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----- --- -What are our councillors up to?
Hi there, I set up some newsletters to monitor what the local councils are doing.
https://opencouncil.network
I've been posting a summary of some of them for London boroughs here every week. This week we've got Barnet, Greenwich, Hackney, Hounslow, Islington, Newham, Southwark, Surrey, Telford & Wrekin, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth and Westminster.
I hope you like them, and please do subscribe, and/or tell me what I can do to improve them!
Particularly interesting last week:
Barnet https://opencouncil.network/councils/barnet - The council is facing financial pressure due to rising interest rates and its increasing reliance on reserves for capital projects. There are concerns about the implementation of the Oracle Cloud IT system, user adoption, and technical issues. The North Area Committee considered funding applications for various projects, including floodlights, changing rooms, and lake desilting. The Planning Committee addressed a contentious landscaping application at Beresford Avenue and a proposal for new facilities at Mill Hill Cemetery.
Greenwich https://opencouncil.network/councils/greenwich The Licensing Sub-Committee B reviewed an application to allow 24/7 alcohol sales at a convenience store in Plumstead, facing opposition from local residents concerned about potential negative impacts. The Planning Board refused permission for a large development of flats in Eltham, citing concerns about scale, impact on neighbors, lack of affordable housing, and potential harm to a local wildlife sanctuary. The Council approved the appointment of political assistants, debated a new Community Infrastructure Levy charging schedule, and received an update on its financial strategy.
Hackney https://opencouncil.network/councils/hackney - Affordable childcare is a major concern, and the council's transformation strategy is still in its early stages. They're facing a projected £21.4m overspend in the 2024/25 budget. The Licensing Sub-Committee E reviewed applications for new alcohol licenses.
Hounslow https://opencouncil.network/councils/hounslo The council is preparing to publish its Regulation 19 Local Plan for public consultation, outlining the borough’s long-term development strategy. The Pension Board reviewed the annual report for the London Borough of Hounslow Pension Fund, noting a 10% increase in value but also highlighting challenges in demonstrating compliance with some aspects of the Pensions Regulator’s General Code of Practice.
Islington https://opencouncil.network/councils/islington The Planning Sub-Committee A approved the construction of a new sports pavilion on Wray Crescent Open Space despite local objections about the loss of trees and the design. The project reflects the council's commitment to improving sports facilities and increasing canopy cover in the borough, with a condition requiring the planting of 12 new trees. The Pensions Committee reviewed the Islington Pension Fund’s performance and discussed its decarbonisation goals, reflecting the increasing importance of ESG considerations for investors.
Newham https://opencouncil.network/councils/newham The Overview and Scrutiny Committee referred a decision to allocate £13.2 million for the Royal Victoria Docks Bridge back to the Cabinet for reconsideration due to financial concerns and a lack of a business case. The Pensions Committee discussed the Newham Pension Fund’s investment performance, noting lower-than-expected returns in the first quarter of 2024, and reviewed the draft Investment Strategy Statement, instructing officers to consult with stakeholders on the updated document.
Southwark https://opencouncil.network/councils/southwarThe Cabinet approved plans to submit a Compulsory Purchase Order to acquire the remaining properties at the Elephant & Castle Shopping Centre, aiming to redevelop it as part of a wider regeneration project despite facing challenges in reaching an agreement with all leaseholders.
Surrey https://opencouncil.network/councils/surrey The council is implementing a new policy on transgender staff, reviewing its Officer Code of Conduct, and launching a £11.3 million Customer Transformation Programme to improve residents’ interactions with the council. The Cabinet approved a new road safety strategy, 'Vision Zero,' aiming to eliminate road deaths and serious injuries by 2050.
Telford and Wrekin https://opencouncil.network/councils/telford-and-wrekin - The Planning Committee approved two applications, one for a new care home in Wellington and another for new houses in Oakengates, despite objections from local councillors and residents. Concerns were raised about the impact of the developments on traffic, parking, and the environment.
