The Council meeting on 18 March 2026 was largely dominated by discussions and votes on proposed changes to the Council's Constitution, which were ultimately approved despite significant opposition and lengthy debate. The meeting also saw the formal noting of the Annual Audit Report and the adoption of the Pay Policy Statement for 2026/2027, alongside decisions on the Members' Allowances Scheme.

The Council meeting on 18 March 2026 saw a lengthy and at times contentious debate surrounding proposed changes to the Council's Constitution. Despite strong opposition and an adjournment motion, the proposed changes were ultimately approved by a majority vote. The meeting also addressed other key items, including the Annual Audit Report, the Pay Policy Statement, and the Members' Allowances Scheme, with decisions made on each.

Proposed Changes to the Constitution Approved

The most significant discussion of the evening revolved around proposed changes to the Council's Constitution, particularly concerning the procedures for public questions, member questions, and the call-in process for scrutiny. Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Council, argued that the changes were necessary to ensure the efficient running of meetings, strike a balance between scrutiny and participation, and bring the Council in line with practices in other London boroughs. He stated that the current system was not working effectively, with meetings frequently running late and debate being curtailed.

However, Councillor Matt Hartley, Leader of the Opposition, proposed an amendment to refer the changes back to the Constitution Review Working Group, arguing that the proposals were unconstitutional, lacked proper legal advice, and had not been adequately discussed with opposition groups. He described the changes as a power grab and an attack on democracy. Councillor Majella Anning, Leader of the Independent and Green Group, seconded the amendment, echoing concerns about the lack of consensus and the rushed nature of the proposals.

Despite the strong opposition and a lengthy debate, the amendment was defeated, and the proposed changes to the Constitution were approved by a vote of 28 to 8, with one abstention. This included amendments to the procedures for public and member questions, including word limits and submission deadlines, and changes to the call-in process for scrutiny, requiring supporting evidence and a higher threshold for initiation.

Annual Audit Report Noted

The Council formally noted the Annual Audit Report for 2024/25, presented by Councillor Denise Hyland, Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Social Value. The report, prepared by external auditors Forvis Mazars, confirmed an unqualified audit opinion on the Council's financial statements. Key findings included that the Council provides good quality draft accounts and has appropriate governance arrangements in place. However, the report highlighted a significant weakness in financial sustainability due to the scale of the structural deficit and the non-delivery of planned savings, with continued reliance on reserves. The report also noted that while progress had been made on health and safety compliance in social housing, 100% compliance had not yet been achieved, although subsequent confirmation indicated the Regulator of Social Housing had lifted its regulatory notice.

Pay Policy Statement Adopted

The Council adopted the Pay Policy Statement for 2026/2027, as presented by Councillor Denise Hyland. The statement, which is a statutory requirement under the Localism Act 2011, outlines the Council's policies on the remuneration of chief officers, the lowest-paid employees, and the relationship between their pay. The report noted that the pay multiple between the highest paid employee and the median pay of all Council employees had decreased to 5.52.

Members' Allowances Scheme Approved

The Members' Allowances Scheme for 2026/2027 was approved, following a verbal amendment proposed by Councillor Charlie Davis and seconded by Councillor Pat Slattery. The amendment sought to insert the word not before agree in relation to the removal of the Minority Party Allocation Special Responsibility Allowance (SRA). However, the amendment was defeated. The approved scheme includes an increase in the Basic Allowance in line with the Local Government Pay Settlement, a freeze on Special Responsibility Allowances, and the removal of the Minority Party Allocation SRA. A sickness policy for Members receiving an SRA was also agreed to be brought forward. The report also noted that councillors would become eligible to join the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) from 11 May 2026.

Other Business

The meeting also included the submission of several petitions, including one calling for the removal of proposed constitutional changes from the agenda, another concerning unfair box junction fines in New Eltham, and a petition demanding safe routes to school and the reinstatement of a school crossing in Plumstead. Petition responses were also presented, addressing concerns about Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in Abbey Wood, the future of Glyndon Adventure Play Centre, and the sale of car parks in Plumstead and Charlton.

Three motions were also debated and passed: one calling for modernising national gambling legislation, another from Greenwich Labour opposing detrimental changes to the Freedom Pass scheme, and a motion concerning bus timetable changes.

The meeting concluded with the formal deferral of Item 12, the Standards Committee Annual Report, due to the unavailability of the Chair. The meeting extended significantly beyond its scheduled time, concluding in the early hours of the morning.