Leader of Tower Hamlets Labour Group, Councillor Sirajul Islam said:
“The announcement of a statutory support package and Government envoy to oversee the work of Tower Hamlets Council will come as no surprise to residents who have endured over two years of chaos and decline in the quality of local services.
“This decision follows a damning inspection report that lays bare the serious and systemic issues in leadership, governance, and culture at Tower Hamlets Council. The report describes a council where political infighting and patronage have driven out capable staff, where scrutiny is dismissed as an “obstacle,” and where Mayor Rahman’s administration prioritises self-interest over the needs of residents. This intervention is a scathing indictment of his leadership and an embarrassment for our borough.
“The announcement by the Minister means that for a second time in a decade, on both occasions under the leadership of Mayor Rahman, there will be government intervention at Tower Hamlets.
“Labour Councillors have consistently raised concerns about the administration’s disregard for scrutiny and transparency. The Aspire Group and Mayor Rahman have ignored every call for responsible leadership, instead creating an environment so dysfunctional that external intervention has become inevitable.
“We will continue to provide effective and constructive opposition, delivering the scrutiny and leadership our borough so desperately needs.”
ENDS
The full report can be found here: Best Value Inspection of the London Borough of Tower Hamlets – GOV.UK
Aspire’s mismanagement has left residents paying the price:
Housing and Homelessness: Aspire’s promises on housing have proven empty. Affordable housing projects are at a standstill, the waiting list is ballooning, and homelessness is increasing, despite Aspire’s empty pledges.
Waste Collection: Aspire has neglected one of the most basic responsibilities of any council: keeping our streets clean. Our neighbourhoods are filled with uncollected rubbish and fly-tipping, turning public spaces into health hazards.
Road Safety: Aspire’s disregard for road safety has resulted in rising traffic accidents. Residents’ safety is being compromised because Aspire has failed to implement essential protective measures.
Labour is committed to rebuilding the trust that the Tories and Aspire have destroyed
- Tower Hamlets residents deserve a council that is accountable, transparent, and capable of providing basic services. Labour stands ready to deliver the strong and responsible leadership needed to rescue our borough from this disgraceful situation and restore dignity to Tower Hamlets Council.
- Nationally, Labour stand ready to fix the foundations of local government with a real-term increase in local government funding, multi-year funding settlements and an end to competitive bidding that pits councils against each other
Notes to editors
- This intervention will now see an envoy, an assistant envoy, and a restructured council advisory board with independent leads for governance, leadership, and culture imposed on Tower Hamlets Council
- Given the evidence of serious concerns in the Inspection Report, the Secretary of State believes a broad and supportive intervention package, with robust external assurance, is necessary for Tower Hamlets Council to secure compliance with its Best Value Duty.
- In the event that the proposed Ministerial Envoy is dissatisfied with the Council’s progress, the Secretary of State will consider what further measures may be necessary to secure compliance with the Best Value Duty.
- The Leader or Deputy Leader of Tower Hamlets Labour Group are available for interview on request – please enquire for further information