Tower Hamlets Council Extends Community Grants Programme Amid Design Delays for New Scheme

Tower Hamlets Council has extended its Mayor's Community Grants Programme (MCGP) and Emergency Fund by three months, until June 30, 2027. This extension is to allow for the design and implementation of a new funding scheme, ensuring continuity of essential services delivered by the voluntary and community sector (VCS) and avoiding disruption to residents.

The decision was made by the Grants Determination (Cabinet) Sub-Committee on Wednesday, October 14, 2026. The extension will be financed from existing budgets, including projected underspends from the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL)¹ reserve and Public Health funding.

Afazul Harkad, Head of Corporate Strategy and Communities, explained that the delays in designing the new funding scheme were caused by recent elections. These elections impacted the council's ability to consult properly with the sector and develop the new programme. He assured the committee that lessons learned from the current programme would be incorporated into the new scheme.

The new programme is planned as a three-year, nine-month initiative, set to run until March 2031. The council aims to ensure this future programme is effectively designed and implemented without further delays. The extension is specifically intended to ensure continuity of provision for residents and avoid disruption to essential services delivered by the voluntary and community sector (VCS).