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Eltham Banking Hub Approved, HMO Protections Strengthened & More!

This week in Greenwich:

Eltham Banking Hub Approved Amid Concerns Over Access to Cash

The council has unanimously approved a motion calling for the establishment of a banking hub on Eltham High Street to ensure access to cash and other financial services for residents and businesses. The decision was made at a Council meeting on Wednesday 23 July 2025. The motion highlights the closure of several bank branches in Eltham and the disproportionate impact on vulnerable residents and small businesses.

  • Digital Exclusion: Many residents, especially the elderly, disabled, or digitally excluded, are unable to bank online and rely on in-person services.
  • Economic Impact: Banking hubs can revitalize local high streets by increasing footfall and supporting local businesses.
  • Cross-Party Support: The motion received support from both Labour and Conservative councillors, demonstrating a shared commitment to addressing the issue.
  • Petition Launched: Councillor Matt Hartley, Leader of the Opposition, launched a petition calling on LINK and Cash Access UK to establish a banking hub in Eltham.

Councillor Jackie Smith, Cabinet Member Inclusive Economy, Business, Skills and Greenwich Supports, pledged to fight to support the motion, acknowledging the challenges in securing a banking hub but emphasizing the council's commitment to advocating for its residents.

This decision comes as communities across the UK grapple with the closure of bank branches and the increasing reliance on digital banking. The establishment of a banking hub in Eltham could provide a vital lifeline for those who are unable to access online services and help to sustain the local economy.

HMO Protections Strengthened in New Local Plan

The council has unanimously approved an amended motion to strengthen protections against the loss of family homes to houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). The decision was made at a Council meeting on Wednesday 23 July 2025. The motion acknowledges the increasing number of licensed HMOs in the borough and the opportunity to implement stronger planning policies in the new Local Plan.

  • Oversaturation Policy: The council will introduce an oversaturation planning policy to prevent new HMOs in areas with high concentrations of existing HMOs.
  • Community Engagement: The council will engage with local residents and ward councillors in areas with high or increasing levels of HMOs to gather input for the Draft Local Plan consultation.
  • Licensing Enforcement: The council will scale up the promotion and enforcement of both Mandatory and Additional HMO licensing schemes to maximize coverage and compliance.

Councillor Matt Hartley, Leader of the Opposition, initially introduced the motion, emphasizing the need to protect family homes and address the concerns of residents affected by the spread of HMOs. Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Council, proposed an amendment to the motion, which Councillor Hartley agreed to incorporate, leading to unanimous approval.

This decision reflects the council's commitment to balancing the need for diverse housing options with the desire to preserve the character of its neighborhoods and protect the interests of local residents.

Sustainable Streets Consultation Extended Amid Public Concerns

Following significant public and member questions, Councillor Avril Lecault, Cabinet Member Climate Action, Sustainability and Transport, announced an extension to the consultation period for the council's Sustainable Streets programme. The announcement was made at a Council meeting on Wednesday 23 July 2025. The extension acknowledges concerns about the initial timeframe, the accessibility of information, and the need for broader engagement.

  • Engagement Sessions Doubled: The council will double the number of engagement sessions, including those in the town hall and in specific Sustainable Street areas.
  • Mapping Accessibility Improved: The council will improve the accessibility of online mapping to make it easier for residents to understand the proposals.
  • Equality Impact Assessment: An equality impact assessment will be carried out before any decisions are made.

The extension comes after residents raised concerns about pedestrian crossing timings, rubbish bins at bus stops, the impact of controlled parking zones (CPZs), and misleading claims about parking permit costs. Councillor Lecault emphasized that the consultation is informal and that no decisions have been made.

This decision demonstrates the council's willingness to listen to public feedback and adjust its approach to major policy initiatives. The extended consultation period and improved accessibility of information could lead to a more inclusive and informed decision-making process.

Other Matters

The Pension Board and Pension Fund Investment & Administration Panel met on Monday 21 July 2025, and the Appointments Panel met on Monday 21 July 2025. No transcripts or videos were provided.

