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Greenwich Supports Strategy & SEND Provision Reviewed

This week in Greenwich:

Support for Vulnerable Residents Under Scrutiny: Greenwich Supports Strategy and Welfare Rights Under Review

This week, the Inclusive Economy and Culture Scrutiny Panel met to examine the effectiveness of the Greenwich Supports Strategy and the performance of Welfare Rights and Advice Provision. These services are vital lifelines for many of Greenwich's most vulnerable residents, offering crucial support with debt, benefits, housing, and employment.

Greenwich Supports Strategy: A Pilot in Action

The panel reviewed the Greenwich Supports Strategy, a pilot initiative designed to combat poverty by providing integrated, multidisciplinary support. Six months into its nine-month trial, the strategy has seen a dedicated team offering advice on debt, benefits, housing, and employment. The feedback from residents has been overwhelmingly positive, with one participant stating, Greenwich Supports has saved my life.

However, the strategy faces challenges. The growing community power aspect of the workstream is progressing slower than anticipated, and scaling up these new ways of working across the entire council requires significant effort. The panel was tasked with making recommendations to the Executive on the future of this strategy, highlighting the critical need to ensure its long-term sustainability and reach for those who depend on it.

  • Impact: This strategy directly impacts residents struggling with financial hardship, offering a holistic approach to alleviate poverty.
  • Challenges: Slow progress in community engagement and the effort required for wider adoption could delay or limit support for those in need.

You can find more details about the Greenwich Supports Strategy discussion here: Inclusive Economy and Culture Scrutiny Panel meeting on 8 January 2026.

Welfare Rights and Advice: High Demand, Significant Impact

A performance review of the Welfare Rights and Advice teams revealed consistently high demand throughout 2024/25, intensified by the Universal Credit managed migration process. These teams have been instrumental in securing nearly £10 million for residents through over 4,000 cases. The Money Advice Team alone advised on over £2 million in debts.

Despite these successes, the service faces significant pressures. The complexity and volume of cases are increasing, leading to backlogs. Officers are also experiencing verbal abuse, underscoring the emotional toll of their work. The Emergency Support Scheme saw over 6,000 applications, with over £700,000 spent, primarily on essential items like furniture and white goods. The Household Support Fund has been crucial in providing free school meals and direct cash payments.

The panel was asked to make recommendations to the Executive regarding this vital provision, with the potential for delays in support and increased hardship for vulnerable individuals if demand continues to outstrip capacity.

  • Impact: These services are critical for residents facing immediate financial crises, preventing homelessness and ensuring basic needs are met.
  • Challenges: Increasing complexity of cases and potential for officer burnout could lead to longer waiting times and reduced effectiveness of support.

More information on the Welfare Rights and Advice Provision review can be found here: Inclusive Economy and Culture Scrutiny Panel meeting on 8 January 2026.

Children's Services Performance and SEND Provision Under the Spotlight

The Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel met to review performance data for the second quarter of the 2025-2026 financial year and received an update on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision.

Quarter 2 Performance: Mixed Picture for Children's Services

Overall, the Children's Services performance monitor indicated that most indicators were meeting expectations. Educational achievement remains strong, with Greenwich schools outperforming national averages in leadership and management, and provisional Key Stage 4 data showing improvement.

However, significant challenges persist in SEND support. The number of new requests for Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) remains high, and issuing these plans within the statutory 20-week timeframe is a persistent issue, with only 35% of new plans meeting this deadline in Q2. Suspension rates in primary schools have also increased. While the number of children in care has remained stable, there has been an increase in children becoming looked after during the period.

  • Impact: Delays in EHCPs can significantly impact a child's educational progress and well-being, potentially leading to them not receiving the tailored support they need.
  • Concerns: Rising suspension rates in primary schools could indicate underlying issues affecting younger children's behaviour and access to education.

Further details on the Quarter 2 Performance Monitor can be found here: Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel meeting on 7 January 2026.

