Councillor Amanda De Ryk

Brent, Lewisham and Southwark IT Committee - Tuesday, 25th November, 2025 6.00 pm - 25 November 2025

Councillor Amanda De Ryk actively participated in the Brent, Lewisham and Southwark IT Committee meeting on November 25, 2025. She raised several questions and concerns regarding the shared technology service update report. She acknowledged positive progress on KPIs related to call handling charges and customer feedback. However, she inquired about the delay in raising the purchase order for the laptop refresh project, expressing concern about potential knock-on effects like needing extended licenses.

would be good for me to understand a bit about why that purchase order has only just been raised today um given that we signed it off so many months ago i don't really understand why it's so delayed and um and so and i'd like to understand how quickly the laptops are going to start rolling you know rolling out into the organization and i'm sort of conscious that the the delay may have had a kind of knock-on effect of us needing to buy um extended licenses when we might not have needed otherwise to do that but i fully acknowledge that um lbl staff have also been slow to come forward to get the the the laptops patched so i acknowledge that um but it would be really good to get an update on how soon we're going to move into this next phase um you know not least which that i'm sitting here on one of the kind of you know uh original laptops and I am due I think to get one of the new ones as soon as they start rolling out so I'm very excited about that

She also cautioned about potential delivery issues during the Christmas period.

i would obviously caution having spent 20 minutes staring at post office posters today and just just in terms of you know it being a very busy time for deliveries and just not wanting stuff to go missing even with even with specific couriers so you know perhaps wendy and i can take that up outside of this meeting but i think you know given the season i think we do need to be a bit cautious about you know sending out thousands of pounds worth of laptops

Furthermore, she inquired about the status of the Adobe contract renewal and PSN compliance, expressing anxiety about deadlines being approached too closely.

one of which i know that I saw in my notes that our adobe contract is up for renewal very early in december and just sort of checking the status of that and then also the psn compliance I don't know if that's this part of the meeting or the next part but just feeling I suppose my feeling not being across the day-to-day operational thing is that things are being left quite close to the line of you know deadline lines and that that causing some anxiety I think

De Ryk also raised concerns about the high number of category one incidents attributed to a specific supplier, questioning the supplier's reliability.

one is about the larger the number uh category one incidents and that the concerns about this that they were largely due to certain supplier and um what is what is the consequence of that is you know are we reassured that this supplier is able to to to provide their services safely with you know throughout for and and reliably for for us

Finally, she inquired about Southwark's intention to exit the shared service, seeking information on the timeline and whether a paper would be provided to partners to ensure a beneficial exit for all parties involved.

so indicating that their intention to exit the shared service and um um i mean it's right that um partners give partners a good head heads up in advance of you know what's happening what thinking is what the plan is um is there is there any time scale of this is um and i'm presuming it will be at least after the rollout of the the the the laptops um um i expect that um you know we were we were quite we were late joining the other two boroughs we know we we were with the latest to come and it sounds like we are thinking of being the latest will there be a paper on this for you know for for partners so that you know everything is is you know the the exit is done in a in a way that that is is beneficial and best for everybody

Public Accounts Select Committee - Thursday, 20th November, 2025 7.30 pm - 20 November 2025

Amanda De Ryk, as a Councillor, confirmed the meeting's quorum and attendance. She raised concerns and questions on several topics, including children's social care data, potential unexpected pressures, and Section 17 families with no recourse to public funds. Regarding council tax collection rates, she initially considered recommending a review but withdrew the recommendation after discussion, suggesting it be addressed during the budget process.

De Ryk introduced a report on council debt, highlighting the work of a dedicated project group and the rise in debt with executors. She pointed out the section on next steps in the report. She also discussed the embedding of HMS and its impact on tenant engagement.

She welcomed a request to see the cost risk register and noted that the report was routine and unsurprising. She suggested incorporating the examination of the directorate risk register into the committee's work program. She expressed concern about the loss of borrowing corporate buildings and inquired about generator arrangements. Finally, she requested a summary of the next meeting's agenda and clarified the status of the MTFS item. She also asked John to elaborate on a work-programmed item he wanted on the agenda.

