The West London Waste Authority meeting, held on Tuesday 23 June 2026, was scheduled to cover a range of operational and financial matters, including the approval of the Business Plan for 2026/27 and updates on borough partnerships and transformation initiatives. The Audit Committee also had a significant agenda, focusing on risk reports, statements of accounts, and external audit findings.

Business Plan 2026/27

The meeting was scheduled to discuss the West London Waste Authority's Business Plan for 2026/27. This plan outlines the Authority's priorities for the upcoming year, focusing on three key areas: Delivery, People, and Partnership. It details medium and long-term ambitions, including the development of a Circular Economy in West London, working collaboratively with boroughs and industry stakeholders, and investing in the Authority's people and culture. The plan also sets out targets to halve residual waste by 2035 and achieve zero avoidable waste by 2042.

Borough Partnership and Development and Transformation Update

A report was scheduled to provide an update on the progress of borough partnerships and development and transformation initiatives. This included details on the establishment of a new Strategic Partnership Board, designed to foster collaboration and shared investment decisions among the six boroughs. The report was expected to cover progress on responding to emerging government funding opportunities, improving Household Reuse and Recycling Centres (HRRCs), and exploring new technologies for waste management.

People and Culture Update

The meeting was set to receive an update on the People and Culture strategy. This included progress on the recruitment of a permanent Managing Director, an overview of People and Culture Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and the results of the Employee Engagement Survey. The report was expected to highlight efforts to improve organisational culture, strengthen internal and external communication, and invest in staff skills and development.

Contracts and Operations Report

A report on Contracts and Operations was scheduled for discussion, summarising the performance of waste contracts and recent developments at the Abbey Road Household Reuse and Recycling Centre (HRRC). The report was expected to highlight the overall good performance of contracts, while also addressing preparations for planned outages at the Severnside Energy Recovery Centre (SERC) and ongoing risks such as fires. Improvements at the Abbey Road HRRC, including a new booking system and health and safety initiatives, were also to be detailed.

Finance Update

The meeting was scheduled to include a Finance Update, providing a summary of the Authority's financial position and year-end forecast. This would cover the management of expenditure within the approved budget, the status of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), disbursements to boroughs, and an update on the 2024/25 audit. The report was also expected to detail the proposed disbursement of reserves totalling £4.7 million to boroughs.

Governance Update

A Governance Update was scheduled, focusing on the Authority's commitment to best-in-class governance. This included proposed updates to the Local Code of Corporate Governance and the WLWA Procurement Code. Key changes discussed were expected to relate to the Standards and Audit Committees, including a revised approach to handling complaints and the redrafting of the Audit Committee's Terms of Reference to enhance external scrutiny.

Audit Committee Items

The Audit Committee had a significant agenda, including:

Audit Committee - Risk Report

An updated risk register was to be presented, reflecting progress across the Authority and aligning management actions and internal audit activity with areas of highest risk. The report was expected to confirm that no red risks were reported after accounting for existing and planned mitigations.

2024/25 Statement of Accounts Update

Members were to receive an update on the 2024/25 Statement of Accounts, which were expected to be signed following the finalisation of prior year adjustments related to the Public Private Partnership (PPP) contract. The report would also cover the final ISA 260 Report from KPMG and the planned disbursement of reserves totalling £4.7 million to boroughs.

2025/26 Statement of Accounts Update and Draft Outturn

An update on the draft 2025/26 Statement of Accounts was scheduled, along with the draft budget monitoring outturn for 2025/26. This would highlight the Authority's financial position, including a projected surplus of £2.9 million, attributed to lower than budgeted tonnages and associated savings on waste transport and disposal costs.

External Audit KPMG

The meeting was to receive the External Audit Plan and Strategy for the year ending 31 March 2026 from KPMG. This report details KPMG's assessment of risk and their planned audit approach.

Internal Audit LB Ealing

An update on Internal Audit activities for 2025/26 was scheduled, covering areas such as Data Management and Budget Monitoring. The report would also include the Head of Audit's Opinion and Performance Report, along with the proposed Internal Audit Plan for 2026/27.

Assurance Statements for Year ending 31 March 2026

Assurance Statements from Chief Officers and Senior Leaders were to be presented. These statements serve as a self-assessment tool to demonstrate ownership of governance arrangements within their respective service areas and support the approval of the Annual Governance Statement.