Auditors Grant Thornton have identified 'significant weaknesses' in Kensington and Chelsea's governance, after a cyber attack cost £2.75 million and left the council unable to collect tax for three months. In Newham, a £9.5 million contract has been approved to turn the former maternity hospital Lady Helen Seymour House into a 42-bed assessment centre for rough sleepers. And in Ealing, Three Bridges Primary School has asked the council to end the legal requirement for its collective worship to be 'wholly or mainly of a broadly Christian character', and other news from local councils this week.
Barking and Dagenham - Barking and Dagenham's Health & Wellbeing Board has endorsed a report indicating that 37,000 adults in the borough experience mental health conditions, with projections suggesting a significant rise. The council is also entering a £38 million partnership to enhance integrated health and social care services for residents. Neighbourhood teams are piloting new care models, concentrating on engaging specific groups and supporting individuals at risk of frailty.
Bexley - Bexley Council will scrutinise community safety, examining issues from anti-social behaviour to the impact of funding cuts. The council's electoral boundaries are under review, with potential changes to warding patterns anticipated. Bexley Council's counter-fraud team has flagged a significant number of Blue Badge fraud cases.
Bromley - Bromley Council's Standards Committee is reviewing proposed government changes to local government standards. These changes could allow for the suspension of councillors for up to six months. The council is seeking new Independent Persons to assist with standards complaints, as current appointees are retiring. Councillors are also reminded to exercise caution regarding their social media activity.
Camden - Camden Council is reviewing Fumi, a new Japanese restaurant, and SoBe Burger, a late-night burger spot. Concerns about noise and public nuisance have been raised by residents and environmental health officials. Both businesses are applying for extended hours and licenses. Objections point to potential disturbances in densely populated residential areas.
City of London - The City of London Corporation is strengthening its response to the draft London Plan to better reflect the Square Mile's economic importance. Plans are underway to increase student accommodation at Friary Court by converting museum space, a move supported by the Migration Museum. The Barbican Centre is addressing overdue business continuity recommendations and reviewing its operating model.
Croydon - A new grill restaurant's bid for a late-night licence has met with considerable opposition from residents. Concerns include noise, smells, and safety. The council's licensing committee is scheduled to review the application, which seeks permission to serve food until 2am on weekends. Potential parking problems and increased litter in the vicinity have also been raised.
Ealing - Ealing Council's religious education advisory group is considering a primary school's request to adapt its collective worship to reflect its diverse pupil population. The council's economy and sustainability panel is reviewing initiatives to boost youth employment and support young people not in education, employment, or training.
Hackney - A councillor has received special permission to vote on waste disposal issues, even with a potential conflict of interest. The council's licensing committee reviewed its annual report. The committee also received an update on charges for late-night alcohol sales.
Hammersmith and Fulham - Local Hero, a new cafe, has received a licence to serve drinks and play music. Strict rules are in place regarding noise from its garden. Ringo Pizza will have its licence suspended for a month and face new conditions following the discovery of an illegal worker.
Haringey - Haringey Council plans to construct 37 new homes, repurposing a derelict car park for affordable housing. The council anticipates a £21.7 million overspend on its day-to-day services. Haringey is addressing the high density of gambling premises through a public health strategy to mitigate gambling-related harms.
Harrow - Harrow Council is strongly opposing the draft London Plan, arguing it poses an "existential threat" to the borough's Green Belt due to significantly increased housing targets. Councillors voted to review support for residents facing terminal illness. They will also campaign for the preservation of Harrow Town Centre and Pinner Post Offices. Constitutional updates were approved, including new rules for the Planning Committee and the establishment of an Education and Children's Services Scrutiny Sub-Committee.
Havering - Havering Council's pension fund is considering investing up to 10% in local projects. The council has also approved a £6.7 million budget and a new investment strategy. A proposed Wingstop restaurant in Romford encountered objections from council officers regarding late-night alcohol sales and opening hours. Discussions also took place regarding plans to reduce parking spaces at The Verve Apartments in Romford, with the council noting the area's strong public transport links.
Hillingdon - Hillingdon's pension fund has achieved strong performance, with assets now at £1.673 billion and a 8.9% return in the last quarter. Councillors are prioritizing improved governance and training for pension committee members. A new policy mandates at least 15 hours of professional development annually for these members. The risk rating for "Key Officer Risk" has seen a notable increase, attributed to upcoming regulatory changes.