Key quotes include:

So, I would just kind of, if you could kind of expand on that a little bit and whether we could expect that there could be more pressures coming forward that would be unexpected and how is it going to happen?

I'd be a bit concerned if we were getting back into difficulties and I've got no idea whether we are. So I guess what I'm flagging is, if there's a tick-up in demand there, I hope someone is looking quite closely at why that is, and maybe it's for CYP colleagues to have a look at that in more detail, but just to flag that concern.

I think we will look again at the risk. I think that is possibly the first place to start and to make sure that we're accurately reflecting. I mean, it's not that reserves isn't sufficient to protect the frontline revenue budgets that we do that.

In terms of where we set the targets, as Ruth mentioned, I think you can remember, as I do all of our modelling, we've always had a sort of gradual increase in that collection rate, sort of 95, 96, 97, particularly post-COVID, and bringing that back up with that sort of longer term, 97, 98% find those residents and to give them their monies back.

But under Grant Thornton, we had an audit finding that said, actually, you can't send it. Can I have my refund? We would make it available.

My intention had been to put forward a recommendation from the committee, actually, that we reviewed and brought in line with either the demographics and the current collection rate. But based upon that, actually, I'm going to suggest we don't do that. We'll hold up until we see the MTFS report and be, obviously, because you're already reviewing the stories and considering this. We may want to, I think, at that stage, where we get the recommendations for council tax, obviously, for Mayor and Cabinet, as part of the budget process, we might want to make a recommendation to Mayor and Cabinet that they review that. But I think that would be the time to make that decision rather than this meeting. And I'm seeing nods throughout the room. So I think I will take that off the table.

Right, so this really builds on council tax. And what we wanted to do is report back to the committee the work that a dedicated project group has been doing, which kind of considers debt in the round for the council. Obviously, business rates and council taxes are most significant debt. But as we've touched upon, there's adult social care debt that is not insignificant. We have our housing debt, which, again, is an incredibly vital source.

As I said, it had representation from all of the relevant services involved in debt. But it wasn't just the services, something like our systems not necessarily joining up. So we tried to make sure that it was a really well-rounded group of sort of representation across corporate and other services. It had a couple of services. It felt like there wasn't consistent and regular reporting that also then flowed up through DMTs and into EMT and into groups like programme. And what we've done now is sort of stabilised that, put it into the regular reporting to EMT as part of the standard P1234 reporting.

Social care debt has remained reasonably consistent. But what we really are, would like to draw out, is the level of debt with executors has risen.

So we're doing quite a lot of work but focusing on a system. So not just putting more manual time into doing that reconciliation, but looking to do where we can use data and that sort of commercial management and making sure that the right systems and contracts are in place.

Chair, I think that's probably a reasonably good overview. I'm going to stop. There is a section, Section 6, on next steps. Which I always like to hear, particularly at this committee where we normally receive bad news.

...that the bulk of that will be in the place directorate. So I'll go and get the details whilst I perhaps answer the question, but it will predominantly be in the place directorate.

In part, that's sort of two key things. One has been the embedding of HMS and the work, you know, when that system first came in, there were a couple of issues. Some of the regular engagement with tenants wasn't able to sort of be automated in the way we would like, which meant some people, I think, inadvertently fell behind.

This, Catherine, I think is another question that I'm not expecting an immediate... You might usefully bring an answer back to this committee.

That is why we want to do that, so that we can treat them sensitively. And the mitigation for it is given in us being able to link between...

I will be pleasantly impressed if we manage to do that in a comprehensive enough way.

Now, I'm going to drag David up because I can answer the finance risk questions, but I'm going to pass the baton if there are questions for the rest of corporate resources.

So, yeah, really welcome the request to see this.

The report does say routine, and, you know, Councillor Kessner's nodding from the Audit and Risk Committee. We have a really good process in terms of the regular reporting, the consistent reporting, and the approach to managing and monitoring and reporting on risks.

