This week in Greenwich:

Council Expands School Uniform Support and Introduces Food Vouchers for Home-Educated Children

Greenwich Council's Cabinet met on Wednesday 15 July 2026, making key decisions to support vulnerable families. They agreed to broaden the school uniform grant scheme to include academy schools and introduced a new policy to provide food vouchers equivalent to free school meals for children receiving education outside of a traditional school setting.

School Uniform Grant Expansion

The school uniform grant scheme will now cover children attending academy schools, increasing the number of eligible families who can receive help with uniform costs. This change acknowledges the growing number of academies and aims to ensure the grant remains relevant and accessible. The grant amounts for Reception, Year 3, Year 7, and Year 9 remain unchanged. Council modelling suggests this expansion could approximately double the number of awards made.

Food Vouchers for Children Educated Otherwise Than at School (EOTAS)

For children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) who are educated at home or in other non-school settings (EOTAS), the council will now provide equivalent food provision to free school meals. Eligible children will receive a cash voucher at the start of each half-term, matching the rate of free school meals. This initiative aligns with non-statutory guidance from the Department for Education and responds to feedback from residents. The funding for this new provision will come from an underspend on the GLA Mayor's Free School Meals programme.

• Impact: These decisions directly benefit families struggling with the cost of school uniforms and ensure that children receiving education outside of mainstream schools are not disadvantaged in terms of meal provision. This support is particularly crucial for low-income families and those with children with SEND, who often face additional financial burdens.
• Stakes: By expanding the uniform grant and introducing food vouchers, the council is taking steps to alleviate financial hardship and promote educational equality. These measures are vital for ensuring that all children, regardless of their school setting or family income, have the resources they need to thrive.

You can find more details about the Cabinet meeting here: Cabinet meeting on 15 July 2026.

Planning Committee Approves New Homes Despite Resident Objections, Refuses HMO Application

The Local Planning Committee met on Tuesday 14 July 2026, making decisions on six planning applications. While five were approved, one application for a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) was refused due to significant concerns.

New Dwellings Approved at Land to the Rear of 39-50 Vicarage Park, Plumstead

Despite numerous objections from local residents concerning flood risk, construction impacts, access, loss of trees, harm to the conservation area, overdevelopment, and ecological concerns, the committee granted full planning permission for six new dwellings at Land to the Rear of 39-50 Vicarage Park, Plumstead, SE18 7TG. The development includes landscaping, refuse and cycle storage, and improved pedestrian access. Conditions were imposed regarding the safety and lighting of the access lane and boundary treatments. The committee deemed the proposal to maximise the site's potential without overdevelopment, providing much-needed family accommodation. However, a significant biodiversity net loss of 65.1% was noted, requiring the applicant to purchase government credits to enhance biodiversity elsewhere.

HMO Applications Approved with Conditions

• 16 Eastbrook Road, Kidbrooke, SE3 8BT: Planning permission was granted for a single-storey rear extension and an annex/office outbuilding. Conditions were attached to limit the annex's use to ancillary purposes and ensure obscured glazing for windows facing neighbouring properties.
• 73 Roydene Road, Plumstead, SE18 1PZ: Full planning permission was granted for the change of use to a six-bedroom HMO, with a rear extension and dormer. This followed a deferral for a revised HMO Management Plan, which was deemed robust. Conditions were imposed to ensure the submission of further management details.
• 61 Shooters Hill, Plumstead, SE18 3RL: Full planning permission was granted for a rear dormer and single-storey rear extension to convert the dwelling into a six-bedroom HMO. Conditions included an HMO Management Plan and an acoustic assessment. Despite 58 objections concerning parking, highway safety, noise, and the impact on the area's character, permission was granted.
• 74 Purrett Road, Plumstead, SE18 1JP: Full planning permission was granted for the change of use to a three-bedroom, six-person HMO, with associated cycle and refuse storage. Conditions included the provision of six cycle parking spaces and a revised HMO Management Plan.

HMO Application Refused

• 48 Welton Road, Plumstead, SE18 2JF: The committee refused planning permission for the change of use to a six-bedroom HMO, along with extensions. The refusal was based on concerns about lack of amenity for local residents, including noise, loss of privacy, and a sense of enclosure, as well as inadequate disability access and parking.

• Impact: The approval of new dwellings at Vicarage Park will increase housing supply, but the concerns raised by residents about the development's impact on the local environment and infrastructure highlight the challenges of balancing development with community needs. The approval of multiple HMOs, despite resident objections, reflects the council's approach to housing provision, while the refusal of one application demonstrates the committee's willingness to act on specific planning grounds like amenity and safety.

