On Monday, Sir Oliver Heald MP asked the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government a question about the problems in Tower Hamlets Borough Council. The text is below:

Sir Oliver Heald (North East Hertfordshire) (Con): Has the Minister seen the disturbing reports from Tower Hamlets that £400,000 was given to organisations that did not meet minimum standards and that council land was sold off to friends of the administration? The mayor, Mr Rahman, says they have done nothing wrong, but surely this has to be tackled—a very serious situation has arisen.

Mr Pickles: As my hon. and learned Friend will recall, I made a statement to the House last week, and we are currently waiting to hear what the mayor has to say in response to the report. As the House will recall, I asked for two specific undertakings regarding the disposal of property. We have received those undertakings, and I hope to make an announcement very soon.
[Hansard, Column 1178]

Follow Sir Oliver on Twitter: www.twitter.com/OliverHealdMP
Read his blog at www.oliverheald.wordpress.com