Royal Greenwich Council met on 26 March 2025, and among other items, noted the annual audit report, discussed corporate parenting, and approved the members' allowances scheme for 2025-26. Councillors also debated petitions from residents and discussed issues ranging from traffic management to knife crime. The council approved a motion regarding dockless cycles, and an amended motion on the economic impact assessment of selling off council car parks.

Annual Audit Report

The council noted the annual audit report for 2023-24, which was presented by Suresh Patel from Mazars, the external auditor. Councillor Dennis Hyland, Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Social Value, highlighted that the council was among the few in London to have their accounts signed off with an unqualified opinion¹. The report identified two significant weaknesses: financial sustainability and compliance with the home standard² for council housing. Councillor David Gardner, Chair of the Audit and Risk Management Panel, expressed concern about the audit fee and looked forward to a reduction in additional fees the following year. Councillor Matt Hartley, Leader of the Opposition, emphasised the urgent need for the council to address these weaknesses.

Corporate Parenting

Councillor Adil Khare, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, introduced the annual report on corporate parenting for 2023-24. He emphasised that corporate parenting was everyone's responsibility, highlighting that at the end of February, there were 420 children in care and 405 care experienced young people.

Three young people, Austin, Dorcas, and Lucy, shared their experiences and perspectives. Austin spoke about the cost of living and its potential impact on care leavers. Dorcas discussed the difficulties faced in securing employment, and Lucy focused on the quality of housing provided to care leavers and proposed inspections of properties.

Councillor Beatt reiterated the need for more people to be involved in corporate parenting events, and Councillor Linda Bird, Deputy Mayor, commended the work of the corporate parenting panel and children's services.

Standards Committee Annual Report

Dr Susan Blackall, Chair of the Standards Committee, presented the Standards Committee Annual Report 2023/24. The report highlighted the extent of training for councillors and the high level of attendance, as well as the fact that only nine complaints were received, none of which warranted investigation. Dr Blackall also noted the appointment of two new independent members to the committee, Guilia Gandolfo and Celestine Anderson. Councillor Matt Hadley thanked Dr Blackall for her work, noting the exceptionally high standards of ethics and conduct within the council.

Petitions

The council considered several petitions, including one regarding investment in Plumstead Adventure Playground and another calling for certainty over the future of adventure play centres, including Coldharbour Adventure Play Centre. There were also petitions concerning parking issues on Birdbrook Road and surrounding roads.

Responses were given to petitions submitted at previous meetings. A representative of Greenwich Palestine Action expressed indignation at the council's failure to divest from investments linked to Israel. The Chair of Pension Fund Investment & Administration Panel, Councillor Olu Babatola, responded, outlining the steps the panel had taken and offering to provide private updates.

Ciara Montgomery spoke about parking issues in Horn Park Lane, and the cabinet member for climate excellence, sustainability and transport responsibilities responded that Horn Park would be stage 2 of the Sustainable Streets programme, with consultation expected by the end of the year.

Andy Brockman spoke on behalf of the Board of Governors of Shrewsbury House Community Association regarding plans for 28 Mill with Drive, expressing concern about the disposal process. The Leader of the Council, Councillor Anthony Okereke, responded that asset disposals were difficult but necessary to set a balanced budget.

Ty Baker spoke urging the council to save the Greenwich Equestrian Centre for the community, and Barry Gray represented the Woodlands Farm Trust, requesting a pause in the disposal process. Councillor Okereke reiterated that difficult decisions had to be made to sell assets to balance the budget.

Public Questions

Members addressed 22 public questions covering a range of topics. Lucy Aja asked about actions to improve support for black young people with special needs. Dr Pascal Uribebo questioned the council's solution for motivating apprenticeship completion. Karen Chell requested a correction to the target date for PM2 point pollutants and asked for monitors to be switched back on near the Silvertown Tunnel portals. Alison Turner inquired about a definite date for work to start on the Woolwich foot tunnel. Ferdi Cholevan raised concerns about equality for the Palestinian community. Karen Teel asked about TfL taking control of the foot tunnels. George Edgar sought clarification on unspent transport S106 funds and asked about public access to decisions on allocating green bond funds. Lubna Svetin questioned the council's response to demands for the rejection of the IHRA definition of antisemitism³.

Members' Questions

Councillors then addressed 40 written members' questions. Councillor Matt Hartley asked about an injunction against Barrett Homes at Royal Artillery Quays, the publication of meetings with developers, and restoring all nine full council meetings for public engagement. He also inquired about discounts for the Silvertown and Blackwall tunnel tolls and air quality monitoring on Eastcombe Avenue and Victoria Way. Councillor Cowell asked about the future of Maryon Wilson Animal Park. Councillor Davies questioned leaseholders being charged their fair share and asked about work on voids.

Members' Allowances Scheme 2025-26

The council approved the members' allowances scheme for 2025-26. Councillor Okereke moved the recommendations to increase the basic allowance in line with the fixed percentage increase applied to allowances in the local government paid settlements. Councillor Hartley stated that the opposition group believed the special responsibility allowance should be frozen.

Pay Policy Statement 2025-26

Councillor Janice Ireland moved the recommendations to approve the Pay Policy Statement 2025-26. The statement covers arrangements for both lower and higher paid staff, aiming to avoid an excessive gap between those receiving the highest wages and the rest of the workforce.

Addition to Membership of Health and Wellbeing Board

The council agreed to add the cabinet member for housing management, neighbourhoods and homelessness to become a voting member of the Health and Wellbeing Board, and the Director of Housing and Safer Communities as a non-voting member.

Motion on Dockless Cycles

Councillor Aidan Smith moved a motion on dockless cycles, calling for regulation of micromobility rental schemes. The motion called for dedicated parking bays, increased fines for anti-social use, data sharing, a user-friendly reporting system, and potential bans for companies not signing a memorandum of understanding. Councillor Jackie Smith spoke about the problems dockless cycles caused for wheelchair users, and Councillor Charlie Davies noted the irony of regulating cycling. The motion was agreed.

Motion - Economic Impact Assessment of Sale of Council Car Parks

Councillor Matt Hartley moved a motion calling for an economic impact assessment of the sale of council-owned car parks. Councillor Okereke proposed an amendment, which was accepted, and the amended motion was agreed. The approved motion included a commitment to engage with businesses and set a timeline for further community assets in the community.