The Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday 26 May 2026 was set to cover a range of administrative and policy matters, including the election of the Mayor and Leader, review of political balance, committee appointments, and the Members' Allowances Scheme. A significant portion of the agenda was dedicated to the adoption of the Statement of Gambling Policy for 2026-2029 and the renewal of the council's resolution not to issue casino premises licences.

Election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor

The meeting was scheduled to begin with the formal election of the Mayor and the subsequent appointment of the Deputy Mayor for the upcoming municipal year.

Mayor's Announcements and Election of Leader

Following the election of the Mayor, there were planned announcements from the Mayor. The agenda also included the election of the Leader of the Council.

Review of Political Balance

A review of the council's political balance was scheduled, following the recent elections. This process, governed by legislation such as the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, ensures that seats on committees are allocated to political groups in proportion to their representation on the council. The report detailed the proposed new political balance arrangements for various committees, including the General Purposes Committee, Planning Committee, and Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Appointments to Committees and Other Bodies

Following the agreement on political proportionality, the council was set to make appointments to its various committees and external organisations. This included noting Cabinet and Opposition appointments, agreeing committee appointments with chairing arrangements, and appointing representatives to outside bodies and other council bodies.

Members' Allowances Scheme 2026-27

The council was due to consider and agree its Members' Allowances Scheme for the 2026-27 financial year. This scheme outlines the basic, special responsibility, civic, travel, carers', and subsistence allowances payable to councillors. The report noted that the scheme had been reviewed following the recent election and changes to the council's political balance, with a view to removing entitlements for smaller opposition groups not considered the main opposition. The scheme also had regard to recommendations from the London Councils' Independent Panel on Members' Remuneration.

Statement of Gambling Policy 2026-2029

A key item on the agenda was the approval of the revised Statement of Gambling Licensing Policy for 2026-2029. As a licensing authority under the Gambling Act 2005, the council is required to prepare and publish this policy every three years. The policy must align with the three licensing objectives: preventing gambling from being a source of crime or disorder, ensuring fair and open gambling, and protecting children and vulnerable persons. The report also sought the renewal of the council's resolution not to issue casino premises licences, a decision that had been reaffirmed every three years since 2012. This decision was based on factors including the protection of vulnerable persons, potential social and economic harms, and consistent community opposition. The policy detailed the framework for licensing various gambling premises, including Adult Gaming Centres, Licensed Family Entertainment Centres, Bingo premises, and Betting Premises, outlining the principles for decision-making and enforcement.

Minutes of Previous Meetings

The agenda also included the approval of the minutes from the previous Council meetings held on 3 March 2026 and 25 March 2026. These minutes covered various discussions, including questions from the public and members of the council on topics such as road safety on Masons Green Lane, ethical investment funds, support for vulnerable children, police station front counter hours, recycling facilities, the Warren Farm Nature Reserve, tackling crime, and proposed Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) in Perivale Lane. The minutes also detailed the resolution of the 2026-27 Budget Strategy, including revenue and capital budgets, council tax increases, and the Pay Policy Statement. Additionally, the minutes from the March meeting recorded the decision to award Freedom of the Borough to Sarah Nathan, Eric and Jessica Huntley, Virendra Sharma, and Pragna Patel.