Law or policy

Local Government and Housing Act 1989

5 stories · discussed at 23 council meetings · 14 councils

Councils are currently focused on senior appointments and ensuring political proportionality in committees and support staff, as required by the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

Tower Hamlets and Lambeth councils have recently conducted interviews and shortlisting for various director roles in September and August 2026, relating to statutory appointments. Southwark Council's Appointments Committee discussed designating a Monitoring Officer in June 2026. Newham Council's interim monitoring officer reported in July 2026 that governance improvements need to be embedded, despite adequate governance being in place.

Councils are also addressing political proportionality and support staff. Islington's Planning Committee confirmed political balance for sub-committees in June 2026, allocating seats to reflect the council's composition. Greenwich Council approved the principle of appointing political assistants in May 2026, with an estimated annual cost of up to £69,189 per full-time post. Tower Hamlets Council also appointed political advisors in May 2026.

The Local Government and Housing Act 1989 includes provisions for statutory appointments in local government and requirements for political proportionality in council committees. Newham Council is seeking a new Chief Executive, a role mandated by the Act, with a target start date of October 2026. No upcoming meetings are listed.

Key facts

  1. Newham's interim monitoring officer reported governance improvements need embedding in July 2026. Source
  2. Islington's Planning Committee confirmed political balance for sub-committees in June 2026. Source
  3. Greenwich Council approved appointing political assistants in May 2026. Source
  4. Tower Hamlets Council appointed political advisors in May 2026. Source
  5. Newham Council is seeking a new Chief Executive with a target start date of October 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.

Latest stories

  1. Interim Monitoring Officer: Governance improvements need embedding Newham Council's interim monitoring officer has stated that while governance improvements have been made, there needs to be greater evidence that these changes are embedded and... Newham 31 July 2026
  2. Islington Planning Sub-Committees: Green Party Gains Key Seats Islington's Planning Committee has confirmed the political balance and membership of its two Planning Sub-Committees, with the Green Party securing two seats on each. The... Islington 4 June 2026
  3. Greenwich Council Approves Principle of Political Assistants Greenwich Council has approved the principle of appointing political assistants to support its political groups, a decision made during the Council's Annual Meeting on... Greenwich 30 May 2026
  4. Tower Hamlets Council appoints political advisors Tower Hamlets Council has officially appointed political advisors to support its three main political groups. The decision was made during the Council's annual meeting on... Tower Hamlets 22 May 2026
  5. Newham seeks Chief Exec, target start date Oct '26 Newham Council is seeking a new Chief Executive, with a target start date of October 2026. Newham 28 October 2025