No, there's very little on this which was surprising.

Obviously, there needs to be a conversation about how we can build examining the directorate risk register into our work programme going forward on a regular basis.

There's one in here which I found quite surprising. Not so much, but the fact that it seems to be something which has been on there for quite some time hasn't been resolved, and that's the loss of borrowing corporate buildings, which is the one I'm actually concerned about most. It's obviously not the most high risk of the high-profile risk, but it seems to be such an eminently manageable risk, and in certain circumstances, quite a serious one. Obviously, if there is a major disaster, if our own power is affected, that would be quite detrimental. And it just seems quite a long time to, you know, arrange for the main council offices, which I was surprised here we didn't already have. Is there any particular reason why this is, you know, taking so much time to resolve?

I imagine it's the kind of thing we'd have as part of civic emergency response. Or is that something we don't have?

Could you give us a quick summary of what we've got coming up next meeting?

Just to check, obviously, we have been planning to take the item on the MTFS, the local funding reform, this meeting, but obviously we didn't because we didn't get advanced. Is that being fully merged into the council budget item or should we keep it on the agenda as a separate item?

John, you were talking about the work-programmated item you wanted on. Do you want to go into some more detail?

Standards Committee - Wednesday, 19th November, 2025 7.00 pm - 19 November 2025

Amanda De Ryk was present at the Standards Committee meeting on November 19, 2025.

Croydon & Lewisham Street Lighting Joint Committee - Tuesday, 4th November, 2025 6.00 pm - 4 November 2025

Councillor Amanda De Ryk is a member of the Croydon & Lewisham Street Lighting Joint Committee and a Lead Member for Lewisham. At the previous meeting on December 10, 2024, she nominated Councillor Louise Krupski as Chair and seconded the nomination to appoint Councillor Scott Roche as Vice Chair of the Committee for the 2024/25 municipal year.

Mayor and Cabinet - Wednesday, 22nd October, 2025 6.00 pm - 22 October 2025

Councillor Amanda De Ryk, in her capacity as Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Performance, actively participated in the council meeting, presenting reports and providing commentary on various items.

She introduced the Quarter 1, 2025 to 2026 Performance Report, highlighting both successes and challenges, particularly noting the concerning drop in Council tax collection rates:

Obviously, I'm very pleased to present this quarterly performance report. The report is our latest overview of our progress against our objectives. It highlights our successes and also the challenges we continue to face... Given the national context of pressure on services and budgets, it's perhaps unsurprising that there remain areas where performance is not yet meeting our expectations... we are aware that our Council tax collection rate is below where we need it to be, and we are continuing to work with residents to improve that... As each 1% means about 1.5 million pounds in revenue for the Council, that change represents a financial risk to our budget and one which we are looking at closely.

Regarding the Advice Services Grant Extension, she emphasized the importance of these services in the current economic climate and the need for value for money:

As you say, it's really the quality and breadth and depth of advice that we are able to support our residents with particularly, particularly, you know, in this cost of living, very constrained environment. It's really, really, geez. And it is pivotal... I think it's important that we have a fresh look in the coming year about who does what and make sure that there are no gaps and make sure that we are supporting our residents, as you described. And we actually spend quite a lot of money on advice provision. And I think it's really important that we get we and our residents get the best value for money.

She also introduced the Treasury Management Outturn and Mid-Year Review, reaffirming the council's commitment to prudent financial stewardship:

I am very pleased to introduce the annual Treasury Management Review and Mid-term Update in line with the Local Government Act and the Sit for Codes of Practice. This report reaffirms our commitment to prudent financial stewardship, supporting both of the Council's resilience and the delivery of our ambitious capital program... The report provides a comprehensive overview of treasury performance outlining in detail what we mean when we say that we are prudent in the way that we manage the Council's and residence money.

