The King George's Field Charity Board was scheduled to meet on Wednesday 10 June 2026 to discuss the terms of reference for the upcoming municipal year, review financial and activity updates for the King's Field Trust, and consider proposed changes to fees and charges for the Art and Ecology Pavilions. The meeting was also to include a review of the public benefit guidance for the Charity Commission.

Terms of Reference for the King George's Field Charity Board

The Board was scheduled to review its terms of reference, membership, and quorum for the 2026/2027 municipal year. The report outlined that the King George's Field Charity Board is responsible for administering the affairs of the King George's Field, Mile End charity, and the King George's Field – Stepney (Tredegar Square, Bow) charity. The Board is composed of all Members of the Cabinet, with a quorum of three members. Scheduled meeting dates for the remainder of the year were also noted.

King George's Field Trust Finance, Activity, and Governance Updates

An update was scheduled regarding the financial position and activities of the King George's Field Trust. The report indicated that the 2025/26 financial year outturn was being finalised, with a balanced position expected for 2026-27. The activities update for the fourth quarter of 2025/26 (January to March 2026) detailed over 970 sessions delivered across key facilities, including Stay & Play, Whitehorse Adventure Playground, and Stepney Green Astroturf, with participation exceeding 29,000 attendances. The report also highlighted various community-focused activities, exhibitions, and events held at the Art and Ecology Pavilions, as well as improvements and site developments undertaken by corporate volunteers.

King George's Field Trust Review of Fees and Charges 2026/27

The Board was to consider a review of fees and charges for the hire of assets owned by the King George's Field (Mile End) charity, specifically the Art and Ecology Pavilions. The report proposed increases to hire charges, primarily in line with inflation (3.3%), with a higher increase proposed for exhibition rates. The review aimed to ensure sustainable income generation to cover maintenance and operating costs. The proposals included introducing a new block booking rate, a half-day weekend booking option, and a 20% discount for Tower Hamlets residents. Benchmarking against comparable venues indicated that the proposed rates would remain competitive.

Additionally, the report included a review of fees and charges for the Stepney Green Park Astroturf, proposing increases of between 7% and 9.5% from 1 July 2026. These proposed increases were aligned with those applied to other Council hire fees and were intended to maintain affordability for residents while ensuring sustainable income generation. The benchmarking exercise suggested that the proposed charges would remain competitive compared to other local facilities.

Public Benefit Guidance

The Board was scheduled to note the Charity Commission's Public Benefit Guidance. This guidance explains the duties of charity trustees in ensuring that their charity's purposes are beneficial to the public in an identifiable way, that any detriment or harm does not outweigh the benefit, and that the benefits are accessible to the public in general or a sufficient section of the public, with any personal benefit being no more than incidental. Trustees are required to have regard to this guidance when making decisions.

Declarations of Interest

As is standard practice, members were reminded of their responsibility to declare any interests in accordance with the Council's Code of Conduct. This includes Disclosable Pecuniary Interests (DPIs) and Non-DPI interests, with specific guidance provided on how to declare and manage such interests, including restrictions on voting where applicable. Members were also reminded of the guidance on predetermination and bias.