Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

Any Member of the Leadership Team, or any other Member present in the meeting, who has a disclosable pecuniary interest in a matter to be considered at the meeting is reminded to disclose the interest to the meeting and to leave the meeting room while any discussion or vote on the matter takes place.

Members are also reminded that if they have any other significant interest in a matter to be considered at the meeting, whether registered or not, which they feel should be declared in the public interest, such interests should be declared to the meeting. In such circumstances Members should consider whether, a member of the public, with knowledge of the relevant facts would reasonably regard the interest as so significant that it is likely to prejudice their consideration or decision making. If the Member considers that to be the case, they should leave the meeting room while any discussion or vote on the matter takes place.

There were no declarations of interest.

The minutes of the Meeting held on the 4 June 2025 are submitted for confirmation.

The minutes of the meeting held on 4 June 2025 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Cllr Elizabeth Campbell, Leader of the Council, introduced the report outlining updates on the 45 commitments made by the Council in its response, agreed by Full Council on 27 November 2024, to the findings of the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report. Cllr Campbell advised that a cross-Council officer working group, chaired by the Director of Grenfell Legacy and Corporate Strategy was established to coordinate and track activity related to each of the 45 commitments. The action tracker summarised the Council’s progress, key milestones, next steps, issues and risk assessments, and the departments responsible for implementing each commitment.

The Leadership Team had requested progress updates every six months to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Leadership Team for review and monitoring.

The Leadership Team RESOLVED, for the reasons set out in paragraph 3.1 and elsewhere within the report, that the recommendations at paragraph 2.1 (i- iii) be adopted.

The Leadership Team -

                        i.         Noted the progress made so far on implementing the 45 commitments, including the highlights in Section 5 and the detail at Appendix 1;

                       ii.         Considered key risks and issues and the proposed response to feedback from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (sections 6 and 7); and

                      iii.         Noted the plans for the next 6 months, including plans for the next update on progress and further communications and community engagement on progress (Section 8).

Action by: Strategic Director of Grenfell Partnerships, Communities and Transformation

Cllr Cem Kemahli, Lead Member for Finance, Digital, and Efficiency, presented the report highlighting a significant capital programme with a budget of approximately £151.09 million by 31 March 2025 (£80.60 million for the General Fund and £70.49 million for the Housing Revenue Account). He noted that all Council loans are fixed-rate, with 30-year debt rates nearing 6%, a level not seen since the early 1990s. He attributed this to the government’s actions impairing the UK's and the Council’s borrowing capabilities.

Cllr Kemahli expressed gratitude to the officers for their efforts and stated that the Council was in a strong position because the budget had accounted for key variables.

The Leadership Team RESOLVED, for the reasons set out in paragraph 3.1 and elsewhere within the report, that the recommendations at paragraph 2.1 (i-ii) be adopted.

The Leadership Team -

                        i.         Noted the report and

                       ii.         Recommended it to Full Council to note. 

Action by: Executive Director of Housing & Social Investment

Cllr Cem Kemahli, Lead Member for Finance, Digital, and Efficiency, introduced the report and advised that overall, it showed a positive outcome for the fourth quarter. He said this was a testament to officers’ hard work, as they had demonstrated good financial management over the past year. He reported that the Council had underspent by £5.2 million and emphasised the importance of having reserves, especially given the current economic climate.

Cllr Kemahli noted that some areas, such as housing and temporary accommodation, remained challenging. The Council experienced a £5.4 million increase in costs compared to the original housing budget at the start of the year, contributing to a £12 million overall budget differential. This, he said, placed significant additional pressure on the Council, which it is working hard to mitigate.

The Leadership Team RESOLVED, for the reasons set out in paragraph 3.1 to 3.2 and elsewhere within the report, that the recommendations at paragraph 2.1 (i- xiv) be adopted.

