The Community & Children's Services Committee meeting scheduled for 22 April 2026 was set to cover a range of departmental updates, including risk management and the outcomes of a significant inspection by the Regulator of Social Housing. A key focus was also expected to be the refurbishment of the Golden Lane Leisure Centre and broader departmental business planning.

Departmental Risk Update

A report was scheduled for discussion concerning the Department of Community and Children's Services (DCCS) Risk Register. This update was intended to highlight changes since the previous report, including the addition of new risks, the closure of risks where mitigation measures are now embedded, and updates to existing risk entries. The report indicated that all changes to the Risk Register had been reviewed and approved by the Departmental Leadership Team (DLT). Enhancements to risk governance and assurance were also noted, with defined escalation routes, stronger quality assurance of risk descriptions and controls, and alignment with the City of London Corporation's Risk Management Framework. The report recommended that members note the departmental Risk Register and the actions taken by DCCS to strengthen its response and risk mitigation.

Regulator of Social Housing Inspection - Outcome, Benchmarking and Improvement Response

This report was scheduled for discussion and information, providing an update on the outcome of the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) inspection, benchmarking the City of London Corporation's results against other London local authority landlords, and outlining the actions being taken to address the findings. The City of London Corporation had received a C3 Consumer Standards grading, indicating serious failings requiring improvement, which the report acknowledged reflected historic under-investment in the housing stock. The Court of Common Council had committed to a £211 million investment programme over the next 10 years to address safety, quality, and Decent Homes compliance. The Corporation accepted the seriousness of the C3 grading and aimed to achieve full regulatory compliance (C1) within three years. The Regulator had acknowledged the Corporation's self-awareness and the pace at which officers were working to address issues. Early improvements noted included an increase in up-to-date stock condition surveys, rapid improvement in electrical safety performance, and the implementation of a new digital platform for managing fire risk actions. The report highlighted that accountability for the Consumer Standards rests with the City of London Corporation as landlord and that the Corporation would be subject to monthly engagement with the Regulator, likely focused on the delivery of an improvement plan. Progress would be subject to robust governance and scrutiny by the Housing Management and Almshouses Sub Committee and the independently chaired Housing Improvement Board. The inspection outcome and the Corporation's commitments had been shared with residents.

Golden Lane Leisure Centre - Update from the Chairman

The Chairman was scheduled to provide a verbal update to the Committee on the Golden Lane Leisure Centre.

Golden Lane Leisure Centre Refurbishment - Gateway 2 Issue Report

This report, for decision, was scheduled to provide an update on the Golden Lane Leisure Centre refurbishment, specifically concerning Gateway 2 issues.

Departmental Risk Update

A report was scheduled for discussion concerning the Department of Community and Children's Services (DCCS) Risk Register. This update was intended to highlight changes since the previous report, including the addition of new risks, the closure of risks where mitigation measures are now embedded, and updates to existing risk entries. The report indicated that all changes to the Risk Register had been reviewed and approved by the Departmental Leadership Team (DLT). Enhancements to risk governance and assurance were also noted, with defined escalation routes, stronger quality assurance of risk descriptions and controls, and alignment with the City of London Corporation's Risk Management Framework. The report recommended that members note the departmental Risk Register and the actions taken by DCCS to strengthen its response and risk mitigation.

Updates from Sub Committees, Allocated Members and Portfolio Holders

This item was scheduled for information, providing updates from various sub-committees, allocated members, and portfolio holders.

Health and Fire Safety Team

This report, for decision, was scheduled to provide an update from the Health and Fire Safety Team.

Waiver Report

This report, for decision, was scheduled to address waiver requests.

Minutes

The Committee was scheduled to agree the minutes of the previous Committee meeting.

Outstanding Actions

Members were asked to note the outstanding actions report.

Questions on Matters Relating to the Work of the Committee

This item was scheduled for members to ask questions on matters relating to the work of the Committee.

Any Other Business That the Chairman Considers Urgent

This item allowed for the discussion of any other urgent business that the Chairman deemed necessary to bring before the Committee.

Exclusion of the Public

A motion was scheduled to be considered for the exclusion of the public from the meeting for specific items of business, on the grounds that they involved the likely disclosure of exempt information.

Non-Public Minutes

The Committee was scheduled to agree the non-public minutes of the previous Committee meeting.

Non-Public Outstanding Actions

Members were asked to note the non-public outstanding actions report.