Transparency
Councils are currently focusing on enhancing transparency through governance reforms, financial disclosures, and increased public engagement.
Councils are currently enhancing transparency through governance reforms, with Newham councillors approving mandatory basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for all elected members in October 2026. In July 2026, Wandsworth Council increased its Overview and Scrutiny Committees from five to seven members and reintroduced oral questions to Cabinet members. Lambeth Council also adopted a new governance model in June 2026, allowing the full council to elect Cabinet Committee Chairs.
Concerns about financial transparency were raised in July 2026 when Waltham Forest Council faced scrutiny over the financial details of its litter enforcement contract. Ealing Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee upheld a decision on West Middlesex Golf Course in July 2026, though councillors noted many related documents were not made public. Brent Council committed in July 2026 to publishing an annual pipeline of proposed Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy schemes.
To increase public engagement, Croydon Council approved allowing public questions at council tax and budget setting meetings in April 2026. These efforts reflect the principle of openness and accountability in council operations. No upcoming meetings are currently listed with this topic on their agenda.
Key facts
- Newham councillors approved mandatory basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for all elected members on October 5, 2026. Source
- Ealing Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee upheld a decision on West Middlesex Golf Course on July 23, 2026, despite transparency concerns. Source
- Wandsworth Council increased its Overview and Scrutiny Committees from five to seven members on July 20, 2026. Source
- Waltham Forest Council faced scrutiny over the financial transparency of its litter enforcement contract with 3GS in July 2026. Source
- Brent Council committed to publishing an annual forward pipeline of proposed Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL) schemes in July 2026. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 6 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.