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Weekly updates
Wandsworth: Licensing, Schools Funding Debates
This week in Wandsworth:
Licensing Decisions: Concerns Over Special Treatment Establishments and Public Nuisance
The Licensing Sub-Committee met this week to consider applications for special treatment licences and a large-scale music festival, raising questions about public safety, nuisance, and the suitability of operators. Read the full meeting details here.
Therapy Rooms Putney and The Pilates Room: Fitness and Propriety Concerns
The committee was scheduled to review applications for special treatment licences for two establishments in Putney: Therapy Rooms Putney and The Pilates Room. Both applications faced objections from the licensing team on grounds of Serious Concerns regarding Fitness and Propriety.
- The Stakes: Decisions on these licences directly impact public safety and the integrity of the licensing system. Concerns about an individual's suitability to hold a licence can have wider implications for the businesses they are associated with.
- Therapy Rooms Putney: The application for a new licence for Therapy Rooms Putney, located at 130-132 Upper Richmond Road, London, SW15 2SP, sought to permit a range of treatments. However, the licensing team raised objections due to concerns about the fitness and propriety of those involved. The applicant, Therapy Rooms SW15 Limited, stated that any concerns related to historical matters predating the company's existence and asserted the professional operation of the new company.
- The Pilates Room: Similarly, the renewal application for The Pilates Room, at 226 Upper Richmond Road, London, SW15 6TG, faced objections due to concerns about the fitness and propriety of Mr. Mario Perez, who was linked to the premises. The applicant, The Pilates Room Ltd, disputed the grounds of objection, highlighting their long operational history without incident and confirming that Deborah Henley would now act as the responsible officer.
- Public Reaction: While no specific public reaction was detailed in the notes, objections from the licensing team and police/fire brigade (or lack thereof) are standard procedure in these applications. The focus on
fitness and propriety
suggests a need for transparency and accountability in businesses offering personal treatments.
Country on the Common Festival: Balancing Entertainment with Nuisance Prevention
The Licensing Sub-Committee is also scheduled to consider a new, time-limited premises licence for the Country on the Common
festival on Tooting Common. The application seeks permission for alcohol sales and regulated entertainment over two days, with an increased capacity from 6,000 to 7,500 attendees per day.
- The Stakes: This decision involves balancing the desire for community events and entertainment with the need to prevent public nuisance, crime, and disorder, particularly in a residential area.
- Concerns Raised: While no objections were received from responsible authorities, three objections were lodged by
other persons
citing concerns about noise, potential crime and disorder due to policing resources, and public safety. - Proposed Conditions: The application includes extensive proposed conditions covering event safety, crime prevention, public safety, prevention of public nuisance, and protection of children from harm. These include detailed noise management strategies, crowd control plans, and strict alcohol sales policies. The proposed music noise limit is 65dB LAeq (15 min), with an upper limit of 70dB LAeq (15 min).
Schools Forum Tackles Funding Formulas and Early Years Budgets
The Wandsworth Schools Forum met to discuss crucial funding arrangements for the upcoming academic year, impacting schools, early years providers, and ultimately, the education of Wandsworth's children. Read the full meeting details here.
FY 2026-27 Schools Block Funding: Navigating Formula Changes
The forum was presented with options for the 2026-27 schools block funding, a significant portion of the education budget.
- The Stakes: How schools are funded directly affects the resources available for teaching, staffing, and educational programmes. Changes to funding formulas can disproportionately impact schools with fewer resources or those serving disadvantaged communities.
- Funding Allocation: The total schools block funding for FY 2026-27 is £201.678 million, a modest increase of 0.81%. Discussions centred on moving towards the National Funding Formula (NFF) and the impact of a Minimum Funding Guarantee (MFG).
- Impact on Schools: The report highlighted that as the Local Funding Formula (LFF) moves closer to the NFF, more funding is allocated to secondary schools at the expense of primary schools, a trend exacerbated by falling pupil numbers in primary schools. This could mean tighter budgets for primary schools, potentially affecting class sizes and support staff.
Early Years Budget: Increased Funding and New Approaches
The forum also reviewed proposals for the 2026-27 Early Years Budget, which funds free education for young children.