Greenwich Schools Face Funding Gap; Housing Safety Progress

This week in Greenwich:

Council Grapples with School Funding Deficit Amid Rising SEND Costs

The Schools Forum discussed a concerning £8.87 million deficit in the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) as of March 2025, driven by a significant overspend in the High Needs Block (HNB) which funds special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision. The meeting took place on Wednesday 16 July 2025. This shortfall could impact resources for mainstream schools and vulnerable students with SEND.

  • DSG Deficit: The overall deficit of £8.87 million includes an overspend of £11.47 million in the HNB, offset by underspends in the Schools and Early Years Blocks.
  • Rising SEND Costs: The HNB overspend reflects the increasing demand for SEND services, placing a strain on the council's budget.
  • Recovery Plan Required: The council must submit a deficit recovery plan to the Department for Education (DfE), outlining how it will address the shortfall.
  • School Balances Decrease: Overall school reserves have decreased from £7.67 million to £6.40 million, with six schools holding surpluses exceeding 15%.

The council will need to identify savings and potentially make difficult decisions about resource allocation to address the DSG deficit. This could mean reduced funding for some schools or services, potentially impacting the quality of education and support for students, especially those with SEND.

Housing Safety Improvements Highlighted Amid Ongoing Regulatory Scrutiny

The Housing and Neighbourhoods Scrutiny Panel received an update on improvements in housing compliance and safety, particularly in areas previously flagged by the Regulator of Social Housing. The meeting took place on Tuesday 15 July 2025. While progress is evident, the council remains under regulatory scrutiny, underscoring the importance of continued vigilance in ensuring tenant safety.

  • Compliance Focus: The update covered key areas of compliance, including gas safety, electrical safety, water/Legionella, lifts, asbestos, and fire safety.
  • Regulatory Notice: The Royal Borough of Greenwich self-reported to the Regulator of Social Housing on 13 May 2022 regarding electrical, asbestos, and FRA actions, and a regulatory notice was issued in August 2022, citing non-compliance in water risk assessments.
  • Strong Performance: The council reported strong performance across Fire Risk Assessments, Gas Safety, Asbestos, Water, and Lift safety.
  • Electrical Safety Focus: The council is progressing its first access injunction through the courts to gain access to a tenant's property for an electrical check.
  • Building Safety: The council has registered all of its Higher Risk Buildings (HRBs) with the Building Safety Regulator and has submitted Building Safety Case Reports for six buildings.

The council's ongoing efforts to improve housing safety are crucial for protecting tenants, particularly those in vulnerable situations. The focus on electrical safety and building safety reflects the importance of addressing potential hazards and ensuring that residents feel safe in their homes.

Health and Social Care Vision Aims to Narrow Inequalities and Improve Support

The Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Panel discussed a report from the Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care and Borough of Sanctuary, outlining a refreshed vision for 2025-2030. The meeting took place on Thursday 17 July 2025. The vision prioritizes resident voices, prepares for a Care Quality Commission (CQC) assurance process, and aims to narrow health inequalities.

  • Key Priorities: The vision includes developing a refreshed strategy for Health and Adult Social Care, preparing for the CQC assurance process, tackling health inequalities, scoping voluntary sector commissioning, delivering extra care sites, and working with health partners to shape neighbourhood working approaches.
  • Health Inequalities: The Public Health Team has identified six key ingredients to guide future work to decrease health inequalities: community development, population health management, health in all policies, community and stakeholder engagement, inclusion health and building a wider public health workforce.
  • Marmot Principles: The Cabinet Member will convene a summit to turn the report's recommendations into action, considering how to implement the Marmot principles1 in Greenwich.
  • Borough of Sanctuary: The council is developing a strategy for the Borough of Sanctuary, engaging with those with lived experience and producing a Joint Strategic Needs Assessment to understand the sanctuary-seeking population.

The vision aims to improve the lives of residents by addressing health inequalities, providing better support for vulnerable populations, and promoting connected neighbourhood approaches to care. The focus on resident voices and the implementation of the Marmot principles could lead to more effective and equitable health and social care services.