SEND Provision: Growing Demand and Systemic Pressures

The panel received a detailed update on SEND provision, revealing a 75% increase in EHCPs over the past five years, a rate higher than both London and England averages. Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is the most prevalent need, with White British pupils being overrepresented in SEND cohorts.

The primary cause of delays in issuing EHCPs is the time taken by Educational Psychology (EP) services. The STARSS programme is working to address these systemic issues. The demand for specialist provision, particularly for children with autism, severe to moderate learning difficulties (S/MLD), and social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, is putting immense pressure on the system. This is leading to more children remaining in mainstream schools without adequate support or requiring expensive out-of-borough placements.

The council is investing in new and expanded specialist provisions, including a Post-16 Transitional Learning Centre. However, secondary transfer for pupils with EHCPs remains a significant challenge, with many young people awaiting school places. The re-establishment of the Greenwich SEND Voice Parent Carer Forum aims to improve communication and collaboration between parents and the council.

  • Impact: The growing demand for SEND support and the strain on specialist provision directly affect children with complex needs and their families, potentially leading to prolonged waits for essential services and placements.
  • Concerns: The overrepresentation of certain demographics within SEND cohorts warrants further investigation to ensure equitable access to support.

More information on the SEND provision update is available here: Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel meeting on 7 January 2026.

Upcoming Meetings

Greenwich: SEND Funding Overspend, New School Planned

This week in Greenwich:

Schools Forum Focuses on Funding and SEND Provision

This week, the Royal Borough of Greenwich Schools Forum convened to discuss critical funding allocations and the growing demand for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support. The forum addressed projected overspends in key funding blocks and reviewed plans for new SEND school places.

School Place Planning Addresses SEND Needs

The Schools Forum noted the School Place Planning and Capital Programme 2025/26 - 2027/28 report, which was formally presented to the Cabinet on 19 November 2025. The Schools Forum meeting took place on Wednesday. The report highlights a projected decline in demand for primary school places, sufficient secondary school provision, and an expected increase in demand for specialist places for pupils with SEND.

  • New SEND School: Plans are underway for a new SEND all-through free school, Rowan Wood, with the secondary and sixth-form phase expected to open in the 2025/26 academic year at Hargood Road SE3.
  • Primary Phase Location: The former Gallions Mount Primary School site on Purrett Road SE18 is proposed for the development of the primary phase of Rowan Wood School.
  • Transition Learning Centre: The report also refers to the Transition Learning Centre (TLC) for young people aged 19–25 at Bexley Road SE9.

The expansion of SEND provisions aims to address the increasing needs of students with special educational needs and disabilities in the borough. This aligns with the council's commitment to providing inclusive education opportunities for all children, as previously discussed in the Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel meeting on Wednesday 12 November 2025.

Dedicated Schools Grant Faces Overspends

The Schools Forum received updates on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 financial years. The DSG is a ring-fenced grant dedicated to funding schools. The Schools Forum meeting took place on Wednesday.

Central School Services Block (CSSB) Overspend

The Schools Forum noted a projected overspend of £0.5m in the DSG Central School Services Block (CSSB). The CSSB provides funding for local authorities to carry out central functions on behalf of maintained schools and academies.

There is projected overspend of £0.5m in the CSSB. DfE have prescribed that the cost of copyright licenses is shown within the CSSB even though funding is deducted from the DSG at fund level. This has contributed to the overspend within this block.

High Needs Block (HNB) Overspend

The Schools Forum noted a projected overspend of £7.29m in the DSG High Needs Block (HNB). The HNB supports provision for pupils and students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), from ages 0 to 25, and alternative provision for pupils who cannot receive their education in mainstream schools.

Due to the increased demand for Education Health Care Plans and the high demand for SEN support, the current projected position within the HNB is and overspend of £7.29m. This has therefore contributed to the overall deficit position within the DSG net £7.03m.

The report pack also includes a table showing the increase in the number of Education Health Care Plans (EHCPs) over the last 5 years. This overspend could potentially impact the level of support available for children with SEND, leading to longer waiting times for assessments and reduced resources for schools.

