Wandsworth Council has scrapped the 150-word limit for group motions, a move aimed at enhancing democratic participation and transparency in council proceedings. This decision is part of a broader constitutional review designed to breathe genuine life and democracy back into procedures.
The review was prompted by the council operating without overall political control following the May 2026 local elections, necessitating a Confidence and Supply Agreement that committed the administration to restoring the rights of all councillors.
The General Purposes Committee meeting on Monday, July 20, 2026, saw the removal of the previous 150-word limit for group motions and a related 200-word limit for amended motions. Councillor Sara Apps, who proposed the change, argued that the administration should not restrict the opposition's ability to present more detailed arguments, stating the previous limit was a little bit dictatorial in its approach.
Councillor Peter Graham, Deputy Leader of the Council, initially voiced concerns that longer motions could descend into essay territory, not motion,
suggesting that motions should focus on a single point and that more extensive texts are better suited for reports or Overview and Scrutiny Committees (OSCs). However, the committee ultimately voted to remove the restriction, with Councillor Graham acknowledging the possibility of revisiting the issue if longer motions become problematic.
The constitutional review encompasses several other changes aimed at increasing openness and effectiveness. These include the reintroduction of oral questions to Cabinet members, amendments to debate procedures, the restoration of handing in petitions from the end to the start of meetings, and an increase in the membership of OSCs to seven. Additionally, a temporary provision allows the Chief Executive to make committee appointments based on nominations from group leaders until October 21, 2026. A proposal to change rail travel reimbursement from first-class to standard class is also part of a wider review of Standing Orders.
The removal of the word limit could potentially lead to longer and more complex debates. While Councillor Apps believes longer motions did not cause issues in the past, Councillor Graham's reservations highlight a potential for increased verbosity. The Chair, Councillor Richards-Jones, indicated that the balance of view
favoured removing the provision, suggesting a general consensus within the committee despite individual reservations.
These changes are part of a wider effort to make council procedures more open, transparent, and effective, particularly in light of the council operating without overall political control following the May 2026 local elections. The Confidence and Supply Agreement specifically aimed to restore the rights of all councillors across the chamber.
Further details on the constitutional review and the committee's agenda can be found in the Agenda General Purposes Committee 20 July 2026 and the associated Public reports pack.