Other Matters

  • Blackheath Events and Nature Recovery: The Blackheath Joint Working Party discussed the events calendar, a public meeting review, updates to the events policy, the Blackheath fireworks event, a written update on the local nature recovery strategy, and the scheduling of meeting dates for 2026. No transcript or video was provided. The meeting took place on Tuesday 15 July 2025.
  • Licensing Decision: The Licensing Sub-Committee B considered a premises licence application for AA Retail Ltd at 16 Herbert Road, London, SE18 3SH. No transcript or video was provided. The meeting took place on Wednesday 16 July 2025.
  • Treasury Management and Capital Outturn: The Audit and Risk Management Panel reviewed the Treasury Management and Capital Outturn for the financial year 2024-25, noting external borrowing of £732.9m and capital investments of £343m. The meeting took place on Wednesday 16 July 2025.

Upcoming meetings:

  1. The Marmot Review, led by Sir Michael Marmot, is a report that looks at health inequalities in England. It recommends actions to reduce these inequalities. ↩

Greenwich tackles homelessness, youth crime & safeguarding

This week in Greenwich:

Council Approves Housing Assistance Policy Amid Rising Homelessness Concerns

The Cabinet has approved a new Housing Assistance Policy, aiming to help residents stay in their homes and prevent homelessness, as the council grapples with increasing demand for housing support. The decision was made at a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday 09 July 2025.

  • Focus on Prevention: The policy prioritizes supporting residents to remain in their homes, rather than resorting to more expensive temporary accommodation.
  • Grant and Loan Updates: It updates the size of grants for home reconfiguration and interest-free loans to reflect rising costs.
  • Support for Vulnerable Groups: The policy includes a new clean and clear grant to prepare homes for hospital discharge, addressing self-neglect and hoarding, and supports children with disabilities to live in their family homes.
  • Military Pension Exclusion: Military pensions will be excluded from means testing for loans, following lobbying from the Royal British Legion.

Councillor Pat Slattery, Cabinet Member Housing Management, Neighbourhoods and Homelessness, emphasized that the policy aims to support residents in all their guises to stay in their homes, highlighting the importance of keeping older people in their homes longer and facilitating quicker hospital discharges.

This policy comes as the council faces increasing pressure to address homelessness and housing insecurity, particularly for vulnerable residents. The emphasis on prevention and support for home adaptations could provide a crucial lifeline for those at risk of losing their homes.

Youth Crime Reduction Strategy Faces Scrutiny Amid High First-Time Offender Rates

The Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel discussed a report on youth crime reduction, revealing that Greenwich's rate of first-time entrants to the youth justice system remains higher than statistical and geographic neighbors. The meeting took place on Wednesday 09 July 2025.

  • Higher Than Average: The rate of first-time entrants in Greenwich is 253 per 10,000, compared to 160 nationally and 192 across London.
  • Multi-Agency Approach: The Greenwich Youth Justice Service (YJS), a multi-agency team, works with children aged 10 to 17 who have encountered conflict with the law or are at risk of offending.
  • Serious Violence Duty: The council is responding to the statutory Serious Violence Duty, introduced in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, which requires specified authorities to work together to prevent and reduce serious violence.
  • Strategic Needs Assessment: A Strategic Needs Assessment revealed a correlation between deprivation and serious violence, with young people, particularly those aged under 18, more likely to be victims of several categories of serious violence.

The report also highlighted community and youth engagement initiatives, such as Young Greenwich, which delivers prevention work around crime and anti-social behaviour.

The panel's discussion underscores the need for effective strategies to address the root causes of youth crime and reduce the number of young people entering the justice system. The high rate of first-time offenders raises concerns about the effectiveness of current interventions and the need for a more targeted approach.

Safeguarding Adults Board Highlights Domestic Abuse and Mental Health Concerns

The Cabinet reviewed the Royal Greenwich Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report 2024-25, which detailed the board's work in safeguarding adults at risk within the borough. The meeting took place on Wednesday 09 July 2025.