Other Business

The agenda also included items for apologies for absence, declarations of interest, confirmation of the minutes of the previous meeting, actions arising from previous meetings, noting the attendance record, and any other business. Councillor Adel Khaireh, Cabinet Member Children and Young People, and Councillor Matthew Morrow are listed as non-voting members.

Greenwich: HMOs, Venue Noise, and Pension Fund in Focus

This week in Greenwich:

HMOs, Licensing, and Pension Funds Dominate Council Agenda

This week, the Royal Borough of Greenwich tackled a range of complex issues, from licensing decisions impacting local residents to managing the council's pension fund and addressing concerns about Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).

Licensing Review Sub-Committee Hears Contentious Case of The Borough Hall

The Licensing Review Sub-Committee convened to review the premises licence for The Borough Hall, a multi-use events venue in Royal Hill, following an application by Councillor Pat Slattery citing concerns about public safety, nuisance, and child protection. The Licensing Review Sub-Committee meeting took place on Monday.

  • Resident Concerns: Councillor Slattery and other residents detailed significant disturbances caused by noise from music, shouting, car doors slamming, and late-night loading activities. They argued that the venue's operation was incompatible with the residential nature of the area.
  • Licensee Response: Representatives for The Borough Hall emphasized the venue's importance to the community and the steps they had taken to mitigate noise and disruption, including installing double glazing and implementing a pulsed exit strategy[^1]. They also offered revised conditions, such as a noise management plan and restricted loading times. [^1]: A 'pulsed exit' strategy involves patrons leaving in supervised groups to minimise noise and disruption.
  • Community Protection Team: The Community Protection Team supported the review, noting 28 noise complaints, but did not recommend revocation of the license.
  • Conflicting Accounts: While some residents supported the review, others praised the venue's daytime activities and responsible management.
  • Committee Decision: The sub-committee did not make a decision at the meeting, but will announce their decision within five working days.

This case highlights the challenges of balancing the needs of businesses with the well-being of residents, particularly in densely populated areas. The sub-committee's decision will have significant implications for both The Borough Hall and the surrounding community.

Local Planning Committee Approves HMO Applications Amidst Objections

The Local Planning Committee considered several planning applications, including multiple proposals to convert properties into Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). The Local Planning Committee meeting took place on Tuesday.

Bostall Lane HMO Approved Despite Parking and Noise Concerns

The committee approved an application for 31 Bostall Lane to change from a single dwelling to a 6-bed HMO, despite 116 objections.

  • Resident Opposition: Councillor Matt Hartley and Councillor Roger Tester spoke against the application, citing concerns about noise, parking stress, and the cumulative impact of HMOs in the area.
  • Applicant's Perspective: Josh Myers, a town planner representing the applicant, argued that the proposal had been carefully designed to avoid negative impacts and that it complied with planning policy.
  • Committee Decision: The committee approved the application, subject to conditions limiting occupancy and requiring a management plan.

Admaston Road HMO Approved with Amended Bin Storage

The committee also approved an application for 49 Admaston Road to change from a single-family dwelling to a 5-person HMO.

  • Waste Management Concerns: Residents raised concerns about inadequate bin storage, leading to an amendment to the application to reduce the number of bins required.
  • Cycle Storage Safety: Concerns were raised about the safety of proposed bike ramps inside the property, leading to a condition requiring their removal.
  • Committee Decision: The committee approved the application, subject to conditions, including the removal of the bike ramps and a replacement tree.

Creek Road Commercial Unit Amalgamation Deferred for Site Visit

The committee deferred a decision on an application for 304-308 Creek Road, seeking to amalgamate two commercial units into one, pending a site visit.

  • Accessibility Concerns: Councillor O'Byrne Mulligan raised concerns about the impact of the proposed changes on accessibility for residents and the public.
  • Committee Decision: The committee deferred the decision to allow for a site visit and further consideration of the issues raised.

These planning decisions highlight the ongoing challenges of balancing development with the needs and concerns of local communities.

