All powers are finally being returned to Tower Hamlets Council after more than two years, the Secretary of State has confirmed.

East London Advertiser: Mayor Biggs (left) at council fund grants meeting being chaired by Commissioner Sir Ken Knight (on his left)Mayor Biggs (left) at council fund grants meeting being chaired by Commissioner Sir Ken Knight (on his left) (Image: Archant)

Government commissioners led by Sir Ken Knight are quitting by the end of the week, as revealed by the East London Advertiser earlier this month.

“I’m confident the council is on the right track,” Communities Secretary Sajid Javid said. “I want to make sure taxpayers’ money is put to best use openly and transparent.”

The commissioners were sent into the Town Hall in December, 2014, following inspection by Price WaterhouseCoopers auditors found a “breakdown in democratic accountability and misuse of public funds” under former mayor Lutfur Rahman—later banned from office by the High Court.

They found lack of transparency and accountability with public funds being dished out to obscure outside organisations and council real-estate being sold off cheaply in deals behind closed doors.

East London Advertiser: Sirt Ken Knight gives evidence to Parliamentary committee in 2016 on Tower Hamlets council financesSirt Ken Knight gives evidence to Parliamentary committee in 2016 on Tower Hamlets council finances (Image: HoC)

Labour has since regained control of the authority following a re-run of the 2014 election which was declared void.