Professor Michael Preston-Shoot, the Chair of the Safeguarding Adults Board, highlighted several key issues:

  • Domestic Abuse: He committed to providing better data and recommendations to the Health and Wellbeing Board.
  • Mental Health: He expressed concern over resource constraints in mental health services and suggested a summit on mental health.
  • All-Age Approach: He emphasized the need for a strengthened all-age approach to safeguarding, particularly for issues like mental health, domestic abuse, and support for asylum seekers.
  • Healthwatch: He expressed concern over the winding up of Healthwatch nationally and its impact on raising awareness among global majority communities in Greenwich.

Professor Preston-Shoot stated that we have a pandemic nationally in relation to mental health, emphasizing the need to ensure that people living with severe and enduring forms of mental ill health are appropriately supported.

The report underscores the importance of a multi-faceted approach to safeguarding adults at risk, addressing issues such as domestic abuse, mental health, and the needs of asylum seekers. The concerns raised about mental health resources and the future of Healthwatch highlight potential challenges in providing adequate support for vulnerable populations.

Other Matters

  • Treasury Management and Capital Outturn: The Cabinet reviewed the Treasury Management and Capital Outturn reports for 2024/25, noting that borrowing remains affordable and enables the council to deliver on its corporate missions. The capital programme for 2025/26 amounts to £362 million, including £2.4 million of capital bids. The meeting took place on Wednesday 09 July 2025.
  • Revenue Outturn: The Cabinet reviewed the council's revenue position as of the end of March 2025, noting an improvement from the figure reported in November. The departmental overspend was £10.7 million, compared to £14.5 million in November. The meeting took place on Wednesday 09 July 2025.
  • Local Planning Decisions: The Local Planning Committee approved an outbuilding in Blackheath, a HMO in Plumstead, and a pair of semi-detached homes in Greenwich. A decision on extended opening hours for a shop in Greenwich was deferred, and a site visit was requested for a housing development in Eltham. The meeting took place on Monday 07 July 2025.
  • Licensing Sub-Committee: The Licensing Sub-Committee C discussed applications for premises licences for Jincheng Alley Ltd and Rhubarb Cafe, deferring their decisions to a later date. The meeting took place on Tuesday 08 July 2025.
  • Appointments Panel: The Appointments Panel convened to discuss the recruitment of a new Director of Public Health for the Royal Borough of Greenwich. The panel was scheduled to agree on a preferred candidate for the role. No transcript or video was provided. The meeting took place on Thursday 10 July 2025.
  • Overview and Scrutiny Committee: The Overview and Scrutiny Committee discussed the council's savings programme, received an update from the Leader of the Council, and reviewed upcoming executive decisions. No transcript or video was provided. The meeting took place on Thursday 10 July 2025.

Upcoming meetings:

Greenwich to Acquire Homes, Refurbish Crematorium, Plan Cycleways

This week in Greenwich:

Council to Acquire Homes for Social Rent Amid Housing Crisis

The Royal Borough of Greenwich is set to acquire over 250 homes for social rent across Woolwich Royal Arsenal, Kibbrook Village, and Greenwich Millennium Village, aiming to alleviate pressure on the 28,000 households on the council's waiting list. The Health and Wellbeing Board discussed the Greenwich Better Care Fund plan, the response to domestic abuse in Greenwich, and the board's forward work plan on Monday 30 June 2025.

  • Better Care Fund: The Health and Wellbeing Board was scheduled to discuss the Greenwich Better Care Fund (BCF) plan for 2025/26, with a total funding of £52,234,230. The plan aims to shift from treating sickness to promoting prevention and supporting independent living.
  • Domestic Abuse Response: The board was also scheduled to receive an overview of the council's work to address domestic abuse (DA) and violence against women and girls (VAWG). In 2024/25, there were 3,496 domestic offences reported to the police in Royal Greenwich, a 13% decrease from the previous year.
  • New VAWG Strategy: The council is developing a new strategy, Working Together to End Male Violence Against Women and Girls, which focuses on male accountability, community engagement, prevention, and support for victims.

This initiative comes as the council faces increasing pressure to provide affordable housing options for its residents. The acquisition is intended to provide high-spec homes for those in need, but also raises questions about the long-term strategy for affordable housing in the borough.