The Leadership Team -

                        i.         Noted the final General Fund revenue budget underspend of £5.207m. This included an underspend of £3.472m across service budgets alongside further underspends of £1.735m on statutory and corporate items including Treasury budgets.

                       ii.         Noted the transfer of £381k to the Car Parking reserve.

                      iii.         Agreed the transfer of £4.827m to the Budget Stabilisation reserve.

                     iv.         Noted the Housing Revenue Account transfer of £2.731m to the capital programme set out in section 17, and in further detail in appendix 1 section 12.

                       v.         Noted the General Fund Capital Programme underspend of £17.825m set out in section 18 and appendix 2.

                     vi.         Agreed the proposed rephasing of capital budget slippage to future years set out in section 18, table 5 and appendix 1.

                    vii.         Agreed the new capital funding requests set out in section 18, table 6.

                   viii.         Agreed the proposed capital budget virements set out in section 18, table 7, and the corresponding amendment of 2024/25 budgets that will result.

                     ix.         Noted the HRA Capital Programme underspend of £14.562m set out in section 19.

                       x.         Noted the delivery of in-year savings position set out in section 22 and detailed further in appendix 3.

                     xi.         Noted the reserves position at the end of 2024/25 as set out in section 23 and detailed further in appendix 4.

                    xii.         Agreed the new requests for additional funding from reserves above £250k set out in section 23.

                   xiii.         Agreed the revised fees and charges for HRA Leaseholders set out in appendix 5.

                  xiv.         Delegated authority to the Executive Director of Resources and S151 Officer to agree any required adjustments to the final position to be reflected in the 2024/25 Statement of Accounts that are planned for final publication in the autumn following the external audit by Grant Thornton.

Action by: Executive Director of Resources

Cllr Cem Kemahli, Lead Member for Finance, Digital, and Efficiency, introduced the report outlining the government’s proposed changes to local government funding reform from 2026/27.  The changes would have an adverse effect on the Council’s ’s budget. Initial estimates suggest that the proposed reforms would reduce the Council’s funding by £82.7 million over the period 2026/27 to 2028/29. The government has indicated it is minded to phase in the new funding formula over three years.

The Leadership Team noted that implementing the government directive in such a short time frame would be extremely difficult, given the significant size of the proposed funding cut. A reduction of £82.7 million would severely affect residents and the services provided by the Council. It could lead to the cancellation of all discretionary and non-statutory services, including support for the poorest and most vulnerable residents, services for families and children, council tax reduction schemes, free school meals and local businesses. The ability to deliver high-quality services would also be affected.

Officers confirmed that the Council will respond to the government consultation, strongly arguing that the proposed reforms disproportionately affect inner London boroughs. The response will advocate for any negative effect to be phased in over a much longer period.

Cllr Mary Weale, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny committee, stressed the importance of protecting vulnerable residents and suggested that the Council reconsider its current commitments, particularly in relation to the net zero agenda and council tax reduction schemes. She questioned whether these initiatives represent the most effective use of funds and whether alternative approaches might better support residents.

The Leadership Team RESOLVED, for the reasons set out in paragraph 3.1 and elsewhere within the report, that the recommendations at paragraph 2.1 be adopted.

The Leadership Team –

(i)    Reviewed the Council’s financial position as set out in the Medium-Term Financial Strategy, including the Capital Strategy, and

(ii)  Recommended the Strategy to Council for approval.

Action by: Executive Director of Resources

Cllr Sof McVeigh, Lead Member for Housing, introduced the report and thanked the team for their hard work in preparing it in a new, improved format. She said the updated report was clearer, as it showed both the monthly and annual tallies year on year, making the data easier to read, understand, and analyse. She noted that, overall, the Council is back on track and performing very well in all aspects of housing management.

The Leadership Team were very happy with the result of the tenant satisfaction measures as out of the 87.8% residents who responded, 83% were satisfied with the Council’s responsive repairs and the Council ranked fifth among all London Councils that participated in the scheme.

On behalf of the Leadership Team, Cllr Elizabeth Campbell, the Leader of the Council thanked Mr. Doug Goldring, Director of Housing Management, who is retiring from the Council, for his hard work and dedication to service. She expressed the Leadership Team’s gratitude and said he will be greatly missed.

