The GLA Oversight Committee met on Thursday 12 March 2026 to discuss proposed savings and efficiencies impacting staff, review the London Assembly's Plenary ways of working, and consider the London Assembly's budget for 2026-27. Key decisions included noting the report on proposed staffing changes and agreeing to respond to the consultation, noting the report on Plenary ways of working and delegating authority to the Chair to agree any output, and agreeing the proposed allocation of the Assembly and Secretariat budget for 2026-27.

Consultation on Savings and Efficiencies Programme Proposals with Implications for Staff

The Committee considered proposals for savings and efficiencies within the Greater London Authority (GLA) that would result in a net loss of 100 posts. These changes are intended to streamline operations and align resources with the Mayor's 14 strategic programmes, while limiting the impact on outcomes for Londoners. The proposals affect several directorates, including Communities and Skills, Corporate Resources and Business Improvement, Good Growth, and Strategy and Communications. A consultation on these changes was underway with staff and UNISON, closing on 8 April 2026.

An Equalities Impact Assessment (EqIA) highlighted potential disproportionate impacts on women and staff aged 40-59, reflecting the demographics of the affected units. Mitigations are planned to support staff in these groups, with further assessments to be conducted after consultation and selection processes. The Committee was recommended to note the report and respond to the consultation.

London Assembly Plenary Ways of Working

The Committee received background information and heard discussions on the London Assembly's Plenary ways of working. Experts from academia and journalism provided insights into the purpose, effectiveness, and potential improvements for Plenary sessions. Themes explored included the need for greater topicality, focus, and potentially a more radical approach to location and timing of meetings to enhance public engagement and media interest. Suggestions ranged from more structured topic selection and cross-party collaboration to moving meetings out of City Hall and into London communities. The Committee was recommended to note the report and subsequent discussion, and to delegate authority to the Chair to agree any output.

London Assembly 2026-27 Budget

The Committee was asked to agree the proposed allocation of the Assembly and Secretariat budget for 2026-27. The report highlighted that the Assembly has not been asked to find savings as part of the GLA's wider programme, reflecting significant changes in the Secretariat over the past five years and anticipated additional scrutiny responsibilities. The budget reflects a trajectory towards a balanced budget in 2028-29, with flexibility provided by underspends from previous years contributing to a healthy Assembly reserve. The Committee was recommended to agree the proposed budget allocation and approve its general use.

Workforce Report - September 2025

The Committee was presented with the mid-year Workforce Report for September 2025. Key findings included a headcount of 1,553 employees, a slight increase from March 2025. The report noted a decrease in agency workers and an increase in staff declaring their ethnicity and disability status following an internal campaign. Representation for disabled staff and Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic staff had increased since September 2024. The turnover rate remained at 11%, with resignation being the most common reason for leaving. The report also detailed recognition payments and recruitment data, showing higher proportions of Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic applicants and those with disabilities receiving offers. The Committee was recommended to note the report and postpone discussion until the next meeting.

Secretariat Quarterly Monitoring Report, November 2025 to January 2026

The Committee received a summary of the Assembly's committee and plenary work for the third quarter of 2025-26. This period saw the publication of six reports and 12 letters from various committees, making a total of 115 recommendations. Notable reports included those from the Budget & Performance Committee on transport infrastructure funding, the Economy, Culture and Skills Committee on employment for prison leavers, and the Health Committee on men's mental health. Numerous committee investigations were ongoing, with a significant number of meetings held and guests heard from. The Assembly also hosted a major conference on the future of mayoral scrutiny. The Committee was recommended to note the report.

Action Taken Under Delegated Authority

The Committee noted the recent action taken by the Chair under delegated authority to agree the Committee's report on Cybersecurity at the GLA, following consultation with the Deputy Chairman and party Group Lead Members.

Minutes

The Committee confirmed the minutes of the meetings held on 21 January 2026 and 10 February 2026 to be signed by the Chair as correct records.

Summary List of Actions

The Committee noted the completed and ongoing actions arising from its previous meetings.

Declarations of Interests

The Committee noted the list of offices held by Assembly Members as disclosable pecuniary interests, and any declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests or other relevant interests made by Members during the meeting.