The Community & Children's Services Committee meeting scheduled for 8 September 2026 was set to discuss the subsidy for childcare at The Aldgate School, the allocation of members to the City's housing estates, and updates on the Families in the City programme. Other topics included an update on the Golden Lane Leisure Centre, wardmote reports, and a resolution from the Policy and Resources Committee.

Subsidy of 0-2 Childcare for The Aldgate School

A key item for discussion was the ongoing discretionary subsidy for The Aldgate School's 0–2 (rising 3) childcare provision. The report presented to the committee outlined two options: approving a reduced ongoing subsidy of up to £60,000 per year, plus a one-off pay protection staff cost of £66,070.02, or ceasing all discretionary subsidy from 31 August 2027, which would implement the committee's previous decision from June 2025. The report highlighted that if the subsidy were not approved, The Aldgate School Governing Body indicated the provision would close from 1 September 2027, with associated redundancy costs falling to the City Corporation. The committee was asked to note the report and consider approving the further discretionary subsidy, subject to funding availability and uptake by City resident children.

Allocated Members to the City's Housing Estates

The committee was asked to consider the vacant Allocated Member positions to the City's Housing Estates. These positions had been determined by the Housing Management and Almshouses Sub-Committee at its meeting on 1 July 2026. The report listed the following proposed allocations: Hackney to John Griffiths, Lambeth to Mercy Haggerty, Southwark to Deputy Ceri Wilkins, and Tower Hamlets to Deputy John Fletcher.

Families in the City Update

This report provided the fourth update on the Families in the City programme, which is the Department of Community and Children's Services and partners' response to national government reforms concerning Family Help services and the development of Best Start Family Hubs. The programme, now in Phase 2 and extended to March 2027, continues to develop the Best Start Family Hub – City of London Network, building on its online offer and service delivery at various sites across the City. Developments in the Families First Partnership (FFP) workstream focused on preparation for a shift to a Family Help system.

Golden Lane Leisure Centre Update

Members received an update on the procurement activity for a new leisure management contract for Golden Lane Leisure Centre (GLLC) and the progress of its refurbishment programme. The procurement approach, informed by market engagement and specialist leisure advice, was set to use Sport England industry-standard documentation. The Invitation to Tender was scheduled for publication in December 2026. The refurbishment programme was reported to be on track through the detailed design stage, with public consultation and planning submission planned for autumn 2026. The GLLC Steering Group had been established to provide community and stakeholder input.

Wardmote Updates

This item returned to the committee as the decision on the 0-2 Childcare Provision at The Aldgate School had been deferred to this meeting. The report noted a resolution from the Ward of Portsoken, made on 18 March 2026, expressing deep concern about the future of childcare provision at The Aldgate School and requesting the City of London Corporation to retain and continue to support this provision beyond 2027.

Policy and Resources Committee Resolution

The committee was scheduled to receive a resolution from the Policy and Resources Committee concerning the empowerment of sub-committees to take decisions without unnecessary recourse to the relevant Grand Committee, aiming to balance due diligence with efficiency.

Other Information Items

Several items were presented for information only, meaning they were scheduled to be taken without discussion unless a member had pre-submitted questions. These included:

• Barbican Library Refresh Works: A report detailing the modernisation of Barbican Library, including improvements to layout, increased flexibility, and electrical upgrades.
• CQC Adult Social Care Assessment Outcome Report: This report summarised the findings of the Care Quality Commission's assessment of City of London Corporation's Adult Social Care services, which rated the services as Good .
• Ofsted Focus Visit Inspection of Children Social Care and Early Help: A summary of the findings from Ofsted's two-day visit focusing on arrangements for children in need of help and protection, particularly concerning domestic abuse, child exploitation, and youth violence.
• Community and Children's Services (Non-Housing) Revenue Outturn Forecast as at Quarter 1, 2026/27: This report provided an estimated outturn for the committee's budget, highlighting a forecast overspend primarily within Older People, Adult Social Care, and Children's Social Care services.
• Housing Revenue Account P4 Update: A report providing an update on the Housing Revenue Account.
• Updates from Sub Committees and Portfolio Holders: A standing item for any updates from sub-committees and portfolio holders.

The meeting also included standard agenda items such as apologies, declarations of interest, minutes of the previous meeting, and outstanding actions. Part 2 and Part 3 of the agenda included non-public and confidential reports, respectively, which were not available for public summary.