Concerning the Hard Facilities Management Procurement, she highlighted a potential budget shortfall and the need to consider the cost-effectiveness of running certain buildings:

This report is asking for us to begin the permission for us to begin the procurement of our hard FM services in four new three-year standalone contracts... The total combined value of the four proposed contracts over a five year period is up to 14 million pounds... If the full contract emissions are drawn down, this could result in a potential annual budget shortfall of nearly 1.8 million and therefore a cumulative shortfall of close to 9 million over the five year term... we will need to consider whether the cost of running certain buildings outweighs their usefulness as we go forwards.

Councillor De Ryk introduced the Period 4 Financial Monitoring Report, providing updates on various financial aspects.

She expressed excitement about the Lewisham Library project, praised the Library Team and the Warm Welcomes Programme, and emphasized the importance of libraries for residents.

Regarding the Housing Ombudsman Service Complaint Handling Code Annual Submission, she commended the team's work and highlighted the importance of a culture of listening and learning across all council services.

Finally, she presented the report on Building Security & Related Services, seeking permission to procure an extension to the existing security contract and reporting on the increased contract cost.

Pensions Investment Committee - Thursday, 25th September, 2025 7.00 pm - 25 September 2025

Amanda De Ryk was present at the Pensions Investment Committee meeting on September 25, 2025. She acknowledged and addressed concerns about the poor sound quality, confirming that the IT team was working to resolve the microphone issue. She indicated that the meeting would proceed in the room, requesting speakers to speak slowly and clearly. She also stated, > Amanda's saying it's bad too. in agreement with the assessment of the sound quality.

Standards Committee - Wednesday, 24th September, 2025 7.00 pm - 24 September 2025

Amanda De Ryk was present at the Standards Committee meeting held on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.

Council - Wednesday, 24th September, 2025 7.30 pm - 24 September 2025

Amanda De Ryk, the Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Performance, actively participated in the council meeting. She moved a motion, seconded by Cllr Wise, to consider the petition entitled Divest for Palestine. She also responded to questions from other councillors.

Regarding the cost of by-elections, she addressed Councillor Shrivastava's question. In response to Councillor Tam's question about disallowing questions mentioning genocide, Councillor De Ryk explained:

that the rules around public questions had been agreed upon unanimously and had been correctly applied.

De Ryk also spoke about the council's warm spaces program, a cost of living response initiative operating through libraries and other venues. She emphasized its importance:

...it's a as you know from the work that you do in the community this is a really really special program and uh it's um part of our cost of living response and um as we all know the cost of living crisis is not is not over…

She highlighted the program's role in providing warmth, company, and activities during the winter months, and its positive impact on combating isolation caused by poverty. She announced the intention to expand the program to a 12-month operation, acknowledging feedback from voluntary sector partners about the inefficiencies of ramping the program up and down. She also noted that the program would become warm and cool spaces to address the impacts of hot summers, referencing a conversation with Councillor Krebski. She thanked the library services, adult social care team, and voluntary sector partners for their contributions.

...and uh we decided at the beginning of of of the cost of living crisis that we would that it was really important to open up spaces where people could go and and be warm in the winter months where they could um have some company and some activities and also just literally be warm um without them needing to pay to put their own heating on…

...the program has really grown and thrived um it is both an antidote to to uh the resource crisis that the cost of living but it's also been i think um a really welcome relief from the isolation that poverty causes um both for young and old and um i'm delighted to say that we are intending to expand the program to be a 12-month program we heard from our voluntary sector partners that um actually ramping the program up and down all the time sort of created unnecessary effort and because and we've managed to put the money aside and we are going to fund um the voluntary sector partners to have the the warm spaces open um all year round which also means obviously that they are warm and cool spaces…

...so i'm really delighted to be able to say that we're going to expand that and obviously i offer my thanks out to our library services to the adult social care team and also to all the voluntary sector partners that that work so tirelessly for our community week in and week out.

Appointments Committee - Thursday, 18th September, 2025 12.15 pm - 18 September 2025

Amanda De Ryk was a member of the Appointments Committee and was summoned to attend the meeting on September 18, 2025. However, the provided documents contain no record of her speaking or taking any specific actions during the meeting.

