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Cabinet
Wednesday, 23rd September 2026 at 3:00pm

 

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Thank you.
Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen.
Welcome to our cabinet meeting of today.
Okay, thank you. I think in terms of apologies, we members who don't have any apologies, no?
No, we're all here. In terms of corporate directors, you're here in place of Georgia.
Where's Georgia?
Thank you, Shuman and Tina.
Welcome to our first cabinet meeting,
the corporate director of resources, interim and Section 151 officer.
Welcome. Thank you very much.

PUBLIC QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION

1 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Any decorations of interest from any members?

2 DECLARATIONS OF DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY INTERESTS AND OTHER INTERESTS

Any comments?
No.
Okay.

3 UNRESTRICTED MINUTES

Can we agree the minutes of the 29th of July, please?
Any comments?
No.

4 ANNOUNCEMENTS (if any) FROM THE MAYOR

We agree?
We're happy?
Okay.
Steve.
Thank you, Mr Mayor.
Just a few announcements.
First of all, to thank members and staff, officers and local residents in the local
community in relation to the Brick Lane Curry Festival that took place last Sunday.
It broke all the records that we've set or you have aspired to in the past, Mr Mayor.
over 40 ,000 people attended, twice as many as the previous year,
three times as many market stalls and bookings,
and it was an effective example of partnership working
with the Banglatown Business Association,
and I think everybody should be congratulated in that respect.
Secondly, so that cabinet are aware,
part of the best value intervention meant
that there was an improvement board meeting on the 7th of September
that the Deputy Mayor and I attended.
It was a very productive one,
and its success, I hope, will be reflected in the letter
that the lead envoy is submitting to the Secretary of State
at the end of September.
In relation to best value intervention,
at the next full council meeting,
there will be our next scheduled report laid down
by statute to full council,
denoting our progress and improvements
in relation to our continuous improvement plan
as part of the intervention.
And I would just like to remind members
that the mayor and I will be speaking
at a leadership conference on the 2nd of October
in the morning and the afternoon and it's hopeful that all members will be able to attend.
Thank you.
Thank you, yeah. Thank you, Deputy Mayor.
There are pink exempt papers attached to the main, the open papers, please.
When we come to those papers, please don't refer to those pink elements because members of the public
and the press cannot be present when we discuss exam papers.
But if you do want to discuss them, I can discuss them at the end of the public meeting.
Is that okay? Okay, thank you and grateful.
I know there are some colleagues who are here on the Copenhagen section 203 matter
later on and they've done a written speech. I received a petition from the residents,
only came to me yesterday. I forwarded the petition on to the head of democratic services
for the corporate director David Joyce to look at it and respond to it informally. So
on that basis I've decided not to take any questions but to be fair to you, you have
come here thank you and you have given a I've got a copy of written speech say
David so I don't know you don't have to wait here for rest of the day I'm happy
for us to respond to a good original speech I don't need a another another
discussion on it if say though David want to respond to the written speech
Please here how and I'm requesting Matthew if you can respond to the petition
Formally, please here later on in writing said okay
Say it David you want to come in say it?
Thank you. Mr. Mayor. I'll come in first and I'll try and address some of the points that's been mentioned on the petition
so firstly, I'd like to start on the fire safety on the
Copenhagen place development
We will commission an updated fire risk assessment that specifically considers the removal of the bridge.
No demolition works will begin until the assessment has been completed.
Rest assured that we won't proceed without that safety understanding.
Secondly, on the equality and accessibility, we will refresh the equality impact assessment to ensure any changes in residence circumstances,
particularly for those living in adjoining blocks and in Elland House are fully considered
as we proceed with these processes.
And third on the communication, we recognise that residents want more regular updates.
We will work with the TRAs to ensure that council officers attend regular meetings and
where appropriate members of the contractors and design teams will also attend to answer
questions directly to the residents.
And I also want to acknowledge that our communication in recent months has not always been very
great and we are committed to improving the engagement and keeping residents informed
throughout the project.
It is also important to clarify the purpose of the Section 203 decision being taken today
in the Cabinet.
This is not a decision on planning permission because the actual planning consent for this
development has been already agreed and granted following the statutory planning processes
previously.
The Section 203 decision is simply about ensuring the Council has the legal powers available,
if required, to facilitate the delivery of the approved scheme.
And it does not remove anyone's right to seek compensation where a legal entitlement exists
when it comes to the rights of rights.
The scheme itself will deliver 18 new Council -owned social rented homes, which is very, very good.
And including that will be family -sized homes with accessible homes and helping to meet
the local housing need.
In relation to Elland House, the independent fire safety assessment undertaken to date
have concluded that the removal of the bridge does not compromise the building's means of
escape or the overall fire safety strategy.
Residents will continue to have the access to their homes through the existing entrance
and internal routes.
Should there be a change in the need of the residents, we will be informed and the council
will take the required measures.
However, just to conclude, the Council remains committed in ensuring that we deliver a safe
scheme, we want to continue the dialogue, keep the communication going and make sure
that it's transparent and in partnership with our residents.
Well, I think the lead member has been very comprehensive.
I suppose just to say that Hannah Douglas, the Director and myself are both here today.
We will absolutely make sure that moving forward there is a very strong commitment to continue
need to work with residents from the area and engage on the issues which the lead members
set out, including the kind of revised fire risk assessment.
I think it's also worth just re -emphasising the point that no one will have their rights
to light compensation rights impacted by this decision.
Everyone is still entitled to fair compensation where their rights to light are impacted.
this doesn't change this, it just means that it will be a fair level of compensation in line with the government formula on this approach.
So we're very, very willing and committed to continuing to work with the residents on this and other issues to do with the development.
It's also worth saying that this decision does not reopen the previous planning consideration of the scheme which was very comprehensive at Planning Committee.
When was planning granted David? Do we know?
I am extremely sorry for the residents. I can't take debate here. That's not the forum.
But if you do want to talk to David or Hannah, please feel free outside. Hannah can talk to you.
but I can't take any questions or any debate here.
I'm sorry, and you'll get a written response to your petition
with capturing some of the responses that were set up today.
Okay, I'm moving on with the, just to give you the courtesy,
I saw it up front rather than later on in the paper.
So I'm going to move on to the agenda now.
Thank you, I'm grateful.

