The Council meeting on 17 June 2026 saw the approval of amendments to the Members' Allowance Scheme for 2026-27 and constitutional changes to the policy and scrutiny process. A motion, originally titled Protecting Fairer Westminster, was debated and amended, ultimately passing with the new administration's priorities acknowledged.

Members' Allowance Scheme 2026-27 Amendment

The Council approved amendments to the Members' Allowance Scheme for 2026-27, which will take effect from 20 May 2026. These changes reflect adjustments to the Council's committee structure, including the introduction of an additional Policy and Scrutiny Committee and a new Planning Sub-Committee, which will make more Members eligible for Special Responsibility Allowances (SRAs). Conversely, the membership of the Discretionary Housing Payment Panel and the Ratings Panel has been reduced, decreasing the number of SRA-eligible positions on these bodies. The report also noted that elected Members are now eligible to join the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) from 11 May 2026. The total cost of the amended scheme is £1,133,985.53.

Policy and Scrutiny Constitutional Amendments

The Council approved amendments to its Constitution concerning the call-in procedure and Task Group provisions. Key changes include reducing the threshold for calling in executive decisions from three to two Members of the relevant Policy and Scrutiny Committee, aiming to make the process more proportionate and accessible. Criteria have also been introduced to guide when a decision can be called in, focusing on adherence to principles of due consultation, consistency with the Council's budget and policy framework, and legal requirements. Amendments were also made to clarify the role of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in establishing and overseeing Task Groups, promoting a more coordinated approach to scrutiny. The Director of Law will continue to monitor the effectiveness of these constitutional provisions.

Protecting Fairer Westminster Motion

A motion, originally titled Protecting Fairer Westminster, was debated, which called on the Conservative administration to clarify its position on several policies and programmes introduced by the previous Labour administration. These included commitments to build social housing, achieve Net Zero by 2030, continue the Community Hubs programme, maintain free school meals provision, and support the North Paddington Programme.

An amendment was moved by Councillor Paul Swaddle and seconded by Councillor Tim Barnes, which acknowledged the Conservative Group's election mandate to deliver on their manifesto pledges of safe streets, a clean city, value for money, transport that works for all, and caring for the vulnerable. The amendment stated that the Conservative Group would consider retaining Labour policies in light of these manifesto priorities.

Following debate, the amendment was carried, and then the substantive amended motion was also carried. The final resolution acknowledges the Conservative administration's mandate to prioritise its manifesto pledges and states that Labour policies will be considered within the context of these priorities. Councillor Hamza spoke passionately about the importance of free school meals, highlighting his personal experience and the potential impact of cuts. Councillor Iman Less expressed disappointment at the absence of a dedicated Cabinet Member for Climate and Ecology, contrasting it with previous administrations' commitments. Councillor Tim Barnes, in his response, defended the amendment, stating that the previous administration's motion was a list of their own achievements and that the new administration would prioritise its manifesto commitments, including ensuring value for money and delivering on safe streets and a clean city. He also confirmed that the Holiday Activities Fund would be extended.