• Stakes: These decisions directly affect the character of neighbourhoods, the availability of housing, and the quality of life for residents. The committee's role is to weigh the benefits of development against potential harms, ensuring that decisions are made in line with planning policies and consider the impact on the wider community, particularly vulnerable groups.

You can find more details about the Local Planning Committee meeting here: Local Planning Committee meeting on 14 July 2026.

Council Notes Reports on Treasury Management, Capital Outturn, and Strategic Risks

The Cabinet met on Wednesday 15 July 2026 and noted several important reports detailing the council's financial performance and risk management.

Treasury Management and Capital Outturn 2025/26

The Cabinet received and noted the Treasury Management Outturn Report for 2025/26. This report detailed the council's treasury activities, including its borrowing position and investment rates, indicating a maintained under-borrowed position throughout the year. The average interest rate for the debt portfolio remained low at 4.23%.

The Capital Outturn Report for 2025/26 was also noted, showing capital investments totalling £290 million. The majority of this expenditure (74%) was directed towards housing schemes, including new home construction and investment in existing stock. Significant investments were also made in education facilities and the decarbonisation of the council's estate. Variances against the forecast were primarily attributed to the multi-year nature of capital programmes and project timeline slippage.

Strategic Risk Register

The Cabinet also noted the Royal Borough of Greenwich Strategic Risk Register. This document identifies key risks threatening the council's plans and strategies, along with the controls and mitigating actions in place. The register is managed by the Greenwich Management Team (GMT), with risks assigned to specific Directors. No new or escalated risks were identified for inclusion in this reporting cycle.

• Impact: These reports provide transparency on the council's financial management and its approach to identifying and mitigating risks. The significant investment in housing, as detailed in the Capital Outturn Report, directly impacts the availability and quality of homes in the borough. The Treasury Management report assures residents that the council is managing its borrowing and investments prudently.
• Stakes: Sound financial management and robust risk assessment are fundamental to the council's ability to deliver essential services effectively and sustainably. The reports demonstrate a commitment to responsible governance, ensuring that public funds are managed wisely and that potential challenges are proactively addressed.

You can find more details about the Cabinet meeting here: Cabinet meeting on 15 July 2026.

This week in Greenwich:

Schools Face Significant Funding Shortfall as Dedicated Schools Grant Deficit Grows

The Schools Forum met on Wednesday 8 July 2026 to discuss the financial health of the borough's schools, revealing a concerning picture of mounting deficits. The forum reviewed the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) outturn for 2025-26, which showed a projected deficit of £18.08 million for the financial year, pushing the accumulated DSG deficit to a staggering £27.0 million.

The breakdown of this deficit highlights critical pressures:

• High Needs Block (HNB): This block, which funds support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), is facing a significant overspend of £16.04 million. This is largely attributed to an increasing demand for Education Health Care Plans (EHCPs) and broader SEND support.
• Central School Services Block (CSSB): This block, covering services like HR and IT for schools, has an overspend of £1.66 million, partly due to costs associated with school reorganisation.
• Schools Block: This block, which funds mainstream education, showed a slight underspend of £0.24 million.
• Early Years Block: This block is projected to have a full spend.

The report also noted that the government has offered to cover 90% of Local Authorities' High Needs DSG deficits as of the end of 2025-26, but this is conditional on the approval of a Local SEND Reform Plan.

Furthermore, the forum reviewed the financial health of maintained schools, noting a decrease in overall school reserve balances from £6.4 million to £2.9 million. This reduction is attributed to rising costs for staffing, energy, and general inflation, alongside declining pupil numbers. This trend poses a continued risk to the financial sustainability of maintained schools.

The Schools Forum also received an update on the 2026-27 DSG funding, which indicated an increase in the Early Years Block allocation but a decrease in the Schools Block allocation due to falling pupil numbers. While the High Needs Block allocation is set to increase, projected in-year deficits are still anticipated due to ongoing demand for EHCPs and SEND support.

• Impact: The growing deficit in the Dedicated Schools Grant directly impacts the resources available for our children's education. The significant overspend in the High Needs Block means that vital support for children with SEND could be under strain, potentially leading to longer waiting times for assessments or reduced services. For schools, the dwindling reserves mean less flexibility to manage unexpected costs or invest in improvements.
• Stakes: The financial health of our schools is paramount to the future of our borough. These figures underscore the immense pressure on educational funding, particularly for SEND provision. The council's ability to secure government support and manage these deficits effectively will determine the quality of education and support available to thousands of children and young people.

