The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to review the progress of the Fairer Economy Plan, discuss lessons learned from the insolvency of a major contractor, and consider improvements to the council's scrutiny function. Key decisions included recommendations for stronger measurement of economic development programmes, better signposting of enterprise spaces, and exploring avenues to improve the Harrow Road area.

Fairer Economy Plan

The Committee received an overview of the Fairer Economy Plan, which is in its third year of delivery. Representatives from Arbeit Studios and IDA Sports shared their perspectives on the plan's successes and challenges. The Committee discussed the impact of economic development programmes, with a recommendation made for stronger measurement and the creation of indicators to adequately assess the impact of investments. Councillor Geoff Barraclough, Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development, introduced the report, highlighting the plan's alignment with the Council's overarching Fairer Westminster Strategy.

The Committee recommended that the Enterprise Spaces scheme be better signposted, with those occupying the spaces having clearer signage to increase knowledge about their use. They also recommended exploring avenues for improving parts of the Harrow Road area, including any potential role for the Queen's Park Community Council. Furthermore, the Committee recommended that options for the long-term use of 300 Harrow Road be explored beyond solely creative uses, and that supporting and engaging young people and those harder to reach should remain a priority in any Economic Development Principles.

Information requests were made for further details on the Shopfront Improvement Scheme, including its timeline, status, funding, and costs, as well as data on the Council's work to support young and harder-to-reach people into employment or training.

Geoffrey Osborne Ltd Insolvency Lessons Learned

The Committee reviewed the report on the insolvency of Geoffrey Osborne Limited (GOL), a major contractor for the Council's Infills Programme. Councillor Ellie Ormsby, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Renters, and Councillor David Boothroyd, Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform, introduced the report. The Committee discussed the circumstances surrounding GOL's insolvency, including the company's consistently low Creditsafe rating and the Council's decision to award and continue with contracts based on available information.

The Committee noted that the Council had put in place expected procedures and undertaken a lessons-learned exercise, identifying specific lessons from each phase of the project and resulting in eight recommendations. Actions were agreed for the Committee to receive the Contract and Supplier Performance Report and the General Procurement Update. An information request was made for more detail on contract management, including the Contract Management Framework. The Committee acknowledged that this was a tragic circumstance where a family-run business with a good track record went insolvent, leading to job losses.

Scrutiny Improvement Task Group Summary Report

Councillor Angela Piddock, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Chair of the Scrutiny Improvement Task Group, introduced the report. The Committee discussed the priorities for the scrutiny function, the importance of continuous improvement through member feedback, and the usefulness of detailed scrutiny resources and training for new Councillors during induction. The Committee recommended that feedback be gathered from new scrutiny Councillors six months after the election to gauge their initial impressions of the functions. Thanks were extended to Councillor Patricia McAllister for initiating the improvement process and to the Lead Policy and Scrutiny Advisor for their support.

Leader's Cabinet Update

Councillor Adam Hug, Leader of the Council, provided an update on the Cabinet's recent work. The Committee asked questions regarding the cyber incident, including the timeline for returning to business-as-usual, particularly concerning rent payments and arrears, and the communication campaigns surrounding this. They also inquired about identifying individuals less able to manage arrears payments and considering individual cases for funding write-offs. The Committee also discussed anti-social behaviour enforcement, the recruitment and activity of the newly established Police and Council Tasking Team, and the benefits of joint working with the Metropolitan Police. Questions were also raised about the High Street Rental Auction, including feedback from initial landlord conversations, priority sites, and confidence in the power's effectiveness. Finally, the Committee sought information on the composition of the Mayoral Development Corporation Board, its committees, and structures.

Policy and Scrutiny Committee Updates

Verbal updates were received from the Chairs of several Policy and Scrutiny Committees:

• Vulnerable Adults, Health and Communities Policy and Scrutiny Committee: Councillor Patricia McAllister reported on the scrutiny of the mobilisation of the new Homecare framework and provisions for learning disabled residents and respite care. She noted disappointment at the low attendance at site visits. The impact of the cyber attack was also acknowledged.
• Housing and Regeneration Policy and Scrutiny Committee: Councillor Hamza Taouzzale updated the Committee on the scrutiny of the Lisson Grove Regeneration Programme and the Building Safety Programme, noting the positive attendance of members of the public.
• Climate Action, Environment and Highways Policy and Scrutiny Committee: Councillor Jason Williams reported on the scrutiny of the Ecological Emergency and Highways contracts, including highways and public realm, and audit and asset management.
• Young People, Learning and Employment Policy and Scrutiny Committee: Councillor Angela Piddock provided an update on the scrutiny of the Council's strategy for school inclusion and facilities for young people and families, noting the opportunity for site visits.

Strategic Asset Management Plan

The Committee received an introduction to the Strategic Asset Management Plan report from Councillor David Boothroyd, Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform. The Committee discussed how planned engagement for feedback should not be held in August. They also discussed how the Council's corporate property portfolio is income-driven, the importance of community and social value in diversifying retail properties, and how under-utilised buildings are identified and addressed. The Committee also raised questions about asset disposals, the role of scrutiny in the development of the new Strategic Asset Management Plan, and the risks facing tenant rental income and property rental income.

Recommendations were made that the future Strategic Asset Management Plan should include a process for assessing under-utilised buildings and that the Council should provide Avison Young with a steer when considering commercial rent renegotiations, particularly regarding the benefit retailers would bring to local communities.

Work Programme 2026-2027

The Committee noted that this was the final meeting of the municipal year and did not have any suggested items for the next year's work programme.