Treasury management
Councils are reviewing their treasury management performance and strengthening oversight of financial activities.
Waltham Forest Council's Treasury Management Mid-Year Review 2026-27 confirmed all financial activities remained within approved limits in October 2026. Earlier, in August 2026, Islington Council reported a strong 2025/26 outturn, with an £8.5 million General Fund surplus due to better-than-expected returns on investments, as presented by Councillor Paul Convery. Croydon Council approved its 2025/26 Annual Treasury Management Review in July 2026, confirming compliance with the CIPFA Code and an under-borrowed position. Havering Council also reported a £37.7 million underspend for 2025/26 in July 2026, bolstering its financial reserves.
Regarding oversight, Croydon Council's Audit and Governance Committee strengthened its oversight of treasury functions in July 2026, aligning with new CIPFA guidance. In the same month, Barking and Dagenham Council had three audits, including loans and investments, flagged for 'limited assurance', indicating areas needing strengthening. Several councils' committees have recently discussed treasury management activities, including Camden's Audit and Corporate Governance Committee in September 2026, Ealing's Audit Committee in September 2026, and Lewisham's Public Accounts Select Committee in September 2026.
Treasury management involves a council's financial activities, including managing cash flow, investments, and borrowing, to ensure financial stability and optimise returns. Councils regularly review their treasury management performance and strategies to ensure compliance and effective use of public funds.
Key facts
- Waltham Forest Council's Treasury Management Mid-Year Review 2026-27 confirmed all financial activities remained within approved limits in October 2026. Source
- Islington Council reported an £8.5 million surplus on its General Fund for the financial year ending March 31, 2026. Source
- Croydon Council approved its Annual Treasury Management Review for 2025/26 in July 2026, confirming compliance with the CIPFA Code of Practice. Source
- Croydon Council's Audit and Governance Committee strengthened its oversight of treasury functions in July 2026, aligning with new CIPFA guidance. Source
- The City of London Corporation's treasury management investment portfolio stood at £1,000.4 million as of May 31, 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.