5 OVERVIEW & SCRUTINY COMMITTEE

5 a) Chair's Advice of Key Issues or Questions

Sorry, madam, I'm not taking any questions.
I'm sorry, I'm not taking any questions.
A lot of respect to you.
Okay, thank you.
Okay, I'm moving on to the first agenda.
Sorry, I've got the chair of overview and scrutiny,
Councillor Halima.
Thank you, Islam.
Thank you for coming.
Very grateful to you.
Please feel free to contribute.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
I'm reporting back on last night's overview and scrutiny committee.
We took three substantive items.
The Anti -Poverty Rapid Needs Assessment, the strategic plan 2026 to 2030.
30 and
So, sorry for the disruption, please start again and and feel free. Okay. Thank you. Thank you mr
I am reporting back on last night's overview and scrutiny committee.
We took three substantive items, the anti -poverty rapid needs assessment, the draught strategic
plan 2026 -2030 and the continuous improvement plan quarterly update.
We also agreed our work programme for the year, appointed our co -opted members for 26 -2030
and agreed the scrutiny annual report which will come to full council next month.
Anti -poverty rapid needs assessment. I'd like to thank Councillor Talibdah for presenting the anti -poverty needs assessment
and the wider work of the anti -poverty task force. We note that the task force still has some time to go before it will be able to produce its strategy.
We thank Councillor Talib Dar and officers for their early engagement with us while there is still time for us to feed in and shape this.
The needs assessment highlights that this is a much needed piece of work and the committee will continue to engage with it over the several months.
The figure that struck members most was that 84 % of households in poverty are working households.
Work alone is not lifting people out of poverty in this borough.
Members raised four things. One was housing costs. The assessment identifies housing costs as a significant driver.
Members asked why housing is not an overriding priority. The committee's view is that the strategy should say plainly what the council can influence and what it cannot.
so residents can understand where the task force will act.
Secondly, it was the in -work poverty and good jobs.
Members want the council to use every lever it has, including procurement,
social value and regeneration, so that jobs created in new developments
and growth sectors go to local residents.
This needs to run alongside the inclusive economy work
and be built into the strategic plan, not sit beside it.
Thirdly, it was around unclaimed benefits. There is currently no target for reducing
the 187 million. Advice services have waiting lists of around eight weeks. Members asked
for a target and made a strong case for working through smaller grassroots organisations that
residents already trust, not only large national providers.
Fourthly, it was around the outcomes.
Officers acknowledged the draught outcomes are too generic and duplicate the strategic vision.
The committee agrees and wants them sharpened.
I asked what measurable change residents should see if we invite the task force back in two years.
The answer was three things.
A reduction in child poverty, a reduction in work poverty, and far more capacity in debt and welfare advice.
Those are the right three and the committee will hold the task force to them.
One ask of cabinet is the social economic duty is due at cabinet in October.
The committee welcomes it when it comes.
I would ask cabinet to look closely at how it will be applied in practise so that it
changes decisions rather than adding a paragraph to a report template.
So the draught strategic plan 26 -2030, the committee welcomes the ambition in the strategic plan.
Members were pleased to see the anti -poverty work, the socio -economic duty and inclusive
growth already written into it.
A few points stood out from the discussion.
One was housing.
Around 1 ,000 homes are on site with more than 40 sites identified for over 3 ,000 homes under
the accelerated programme.
Officers told us the biggest delivery risk is private sector schemes that rely on market
sales to fund affordable homes and that the hardest challenge overall is severe overcrowding
affecting around 7 ,000 families.
We were not building our four and five bedroom homes to meet that need.
So the committee wants to see the other solutions set up clearly in the delivery plan.
We spoke about children.
Officers suggested healthy weight, attainment at A level and post -16 destinations as the
measures were improvement by 2030 would matter most.
Members want the delivery plan to show how the most vulnerable children, not just overall
children will benefit.
We spoke about green jobs.
Members pressed on decarbonisation as a source of well -paid local jobs.
Officers confirmed the opportunity is recognised but not yet modelled.
The committee would encourage that work to start now because training people for those
roles will take time.
Affordability was also discussed.
we asked which priorities would be protected if the financial position worsens.
The answer was that everything is currently intended to be funded with costing still underway
through the MTFS.
Our finance scrutiny and task and finish group will be testing that as budget develops.
Our main ask is on accountability.
Members want to know who is accountable for delivering each of the eight priorities.
The annual delivery plan and new performance indicators will be what makes this plan real.
The committee asked that both come to scrutiny before they come to cabinet with a named lead
for each priority.
We looked at the continuous improvement plan.
The committee welcomed the progress report.
Members signing the pledge and engaging with training, historic audit recommendations being
strong staff participation and better partnership working.
We also noted that some programmes remain off track but recoverable, and that capacity
in HR and recruitment to key roles remain the main risks.
Members questioned members' inquiries, so we had a discussion around that.
Members described chasing responses several times and receiving answers that did not address
questions asked first time.
Officers acknowledged this and told us a sample of 100 inquiries had confirmed the pattern of repeat chasing.
Members see this as a question of trust between members and officers and of residents getting answers.
We want to see measurable improvement, including how often an inquiry is resolved first time.
More broadly, the Committee's ask for future updates is evidence that improvements are embedded and making a difference,
not only that actions have been delivered.
Finally, we looked at our Work Programme. The committee agreed on it for 2026 -27. It was
built with cabinet colleagues at our July workshop and informed by engagement with residents
and voluntary sector organisations. It will be shared with directorates, CMT and the Mayor's
Office so it can be reflected in forward planning. I would ask cabinet colleagues to keep telling
us early where decisions are coming so that scrutiny can add value before they are taken.
Our finance scrutiny group has held its first session on adult social care. Its next session
is on the 26th of October and it will report in December ahead of the committee's budget
scrutiny in January. We will also be holding a spotlight on Be Well Leisure Services on
19th of October following a site visit on 5th of October.
Thank you Mr. Heya.
Thank you, Councillor.
Thank you for your contributions and your statement and thank you to your committee
for the work that you've done over the last few months.
Very grateful to you.
I want to comment on, I don't usually do so, but comment on one or two matters and ask, make a request of your committee.
I think in view of the A -level results this year, I request you and your committee to review and consider those results
and see what suggestions that you have for the corporate director and for us as the executive.
Yep, and Steve, the corporate director and Steve, I wrote to both of you on my dissatisfaction
with the A -level results this year.
I do need a paper to cabinet what improvements we can put in place as soon as possible in
order to improve and drive up the A -level results.
And sadly, I went to Cobble Knudsen School yesterday to launch our school uniform grandson,
and sadly you couldn't go.
Came across the mother, she got a child at that school, but then she had a child who
just did her GCS edition at Swanley.
She got between 9 to 11 A -stars.
Yep.
Soon as the results came out, she ran to NCS.
In the morning she ran to NCS for a place there in Newham rather than going to any of our six forms.
I am so sorry to say this, I know head teachers will hear this and they won't be happy with me or us,
but the cream, the best of our students unfortunately are going after GCSE.
They're doing very well at GCSE, but when it comes to A level, they're going outside
of the borough, most of them, and those authorities are picking up our success, whilst if those
kids stayed in our borough, in our sixth forms, in our college, those results that GCSE would
have turned into good A level results for us. And it was embarrassing to see A level
results this year. So I do want a paper from you as soon as possible, with good suggestions
and if you need to get external help between you and Lisa Fraser, we need to sort out education.
I'm not happy, many of the members are not happy with the A level results in the entire
hundreds.
Thank you Mayor, of course. I know that Steve will do that. Just to be clear in relation
to the scrutiny role, I think what's being asked, just to put Matthew some clarity around
it, is that the overview and scrutiny committee or appropriate subcommittee consider a stream
of work that considers actions or initiatives being put in place by the corporate director
to address, in partnership with head teachers, arrangements to improve A -level results in
the borough.
I should say as well it's for the committee itself to make the final decision on exactly how they want to do it, if they want to take it up.
But I think that's perfectly reasonable, it's a basic principle.
That's the request we're making.
Is that okay?
Thank you.
Thank you for coming.
Best wishes.
Okay.
We're going to move on to the agenda now.
I see that David, the corporate director and Hannah are outside.
6 .1 is their paper.

