Governance structures
Councils are currently reviewing their internal governance structures and the oversight of council-owned companies.
Merton Council is undertaking a comprehensive review of its constitution to ensure robust governance structures for future challenges, including its evolving role as a landlord. The Governance Standards and Audit Committee discussed this work programme in September 2026. Separately, Bexley Council's Finance & Corporate Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee committed to a closer examination of BexleyCo's business plan and governance structures in July 2026.
This scrutiny of BexleyCo's governance followed a proposal by Councillor Stefano Borella. Meanwhile, Westminster's Pension Board prepared for significant governance changes under the new Pension Schemes Bill, which received Royal Assent in March 2026. Key changes, including the statutory pooling of fund investment assets into companies like London CIV, came into effect on 1 April 2026.
Key facts
- Merton Council's Governance Standards and Audit Committee discussed a constitutional review work programme in September 2026. Source
- Bexley Council's Finance & Corporate Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee committed to scrutinise BexleyCo's governance in July 2026. Source
- The Pension Schemes Bill, affecting Westminster's Pension Board governance, received Royal Assent in March 2026. Source
- Key changes to pension board governance came into effect on 1 April 2026. Source
- Under new legislation, fund investment assets must be pooled into asset pool companies by 31 March 2026. 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 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.