The Overview & Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to review the council's performance against its Council Plan 2022-2026 and discuss the allocation of Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) funds. The committee was also due to consider its work programme for the remainder of the municipal year.

Interview with Leader of the Council and Chief Executive: Delivery Against the Council Plan 2022-2026

The committee was scheduled to hear from Councillor Sarah King, Leader of the Council, and Althea Loderick, Chief Executive, regarding the council's performance in delivering its Council Plan 2022–2026. The report for this item, the End of Term Report 2022-26 Report Council Delivery Plan - End of Term Report 2022 - 26.pdf, outlines achievements across seven key goals: Decent homes for all, A good start in life, A safer Southwark, A strong and fair economy, Staying well, A healthy environment, and A well-run council.

Key areas highlighted in the report include:

• Decent homes for all: The council aimed to build new council homes, with 2,500 completed since 2022 and over 600 under construction. Investment of £250 million was planned for housing improvement, and efforts to license private rented sector properties were ongoing.
• A good start in life: The report indicated that 99% of Southwark schools were rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted, with 97% of 16- and 17-year-olds transitioning into education, training, or employment. Investment in expanding special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision was also noted.
• A safer Southwark: The council had invested £2 million in an antisocial behaviour taskforce and delivered joint patrols with the police. Improvements to CCTV and street lighting were also part of the plan.
• A strong and fair economy: Over £40 million was allocated to support households with the cost of living, and initiatives to help residents into employment and training were highlighted. The number of accredited London Living Wage employers had grown to over 450.
• Staying well: Progress in expanding mental health services, particularly the Nest service for children and young people, was detailed. The report also mentioned the rollout of the Residential Care Charter and the opening of new leisure facilities.
• A healthy environment: The council aimed to reduce its operational carbon emissions by 18% and had planted over 13,000 trees. The Streets for People programme had added new segregated cycle lanes and electric vehicle charging points.
• A well-run council: The report noted the launch of a new Resident Experience Plan and improvements to household waste and recycling services. Investment in neighbourhood programmes and support for the voluntary and community sector were also detailed.

Review of Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL)

The committee was scheduled to hear from Councillor Helen Dennis, Cabinet Member for New Homes and Sustainable Development, about the recent allocations of Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) funds. The report Report Review of NCIL.pdf and accompanying presentation Presentation Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy.pdf were expected to cover projects funded, the allocation process, and potential areas for improvement.

NCIL is a levy charged on new developments to fund infrastructure that supports the development of the local area. The report indicated that £20 million had been allocated, with projects prioritised against the Southwark 2030 goals. The funding had been directed towards various areas, including the voluntary and community sector, council housing estates, play areas, parks and open spaces, climate emergency initiatives, the Streets for People programme, and community halls. The report noted that the funding had provided benefits for those with protected characteristics, such as minibuses for Age UK and funding for toilets at the LGBTQ+ Centre.

Work Programme

The committee was scheduled to note the work programme for the remainder of the 2025–26 municipal year, as detailed in the report Report OSC Work programme covering report - 16 March 2026.pdf. This report outlines the items identified for consideration by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee throughout the municipal year, in line with its terms of reference. The work programme includes items such as budget scrutiny, reviews of specific council services, and interviews with Cabinet members.

The minutes from previous meetings of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee were also available for approval:

• Minutes of the meeting held on 11 November 2025 Minutes 11112025 Overview Scrutiny Committee.pdf
• Minutes of the meeting held on 11 December 2025 Minutes 11122025 Overview Scrutiny Committee.pdf
• Minutes of the meeting held on 7 January 2026 Minutes Public Pack 07012026 Overview Scrutiny Committee.pdf
• Minutes of the meetings held on 19 and 20 January 2026 (Budget OSC) Minutes Public Pack 19012026 Overview Scrutiny Committee.pdf and Minutes Public Pack 20012026 Overview Scrutiny Committee.pdf