- The Stakes: Adequate funding for early years education is vital for children's development and provides essential support for working parents. Changes can affect the affordability and accessibility of childcare.
- Increased Allocation: The indicative Early Years Block allocation for Wandsworth is £55.717 million, a substantial increase attributed to rate adjustments and expanded entitlement funding.
- New Funding Approach: A significant change for FY 2026-27 is the move to a termly funding approach and an increase in the minimum pass-through rate for early years funding. This aims to ensure more funding directly reaches providers.
De-delegation and Education Functions: Maintaining Support Services
The meeting also addressed the de-delegation of centrally held budgets for maintained primary and secondary schools and funding for Education Functions.
- The Stakes: De-delegated funds are deductions from schools' budgets that are then managed centrally for specific services. Changes to these arrangements can impact the level of support schools receive for areas like SEN provision or staff development.
- Proposed Increase: A 2% increase in de-delegation rates was proposed to address a projected shortfall due to falling pupil numbers in maintained schools. Funding for Education Functions, which cover services previously funded by the Education Services Grant (ESG), was also proposed to increase by 3.4%.
Other Matters
- Cabinet Meeting: The Cabinet met on Monday 12 January 2026. No summary or transcript was available.
- Borough Residents' Forum: The Borough Residents' Forum also met on Thursday 15 January 2026. No summary or transcript was available.
Upcoming Meetings
Here's a list of upcoming meetings and their main topics:
- Cabinet (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/92752) - Monday 26 January 2026 - Discussion of council priorities and key decisions.
- Standards Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/92764) - Monday 26 January 2026 - Review of standards and conduct matters.
- Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/92775) - Monday 26 January 2026 - Review of the SACRE annual report, RE curriculum, and RSHE guidance.
- Licensing Sub-Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/92789) - Tuesday 27 January 2026 - Consideration of licensing applications.
- Grants Sub-Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/92797) - Tuesday 27 January 2026 - Discussion of grant applications.
- Borough Residents' Forum (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/91344) - Monday 19 January 2026 - Resident engagement on council matters.
- Planning Applications Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/91350) - Tuesday 20 January 2026 - Review of planning applications and tree preservation orders.
- Finance Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/91358) - Thursday 22 January 2026 - Discussion of financial resilience, the transformation programme, and the work programme.
- Licensing Sub-Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/92827) - Friday 23 January 2026 - Consideration of a licence for the
Country on the Common
festival. - Housing Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/91353) - Wednesday 21 January 2026 - Discussion of new council homes at Battersea Power Station, Alton Estate renewal, and the Housing Revenue Account budget.
- Licensing Sub-Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/92808) - Thursday 29 January 2026 - Consideration of licensing applications.
Wandsworth heritage buildings face scrutiny
This week in Wandsworth:
Heritage Buildings Face Scrutiny as Planning Committee Reviews Controversial Applications
The Conservation and Heritage Advisory Committee met this week, scrutinising several planning applications that could significantly alter the character of historic buildings in Wandsworth. The committee expressed strong objections to proposals for Chivalry Hall and land south of Tudor Lodge Health Centre, citing concerns about irreversible damage to heritage assets. Read the full meeting details here.
Chivalry Hall: Balconies and Altered Fenestration Spark Objections
The committee unanimously objected to two separate applications concerning Chivalry Hall, 29A - 29B Chivalry Road, SW11 1HT. The proposals involved alterations including replacement windows and doors, rooflights, solar panels, and an air source heat pump, as well as the amalgamation of two dwelling houses into a single dwelling.
- The Stakes: These decisions directly impact the preservation of Wandsworth's architectural heritage. Alterations to historic buildings can diminish their character and historical significance, affecting the aesthetic appeal and cultural value of our neighbourhoods.
- Concerns Raised: Committee members voiced significant concerns about the proposed balconies, describing them as
very large and imposing
and questioning their necessity. They also raised strong reservations about changes to the fenestration1, particularly on the Chivalry Row frontage, and the alteration of window sizes. - Impact on Understanding: The committee felt that these changes would
reduce the understanding of the hall's original use
and were therefore unacceptable. The objections were based on the grounds that the proposed alterations would be detrimental to the heritage value of the building. - Lack of Pre-Application Advice: It was noted that no pre-application advice had been sought for these applications, a point that often signals a lack of engagement with conservation officers early in the design process.
