The Royal Borough of Greenwich Council met to discuss a range of issues, including responses to petitions, public questions, treasury management, and motions on banking hubs and HMOs¹. The council approved the Treasury Management and Capital Outturn 2024-25, appointed Thomas Tyson to the Audit and Risk Management Panel, and supported a motion calling for a banking hub in Eltham. A motion on HMOs was also approved with amendments.

Sustainable Streets Consultation

Councillor Avril Lecault, Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Sustainability and Transport, announced an extension to the Sustainable Streets consultation, citing challenges with understanding maps and time constraints due to holidays. The council will double the number of engagement sessions, holding the first tranche in the town hall due to its capacity for displaying large maps.

Public Questions

Many public questions concerned the Sustainable Streets consultation. Other topics raised included:

• A dangerous crossing on Plumstead Road.
• The provision of bins at bus stops.
• The non-working lifts at the Greenwich Foot Tunnel.
• The timeline for the adoption of the Climate Resilience SPD².
• Divestment from Israel.
• The role of the Chief Executive in rejecting or altering public questions.

Petitions

Councillor Matt Hartley submitted a petition signed by 302 residents of New Eltham, requesting CCTV on the footbridge over the A20 connecting Thatstead Road and Dominic Drive. He also presented a petition regarding Short Walk around the small holdings in New Eltham, and another from residents of Shooters Hill opposing a controlled parking zone (CPZ).

Councillor Matt Murrow submitted a petition on behalf of 50 residents of Vernon Road in opposition to a CPZ.

Councillor Jit Ranabat presented a petition signed by 103 young people objecting to the closure of Glendon Adventure Place Centre.

Councillor Sam Littlewood submitted a petition with 506 signatures from parties affected by the Woolwich Exchange CPO, expressing concern over engagement and adherence to the compensation code.

Responses were given to petitions submitted at previous meetings, including those concerning Plum City Venture Programme and Cold Arbor Adventure Play Centre.

Treasury Management and Capital Outturn 2024-25

Councillor Denise Hyland, Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Social Value, presented the Treasury Management and Capital Outturn report for 2024/25. She highlighted the success of the Greenwich Green Investment Scheme, which raised over £560,000 from residents. Despite a challenging economic environment, the council maintained a prudent under-borrowed position and achieved a strong investment return of 4.92%. Capital investment totalled £343 million, with key areas including new homes, existing council homes, schools, and town centre regeneration.

Councillor David Gardner, Chair of Audit and Risk Management Panel, congratulated the team for their skilled and prudent management of finances. He noted the need for continued vigilance regarding borrowing costs and a robust asset management plan.

The council agreed to note the comments from the Audit and Risk Management Panel, and agreed the Treasury Management Outturn Report and the Capital Outturn Report for 2024/25.

Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2024-25

Councillor Lauren Dingsdale, Chair of Overview and Scrutiny, introduced the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report for the last municipal year. She highlighted the dedication and rigour shown across the scrutiny function, with 36 meetings held tackling key issues. She thanked scrutiny panel members, council directors, officers, external partners and residents for their contributions.

The council agreed to note the report.

Appointment to Audit and Risk Management Panel

The council approved the appointment of Thomas Tyson as a non-voting Independent Member of the Audit and Risk Management Panel. Councillor David Gardner noted that there had been an excellent level of interest from high calibre candidates.

Changes to Executive Function Scheme of Delegation

The council noted changes to the executive function scheme of delegation.

Motion: Banking Hub on Eltham High Street

The council supported a motion calling for the establishment of a banking hub on Eltham High Street to ensure access to cash and other financial services. Councillor Lauren Dingsdale, who proposed the motion, spoke of the need to ensure fairness, accountability and community, and highlighted the loss of numerous banks from Eltham High Street. Councillor Rachel Taggart-Ryan seconded the motion, emphasising the problems that digital exclusion and lack of access to cash have for vulnerable people.

Councillor Jackie Smith noted the strict criteria from Link regarding the establishment of banking hubs, and the fact that Eltham still has a Nationwide branch. She praised Nationwide for their commitment to keeping branches open and for their mutual status.

Motion: Loss of Family Homes to HMO Conversions

The council approved a motion regarding the loss of family homes to HMO conversions, with an amendment to incorporate measures put forward by the majority group. Councillor Matt Hartley introduced the motion, noting the increasing trend of HMO conversions and the need for stronger planning protections.