Value for Money
Councils are addressing financial controls, procurement issues, and service oversight to improve value for money.
Tower Hamlets Council's Audit Committee received reports in September 2026 detailing persistent procurement and contract management issues, leading to overpayments and financial losses, with an interim Ernst & Young report identifying outstanding weaknesses and a new financial sustainability risk (story 9961). In September 2026, Barnet Pension Fund decided to enhance its oversight of the London Collective Investment Vehicle to strengthen scrutiny of pooled investments (story 9550).
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 (story 8486). Westminster City Council's Housing and Regeneration Policy and Scrutiny Committee approved the Warwick Avenue Public Realm Scheme in April 2026 after councillors questioned its £3 million cost and value for money (story 7332).
Islington Council's Audit and Risk Committee is scheduled to consider an external auditor's value for money risk assessment in September 2026. Lambeth Council's Finance and Budget Scrutiny Committee reviewed a projected £9.3 million General Fund overspend in September 2026, while Redbridge and Westminster committees also reviewed Q1 financial performance in September 2026.
Key facts
- Tower Hamlets Council's Audit Committee received reports in September 2026 on persistent procurement and contract management issues. Source
- Barnet Pension Fund decided in September 2026 to enhance oversight of the London Collective Investment Vehicle. Source
- Redbridge Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee recommended in July 2026 re-tendering leisure and culture services. Source
- Westminster City Council's Housing and Regeneration Policy and Scrutiny Committee approved the £3 million Warwick Avenue Public Realm Scheme in April 2026. Source
- Islington Council's Executive agreed in March 2026 to join a Pan-London Procurement initiative for postal services. 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.