Land South of Tudor Lodge Health Centre: Development Principle Questioned
The committee also unanimously objected to a proposal for a two-bedroom single-storey plus basement level house with associated lightwells, landscaping, bin and bike store on Land South of Tudor Lodge Health Centre, 8c Victoria Drive SW19.
- The Stakes: This decision concerns the appropriate use of open land within the borough and the potential impact on the character of the surrounding area.
- Principle of Development: The primary objection was based on the
principle of development,
with the committee deeming a building of this size and scaleinappropriate and out of character for its setting.
- Loss of Open Space and Trees: Concerns were also raised about the loss of trees on the site, with the committee endorsing an objection from the Wandsworth Tree Wardens.
- Design Concerns: Questions were raised about the acceptability of building on this land, referencing the applicant's own design and access statement which indicated the need to retain the space as open land. The committee also queried the precedent for a thatched roof, especially as drawings indicated some walls were proposed to be thatched.
Positive Outcomes for Putney and Putney High Street
In contrast to the objections, the committee unanimously supported proposals for Putney Methodist Church, Upper Richmond Road, SW15 6SN and 110-112 Putney High Street, SW15 1RG.
- Putney Methodist Church: The proposals for an accessible entrance ramp, replacement doors, and the installation of solar panels were supported. The Putney Society also fully supported the application.
- 110-112 Putney High Street: The committee supported alterations including rear extensions and a front mansard roof extension to the existing ground floor commercial space, and a change of use at the upper floors to create residential units. The committee felt that allowing a mansard roof was a
positive addition, enhancing the street view.
Matters Arising: Furzedown Lodge and Waterfall House
The committee sought an update on the Furzedown Lodge site, with officers reporting that a pre-application meeting had occurred but further progress was awaited from other Council departments. The Chair expressed disappointment at the lack of progress. Regarding Waterfall House, the Principal Conservation and Urban Design Officer reported that an appeal for advertising banners had been dismissed.
Other Matters
- Archaeological Concerns: For the application at Land rear of 2 - 28 Bickley Street, SW17 9NF, the committee raised concerns about whether the site was within an archaeological priority area, noting that this work is conducted externally by the Greater London Archaeological Advisory Service (GLAAS). Confusion also arose regarding historic boundary walls, with one identified wall having been demolished in 2017.
Upcoming Meetings
Here's a list of upcoming meetings and their main topics:
- Licensing Sub-Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/91377) - Tuesday 13 January 2026 - Consideration of special treatment licences for Therapy Rooms Putney and The Pilates Room.
- Cabinet (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/90843) - Monday 12 January 2026 - Discussion of council priorities and key decisions.
- Wandsworth Schools Forum (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/90847) - Monday 12 January 2026 - Discussion and approval of school funding formulas, early years budgets, and de-delegation arrangements for 2026-27.
- Borough Residents' Forum (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/90855) - Thursday 15 January 2026 - Resident engagement on council matters.
- Housing Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/91353) - Wednesday 21 January 2026 - Discussion of housing matters.
- Planning Applications Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/91350) - Tuesday 20 January 2026 - Review of planning applications.
- Finance Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/91358) - Thursday 22 January 2026 - Discussion of financial matters.
- Borough Residents' Forum (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/91344) - Monday 19 January 2026 - Resident engagement on council matters.
-
Fenestration refers to the arrangement, proportioning, and design of windows and doors in a building. ↩
Wandsworth: Nuisance concerns over new Old York Road licence
This week in Wandsworth:
Rossalli's Licensing Application Sparks Nuisance Concerns
A new premises licence application for Rossalli's at 344-346 Old York Road is under consideration, raising concerns about potential public nuisance and crime. The Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on 16 December 2025 to discuss the application, which seeks to permit the sale of alcohol, regulated entertainment, and late-night refreshment. Read the full meeting details here.