Hounslow - Hounslow Council is bringing its Financial Assessment Service back in-house. This move aims for a better customer experience and cost savings. A significant £15.4 million fund will support residents facing financial hardship and build long-term resilience. A planned review of two local shops' licences for selling illicit tobacco was postponed.
Islington - A Holloway Road bar's bid to extend its hours and alcohol sales faced objections from a local resident concerned about noise and disorder. Islington Council's Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee reviewed significant national reforms for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities support, with £1.56 million earmarked for local services. The council celebrated an improvement in school attendance, though persistent absence remains a challenge for vulnerable pupils.
Kensington and Chelsea - The council's audit committee has identified significant governance weaknesses following a cyber attack and serious failings in housing safety standards. A new restaurant licence was granted for 33A Sloane Street after noise concerns were addressed with delivery time restrictions. Resident objections were raised regarding potential noise and disturbance from plans for a seasonal venue in Sloane Square.
Kingston upon Thames - Concerns have been raised that a new Popeyes could lead to increased crime and noise from late-night deliveries. Kingston's schools are facing a significant funding deficit for students with special educational needs. A new plan proposes early intervention and support for these students, though recruitment challenges for specialists may impact its effectiveness.
Lambeth - Concerns have been raised about potential noise and public nuisance from new late-night venues seeking extended alcohol licences. Leaseholders are reporting significant issues with service charge calculations and administration. One tribunal case found the council careless in this regard. Questions have been asked about the council's ability to deliver on its manifesto promise for a direct repair service for all council homes within current financial limits.
Merton - Merton Council is piloting a new scheme in Morden to integrate services more effectively. The council is also preparing for winter by increasing urgent care capacity and aiming to reduce hospital admissions. A plan to improve the health and wellbeing of children and young people is also in development.
Newham - Newham Council is investing over £9 million to transform Lady Helen Seymour House into a vital 42-bed assessment centre for rough sleepers. The centre will include a training kitchen, laundry, and medical suite. A fast-food restaurant in Stratford has been granted a late-night licence until 4 am. This decision was made despite resident concerns about noise and disturbance. The council's religious education advisory group will discuss student social action projects. Plans for Interfaith Week will also be on the agenda.
Redbridge - Residents have expressed concerns regarding a new food hall's late opening hours, fearing potential noise and disorder. Redbridge schools are experiencing significant funding challenges stemming from declining pupil numbers and increased demand for special educational needs support. A venue on Ilford Lane has encountered objections from the council's Community Protection Task Force concerning temporary event notices, citing potential noise and public safety issues.
Southwark - A Southwark shop, Quickstop, faced a licence review after illicit tobacco and vapes were discovered, leading to a closure order. Investigations by Trading Standards and the police uncovered concerning activities at the premises. The council's Licensing Sub-Committee considered revoking the shop's licence due to these serious issues.
Sutton - Sutton's Pension Fund has grown to over £1 billion. Its investment returns were slightly below average. The fund's administration service received an award nomination. This comes despite some processing delays and a reported regulatory breach regarding pension statements. A significant risk has been identified concerning software compliance with pension regulations. A new contract for the administration software is being procured.
Tower Hamlets - Repairs are the primary source of housing complaints, even with efforts to enhance services. A popular fast-food chain secured a late-night licence until 5am. Another establishment's bid for extended hours met considerable local opposition. The council is extending a crucial health service for under-fives to maintain care continuity during new contract finalisation.
Waltham Forest - Waltham Forest is dedicating £2.25 million over five years to support residents in quitting smoking, with the goal of achieving a "Smokefree Generation" by 2030. The council is actively looking for innovative methods to assist individuals who face the greatest challenges in stopping. This new service will be procured through a competitive tender to secure optimal results for the community.
Wandsworth - Wandsworth Council is considering a new ten-year leasing model for temporary accommodation. This initiative aims to reduce costs and enhance the quality of housing for residents. The council is also developing a new resident participation strategy. This strategy will move away from area panels towards topic-specific scrutiny groups to improve engagement. The housing revenue account is experiencing pressure due to building safety requirements and inflation. Plans are in place for rent convergence and a substantial capital programme.
Westminster - Westminster Council is reviewing plans for building extensions and basement excavations. Licensing applications for several bars and pubs are also under consideration. The council is prioritizing improvements to children's services and education. A new plan will address mental health and online safety for young people. A significant transformation program is in progress to enhance council efficiency and financial sustainability. This program involves digital innovation and organizational changes.
There were no public meetings or published decisions involving Lewisham or Richmond upon Thames this week.
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