Mayor and Cabinet - Wednesday, 10th September, 2025 6.00 pm - 10 September 2025

As Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Performance, Councillor Amanda De Ryk played a significant role in the meeting, introducing and providing key insights on several financial reports.

Regarding Item 4: Approval to Re-procure the corporate banking services contract, she introduced the officer's report, advised on the rolling annual contracts since 2014, highlighted risks around the procurement exercise and managed exit/transition, explained legal considerations regarding supplier operations, and thanked Finance staff.

For Item 5: 2026/27 Budget Savings Report, Councillor De Ryk introduced the report and highlighted the need to address the £30m budget shortfall. She mentioned the review of options for further savings, careful consideration of the impact on residents, and planned consultations for frontline service impacts. She outlined the uncertainty and risks associated with local councils' financial planning and the legal importance of balancing the Council's finances. She spoke about the difficult decisions needed to cut some frontline services while delivering essential services and supporting vulnerable residents. She also expressed appreciation to officers, Cabinet Members, and backbench Members for their work on the budget process.

Concerning Item 9: Medium Term Financial Strategy, she introduced the officer's report related to the Council's MTFS and period 2 financial monitoring. She highlighted that the MTFS formed part of the suite of financial planning documents brought forward annually to assess that the Council would remain financially sustainable and stable over the medium term. She mentioned that the report presented both optimistic and pessimistic scenarios, with highlights of potential budget gap variations based on different assumptions, with key risks associated with the process. She acknowledged the uncertainties submitted in the report, but noted that the Council had taken nearly £30 million worth of savings for the next two years to help reduce reliance on reserves and create capacity for funding inflation and risk pressures. She thanked Finance officers and emphasised the importance of careful monitoring and continued collaboration between departments to achieve the Council's financial goals, despite significant demand pressures.

Regarding Item 15: Capital Programme Update 25-26, Councillor De Ryk introduced the officer's report, highlighted the latest position of the Council's capital programme for 2025/26, and reprofile to the end of the financial year. She mentioned the outturn of the 2024/25 capital programme, with adjustments to reflect carry forward of expenditure commitment. She mentioned the new additions made since February 2025, which enabled the confirmation of new grant funding streams or reprioritisation of capital funding capacity. She thanked colleagues from both the finance teams and the regional teams for their work on the report.

On Item 19: Besson Street Business Plan - Part 1, Councillor De Ryk acknowledged the economic headwinds but expressed a view that the project was innovative and represented a strong partnership model, with benefits of learning from commercial partners to provide much-needed housing for residents.

She also received thanks from another Councillor, as noted in the transcript:

Thank you so much, Councillor DeRyke.

Council - Wednesday, 16th July, 2025 7.30 pm - 16 July 2025

Amanda De Ryk, the Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources & Procurement, was present at the Council meeting on July 16, 2025. She moved the report regarding the petition debate on divesting for Palestine, acknowledging that the petition did not fully comply with council procedures but was being considered due to the strength of feeling surrounding the issue. She then handed over to Councillor Susan Wise to provide further details, stating:

Thank you, Speaker. I'm just going to formally move this report, which is talking about the petition debate, which is on the agenda tonight. The way that the petition was presented doesn't accord with our procedure, but in recognition of the strength of feeling around the issues it talks to. We are going to take it as an exception. I'm going to hand over to Councillor Susan Wise, who's the chair of our Governance Committee, to second the report and talk to the detail. Thank you.

Councillor De Ryk also moved the report on the Review of the Constitution. In response to Councillor Tam's concerns about the Review of the Constitution, Councillor De Ryk stated:

the review of the constitution was an exhaustive process. She had attended all the sessions and heard every point made. All councillors were equal in this process and Cllr Tam's points had been heard and represented as part of this process. Cllr Tam would have been welcome at Governance Committee had she wanted to raise her points again.

Additionally, Councillor De Ryk was appointed to several committees and working parties, including Brent, Lewisham, Southwark IT Committee, Joint Street Lighting Committee (as Deputy), London Councils: Grants Committee (deputy: Will Cooper), London Councils: Greater London Employment Forum (deputy: Ese Erheriene), Blackheath Joint Working Party, Standards Committee, and Mayor & Cabinet.

