Jamie Hailstone 05 December 2016

'Phased return' of powers to Tower Hamlets

Tower Hamlets LBC is to gain back control of certain powers as part of a 'phased return' by Sajid Javid.

The communities secretary announced on Friday he was ‘minded’ to give back the power to award grants to community groups to the directly-elected mayor, as well as plans to end the commissioner’s oversight of procurement at an unspecified point in the future.

Mr Javid said he wanted to introduce a ‘phased return’ of powers, but warned he would halt the process if the commissioners raised any further concerns.

‘In the past we had a situation in Tower Hamlets where the former mayor was handing our grants against the advice of its own officers, which an election court later found amounted to the corrupt practice of bribery,’ said Mr Javid.

‘Since commissioners have been in place, root and branch reforms mean I am now minded to start a phased return of grant-making responsibility back to the mayor so these key local decisions can return to those who have been directly elected by local residents.

‘This is a positive first step – but I won’t restore full powers until I can be sure residents’ money is in safe hands and will halt the process if commissioners raise any concerns.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Registered Building Inspector (Band 2/Grade 7)

Health and Safety Executive
£60,760 - £65,776
The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) is transforming building safety regulation across England. United Kingdom / various Locations
Recuriter: Health and Safety Executive

Revenues and Recovery Team Leader

Ashfield District Council
£37,938 - £40,476 per annum (pay award pending)
We have an exciting opportunity for a Revenues and Recovery Team Leader Sutton-In-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Ashfield District Council

Housing Options Officer

Ashfield District Council
£31,067 - £33,366 per annum (pay award pending)
Do you want to make a real difference to the lives of residents in housing need? Sutton-In-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Ashfield District Council

Building Services Operative

Ashfield District Council
£25,584 - £27,269 per annum (pay award pending)
The Facilities team are looking to recruit an enthusiastic individual Sutton-In-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Ashfield District Council

Street Cleansing Technician (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 5, £24,397 per annum (pay award pending)
Do you enjoy working outside, as part of a team that make a direct difference to the communities of Doncaster? Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council
Linkedin Banner