The Council is scheduled to convene for a meeting where a range of important governance and policy matters are set to be presented for consideration. Key discussions are anticipated regarding the annual audit report, proposed changes to the Council's constitution, and the annual pay policy statement.

Standards Committee Annual Report 2024-25

The Council is scheduled to receive the Standards Committee Annual Report for 2024-25. This report provides an update on the matters within the remit of the Standards Committee during the specified period and details the work undertaken by the Council's Monitoring Officer to promote and maintain high standards of conduct among Members. The Standards Committee considered this report on 14 January 2026 and agreed that it should be referred to the Council. The report highlights that for the period 2024 to 2025, Members of the Council have engaged in various training sessions, and the Council maintains a SharePoint site with training materials accessible only to Members. The Monitoring Officer is developing a comprehensive training programme for Members to be implemented after the May 2026 election. All Members submitted Registers of Interests after the May 2022 Borough Council Elections, which are published on the Council's website and updated by the Monitoring Officer. The report also notes that under the Council's Constitution, the Standards Committee comprises three members of the Council and three independent non-voting members. Following a competitive recruitment process, two independent non-voting members were appointed in September 2023 to fill vacancies that had existed for a few years. In December 2025, one of these independent members resigned, and the Council will shortly commence a recruitment exercise to appoint a replacement. During the period 1st May 2024 to 1st December 2025, 21 complaints were received under the Members' Code of Conduct, an increase from the 9 complaints received in the previous year. At the date of the report, there are no outstanding complaints. No dispensations from requirements relating to interests set out in the Members' Code of Conduct were granted during 2024/25. The report also outlines proposed government legislation to strengthen the standards regime, including mandatory codes of conduct, mandatory Standards Committees, new sanction powers such as suspension and withholding allowances, and an appeals process.

2024-25 Annual Audit Report

The Council is set to receive and comment upon the 2024/25 Annual Audit Report from Forvis Mazars, the Council's external auditor. This report summarises key issues arising from the auditor's work over the financial year and provides assurance on the true and fair presentation of the Statement of Accounts. The report highlights that the 2024/25 Statement of Accounts received an unqualified audit opinion, with no significant inconsistencies identified between the financial statements and the auditor's knowledge of the Council. The Annual Governance Statement was found to comply with guidance issued by CIPFA/LASAAC. The Council provided good quality draft accounts and high-quality working papers. In relation to value for money arrangements, a significant weakness was identified concerning financial sustainability due to the challenging financial position and improving economy, efficiency, and effectiveness, particularly concerning compliance with the Regulator of Social Housing requirements. However, it is noted that the Regulator of Social Housing has since lifted its regulatory notice in this regard. The Pension Fund statement of accounts also received an unqualified audit opinion. The report indicates that Greenwich is one of the few councils to receive an unqualified opinion for 2024/25 without a disclaimer of audit opinion.

Pay Policy Statement 2026/2027

The Council is asked to adopt the Pay Policy Statement for 2026/2027. This statement is required annually under Section 38(1) of the Localism Act 2011 and relates to the remuneration of chief officers, the lowest-paid employees, and the relationship between their pay. The statement must include the Council's definition of lowest-paid employees and the reasons for that definition. The proposed statement outlines policies on the level and elements of remuneration for each chief officer, recruitment, increases and additions to remuneration, performance-related pay, bonuses, exit payments, and the publication of remuneration information. The current statement reflects existing pay policy and practice, primarily drawn from arrangements agreed in July 2008 for chief officers and the adoption of the London Living Wage for low-paid staff, agreed in October 2009. The statement also addresses the Restriction of Public Sector Exit Payments Regulations 2020 and the Council's agreement in March 2021 to reduce its threshold for agreeing specific severance packages. The pay multiple between the highest paid employee and the median of all Royal Borough employees (excluding schools) has decreased from 5.65 in December 2024 to 5.52 in December 2025.