- The Stakes: Balancing the needs of local businesses with the well-being of residents is crucial. This decision could impact noise levels, public safety, and the overall quality of life for those living near the proposed establishment.
- Representations: The council has received 7 representations against the application, citing concerns about public nuisance from entertainment, exterior drinking areas, late-night noise, rubbish, and deliveries, as well as potential crime and disorder.
- Support: Conversely, 29 representations have been received in support of the application.
- Licensing Objectives: The sub-committee must consider the application in accordance with the Licensing Act 2003, which outlines four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.
- Conditions: If granted, the licence would be subject to mandatory conditions, including CCTV installation, restrictions on external seating areas, staff training, and measures to prevent noise nuisance.
Tree Preservation Order Proposed for Garratt Lane
The Planning Applications Committee is scheduled to discuss a report proposing the confirmation of Tree Preservation Order (TPO) 509/2025, which relates to the pavement fronting 45 Garratt Lane, SW18 4AD in Wandsworth Town. Read the full meeting details here.
- The Stakes: Tree Preservation Orders protect trees that provide amenity value to the public.
- TPO 509: The report pack includes Paper No. 25-451 - TPO 509 18th December 2025, the TPO 509 Order, and a map of TPO 509.
Other Matters
- The Richmond and Wandsworth Joint Staffing Committee, London Heliport Consultative Group, and Safer Neighbourhood Board also met, but no transcripts or summaries were available.
Wandsworth boosts support for vulnerable residents.
This week in Wandsworth:
Council Approves Measures to Support Vulnerable Residents Amidst Cost of Living Crisis
Wandsworth Council convened this week, approving a motion focused on providing value for money in supporting vulnerable residents. The meeting also addressed community safety concerns in Clapham Junction, affordable housing initiatives, and waste collection improvements. Read the full meeting details here.
Motion Passed to Ensure Value for Money in Supporting Vulnerable Residents
- The Stakes: With rising costs and economic uncertainty, ensuring that support reaches those who need it most is critical. This motion aims to maximize the impact of council resources on vulnerable residents' lives.
- Joseph Rowntree Foundation Definition: Councillor Angela Ireland, Cabinet Member for Finance, defined poverty using the Joseph Rowntree Foundation's definition, emphasizing that poverty includes a lack of resources for social participation.
- £15 Million Cost of Living Fund: The council highlighted its £15 million cost of living fund, which provides crisis support and strengthens the voluntary community sector.
- Low Income Family Tracker: The Low Income Family Tracker initiative has helped residents claim benefits, generating lifetime savings of £21 million for those receiving pension credit and attendance allowance1.
- Concerns About Debt: Councillor Matthew Corner raised concerns about the council's increasing debt and its potential impact on frontline services, arguing that residents may face higher council taxes.
- Investment Strategy Defended: Councillor Tony Belton argued that the previous Conservative administration prioritized reserves over investments, while Councillor Boswell defended the council's current investment strategy as generating strong returns.
Community Safety in Clapham Junction: Statistics Show Reduction in Crime
- The Stakes: Residents' safety and security are paramount, and addressing antisocial behaviour is crucial for maintaining a thriving community.
- Multi-Agency Task Force: Councillor Graeme Henderson, Cabinet Member for Health, stated that statistics show a reduction in crime and antisocial behaviour in Clapham Junction, crediting the council's multi-agency task force, CCTV, and Neighbourhood Watch.
- Increased Resources: Councillor Henderson emphasized that the council has substantially increased resources in community safety, leading to a fall in knife crime and extended CCTV coverage.
Affordable Housing Initiatives: Planning Changes, Regeneration Projects, and More
- The Stakes: Access to affordable housing is a major challenge, and the council is exploring various strategies to address the issue.
- 1,000 Homes Programme: Councillor Aydin Dikerdem, Cabinet Member for Housing, outlined initiatives including planning changes, regeneration projects, the Renters' Rights Bill, rent control campaigns, and community engagement.
- Protections on New Builds: Councillor Dikerdem confirmed that the Labour Government has introduced protections on new builds and council housing, taking them out of right to buy2.
- Battersea Power Station: Councillor Matthew Tiller highlighted the commitment to build around 200 new council homes as part of the next phase at Battersea Power Station.