Brent, Lewisham and Southwark IT Committee - Tuesday, 8th July, 2025 6.00 pm - 8 July 2025

Councillor Amanda De Ryk (London Borough of Lewisham) was present at the Brent, Lewisham and Southwark IT Committee meeting held on July 8, 2025.

Mayor and Cabinet - Wednesday, 25th June, 2025 6.00 pm - 25 June 2025

Councillor Amanda De Ryk is a member of the council and serves as the Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Performance. As Cabinet Member, she signed off on the financial comments for the Draft Financial Monitoring 2024/25 – Outturn report, indicating her involvement in the approval of the financial report.

Public Accounts Select Committee - Wednesday, 25th June, 2025 7.00 pm - 25 June 2025

Councillor Amanda De Ryk, Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Performance, attended the Public Accounts Select Committee meeting on June 25, 2025. She participated in discussions and responded to questions from the Committee on several topics. Specifically, she addressed questions related to financial monitoring, the No wrong front door initiative, and the Digital Strategy update. Regarding financial monitoring, she committed to providing further information on the anticipated changes to personal independence payments and their financial impact on care packages. She also noted that officers were still assessing the potential consequences of the Government's relatively new benefit changes. Additionally, she promised to provide more details on the housing transformation programme.

Mayor and Cabinet - Wednesday, 21st May, 2025 6.00 pm - 21 May 2025

Councillor Amanda De Ryk attended the Mayor and Cabinet meeting on May 21, 2025. She introduced the Quarter 3 2004.5 Performance Update report and addressed indicators within her portfolio. She highlighted ongoing challenges with Freedom of Information (FOI) requests and Subject Action Reviews (SARS). While noting that FOI response rates were nearly on target, she emphasized the struggle to maintain required performance for SARS, while acknowledging ongoing improvements. She also expressed concern regarding Council Tax collection, but pointed out that rates were almost at target and that additional resources had been invested to address backlogs. Finally, she reported that business rates were nearing 100% collection and exceeded the national average for the reporting period.

AGM, Council - Wednesday, 7th May, 2025 7.30 pm - 7 May 2025

Amanda De Ryk was present at the Council meeting on May 7, 2025. She answered several supplementary questions during the Public Questions section, primarily concerning the Council's pension fund and its ethical investments. She emphasized the Pensions Investment Committee's commitment to ethical investment and its fiduciary duty to pensioners. Key points from her responses include:

Cllr De Ryk: The Council is very proud that Archbishop Desmond Tutu lived in the Borough. Whilst the Council does not honour global figures, it honoured Desmond Tutu with the Freedom of the Borough because of his connection to Lewisham Borough. Cllr De Ryk: The Chair of the Pensions Investment Committee is working very hard to meet other council leaders to lobby and push for change within these long-term investment funds. The Council has a fiduciary duty to pensioners benefitting from this fund and Lewisham takes measured, sensible steps managing the fund. Cllr De Ryk: The Pensions Investment Committee is aware of concerns of this nature, and it is very concerned that Lewisham investment fund remains as ethical as is possible and compliant with its Responsible Investment beliefs. Cllr De Ryk: The Pensions Investment Committee has fiduciary duty, not a political one. Cllr De Ryk: That is the work that the Pensions Investment Committee is already doing. Cllr De Ryk: I understand you have already discussed with the Chair of the Pensions Investment Committee the issues around specific exclusions. Cllr De Ryk: I believe the information relating to the engagement with fund managers is reported to the Pensions Investment Committee at the beginning of the meeting and is in the public domain.

During the Member Questions section, she reiterated the Pensions Investment Committee's dedication to fulfilling its fiduciary duty in a shifting global environment:

Cllr De Ryk: The Council’s Pensions Investment Committee is working tirelessly and diligently to make sure that the pension fund meets its fiduciary duty. It is a legal obligation for the Pensions Investment Committee to do so. We stand by the guardianship of the fund, and we are doing our best in a shifting global environment to meet the duties we are responsible for.

