Mayor Lutfur Rahman’s work on protecting residents from Tory welfare cuts has been praised as a model for other councils to follow. As Tower Hamlets voters went to the polls in the mayoral election, The Joseph Rowntree Foundation published a report (11th June) praising the Council for the support it gave residents during the introduction of welfare reform.
The report looked at examples of best practice work by councils across the UK, and said that the innovative model used by Tower Hamlets “could be usefully employed by other councils, to extend the reach of outreach and advice” for those impacted by the welfare changes.
The Charitable Foundation, which aims to address poverty and injustice in the UK, also said that Tower Hamlets’ Council Tax Benefit Replacement Scheme was one of the “best schemes for claimants” in the UK, and noted that Tower Hamlets was the only London borough to absorb the Government’s cuts to funding, rather than pass them on to the “poorest and most vulnerable” residents.
Chris Holme, Corporate Director for Resources, said: “In Tower Hamlets, we have worked holistically with housing providers, advice agencies, local food banks and all relevant council departments to ensure that we could help prepare residents for the impact of welfare reform. I am pleased that our work has been recognised by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.”
To date, John Biggs has not issued any formal statement whether he will continue with Mayor Rahman’s policy.
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