The Council meeting on 28 January 2026 saw the approval of changes to the Council's Constitution regarding Directorate Schemes of Authorisation. Several motions were also presented, including one to oppose detrimental changes to the Freedom Pass scheme, one calling for modernising national gambling legislation, and one addressing the council's 'Red' rating for road maintenance.

Proposed Changes to the Constitution: Directorate Schemes of Authorisation

The Council approved changes to Part 7 of the Council's Constitution, incorporating Schemes of Authorisation for the Directorate of Place and Growth and for Housing and Safer Communities. Councillor Majid Rahman, Cabinet Member for Planning, Estate Renewal and Development, presented the proposals. The changes aim to ensure transparency and that decisions are taken at appropriate levels within these directorates, aligning with the Local Government Act 2000 and the Constitutions (England) Direction 2000. The Monitoring Officer was authorised to update the Constitution as other Directorates finalise their schemes and to make changes to Directorate Schemes of Authorisation on the instructions of the relevant Chief Officer.

Motion: Implementing a Fair Tourism Levy

Councillors Nick Williams and Jackie Smith proposed a motion to implement a fair tourism levy to support Greenwich's financial sustainability and invest in local services. The motion noted that Greenwich attracts approximately 20 million visitors annually, generating £1.87 billion and supporting 16,000 jobs. It highlighted the significant cuts to local government funding and the potential for a devolved tourism levy to generate revenue for local services such as street cleaning and community safety. The motion referenced successful tourism levies in cities like Manchester, Liverpool, Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Prague, arguing that such a modest charge would not deter visitors. The Council resolved for the Leadership to write to the Secretary of State urging for revenue-sharing powers for London boroughs under any new visitor levy, and to work with various bodies to ensure local authorities receive a fair share of revenue.

Motion: Modernising National Gambling Legislation

Councillors Rachel Taggart-Ryan and Mariam Lolavar put forward a motion to modernise national gambling legislation. The motion highlighted the escalating national issue of gambling addiction, its social and economic implications, and the proliferation of betting shops in vulnerable areas. It criticised the current 'Aim to Permit' principle in the Gambling Act 2005, which limits councils' ability to refuse licenses, and called for reforms including allowing councils to consider local social and health factors, creating a single planning category for all gambling premises, and introducing a statutory levy on operators for harm prevention and treatment. The Council resolved to write to the Secretary of State supporting these proposals and to work with local partners to signpost residents to gambling addiction support.

Motion: Responding Constructively to Greenwich Council's 'Red' Rating for Road Maintenance

Councillors Matt Hartley, Charlie Davis, Roger Tester, and Pat Greenwell proposed a motion addressing the Department for Transport's 'Red' rating for road maintenance in Greenwich. The motion noted that Greenwich was rated 'Red' on both the 'Spend' and 'Wider Best Practice' scorecards, with an 'Amber' rating for overall road condition. It expressed concern that the administration's response focused on disputing the figures rather than constructively addressing the issues. The Council called on the executive to issue a public apology, fully co-operate with the Department for Transport's peer review, seek advice from neighbouring councils Bexley and Lewisham, and publish an Emergency Action Plan by the end of March 2026.

Motion: Greenwich Labour Will Oppose Any Detrimental Changes to the Freedom Pass Scheme

Councillors Calum O'Byrne Mulligan and Mariam Lolavar proposed a motion to oppose detrimental changes to the Freedom Pass Scheme. The motion noted that over 30,000 Greenwich residents benefit from the pass, which is a vital lifeline for disabled and older residents. It highlighted the scheme's history, its contribution to public transport use, and the regret over previous government funding reductions. The motion also contrasted Labour's support for the scheme with the Liberal Democrats' past criticisms. The Council resolved to commit to retaining the Freedom Pass with the same entitlements and oppose any measures that would reduce eligibility or restrict its use.

Changes to the Executive Functions Scheme of Delegation

The Council noted changes made to the executive functions scheme of delegation. These changes included the Leader of the Council reallocating functions of the Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Sustainability and Transport, and the Cabinet Member for Planning, Estate Renewal and Development to himself, and subsequently reallocating them to Councillors Calum O'Byrne Mulligan and Averil Lekau respectively. The Leader also reallocated functions related to London Councils' Transport & Environment Committee and South East London Combined Heat & Power Co (Observer) from Councillor Lekau to Councillor O'Byrne Mulligan. Additionally, a delegation for a one-off grant to Mankri Aks Limited was withdrawn from the Leader and allocated to the Director of Place and Growth in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Business, Skills and Greenwich Supports.

Council Tax Base 2026/27

The Council agreed to set the council tax base for the whole authority area for 2026/27 at 92,059.75, and an additional tax base for the Gloucester Circus Garden Square area of 100.08. It also agreed to continue with a 100% council tax premium on second homes and varying premiums on long-term empty dwellings (100% for up to 5 years, 200% for 5-10 years, and 300% for over 10 years). Discounts for care leavers and foster carers/shared lives households were also agreed to continue at 100%. The council tax base figures relevant to the Environment Agency for flood defence levy apportionment were also noted.

Annual Report on Corporate Parenting 2024-2025

The Council noted the Annual Report on Corporate Parenting for 2024-2025. The report detailed the work of Children's Services in supporting children in care and care leavers, highlighting achievements such as workforce stability, the establishment of a Kinship Team, and growth in Greenwich foster carers. It also identified areas for improvement, including strengthening support for young carers and ensuring consistent management oversight. The report provided detailed statistics on children in care, placements, youth justice, and the experiences of care leavers, with a focus on education, employment, training, accommodation, and health outcomes. The report also outlined corporate parenting priorities for 2025-2026.

Petition Responses

The Council noted the responses to petitions presented at recent meetings. These included a petition against the permanent closure of Maidenstone Hill, with the decision to retain current traffic restrictions for now, pending further review. Responses were also provided for petitions concerning the Meridian Adventure Play Centre and Woolwich Adventure Play Centre, with proposals to transform them into youth hubs. A petition from Brand Street residents objecting to East and West Greenwich LTN changes was also noted, with concerns to be addressed in the decision on the Neighbourhood Management Scheme.

Motion: Greenwich Labour Will Oppose Any Detrimental Changes to the Freedom Pass Scheme

This motion was presented and noted as approved.

Motion: Modernising National Gambling Legislation to Empower Local Communities and Take Back Control

This motion was presented and noted as approved.

Motion: Responding Constructively to Greenwich Council's 'Red' Rating for Road Maintenance

This motion was noted as deferred.

Proposed Changes to the Constitution: Directorate Schemes of Authorisation

This item was approved, as detailed above.

Changes to the Executive Functions Scheme of Delegation

The Council noted the changes made to the executive functions scheme of delegation, as detailed above.