5 b) Any Unrestricted Decisions "Called in" by the Overview & Scrutiny Committee

Oh Sam, the boss, come along to the hot seat.

6 a) 6th Floor of Town Hall Letting

Thank you, thank you Sam.
Okay, it's you, I don't know, I'm looking over there, I don't know why.
Thank you Mayor. So I'll keep it very brief and Sam's here for any questions.
So this report seeks authority to enter into a lease for occupation of the sixth floor
of the town hall. I think it's good news for us because an average will be receiving around
£625 ,000 per year. That's a bit more than a £3 million over five years.
And it's a good tenon. So we've done due diligence on whether they can afford the rent.
We're making some significant income. It's part of our MTFS. So we've got a savings target that
we're hopefully achieving and will be surpassing in future years. So I think it's a report that
Everyone should welcome.
Thank you, Sam, please.
Thank you, welcome.
Hi, Mr Mayor.
Yeah, I think the council has covered that.
I think since flexible working, we know that the building's been underoccupied.
We went out on a six month marketing exercise for the town hall.
We've got lots of people clicking on the link and interest, but the main people that were
interested was the air ambulance people that put a bid in and submitted a bid previous
to that.
The Councillor is correct that we've got an income target related to that floor and we
will exceed that income target from year 2 onwards.
We note that the cost that we've got shown in here show that they're a good tenant.
We know that it's affordable.
We know that we can give that space up.
We've done a piece of work that's still ongoing but we know that we can maximise use of the
So some very helpful notes come up in other places.
Just to be clear about the operational impact, access to the building and security and those
issues.
So we're looking at all options.
We'll be carrying out security risk assessment of the building.
We'll be carrying out individual risk assessments of the air ambulance service.
We'll be looking at door access and control access into the system.
We're looking at whether or not we would utilise an individual lift to that floor, whether
would use access control for one lift, but we'll be looking at all of that as part of
the operational model.
They will be located on the sixth floor.
They will have access maybe to cycling elements of the basement, but they won't have use of
our full floor kitchen or terrace facilities.
Deputy Mayor.
Thank you, Mr Mayor.
I welcome this report and I thank you to the lead member of our officers who has negotiated
and three things I just want to add, why I think this is a good, because we're making
the best use out of the sixth floor and also it's generating income and also we know the
partners, they're our neighbours, they're based in Taiwan and they have a reputation
and hopefully our partnership will be even more stronger.
So I generally believe this is a good proposal and I will strongly support it.
But I just want to make sure that everything is in place in terms of safeguarding and what the CO said as well.
If needs be, because the tunnel is very busy, we have the resident hub and it's quite busy.
So in terms of communication, signage and signposting, I think we need to make things very clear
so that everyone knows where to go and where things are.
So we don't want any complication.
Thank you.
We'll work on that.
Okay, thank you, Councillor Corbir.
Thank you, Mayor.
So first thing, can I welcome the air ambulance
working with us in relation to letting out the sixth floor.
I think it's an indication of the great partnership work
that this council does with our both statutory partners
and non -s statutory partners as well.
Just wanted to pick up on the under 3 .3, the service charge approximate arrangements.
Just the paper doesn't indicate anything which shows inflationary increases and if we're
talking over a 15 year period it shows a fixed amount.
Just reassurance from officers that this will be reflected because salaries, inflation and
so on so will change over time.
And the second thing is around the rates as well.
Over a 15 -year period, formulations and so on and so may change.
So will the leases have that flexibility built in so that we don't end up picking up the
tab if numbers change?
They certainly will.
We'll be covering all of that within the terms of the lease.
Thank you.
Councillor Shafi.
Thank you, Mr Mayor.
Good afternoon, all.
Please, Sam, you can turn the mic off.
Thank you.
Good afternoon.
This is again, I want to thank the officers, the former lead member and the current lead
member coming together and ensuring that this deal is over the line.
We want to welcome London Ambulance Service, the good work they do.
This is an example of good financial management where we are looking at spaces and utilising
the empty space and making sure that this council is generating income to support the
residents and the outer wide. So I really appreciate this really good work and long
may it continue. Thank you.
Great. Anyone else? Please. Don't repeat what others have said. Not that you do. Please.
Thank you, Mr Mayor. I'm just going to welcome proposal. Thank you to the officers making
good use of the building and it's a respectable tenant as well.
I just had one concern and you touched on it about access and security.
I understand you could dedicate a lift perhaps to the client or the tenant.
What about the staircase?
I just wondered if you thought about that.
We will be covering all of that when we look at the operating model and how they're going
to access the building.
But we have the ability to adapt the access control system.
We have the ability to adapt the lifts.
Obviously in case of a fire all doors would release to open and everybody will be exiting the building
But facilities management would have that as part of their health and safety plan for the building
Thank you anyone else
And I'll say I've got
One particular issue. I want to is some of the relates to the pink paper exam paper. It's about
Rent -free period. So if I could kindly ask any members of the public here, Ishmael,
who will have to just give us about 10 -15 minutes please, yeah?
You can come and say, okay, I'm so sorry, because I've been advised that, and you can do that element.
Yeah, there's no other, no media, other than that, no members of the public.
Okay, great. Councillors can stay.
If you can turn the...
Who's gone to turn the...
The broadcast off.
The broadcast off, please. Yeah, okay.
So it's...
Take your time.