You can find more details about the Schools Forum meeting here: Schools Forum meeting on 08 July 2026.

Licensing Applications for Rubar Café and Stone Foundries Postponed

The Licensing Sub-Committee A meeting, scheduled for Tuesday 7 July 2026, was CANCELLED. This meeting was set to consider two significant licensing applications: a variation for Rubar Café to include an external customer area, and a new premises licence for Stone Foundries.

Rubar Café, 5 Springham Walk, Greenwich, SE10 0YR

The application for Rubar Café sought to allow the consumption of alcohol in an external area between 11:00 and 21:00 hours daily. This proposal had attracted representations from local residents concerned about potential public nuisance, particularly noise, given the café's proximity to residential properties and existing noise sources.

Stone Foundries, 669 Woolwich Road, Charlton, SE7 8HL

The application for Stone Foundries was for a new premises licence covering a range of licensable activities. This application had generated substantial objections from responsible authorities, including the Metropolitan Police and the council's Health & Safety and Environmental Health departments. Concerns raised included public safety, crime and disorder, and public nuisance, particularly in relation to the dispersal of large crowds and noise management.

• Impact: The cancellation of this meeting means a delay in decisions that could affect local businesses and residents. For Rubar Café, it means continued uncertainty regarding their proposed expansion. For Stone Foundries, the delay postpones the potential commencement of their operations.
• Stakes: These applications involve balancing the needs of businesses with the council's duty to protect residents from public nuisance and ensure public safety. The detailed objections raised for Stone Foundries highlight the complexities of licensing large venues and the importance of robust safety and noise management plans.

Other matters

Children's Services Fees and Charges

The Schools Forum also noted proposed increases in fees and charges for various Children's Services for the 2026-27 financial year. These adjustments are intended to reflect inflationary changes and ensure full cost recovery for the authority. Services affected include Attendance and Advisory, Educational Psychology and Wellbeing, and the Royal Greenwich Music Service, among others. An inflationary adjustment of 3.8% was generally proposed.

School Balances

The forum reviewed the maintained schools' balance position for the year ending 31 March 2026, which showed a decrease in overall school reserves. This reduction is linked to ongoing cost pressures faced by schools.

This week in Greenwich:

Council Leaders' Salaries Set to Be Agreed Amidst Cost of Living Pressures

The General Purposes Committee met on Tuesday 30 June 2026 to discuss the salary ranges for key Chief Officer posts, aligning with the Council's Pay Policy Statement for 2026/2027. This decision has significant implications for how the council attracts and retains senior leadership, particularly as residents grapple with the ongoing cost of living crisis.

The committee was asked to agree salary ranges for several critical roles:

• Assistant Director of Public Health / Consultant in Public Health: Proposed at Chief Officer Grade D, with a salary range of £96,049 - £107,175. This role is vital for leading initiatives to improve the health and well-being of all Greenwich residents.
• Senior Assistant Director Health and Adult Services: Proposed at Chief Officer Grade B, with a salary range of £123,290 - £135,409. This position is responsible for the strategic direction of adult social care, a service that directly supports some of the borough's most vulnerable individuals.
• Chief Executive: Proposed at Chief Officer Grade CE, with a salary range of £228,717– £238,423. This is the council's most senior administrative role, responsible for overall strategic leadership and management.
• Assistant Director (Planning and Building Control) Chief Planning Officer: Proposed at Chief Officer Grade C, with a salary range of £108,409–£119,536. This role is crucial for overseeing the development and building control services that shape the borough's physical landscape.

The report highlighted that these proposed salary ranges, including oncosts, were estimated to be: Grade D £127,955 - £142,864; Grade C £144,517 – £159,428; Grade B £164,458 - £180,697; and Grade CE £305,730 - £318,722. The aim is to ensure the council remains competitive in attracting and retaining high-calibre Chief Officers, in line with the Localism Act 2011.

• Impact: The salaries agreed for these senior roles directly affect the council's budget and its ability to attract experienced leaders who can effectively manage vital public services. For residents, this means ensuring that these roles are filled by individuals capable of delivering the best possible outcomes for the borough, especially for those relying on health and adult social care services.
• Stakes: In a time of economic uncertainty, decisions about senior pay are closely scrutinised. The council must balance the need for competitive salaries to secure essential expertise with the responsibility to manage public funds prudently and consider the financial pressures faced by residents.

