimaginable suffering in Gaza.
Whole communities have been destroyed, hospitals, schools and homes have been reduced to rubble.
Thousands have been killed.
Our residents have watched these events with horror and have asked what role we play.
This motion is about one thing, making sure public money reflects our values.
Today, Tower Hamlets Pension Fund has around 67 million invested in companies linked to occupation and conflict.
Residents have right to ask questions about that.
They deserve transparency.
They deserve to know where their money is invested.
This motion also goes beyond pensions.
It asks to look at who the Council spends money with through contracts and procurement.
If companies are linked to serious human rights concerns, we should know about it and consider alternatives.
This is simply responsible use of public money.
Cllr Maium Talukdar - 2:50:04
The timing is important. The pension fund's investment strategy is due to be reviewed
last this year, later this year. This is our opportunity to make sure human rights considerations
are properly reflected in the future investment decisions.
And let us be clear, this motion is asking, it is not demanding immediate action outside of our powers.
It is asking our pension fund officers to pension committee to work with the London CIV and review our exposure to companies linked to human right abuses.
This is a reasonable request.
It is a reasonable request and it is the right thing to do.
We cannot change events overseas from this chamber.
But we can decide what happens with public money here in Tower Hamlets.
I urge members to support this motion.
Thank you.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 2:51:03
Thank you.
Thank you.
I have a list of councillors to speak and also I'll take from the floor as many as possible.
Can I start with Councillor Faisal Ahmed for your speech on this matter?
Cllr Faysal Ahmed - 2:51:23
Thank you, Mr Speaker.
Like so many people in this borough, I have followed the events in Gaza with horror.
For almost three years now, our timelines have been filled with nothing but death and
destruction.
As a father, the images of children burning alive in a classroom, of babies
being pulled from the rubble with limbs missing, or the harrowing image of a
young man carrying the remains of his siblings in a plastic carrier bag will
be impossible to forget. These horrors did not happen in isolation. They have
been made possible by the support of this Labour government. Through its words,
its weapons, its investment and its trade, there is no doubt in my mind that
will judge those who supported this genocide and their legacy will be one
stained in blood. Taher Hamlet is a proud borough, Mr. Speaker, that has always stood
against injustice. Our values demand that we do not remain silent in the face of
suffering nor allow public money to be invested in companies that profit from
war. I'm sure I speak for most when I say the hard -working men and women of this
companies linked to genocide.
Public money should never be used to profit from death,
destruction, or the violation of international law.
That is why I was proud when in January 2025,
this administration took the important step of supporting
divestment from companies involved in the arms trade.
We then committed to a public declaration of our intention
to divest, a full audit of our pensions investments,
and a report from the pensions committee
on how we could accelerate that process.
And today's motion builds on that commitment
by demanding greater transparency,
greater accountability, and above all, meaningful action.
Our residents have been cleared.
They have marched, campaigned, raised money,
and repeatedly called on this council to act.
They do not want expressions of sympathy alone
or symbolic gestures.
They want practical action
that reflects the values of our borough.
So, Mr Speaker, as one of my first contributions to full Council, I am proud to support this
motion and proud to be part of an administration that has had the courage not only to recognise
what is happening in Gaza as a genocide, but to back those words with meaningful action.
And I urge all members across this chamber to do the same.
Thank you.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 2:53:54
Thank you very much.
Can I now invite Councillor Victoria Lupton.
Cllr Victoria Lupton - 2:54:07
Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I wanted to note that the issue of divesting the Council's pension fund from companies linked to Israel's occupation in Palestine
appears to command near consensus across this chamber.
As a newly elected Labour Councillor sitting on the pensions committee,
I look forward to working with colleagues from all parties on this matter.
This isn't an issue that's far away and it's an issue that's close to my heart.
I spent 12 years working with Palestinian communities in the Arab region,
including in the West Bank and in Gaza.
I have family in the region and I lived there for many years.
In fact, I came back from Beirut today and witnessed the destruction of South Lebanon.
During the 2024 war, I was in Beirut and I lived through the Israeli bombardment firsthand.
This is not an abstract issue for me.
However, as Councillor Purcell mentioned, this question of divestment isn't a new one for this Council.
In January 2025, this Chamber passed a motion committing to divesting from arms companies.
After London's SIV, that's the Collective Investment Vehicle, confirmed to the pensions committee
that the council can divest following due process and a declaration of intent.
That's a route that the committee endorsed unanimously at the time. That