Members' Allowances Scheme 2026/27

The Council is required to make an annual scheme for the payment of allowances to Councillors. This scheme must include a Basic Allowance payable equally to all Councillors and may include Special Responsibility Allowances (SRAs). The Independent Remuneration Panel's report from December 2023 recommended that the Basic Allowance be set at £15,960 and that all allowances should be increased annually in accordance with the headline figure of the annual Local Government Pay Settlement. The Basic Allowance was increased in 2025/26 in line with this settlement. The Council is asked to agree the rate of Basic Allowance and Special Responsibility Allowances for 2026/27. It is also proposed to remove the Minority Party Allocation SRA, previously set at £5,879 per qualifying party, and to increase the Childcare and Dependents Carers' Allowance to £14.80 to match the London Living Wage. Furthermore, a sickness policy for Members receiving an SRA is proposed. Regulations are also expected to come into force in May 2026 to enable Councillors to join the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).

Proposed Changes to the Constitution

The Council is being asked to approve changes to Part 3 and Part 4 of the Council's Constitution. These proposed changes are being brought forward outside of the usual rolling review programme to implement a decision made by the Cabinet on 18 March 2026 regarding the establishment of a Tenants Oversight and Influence Panel and the deletion of Housing Panels. These changes aim to streamline the process for recruiting Chief Officers and Deputy Chief Officers, enabling the Chief Executive to establish Appointments Panels more efficiently. The proposed amendments to Part 4A (Council and Committee Procedures) include changes to the process for determining deputations, disallowing questions, and the timelines for submitting written questions from Members and the public. The word limit for public questions and the time allocated for both public and member questions are also being reviewed. Benchmarking with other London councils indicates that the proposed amendments are broadly in line with common practices aimed at balancing public involvement, executive accountability, and efficient meeting conduct. Changes to Part 4B (Overview and Scrutiny Procedures) include limiting the number of non-executive members who can call in a decision and requiring evidence to support call-in requests. Amendments to Part 1 (Summary Glossary Terms) are also proposed to provide greater clarity on the definition of Minority Parties and Ungrouped Members.

Proposed changes to the Constitution: Part 4 Constitution - Council and Committee procedures, Overview and Scrutiny Procedures, Part 1 Summary, Glossary Terms

This item proposes amendments to Part 4 of the Council Constitution, specifically concerning Council and Committee procedures and Overview and Scrutiny Procedures, as well as Part 1, which contains the Summary, Explanation, and Glossary of Terms. The proposed changes to Part 4A (Council and Committee Procedures) aim to streamline the conduct of Council meetings. This includes altering the process for determining deputations, disallowing questions, and adjusting the timelines for submitting written questions from both Members and the public. The word limit for public questions and the time allocated for public and member questions are also under review. Benchmarking with other London councils suggests these proposed changes align with practices designed to balance public engagement, executive accountability, and efficient meeting management. Amendments to Part 4B (Overview and Scrutiny Procedures) include a revised requirement for the number of non-executive members needed to call in a decision and the introduction of a need for supporting evidence for such call-ins. Additionally, changes to Part 1 are proposed to clarify the definition of Minority Parties and Ungrouped Members.

Motion: Modernising national gambling legislation to empower local communities and take back control

Councillors Rachel Taggart-Ryan and Mariam Lolavar are proposing a motion concerning the modernisation of national gambling legislation. The motion highlights the escalating issue of gambling addiction and its significant social and economic costs. It points to the proliferation of betting shops and adult gaming centres, often in vulnerable areas, and the limitations faced by local authorities due to outdated legislation, particularly the 'Aim to Permit' principle in Section 153 of the Gambling Act 2005. The motion also addresses concerns about the surge in online gambling and advertising. The Council is being asked to resolve to write to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and relevant government departments to urge legislative reform and to work with local partners to promote gambling addiction support and education initiatives.

Motion: Greenwich Labour will oppose any detrimental changes to the Freedom Pass Scheme

Councillors Calum O'Byrne Mulligan and Mariam Lolavar are proposing a motion to oppose detrimental changes to the Freedom Pass Scheme. The motion notes that over 30,000 Greenwich residents benefit from the Freedom Pass, which provides a vital lifeline for many disabled and older residents, facilitating travel across London and supporting public transport usage. It acknowledges the scheme's origins and the historical funding challenges. The motion expresses unequivocal support for the Freedom Pass from London Labour and notes a joint statement from London Labour Council Leaders and the Mayor of London. The Council is being asked to resolve to protect and defend the Freedom Pass, opposing any measures that would reduce eligibility or restrict the range of transport services it covers, affirming that the Freedom Pass must remain eligible for all Londoners.