You can find more details about the General Purposes Committee meeting here: General Purposes Committee meeting on 30 June 2026.

Council Leadership and Mayoralty Confirmed for the Year Ahead

The Council Annual Meeting on Wednesday 27 May 2026 marked a significant transition, with Councillor David Gardiner elected as the new Mayor of the Royal Borough of Greenwich and Councillor Anthony Okereke re-elected as Leader of the Council. This meeting sets the tone and direction for the council's work over the next municipal year.

Key Appointments and Committee Structures

• Mayor and Deputy Mayor: Councillor David Gardiner took on the role of Mayor, with Councillor Raja Zeeshan appointed as Deputy Mayor.
• Council Leader: Councillor Anthony Okereke was re-elected as Leader, with Councillor Jackie Smith appointed as Deputy Leader. The full Cabinet was also noted, with portfolios assigned across key areas such as Housing, Finance, Health, and Children's Services.
• Committees Established: The meeting saw the establishment of various member-level bodies for the 2026-27 municipal year, including the Audit and Risk Management Panel, Licensing Committee, and several Scrutiny Panels. The allocation of seats to political groups on these committees was agreed.
• Opposition Concerns on Scrutiny: An amendment proposed by Councillor Tamasin Rhymes, seeking to give opposition groups proportional chairs on scrutiny panels, was debated. Councillor Rhymes argued for greater balance, stating that Greenwich was an outlier in not having such proportionality. However, Councillor Anthony Okereke opposed the amendment, asserting that all members would have opportunities to participate in scrutiny. The amendment was not carried.

The council also approved the outline calendar of meetings for the upcoming year. An amendment by Councillor Matt Hartley to reinstate a June Council meeting was debated, with Councillor Okereke explaining that the meeting was cancelled due to mandatory training and that an additional meeting in September would compensate. This amendment also did not pass.

• Impact: The election of a new Mayor and the confirmation of the Council Leader and Cabinet signal continuity and a clear leadership structure for the borough. The establishment of committees and the allocation of seats are fundamental to how the council will operate and hold itself accountable.
• Stakes: The debate around the proportionality of scrutiny panel chairs highlights the ongoing discussion about how effectively opposition voices can hold the administration to account. Ensuring robust scrutiny is vital for good governance and for residents to have confidence that decisions are being made in their best interests. The decision to approve the principle of appointing Political Assistants was also made, with groups qualifying for support.

You can find more details about the Council Annual Meeting here: Council Annual Meeting on 27 May 2026.

Licensing Sub-Committees Formed for the Year Ahead

The Licensing Committee met on Tuesday 30 June 2026 to establish the Licensing Sub-Committees for the 2026/27 period and appoint councillors to serve on them. These sub-committees are crucial for handling the day-to-day licensing applications and reviews that affect businesses and residents across Greenwich.

The committee was tasked with appointing members to these sub-committees, which operate under the Licensing Act 2003. The Act mandates that councils establish a Licensing Committee, which can then form sub-committees of three members, all of whom must have received appropriate training. The agreed membership of these sub-committees will be made public on the council's website.

• Impact: The efficient functioning of these sub-committees ensures that licensing matters, from alcohol sales to entertainment venues, are handled promptly and fairly, contributing to the safety and vibrancy of the borough.
• Stakes: The appointment of councillors to these committees is a procedural step, but it underpins the council's ability to regulate businesses and ensure they operate responsibly, protecting public safety and preventing nuisance.

You can find more details about the Licensing Committee meeting here: Licensing Committee meeting on 30 June 2026.

Other matters

The Planning Board meeting scheduled for Tuesday 30 June 2026 was CANCELLED.

This week in Greenwich:

Council Pushes Forward with Woolwich Exchange Project Amidst Land Assembly Concerns

The Cabinet met on Wednesday 24 June 2026, making a significant decision to approve the implementation of a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) for the Woolwich Exchange project. This move is crucial for the council to acquire the necessary land before the current agreement with developer Spray Street Quarter LLP (SSQ) expires on 22 August 2026.

The Woolwich Exchange is a major regeneration project aimed at transforming the heart of Woolwich. The CPO allows the Director of Place and Growth to take all necessary steps to secure the land, which is vital for the project's progression. Alongside this, the Cabinet agreed to vary the Conditional Land Sale Agreement (CLSA) with SSQ and terminate the Compulsory Purchase Order Indemnity Agreement (CPOIA) with them. The scheme and estimate for implementing the CPO were also approved.

