Chair of the Committee
Councils are discussing how new rules and terms of reference are changing the powers and roles of committee chairs.
New planning rules are set to reduce the powers of planning committees from November 2026, with many applications to be decided by council officers instead. The Wandsworth Conservation and Heritage Advisory Committee discussed the implications of these changes in September 2026, noting that applications they reviewed would be officer-determined from November.
In Tower Hamlets, the Audit Committee reviewed its terms of reference in July 2026. Councillor Martin Parker observed that the terms delegate nothing to the committee, prompting officers to review them. This raises questions about the committee's effectiveness and the responsibilities of its chair.
Key facts
- New planning rules are due to be implemented from November 2026, reducing planning committee powers. Source
- The Wandsworth Conservation and Heritage Advisory Committee discussed new planning rules in September 2026. Source
- Tower Hamlets Audit Committee reviewed its terms of reference in July 2026. Source
- Councillor Martin Parker observed that the Audit Committee's terms delegate nothing. Source
- Officers are to review Tower Hamlets Audit Committee's terms of reference. 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.