Pension Fund Performance and Strategy Under Review

The Pension Fund Investment & Administration Panel met to discuss the Royal Borough of Greenwich Pension Fund's investment strategy, funding, and performance. The Pension Fund Investment & Administration Panel meeting took place on Monday.

  • Investment Strategy Statement: The panel reviewed proposed changes to the Investment Strategy Statement and considered recommendations on strategic asset allocation.
  • Fund Manager Performance: The panel noted a report on the performance of the fund's investment managers for the period ending 30 September 2025.
  • LCIV Update: The panel received a presentation on the London Collective Investment Vehicle (LCIV).
  • Carbon Footprint Data: The panel received training on climate analytics metrics and considered the Pension Fund Carbon Footprint Data as of 31 March 2025.
  • Funding Strategy Statement: The panel noted changes to the Funding Strategy Statement following the 2025 valuation and updated guidance.
  • Valuation Results: The panel noted the outcome of the Royal Borough of Greenwich Pension Fund valuation.

These discussions are crucial for ensuring the long-term financial health of the pension fund and its ability to meet its obligations to current and future retirees.

Other Matters

  • Licensing Sub-Committee A: The Licensing Sub-Committee A met to consider an application to vary the premises licence for The Ship Public House. No video was provided.
  • Pension Board: The Pension Board discussed the fund's valuation results, fund manager performance, and funding strategy. No video was provided.
  • Licensing Review Sub-Committee: The Licensing Review Sub-Committee met to review the premises licence for The Borough Hall.
  • Pension Fund Investment & Administration Panel: The Pension Fund Investment & Administration Panel met to discuss the Royal Borough of Greenwich Pension Fund's investment strategy, funding, and performance.

Upcoming meetings:

Greenwich Tackles Violence Against Women, Eyes Finance Overhaul

This week in Greenwich:

Council Tackles Violence Against Women, Eyes Procurement Overhaul

This week, the Royal Borough of Greenwich focused on combating violence against women and girls and streamlining its procurement processes. The Cabinet approved a new strategy to address male violence, while the General Purposes Committee discussed hiring a new Head of Procurement to oversee a major financial system upgrade.

Greenwich Takes Aim at Male Violence Against Women and Girls

The Cabinet approved a comprehensive strategy to end male violence against women and girls, shifting the focus from supporting victims to tackling the root causes. The Cabinet meeting took place on Wednesday.

  • Focus on Accountability: Councillor Rachel Taggart-Ryan, Cabinet Member Community Safety and Enforcement, emphasized the need to hold men accountable for their actions and challenge misogyny. > We need an approach that focuses on stopping people from committing violence and holding men accountable for their violence. We need to acknowledge this disproportionality to understand why we are focusing on male violence.
  • Key Objectives: The strategy outlines objectives such as male accountability, allyship, prevention, victim support, and policy changes.
  • Action Plan: An action plan is being developed to address male psychological safety, including online radicalisation and coercive norms.

This strategy signals a significant shift in the council's approach to tackling violence against women and girls, prioritizing prevention and accountability.

Procurement Chief to Lead Financial System Upgrade

The General Purposes Committee discussed the recruitment of a new Head of Procurement to lead the council's Financials System replacement project. The General Purposes Committee meeting took place on Wednesday.

  • Interim Hire: The council plans to hire an interim Head of Procurement while the current head focuses on the system upgrade.
  • Salary Range: The committee was asked to approve a salary range of £96,049 - £107,175 for the interim position.
  • Procurement Act 2023: The new Head of Procurement will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the Procurement Act 2023.

This move highlights the council's commitment to modernizing its financial systems and ensuring efficient procurement practices. The Procurement Act 2023 aims to simplify and streamline public procurement processes, promoting transparency and value for money.

