Tower Hamlets Council is facing calls to establish a community-led commission to tackle child poverty in the borough, where 56% of children live in poverty and food insecurity. The plea came during a recent council meeting where a petition highlighting the issue was presented.

Joy Tara Bebe and Mariam Mourad, representing the petitioners, addressed the council, emphasising the urgent need for action, a crisis exacerbated by the rising cost of living. They commended the council's existing efforts, such as universal free school meals, but stressed that more comprehensive measures are needed.

The petitioners called for:

  • The establishment of a Child Poverty Commission with diverse community voices.
  • A holistic review of council strategies to ensure they support child poverty alleviation.
  • Stronger advocacy by the council for struggling families at regional and national levels.

Beyond universal free school meals, which have been transformative in boosting attainment and student well-being, the council also offers council tax exemptions providing meaningful savings for families, and initiatives such as free school uniforms help ease the financial burden further.

Councillor Sabina Akhtar asked how the policy of free school meals has helped families. The petitioners responded that the universal free school meals policy in Tower Hamlets is a leading example for the country because it's not mean tested. It removes stigma and ensures every child who needs a meal receives one, improving health and concentration for all students. They added that recent data shows Tower Hamlets leads London with the smallest GCSE achievement gap between pupils on free school meals and their peers.

Councillor Azma Islam asked what else can be done long term to tackle child poverty. The petitioners responded that more help can be provided by running training, apprenticeships, speaking English, speaking English of speaking and other languages, ESOL classes. For instance, CV support, soft skill training, pre-employment and in-work support can be practical pathways out of poverty. So, education is key.

Responding to the petition, Councillor Moustak Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Enterprise, Skills and Growth, acknowledged the gravity of the situation. He stated that the council is delivering many groundbreaking investments to tackle child poverty and that the petitioners want the council to keep to its promise. He explained that there is too little time to run a commission and have it prepared in a meaningful report before the Council elections, which is why he undertook to ask officers to do their preparation work to set up a commission now with a view having the first meeting of commission by end of January 2026. After the election 2026, the council shall go full stream ahead and hope the petitioners will join to continue to keep the council delivering on its promises.

The petition has been referred to the Corporate Director for Communities for a written response within 28 days.

The full discussion can be viewed on the Tower Hamlets Council webcast.