Waste Collection Improvements: Increased Food Waste Collection and More
- The Stakes: Efficient waste collection and recycling are essential for environmental sustainability and maintaining a clean borough.
- Increased Food Waste Collection: Councillor Paul White, Cabinet Member for Environment, stated that the council had increased food waste collection by 240 tonnes in 16 months, a 170% increase.
- New Trucks and Monitoring Officers: The council has invested in new trucks and increased monitoring officers to improve the efficiency of waste collection and recycling.
- Planned Improvements: Same-day sweep, jet washing, and a focus on fly-tipping hotspots are planned to further improve waste services.
Other Matters
- Council Tax Surcharge: A Conservative motion on the council tax surcharge was defeated.
- Planning Applications: The Planning Applications Committee had made decisions on a number of planning applications at meetings held on 23rd October 2025 and 19th November 2025.
Upcoming Meetings
Here's a list of upcoming meetings and their main topics:
- Joint Pensions Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/89090) - Thursday 11 December 2025 - Discussion of the external audit results, the funding strategy, general pension matters and the quarterly investment performance.
- Safer Neighbourhood Board (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/89084) - Tuesday 09 December 2025 - Discussion of crime statistics, policing strategies, and community safety initiatives.
- Richmond and Wandsworth Joint Staffing Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/89957) - Tuesday 16 December 2025
- Planning Applications Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/90336) - Thursday 18 December 2025
- London Heliport Consultative Group (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/89960) - Wednesday 17 December 2025
- Licensing Sub-Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/89959) - Tuesday 16 December 2025 - Consideration of a new premises licence for Rossalli's on Old York Road.
- Safer Neighbourhood Board (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/89955) - Monday 15 December 2025
Wandsworth: School budget shortfall, NHS updates, polling place change
This week in Wandsworth:
Schools Forum Grapples with Budget Pressures and SEN Support
The Wandsworth Schools Forum convened to tackle critical issues, including a looming budget overspend, enhanced support for reception-aged children, and updates on special educational needs (SEN) projects. Read the full meeting details here.
High Needs Budget Faces £10 Million Overspend
- The Stakes: The High Needs Budget (HNB), which funds education for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), is facing a significant overspend, creating immediate budget pressures. This could mean reduced services and support for vulnerable students.
- Funding Shortfall: Despite a 5.9% increase in the HNB, the £70.572 million allocation falls short of covering the £10.314 million overspend from the previous year.
- Continued Investments: Funding for mainstream therapies, the SEN Support Fund, and social work in schools will continue, providing essential support for students with additional needs.
- Increase in Special School Places: As part of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) recovery plan, there will be an increase in places at Paddock School and Nightingale Community Academy, as well as an expansion of the Granard Primary School Resource Base.
Enhanced Reception Support Project Aims to Reduce EHCP Assessments
- The Stakes: The Wandsworth Schools Forum agreed to run a pilot project to provide an enhanced package of support in the Reception year to a targeted group of 20 children. The project aims to alleviate transition anxiety for parents and carers, build staff confidence in meeting identified needs, remove barriers for children with additional needs to attend mainstream school, enable pupils to attend school full time, and avoid the need for Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessments.
- Targeted Support: Children will be selected from those whose EHCNA requests were
No to Assess
but went to mediation or tribunal, as well as children new to the borough or entering Reception without prior nursery education. - Cost Avoidance: The project aims to support at least 75% of pupils at SEN support by the end of Reception, avoiding the need for an EHCNA. It is estimated that the project could avoid the need for 15 EHCPs, representing an annual cost avoidance of £180,000.
SEN Support Fund and Enhanced Transition Project Update
- The Stakes: The Wandsworth Schools Forum received an update on the impact of the investment set aside for Special Educational Needs (SEN) Support projects and the Enhanced Transition Project (ETP). The report outlined the training provided during the 2024-25 financial year and plans for expenditure in 2025-26.
- Positive Impact: The report highlighted the positive impact of the AME (Autonomy, Motivation and Engagement) Coaching project, with delegates reporting significant changes in their interactions with students.
