Governance
Councils are addressing audit findings of governance weaknesses and reviewing their systems for improvement.
Councils are currently addressing audit findings related to their governance arrangements. In July 2026, an audit of Tower Hamlets Council's schools revealed significant gaps in governance, including inadequate terms of reference for governing bodies. Kingston Council's risk management, internal control, and governance arrangements were described as 'reasonable' by its Chief Audit Executive in June 2026, indicating a generally sound system with minor weaknesses.
These findings follow earlier reports, such as external auditor EY identifying 'significant weaknesses' in Tower Hamlets Council's governance in December 2025. In response, Tower Hamlets Council's Audit Committee approved a revised corporate code of governance in March 2026. Lambeth Council also received 'limited assurance' on its governance systems in July 2025, with further concerns raised in March 2026 regarding de-federated schools.
To ensure effective management, accountability, and transparency, councils regularly review their governance, which is the system of rules, practices, and processes by which an organisation is directed and controlled. Islington Council's Audit and Risk Committee approved its 2026/27 Internal Audit plan in March 2026, increasing contingency days to support these arrangements.
Key facts
- In July 2026, an audit of Tower Hamlets Council's schools revealed significant gaps in governance, with two schools receiving a limited assurance opinion. Source
- Kingston Council's Chief Audit Executive described its risk management, internal control, and governance arrangements as 'reasonable' in June 2026. Source
- Tower Hamlets Council's Audit Committee approved a revised corporate code of governance in March 2026, contingent on future Secretary of State directions. Source
- External auditor EY found 'significant weaknesses' in Tower Hamlets Council's governance and financial management in December 2025. Source
- In September 2025, external auditors Grant Thornton identified weaknesses in Barking and Dagenham Council's financial sustainability, governance, and efficiency. 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.