public participation
Councils are reviewing constitutional rules affecting public participation, with some proposing to boost input and others debating changes that could reduce it.
Lewisham Council's Governance Committee recommended constitutional amendments in February 2026, including the proposed removal of deputations from Council Procedure Rules. Councillor Hau-Yu Tam voiced concerns that this change could reduce public involvement in council proceedings. Conversely, Tower Hamlets Council's General Purposes Committee approved updates in December 2025 to make it easier for the public to contribute to committee meetings, aiming to streamline meetings and encourage greater public participation.
The London Borough of Harrow Council's Constitution was scheduled for discussion in May 2026, outlining how the Council operates and makes decisions. Similarly, Kensington and Chelsea Council's Constitution meeting in April 2026 was set to review its governing documents. These reviews often include rules on how the public can engage with council decision-making processes.
Key facts
- Lewisham Council's Governance Committee recommended constitutional amendments in February 2026. Source
- Councillor Hau-Yu Tam voiced concerns that removing deputations could reduce public involvement in Lewisham council proceedings. Source
- Tower Hamlets Council's General Purposes Committee approved constitutional updates in December 2025. Source
- The Tower Hamlets updates aim to make it easier for the public to contribute to committee meetings. 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 1 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.