6 a) 6th Floor of Town Hall Letting

6 b) Cressy Place

Thank you, thank you, Ismail, for coming back again.
Sorry to eject you for a bit.
Okay, we're back in public session again.
Okay, so members, we had a discussion regarding one or two other issues.
Now can we, in public session, are we happy to agree this paper?
Yeah, yeah, Tala?
However, subject to the delegation element in recommendation two, we're agreeing to...
Thank you, Mayor.
So we're suggesting an amendment to recommendation two to insert the word rent -free period after terms of the lease.
So where there is a reference to final negotiations being concluded by the corporate director in consultation with the mayor, we also wish to insert the word rent -free period.
Yeah.
Will that... Thank you, Shifu.
Will that include very specific reference to us doing the work?
I'm just really curious. You said the work's extensive.
I'm just not concerned, but at the end of the day, it's our building.
They're going to be doing work.
It would be helpful to understand that we've got not an input,
but certainly an impact, and we can do the work on their part.
because it seems to me that's going to be, Sam, unless you tell me otherwise, much simpler.
And again, we are looking at that, we're already looking at all of that, and we've considered those, Dalchum.
But I'm suggesting that that happens irrespective of the rent -free period, that it happens anyway.
Well, we could include the reference to the reparation works as well in the recommendations.
I personally think that would be helpful.
So we agreed this paper subject to the amendments, those further amendments to the delegation recommendation.
Is that okay?
Thank you and grateful.
Okay, shall we move on to 6 .2 please?
Okay, development of Cressey Place and Community Centre, EOS Section 203 Powers.
Today, fantastic, we've got a number of papers dealing with more council homes, more family -sized homes,
and it clearly sets out this council's vision to deliver more homes for families and people to alleviate overcrowding in the borough.
So thank you for bringing those papers, I'm very grateful for these papers.
Okay, Said.
Thank you Mayor, just on that note, it gives me the pleasure of introducing this paper
which is about CressiPlace and this section 203 report for CressiPlace seeks the approval
to use the Council's sections 203 powers to support the delivery of this important housing
scheme within the Council's new build programme.
So at its heart this is about delivering much needed Council homes for local residents.
Cressy Place has been carefully designed to respond to the local need.
It will provide 31 council social rented homes, including 18 family sized properties in our Stepney Ward.
The delivery of this scheme and these new homes in particular is very important given the acute demand for family accommodation across the borough
and the increasing pressure on our TA and overcrowded households.
The approved scheme will also deliver improved high quality landscaping and improve the public
realm between Cressy Place, Redmond Road and Tinsley Road.
The scheme will redevelop the existing area with car parking, landscaping and the addition
of a new community centre as you mentioned Mr Mayor.
The scheme has secured planning permission already.
funding are ready to move and we are ready to move into the delivery phase.
And they represent a significant step into our commitment
to increasing the supply of genuinely affordable housing.
And we aim to start on site with the main works,
with the main contractor in autumn 2027.
We've got David, Hannah and team, who would like to add a little bit more.
I would just reiterate the point made earlier that actually the effect of the section 203
powers being executed just means that where people's rights are impacted that those rights
will be calculated on the same basis as compensation that is set out in the compulsory purchase
act so people get a completely fair level in line with the recommendation but what people
can do is to seek to injunct us and prevent the development from coming forward given
the very clear social purpose that we have around delivering these important social rented
homes.
Thank you David.
Hannah, a colleague over there, anything you want to add to what's been said?
I think just to add obviously it is about de -risking delivery and taking that risk around
injunction away and enabling us to deliver the planning consented scheme.
As the lead member mentioned we are moving into delivery now.
We will be coming back to cabinet next month to seek approval to proceed with the main
works contractor procurement which will start later this autumn.
Thank you.
Make sure it's open tender, please.
Please, as always.
Okay, Councillor Sabina, Dr. I'll bring Tala in.
Thank you.
So as one of the local councillors for Stepney, really pleased with this scheme and finally
it's taking place.
We all are aware that it's already gone through planning and today we're just approving the
section 203 money to kind of enable the development.
I think that's a really important thing.
I think that's a really important thing.
I think that's a really important thing.
fair to one, council size homes, 100 % social rent, I believe, 18 family size homes, which
is much needed for the borough, and myself and the residents, clearly, we need the housing
in the borough. And the community centre, that really needs the replacement, also the
run down garages that are there. The lead member mentioned about the car parking facilities
I do know that a lot of the residents were questioning us about that as well.
So if you can elaborate how you will kind of, it's already quite dense that area, if
you could elaborate on the car parking spaces that would be available.
Do you want to quickly just say David or Hannah just comment on the car parking please, before
I bring others in.
Is that okay?
Please.
Yeah, obviously this isn't completely connected to the decision we're taking today. I don't
have the car parking planning details to hand but we can get that for you but what I will
commit to in terms of lessons learned on Copenhagen is before obviously as we move towards a start
on site we will be engaging with residents and the community in terms of the impact of
the scheme coming forward. I presume the new build will be car free but we will, yeah,
we'll cheque all of that and I can respond to you directly.
Can I just clarify, just to add on to what Hannah said, any new development under government
legislation has to be a car free zone, but we're the only borough in the country where
we have a permit transfer scheme, so people who are moving there, if they live in an old
without a household, they're moving to two bedrooms and above, they'll be entitled to
a car permit, on street car permit in any event.
So we've accommodated that.
Okay, thank you.
Thala.
Thank you, Mayor.
I totally agree with everything Councillor Lachter said around the need for more housing,
especially family size homes.
But I think I just wanted to welcome the section in the report where he talks about the scheme
costing around 23 .1 million pounds and the fact that any right to light claims are going
to be absorbed within that budget so it's not an extra pressure.
So the fact that we're approving this paper on using the section 203, it's not adding
a further financial pressure on our budget.
Thank you.
Greatful.
Deputy Mayor.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
I just want to welcome the report and echo what others have said.
But I know you went through planning process and so on.
I didn't have opportunity to say it then, so I thought I'd say it now.
I mean, if you remember, there were a lot of misinformation
and skill mongering regarding this scheme, formal positions,
and a lot of the community people were, you know, they were fed wrong,
you know, misinformation regarding there will be no community centre
and so on.
I'm glad it's going ahead and it's been approved.
And now we're going ahead with this.
There will be a community centre.
It will be managed by the council and it will be for the whole community and it will be
used by the community like fairly.
So I just want to add that.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Anyone else?
No.
Okay.
Thank you.
I too welcome this report and other reports will follow that we're going to get more homes,
family sized homes, council homes, it's a good thing for our residents.
The community centre, despite the misinformation, there is going to be a community centre,
But whilst the demolition and the rebuild happens, I mean the community centre would
have to be moved. Obviously there's going to be some disruption. I know Hannah and the
team and the people in the Mayor's Office are talking to the users, there are some good
users in that centre. We do want to talk to them and see how we can facilitate or accommodate
We can't accommodate some of them. We can't accommodate the whole centre.
We don't have that kind of big space anywhere.
But some of the users, the good users, we don't want to lose them.
They make, they're voluntary organisations, make a huge contribution to our borough.
Can you please continue that dialogue, make sure before we demolish, we have seen them and worked with them and accommodated them.
Is that okay? Please, yeah.
On that basis, can we agree this paper?
Please, before then, go on please Matthew.
I might miss this, I was checking this tech earlier, but have you just noted there are the exempt papers?
Just to confirm you've considered them.
Again, there are exempt papers attached, we've not referred to them.
Deputy Mayor, they should be gone.
My favourite bit, in terms of comms, there are really good paper schemes today that we're discussing.
So, Andreas is here, Sowisnik is here too, he's going to do some comms for us too.
And David and Said, can you please look up, it's a good piece, we need to promote it.
About family size terms, community facilities, etc. Please, can you look up comms?
Okay, can we agree with the recommendations?
Yes, it's okay. Thank you and agree. Grateful.
Good. Can we move on to again 6 .3, it's a similar paper.

