The Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Greenwich Council met on Thursday 19 March 2026. The meeting was scheduled to discuss the annual performance of council contracts, including aspects of social value and contract management. Updates were also expected on the implementation of the Co-operative Council principles, focusing on supporting co-operative businesses, social care, and community energy initiatives. Furthermore, the committee was set to review progress on the Carbon Neutral Plan for 2024-2025 and receive an update on the Air Quality Monitoring and Action Plan.

Annual Contract Performance

The committee was scheduled to consider a report detailing the performance of significant council contracts, with a particular focus on contract management, performance metrics, and the delivery of social value. This report, in line with the Council's Contract Standing Orders, aimed to provide an overview of contracts across various directorates, excluding Resources, which had been covered previously. The report was expected to highlight updates on social value, both in terms of commitments made and delivered, and to adapt its format as the contract management system is fully implemented. The revised procurement strategy and social value framework were also noted as strengthening the Council's commercial governance. The report detailed numerous contracts valued at £2 million or more across Housing and Safer Communities, Health and Adult Services, Children's Services, Communities and Environment, Place and Growth, and Place and Growth directorates. Performance across most contracts was assessed as satisfactory, though a small number required continued management focus, particularly concerning social value delivery and financial risk in five contracts. The report also noted direct awards and variations made between April 2025 and February 2026.

Co-operative Council - Co-operative Commission

An update was scheduled on the implementation of co-operative principles within the borough. This included discussions on supporting new and existing co-operative start-ups and businesses, embedding co-operative approaches in social care to improve choice and control for residents, and developing community energy projects to support sustainability and community empowerment. The report highlighted the Council's engagement with the Government's new Co-operative Development Unit and the development of a communication strategy to promote local co-operatives. It also detailed the establishment of a Co-operative Care Compact, aimed at outlining the Council's approach to working differently with co-operatives in social care, and the review of future commissioning to identify opportunities for co-operative models. Furthermore, the report was expected to provide an update on the establishment of a local health and social care workforce board and network, and the launch of a Community Energy Fund to support local projects.

Carbon Neutral Plan Update 24-25

The committee was to consider a report reviewing the progress of the Carbon Neutral Plan (CNP) and its associated Action Plan. The CNP structures climate action into seven key themes: Buildings, New Development, Transport, Energy Supply, Circular Economy, Natural Environment, and Empowering Wider Change. The report was expected to provide a summary of the challenges facing the borough in delivering the CNP by 2030, an update on progress with carbon management services and tools, and a review of tasks and milestones, including their status and any necessary adjustments. The report indicated that operational emissions had reduced by 6.5% in the financial year 2024/25 compared to the previous period, and borough emissions had reduced by 3% compared to 2022 data. However, it also noted that emissions progress is not expected to reduce evenly year-on-year due to the project pipeline. Challenges identified included the 2030 Clean Power target, high energy bills, a green skills gap, and a national lack of funding for sustainability programmes. The report also detailed progress on various initiatives, including retrofitting council-owned homes and corporate sites, tree planting, and the Greenwich Green Investment Loan scheme.

Air Quality Monitoring and Action Plan

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the progress of the Air Quality Action Plan (AQAP) for 2023-2027. The report was expected to detail the progress of the 10 priorities set out in the plan, how air quality in the borough is being monitored, and whether legal limits are being complied with. It was also to assess the impact of key initiatives such as Low Emission Neighbourhoods, School Streets, EV Charging, and green infrastructure, and to identify any challenges or barriers, including funding, policy limitations, and external factors like the Silvertown Tunnel. The report indicated that the Council maintains a comprehensive air quality monitoring network and that current monitoring shows the borough is largely compliant with national objective levels for Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), PM10, and PM2.5. However, it was noted that there is no safe level of air pollution, and efforts to improve air quality and reduce exposure will continue. The report also mentioned the development of a new air quality action plan for 2027-2031 and highlighted the importance of collaboration with stakeholders and partners, including Transport for London (TfL) and the Greater London Authority (GLA).