Tower Hamlets https://opencouncil.network/councils/tower-hamlets The council is exploring the potential for a 24-hour alcohol delivery license and an expansion of the market, which has sparked some local concern. They approved a plan to address the borough’s poor recycling rate, which is currently the lowest in London. The Overview & Scrutiny Committee reviewed the Strategic Asset Management Plan, which aims to optimize revenue from the council's extensive property portfolio. The Cabinet agreed to consult on the introduction of a Public Space Protection Order for dog control and voted to proceed with Option A for the new Local Plan, which includes the removal of height restrictions at ten key sites to encourage the development of taller buildings.
Waltham Forest https://opencouncil.network/councils/waltham-forest - The Pension Committee discussed the management of climate change risks, while the Executive made a decision on whether to introduce a borough-wide Public Spaces Protection Order to tackle nuisance from car meets. The Waltham Forest Stop and Search Group convened to discuss stop and search statistics, scrutinize unrecorded searches, and review the processes for MTIP searches.
Wandsworth https://opencouncil.network/councils/wandsworth The Council is expanding its free school breakfasts programme to all 40 schools that want to participate. The Conservation and Heritage Advisory Committee objected to a redevelopment plan for the Glass Mill site at 1 Battersea Bridge Road. The Executive approved the acquisition of 56 new flats for sheltered accommodation in Springfield Village. A new plan for the regeneration of the Alton Estate will be developed in collaboration with residents, with a commitment to increase council housing and reduce demolitions.
Westminster https://opencouncil.network/councils/westminster The Climate Action, Environment and Highways Policy and Scrutiny Committee received data indicating that industrial and commercial emissions are now a more significant source of air pollution than transport, prompting a potential shift in the council's approach. The council has also pledged to improve the evening and night-time economy with its *Westminster After Dark* initiative and allocated funding for various projects, including improvements to shop fronts and the activation of Maida Hill Market.
#local k w
Hi there, I set up some newsletters to monitor what the local councils are doing.
https://opencouncil.network
I've been posting a summary of some of them for London boroughs here every week. This week we've got Barnet, Greenwich, Hackney, Hounslow, Islington, Newham, Southwark, Surrey, Telford & Wrekin, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth and Westminster.
I hope you like them, and please do subscribe, and/or tell me what I can do to improve them!
Particularly interesting last week:
Barnet https://opencouncil.network/councils/barnet - The council is facing financial pressure due to rising interest rates and its increasing reliance on reserves for capital projects. There are concerns about the implementation of the Oracle Cloud IT system, user adoption, and technical issues. The North Area Committee considered funding applications for various projects, including floodlights, changing rooms, and lake desilting. The Planning Committee addressed a contentious landscaping application at Beresford Avenue and a proposal for new facilities at Mill Hill Cemetery.
Greenwich https://opencouncil.network/councils/greenwich The Licensing Sub-Committee B reviewed an application to allow 24/7 alcohol sales at a convenience store in Plumstead, facing opposition from local residents concerned about potential negative impacts. The Planning Board refused permission for a large development of flats in Eltham, citing concerns about scale, impact on neighbors, lack of affordable housing, and potential harm to a local wildlife sanctuary. The Council approved the appointment of political assistants, debated a new Community Infrastructure Levy charging schedule, and received an update on its financial strategy.
Hackney https://opencouncil.network/councils/hackney - Affordable childcare is a major concern, and the council's transformation strategy is still in its early stages. They're facing a projected £21.4m overspend in the 2024/25 budget. The Licensing Sub-Committee E reviewed applications for new alcohol licenses.
Hounslow https://opencouncil.network/councils/hounslo The council is preparing to publish its Regulation 19 Local Plan for public consultation, outlining the borough’s long-term development strategy. The Pension Board reviewed the annual report for the London Borough of Hounslow Pension Fund, noting a 10% increase in value but also highlighting challenges in demonstrating compliance with some aspects of the Pensions Regulator’s General Code of Practice.
