Further intervention in London borough of Tower Hamlets

29 Apr 2015 09:49 AM

The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government announces new directions for the London borough of Tower Hamlets.

The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government has today, following the judgment of the Election Court on the 23rd April 2015, proposed additional intervention powers for the commissioners to order Tower Hamlets to take any actions needed to safeguard good governance throughout the council until a new mayor and top officer team are in place and fully bedded in.

The proposed additional intervention Directions would enable the commissioners to require Tower Hamlets – deputy mayor, and mayor once elected, cabinet, council, or officers – to take any steps which the commissioners consider are needed for good governance and sound financial management.

The proposed Directions would be in force only as long as necessary. Following the election of the mayor and the 3 statutory officers taking up their posts the Secretary of State would review their continuing need with a view to ending these additional Directions by 31 October 2015 or earlier if appropriate.

The Secretary of State has also appointed 2 new commissioners to join the existing team of commissioners headed by Sir Ken Knight - Chris Allison, who has extensive policing and security experience, and Alan Wood, who has significant experience in children’s services.

The Secretary of State has also issued a Direction requiring the council to appoint, through open competition, a Head of Paid Service, who will be responsible for managing all the council’s staff and exercising delegated executive functions.