She moved the motion for the Council Budget 2025/26 and the Pay Policy Statement , both seconded by Councillor Rathbone. She also voted in favor of the Council Budget 2025/26 .

Mayor and Cabinet - Wednesday, 30th April, 2025 6.00 pm - 30 April 2025

Councillor Amanda De Ryk attended the meeting remotely. She introduced the Sustainable Procurement Strategy 2025-2029 and the Out of Hours Switchboard Contract Extension, which were formally moved by the Mayor.

Standards Committee - Wednesday, 9th April, 2025 7.00 pm - 9 April 2025

Amanda De Ryk was present at the Standards Committee meeting on April 9, 2025. She was appointed to Standards Sub-Committee A. During the discussion of the LGA Model Code of Conduct, Cllr De Ryk stated:

Cllr De Ryk advised the importance of ensuring that the Lewisham Council Code of Conduct aligns with the LGA model and welcomed the review workshop which would also address any gaps in the existing Code compared to the LGA model.

She also seconded the motion to agree to the Work Programme, which was subsequently resolved.

Public Accounts Select Committee - Thursday, 3rd April, 2025 7.00 pm - 3 April 2025

Cllr Amanda de Ryk, in her capacity as Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Performance, addressed a question from the Committee regarding engagement with the new government concerning the challenges faced by local government.

Cllr de Ryk noted the work that was taking place with leaders and members from other authorities, whilst acknowledging the difficulties facing public services generally.

Mayor and Cabinet - Wednesday, 12th March, 2025 6.00 pm - 12 March 2025

Amanda De Ryk, as Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Performance, was present at the Mayor and Cabinet meeting on March 12, 2025. She signed off on the Sustainable Procurement Strategy report and wrote the foreword to the Sustainable Procurement Strategy 2025-2029. In her foreword, she emphasized the importance of growth for the country's prosperity and future funding for Local Government, highlighting that growth isn't always about more spending, but about spending differently. She referenced Sarah Champion’s ‘Buy British’ Private Members’ Bill and the need to track public spending. She also stated:

BUDGET, Council - Wednesday, 5th March, 2025 7.30 pm - 5 March 2025

Amanda De Ryk was present at the Council meeting held on March 5, 2025. However, the provided documents contain no record of her speaking or taking any specific action during the meeting.

(Budget), Mayor and Cabinet - Wednesday, 12th February, 2025 6.00 pm - 12 February 2025

Councillor Amanda De Ryk served as the Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Performance. She signed the 2025/26 Budget Report on February 4, 2025, indicating her involvement in its preparation and approval.

EGM, Council - Tuesday, 11th February, 2025 7.30 pm - 11 February 2025

Councillor Amanda De Ryk was present at the Council meeting on February 11, 2025. She answered supplementary questions related to public questions. Regarding FOI responses, she stated:

We are embarking on a records management programme in February which will improve performance and accessibility.

On the Local Government Pension Scheme, she explained:

Pension Fund investments are long term investments. The Pensions Investment Committee (PIC) is undertaking a thorough review of all investments. We have received assurances from fund managers and the PIC continues to speak to each fund manager to make clear our concerns about our investment portfolio. I am unable to name any companies directly - we have passive investments, and it is very difficult to single out individual companies. We are doing our best to invest responsibly, ethically and to keep up to date with the international situation as it evolves.

Concerning oracle licenses, she said:

we cannot commit to a review of our core accounting system. We do regularly review systems for performance but not mid-contract for something that is not directly performance related. I will take your question away and talk to officers, but the bottom line is that it is a central system for the whole working of the council and its transactions.

Regarding the London CIV ethical investment fund, she commented:

we would all welcome more options for the London Collective Investment Vehicle. The PIC is actively advocating for funds that reflect our views.

