The Royal Borough of Greenwich Council convened for its December meeting, addressing a packed agenda that included the adoption of a revised Statement of Licensing Policy and the launch of a public consultation on the draft Local Plan. Key decisions also saw the approval of a £4.4 million investment in community safety initiatives and a commitment to lobby Transport for London for Superloop bus route extensions.

The Council meeting on Wednesday, 3 December 2025, covered a wide range of topics, from the adoption of a revised Statement of Licensing Policy to the approval of the draft Local Plan for public consultation. Significant decisions were made regarding community safety, with an investment of £4.4 million allocated to expand the Community Safety Enforcement Officer numbers, provide new mobile CCTV units, and fund additional police constables and a data analyst apprentice. The Council also resolved to lobby Transport for London to extend the Superloop SL15 bus route to Mottingham and Woolwich, and to invest £8 million over five years in road and pavement repairs.

Community Safety Investment Approved

The Council has approved a significant investment of £4.4 million to enhance community safety across the borough. This funding will be used to nearly double the number of Community Safety Enforcement Officers from 10 to 18, increasing their presence in town centres and providing targeted support in problem areas. Additionally, eight new mobile CCTV units will be procured, and existing infrastructure upgraded, representing a 44% increase in capacity. The investment will also fund two police constables and a police data analyst apprentice to strengthen the Integrated Enforcement model. Furthermore, a new education programme will be launched to support the ending of male violence against women and girls, alongside continued direct engagement with women and girls to identify safety hotspots and co-develop solutions.

Revised Statement of Licensing Policy Adopted

The Council adopted the revised Statement of Licensing Policy for the Royal Borough of Greenwich under the Licensing Act 2003. This policy, which comes into effect on 7 January 2026, strengthens procedures for licensed venues to prevent violence against women and girls, including engagement with initiatives like 'Ask Angela' and WAVE. It also outlines expectations for licensees to consider terrorism protection measures, in light of recommendations following the Manchester Arena bombing. New measures to tackle disorder on match days at Charlton Athletic Football Club have also been incorporated.

Draft Local Plan Approved for Consultation

The Council approved the draft Local Plan and its accompanying Integrated Impact Assessment for public consultation. The Local Plan sets out the vision for growth, adaptation, and sustainability in the borough over the next 15 years, focusing on eight key themes: places, housing, economy, town centres, design and heritage, climate emergency, environment, and transport. The consultation period will be eight weeks, utilising a variety of methods including online resources, face-to-face meetings, and interactive webinars to ensure broad participation.

Superloop Bus Route Extension to Mottingham and Woolwich Resolved

A motion was passed to lobby Transport for London (TfL) and the Mayor of London to extend the Superloop SL15 bus route to include a stop at Mottingham Station and to extend the service north to Woolwich. The Council noted that this may be the only significant opportunity in the near future to improve north-south bus links in the borough. The motion also called for investment in further improvements to north-south bus routes over the medium and long term.

Road and Pavement Repair Investment

The Council resolved to invest a total of £8 million over the next five years to repair roads and pavements across the borough. This investment will focus on encouraging pedestrianisation, filling hundreds of potholes, and embedding proactive maintenance into the highway's strategy to ensure cost-effective and efficient repairs. This commitment aims to improve safety and the quality of journeys for all road users.

Treasury Management and Capital Strategy Mid-Year Update Noted

The Council noted the Treasury Management Mid-Year Report for 2025/26, which detailed the authority's borrowing and investment activities. The report indicated an increase in net external borrowing of £89.255m, primarily due to additional PWLB loans. The Council's borrowing strategy remains prudent, with a focus on securing value and maintaining flexibility. The Capital Mid-Year Report provided an overview of the capital programme, confirming that spending aligns with approved budgets, although some reprofiling and slippage have occurred, particularly in housing development schemes.

Strategic Risk Register Noted

The Council noted the updated Strategic Risk Register, which outlines key risks threatening the Council's plans and strategies, along with the controls and mitigating actions in place. The register is owned by the Greenwich Management Team and reviewed biannually, with scrutiny by the Audit and Risk Management Panel before being presented to Cabinet and Council. The top six risks include financial pressures, demand for school places, cyber security, and achieving carbon neutrality.

Changes to Executive Functions Scheme of Delegation Noted

The Council noted the changes made to the executive functions scheme of delegation. These changes involved the Leader of the Council withdrawing delegation to the Cabinet in respect of Licence Agreement with Communication companies to install Small Cells Infrastructure on Lampposts and allocating this matter to the Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Sustainability and Transport.

Motion on Tourism Levy Deferred

A motion proposing the implementation of a fair tourism levy to support Greenwich's financial sustainability and invest in local services was deferred to the next full council meeting.

Motion on Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour Approved

A motion to invest £4.4 million in community safety initiatives to tackle anti-social behaviour and make streets safer was approved. This investment will expand the Community Safety Enforcement Officer numbers, increase mobile CCTV capacity, and fund additional police constables and an apprentice data analyst. The motion also includes a new education programme for boys and men to end violence against women and girls. An amendment proposed by the Conservative group, which included a zero-tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour from council tenants, was not agreed. A second amendment by the Independent and Green Group, aimed at removing political electioneering, was also not agreed.

Motion on Road and Pavement Repair Approved

A motion to invest £8 million over the next five years in road and pavement resurfacing was unanimously approved. This investment will focus on encouraging pedestrianisation, filling hundreds more potholes, and embedding proactive maintenance into the highway's strategy. An amendment proposed by the Conservative group, seeking to ensure fair distribution of investment and greater transparency, was not carried.

Motion on Tourism Levy Deferred

A motion to implement a fair tourism levy to support Greenwich's financial sustainability and invest in local services was deferred to the next full council meeting.

Motion on Superloop Bus Route Extensions Approved

A motion to lobby Transport for London (TfL) and the Mayor of London to extend the Superloop SL15 bus route to include a stop at Mottingham Station and to extend the service north to Woolwich was unanimously approved. A verbal amendment to the motion was also agreed. Councillor Calum O'Byrne Mulligan, Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Sustainability and Transport, made his final remarks, thanking councillors for their support during his interim role.

The meeting concluded with the Mayor, Councillor Linda Bird, wishing everyone a happy Christmas and inviting attendees to refreshments.