Health and Safety
Councils are currently focusing on improving housing safety standards and addressing internal management challenges.
Haringey Council adopted a new policy in January 2026 to keep communal areas clear of obstructions, aiming to enhance safety for residents and meet Social Housing Regulator standards. Separately, Lewisham Council's Health and Safety Committee heard in December 2025 that the council cannot map its 18 public access defibrillators due to data format issues, despite them being registered with the London Ambulance Service.
Harrow Council is facing increased risk due to a lack of cooperation from some managers hindering health and safety audits, as discussed at an Employees' Consultative Forum meeting in August 2025. The council's Employees' Consultative Forum also discussed the Annual Health and Safety Report in July 2026. Tower Hamlets Council's Housing & Regeneration Scrutiny Sub Committee is scheduled to discuss this topic in October 2026.
Key facts
- Haringey Council adopted a new Clear Communal Areas Policy on January 19, 2026. Source
- Lewisham Council cannot map its 18 public access defibrillators due to data format issues, as heard in December 2025. Source
- Harrow Council is facing increased risk due to uncooperative managers hindering health and safety audits, discussed in August 2025. 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 1 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.