Other Matters

  • Safeguarding Children: The Cabinet noted the Greenwich Safeguarding Children Partnership Annual Report 2024/25, emphasizing the importance of inter-agency cooperation in protecting children.
  • Budget Monitoring: The Cabinet noted the 2025 - 2026 Quarter 2 Budget Monitor, indicating positive progress in bringing expenditure in line with the budget.
  • Infrastructure Funding: The Cabinet approved the publication of the Infrastructure Funding Statement for 2024-25, outlining how developer contributions are being used to invest in local infrastructure.
  • Health and Wellbeing: The Health and Wellbeing Board was scheduled to review the Public Health Addictions Profile and the Royal Greenwich Addictions Strategic Plan 2026-2029.
  • Planning Decisions: The Planning Board considered several planning applications, including proposals for new sporting facilities, residential developments, and changes to existing buildings.

Upcoming meetings:

Greenwich HMOs Approved, Food Insecurity Report Released

This week in Greenwich:

HMOs Approved Despite Resident Concerns, Public Health Report Highlights Food Insecurity

Greenwich Council addressed key issues this week, including approving Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) despite local objections, and discussing a concerning report on food insecurity and health inequalities in the borough.

Planning Committee Approves HMOs in Eltham and Plumstead

The Local Planning Committee approved applications for two properties to become HMOs, despite objections from local residents. The Local Planning Committee meeting took place on Tuesday.

Eltham HMO Approved Amidst Concerns Over Family Homes and Parking

The committee approved the change of use of 47 Arbroath Road, Eltham, to a five-bedroom HMO, including a single-storey rear extension. This application had previously been refused, and an appeal dismissed, due to concerns about the size of the extension.

  • Resident Opposition: Councillor Charlie Davis, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, spoke against the application on behalf of local residents, citing concerns about the loss of family homes, the impact on the nearby Progress Estate Conservation Area[^1], and parking pressures. [^1]: Conservation areas are designated to protect places of special architectural or historic interest.
  • Parking Concerns: Residents also raised concerns about parking congestion and the lack of consideration for elderly residents.
  • Applicant Response: Joel Stern, representing the applicant, SAM Planning Services, stated that the current proposal addressed the concerns raised in the previous appeal decision.
  • Committee Approval: Despite the objections, the committee approved the application, arguing that there were no valid planning grounds to refuse it, and that HMOs provide a vital form of housing.

Plumstead HMO Approved With Management Plan Condition

The committee also approved the change of use of 32 Roydene Road, Plumstead, to a six-bedroom HMO, including a loft conversion and rear extension.

  • Existing HMOs: Councillor Patricia Greenwell noted the number of HMOs already in the area.
  • Committee Approval: The committee approved the application, subject to conditions, including a management plan and EV charging point.

These decisions highlight the ongoing debate about balancing the need for housing with the concerns of residents about the impact of HMOs on their communities.

Health Panel Examines Food Insecurity and Health Inequalities

The Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Panel discussed the council's food response and the Director of Public Health’s annual report, focusing on health inequalities. The Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Panel meeting took place on Thursday.

Director of Public Health Annual Report Highlights Health Disparities

The Director of Public Health Annual Report, entitled Working together for fairer, healthier lives for all: Understanding health inequalities in Royal Greenwich, highlights the variations in health outcomes across the borough.

  • Health Equity Approach: The report calls for a health equity approach, emphasizing that everyone in Greenwich deserves to live the healthiest life possible.
  • Key Principles: The report outlines key principles to support a health equity approach: taking a life course approach, neighbourhood-based working, proportionate universalism[^2], and a wider public health workforce. [^2]: Proportionate universalism is an approach to designing and delivering services that aims to reduce health inequalities by providing support to everyone, but with a particular focus on those who are most disadvantaged.
  • Recommendations: The report sets out key recommendations to support a Greenwich system-wide approach to increasing health equity and reducing health inequalities, including finding and engaging with those most at risk, influencing policymakers, and operationalizing a health equity approach.

Council's Food Response Addresses Food Inequalities

The Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Panel received an update on work to address food inequalities and the development of a borough-wide food strategy.