6 c) Caxton Grove

Caxton Hall Community Centre in Bow, Bow West and adjoining land.
Sayeed.
Thank you Mr. Mayor. So this one is very similar on Caxton Grove.
This section 203 report for Caxton Grove seeks approval to use the council's
Section 203 Powers to support the delivery of this important housing scheme.
This is about delivering much needed homes and we will in this delivery have 36 council
social rented homes, including 14 family sized properties and this is in bold.
And again this scheme will provide high quality homes, improve the landscaping and the replacement
of the old community centre with a new larger venue within the new development.
And again the planning has been, the permission has been granted, the funding and pre -start
works have commenced in advance of the main works commencing in 2027.
Thank you.
Please, David.
Thank you.
I think the only, the one thing I would emphasise and actually one of the residents asked me
this question about the Copenhagen scheme. These are genuinely affordable homes, they
will be council homes that cancel rent. There have been experiences elsewhere with non -council
developments where the rent levels have been higher, but we've been really clear about
this scheme from the start, that these are council homes that cancel rent. And then everything
I said on the previous item around what this decision means in terms of the CPO Act apply
here as well.
Thank you.
Do you want to add anything to what has been said?
It is following the same principles in terms of all of the section 203 papers.
Thank you very much.
Anyone?
Any members?
Go on, Councillor Shafi.
Thank you, Mr Mayor.
I am just pleased that we are following a similar pattern on all the ones that are here
the previous and it's really rewarding and making sure that we are not just going above
market rate but we are there and it's part of the orders going into this paper.
And we can see the re -establishment of another community centre that's needed within that
area so it's really welcoming as well. Not just homes for our residents but also a community
centre, a safe place, whether it's youth service, elderly care or community use, it's really
welcoming and I really commend this to the whole team. Thank you.
Okay, thank you, Councillor Shafi. Anyone else? Please, Minara.
I just want to echo what Councillor Shaffi said, the combination of homes and community
replacement community centre I think is really positive and it's a strong social benefit
to the community as well, so thank you.
Thank you. Anyone else? If no one else, can we again I echo those sentiments, I always
push for a community centre across the borough. If you're going to build, you're going to put families in there,
you need a community space for people to go and have some recreation activities or do some activities generally.
And I know sometimes when I give a steer to developers they're not too pleased, but we're leading the way,
We're showing that we're doing it on our own space.
If we can do it, surely you can do it.
And there are parts of the borough that we don't even have a presence.
There's the housing stock transfer and the RSLs, they have the land,
we don't have the land.
So I think wherever we go opportunity, we should push for community spaces.
So families, elders, kids can have a space,
especially in the dark winter days for play areas.
So thank you to the officers, Hannah and the team for the work you've done.
And there was an exempt pink paper attached, can we note that please?
With those can we agree with the recommendations?
Yeah, okay, thank you.

