The Bermondsey Neighbourhood Community Meeting was scheduled to discuss the allocation of funds for several local improvement programmes. Key agenda items included the allocation of capital funding for the Cleaner Greener Safer programme and the Devolved Highways Budget for 2026-27, as well as the distribution of funds for the Neighbourhoods Fund 2026-27.

Cleaner Greener Safer 2026-27: Capital Funding Allocation (Bermondsey Neighbourhood)

The meeting was scheduled to consider the allocation of funds for the Cleaner Greener Safer (CGS) capital programme for the Bermondsey Neighbourhood. This programme, which has been running since 2003, funds capital improvements that make local areas cleaner, greener, or safer. The report pack indicated a recommendation to approve the reallocation of £4,430 from underspent funds and project cancellations to the 2026-27 CGS budget. A further £127,800 was proposed for allocation to a list of applications, bringing the total available funds for allocation to £132,230. The CGS programme aligns with the council's policies on sustainability, regeneration, and community engagement, as detailed in the Fairer Greener Safer – Southwark Council Delivery Plan 2022-2026 and the Streets for People Strategy 2023-2030 ¹. Projects funded by CGS typically include improvements to parks, community gardens, playgrounds, and street lighting. The report also noted that funding decisions are made by ward councillors with consideration for community feedback and that the programme aims to foster community participation.

Neighbourhood Grants (Neighbourhoods Fund 2026-27) (Bermondsey Neighbourhood)

The Neighbourhoods Fund (NsF) is the revenue element of Southwark Council's Neighbourhoods Programme, designed to support small-scale, community-led activities. The meeting was scheduled to consider the allocation of £60,000 from the 2026-27 NsF budget for the Bermondsey Neighbourhood. This fund supports activities such as events, workshops, training, and community development. The allocation criteria, set by the Cabinet, focus on fostering community cohesion, encouraging neighbourly respect, promoting resident responsibility for their areas, and enhancing the local environment. The report highlighted that the NsF contributes to the Fairer, Greener, Safer Southwark Council Delivery Plan 2022–2026 by strengthening neighbourhoods and enhancing local democratic participation. The applications for funding were detailed in Appendix 1 of the report pack, covering a wide range of community projects across both North Bermondsey and South Bermondsey wards.

Devolved Highways Budget 2026-27: Capital Funding Allocation (Bermondsey Neighbourhood)

The meeting was also scheduled to consider the allocation of funds for the Devolved Highways Budget (DHB) programme for the Bermondsey Neighbourhood in 2026-27. The DHB programme allows for the funding 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 recommended the reallocation of £3,095 from underspent funds to the 2026-27 DHB budget. A further £76,190 was proposed for allocation to a list of applications, bringing the total available funds to £79,285. This programme aligns with the council's Streets for People strategy ², which aims to create healthier neighbourhoods, cleaner air, and safer roads by prioritising active travel and improving the street environment. The DHB programme is funded from the council's non-principal road investment programme.