  • Food Access: The report notes that access to healthy, safe, and nutritious food is a key building block of health, but that for too many residents this is challenging to achieve.
  • Council Approach: The report sets out the council's approach to tackling food inequalities in Greenwich, including infant nutrition, food insecurity, education, community, food environments, and weight management.
  • JSNA Findings: Emerging key findings from the draft Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA)[^3] include: [^3]: The Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) is a process used by local authorities and their partners to understand the current and future health and wellbeing needs of their local population. This helps them to plan and commission effective services to meet those needs.
    • Food insecurity in Greenwich is increasing.
    • Residents in Charlton, Shooters Hill, Middle Park, south Woolwich, and Plumstead have comparatively decreased access to both physical grocery stores and online food deliveries.
    • Poorer residents are likely to pay more for their food and have higher travel costs.
    • 27% of Year 4 and 6 pupils, 24% of Year 8 and 10, and 26% of Years 12+ students indicated there were days in their last school holiday period where they did not get enough to eat.
  • Recommendations: Draft recommendations include the creation of a council-chaired food partnership and a borough-wide Food Strategy.

This report underscores the growing challenge of food insecurity in Greenwich and the council's efforts to address it.

Audit Panel Reviews Finances and Risk

The Audit and Risk Management Panel met to review internal audit and anti-fraud performance, consider treasury management and capital updates, and evaluate their own effectiveness. The Audit and Risk Management Panel meeting took place on Wednesday. No video was provided.

Upcoming meetings:

Organisation and Communities Scrutiny Panel

Organisation and Communities Scrutiny Panel - Thursday, 22nd January, 2026 6.30 pm

We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.

January 22, 2026
Audit and Risk Management Panel

Audit and Risk Management Panel - Wednesday, 21st January, 2026 6.30 pm

We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.

January 21, 2026
Licensing Sub-Committee C

Licensing Sub-Committee C - Wednesday, 21st January, 2026 10.30 am

We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.

January 21, 2026
Planning Board

Planning Board - Tuesday, 20th January, 2026 6.30 pm

We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.

January 20, 2026
Licensing Review Sub-Committee

Licensing Review Sub-Committee - Monday, 19th January, 2026 6.30 pm

The Licensing Review Sub-Committee is scheduled to consider an application to review the premises licence for Chi Chi Dishes, a restaurant and bar located at 29-31 Hare Street, Woolwich, London SE18 6NE. The committee will also receive apologies for absence, address any urgent business, and members will declare any interests.

January 19, 2026
Margaret McMillan Field Study Centre Trust Sub-Committee

Margaret McMillan Field Study Centre Trust Sub-Committee - Monday, 19th January, 2026 6.30 pm

We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.

January 19, 2026
Standards Committee

Standards Committee - Wednesday, 14th January, 2026 6.30 pm

The Standards Committee of Greenwich Council is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, 14 January 2026. The meeting's agenda includes a review of the past year's activities and a discussion on declarations of interest.

January 14, 2026
Schools Forum

Schools Forum - Wednesday, 14th January, 2026 6.00 pm

The Schools Forum is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, to discuss the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) for the upcoming financial year and review the current financial position of various blocks within the grant. The meeting will also cover the National Funding Formula for schools and updates on specific budget allocations.

January 14, 2026
Local Planning Committee

Local Planning Committee - Tuesday, 13th January, 2026 6.30 pm

The Local Planning Committee is scheduled to consider three planning applications at its meeting on Tuesday 13 January 2026. The committee will review proposals for a commercial unit amalgamation, and two separate applications for the conversion of family homes into Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).

January 13, 2026
Inclusive Economy and Culture Scrutiny Panel

Inclusive Economy and Culture Scrutiny Panel - Thursday, 8th January, 2026 6.30 pm

The Inclusive Economy and Culture Scrutiny Panel met on 8 January 2026 to review the Greenwich Supports Strategy and the performance of Welfare Rights and Advice Provision. The panel also noted upcoming reports for future meetings.

January 08, 2026

No upcoming meetings scheduled.