On 21 August 2026, the Council of Mosques hosted a productive meeting bringing together nine Imams from mosques across Tower Hamlets with the LBTH Scrutiny Team, to discuss key issues affecting local Muslim communities and residents.

The discussion focused on a number of concerns being experienced across different neighbourhoods, including:

• Housing – challenges faced by residents in relation to housing, accommodation and access to appropriate support.
• Drug-related issues – concerns around drug use and related activity within local communities, particularly the impact on young people and families.
• Anti-social behaviour – increasing concerns regarding disruptive and anti-social behaviour affecting residents and communities.
• Vandalism – reports of damage to community facilities and public spaces, including the impact on mosques and local residents.
• Hate crime – discussion of hate crime incidents affecting members of the Muslim community, including the need for better reporting, support and preventative measures.

The Imams shared experiences and concerns from their respective communities, highlighting the important role mosques can play in identifying emerging issues, supporting residents, and working with local authorities.

The meeting provided a valuable opportunity for open dialogue between faith leaders and the LBTH Scrutiny Team, with a focus on strengthening communication, understanding the challenges facing residents, and identifying areas where partnership working can improve outcomes for local communities.