The Council Assembly of Southwark Council on Wednesday 19 March 2025 saw the passing of a motion on green and leisure spaces, a motion on the extension of the franchise, a motion to support the creation of a National Care Service for England, and the approval of several reports. The Assembly also received community evidence submissions, heard a deputation, and responded to public and members’ questions.

Themed Debate: Creating healthy green and leisure spaces for the whole community

A motion was passed asking the Cabinet to continue to invest in and expand green and leisure spaces in the borough.

The motion, presented by Councillor Portia Mwangangye, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Parks and Young People, highlighted the achievements of the Labour administration in delivering a greener and healthier Southwark. These achievements included the in-sourcing of leisure centres, the provision of free swim and gym offers for all residents, the opening of Southwark's first open-water swimming facility, and the decarbonisation of leisure centres across the borough. The motion also highlighted the council’s successful efforts in achieving 30 Green Flag Awards, opening new parks, expanding the network of community gardens, investing in playgrounds, and opening new libraries.

The Assembly was asked to request that the Cabinet continue to deliver an ambitious programme of investing in and expanding parks and green spaces by bringing forward a new Green Spaces Plan. This plan would include delivering major improvements to parks and green spaces across the borough, working with local people to create more opportunities to be involved in planting, supporting Southwark's arts and culture sector through events held in parks, and making parks and green spaces safer.

Councillor Rachel Bentley, the Opposition Spokesperson, proposed an amendment to the motion, arguing that the council should move away from boasting about past achievements and instead focus on the issues that still need addressing.

However, the amendment was not carried.

The Assembly debated the motion, discussing the need for more investment in green spaces, particularly in areas of high deprivation. Councillors also discussed the importance of community involvement in the planning and management of green spaces.

The motion was ultimately carried, with the Assembly voting to ask the Cabinet to continue to invest in and expand green and leisure spaces in the borough.

Extension of the Franchise

The Assembly passed a motion to extend the franchise for local elections to all qualifying foreign nationals in line with eligibility criteria in Scotland and Wales.

The motion, presented by Councillor Sam Dalton and seconded by Councillor Joseph Vambe, highlighted the diversity of Southwark's population and the fact that many foreign-born residents are unable to vote in local elections.

The motion noted that over 1 million residents across England and Northern Ireland do not have a right to vote, despite the fact that according to the 2021 census, one in six usual residents of England and Wales were born outside the UK.

The motion also highlighted the fact that Scotland and Wales have already implemented residence-based voting rights, which give all residents with lawful immigration status the right to vote in local and devolved national elections.

The Assembly debated the motion, with some councillors expressing concerns about the potential impact of extending the franchise on voter turnout. However, the motion was ultimately carried, with the Assembly voting to write to the government requesting that the franchise be extended.

Deputation

The Assembly heard a deputation from the Southwark Housing and Planning Emergency (SHAPE) group on the need for more affordable housing in the borough.

The group argued that the Council was not doing enough to build new affordable homes and that existing council housing was in a poor state of repair.

The leader of the council responded to the deputation, outlining the council’s plans to build more affordable homes and to invest in the refurbishment of existing council housing.

A National Care Service for England

The Assembly passed a motion to support the creation of a National Care Service for England.

The motion, presented by Councillor Dora Dixon-Fyle MBE and seconded by Councillor Michael Situ, highlighted the problems facing the social care sector, including low pay, poor working conditions and staff shortages.

The motion also highlighted the positive impact that a National Care Service could have on the quality of care for older and disabled people.

The Assembly debated the motion, with some councillors expressing concerns about the cost of a National Care Service. However, the motion was ultimately carried, with the Assembly voting to pledge its support for a National Care Service and to encourage the government to carry out this reform.

Constitutional Changes: Neighbourhoods Programme

The Assembly approved a report on constitutional changes to the council's Neighbourhoods Programme.

The changes will see the creation of ten new neighbourhood areas, each with its own Neighbourhood Community Meeting.

The meetings will be responsible for taking decisions on local matters, including the allocation of funding for community projects.

The Assembly debated the report, with some councillors expressing concerns about the potential impact of the changes on the role of ward councillors. However, the report was ultimately approved, with the Assembly voting to make the necessary changes to the council's constitution.

Pay Policy Statement 2025-26

The Assembly approved the council's annual pay policy statement.

The statement sets out the council’s policies on the pay of its employees, including senior officers.

The Assembly debated the statement, with some councillors expressing concerns about the pay of senior officers. However, the statement was ultimately approved.

Member Allowances Scheme 2025-2026

The Assembly approved the council's Member Allowances Scheme for 2025-2026.

The scheme sets out the allowances that are payable to councillors, including the basic allowance and special responsibility allowances.

The Assembly debated the scheme, with some councillors expressing concerns about the level of allowances that are payable to councillors. However, the scheme was ultimately approved.

Special Urgency and Urgent Implementation Decisions - Annual Report 2025

The Assembly noted the council’s annual report on special urgency and urgent implementation decisions.

The report sets out the decisions that have been taken by the council using these procedures.

The Gambling Act 2005 - Renewal of the Statement of Gambling Licensing Policy 2025-2028

The Assembly agreed to the publication of the council’s revised Statement of Gambling Licensing Policy.

The policy sets out the principles that the council will apply when exercising its functions under the Gambling Act 2005.

Calendar of Meetings 2025-26

The Assembly agreed the dates for its meetings for the 2025-2026 municipal year.

The Assembly also noted the dates of meetings for other council committees.