Law or policy

Terms of Reference

7 stories · discussed at 13 council meetings · 10 councils

Councils are updating terms of reference for committees and boards, with Hackney establishing an independent planning sub-committee and Lewisham revising its Health and Wellbeing Board.

Hackney Council approved new rules in September 2026 for its Planning Committee, establishing the Planning Sub-Committee as an independent committee from October 2026, in response to the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025. Lewisham's Health and Wellbeing Board also agreed to changes in its membership and terms of reference in September 2026, following a July 2026 governance workshop, including the addition of a housing directorate officer representative.

Enfield's Equalities Board reviewed its terms of reference in September 2026, while Hounslow's Health and Adults Care Scrutiny Panel and Housing and Environment Scrutiny Panel discussed developing theirs. In July 2026, Tower Hamlets Audit Committee reviewed its terms of reference, finding they delegate nothing, prompting officers to review them. Hackney's Appointments Committee confirmed its terms of reference in August 2026.

Terms of reference are governing documents that outline the purpose, responsibilities, and operational guidelines for council committees, boards, and panels. These documents are regularly reviewed and confirmed, as seen with the Hackney Pension Board and Tower Hamlets Pension Board confirming theirs for the 2026-27 municipal year in July 2026.

Key facts

  1. Hackney Council approved new rules for its Planning Committee on September 23, 2026. Source
  2. Lewisham's Health and Wellbeing Board agreed to changes in its membership and terms of reference on September 14, 2026. Source
  3. Hackney's Planning Sub-Committee will become an independent committee from October 31, 2026. Source
  4. Tower Hamlets Audit Committee reviewed its terms of reference on July 23, 2026. Source
  5. Tower Hamlets Pension Board confirmed its terms of reference for 2026-27 on July 20, 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. Hackney Council Establishes Independent Planning Sub-Committee Under New Rules Hackney Council has adopted new rules for its Planning Committee, which will come into effect on October 31, 2026. The changes, approved at a Full Council meeting on Wednesday,... Hackney 27 September 2026
  2. Lewisham Health and Wellbeing Board membership changes agreed Lewisham's Health and Wellbeing Board has agreed to significant changes in its membership and terms of reference, aimed at enhancing its effectiveness and inclusivity. The... Lewisham 15 September 2026
  3. Tower Hamlets Audit Committee's Terms of Reference Found to Delegate Nothing The Audit Committee of Tower Hamlets Council has reviewed its terms of reference and found that they delegate nothing to the committee, raising concerns about its ability to... Tower Hamlets 24 July 2026
  4. Tower Hamlets Pension Board Appoints Vice-Chair and Confirms Governance for 2026-27 The Tower Hamlets Pension Board convened on Monday, July 20, 2026, to discuss key governance matters and oversee the Local Authority Pension Scheme (LGPS). Tower Hamlets 21 July 2026
  5. Hillingdon Council Establishes Health Protection Committee to Safeguard Residents' Health Hillingdon Council is bolstering its commitment to public health by establishing a new Health Protection Committee. The decision, unanimously approved during the Health and... Hillingdon 5 December 2025
  6. Cyber Threats Increase Fraud Risk for Camden Pension Fund Camden Council's Pension Fund is facing increased fraud risks due to rising cyber threats targeting investment operations, according to a recent Pension Board meeting. Camden 9 November 2025
  7. Mile End Park Fees Could Change in 2025/26 Tower Hamlets Council is considering changes to fees at Mile End Park, potentially taking effect in the 2025/26 municipal year. The King George's Field Charity Board is... Tower Hamlets 2 November 2025