Tower Hamlets Council Constitution

Constitution Summary for Local Interest Groups

Engaging with the Council

Local interest groups, community organisations, and businesses play a vital role in Tower Hamlets. The Constitution provides several ways for you to engage with the Council and influence decision-making.

Partnership Working

The Council actively promotes partnership working through:

  • Tower Hamlets Strategic Partnership: Brings together key stakeholders including community groups, faith communities, and businesses
  • Joint Arrangements: The Council can establish joint committees and arrangements with other organisations
  • Well-being Promotion: The Council can work with groups to promote economic, social, or environmental well-being

Participation Rights

As representatives of local interests, you have the right to:

  • Attend and record most Council and Committee meetings
  • Present petitions to Council, Cabinet, or Committees
  • Participate in consultation exercises and engagement processes
  • Contribute to scrutiny investigations and reviews
  • Access forward plans and decision notices
  • Request information under Freedom of Information legislation

Key Decision-Making Processes

Executive Decisions

  • Most day-to-day decisions are made by the Mayor and Cabinet
  • Key decisions (over £1M revenue/£5M capital) are published in advance
  • Cabinet meetings are generally open to the public
  • You can attend to observe decision-making

Planning and Licensing

  • Development Committee and Strategic Development Committee handle major planning applications
  • Licensing Committee oversees licensing matters
  • Public can speak at these meetings in favour or against applications
  • Specific procedures apply for public participation

Scrutiny and Accountability

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee provides opportunities for engagement:

  • Review Executive decisions and policies
  • Conduct investigations into specific issues
  • Question Cabinet Members and officers
  • Make recommendations to the Executive
  • Consider petitions and community concerns

Budget and Policy Framework

Important decisions reserved to Full Council include:

  • Overall Council budget and Council tax
  • Development Plan documents and Local Plan
  • Crime and Disorder Reduction Strategy
  • Local Transport Plan
  • Youth Justice Plan

These decisions are made at public Council meetings where you can observe and potentially influence through consultation processes.

Getting Your Voice Heard

Direct Engagement

  • Contact the Mayor or relevant Cabinet Member
  • Liaise with your local Councillors
  • Participate in the Tower Hamlets Partnership
  • Engage with scrutiny processes

Formal Processes

  • Submit petitions to Council or Committees
  • Participate in public consultations
  • Attend and speak at relevant Committee meetings
  • Use the Council's complaints system if needed

Access to Information

The Council promotes transparency through:

  • Publication of forward plans and decision notices
  • Public access to most reports and background papers
  • Web pages with information about meetings and processes
  • Regular updates on Council activities and decisions

Need More Information?

For detailed information about engaging with the Council:

  • Search the Constitution for specific engagement procedures and requirements
  • Read the full Constitution
  • Visit the Council website: www.towerhamlets.gov.uk
  • Contact Democratic Services: democratic.services@towerhamlets.gov.uk
  • Check the Council's consultation and engagement pages
  • Contact the Tower Hamlets Strategic Partnership