Greenwich Council has reviewed its financial strategy, debated the future of adventure playgrounds, and discussed government funding cuts. The council also appointed His Honour Judge Andrew Lees as the Honorary Recorder for the Royal Borough of Greenwich.

Medium Term Financial Strategy

Greenwich Council has noted a forecasted £45.1 million overall resourcing gap in 2026/27, which could increase to £136.8 million by 2029/30. Councillor Denise Hyland, Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Social Value, moved the recommendations in the Medium Term Financial Strategy 202627 report, highlighting the hard work being done to deliver value for money for residents.

Councillor Matt Hartley, Leader of the Opposition, expressed concern over a £24.7 million cash terms cut in central government funding over the next three years, and a potential cliff edge beyond that. He suggested investing further in the corporate centre to strengthen the organisation's transformation capability.

Councillor Hyland acknowledged the loss of over £150 million since 2010 and said that the council had written to ministers to ask for changes to the funding formula. She also said that digital and artificial intelligence (AI) would help to transform the corporate centre.

The council agreed to note the recommendations in the report. These included:

• Continuing to lobby for changes to the proposed funding formula.
• Updating residents, members and staff on the council's financial condition through quarterly financial reports.
• Advocating for expanded devolved powers and innovative revenue-raising mechanisms.

Adventure Play Centres

The council debated a motion on the future of adventure play centres in the borough. Councillor Majella Anning, Leader of the Independent and Green Group, moved the motion, calling for a commitment to keeping open all existing adventure play centres and retaining current staff levels. She described the centres as a vital safety valve for young people.

Councillor Sandra Bauer, Cabinet Member for Equality, Culture and Communities, proposed an amendment, saying that the original motion failed to take account of the significant savings the council was committed to making, and the opportunity to listen to parents, children and staff.

Councillor Lakshan Saldin said that the amendment missed the unique selling point of the adventure play centres, which was that they were staffed and provided a safe space for children. Councillor Matt Hartley said that the Conservative group would be voting against the amendment because it did not have the protection for the sites that was in the original motion.

Councillor Adel Khaireh, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said that the council always put the voice of young people at the heart of what it did. Councillor Jackie Smith, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Business, Greenwich Supports and Environmental Services, said that she did not understand the purpose of the motion, as it would make any consultation pointless.

The council voted to approve the Labour amendment, and then voted to approve the amended motion. The amended motion resolved to:

• Deliver a modernised and enhanced Adventure Play offer that reflects the changing needs of our communities and maximises opportunities for young people across the borough.
• Remain steadfast in its commitment to investing in young people and children.
• Ensure that any proposed changes to the Adventure Play Centre model will be subject to a comprehensive open consultation process.

Government Funding Cuts

The council discussed a motion on the impact of government funding cuts to Greenwich Council. Councillor Matt Hartley moved the motion, saying that the council was facing a £24.7 million cash terms cut in central government funding over the next three years. He accused the administration of shameless hypocrisy for not campaigning against the cuts.

Councillor Hyland said that the council was challenging the government and had written to ministers. She said that the reality was that every council was living with the impact of 14 years of Conservative austerity.

The council voted to approve a Labour amendment to the motion, and then voted to approve the amended motion. The amended motion resolved to:

• Continue to lobby for changes to the proposed funding formula.
• Continue to update residents, members and staff on the council's financial condition through quarterly financial reports.
• Advocate for expanded devolved powers and innovative revenue-raising mechanisms.

Review of Opposition Group Arrangements

Following the formal recognition of the Independent and Greens as a political group of the council, the council reviewed the political balance on the council, allocation of seats and arrangements for the council's political opposition. Councillor Majella Anning said that the Independent and Green group would have no committee membership of the main committees of the council, and that the group had taken outside legal advice and would be abstaining on the vote. Councillor Matt Hartley said that the law was clear that groups comprised of a majority of councillors who were affiliated to the party that was on their ballot paper were treated differently. He suggested that members of the Independent and Green group could attend scrutiny meetings even if they were not formally on the committee. The council voted to approve the recommendations in the report, with four abstentions.

Appointment of Honorary Recorder

The council appointed His Honour Judge Andrew Lees as the Honorary Recorder for the Royal Borough of Greenwich. Councillor Hyland paid tribute to the outgoing Honorary Recorder, Judge Christopher Kinch, and welcomed his successor.

Other Matters

The council also:

• Noted changes to the executive functions scheme of delegation.
• Considered responses to petitions submitted to previous meetings, including one from Dan Rossi regarding a pedestrian crossing on Victoria Way.
• Heard a deputation from Dr Barry Gray on behalf of the Woodlands Farm Trust, regarding the Equestrian Centre.
• Considered public questions on a range of issues, including investment in Israel, street cleaning, controlled parking zones, and the closure of Plumstead Police Station's front counter.
• Considered members' questions on a range of issues, including sustainable streets, low traffic neighbourhoods, and the Petman Crescent bridge works.
• Heard from Councillor Anne-Marie Cousins regarding a petition signed by about 445 residents in Abbey Wood Ward, raising concerns about the closure of the co-op.
• Heard from Councillor Nas Asghar regarding a petition containing 836 signatures, calling on the council to retain and invest in Plumstead Adventure Playground in its existing form.
• Heard from Councillor Patricia Greenwell regarding a petition from 29 residents of Lemonwell Drive, Bexley Road, regarding parking issues.
• Heard from Councillor John Fahey regarding petitions signed by 1,750 residents objecting to the Sustainable Streets proposals.
• Heard from Councillor ‘Lade Hephzibah Olugbemi regarding a petition from residents of West Thamesmead in response to the consultation on the Sustainable Streets.
• Heard from Councillor Denise Highland regarding a petition regarding the co-op store on McLeod Road.
• Heard from Councillor Clare Burke-McDonald regarding two petitions on parking issues in Charlton.