The Leadership Team RESOLVED, for the reasons set out in paragraph 3.1 to 3.4 and elsewhere within the report, that the recommendations at paragraph 2.1 to 2.2 be adopted.

The Leadership Team -

(i)  Noted the overall Red-Amber-Green rating position for all performance metrics (in Appendix One).

(ii)  Noted and considered the contents of this report.

Action by: Executive Director of Housing & Social Investment

Cllr Sof McVeigh, Lead Member for Housing, introduced the report and thanked the officers who had prepared a coherent document. She outlined the Council’s overarching vision and priorities for housing in the borough over the next five years. The report included three key housing related commitments within the Council Plan and Action Plan, Fairer Action Plan, and the Council’s response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 report.

Officers noted that the Council conducted an eight week consultation instead of the standard six weeks consultation with residents and stakeholders on the draft Housing Strategy. Engagement methods included leaflets, posters, an online survey, community activities, and a consultation website that featured the survey, the draft strategy, a summary document, an easy read version, and channels for resident feedback.

Officers explained that, while the Council takes its responsibility for its social tenants seriously and recognises the demand for social rented homes, it is unfortunately not always possible to provide every resident facing homelessness with such housing. Therefore, the report highlighted the alternative approaches the Council is using to find suitable homes.

The Leadership Team RESOLVED, for the reasons set out in paragraph 3.1 to 3.4 and elsewhere within the report, that the recommendations at paragraph 2.1 (i- ii) be adopted.

The Leadership Team –

(i)    Approved the new Housing Strategy 2025-2030; and

(ii)   Agreed that the Housing Strategy be presented to Full Council for information later in 2025, alongside the outcome of the recent inspection undertaken by the Regulator of Social Housing.

Action by: Executive Director of Housing & Social Investment

Cllr. Emma Will, Lead Member for Property, Parks and Leisure Services, introduced the report and set out the background to the proposed decision.

Before moving to take any decision, the Chair sought confirmation from Members that they had no questions on the exempt appendix attached to the report.  On the basis there were no such questions, no resolution to enter private session was required.

The Leadership Team RESOLVED, for the reasons set out in paragraph 3.1 to 3.6 and elsewhere within the report, that the recommendations at paragraph 2.1 to 2.3 (i-ii) be adopted.

The Leadership Team -

               i.         Granted London Lites a licence based on the draft terms set out in the exempt (Part B) Appendix 1 with planning permission (CA/25/02538) and (PP/24/08267) having been granted to both on 24 June 2025 for the installation of two digital boards and two surrounding green wall structures at 106 Cheyne Walk.

              ii.         Delegated the decision on the final contract terms to the Executive Director Housing and Social Investment following consultation with the Lead Member for Property, Parks and Leisure Services.

             iii.         Delegated to the Executive Director Housing and Social Investment following consultation with the Lead Member for Property, Parks and Leisure Service authority to:

a.    Grant a Licence to an alternative supplier from the list referred to in the exempt (Part B) Appendix, if a licence is not entered into with London Lites

b.    Agree final contract terms with the alternative supplier referred to above in accordance with the draft terms set out in the exempt (Part B) Appendix.

Action by: Executive Director of Housing & Social Investment

[Each written report on the public part of the Agenda as detailed above:

(i)     was made available for public inspection from the date of the Agenda;

(ii)    incorporates a list of the background papers which (i) disclose any facts or matters on which that report, or any important part of it, is based; and (ii) have been relied upon to a material extent in preparing it. (Relevant documents which contain confidential or exempt information are not listed.); and

(iii)    may, with the consent of the Chairman and subject to specified reasons, be supported at the meeting by way of oral statement or further written report in the event of special circumstances arising after the despatch of the Agenda.]

There were no items considered urgent.

If required, the Leadership Team will resolve to exclude the press and public from the meeting should any specific item of business so require on the grounds that discussions may involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

Some reports on the agenda may include confidential information which is exempt from publication. The Leadership Team may need to discuss this information in private session before decisions are taken afterwards, in public session.

The Leadership Team did not consider any items without the press and public.