The council is actively seeking grant funding from the Greater London Authority (GLA) to support land assembly and the delivery of affordable housing within the project. Authority has been delegated to the Director of Place and Growth to finalise a Grant Funding Agreement if successful. The council will also implement a strategy for managing the acquired properties.

• Impact: This decision signals the council's commitment to moving forward with a significant development that promises to bring new homes, jobs, and amenities to Woolwich. However, the use of a CPO means that some landowners may be compelled to sell their property, raising concerns about fair compensation and the impact on individuals and businesses.
• Stakes: The Woolwich Exchange project is a large-scale undertaking with the potential to reshape a key part of the borough. The council's ability to navigate the complexities of land assembly and secure funding will determine its success and its ability to deliver on promises of regeneration and affordable housing.

You can find more details about the Cabinet meeting here: Cabinet meeting on 24 June 2026.

Eltham HMO Applications Approved Amidst Resident Concerns

The Local Planning Committee met on Wednesday 24 June 2026, granting planning permission for two Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in Eltham and Plumstead, while deferring another application for a site visit. An application for a nursery was withdrawn.

47 Arbroath Road, Eltham, London, SE9 6RR

Planning permission was granted for the change of use of a dwellinghouse at 47 Arbroath Road, Eltham, London, SE9 6RR to a six-person, six-bedroom small HMO (Use Class C4). The permission also includes the construction of a single-storey ground floor rear extension, a loft conversion with a rear and side wrap-around dormer, and associated external alterations. This application had been deferred at a previous meeting on 7 April 2026.

Residents raised concerns about sharp practice by the developer, suggesting a strategy of gaining a foothold with a smaller HMO application and then seeking a material change for a larger one once work had begun. They also highlighted potential issues with noise, waste, parking pressure, and fire safety, as well as the enforceability of restrictive covenants on the properties, which they stated limit dwellings to single-family use. The council's planning officers noted that HMO use is acceptable in principle and that there are no adopted policies yet relating to the over-concentration of HMOs in the area. The committee was informed that the proposed extension and dormer were identical to previously approved elements.

39 Bramblebury Road, Plumstead, London, SE18 7TF

Full planning permission was granted for the change of use of a single-family dwellinghouse at 39 Bramblebury Road, Plumstead, London, SE18 7TF to a six-bedroom, six-person HMO (Use Class C4). The permission also covers the construction of a single-storey rear infill extension, an L-shaped dormer extension, and the provision of cycle and refuse storage.

• Impact: The approval of these HMOs will increase the number of rental properties in these areas. While this can provide much-needed housing, it can also lead to increased pressure on local services, parking, and potentially alter the character of residential streets. Residents' concerns about noise, waste, and parking are valid and highlight the need for effective management of HMOs.
• Stakes: The decisions on HMO applications are crucial for balancing housing needs with the quality of life for existing residents. The committee's role is to ensure that developments comply with planning policies and do not create undue public nuisance, even when specific policies on HMO concentration are not yet in place. The concerns raised by residents about the developer's approach and the enforceability of covenants underscore the importance of transparency and robust oversight in the planning process.

You can find more details about the Local Planning Committee meeting here: Local Planning Committee meeting on 24 June 2026.

Health and Wellbeing Board Tackles Future Role and Funding

The Health and Wellbeing Board met on Tuesday 23 June 2026 to discuss its evolving role in neighbourhood development and to formally approve the 2026-2027 Better Care Fund plan. The board also began shaping its future work plan, with a strong emphasis on resident involvement and addressing health inequalities.

Evolving Role in Neighbourhood Development

Samantha Bennett, Director of Public Health, presented on how national reforms are shifting the focus towards neighbourhood health plans, which will replace the current health and wellbeing strategy by 2027-28. These plans will be borough-wide initiatives with national minimum goals and locally developed aims. The board discussed how to ensure these plans deliver measurable benefits, address local priorities, and tackle health inequalities. Concerns were raised about the complexity of the agenda and the need for clearer communication to residents and voluntary sector organisations.