6 d) Brunton Wharf housing scheme

Great. The next one is again very good news, quite a few of them now.
6 .4, development of Brunton -Wolf and again is the right of light paper.
Thank you, Mr Mayor.
This one for Bronson Wolf, again seeking the Council's powers on the Section 203 to expedite
this process if the Council needs to expedite the Council's new build programmes.
So this development here is in Bronson Wolf and within this we will find 32 new Council's
social rented homes, including 15 family sized properties in Salmon Lane, which is in Milan
Ward, I believe.
The approved scheme will also deliver improved landscaping for that area.
The scheme has already secured planning permission, funding is also ready and we are now moving on to the next phase.
They represent a significant step to our commitment in affordable housing and we aim to start on the site with the main works with contracts in early 2027.
Thank you. Please, David.
I don't think there is too much to be added other than to say every one of the schemes
before you today has a very high proportion of social rented homes which goes above and
beyond our local plan requirements and I think this is another good example of that.
And hence why it is really important that we de -risk it in the way that Hannah has been
outlining on the other reports.
Thank you.
Hannah, Madam, anything you want to add?
I would like to say that using our section 203 powers enables us to deliver planning
consensus scheme and there are in addition to the new social rented homes, 32 with 15
family size homes, there are massive improvements to the public realm, landscaping and the current
parking on site as well, which is a big benefit on this scheme.
Just a quick query. On 14 .2, there's reference to capital financing requirement that's going
to be adjusted in the HRA and the general fund. And the last sentence says this will
need to be built into the HRA business planning process to ensure it is affordable within
the HRE. So I just wanted to understand whether that process has been done or when is it done
and when do we actually know that it is affordable.
This scheme forms part of the current HRE business plan and we're just going through
the process with finance doing budget, updating the budget, but this is currently in the HRE
business plan and as he commented on before the rights of like compensation
has been factored into the budget.
Okay, thank you. Anyone else?
Councillor Said, I think, oh sorry, Minara.
Shunali, please, sorry, forgive me.
Yes, I just wanted to say that I'm really pleased with this project.
new homes, more homes. Our residents would be satisfied. We can't please everyone, but
I'm really, really happy that 32 new dwellings will take place. So I'm really happy. Thank
you.
Thank you. You can tell your residents to get more homes. See if they want to come and
object. Thank you. I'm not inviting anyone, by the way. Okay, go on, Minara.
People are going to become Three countries.
the look and feel and the perception.
So yeah, a lot more natural surveillance as a result of the development.
Okay, is that okay? Anyone else?
No one else? Councillor Said, for each of them, we need your department to have a
Comms Plan to promote these schemes.
Like your bidding video, you should do another video and invite some comments.
It wasn't done very well, the bidding one.
Is that okay?
Okay, okay.
But on a serious note, we do need, it's good, so many homes are coming forward.
On top, these are direct delivery on top of the Mayor's Accelerated Housing Scheme.
Is that okay? And we're continuously adding other schemes onto it. Please, David.
Yeah, I was just going to say, as well as Andreas, we've got Elsa here who leads on all of our housing comms
and she has been noting every one of the requests.
Just don't make them do any videos please.
Thank you.
Thank you. So can we, we are grateful to you.
Can we agree the recommendations? And note the pink paper please.
Thank you. Thank you.

