scrutiny
Councils are currently debating reforms to governance and decision-making processes, impacting how scrutiny is conducted.
Brent Council approved reforms in October 2026 to transfer planning decision-making authority to officers, a move opposed by councillors but mandated by national legislation. This shift affects the scope of council-level scrutiny on planning applications. Meanwhile, Wandsworth Council increased its Overview and Scrutiny Committees to seven members in July 2026 and reintroduced oral questions to Cabinet members, aiming to strengthen its scrutiny function and enhance transparency.
Lambeth Council adopted a new governance model in June 2026, which includes electing Chairs of Cabinet Committees by the full council and escalating disagreements between Cabinet members and committee recommendations to the full council. These changes aim to enhance transparency and the role of ward councillors in oversight. Waltham Forest's Budget, Performance and Coordinating Committee also reviewed a draft Scrutiny Annual Report in July 2026.
Scrutiny is the process by which councils examine and challenge the decisions and performance of the executive or other bodies, ensuring accountability and effective governance. Councils are currently working through how best to implement this oversight, with recent discussions focusing on adjusting constitutional arrangements and decision-making powers to improve transparency and councillor involvement.
Key facts
- Brent Council approved reforms in October 2026 to transfer planning decision-making authority to officers. Source
- Wandsworth Council increased its Overview and Scrutiny Committees from five to seven members in July 2026. Source
- Wandsworth Council reintroduced oral questions to Cabinet members in July 2026. Source
- Lambeth Council adopted a new governance model in June 2026, electing Chairs of Cabinet Committees by full council. 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 15 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.