Terms of Reference
Councils are updating terms of reference for various boards and committees, focusing on health, governance, and delegation, with some changes driven by new legislation.
Richmond Council's Health and Wellbeing Board adopted updated terms of reference on 6 October 2026, aiming to strengthen its strategic leadership role with a focus on prevention and health inequalities. Similarly, Lewisham's Health and Wellbeing Board agreed to changes in its membership and terms of reference on 14 September 2026, following a July 2026 governance workshop, to enhance effectiveness and inclusivity.
Across other councils, terms of reference for various committees are under review or have been confirmed. Hackney Council adopted new rules for its Planning Committee on 23 September 2026, establishing its sub-committee as independent, in response to the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025. In Tower Hamlets, Councillor Martin Parker raised concerns on 23 July 2026 that the Audit Committee's terms of reference delegate nothing, prompting an officer review.
Terms of reference are the governing documents outlining the responsibilities and operational procedures for council committees and boards. Other councils, including Enfield, Hounslow, Croydon, and Hackney, have also recently reviewed or confirmed their terms of reference for various bodies. No upcoming meetings are currently scheduled to discuss this topic.
Key facts
- Richmond Council's Health and Wellbeing Board adopted updated terms of reference on 6 October 2026. Source
- Hackney Council adopted new rules for its Planning Committee on 23 September 2026, effective 31 October 2026. Source
- Lewisham's Health and Wellbeing Board agreed to changes in its membership and terms of reference on 14 September 2026. Source
- Councillor Martin Parker raised concerns on 23 July 2026 that Tower Hamlets Audit Committee's terms of reference delegate nothing. Source
- Tower Hamlets Pension Board confirmed its terms of reference for 2026-27 on 20 July 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 7 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.