6 e) Copenhagen Place Scheme

Okay, next one we heard is the 6 .5 Development of Copenhagen Place against light tissue.
We had some residents, colleagues who came from the state and Councillor Said,
and they made some recommendations, Councillor Said and David did comment on those,
and also David and Hannah kind of went out and spoke to those residents and they did
put in a petition if we can please David respond to that petition point by point.
They said okay please I'd be grateful to you and if I could have a copy.
But the important point is whilst we need to protect our existing residents, I understand
where they're living, but we need more homes, we need more infrastructure in the borough,
We need more family sized homes, we need more council homes, social affordable homes in the borough.
There is a huge waiting list of people living in kids languishing and families languishing over the households.
So our policies, where there are brownfield sites, where there are sites that we can demolish and rebuild, we want to do that.
It's a good example of this council taking initiative and going to provide more homes over the coming months and years.
And I know it's difficult sometimes, people get a bit anxious when it's on their state, on their doorstep.
You've done a good job to reassure people, but we need to go ahead with this development.
It's about homes, it's about people, it's about children, it's about the future.
Thank you.
Saeed.
Thank you, Mayor.
So on this Copenhagen place, before I get to the details, there's been a bit of a typo
in paragraph 1 .4 where it says the planning permission was approved by the committee on
the 7th of January.
I think the planning permission was actually approved by the delegated authority on the
7th of January, 2025.
This is just an amendment.
And again, like the other reports, this one's very important, with the section 203 powers
to the council to commence this council's new build programmes and this development has
18 new council social rented homes including nine family sized properties with a couple
of them with the disabled access as well as mixed use fore beds and so on so forth.
And again this is within our, like I said, it's within our Mylan Ward and the scheme
has already planning permission, the funding is in place as well and it's about to move forward to the next steps.
And the Council has procured the main contractor for the project and we will be starting on site before the end of the year. Thank you.
David.
Thank you Mr. Mayor. And just to add to what the lead member said and also what I said earlier,
we will do a full response, written response to the petition and we will share that with you.
In terms of some of the substantive points, we can't reopen the planning decisions which have been through a full and transparent process
and we have gone through all the consultation that's required as part of that process.
But clearly the rationale for making this decision is for the same reason that we've set out in the other reports
that Hannah described earlier, we're trying to minimise the risk of this scheme being held up
precisely because of the public benefit of having these new family -sized social rented homes,
because we need to always have one mind on the families who are living in temporary
accommodation and bad they need these homes. And as you say, we have to weigh that up against
impact. But where there are impacts, we're applying a fair and proportionate approach
to compensation as we would do on any scheme and which is set out in legislation for us
to do.
This is really about preventing the scheme from being injunted and delayed and stopping
that public benefit from coming forward.
But we will continue to engage with residents, including a meeting on Monday, which the team
are going to.
David?
I know, Madam, anything you want to add?
I was just going to say we're going to the TRA meeting on Monday, so we'll drop the response
in advance of that.
But I think with this it's a good opportunity to talk through with the residents the wider
public benefits of this scheme as well, because it has been a while since the planning decision
was taken in 2025.
Can I just say for the record, this isn't a courtyard, this is where we're going to
build.
There are a bunch of garages.
garages can be demolished and we're going to rebuild and landscape there is going to
improve, not only provide home, it's going to improve that piece of housing state so
families can live, their kids can grow up and make it much more amenable for the local
area.
Please, Deputy Mayor.
Thank you. I was just saying thanks for going to the TRA meeting. Again, what I said before
before regarding the Stepan Ward one.
I think there are people out there, Mr. Mayor,
that's just providing misinformation to residents
and so on, and I'm hoping by our senior officers
attending TRA meetings and talking to residents
face -to -face that will hopefully help
with the wrong information that is spreading, so yeah.
Thank you.
Please, Councillor Tala.
No, Shunali.
I was just going to ask, in terms of the existing garages, what do you have in place?
Because it's my neighbouring ward and I've had quite a few residents have approached
me for the parking.
Yeah, in terms of them, well obviously the garages will be demolished as part of the
in terms of the current parking, we do need to suspend 14 of the bays to enable the development
to come forward, but we have given residents now until the 28th of September to register
for on -street parking and we provided two weeks free parking vouchers as a goodwill
gesture as well in the interim. And I think as part of this development there's seven
parking spaces that will be delivered as part of the new scheme as well. So we're aware
parking is quite sensitive and we'll be talking through that detail on Monday night.
Can I just talk about garages, can I just say Darren, I know of garages which have been
illegally sublet. I'm not saying that's the case in those garages. I know Darren and Ashraf,
your team can determine if that's the case in the housing team. But we know across the borough,
there are other garages or it is RSL garages. Garages are being passed on. You know, either
the occupier of the houses have moved on, but somehow they kept the garages and we have this
Council or the other cells haven't been quick enough or good enough to pick up the fact
that, or housing, pick up the fact that people have moved on.
They kept the garages and they've sold them on.
So we can look at that.
I know people need car spaces, but we know across the borough, some garages are waste
of space, some garages are being sold off, some garage spaces are space for social behaviour.
I know during the previous administration to refer to them where I live on hand -wristed high numbers by the Somali school
There are lovely cottages. That's been they delivered the previous administration. I
Remember there's a huge protest by hundred people living in and around hand -wristed high numbers
They didn't want those cottages those 10 or 12 cottages are exclusive for disabled families. They were former garages
They were used for urination, they were used for businesses and they were used for other things I don't want to name here.
So sometimes I think it's important to clear off garages and do something with them, the space, but we need to accommodate.
People make sure they are spoken to, worked with and they are accommodated in different ways.
if they generally need a car space.
If they sold off, moved out of the borough, they should be keeping the garages.
David, please.
Yeah, and I think another good example of what you're describing is the Bancroft and Wickford development,
which was also a former garage site which had a lot of antisocial behaviour,
which is now completely eradicated by what is a beautiful new housing scheme.
But one of the things that my previous lead member is reminding me is that, you know,
in his housing management function is intending to carry out an audit of our garages because
I think all of the things that you've said are true and also there are a number of underutilised
garages as well where there isn't anyone renting them and we need to think more creatively
about how we use them and make them an asset that's returning a value to the council.
So it is a piece of work we want to do.
To add on to that, whilst I was campaigning in and around my land, I was passing by a
place. A gentleman did come out. He lives in that building. He's a black cab driver.
He does use the garage and obviously he was concerned. So someone like that is genuine,
needs the garage space for their earnings, income. I think we should work with them,
accommodate them, find alternative spaces for them. Please hear. It's the ones who have
sublet, they're the ones we need to catch out. I said okay, please hear. So work with
garage owners, determine who is genuine and please support them.
With those comments and that amendment that Councillor Saeed made, Proctor 1 .4, can we
agree the recommendations and note the pink paper please?
Is that okay?
It's done.
Great for you.
That's done.
We move on to now 6 .6, another very important, a good paper that we need to move along a bit.
Arnold Road Development approved to enter into a pre -construction service agreement
and completion work strategy following contractor insolvency, which is out of our hands unfortunately.
Okay, Said.
Thank you Mayor, so this paper seeks the approval to increase the budget and enter into a PCSA
with Lovo Partnerships to enable the completion of 62 affordable homes and commercial units
are on a road in Bromley North Ward.
Following the insolvency of the original contractor, the Council has worked to restart and complete
the project as quickly as possible.
After a compliant procurement process, Lovo was appointed to carry out the pre -PCSA investigations,
which have informed the proposed PCSA value to be at £1 .1 million.
Lovo has extensive experience in completing distressed developments, including those requiring
structural remediation, defect resolution and regulatory engagement, making them well
place to address the concrete frame concerns at Arnold Road, which is quite serious.
The PCSA will allow immediate investigation and validation work, helping to manage construction
risks, secure approvals, develop a robust completion strategy and prevent further deterioration
of the building.
This is considered the quickest route to a practical completion.
The revised programme includes a 26 -week PCSA period, reduced from 36 weeks through negotiation,
followed by 15 months of main works, subject to approval.
A PCSA report confirming the completion strategy, cost and programme is expected in April 2027,
with practical completion anticipated by June 2028.
The Council has acted to progress the scheme efficiently while maintaining quality and
much needed affordable homes as soon as possible.
Thank you.
David, you want to come in please.
Yeah, I mean it's a really important report to get this scheme moving again.
I mean obviously number one purpose is to allow us to complete these important social rented units,
which will also obviously generate important revenue for our housing revenue account.
Hannah and the team have followed a procurement approach to get us the best suited contractor