Eltham Crematorium to Undergo Major Refurbishment

The Eltham Crematorium Joint Committee discussed plans for a major refurbishment of the facility, including chapel upgrades, kitchen renewal, and essential maintenance. The Eltham Crematorium Joint Committee met on Wednesday 02 July 2025.

  • Two-Year Works Programme: The committee noted a report regarding the three-year works programme for 2024-2027, which is now expected to be delivered over two years, in 2025 and 2026.
  • Cremator Lifespan: The committee also discussed the aging cremators and the timeline for installing new ones, weighing the costs of maintenance versus replacement.
  • Financial Oversight: The Finance Manager's Treasurer Report presented the 2024/25 year-end financial position and the projected financial position for Period 2 of 2025/26.

The refurbishment aims to improve the facilities and ensure the crematorium continues to provide a dignified service for bereaved families.

Transport and Place Scrutiny Panel Focuses on Cycling, EV Infrastructure, and Planning

The Transport and Place Scrutiny Panel addressed a range of issues, from expanding cycling infrastructure to reviewing planning achievements and priorities. The Royal Borough of Greenwich Transport and Place Scrutiny Panel met on Thursday 03 July 2025.

  • Cycling Infrastructure: The panel received an update on the council's transport work programme for 2025-26, which includes plans for new cycleways, school streets, and cycle hangars.
  • EV Charging Points: The council plans to award contracts with Electric Vehicle (EV) providers to install 1,150 lamp post chargers and up to 1,000 charge points.
  • Planning Update: Councillor Majid Rahman, Cabinet Member for Planning, Estate Renewal and Development, provided an update on the achievements of the Planning, Estate Regeneration and Development portfolio since taking the post on 24 July 2024, and their priorities for the coming year.
  • Affordable Housing Delivery: The report identified the delivery of affordable housing as the principal challenge, whether through Greenwich Builds, or private sector delivery through the planning system.
  • Local Plan: Officers continue to work to develop the Local Plan1, which will be published for consultation in October 2025.

The panel's discussions highlight the council's efforts to promote sustainable transport, improve infrastructure, and address planning challenges in the borough.

Warehouse and Affordable Homes Approved by Planning Board

The Planning Board considered planning applications for an industrial warehouse and affordable homes. The Planning Board of Greenwich Council met on Wednesday 02 July 2025.

  • Industrial Warehouse: The board considered a request to grant full planning permission for the redevelopment of Plot A, VIP Trading Estate, located at 50 Anchor and Hope Lane, Charlton. The proposal involves the construction of an industrial/logistics warehouse with an ancillary office, creation of a new access, associated parking, servicing, landscaping, and other associated works.
  • Affordable Homes: The Planning Board was asked to consider a request to grant full planning permission for the demolition of existing garages and the construction of a part 3, part 1 storey residential building at Garages Rear of 296 To 342, 2 Wricklemarsh Road, Kidbrooke. The proposed building (Class C3) would provide twelve affordable homes, with associated landscaping, access, cycle and refuse storage, and ancillary works.

These decisions reflect the council's ongoing efforts to balance economic development with the need for affordable housing in the borough.

Upcoming meetings:

  1. A Local Plan is a document that sets out a framework for the future development of an area. It contains a vision, strategic objectives, and a set of policies to guide development decisions. ↩

Greenwich: HMOs Spark Debate, Eltham HMO Rejected, & More Council News

This week in Greenwich:

HMO Application Sparks Debate Over Community Impact and Planning Policies

The Local Planning Committee faced a challenging decision regarding an application to convert a single-family dwelling into a six-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) at 54 Tormount Road, Plumstead. The meeting took place on Tuesday 24 June 2025. While the committee ultimately approved the application, the discussion highlighted the complexities of balancing housing needs with community concerns and navigating existing planning policies.

  • Resident Opposition: Residents Jeff Hobart, Thomas Hobart and Marion Wiley voiced strong objections, citing concerns about the loss of a family home, the impact on the community, the small size of the bedrooms and kitchens, the lack of living room, increased traffic and pollution, and access issues for bins.
  • Applicant's Perspective: Joel Stern, the agent for the applicant, argued that the property had been dilapidated for some time and that the HMO would enhance the area. He also stated that the kitchen met HMO standards.
  • Committee Concerns: Councillor Pat Greenwell raised concerns about the kitchen and the dormer window.
  • Conditions Added: The committee added conditions relating to a construction management plan, health and safety, asbestos, fire management, a management plan, and community engagement.