Motion: Bus Timetable Changes

Councillors Charlie Davis, Matt Hartley, Roger Tester, and Pat Greenwell are proposing a motion regarding bus timetable changes. The motion notes recent reductions in the frequency of several bus routes serving the Royal Borough of Greenwich, including the 178, 291, 386, and 486, all of which service Queen Elizabeth Hospital. It also highlights a reduction in the frequency of the 51 bus route from Woolwich and proposed further reductions to the 286 route from Greenwich Town Centre to Eltham. The motion states that these changes negatively impact residents, particularly vulnerable individuals relying on these routes for hospital visits, and hinder the Council's strategic objective to increase north-south transport connections. The lack of communication from Transport for London (TfL) regarding these decisions is also noted as disappointing. The Council is being asked to resolve to write to the Mayor of London and Deputy Mayor for Transport requesting an urgent meeting, request TfL to appear before the Council's Transport Scrutiny committee, publicly lobby against and oppose any attempts to reduce the frequency of the 286 bus route, and to bring forward detailed plans for routes of strategic importance within the borough.

Proposed changes to the Constitution - Part 3 Constitution - Tenants Oversight and Influence panel - Appointments Panel

The Council is being asked to approve changes to Part 3, Schedule H of the Council's Constitution. These proposals follow a Cabinet decision on 18 March 2026 to introduce a Tenants Oversight and Influence Panel and delete Housing Panels. Full Council must agree to the creation of these new panels before they can become operative. The proposed changes also stem from a review of the Chief Officer recruitment process by the Chief Executive and Monitoring Officer, intended to streamline the process for establishing Appointments Panels and avoid delays that have led to the loss of potential candidates.

Proposed changes to the Constitution: Part 4 Constitution - Council and Committee procedures, Overview and Scrutiny Procedures, Part 1 Summary, Glossary Terms

This item proposes amendments to Part 4 of the Council Constitution, specifically concerning Council and Committee procedures and Overview and Scrutiny Procedures, as well as Part 1, which contains the Summary, Explanation, and Glossary of Terms. The proposed changes to Part 4A (Council and Committee Procedures) aim to streamline the conduct of Council meetings. This includes altering the process for determining deputations, disallowing questions, and adjusting the timelines for submitting written questions from both Members and the public. The word limit for public questions and the time allocated for public and member questions are also under review. Benchmarking with other London councils suggests these proposed changes align with practices designed to balance public engagement, executive accountability, and efficient meeting management. Amendments to Part 4B (Overview and Scrutiny Procedures) include a revised requirement for the number of non-executive members needed to call in a decision and the introduction of a need for supporting evidence for such call-ins. Changes to Part 1 are proposed to clarify the definition of Minority Parties and Ungrouped Members.

Motion: Bus Timetable Changes

Councillors Charlie Davis, Matt Hartley, Roger Tester, and Pat Greenwell are proposing a motion regarding bus timetable changes. The motion notes recent reductions in the frequency of several bus routes serving the Royal Borough of Greenwich, including the 178, 291, 386, and 486, all of which service Queen Elizabeth Hospital. It also highlights a reduction in the frequency of the 51 bus route from Woolwich and proposed further reductions to the 286 route from Greenwich Town Centre to Eltham. The motion states that these changes negatively impact residents, particularly vulnerable individuals relying on these routes for hospital visits, and hinder the Council's strategic objective to increase north-south transport connections. The lack of communication from Transport for London (TfL) regarding these decisions is also noted as disappointing. The Council is being asked to resolve to write to the Mayor of London and Deputy Mayor for Transport requesting an urgent meeting, request TfL to appear before the Council's Transport Scrutiny committee, publicly lobby against and oppose any attempts to reduce the frequency of the 286 bus route, and to bring forward detailed plans for routes of strategic importance within the borough.