The Cabinet of the Royal Borough of Greenwich met on Wednesday 15 July 2026. The Cabinet agreed to expand the school uniform grant scheme to include Academy schools and agreed changes to the Pupil Benefits scheme by agreeing a policy to provide equivalent food provision to free school meals for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) who are receiving education otherwise than at school (EOTAS). The Cabinet also noted the Treasury Management Outturn Report and the Capital Outturn Report for the 2025/26 financial year, and noted the council's Strategic Risk Register.

School Clothing Grants and Equivalent Food Provision for Children Educated Otherwise than at School

The Cabinet agreed to expand the school uniform grant scheme to include Academy schools, which will increase the number of children eligible for assistance with school uniform costs. Changes were also agreed to the Pupil Benefits scheme, introducing a policy to provide equivalent food provision to free school meals for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) who are receiving education otherwise than at school (EOTAS). This expansion aims to support low-income households and ensure children can benefit fully from their education. The revised school clothing grant scheme will now be open to children attending any state school, including academies, who are in receipt of targeted free school meals. The equivalent food provision for EOTAS children will be delivered via cash vouchers, amounting to £15 per week during term time, and will be funded through an underspend on the GLA Mayor's Free School Meals programme. The estimated annual cost for the expanded school clothing grant scheme is approximately £200,000, with the EOTAS provision costing around £13,500 per annum. The changes are intended to be implemented in time for the 2026/27 academic year.

Treasury Management and Capital Outturn 2025/26

The Cabinet noted the Treasury Management Outturn Report and the Capital Outturn Report for the 2025/26 financial year. The Treasury Management report detailed the council's borrowing position, which stood at £907.932 million as at 31 March 2026, with a weighted average interest rate of 4.23% and a residual weighted average maturity of 13.4 years. The council maintained an under-borrowed position during the year, utilising internal reserves and cash flow to manage borrowing needs, a strategy deemed prudent given prevailing investment rates. The Capital Outturn Report highlighted that the council made capital investments totalling £290 million in 2025/26, with 74% of this expenditure directed towards housing-related schemes, including the construction and acquisition of new homes and investment in existing stock. Significant investments were also made in schools, temporary accommodation, and town centre regeneration projects.

Royal Borough of Greenwich Strategic Risk Register

The Cabinet noted the council's Strategic Risk Register, which identifies key risks threatening the council's plans and strategies, along with the controls and mitigating actions in place. No new or escalated risks were identified for inclusion in this review cycle. The register will be presented to the Audit & Risk Management Panel on 21 July 2026 and subsequently to Full Council on 22 July 2026 for noting. The Strategic Risk Register is a crucial component of the council's governance, risk management, and internal control framework, supporting the ambition to develop the borough efficiently and effectively.