- Cost Avoidance: The Enhanced Transition Project (ETP) has also demonstrated success, with only one pupil involved in the project requiring an EHCP and 100% of pupils being well supported at secondary school. The ETP has led to a significant reduction in EHC assessment requests in Year 6, with an estimated cost avoidance of £230,000 per annum.
- ADHD Ambassador Programme: A new project, the ADHD Ambassador Programme, was commissioned in response to feedback from headteachers and Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators (SENCo) that there is a gap in support for pupils with this need.
Health Committee Discusses NHS Performance, Mental Health, and More
The Health Committee convened to discuss a range of critical health issues, including updates from local NHS trusts, integrated care developments, CCTV strategy, and sexual and reproductive health initiatives. Read the full meeting details here.
NHS Trust Performance Updates
- St George's Trust: The committee received updates on operational performance, including emergency care, winter pressures, and elective care recovery.
- South West London & St George's Mental Health Trust (SWLSTG): The committee discussed mental health service delivery and community programmes, including the Coral Mental Health Crisis Hub and the Ethnicity and Mental Health Improvement Project (EMHIP).
Integrated Care Developments
- Integrated Neighbourhoods: The committee discussed the progress of integrated neighbourhood working, which aims to provide local system leadership for health and care services. The first phase is scheduled to launch on 1 April 2025 in Battersea, Roehampton and Tooting.
CCTV Strategy
- Surveillance Network: The committee discussed the Wandsworth CCTV Strategy 2024-2029, which outlines the council's plan for managing its network of 1,290 CCTV cameras.
Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategy
- Five-Year Plan: The committee discussed the Wandsworth Sexual and Reproductive Health Strategy 2025-2030, a five-year plan to improve sexual and reproductive health outcomes, focusing on addressing health inequities and ensuring equitable access to services, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Adult Social Care Outcomes Framework Annual Report
- Performance Review: The committee received an update on the 2023-24 Adult Social Care Outcomes Framework (ASCOF) annual performance, noting that Wandsworth's performance is very good compared to other London boroughs.
Budget Monitoring and Review of Charges
- Financial Pressures: The committee discussed the 2024/25 Q3 budget monitoring and 2025/26 budget, noting a projected overspend of £2.685 million, mainly due to increased demand and costs in Adult Social Care.
- Fee Increase: The committee proposed to increase Adult Social Care Services fees by 2.2% from 1 April 2025.
- Councillor Marshall:
While there's been very good progress on the elective surgery waiting list, we've been inducted to my colleague to point out that three wards have had to be closed due to norovirus, and I'm just wondering what the knock-on effect of that has been generally, but particularly on the waiting list for elective surgeries.
- Councillor Crivelli:
You've said on page 8, paragraph 3, sorry, that you've talked about the consultant-led elective treatment waiting time remains a priority for the Trust. And you have said that you are performing better than your peer average. Obviously, that's commendable. But you pointed out there's 31 patients waiting 65 weeks or longer, and 858 patients waiting 52 weeks longer. I appreciate if you were one of these patients that was waiting that length of time. Obviously, the fact that the peer average doesn't mean anything to them. And I was just – you say we do have a detailed plan to mitigate the growth of that. I was wondering, out of curiosity, is there some particular form of treatment that makes up the bulk of these patients, or is it just scattered all over? Is there one particular thing that you need to focus on as a Trust to address these waiting times?
- Councillor Gussain:
The Trust reports a 14.3 million deficit. I mean, the information is probably available elsewhere, but there's no breakdown in the report about how that deficit came about. There's mention of a review by Deloitte. Would you be able to say what structural financial issues were identified by that report and how much additional public funding may have been allocated to cover deficits? And there's mention of a cost improvement program. Are you able to tell us how much cost cutting has been achieved and, if so, what the impact on patient care is?
- Councillor Horrell:
St. George's often gets a bad rap in terms of the press. And I recently, in fact, this weekend had an MRI at St. George's. The waiting time was about three, just under three and a half weeks from referral to actually getting the test done and an excellent service. So, it's nice to have some good stories around St. George's. And a big thank you to your staff in terms of the quality of care that was actually delivered. And I would be grateful if you could feed that back to the MRI unit, how pleased I was from the moment of contact all the way through. So, it was great to see a coherent pathway in place and a really good pathway. So, a big thank you for that.
