transparency
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
- Wandsworth Council increased its Overview and Scrutiny Committees from five to seven members in July 2026. Source
- Brent Council committed to publishing an annual forward pipeline of proposed Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy schemes. Source
- Lambeth Council adopted a new governance model in June 2026 to enhance transparency and councillor roles. Source
- Enfield Council reduced Associate Cabinet Member posts, which is expected to save £32,940 annually. Source
- 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.