The Government has strengthened its intervention in Tower Hamlets LBC after accusations the council was more interested in protecting its image than quickly delivering reforms.
In a written ministerial statement, communities secretary Steve Reed confirmed extra directions under the Local Government Act, citing ongoing failures to meet Best Value duties, and weaknesses in leadership, financial oversight and transparency.
A report by the Government-appointed envoys concluded the ‘overall pace of change and the grip of the officer and member leadership to drive improvement is insufficient', adding the council's leadership was ‘unnecessarily defensive' and more interested in ‘managing the message' than delivering key reforms.
Announcing the additional directions, Reed said he was satisfied the council was continuing to fail to comply with its Best Value duty, citing in particular its use of resources. He added it was also not demonstrating the ‘required level of leadership grip' to drive change.
The revised measures expand the role of the envoys, granting them oversight of key functions including governance, senior appointments and financial management, with powers held in reserve if progress stalls.
Responding in a statement on its website, Tower Hamlets acknowledged the need to ‘go further and faster' in its improvement programme.