General Purposes Committee Addresses Polling Place Change and Election Integrity
The General Purposes Committee convened to discuss a change to a polling place in Southfields ward and to review recommendations for improving election procedures. Read the full meeting details here.
Polling Place Relocation
- Southfields Ward: The committee approved the relocation of a polling place in Southfields ward from Southfields Academy to St Barnabas Church, due to the academy's unavailability.
Election Update
- Review Implementation: The committee noted an update on the implementation of recommendations made following a review of the UK Parliamentary General Election on 4 July 2024, focusing on resourcing, spreadsheet design, and communication.
Other Matters
- The Grants Sub-Committee and Licensing Sub-Committee also met, but no transcripts or summaries were available.
Upcoming Meetings
Here's a list of upcoming meetings and their main topics:
- Joint Pensions Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/89090) - Thursday 11 December 2025 - Discussion of the Pension Fund's investment performance and funding strategy.
- Council (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/89087) - Wednesday 10 December 2025 - Discussion of the Council Tax Requirement and Council Tax for 2025/26.
- Safer Neighbourhood Board (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/89084) - Tuesday 09 December 2025 - Discussion of crime statistics and updates from ward panel chairs.
- Richmond and Wandsworth Joint Staffing Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/89957) - Tuesday 16 December 2025
- Planning Applications Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/90336) - Thursday 18 December 2025
- London Heliport Consultative Group (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/89960) - Wednesday 17 December 2025
- Licensing Sub-Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/89959) - Tuesday 16 December 2025 - Consideration of a new premises licence for Rossalli's on Old York Road.
Wandsworth Council
The Finance Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Wandsworth Council was scheduled to discuss improving the financial resilience of residents, the council's transformation programme, and its work programme. The meeting's agenda also included the confirmation of previous minutes and declarations of interest.
Wandsworth Council
The Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting scheduled for 21 January 2026 was set to cover a wide range of housing-related matters, including significant regeneration projects, budget proposals, and improvements to housing services. Key discussions were expected to focus on the development of new council homes at Battersea Power Station and the ongoing renewal of the Alton Estate, alongside the annual Housing Revenue Account budget and proposals for rent and service charge increases. The committee was also scheduled to review reports on the aftermath of the Fox House fire, the performance of housing services, and the write-off of irrecoverable debts.
Wandsworth Council
The Planning Applications Committee meeting on 20 January 2026 saw the approval of several significant development proposals, including residential units in Balham and Mitcham Road, and a substantial expansion of the Vivienne Westwood studios in Elcho Street. The committee also confirmed three Tree Preservation Orders and noted recent planning decisions and closed investigation files.
Wandsworth Council
The Borough Residents' Forum is scheduled to consider proposals for the Housing Revenue Account budget, including proposed rent and other charges for council dwellings. The forum will also review the findings and recommendations of the Social Housing Improvement Task and Finish Group.
Wandsworth Council
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Wandsworth Council
The Licensing Sub-Committee of Wandsworth Council was scheduled to consider applications for special treatment licences for two establishments: Therapy Rooms Putney and The Pilates Room. Both applications involved discussions around the suitability of the applicants and the proposed treatments.
Wandsworth Council
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Wandsworth Council
The Wandsworth Schools Forum meeting scheduled for 12 January 2026 was set to discuss the financial framework for the upcoming academic year, including proposals for the schools block funding formula, early years budgets, and de-delegation of funds. The forum was also scheduled to review the central school services block budget and projections for the growth fund.
Wandsworth Council
The Conservation and Heritage Advisory Committee met to discuss several planning applications and review recent decisions. The committee unanimously objected to applications for Chivalry Hall and Land South of Tudor Lodge Health Centre, while unanimously supporting proposals for Putney Methodist Church and 110-112 Putney High Street.
Agenda and minutes
The Joint Pensions Committee met to discuss the government's Fit for the Future
consultation on the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), which proposes significant changes to how pension funds are managed and invested. The committee also reviewed the quarterly investment performance report and updated its communications policy.