The Community & Children's Services Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, 28 January 2026. The meeting's agenda includes a review of the committee's terms of reference, departmental budget estimates for the upcoming year, and the closure of several legacy housing projects. A presentation on the refurbishment of the Golden Lane Leisure Centre is also scheduled.

Annual Review of the Terms of Reference of the Community and Children's Services Committee

The committee will consider an annual review of its terms of reference, as part of the implementation of the 2021 Governance Review. The report from the Town Clerk suggests that this review process should be revised to allow more time for committees to consider proposed changes before they are submitted to the Policy and Resources Committee. The aim is for any changes to be considered by the Policy and Resources Committee in February 2026, in advance of the Court of Common Council's re-appointment of committees in April.

Gateway 6 Reports - Closure of Legacy Projects

Three reports are scheduled for discussion regarding the closure of legacy projects. These projects, predominantly delivered between 2022 and 2024 by the Housing Major Works Team, are now complete and require formal closure on the City's reporting and financial systems. The Gateway 6 Outcome Reports are the final part of the governance procedure for outgoing projects.

• Holloway Estate Window Replacement and Common Parts Redecorations: This project involved replacing windows and redecorating common areas. The final outturn cost was £4,604,242.99, an increase of £1,044,323.99 from the initial authority to start work. The report highlights lessons learned, including the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, planning issues, design challenges, insufficient pre-tender surveys, and the need for better resident engagement.
• Sydenham Hill Window Replacement and Common Parts Redecorations: This project also focused on window replacements and common parts redecorations. The final outturn cost was £1,605,534.95, an increase of £387,924.95 from the initial authority to start work. Key lessons learned include the importance of integrated upgrades, early contractor involvement, and robust stakeholder engagement.
• Windsor House Window Replacement and Common Parts Redecorations: This project similarly involved window replacements and common parts redecorations. The final outturn cost was £2,763,428.90, an increase of £1,092,997.90 from the initial authority to start work. The report details challenges faced, including delays due to insufficient exploratory surveys, planning issues, and the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Departmental Budget Estimates 2026/27 - Community and Children's Services Excluding Housing Revenue Account (HRA)

The committee will consider the proposed revenue budget for the Department of Community and Children's Services (DCCS) for 2026/27. The overall proposed revenue budget totals £21.531 million, an increase of £1.752 million compared to the 2025/26 budget. This increase is attributed to a 3% inflation uplift, pay award adjustments, additional funding for an expanded Community and Safety team, and a significant grant allocation for homelessness support. The report also outlines pressures on the asylum seekers service and rising temporary accommodation costs.

Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and Capital Budgets 2026/27

This report presents the annual submission of the revenue and capital budgets for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). The provisional revenue budget for 2026/27 is presented for approval, with a projected surplus for the year of £994,000 and projected Revenue Reserves of £1,319,000 at the end of March 2026. The report details a significant planned investment in the capital programme for major works to upgrade social housing, including window renewals and roof replacements. However, the Revenue Reserve position is noted as tight in the short term, with delayed income from new build projects expected to begin in 2026/27. The report also outlines the Major Repairs Reserve position and the planned borrowing from the City Fund to finance the capital programme.

Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) City of London Local Area Inspection Outcome - December 2025

The committee will receive information regarding the outcome of the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) local area inspection in the City of London, which took place in December 2025.

Community and Children's Services (Non-Housing) Revenue Outturn Forecast as at Quarter 3, 2025/26

This report provides a forecast of the revenue outturn for the Community and Children's Services department, excluding housing, as at the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year.

Housing Revenue Account Position 2025/26

The committee will be updated on the financial position of the Housing Revenue Account for the 2025/26 financial year.

City of London Street Homelessness Outreach and Support Service – Stage 1 Procurement Strategy Report

A report detailing the Stage 1 procurement strategy for the City of London Street Homelessness Outreach and Support Service is scheduled for discussion.

Updates from Sub Committees, Allocated Members and Portfolio Holders

The committee will receive updates from its sub-committees, allocated members, and portfolio holders.

Presentation - Golden Lane Leisure Centre Refurbishment

The Executive Director of Community and Children's Services will deliver a presentation on the refurbishment of the Golden Lane Leisure Centre, ahead of a non-public agenda item concerning the design option appraisal for the project.