Islington https://opencouncil.network/councils/islington The Planning Sub-Committee A approved the construction of a new sports pavilion on Wray Crescent Open Space despite local objections about the loss of trees and the design. The project reflects the council's commitment to improving sports facilities and increasing canopy cover in the borough, with a condition requiring the planting of 12 new trees. The Pensions Committee reviewed the Islington Pension Fund’s performance and discussed its decarbonisation goals, reflecting the increasing importance of ESG considerations for investors.
Newham https://opencouncil.network/councils/newham The Overview and Scrutiny Committee referred a decision to allocate £13.2 million for the Royal Victoria Docks Bridge back to the Cabinet for reconsideration due to financial concerns and a lack of a business case. The Pensions Committee discussed the Newham Pension Fund’s investment performance, noting lower-than-expected returns in the first quarter of 2024, and reviewed the draft Investment Strategy Statement, instructing officers to consult with stakeholders on the updated document.
Southwark https://opencouncil.network/councils/southwarThe Cabinet approved plans to submit a Compulsory Purchase Order to acquire the remaining properties at the Elephant & Castle Shopping Centre, aiming to redevelop it as part of a wider regeneration project despite facing challenges in reaching an agreement with all leaseholders.
Surrey https://opencouncil.network/councils/surrey The council is implementing a new policy on transgender staff, reviewing its Officer Code of Conduct, and launching a £11.3 million Customer Transformation Programme to improve residents’ interactions with the council. The Cabinet approved a new road safety strategy, 'Vision Zero,' aiming to eliminate road deaths and serious injuries by 2050.
Telford and Wrekin https://opencouncil.network/councils/telford-and-wrekin - The Planning Committee approved two applications, one for a new care home in Wellington and another for new houses in Oakengates, despite objections from local councillors and residents. Concerns were raised about the impact of the developments on traffic, parking, and the environment.
Tower Hamlets https://opencouncil.network/councils/tower-hamlets The council is exploring the potential for a 24-hour alcohol delivery license and an expansion of the market, which has sparked some local concern. They approved a plan to address the borough’s poor recycling rate, which is currently the lowest in London. The Overview & Scrutiny Committee reviewed the Strategic Asset Management Plan, which aims to optimize revenue from the council's extensive property portfolio. The Cabinet agreed to consult on the introduction of a Public Space Protection Order for dog control and voted to proceed with Option A for the new Local Plan, which includes the removal of height restrictions at ten key sites to encourage the development of taller buildings.
Waltham Forest https://opencouncil.network/councils/waltham-forest - The Pension Committee discussed the management of climate change risks, while the Executive made a decision on whether to introduce a borough-wide Public Spaces Protection Order to tackle nuisance from car meets. The Waltham Forest Stop and Search Group convened to discuss stop and search statistics, scrutinize unrecorded searches, and review the processes for MTIP searches.
Wandsworth https://opencouncil.network/councils/wandsworth The Council is expanding its free school breakfasts programme to all 40 schools that want to participate. The Conservation and Heritage Advisory Committee objected to a redevelopment plan for the Glass Mill site at 1 Battersea Bridge Road. The Executive approved the acquisition of 56 new flats for sheltered accommodation in Springfield Village. A new plan for the regeneration of the Alton Estate will be developed in collaboration with residents, with a commitment to increase council housing and reduce demolitions.
Westminster https://opencouncil.network/councils/westminster The Climate Action, Environment and Highways Policy and Scrutiny Committee received data indicating that industrial and commercial emissions are now a more significant source of air pollution than transport, prompting a potential shift in the council's approach. The council has also pledged to improve the evening and night-time economy with its *Westminster After Dark* initiative and allocated funding for various projects, including improvements to shop fronts and the activation of Maida Hill Market.
#local k w
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