Accountability
Councils are enhancing financial transparency and strengthening governance, while debating planning reforms' impact on local accountability.
Brent Council committed in July 2026 to enhance transparency for its Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL) funds, with Cabinet publishing an annual pipeline of proposed schemes including costs and timelines. Harrow Council formally opposed government planning reforms in July 2026, arguing they would undermine local democracy and accountability by diminishing the role of planning committees.
In March 2026, Tower Hamlets Audit Committee approved a revised corporate code of governance to strengthen oversight, contingent on Secretary of State direction. Southwark's Audit, Governance and Standards Committee reviewed anti-fraud activities in July 2026, while its Pensions Advisory Panel discussed governance in September 2026.
Key facts
- Brent Council committed to enhancing transparency for its Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL) funds in July 2026. Source
- Harrow Council formally opposed government planning reforms in July 2026. Source
- Tower Hamlets Audit Committee approved a revised corporate code of governance in March 2026. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. 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.