The GLA Oversight Committee met on Wednesday 21 January 2026 to discuss a range of operational and strategic matters concerning the Greater London Authority (GLA). Key topics included the Assembly's ways of working, budget performance, and actions taken under delegated authority. The committee also reviewed its work programme and considered reports on declarations of interest and previous meeting minutes.

Declarations of Interests

The committee was scheduled to review the list of offices held by Assembly Members, which are considered disclosable pecuniary interests. The report outlined the procedures for declaring pecuniary and other relevant interests during meetings, including any interests arising from gifts and hospitality received. Members were reminded of their obligations under the GLA's Code of Conduct, which reflects provisions of the Localism Act 2011, to declare interests and withdraw from discussions or votes where a disclosable pecuniary interest exists. The report also noted that failure to comply with these requirements could constitute a criminal offence.

Action Taken Under Delegated Authority

A report was presented detailing recent actions taken by the Chair of the London Assembly under delegated authority. This included the signing of a petition, jointly with the Mayor of London, addressed to His Majesty the King. The petition sought the transfer of the former Greater London Council's (GLC) Coat of Arms to the Greater London Authority (GLA). This action was taken following consultation with the Chair of the GLA Oversight Committee and party Group Lead Members.

London Assembly Plenary Ways of Working

The committee was scheduled to discuss the ways of working for London Assembly Plenary meetings. This item aimed to examine external perspectives on the purpose and impact of Plenary sessions, as well as to review suggestions for potential improvements. The report provided background information on Plenary meetings, noting their role in holding GLA family bodies to account and debating motions. It also highlighted that much of the Assembly's operational practices and processes are a matter of Member choice, practice, and culture, which have evolved over time. The discussion was intended to consider whether these practices remain fit for purpose and if further enhancements could be made, drawing parallels with similar reviews conducted by other parliamentary bodies.

London Assembly Quarterly Budget Report

The committee was set to review the 2025-26 Quarter 3 budget report for the London Assembly. The report indicated an overall year-to-date underspend of £324,000, primarily attributed to vacancies within Secretariat teams and the residual impact of post-election adjustments in Group offices. Steps were being taken to fill vacancies and utilise available underspends to support final quarter delivery. The report also noted that the Assembly's budget was projected to require a reduced draw-down from its reserve, with current forecasts suggesting a need for approximately £150,000 from the reserve, which stood at £2,568,720.

GLA Oversight Committee Work Programme

The committee was scheduled to review its proposed work programme for the Assembly year 2025/26. The report outlined the committee's core functions, which include managing the Assembly's budget and Secretariat, overseeing the Assembly's scrutiny work programme, and maintaining oversight of GLA corporate governance policies and activities. It also covers maintaining a watching brief on the activities of senior officers appointed by the Mayor and responding to consultations from the Head of Paid Service. The work programme also detailed specific scrutiny topics, including the London Assembly Plenary Ways of Working, and noted that other items would be confirmed for future meetings.

Summary List of Actions

A report was presented detailing the progress made on actions arising from previous meetings of the GLA Oversight Committee. This included updates on ongoing and completed actions from meetings held on 12 November 2025, 23 October 2025, 10 September 2025, and earlier dates. The actions covered a range of topics, including election preparations, shared services arrangements, New Year's Eve fireworks events, resilience planning, and workforce reports. The committee was recommended to note the completed and ongoing actions.