The Walworth Neighbourhood Community Meeting was scheduled to discuss the allocation of funds for local improvement projects. Key items on the agenda included the allocation of capital funding for the Cleaner Greener Safer programme and the Devolved Highways Budget, as well as the distribution of revenue for the Neighbourhoods Fund.

Cleaner Greener Safer 2026-27: Capital Funding Allocation

The meeting was scheduled to consider the allocation of £195,830 for the Cleaner Greener Safer (CGS) capital programme in the Walworth Neighbourhood for the 2026-27 financial year. This funding is intended for projects that aim to make local areas cleaner, greener, or safer, and must result in permanent physical improvements. The report pack indicated that £191,700 was available for new projects, with an additional £4,130 reallocated from underspent funds from previous years. The CGS programme, running since 2003, funds projects proposed by local organisations and individuals, aligning with the council's policies on sustainability, regeneration, and community engagement, as outlined in the Fairer Greener Safer – Southwark Council Delivery Plan 2022-2026 and the Streets for People Strategy 2023-2030 ¹. The report detailed a list of 76 applications received for funding across the North Walworth, Newington, and Faraday wards, covering a range of initiatives from park improvements and playground upgrades to lighting and security measures.

Neighbourhood Grants (Neighbourhoods Fund 2026-27)

A total of £90,000 was scheduled for allocation from the Neighbourhoods Fund 2026-27 for the Walworth Neighbourhood. This fund supports revenue-funded community activities such as events, workshops, and training. The Neighbourhoods Fund is part of Southwark Council's broader Neighbourhoods Programme, which aims to give local communities more direct influence over funding and decision-making. The report highlighted that each ward within the Walworth Neighbourhood (Newington, North Walworth, and Faraday) would have £10,000 per Councillor to allocate. The criteria for allocation included fostering community cohesion, promoting respect and consideration between neighbours, encouraging resident responsibility for their neighbourhoods, and enhancing the local environment. The report pack included a comprehensive list of 58 applications from various organisations and groups across the three wards, requesting funding for projects ranging from community kitchens and festivals to coding clubs and gardening initiatives.

Devolved Highways Budget 2026-27: Capital Funding Allocation

The meeting was also set to consider the allocation of £129,070 for the Devolved Highways Budget (DHB) programme for the Walworth Neighbourhood in 2026-27. This budget is designated for highway renewal and maintenance projects that may not be prioritised in the borough-wide programme. The DHB programme allows for a range of minor traffic and highway capital schemes, including footway and carriageway resurfacing, traffic calming measures, accessibility improvements, and the installation of cycle hangars. The report indicated that £114,285 was available for new projects, with £14,785 reallocated from previous underspends. The DHB programme aligns with the council's Fairer Greener Safer – Southwark Council Delivery Plan 2022-2026 and the Streets for People strategy by supporting active travel and improving road safety. The report listed six applications for funding, including requests for road resurfacing, bike lockers, and public realm improvements in the Faraday, North Walworth, and Newington wards.