Voice your concerns To book an appointment at the mayor’s fortnightly surgeries at Idea Stores in Whitechapel and Chrisp Street call... 7364 5014 News from the Mayor Prudent plans for a positive future AS the new year starts, councils up and down the country will be commencing their formal budget setting process. Given the government’s announcement before Christmas, councils know that the austerity measures begun in 2010 will continue for the rest of the decade. Tower Hamlets has established a well-planned approach to the budget challenges which I have set out before. This includes redesigning the way services are delivered and increasing efficiency savings, as well as directing resources to support vulnerable residents in the face of hard-hitting government policies. I am proposing to freeze council tax for the fifth year in a row, as well as keeping home care free and maintaining council tax benefit support. Given prudent financial planning we have been able to invest in local regeneration projects and priority areas such as education, housing and jobs. This is set to continue and Tower Hamlets was again one of the top ranked boroughs in the country for house building – meaning that we have been rewarded with the highest levels of New Homes Bonus which will be reinvested into our borough. Plans for 2014/15 show a balanced budget but work will continue on tackling the budget challenges for the following two years resulting from government cuts. I am confident that our approach will enable this to happen in a way that will protect the services that residents value. By developing solutions that will benefit the community as a whole, I know that Tower Hamlets has a positive future. I hope you all have an excellent 2014 – and don’t forget to take advantage of our free Christmas tree recycling service over the next two weeks. Mayor Lutfur Rahman How to contact Mayor Rahman The mayor’s web pages can be viewed at www.tower hamlets.gov.uk/mayor or email him at mayor@tower hamlets.gov.uk or call 7364 4993. www.towerhamlets.gov.uk Seasonal reflections BY SUSAN MULLIGAN LEADERS from 21 different faith organisations joined Mayor Lutfur Rahman at a reception to reflect on the meaning of Christmas and consider new ways for the council and faith communities to work together. The leaders represented a cross-section of Christian communities from all denominations – Anglican, Catholic, Pentecostal, Methodist, Unitarian, Salvation Army and Baptist – alongside Jewish, Muslim and Buddhist leaders. Mayor Lutfur Rahman said: “Our faith communities play a key role throughout the year in supporting the needy and vulnerable. I believe this partnership between the council and My diary (From left) Mayor Rahman, the chair of Tower Hamlets Interfaith Forum the Rev Alan Green and the Rev Andy Rider from Christ Church, Spitalfields faith groups is vital. We do much alone and can do even more together.” The group was entertained by Monday, December 9 A new initiative to tackle hate crime in the borough was launched and I was joined by staff, youth workers and young people to raise awareness around the issue of hate crime. This is a great initiative and I was delighted to see so many young people attend. the choir from Bishop Challoner Catholic Collegiate School, and five-year-old Kaiser Henry, who designed the mayor’s Wednesday, December 11 I was delighted to attend the launch of Code Club, a partnership between the Canary Wharf Group and primary schools. The after-school clubs teach children to write computer code, make websites and create animations – a fantastic opportunity for our students. Thursday, December 12 I was joined by traders, police and council staff to launch a new scheme Christmas card, was also invited. Rev Alan Green, chair of Tower Hamlets Interfaith Forum, said: “The work that local faith communities do in supporting their own congregations, serving the wider community and, particularly, responding to the needs of the marginalised and vulnerable tends to happen without much fuss or attentionseeking. But so much more can be achieved when we are able to work in partnership with other agencies, such as the local council. “This reception is a clear sign of the commitment of the mayor and council of Tower Hamlets to such partnership working based on mutual respect and support for the benefit of all who live and work here, whatever their faith or creed.” to reduce under-age sales of tobacco products. The scheme is a way of educating businesses about the law and helping them spot under-age people who are attempting to make a purchase. Thursday, January 9 I will be holding my regular weekly surgery. This gives me the opportunity to listen to your issues and concerns face to face; if you would like to arrange an appointment, please contact my office. Boutique Beauty,Pilates& Dance Pilates and Dance Classes including Ballet, Belly Dancing, Street Dance, Latin Dance Party + more! Also onsite is a gorgeous beauty salon specialising in Cellulite-Busting treatments as well as Rejuvenating Prescriptive Facials / Manicures & Pedicures / Gelish & Artistic Gel Polish / Waxing (including men’s intimate waxing) / Eyelash & Eyebrow Shaping, Tinting & Perming / Sunbed / Spray Tans all at fantastic prices + 25% off first Beauty Treatment(s) GEL POLISH ONLY £22.50 162 Westferry Studios, London E14 8AS We are conveniently situated directly opposite Westferry DLR 25% OFF First Beauty Treatment(s) PLEASE VISIT: WWW.BOUTIQUEBEAUTYPILATESANDDANCE.CO.UK FOR PRICE LIST AND DIRECTIONS 6 NEWS FROM TOWER HAMLETS COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY 6 – 12 JANUARY 2014
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