The Cabinet of Southwark Council met on Tuesday 6 January 2026 to discuss several key issues, approving a new framework for land use, extending a contract for park maintenance, and agreeing to a new council tax base for the upcoming financial year. The meeting also saw the approval of proposed changes to the Senior Resources Leadership Team structure, including the creation of two new director roles.

Social Purpose of Land Framework

The Cabinet approved the implementation of the Social Purpose of Land Framework (SPLF) pilot phase on four council-identified sites. This framework, developed in partnership with the New Economics Foundation (NEF), aims to prioritise social outcomes, community voices, and local capacity building in decisions regarding council land. The SPLF will introduce Neighbourhood Land Panels (NLPs) to engage local communities in evaluating land use options, with the goal of making land governance more transparent, participatory, and accountable. Councillor Helen Dennis, Cabinet Member for New Homes and Sustainable Development, highlighted the framework's potential to maximise public good from public land and expressed excitement about the community-driven ideas that are expected to emerge. The pilot phase will be funded by £500,000 from reserve funding, and a revised framework will be presented to the Cabinet following the pilot. The establishment of a Southwark Land Partnership (SLP) was also approved to bring together key landowners across the borough to release sites for common priorities.

Parks Grounds Maintenance Contract Extension

A variation to the grounds maintenance contract with Idverde UK Limited was approved, extending the contract for a further four years from 3 October 2026. This extension, with an estimated annual cost of £3.289 million, brings the total value of the extension period to £13.156 million and the total estimated lifetime contract value to £42.5 million. Councillor Ellie Cumbo, Cabinet Member for Parks and Culture, stated that the extension was recommended due to the high quality of service provided, which has resulted in positive resident feedback and industry recognition, including maintaining 30 Green Flag awards. The extension aims to ensure ongoing quality of service and mitigate risks associated with market volatility. The decision was made after considering alternative options, including a new procurement exercise, bringing the service in-house, or managing it through a Local Authority Trading Organisation (LATCO), with the contract extension deemed the most appropriate way forward to ensure service stability and quality.

Council Tax Base for 2026-27

The Cabinet approved the council tax base for the financial year 2026-27, setting it at 111,464.6 Band D equivalent dwellings, a decrease of 892 dwellings from the previous year. Councillor Stephanie Cryan, Cabinet Member for Equalities, Democracy and Finance, explained that this adjustment reflects updated projections and demographic changes. The council tax collection rate was maintained at 96.5% for 2026-27, acknowledging the ongoing economic pressures. The report also confirmed the continuation of discretionary council tax premiums on second homes and long-term empty dwellings, as well as the provision of council tax reduction schemes and exemptions for young people leaving care and foster carers.

Senior Resources Leadership Team Structure

The Cabinet approved proposed changes to the Resources Senior Leadership Team structure, including the creation of two new director-level posts: Director of Commercial Partnerships and Investments, and Director of Digital and Resident Experience. Councillor Stephanie Cryan stated that these new roles are intended to strengthen oversight of the council's procurement, commercial activity, digital services, and resident experience, ultimately aiming for better value for money and improved outcomes for residents. The creation of these posts is part of a wider reorganisation within the Resources Directorate, which is expected to deliver an efficiency saving to the council and is anticipated to be cost-neutral overall, with the roles funded from existing resources and identified savings. The Strategic Director of Resources was delegated authority to progress recruitment for these new positions.

Local Development Scheme 2026-2029

The Cabinet adopted the Local Development Scheme (LDS) for 2026-2029, which sets out the timetable for the preparation and review of planning policy documents. Councillor Helen Dennis, Cabinet Member for New Homes and Sustainable Development, highlighted that the LDS guides the review of the Southwark Plan, including early engagement with the community to ensure land use aligns with key priorities such as affordable housing, thriving high streets, and green spaces. The adoption of the LDS also marks the commencement of a full review of the Southwark Plan in 2026, in line with national planning policy requirements and anticipated changes in legislation. The report noted that the LDS is a statutory document and its updating is essential for the council's planning framework to remain current and responsive to legislative, demographic, and economic changes.

The meeting also included discussions on the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) – Final Rent and Charges Report 2026-27, which was noted by the Cabinet.