6 f) Arnold Road Development (3-5 Arnold Road) – rationale and delivery

for this type of work, which is quite specialised.
The approach taken will ensure that we can get things moving and get this scheme completed
as early as possible.
Please, Hannah, please.
Just to conclude then, just to give a bit more of detail in terms of the recovery approach,
because of the distressed nature of the site and the issues with the concrete frame which
were identified by the contractor, Geron Forkas, before they went into administration, but
they had not come forward with their full remediation strategy before they went into
administration in February.
We've had to look at quite a bespoke approach to this.
So it's been a three -stage approach, which has been outlined, which has involved a pre -PCSA,
which we competitively tended for and level with a successful contractor winning on quality
and price, and then a PCSA phase and a future main works contract.
What we're asking cabinet to approve is to enter into the PCSA.
We're also asking for delegated authority to enter into the main works contract if subject
to that successful PCSA period.
We do have the right to walk away and terminate the contract with Lovell after the PCSA period
if we're not content with the programme quality and price.
So the actual commitment today is just to enter into the PCSA works contract and secure
the budget uplift to finish off this much needed scheme and deliver those 62 social
rented homes and new commercial space. And just to concur that we do believe that Lovell
are the best, highest quality contractor with a lot of experience in delivering distressed
sites. They've got a number of other big schemes that they've taken on recently across London
in a similar position, so I think they are the market leaders here and we are obviously
prioritising their experience and quality to get this back on track through that PCSA
period.
They will propose a remediation strategy fully costed for the concrete frame and that will
be delivered as part of the main works.
So we're seeking that approval.
The approvals today in this cabinet report will enable us to get this much needed housing
scheme back on track and delivered.
David.
Just to confirm as well that there's two subsequent stages that Hannah has described,
that recommendations five and seven set out that that delegation is to delegate authority to me in consultation with you as Mayor and the Director of Legal Services and then the same applies at recommendation seven.
I think you've covered, I saw it and I was worried about the main contract delegation.
Delegation covers that and it will speed up things. We need to move on with it very quickly.
So thank you for that. Please, members, anyone else? Do you need any clarification? Councillor
Coburn, then I'll bring Councillor Shafi.
Thank you, Mayor. Just wanted to pick up, we've passed a lot of housing up, sort of,
sites through section 203 and sort of going into development, coming around by early next
year, just what are the governance arrangements put in place and safeguards put in place in
order to protect the council with developers going bust. We know building inflation has
gone up, we know we've got a robust procurement process as well, but you do get these ups
and downs and we've had a lot of slippage over the last four years and I
know we've got a more stable management team now and a workforce but can I get
assurances that as a council we're quite secure going into contracts with sort of
developers in order to deliver. We're looking at three to three and a half
So just reassurance around that.
I think that's particularly pertinent on this one.
So in the legal comments we've made a note that obviously we will be expecting Lovell
to provide either a parent company guarantee or a performance bond and that will be, the
detail of that will be negotiated and agreed as part of the PCSA period but entering into
the main works will be conditional on them providing that and that's the approach we
will be taking across all of our direct delivery schemes.
I think it's worth noting that Jeremy Falk has had similar protections within their contract
and we are working through a process where we might be able to claw back some money because
of those protections within that contract and that work is ongoing and the detail of
that is in the exempt financial appendix to this report.
Thank you, Anna. Please, Councillor Shafi.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I just wanted to ensure that this is,
Arnold Road is like outstanding work and I think it's much needed development
and it's unfortunate that the company has gone into liquidation.
We had to approach in this way, but I think it's a way forward
and it's a positive way. And overall, Mr. Mayor,
I just wanted to mention this is a moment today.
that we had five papers here today, all those five papers were actually about housing and the real need of this community and this borough.
And I think four months after the election period when you came in you said to us as cabinet members and as officers that we want to deliver at pace.
and today this is a moment where we can justify and clarify and celebrate that we are actually moving at pace
ensuring that residents matter. Some of these developments that have come through, they have got affordable family homes
they have got community centres where it's needed, they have got so many issues that our residents face
and I think this election, the people have put their faith in you
and the answer was in the ballot box
and I think today is that testimony where we are moving at pace
and the word accelerated is really keep your foot on the pedal,
continue to accelerate and work and bring homes for the people of this borough.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor, and I really want to commend the whole team for this great effort.
Thank you.
Great.
Any member? Anyone else?
Anyone else? Can I? Thank you. Thank you for those comments.
And I do want to thank David, Hannah and the team, the direct delivery team,
the capital delivery team for the work that you do.
We need to move our pace.
We need to make sure that we protect ourselves against this kind of eventuality.
I think a permanent company guarantee or a bond should be the norm rather than an exception.
I know we want to promote small companies, we want to cater to them coming forward for the procurement process.
At the end of the day, delay like this, slippage like this incurs more costs.
And more importantly is the delay, is the people's expectation.
We were telling people, a lot of people saw on the road, a very excited number of
fertilised stems coming along, the delay has dampened that expectation.
So please, going forward David, my request is let's protect ourselves as much as we can
against this kind of issue.
We've got to do it, but let's try our best.
Is that okay?
With those comments, can we agree with this report and note the exempt paper please?
Done.
Thank you.

6 g) Wraparound Childcare Programme – Grant Awards for the Creation and Expansion of Places

Then the last paper, Steve and Foyzul, is the
Wraparound Child Care Programme, grant rewards
for creation and expansion of places.
Foyzul, thank you, officers.
Mr. Foyzul Hamid -Majdani, President and Chief
Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
I'm pleased to introduce this report on the final
phase of the Wraparound Child Care Programme.
This programme forms a key part of the government's
child care reforms and supports our commitment to
ensuring that families across the Hamlets can
access high quality affordable childcare before and after the school day.
By September 2026, parents and carers of primary school aged children should be able to access
childcare from 8am to 6pm, helping families balance work and caring responsibilities.
This report seeks approval for phase 6 grant allocations enabling further expansion of
around childcare places across the borough.
Today, the programme has delivered significant success,
creating 913 additional places
and strengthening local childcare provision.
The funding recommendations before cabinet
have been assessed through a clear and robust process,
ensuring value for money, sustainability,
inclusivity and compliance
with the Department of Education requirements.
I'm proud that this investment supports our strategic priority
to accelerate education, improve opportunities for children,
and help parents access employment and training.
Therefore, I commend the recommendations in the report.
Thank you, Steve. Please, is anyone to add?
You're okay? Good.
It's a straight forward paper and a whole lot of processes behind the scene went ahead to make these recommendations.
Any comments from anyone? Councillor Sunali, please.
I wanted to ask, are they after school provisions or are they during the holiday time?
It's before and after school, yeah.
Thank you Mr. Mayor. I again welcome this report. It is a practical programme, directly
supports families and children in terms of childcare around our schools. And the additional
place will provide 113 places. So in total we are looking at nearly 913. So it is excellent
and I endorse this. Thank you.
And thank you to our officers.
Thank you, grateful. Anyone else?
No, Councillor Shmueli again, please.
Sorry Steve, I was going to ask, so are these means tested,
like families, is that going to be free to everybody
or how do they, if we were to tell parents and residents?
The providers make the places available
and it depends on the individual family circumstances,
how much they pay to the provider, as their fee rate.
But obviously, families on low incomes can apply for support to fund the places.
Yes, I'll echo my colleagues, it's a very excellent scheme that we're going through.
In terms of children with SEND, how many is any provision for them?
It's not explicitly supporting children with SCN so there's not additional funding for things like one -to -one support
but some other providers do have that where they're already supporting children with additional needs
but I think it's an area that we need to expand more provisions certainly, yeah.
Thank you, Councillor, really good question.
We have made really good use of the grant and achieving 913 places is a great use of
the grant.
At the moment we are still waiting for confirmation if there will be a continued follow -up grant,
But I think it's been really successful, so hopefully we will see that come in later years.
Okay, I think we've done, thank you Steve and Fozul for your presentation, answered
those questions Steve, thank you.
We've got no other paper, can we agree the recommendations and note the exempt paper
please, yeah?
Yes.
Okay, there's no other items, we'll come to the end of the cabinet meeting.
Webcast Finished - 1:18:33
Thank you very much.