Contract Management
Councils are currently addressing weaknesses in contract management and financial controls, with several undertaking audits and reviewing contracts for better value.
An independent review in October 2026 found Lambeth Council at risk of non-compliance in financial areas, including an inability to consistently evidence value for money in contracts. In September 2026, external auditors identified persistent weaknesses in Tower Hamlets Council's contract management and financial controls. Hounslow Council's Audit and Governance Committee also approved an audit plan for 2026/27, focusing on contract management.
For better value, Redbridge Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee recommended re-tendering leisure and culture services in July 2026, proposing to split them into three contracts. Also in July 2026, Croydon Council's Scrutiny Children & Young People Sub-Committee flagged contracts with Veolia and FM Conway for closer examination, highlighting the need for robust contract management in its future work programme.
Contract management involves overseeing agreements with external suppliers and other parties to ensure they are performed as agreed, meet obligations, and achieve value for money. Councils use these processes to manage a wide range of services and projects.
Key facts
- Lambeth Council was found to be at risk of non-compliance in eight key financial areas, including evidencing value for money in contracts, in October 2026. Source
- External auditors identified persistent weaknesses in Tower Hamlets Council's contract management in September 2026. Source
- Hounslow Council's 2026/27 audit plan includes contract management as a key area for coverage. Source
- Redbridge Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee recommended re-tendering leisure and culture services in July 2026. Source
- Croydon Council's Scrutiny Children & Young People Sub-Committee flagged Veolia and FM Conway contracts for examination in 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 23 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.