The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday 9 September 2026 to review the council's performance against its Corporate Plan and discuss the ongoing implementation of the Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) strategy. Key discussions included concerns about food security, employment rates, and the effectiveness of various council services, alongside a detailed examination of the proposed expansion of controlled parking zones across the borough.

Corporate Plan 2023-2026 Outcome Framework Performance Report

The committee reviewed the performance report for Quarter 3 and Quarter 4 of the 2025/26 financial year, which provides an overview of progress against the council's Corporate Plan. Leanna McPherson, Head of Programmes and Change, presented the report, highlighting that the framework includes 54 outcome measures across seven priority areas.

Several councillors raised concerns about specific performance indicators. Councillor Moin Quadri questioned the council's budget for long-term solutions to food insecurity, noting that 20.1% of residents reported going hungry due to affordability issues. He also asked about plans for support once the Household Support Fund ends in March 2027. Councillor Mukhtar Yusuf inquired about the methodology for revising performance targets and how these changes reflect the cost of living crisis. Councillor Ingrid Robinson raised concerns about communication regarding the BD Money service, following the closure of the Homes and Money Hub, and how residents are being supported to use it effectively. Councillor Phil Waker echoed concerns about the effectiveness of money hubs and how the council is mitigating issues such as fuel poverty.

The committee also discussed the use of Section 106 and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) monies, with Councillor Ben Suter suggesting this could be an untapped resource for the borough. Issues of digital exclusion and communication with residents were raised by Councillors Ingrid Robinson and Julia Williams, who highlighted the need for accessible information for older residents and those without internet access. Councillor Phil Waker also raised concerns about obesity rates and the fall in social rent housing, alongside the lack of data on overcrowding.

The council's approach to communication was also discussed, with Councillor Ben Suter asking for an update on the potential use of the app Loki for direct communication with residents. Councillor Muazzam Sandhu sought clarity on how the effectiveness of specific actions to improve outcomes for young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET) would be tracked. Councillor Julia Williams highlighted the priority of tackling overdue fire safety actions and asked how the council plans to get ahead of future fire safety regulations.

Controlled Parking Zone Project 3

Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Enforcement, presented an update on the implementation of the Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) Strategy 2022-25. Keith Stanger, Director of Enforcement, Regulatory Services and Parking, and Daniel Connelly, Parking and Environmental Design Team Manager, provided further details.

The report outlined progress on the CPZ strategy, which aims to increase coverage to approximately 80% of the borough. The committee was informed about plans for CPZ Project 3, which will focus on consulting on the remaining 20% of the borough. This project will be delivered in two phases, with Phase 1 covering seven areas and Phase 2 covering five areas. The council intends to consult with residents, statutory partners, and ward councillors on these proposals.

A significant portion of the discussion focused on the benefits of CPZs, including improved road safety, air quality, reduced congestion, and better access for pedestrians and emergency services. Data was presented showing a substantial increase in permits for low-emission vehicles and a significant decrease in permits for high-emission vehicles.

However, councillors raised several concerns. Councillor Andrew Achilleos questioned the methodology for measuring air quality improvements, suggesting that permit data alone might not be a definitive indicator. He also recommended that consultation letters be made more accessible to residents, with key information about how to respond placed at the beginning. Councillor Ben Suter raised concerns about the socioeconomic impact of parking charges on low-income residents and the affordability and availability of parking spaces in densely populated areas. Councillor Mukhtar Yusuf inquired about the monitoring of air quality, particularly concerning particulates from newer vehicle types, and requested comparative data with other boroughs. Councillor Dorothy Akwaboah asked how the council manages limited parking spaces and avoids oversubscription.

The council's approach to consultation and decision-making was also scrutinised. Councillor Phil Waker questioned the clarity on who makes the final decision regarding CPZ implementation and suggested that smaller zones might be more appropriate in some areas. Councillor Ingrid Robinson highlighted the need for evidence-led operating hours for CPZs and questioned the fairness of charges for residents in areas with different parking needs. Councillor Julia Williams asked about the provision of electric vehicle charging infrastructure for residents in tower blocks. Councillor George Miller inquired about meaningful consultation with elderly and disabled groups. Councillor Muazzam Sandhu raised concerns about the disconnect between council strategies and elected members' feedback, particularly in the context of the cost of living crisis, and pointed out contradictions in CPZ timings in certain areas.

Officers explained that the council's parking service is self-financing and that permit charges are benchmarked against neighbouring boroughs. They also detailed the process for reviewing existing CPZs and the potential for introducing sub-zones. The council confirmed that ward councillors' feedback is considered, but final decisions are based on the statutory Traffic Management Order (TMO) process and material considerations. The report also noted that the council is exploring options for restricting parking in parks and green spaces and is reviewing dropped kerb permit arrangements.

Work Programme

The committee noted the proposed work programme for 2026/27, which includes items such as the Housing Regulator Readiness, BD Group, and Fees & Charges Review. Discussions from this meeting, particularly regarding the Corporate Plan performance and CPZ strategy, will inform future agenda items.