same motion called for a full audit of the funds holdings. 18 months on, that
audit has still not been reported back on to the pensions committee. It's not on
the agenda for our meeting next week on the 30th of July. So my ask tonight isn't
for another declaration of intent. We've already made one unanimously. It's for
this council to finish what it started 18 months ago, complete the audit, bring it to
committee without further delay and use the London SIV mechanism that London SIV has already
committed, has already confirmed exists to actually deliver on the commitment this chamber
made a year and a half ago. I will endeavour to use my role on the pensions committee to
support this process. Thank you.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 2:56:05
Thank you.
Cllr Victoria Lupton - 2:56:13
Can I now call upon Councillor Gulam Kibriya Chaudhuri.
Thank you Mr. Speaker.
Cllr Bodrul Choudhury - 2:56:21
Mr. Speaker, the situation in Gaza shows why this matters.
Latest humanitarian report records 1 ,123 Palestinians
reportedly killed and 361 injured since the ceasefire
announcement of 10th of October, 2025.
UN reporting has also recorded more than 21 ,000
Palestinians killed and killed in Gaza since October, 2023.
These numbers represent homes destroyed, families shattered and children denied the most basic
right to live.
Mr. Speaker, our duty is to ensure that public money is not directed towards suppliers with
proven involvement in grave human rights abuse.
This motion asks us to review the Council's Treasury management and procurement strategies,
embedding the UN principles of reasonable investment and even guiding principle on business
and human rights.
Mr. Speaker, that means evidence -based due diligence, clear criteria, legal advice, transparent
reporting and genuine alternative for procurement.
We are asking that where serious violations are excluded from our expenditures.
Mr Speaker, this makes common sense. This principle should guide our pension funds as
well as our procurement. The investment strategy statement must set out how exposure is identified,
reported and reduced, including through instruction to London CIP and external fund managers.
Mr Speaker, our residents have repeatedly asked us and this comes into listen. A compassionate
administration cannot end a war but it can choose to fight first. We have a responsibility
to ensure our hamlet resources serve our communities and do not contribute to suffering elsewhere.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 2:58:30
Thank you Mr Sriga and I am all happy to support this information.
Thank you Councillor. Before we continue I'm conscious speech in the guild and I would like
Can I ask a question?
Cllr Saied Ahmed - 2:58:50
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 2:58:51
Can we move to a vote?
Cllr Saied Ahmed - 2:59:02
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 2:59:05
Can we move to a vote?
I would like to ask the members, do you want to extend the meeting?
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 2:59:25
Mr Matthew Mannion - 2:59:31
We will start off with the vote on the item that we are on at the moment, which is the
motion from the Green and Aspire groups, the pension fund, there was an amendment but
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 2:59:50
I take it that was a friendly amendment and that's just been accepted by the people who
moved it, is that correct?
Cllr Jonathan Purcell - 2:59:52
Yes the amendment was merely to truncate it at the request of officers, it does not seek
to substantively change the motion.
Mr Matthew Mannion - 3:00:05
So therefore we're just having one vote which is on the motion as amended by that friendly
amendment.
So all those in favour?
This is the green on the pension fund motion.
Sorry, can we have clarification?
So it was just tweaked basically by the greens.
I amended it myself at the request of officers simply to shorten it.
There's no substantive changes to the amendment.
So all those in favour? Anyone against?
And then anyone abstaining?
Okay thank you very much.
So as we've hit the guillotine, we also move to other votes that we may need to take place.
The first one is a question to the Labour group.
Normally with motions, if we don't reach them, then they fall.
But because it's a motion for debate, we can put it to the vote should you wish, or you can withdraw it and bring it back another time.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 3:01:36
Mr Matthew Mannion - 3:01:39
Okay.
So that's deferred to a later meeting.
So we won't have a vote on that one.
We do have a couple of other reports that require votes as well.

10 d) Appointment of Pensions Committee Union representative

So we have item 10 .4, appointment of pension committee union representative.
Is everyone in favour of that one?
Is that a general assent?
Okay.

10 e) Localism Act 2011 and approval of exit payments

Thank you.
The last one is the Localism Act 2011 approval of exit payment.
Is everyone okay on that one as well?
Any motions under Item 12 that we haven't reached will fall if they haven't been withdrawn
already.
Cllr Musthak Ahmed - 3:02:22
And I think that's all the votes.
So I'll hand back to the speaker.
Thank you.
There is no further business.
So I thank you for your contributions and close the meeting.
Please note that members must wait for the mace to be removed before they leave the meeting.
Once again, thank you very much.
Have a very good evening.
Webcast Finished - 3:03:14
Thank you.
Mr Matthew Mannion
Head of Democratic Services
Tower Hamlets
View profile Mr Matthew Mannion