Response to new Ministerial Directions

We recognise the need to deliver our improvement journey at a greater pace and are implementing an infrastructure in partnership with the Ministerial Envoys to enable this.

This package of support will provide greater rigor through the streamlining of the governance of the intervention.

While many of the issues highlighted are longstanding and we have made significant improvements in these areas, we recognise that we must go further and faster with our ongoing improvements and be tenacious in our approach. 

Our progress so far includes clearing previously unsigned accounts, the publication of all outstanding Annual Governance Statements, investing in member development, introducing a new recruitment system, and deepening our work with partners. 

We will continue to invest significant resources to turn the progress we have made so far on our improvement journey into measurable impact and action. 

While no local authority wants to be in intervention, we recognise the need for change. We are focused on tackling historic and current issues, while delivering the excellent services that the Envoys recognise.

We are clear that there is a great deal more to do. This includes responding to the findings of our recent staff survey, strengthening our investigations processes, and meeting the statutory audit recommendations.  

This is the first time the Envoy model has been used to support the improvement of a local authority. We welcome the adjustments being made to the support package to improve the focus and pace of the work. 

We are determined to meet the new directions in full through our new Improvement Board with the Envoys overseeing the delivery of our Continuous Improvement Plan.

Notes to Editors

• Written Ministerial Statement.
• Latest documents published by the government.
  

About Tower Hamlets

Tower Hamlets

• is the fastest growing and most densely populated place in the UK, and the youngest in London.
• generates the third highest economic output in the UK with areas including Canary Wharf, Aldgate East and part of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
• has some of the UK’s best destinations including Tower of London, Young V&A, the Museum of London, Docklands, Tower Bridge and over 120 parks including Victoria Park.
• is a centre for world class learning and innovation including Queen Mary University London and UCL and two life science clusters are being developed.
• is a world borough with a proud history of diversity, equality and inclusion with over 137 languages spoken. 91% of residents say that they get on well with each other.
• has London’s history from the Tower of London to the Battle of Cable Street and the Suffragette movement to the London docks.