This decision underscores the ongoing debate about the impact of HMOs on local communities. While the application met existing planning standards, the strong resident opposition highlights the need for a more nuanced approach that considers the social and environmental impacts of such developments. This echoes similar discussions in previous meetings, such as the Greenwich Quay Development Rejected Over Heritage Concerns and the Millennium Retail Park Redevelopment Approved With Community Benefit Amendments.

Eltham HMO Rejected Amid Concerns Over Intensification and Parking

In contrast to the Plumstead decision, the committee rejected an application for a change of use from a single dwelling house to an eight-unit large HMO at 16 Montbelle Road, Eltham. The meeting took place on Tuesday 24 June 2025.

  • Resident Opposition: The application received 58 objections from local residents.
  • Councillor Concerns: Councillor Matt Hartley spoke against the application, citing concerns about the impact on neighboring amenity, parking, and the lack of consultation with residents. He also noted that there was another HMO on Montbelle Road that had caused problems.
  • Committee Decision: The committee rejected the application, citing over-intensification of the property, which would lead to noise and disturbance for neighboring properties, and the impact on parking.

This decision demonstrates the committee's willingness to reject applications that are deemed to have a negative impact on the local community, even if they meet basic planning requirements. This aligns with the council's stated commitment to protecting the character of its neighborhoods, as seen in the Greenwich Quay Development Rejected Over Heritage Concerns.

General Purposes Committee Addresses Personnel Matters and Appointments

The General Purposes Committee convened to address personnel matters, including setting a salary range for the Head of Legal Services and appointments to member-level bodies. The meeting took place on Wednesday 25 June 2025.

  • Chief Officer Recruitment: The committee agreed to the salary range for the Head of Legal Services post, which is Chief Officer grade D, with a salary range of £93,070 to £103,851, in accordance with the Council’s Pay Policy Statement.
  • Appointment to Member-Level Bodies: Councillor Leo Fletcher, Chair of Housing and Neighbourhoods Scrutiny Panel, was appointed to the Pension Board, replacing Councillor Nick Williams. Councillor Joshua Ayodele was appointed to the vacant post of Chair on the Organisation and Communities Scrutiny Panel. Councillor Jit Ranabhat was appointed to chair the Licensing Committee, replacing Councillor Joshua Ayodele, who remains an ordinary member of the Licensing Committee.

These decisions ensure the smooth functioning of the council and the effective management of its resources.

Other Matters

  • Speranza Street HMO Deferred: A decision on an application for a change of use to an HMO at 47 Speranza Street, Plumstead was deferred because the applicant's agent was not present to answer questions. The meeting took place on Tuesday 24 June 2025.
  • Woolwich Theatre Extension Approved: The committee approved an extension to a temporary structure in Woolwich that provides internal circulation, front of house, box office, and supporting functions for the Punchdrunk immersive theatre company. The meeting took place on Tuesday 24 June 2025.
  • Council Meeting: The Council met on Wednesday 25 June 2025, and among other business, agreed to prohibit itinerant ice cream trading on King William Walk, noted the updated strategic risk register, and approved changes to the council's constitution relating to the Audit and Risk Management Panel. The council also agreed to the proposed disposal of the Margaret Macmillan Field Study Centre, subject to compliance with the Charities Act 2011. The meeting took place on Wednesday 25 June 2025.
  • Unknown Committee: A meeting of an unknown committee took place on Thursday 26 June 2025, but no video was provided. The meeting took place on Thursday 26 June 2025.

Upcoming meetings:

Recent meetings
Council

Council - Wednesday, 23rd July, 2025 7.00 pm

The Royal Borough of Greenwich Council met to discuss a range of issues, including responses to petitions, public questions, treasury management, and motions on banking hubs and HMOs[^1]. The council approved the Treasury Management and Capital Outturn 2024-25, appointed Thomas Tyson to the Audit and Risk Management Panel, and supported a motion calling for a banking hub in Eltham. A motion on HMOs was also approved with amendments.

