Councillor Averil Lekau

The Council of Greenwich Council resolved on 21 October 2026 to approve recommendations supporting neighbourhood shopping parades and town centres. The decision maker, the Council of Greenwich Council, agreed to oversee a review of shopping parades, develop an action plan, and create a shopfront improvement grant scheme. They also committed to supporting independent businesses, making a case for funding, and working with partners to improve safety.

The Council of Greenwich Council noted decisions taken under urgency procedures on 21 October 2026. The Leader of the Council agreed to withdraw delegation to Cabinet regarding the acquisition of Block 401, Greenwich Millennium Village, and accepted £19.24 million in grant funding from the GLA. A further governance report will be presented following due diligence and negotiation of associated documents.

The Council of Greenwich Council on 21 October 2026 approved recommendations regarding the Medium Term Financial Strategy 2027/28+. The council noted a forecasted £30.9m General Fund structural resourcing gap in 2027/28, increasing to £118.9m by 2030/31. It was also noted that forecasted use of £18.0m in one-off General Fund resources in 2027/28 will reduce the in-year budget gap to £12.9m.

The Council of Greenwich Council on 21 October 2026 adopted the Corporate Plan 2026-2030 and the Vision for 2050. The Council noted the findings of the Greenwich 2050 engagement and agreed to reflect delivery commitments in directorate and service plans, with resource implications taken through the Medium Term Financial Strategy and budget for 2027/28. The Council also agreed to encourage engagement with nature through community events and learning opportunities, protect and develop access to parks and green spaces, and deliver a sustainability and biodiversity plan with investment in re-wilding measures.

The Council of Greenwich Council noted changes to the executive functions scheme of delegation on 21 October 2026. The Leader of the Council varied the scheme to withdraw delegation for approval of grant funding from GLA and acquisition of new homes, allocating these matters to themselves.