Local Government Act 1972
Councils are currently appointing senior staff and hearing dismissal appeals, often excluding the public from these confidential discussions.
In September 2026, Tower Hamlets Appointment Sub-Committees conducted interviews for Director of Finance and Corporate Director of Communities, excluding the public from these proceedings. Croydon's Appointments & Disciplinary Committee also approved the permanent appointment of its Chief Executive in September 2026, with a significant portion of the meeting held in private session.
Councils frequently exclude the public from meetings when discussing confidential staff matters, such as dismissal appeals or senior appointments. For example, Harrow Council's Personnel Appeals Panel upheld a disciplinary appeal in January 2026, reinstating a staff member with a warning. Tower Hamlets Employee Appeals Sub Committee also heard an employee dismissal appeal behind closed doors in December 2025, citing Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972.
The Act also governs other aspects of local government, such as the conferral of honorary titles and councillor attendance. Waltham Forest Council adopted a protocol for awarding Honorary Alderperson titles in December 2025, citing the Act. Additionally, Islington and Hounslow Councils waived the six-month attendance rule for councillors due to ill health in late 2025, referencing Section 85 of the Act.
Key facts
- Harrow Council's Personnel Appeals Panel upheld a disciplinary appeal in January 2026, reinstating a staff member with a final written warning. Source
- Tower Hamlets Employee Appeals Sub Committee heard an employee dismissal appeal behind closed doors in December 2025, citing Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972. Source
- Waltham Forest Council adopted a protocol for awarding Honorary Alderperson titles in December 2025, citing the Local Government Act 1972. 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 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.