July 23, 2025
Pension Fund Investment & Administration Panel

Pension Fund Investment & Administration Panel - Monday, 21st July, 2025 10.30 am

The Royal Borough of Greenwich Pension Fund Investment & Administration Panel met to discuss the fund's business plan, audit strategy, and manager performance. The panel also considered the impact of the Pension Schemes Bill and reviewed early retirements. Members were also scheduled to receive training on audit and accounting standards.

July 21, 2025
Pension Board

Pension Board - Monday, 21st July, 2025 11.30 am

The Greenwich Council Pension Board was scheduled to meet to discuss its business plan, review fund performance, and agree its annual report. The board was also expected to receive training on audit and accounting standards.

July 21, 2025
Appointments Panel

Appointments Panel - Monday, 21st July, 2025 10.00 am

The Greenwich Council Appointments Panel met to determine a longlist of applicants for the role of Director of Communications and Community Engagement. The panel, consisting of five councillors, was scheduled to discuss apologies for absence and any urgent business, as well as declarations of interest. The majority of the meeting was expected to be held in closed session.

July 21, 2025
Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Panel

Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Panel - Thursday, 17th July, 2025 6.30 pm

This meeting of the Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Panel heard a verbal update from Joy Benson, CEO of Healthwatch Greenwich, on the organisation's annual report, and also received an update from Councillor Mariam Lolavar, Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care and Borough of Sanctuary, including presentations from residents and service users. The panel noted the Work Programme Schedule 2025-26 and agreed the scope of future meetings.

July 17, 2025
Licensing Sub-Committee B

Licensing Sub-Committee B - Wednesday, 16th July, 2025 10.30 am

The Licensing Sub-Committee B of Greenwich Council met to consider a premises licence application. The sub-committee was also scheduled to confirm the minutes of a previous meeting.

July 16, 2025
Audit and Risk Management Panel

Audit and Risk Management Panel - Wednesday, 16th July, 2025 6.30 pm

The Greenwich Audit and Risk Management Panel met to discuss the Treasury Management and Capital Outturn reports for the 2024-25 financial year, noting the council's strong investment returns and significant capital investments in housing, existing council homes, and local projects. The panel agreed to congratulate the council on its financial stewardship, while also emphasising the need for continued vigilance regarding servicing costs and the importance of a robust, long-term asset management plan.

July 16, 2025
Schools Forum

Schools Forum - Wednesday, 16th July, 2025 6.00 pm

The Royal Borough of Greenwich Schools Forum was scheduled to meet to discuss the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), school balances, and a forward plan of reports for the upcoming year. The forum was also expected to appoint a chair and vice-chair for the period of 2025-2029. The meeting was scheduled to take place at the Town Hall, Wellington Street, Woolwich.

July 16, 2025
Housing and Neighbourhoods Scrutiny Panel

Housing and Neighbourhoods Scrutiny Panel - Tuesday, 15th July, 2025 6.30 pm

The Housing and Neighbourhoods Scrutiny Panel met to discuss housing and community safety in Greenwich. Councillor Pat Slattery, Cabinet Member for Housing Management, Neighbourhoods and Homelessness, gave an update on housing management, repairs, capital works, rent collection, homelessness, and working with central government. Councillor Rachel Taggart-Ryan, Cabinet Member Community Safety and Enforcement, then updated the panel on community safety and enforcement, including strategies to end male violence, tackle modern slavery, and improve private sector licensing. The panel also discussed housing compliance and agreed to the 2025/26 work programme.

July 15, 2025
Committee

Blackheath Joint Working Party - Tuesday, 15th July, 2025 7.00 pm

The Blackheath Joint Working Party met to discuss the events calendar, review a public meeting, and consider updates to the events policy. Also on the agenda was an update on the Blackheath fireworks event, a written update on the local nature recovery strategy, and the scheduling of meeting dates for 2026.

July 15, 2025
Upcoming meetings
Appointments Panel

Appointments Panel - Thursday, 14th August, 2025 10.00 am, PROVISIONAL

August 14, 2025