Political Balance
Councils are currently adjusting how political balance is applied to committees and internal procedures, with some sub-committees now operating without it.
Hackney Council's Licensing Committee agreed in June 2026 to establish five sub-committees that will operate without political balance, a departure from the main committee's structure. This change aims to ensure flexibility, with membership depending on member availability rather than strict political representation.
In May 2026, Greenwich opposition councillors failed to secure proportional representation in the chairs of scrutiny panels, despite a proposal to create balance, with the composition of these panels being governed by regulations mandating political balance. Separately, Brent Council approved constitutional changes in May 2026, updating rules for written questions and motions to reflect its new political composition.
Key facts
- Hackney's Licensing Committee agreed in June 2026 to establish five sub-committees without political balance. Source
- Greenwich opposition councillors failed to secure proportional representation in scrutiny panel chairs in May 2026. Source
- Brent Council approved constitutional changes in May 2026, updating rules for written questions and motions. Source
- The Local Government (Committees and Political Groups) Regulations 1990 mandate political balance for scrutiny panels. 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.