Issue

transparency

13 stories · discussed at 6 council meetings · 18 councils

Councils are currently reviewing governance, financial transparency, and public engagement to increase openness in decision-making.

Councils are addressing concerns about transparency in decision-making and financial dealings. In July 2026, Ealing Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee upheld a decision on West Middlesex Golf Course, with councillors raising concerns about the transparency of the deal and documents not being public. Wandsworth Council increased its scrutiny committee size and reintroduced oral questions to Cabinet members as part of an overhaul for more open procedures. Waltham Forest Council faced scrutiny over the financial transparency of a litter enforcement contractor, while Brent Council committed to enhancing transparency for its Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy funds. Harrow Council formally opposed government planning reforms, citing concerns they would undermine local democracy and transparency.

Other councils have also made procedural changes to boost openness. In June 2026, Lambeth Council adopted a new governance model to enhance transparency and councillor roles. Enfield Council's leader pledged absolute transparency in May 2026, alongside reducing Associate Cabinet Member posts. Croydon Council approved allowing public questions at council tax and budget setting meetings in April 2026 to enhance public engagement. Sutton Pension Board approved new conflict of interest forms in March 2026 to enhance transparency, and Tower Hamlets Council is set to launch a digital constitution for improved accessibility.

No upcoming meetings are currently scheduled to discuss transparency.

Key facts

  1. Wandsworth Council increased its Overview and Scrutiny Committees from five to seven members in July 2026. Source
  2. Brent Council committed to publishing an annual forward pipeline of proposed Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy schemes. Source
  3. Lambeth Council adopted a new governance model in June 2026 to enhance transparency and councillor roles. Source
  4. Enfield Council reduced Associate Cabinet Member posts, which is expected to save £32,940 annually. Source
  5. Croydon Council approved allowing public questions at council tax and budget setting meetings in April 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. Ealing Council Committee Upholds Decision on West Middlesex Golf Course Future Ealing Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee has upheld a previous Cabinet decision regarding the future of West Middlesex Golf Course. The decision, which was called in by... Ealing 25 July 2026
  2. Wandsworth council increases scrutiny committee size Wandsworth Council has increased the size of its Overview and Scrutiny Committees and reintroduced oral questions to Cabinet members as part of a wider overhaul of its... Wandsworth 22 July 2026
  3. Waltham Forest Council Faces Scrutiny Over Littering Contractor Transparency and Fines Waltham Forest Council faced scrutiny over its contract with a private litter enforcement company, 3GS, during a recent council meeting. Councillors raised concerns about... Waltham Forest 18 July 2026
  4. Brent council to boost SCIL fund transparency Brent Council has committed to enhancing transparency surrounding the allocation of its Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL) funds following a motion passed at a... Brent 7 July 2026
  5. Harrow Council formally opposes government planning reforms, citing concerns over local democracy Harrow Council has formally opposed the UK government's proposed reforms to planning laws, with councillors arguing the changes would effectively abolish the vital role that... Harrow 3 July 2026
  6. Lambeth Council Overhauls Governance Model to Boost Transparency and Councillor Roles Lambeth Council has adopted a new governance model, moving away from a solely leader and cabinet system. The decision, made during a council meeting on Monday, June 1, 2026,... Lambeth 3 June 2026
  7. Enfield Council Slashes Associate Cabinet Member Posts to Save £32,940 Annually Enfield Council has significantly reduced the number of Associate Cabinet Member posts as part of a wider administrative shake-up. Enfield 30 May 2026
  8. Croydon Council to allow public questions at budget meetings Croydon Council is set to introduce a new provision allowing members of the public to ask questions at council tax and budget setting meetings, aiming to enhance public... Croydon 15 April 2026