The government is deploying ministerial representatives to Tower Hamlets Council in order to address issues of inadequate governance and local accountability.
Jim McMahon, the local government minister, stated that intervention is “both essential and timely,” given the council’s inability to make improvements in several crucial areas.
A report from last year highlighted that a deficiency of trust and respect between political factions allowed the executive in Tower Hamlets to operate without challenge.
The report indicated that decision-making within the council was “controlled by a small inner circle” surrounding Mayor Lutfur Rahman, who heads the Aspire party.
Rahman had been barred from holding public office in 2015 after it was determined that he had utilized “corrupt and illegal practices” to secure victory in the previous year’s election. These practices included disparaging another candidate as a racist and engaging in bribery.
In 2022, Rahman was re-elected as mayor following the expiration of his ban.
Inspectors expressed concerns last February regarding the council’s culture and resource management, noting a lack of respect among political groups that hindered councillors from fostering a culture of genuine improvement, insufficient trust at upper management levels, and inadequate oversight of the executive.
The forthcoming intervention is scheduled to continue until March 31, 2028, and will be led by Kim Bromley-Derry, former chief executive of Newham Council, as the ministerial envoy, aided by Shokat Lal and Pam Parkes serving as assistant envoys.
Lal serves as the chief executive of Sandwell Council, while Parkes is a government commissioner.
Tower Hamlets is required to devise and adopt a comprehensive, costed plan for “cultural transformation, political mentorship for members, and a continuous improvement strategy, with resources allocated accordingly.”
The envoys are expected to broaden their focus to encompass issues throughout the authority, extending beyond those highlighted in the directives, according to the government.
The lead envoy will receive a daily rate of £1,100, while the assistants will earn £1,000 per day, for a maximum of 120 days annually.
In a statement, the council remarked that it is “on a continuous journey of enhancement” and that the envoys will assist in this endeavor.
Mayor Lutfur Rahman expressed his eagerness to “collaborate with the envoys.”
Steve Halsey, the council’s chief executive, described the intervention as “a thrilling opportunity” to “positively engage with the collaborative and supportive approach advocated by the government.”
