Austin Macauley 19 November 2014

Tower Hamlets mayor hits out at ‘excessive’ Government intervention

The Government’s decision to intervene over governance failures at Tower Hamlets are ‘disproportionate and excessive’, according to the London borough’s mayor.

Lutfur Rahman said communities secretary Eric Pickles’ response did not tally with the findings of a report by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) that found leadership weaknesses and said the council had failed to comply with ‘best value’ grant arrangements.

The intervention ordered by Mr Pickles extends until March 2017, which the mayor said was excessive. He said plans to bring in three officers to oversee grants and property were unnecessary as a timetable for appointments was already in place.

On calls for a best value action plan to be put in place he countered: ‘There is no evidence base for a wide best value action plan for all council services – particularly given that many of our services are some of the best in London if not nationally.’

Mayor Rahman added that the Government directions risked creating a funding bottleneck that would harm local voluntary organisations.

He said: ‘In general, and having received legal advice, I find the directions to be excessive and disproportionate to the evidence and issues identified in the PwC report. That said we have responded with proportionate and workable proposals. Our services are excellent and it is a shame this fact has not been highlighted.

‘Where process and governance issues have been identified we will improve them. The secretary of State should restrict his directions to ensuring that we adopt excellent practice.’

He added: ‘It is also highly irregular for the secretary of state to seek to influence and prejudge the work of the Electoral Commission and the ongoing election petition via the election court which is of course subjudice – the proceedings and outcomes of which are unknown to the secretary of State.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PLANNING OFFICER

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team in Hull as a Principal Transport Planning Officer. Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recuriter: Hull City Council

HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC ENGINEER - 4 POSTS

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have several exciting opportunities for suitably qualified Highways Civil Engineers and Traffic Engineers Wilson Centre, 1st floor, Hull HU1 2AG
Recuriter: Hull City Council

Strategic Director, Finance and Resources (S.151 Officer)

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
£110,799 - £120,706
Blackburn with Darwen is a distinctive, welcoming and vibrant borough with a strong identity and a genuine buzz about the place. Blackburn, Lancashire
Recuriter: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

Residential Worker, Edge of Care Service

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £29,093 - £32,654 PAY AWARD PENDING
Join a Groundbreaking Team Supporting Families in Seaham Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Bikeability Cycling Instructor

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £24,790 to £25,992 pro rata (Pay Award Pending)
The Road Safety Team are keen to recruit additional Casual Bikability Instructors to join our team of instructors delivering Bikeability cycle trainin Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner