value for money
Councils are currently scrutinising financial management, contract extensions, and service delivery to ensure optimal use of public funds.
In October 2026, an independent review by Grant Thornton found Lambeth Council at risk of non-compliance in eight key financial areas, including demonstrating value for money. This report was presented to the Audit and Risk Committee. Ealing Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee also upheld a contract extension for Greener Ealing Limited in October 2026, despite concerns about the value for money assessment. Tower Hamlets Council's Audit Committee received a report in September 2026 from Ernst & Young, noting persistent procurement and contract management issues.
Hackney Council's Audit and Anti-Fraud Service reported in November 2026 that it had recovered over 1,100 properties from tenancy fraud since 2011, addressing housing shortages. In July 2026, Redbridge Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee recommended re-tendering leisure and culture services to increase market interest and competition for better value for money. Islington Council's Executive agreed in March 2026 to join a Pan-London Procurement initiative for postal services, aiming to enhance value for money and service resilience.
Value for money concerns achieving the best possible outcome from public resources, considering economy, efficiency, and effectiveness. Barnet Pension Fund Committee decided in September 2026 to enhance oversight of the London Collective Investment Vehicle to strengthen scrutiny of pooled investment arrangements. No upcoming meetings specifically addressing this topic are listed in the provided material.
Key facts
- Hackney Council recovered over 1,100 properties from tenancy fraud since 2011. Source
- An independent review found Lambeth Council at risk of non-compliance in eight key financial areas in October 2026. Source
- Ealing Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee upheld a decision to extend the Greener Ealing Limited contract in October 2026. Source
- Tower Hamlets Council's Audit Committee received a report in September 2026 highlighting persistent procurement issues. Source
- Barnet Pension Fund Committee decided in September 2026 to enhance oversight of the London Collective Investment Vehicle. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. 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 5 November 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.