The GLA Oversight Committee met on Thursday 12 March 2026 to discuss proposed savings and efficiencies impacting staff, review the London Assembly's Plenary ways of working, and consider the London Assembly's budget for 2026-27. Key decisions included noting the report on proposed staffing changes and agreeing to respond to the consultation, approving the proposed budget allocation for the Assembly and Secretariat, and noting the mid-year Workforce Report with a decision to postpone further discussion.

Consultation on Savings and Efficiencies Programme Proposals with Implications for Staff

The Committee discussed the Greater London Authority's (GLA) proposed savings and efficiencies programme, which aims to deliver £7 million in savings, contributing to the Mayor's overall savings target of £15.5 million. The proposals involve a net loss of 100 posts across several directorates, including Communities and Skills, Corporate Resources and Business Improvement, Good Growth, and Strategy and Communications. Approximately 200 staff have been formally advised that they are at risk of redundancy.

During the discussion, concerns were raised about the process, particularly regarding ring-fencing criteria and the limitation of ring-fencing to one grade lower or higher, deviating from the standard two-grade policy. The potential disproportionate impact on women and older staff was highlighted, with the Committee requesting further information on mitigation strategies. The Committee also noted the significant loss of funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), which is impacting staff roles, and the GLA's efforts to secure alternative funding. Questions were also raised about the perceived immunity of the Mayor's office from the proposed staffing changes, with Assembly Members noting an increase in staff numbers in that area despite wider efficiency drives. The Committee resolved to note the report and respond to the consultation on the proposed staffing changes, with further questions to be submitted in writing.

London Assembly Plenary Ways of Working

The Committee heard from Professor Cristina Leston-Bandeira, Paul Evans, and Dr Mark Egan regarding the purpose and effectiveness of the London Assembly's Plenary sessions. The discussion focused on how to make these sessions more impactful, topical, and engaging for both Assembly Members and the public. Key themes included the need for clearer structure, better communication of the purpose of motions and debates, and exploring more accessible formats such as holding meetings outside City Hall or at different times. Experts suggested that Plenary sessions could serve as a valuable tool for scrutinising bodies beyond the GLA family, such as utility companies, and for amplifying the voices of Londoners through petitions and more direct engagement. The Committee noted the report and discussion, and delegated authority to the Chair to agree any output arising from the discussion.

London Assembly 2026-27 Budget

The Committee considered the proposed allocation of the Assembly and Secretariat budget for 2026-27. The report indicated that the Assembly has not been asked to find savings as part of the GLA's wider programme, reflecting significant changes within the Secretariat and anticipated additional scrutiny responsibilities. The budget aims for a balanced position, with a healthy Assembly reserve available for flexibility and to cover potential costs such as resettlement grants for outgoing Members. The Committee agreed to the proposed budget allocation and approved the general use of the Assembly's budget for 2026-27.

Workforce Report - September 2025

The Committee received the mid-year Workforce Report for September 2025. Key findings included a slight increase in headcount and establishment since March 2025, a stable number of agency workers, and improved declaration rates for demographic information following an internal campaign. The report highlighted retained increases in representation for disabled staff and Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic staff. However, it also noted a widening gender pay gap. The Committee resolved to note the report and postpone further discussion until the next meeting in May 2026.

Other Business

The Committee also noted the completed and ongoing actions from previous meetings, and the recent action taken by the Chair under delegated authority to agree the Committee's report on Cybersecurity at the GLA. The Committee also noted the Secretariat's Quarterly Monitoring Report for November 2025 to January 2026.