 Virtual Covid-19 vaccination Q&A for our Somali community
Join us on Monday 22 March at 7pm for a live virtual discussion and Q&A session on Covid-19 vaccination.
A panel of health experts, including Director of Public Health Dr Somen Banerjee, will answer your questions on the vaccine. Somali/English translations will be available during the webinar, to ensure our Somali residents can receive information in their community language. While this event is tailored for Somali residents, anyone can join the discussion.
Register now and submit your question to the panel in advance.
 Got 5? Register to vote
The Mayor of London and London Assembly elections and two referendums are taking place in the borough on Thursday 6 May. All registered voters can take part in a referendum that asks if the way the council is run should change in the future. A smaller number of voters living on the Isle of Dogs will be able to take part in a Local Neighbourhood Planning Referendum.
We’re supporting the Electoral Commission’s 'Got 5?' campaign which shows how quick and easy it is to register to vote. If you've recently moved house, changed your name, or if you've never registered to vote before, remember to register before 19 April to be able to vote this May.
 Looking back ahead of Census Day
Sunday 21 March is Census Day, which gives a crucial snapshot of the nation and helps to plan and fund public services. We need to make sure that everyone in Tower Hamlets is counted so we get our fair share of future funding.
Census records provide a special insight into the lives of people from the past, and our local history and archive team are looking back at the stories of former residents. The photo above is of Whitechapel around 1890.
Look out for your census letter in the post, and make sure you’re counted this Census Day.
 Save the date for our key Commission launch
Save the date next Thursday, 18 March, between 4pm - 5.30pm for a virtual launch of the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Inequalities Commission report. Following several months of witness hearings, public consultation and research, Commissioners will be joined by guests to introduce their key findings and recommendations that commits the borough to tackle racism, and to deliver real and lasting change.
You can set a reminder to view the event live from the council’s webcast portal.
 Don’t miss our Annual Parents’ Conference from 16 to 18 March
The annual Tower Hamlets’ parents conference is now open for registration. This free event will be delivered online across three days during the morning, afternoon and evening, to fit in around busy family lives.
Topics covered will include mental health, parenting, education, financial wellbeing, and much more; plus daily special education needs and disabilities (SEND) question and answer sessions.
Timings vary, with each day themed as follows:
- Tuesday 16 March: Back to school and building resilient learners
- Wednesday 17 March: Building resilient and healthy families
- Thursday 18 March: Building resilient communities and a strong parents voice
Visit the local offer website to see the schedule or register.
 Share your views on recycling
We are developing a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) which sets out to re-examine and improve how waste is managed in our borough. We want your input and ideas as we develop this document.
An online event is planned for Wednesday 17 March to get your feedback on the Reuse, Recycling and Waste SPD and ensure that it is useful, simple to use, and delivers on its aims.
 New Homes Bonus for the borough
Tower Hamlets will receive a £17.6m bonus from the government for delivering on its commitment to create new homes, including much needed affordable homes for residents.
The borough delivered 1,676 new affordable homes for the 12 month period to October 2020, which was the highest number in the country.
The national New Homes Bonus scheme was introduced to encourage local authorities to increase the number of new homes. Under this scheme the government will match the revenue raised from council tax payments from new-build homes, conversions or empty properties being brought back into use for a period of six years.
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