Wandsworth Council's Cabinet met this November to discuss a range of issues, including the closure of Bradstow School, improvements to Wandsworth Town Station, and a review of fees and charges for 2026/27. The Cabinet approved the closure of Bradstow School, supported the Wandsworth Town Station improvements, agreed to freeze parking charges, and approved a new domestic abuse policy. They also received updates on the Clapham Junction Urban Heart Masterplan and the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) business plan.

Bradstow School Closure

The Cabinet voted to close Bradstow School, a special needs school, due to severe financial difficulties. Councillor Judi Gasser, Cabinet Member for Children, expressed her sadness at having to present the recommendation, acknowledging the tireless efforts of the school community to find alternative solutions. She explained that the decision was made because the council wants to keep as many children as possible in mainstream or local specialist provision, and because there is an accumulated deficit of close to £1 million, on top of £4.9 million of debt from previous years that other councils are refusing to pay.

Polly Benton, the school business manager, addressed the committee, highlighting the school's importance to vulnerable children and families, and urging the council to allow more time for academisation¹ with the Bridge Academy Trust. She stated that the school would be financially viable if it had been allowed to take pupils this year.

Muz Popovici, Director of Children's Services, acknowledged the school's history of specialist care and education, but emphasised that the financial deficits made continued support untenable. She assured the committee that the council had adhered to statutory processes and explored all possible alternatives.

Councillor Dikerdem raised concerns about the impact on the school's workforce and asked what support would be provided. Councillor Gasser confirmed that a recruitment consultant and the council's HR team would assist staff in finding new jobs.

Councillor Henderson described the £4.2 million debt owed by Kent County Council as outrageous and asked about plans to recover the debt. Councillor Gasser responded that legal proceedings were being pursued to recover the money.

Councillor Yates sought assurance that all options had been exhausted, particularly regarding engagement with the Department for Education (DfE) and the Bridge Academy Trust. Councillor Gasser explained that the DfE had ultimately advised the council to proceed with the closure process.

Wandsworth Town Station Improvements

The Cabinet supported a £20 million investment package for Wandsworth Town Station, including a second entrance and new lifts. The funding will come from the Department for Transport's Access for All programme, contingent on a contribution from the council using development contributions from property developers. The second entrance will be on Swandon Way, where there is a high concentration of new housing.

Councillor Akinola welcomed the step-free access, particularly for those with mobility issues.

Review of Fees and Charges 2026/27

The Cabinet approved the annual review of fees and charges, with most fees increasing by the rate of inflation. However, parking charges will be frozen for the coming year, recognising the challenges people face with the cost of living.

Councillor Yates welcomed the availability of access for all discounts for a number of services, including leisure facilities. The council operates a concessionary scheme called Access for All, which provides discounts of 50% to 100% on a range of services for eligible residents.

Clapham Junction Urban Heart Masterplan

The Cabinet received a progress update on the Clapham Junction Urban Heart Masterplan, which aims to create a strategic approach to development and growth in the area. The plan involves bringing together various stakeholders, including Network Rail, private businesses, and the council, to consider housing, transport, and pedestrian links.

Councillor Dikerdem highlighted the use of a community panel to involve voices that are not normally heard in planning consultations, including residents on the London Living Wage, young renters, and social tenants.

Councillor Henderson noted that Clapham Junction Station is the busiest in the United Kingdom and in need of improvement.

Domestic Abuse Policy

The Cabinet approved a new domestic abuse policy, which aims to ensure that housing officers are up-to-date with modern practices in identifying and processing cases of domestic abuse. The council is DAHA accredited², and the policy is intended to maintain that accreditation.

Councillor Henderson welcomed the policy, noting that identification is a key problem in addressing domestic abuse. She asked about the training and advice given to housing officers to help them identify the signs of domestic abuse. Councillor Dikerdem explained that training would cover both supporting those who openly present as fleeing domestic abuse and recognising patterns that may indicate abuse in residents who have not come forward.

Councillor Henderson offered to connect council officers with the voluntary sector, who often work with victims of domestic abuse.

HRA Business Plan Update

The Cabinet received an update on the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) business plan, which outlines the long-term strategic and financial planning for council housing. The HRA remains viable, but faces pressures from an ageing housing stock, increasing regulatory requirements, and the need to build new council housing.

Councillor Yates asked about the strategy to maintain the financial viability of the HRA while making necessary investments. Councillor Dikerdem explained that the council is undertaking stock condition surveys to better understand the needs of its housing stock and is balancing investment in existing stock with the delivery of new council housing. He noted that the council's regeneration projects offer opportunities to deliver new homes in a financially viable way.

Care Technology Investment and Procurement

The Cabinet approved a positive general fund revenue budget variation of £650,000 in 2025-26, and £550,000 in 2026-27 in order to expand the care technology service. Councillor Henderson explained that this investment in technology aims to support more residents to live independently and reduce demand pressures on adult social care. The council aims to use a procurement system that prioritises quality and social value. Councillor Simon Hogg, Leader of the Council, agreed that this was a sensible investment in the technology of the future.