She moved the recommendations for Setting the Council Tax Base, the NNDR Tax Base & Discounts for Second Homes and Empty Homes (seconded by Councillor Rathbone), the Statement of Accounts 2023/24 and Annual Report 2023/24 (seconded by Councillor Kestner), the Constitution Update (seconded by Councillor Wise), and the Polling District Review (seconded by Councillor Wise). All motions were RESOLVED.

Mayor and Cabinet - Wednesday, 29th January, 2025 6.00 pm - 29 January 2025

Councillor Amanda De Ryk, the Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Performance, was present at the Mayor and Cabinet meeting on January 29, 2025. She signed off on a report titled Response to Public Accounts Select Committee comments on the Housing Revenue Account on 09.01.2025.

Public Accounts Select Committee - Tuesday, 28th January, 2025 7.00 pm - 28 January 2025

Amanda De Ryk, in her capacity as Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Performance, addressed the Public Accounts Select Committee regarding budget reductions. She highlighted the Council's past underfunding as a key factor contributing to the current financial difficulties.

Councillor Amanda de Ryk (Cabinet Member for Finance, Performance and Resources) was invited to address the Committee. She noted the years of underfunding which had preceded the current challenges facing the Council. Cllr de Ryk also set out a number of the Council’s successes and achievements – which had been delivered in the context of this restrained financial situation.

She also participated in a Q&A session with the Committee, alongside other Executive Directors and the Chief Executive.

Council - Wednesday, 22nd January, 2025 7.30 pm - 22 January 2025

Amanda De Ryk was present at the Council meeting on January 22, 2025. She responded to several supplementary questions and moved the recommendations for multiple items.

Regarding on-time FOI responses, she stated:

We are embarking on a records management programme in February which will improve performance and accessibility.

On the topic of companies in the Local Government Pension Scheme, she explained:

Pension Fund investments are long term investments. The Pensions Investment Committee (PIC) is undertaking a thorough review of all investments. We have received assurances from fund managers and the PIC continues to speak to each fund manager to make clear our concerns about our investment portfolio. I am unable to name any companies directly - we have passive investments, and it is very difficult to single out individual companies. We are doing our best to invest responsibly, ethically and to keep up to date with the international situation as it evolves.

In response to a question about reviewing Oracle licenses, she said:

we cannot commit to a review of our core accounting system. We do regularly review systems for performance but not mid-contract for something that is not directly performance related. I will take your question away and talk to officers, but the bottom line is that it is a central system for the whole working of the council and its transactions.

She also commented on the London CIV ethical investment fund:

we would all welcome more options for the London Collective Investment Vehicle. The PIC is actively advocating for funds that reflect our views.

She moved the recommendations for Setting the Council Tax Base, the NNDR Tax Base & Discounts for Second Homes and Empty Homes , Statement of Accounts 2023/24 and Annual Report 2023/24 , Constitution Update , and Polling District Review , all of which were seconded and resolved.

During public questions, Councillor De Ryk responded to a question regarding Oracle and its alleged support of Israel's continued occupation and genocide, stating:

This Council is very concerned about the situation that continues in Gaza. I was not aware of the concerns raised about Oracle and would be happy to look into them. The law requires this Council to have meticulous procurement procedures and robust due diligence.

She also responded to a question regarding the Council’s pension fund and potential accusations of investing in genocide, noting the Council's concerns and fiduciary duty. She stated that the Pensions Investment Committee was engaging with fund managers to insist on best practice.

During member questions, Councillor De Ryk responded to a question about a Governance meeting held on 11 September 2024, explaining that a verbal update was given, the work programme was discussed, and a written report would be provided at the next meeting. Regarding the Constitution, she said it is a live document and is often amended. She also mentioned a proposal for a more formal process for communicating changes to the constitution would be discussed at the December meeting.

Safer Stronger Communities Select Committee - Tuesday, 21st January, 2025 7.00 pm - 21 January 2025

Councillor Amanda De Ryk, in her capacity as Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Performance, attended the Safer Stronger Communities Select Committee meeting on January 21, 2025. She served as a witness for item 4, which concerned Budget Reductions.