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 Homework goes on THE rising cost of housing was in the news once again this week. Many Tower Hamlets residents, like other Londoners, spend half their income on rent. The lack of affordable homes is a scourge of these times. That is why I am proud Tower Hamlets has topped the national league table for building new homes – for three years running. Only last week I announced plans to build 149 homes in Bow. It is one of my priorities to reduce the housing waiting list and have more affordable homes. We will continue to support the most vulnerable residents and protect key services in the budget proposals to full council on February 26. Thanks to our prudent approach, despite government cutbacks, these include freezing council tax for the fifth year in a row and increasing the discount given to those who receive partial council tax benefit by £25. The council is also a strong supporter of the London Living Wage. Tower Hamlets has led the way in this area since 2008. So I was pleased to see a report last week highlight the number of employers in Tower Hamlets who pay more than the national minimum wage. I would like to see even more local employers join the war on poverty by doing the same. On Monday I had the pleasure of meeting organisations benefiting from the Mayor’s Cup. Last year we held a fantastic event involving more than 60 football teams. The money generated enabled us to support the efforts of 22 community groups, to enhance the valuable services they provide to residents. Finally, like the rest of you I have been horrified by scenes of flooding. But what has impressed me is the role of volunteers who have gone without sleep to help others in need. I see the great work voluntary groups in Tower Hamlets do and salute these often unsung heroes in our community. On Tuesday, February 18, the council will honour them at the Tower Hamlets Third Sector Awards Gala. 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 My diary Monday, February 10 I attended the launch of the year’s Mayor’s Cup awards ceremony at York Hall, Bethnal Green. It recognised the important role local groups play in providing young people with the opportunity to take part in sports and stay active. Thursday, February 13 I took a ‘walk in the dark’ in Mile End, organised by Tower Hamlets Citizens (Telco) as part of a campaign to tackle crime and address safety issues. Joined by community leaders, including the borough commander, we walked with residents who shared their suggestions for improving community safety. Friday, February 14 I was invited to the Chinese New Year event at the Ecology Pavilion. I wish all Chinese residents a Happy New Year! Monday, February 17 I will be holding my regular weekly surgery at Idea Store Chrisp Street – if you would like to arrange an appointment please call my office. Tuesday, February 18 The Third Sector Awards will recognise the contribution of voluntary groups. Cup grants handed out BY SHALINA HUSSAIN SPORTS clubs and community groups providing popular services such as lunch clubs and activities for children have benefited from a cash boost thanks to the annual Mayor’s Cup football tournament. Last year’s tournament showcased local talent with more than 60 teams taking part and over 900 players. Its success and the sponsorship provided by businesses meant there were 22 grants up for grabs, two more than the previous year. Organisations were invited to apply for funds for work they are doing aimed at Mayor Rahman and Cllr Oliur Rahman with some of the award winners improving access to sports or community projects. The winners were invited to an awards ceremony to collect WE URGENTLY REQUIRE PROPERTIES ACROSS LONDON LANDLORDS LET US TAKE THE HASSLE OUT OF RENTING OR SELLING YOUR PROPERTY FREE property valuation find out how much your property is worth. RECOMMEND A LANDLORD AND RECEIVE UP TO £500 CASH* We offer: 0% Commission Guaranteed Rent FREE Management No Void Period Complete Peace of Mind Regular Inspections Professional Reliable Service FREE: EPC, Gas Certificate & Inventory EMAIL: docklands@hunterandbloomfield.com www.hunterandbloomfield.com Tel: 0207 538 0707 *T’s & C’s apply St. Barnabas Church (corner of Grove Road/Roman Road) JUMBLE SALE Saturday 22 February 12-2pm Affordable Vintage Tea and Homemade Cakes Admission 50p their cheques from Mayor Lutfur Rahman on February 10 at York Hall. Mayor Rahman said: “The Mayor’s Cup was very well supported by businesses which enabled us to raise money for good causes. “I am delighted so many local groups have been able to benefit from the tournament and the grants will enhance collaborative working in the borough.” Sarah Lang from Limehouse Park Rangers, a community football club for girls which was one of the grant winners, said: “The girls love what being part of the club means: playing football, making friends, having the opportunity to be themselves and having fun. “Since we have been unable to find a pitch to train on, we are currently playing in the park and this grant will allow us to buy equipment to make the park more like a pitch.” To find out more about the club visit www.limehouse pr.co.uk Cllr Oliur Rahman, cabinet member for children’s services, added: “I would like to thank everyone who applied for a grant and congratulate all the groups who were successful.” Football freestyler Colin Nell demonstrated his skills 6 NEWS FROM TOWER HAMLETS COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY 17 – 23 FEBRUARY 2014
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