value for money
Councils are currently scrutinising contract extensions and procurement processes to ensure optimal use of public funds.
Ealing Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee upheld a decision in October 2026 to extend a contract for Greener Ealing Limited, potentially worth £450 million over 15 years, despite concerns about transparency and the value for money assessment. In September 2026, an interim report to Tower Hamlets Council's Audit Committee highlighted persistent issues in procurement and contract management, leading to overpayments and financial losses.
Redbridge Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee recommended in July 2026 re-tendering leisure and culture services to increase market interest and competition for better value for money. Westminster City Council's Housing and Regeneration Policy and Scrutiny Committee approved the £3 million Warwick Avenue Public Realm Scheme in April 2026, despite scrutiny over its cost, particularly the use of Yorkstone paving.
Barnet Pension Fund decided in September 2026 to enhance its oversight of the London Collective Investment Vehicle to strengthen scrutiny of pooled investment arrangements. Islington Council also agreed in March 2026 to join a Pan-London Procurement initiative for postal goods and services with 22 other boroughs to enhance value for money. A Haringey Cabinet Member Signing is scheduled for October 2026.
Key facts
- Ealing Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee upheld a decision to extend the Greener Ealing Limited contract, potentially worth £450 million over 15 years, despite value for money concerns in October 2026. Source
- An interim value for money report from Ernst & Young in September 2026 revealed persistent issues in Tower Hamlets Council's procurement and contract management, with many weaknesses remaining outstanding. Source
- Barnet Pension Fund decided to enhance its oversight of the London Collective Investment Vehicle to strengthen scrutiny of pooled investment arrangements in September 2026. Source
- Redbridge Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee recommended re-tendering leisure and culture services to ensure better value for money in July 2026. Source
- Westminster City Council's Housing and Regeneration Policy and Scrutiny Committee approved the £3 million Warwick Avenue Public Realm Scheme in April 2026, despite concerns over its cost. 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 23 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.