Better Care Fund 2026-27 Approval

The board retrospectively approved the 2026-2027 Better Care Fund (BCF) plan, a joint funding mechanism for health and social care totalling over £53 million for Greenwich. The plan supports interventions such as digital health technology, support for unpaid carers, and hospital discharge services, focusing on three national priorities: supporting hospital-to-home transitions, digital solutions, and prevention. Discussions centred on how the effectiveness and value for money of this funding would be measured, with suggestions for more robust evaluation processes and the inclusion of case studies to illustrate the impact on people's lives.

Forward Work Plan

Councillor Jackie Smith, Deputy Leader, proposed focusing the forward work plan on unpaid carers and disabled facilities grants. Other suggestions included exploring the local outcomes framework, prevention strategies, and initiatives like Pride in Place in Thamesmead. The board agreed to consult with various partnership boards and the voluntary sector to gather input for future agenda items, ensuring the plan reflects resident priorities.

• Impact: The shift towards neighbourhood health plans could lead to more localised and responsive health services. The approval of the BCF ensures continued funding for critical health and social care initiatives, directly impacting vulnerable residents, unpaid carers, and those needing support to remain in their homes.
• Stakes: The effectiveness of these new plans hinges on genuine resident involvement and clear communication. Ensuring that the BCF funding is used efficiently and demonstrably improves lives is paramount. The board's commitment to addressing health inequalities and prevention is vital for the long-term well-being of the borough.

You can find more details about the Health and Wellbeing Board meeting here: Health and Wellbeing Board meeting on 23 June 2026.

Eltham Crematorium Committee Approves Pond Facelift and Notes Works Programme Deferral

The Eltham Crematorium Joint Committee met on Tuesday 23 June 2026. Key decisions included agreeing to a facelift for small ponds at the crematorium and noting the progress of a three-year works programme.

The committee noted the Bereavement Services Managers Report, which included cremation figures, memorial sales, and operational updates. It also acknowledged the new Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, also known as Martyn's Law¹.

Regarding capital projects, the committee noted the deferral of all works scheduled for 2026/27 from the three-year works programme. The only planned expenditure for 2026/7 is £24,702.33 for the release of retention for works completed in 2025/26. A decision was made to proceed with a facelift and programmed maintenance regime for the small ponds in the North Chapel and memorial garden, at an estimated cost of £25,000 for 2026/7. The committee also noted the progress of a feasibility study into cremator replacement.

Financial reports for the year ending 2025/26 and the projected position for Period 2 of 2026/27 were received and noted.

• Impact: The decision to facelift the ponds will improve the aesthetic and environmental quality of the crematorium grounds, offering a more peaceful setting for mourners. The deferral of other works highlights potential budget constraints or reprioritisation within the council's capital spending.
• Stakes: The Eltham Crematorium serves a vital function for the community, providing a place of remembrance and solace. Decisions regarding its upkeep and facilities directly impact the experience of bereaved families and visitors.

You can find more details about the Eltham Crematorium Joint Committee meeting here: Eltham Crematorium Joint Committee meeting on 23 June 2026.

Audit and Risk Management Panel Reviews Internal Audit Plan and Annual Report

The Audit and Risk Management Panel met on Wednesday 24 June 2026 to review the council's internal audit plan for the upcoming year, consider the Head of Audit's annual report, and discuss the council's governance and risk management frameworks.

The panel was scheduled to review and approve the Internal Audit Plan for 2026/27, a statutory requirement designed to assess the effectiveness of the council's governance, risk management, and control processes. The plan allocates audit days across various governance domains.

The Head of Audit's annual report for 2025/26 was also presented, providing an opinion on the effectiveness of the council's arrangements. For the past year, the opinion was that these arrangements provided Reasonable Assurance, indicating that while risks were generally identified and managed, improvements were still needed in certain areas. The report also detailed the performance of the Anti-Fraud Service, including statistics on investigations into housing benefit fraud, tenancy fraud, and blue badge misuse.

The panel also reviewed its Terms of Reference and draft work programme for 2026/27, ensuring alignment with guidance from the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA).

• Impact: The work of the Audit and Risk Management Panel is crucial for ensuring the council operates efficiently, ethically, and in compliance with regulations. Its oversight helps to safeguard public funds and maintain public trust.
• Stakes: The panel's findings and recommendations can lead to significant improvements in how the council manages its risks and resources. A Reasonable Assurance opinion suggests that while systems are in place, vigilance and continuous improvement are necessary to address any identified weaknesses, which could have implications for service delivery and financial management.

You can find more details about the Audit and Risk Management Panel meeting here: Audit and Risk Management Panel meeting on 24 June 2026.

Other matters