The Local Government Secretary today (17 December 2014) sent commissioners into the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.
Eric Pickles highlighted his concerns about a fundamental breakdown in governance and democratic scrutiny in Tower Hamlets following the publication of an independent report in November. He subsequently rejected representations from the Mayor, Tower Hamlet First’s Lutfur Rahman, that identified problems were easily put right.
Sir Ken Knight, the former London Fire Commissioner and Chief Fire and Rescue Advisor to the government, and Max Caller, former Chief Executive of Barnet, Hackney and Haringey councils and the current chairman of the Local Government Boundary Commission for England, will take control of grant making within the council and will approve any sale or disposal of property, as well approve all appointments of senior officers.
Cllr Peter Golds OBE, Leader of the Conservative Group on Tower Hamlets Council said:
“The Conservative Group has tirelessly fought to hold the Mayor to account and ensure governance is open and transparent. We welcome the Commissioners as the first step in a long journey to restore residents’ faith in their Council.”
Chris Wilford, Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Poplar and Limehouse said:
“Residents deserve better and Tower Hamlets is in desperate need of a fresh start. I welcome the Commissioners and hope their work will improve transparency and accountability at Tower Hamlets Council, and begin to restore public confidence in our local democracy.”
Neil King, Chairman of Poplar and Limehouse Conservatives said:
“Local people are fed up of Tower Hamlets being in the national press for all the wrong reasons. We welcome the Commissioners and hope that finally we can start to move past the problems identified in the recent report and maintain community cohesion."
Notes to editors
1. Further information from the Department for Communities and Local Government on the Secretary of State sending in the Commissioners can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/secretary-of-state-sends-in-commissioners-to-tower-hamlets