The Council Assembly meeting on 18 March 2026 saw the approval of the council's Statement of Licensing Policy for 2026-2031 and the Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27. Councillors also agreed the calendar of meetings for the upcoming municipal year and noted the schedule of urgent decisions made over the past year.

Themed Debate: A Borough Where Everyone Can Succeed

The council celebrated the diversity and vibrancy of Southwark, thanking the numerous voluntary and community organisations that contribute to the borough's success. Councillor Sarah King, leader of the council, presented a motion highlighting the Labour administration's investments in affordability, housing, community safety, public spaces, and families. The motion also expressed belief in Labour's experience in managing finances and delivering services, contrasting it with the perceived risks posed by other parties. The council resolved to call upon the cabinet to develop a refreshed Borough Plan for the next four years, focusing on building affordable homes, keeping neighbourhoods safe, a new youth guarantee, a free culture pass, and a trustworthy council. An amendment proposed by Councillor David Watson, aiming to criticise the Labour administration's record, was lost.

Members' Motions

Tackling Antisocial Behaviour on Southwark's Estates A motion welcoming the council's investment in tackling crime and antisocial behaviour, including CCTV upgrades and uniformed community wardens, was carried. It also noted concerns about potential drug legalisation proposals and welcomed the Labour Party's zero-tolerance approach to drug dealing and taking. The motion resolves to ask the cabinet to use evidence from estate ASB pilots to tackle ASB across the borough, invest in infrastructure like security doors, and maintain a zero-tolerance approach. An amendment by Councillor Jane Salmon, critical of Labour's record on crime and proposing Liberal Democrat policies, was lost.

Protecting the Freedom Pass for Older Londoners A motion reaffirming the importance of the Freedom Pass and Southwark Labour's commitment to protecting it was carried. It noted the funding of the pass by London councils and expressed concern about potential restrictions, particularly highlighting a Liberal Democrat councillor's description of the pass as an expensive burden. The motion resolves that the cabinet should continue joint work to protect the Freedom Pass, actively oppose any proposals that diminish its scope, and reaffirm the commitment to keeping costs down for residents, especially older people. An amendment by Councillor Maria Linforth-Hall, which sought to add criticism of Sadiq Khan and the Labour government's funding, was lost.

Liberal Democrats will Fix Southwark This motion, proposing Liberal Democrat policies for the borough, was lost.

Southwark has no confidence in Sir Keir Starmer This motion, expressing no confidence in the Prime Minister, was lost.

Reports for Decision

Proportionality and Allocation of Seats on Committees March 2026 The council noted the political balance of the council and agreed to changes in the allocation of seats on committees to reflect the formation of a new Green and Independent Alliance group.

Licensing Act 2003: Review of Statement of Licensing Policy 2026 to 2031 The council agreed to the publication of the revised Statement of Licensing Policy for 2026-2031. This policy outlines how the council will approach its licensing responsibilities under the Act, aiming to balance the needs of businesses with the protection of the community.

Pay Policy Statement 2026/27 The council agreed to the annual Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27, which outlines the council's approach to senior officer pay and its relationship to the pay of other employees.

Member Allowances Scheme 2026-2027 Following debate and the loss of an amendment proposed by Councillor Graham Neale, the council approved the Member Allowances Scheme for 2026-2027. This scheme, based on recommendations from the London Councils Independent Remuneration Panel, sets out the basic and special responsibility allowances for councillors. The amendment proposed significant changes to the SRA structure and introduced a cap on cabinet member positions, aiming for savings and increased transparency.

Calendar of Meetings 2026-27 The council agreed the dates for Council Assembly meetings for the 2026-27 municipal year, including the Mayor Making/Annual meeting, ordinary meetings, and the budget and council tax setting meeting.

Special Urgency and Urgent Implementation Decisions – Annual Report 2026 The council noted the schedule of special urgency and urgent implementation decisions made over the past year, which were taken in accordance with the council's access to information procedure rules.

Appointment of Independent Persons The council approved the appointment of two individuals as independent persons for a three-year term. These individuals play a crucial role in advising the council on allegations or complaints relating to members' conduct.

The meeting closed at 10:30 pm.