The Audit and Performance Committee of Westminster Council was scheduled to review the council's financial performance and capital receipts, alongside updates on procurement and contract management. The committee was also set to discuss the council's overall performance in the first quarter of the financial year and consider the work programme for the upcoming municipal year.

Q1 Performance Report

The committee was scheduled to receive updates on the council's performance for the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year. This included a review of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) across all directorates, highlighting areas on track, at risk, or off-track. The report also detailed achievements in areas such as vulnerable adults and children's services, safe streets initiatives, housing developments, and value for money in procurement. Pressures and risks facing the council were also to be discussed, including the ongoing cyber recovery efforts, changes in NHS system arrangements, high-cost placements in children's services, demand for Education, Health and Care Needs Assessments, extreme weather events, and issues related to the Housing Ombudsman and temporary accommodation.

Q1 Finance Monitor

A comprehensive financial monitoring report for the first quarter of 2026/27 was scheduled for discussion. This report detailed the projected outturn for the General Fund, indicating an anticipated overspend primarily driven by higher-cost children's services placements and reduced investment income. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) was also forecast to be in deficit. The report provided an overview of capital programme forecasts for both the General Fund and HRA, along with the status of savings targets and the projected reserve balance. Specific financial details for each directorate were to be presented, including variances, identified risks, and opportunities. The collection rates for Council Tax and Business Rates were also to be reviewed.

Capital Receipts Overview

The committee was scheduled to consider an overview of the council's capital receipts, which are crucial for financing the capital programme and reducing the need for borrowing. The report detailed the projected £881 million in capital receipts over 15 years, arising from asset disposals, development schemes, and loan repayments. The report outlined the main categories of receipts, their expected timing, and the associated risks, such as delays in scheme progression or market value fluctuations. Developer contributions, totalling £246 million, were also to be discussed as a significant funding source for the capital programme.

General Procurement Update

An annual report on the council's procurement activity for 2025/26 was scheduled for review. This report was to highlight progress made in procurement, including major procurements, value for money examples, SME participation, and the implementation of the new Procurement Code. It was also to cover compliance with the council's procurement policy, including waivers, breaches, and commitments to the Living Wage and responsible procurement. The report was to detail progress on priority areas such as the Procurement Act 2023, transparency obligations, system development, supplier financial sustainability, and responsible procurement, as well as outlining service priorities for 2026/27.

Contract and Supplier Performance Report

The committee was scheduled to receive the sixth annual Contract and Supplier Performance Report for 2025/26. This report was to provide an update on contract management, supplier performance, risk, and responsible procurement. It was to highlight the council's approach to contract management, including supplier segmentation and performance results from surveys of contract managers. The report was also to detail risk management strategies, including responses to supplier resilience challenges, and progress on responsible procurement, including social value outcomes and modern slavery due diligence. The report was to conclude with priorities for Procurement & Commercial Services for the upcoming year.

Major Contracts Review [Draft]

A draft of the Major Contracts Review was to be presented to the committee. This review assesses the council's oversight of its largest, highest-value, and highest-risk contracts, focusing on supplier financial resilience, contract risk, value for money, and responsible procurement. The review covers contracts valued over £5 million and provides an overall assessment of key themes, including findings across different service portfolios such as regeneration and development, housing and property management, leisure, corporate and enabling services, and people-based services. Priority actions for improvement were also to be discussed.