Council's Constitution

Hammersmith and Fulham Council updated its constitution in September 2026 to clarify the Mayor's civic role and responsibilities, with the General Purpose Committee approving the changes. In July 2026, Greenwich Council's General Purposes Committee approved councillor appointments to the Pension Board and scrutiny panels, in accordance with the council's constitution. Kingston Council's Corporate and Resources Committee maintained the status quo on the Leader of the Opposition role in June 2026, as the constitution did not cover an equal split.

Lambeth Council's annual meeting was adjourned in May 2026 due to governance concerns, delaying decisions on the budget and the council's constitution, which are to be revisited at an unconfirmed later date. Waltham Forest Council agreed in May 2026 to merge its Budget Scrutiny Committee with the Scrutiny Coordinating Committee, delegating authority to the Corporate Director of Governance and Law to amend the constitution. Lewisham Council's Governance Committee recommended constitutional amendments in February 2026 regarding officer presence at councillor meetings with developers.

The Council's Constitution is the set of rules and principles governing how a council operates, outlining its procedures, decision-making processes, and the responsibilities of its committees. Councils regularly review and amend these documents to ensure they remain fit for purpose and reflect current governance needs.