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Weekly updates
Lambeth Council: Officer appointments made in private meeting
This week in Lambeth: The Appointments Committee was scheduled to meet to discuss the appointment of several council officers, but no video of the meeting is available.
Appointments Committee - Thursday 14 November 2024
The Appointments Committee met to discuss the appointment of several council officers. These appointments are usually made in private. The Local Government Act 1972 allows Councils to hold these meetings in private because they often involve discussing personal information about the candidates.
Lambeth Council: 800 more asylum seekers to be housed in borough.
This week in Lambeth: The Adult Social Care and Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee meeting on Tuesday 5 November 2024 heard that the number of asylum seekers in Lambeth has risen to over 500, and that the Home Office is planning to accommodate a further 800. The Corporate Parenting Board met on Wednesday 6 November 2024. The Pensions Board met on Wednesday 6 November 2024 to discuss the investment performance of the Lambeth Pension Fund, which has underperformed recently. The Lambeth Together Care Partnership (formerly Lambeth Together Strategic Board) met on Thursday 7 November 2024. The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Thursday 7 November 2024 and granted two new premises licences, one for a restaurant in Brixton and another for a late bar in Vauxhall.
Adult Social Care and Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee - Tuesday 05 November 2024
The Adult Social Care and Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee received an update on a number of ongoing projects, and discussed the impact of Awaab’s Law on the borough’s housing stock.
Sanctuary Seekers Service Report
The Sub-Committee received the Lambeth Sanctuary Services Update. As in other London boroughs, the service has seen a significant increase in demand as a result of the UK Government’s policy of accommodating asylum seekers in hotels. The number of asylum seekers in Lambeth has risen from around 400 three months ago to over 500, with a further 800 planned to be accommodated in the borough by the Home Office. The Sub-Committee heard that this policy is likely to place significant strain on the borough’s already stretched housing supply.
The Sub-Committee were impressed by the range of support offered to sanctuary seekers by the service, which is run in partnership with the charity Single Homeless Project. This includes housing advice, access to leisure centres, and a laptop scheme for school children. They were also pleased to hear about the success of the recent recruitment of a support worker who speaks Pashto and Dari, which has greatly improved the experience of sanctuary seekers from Afghanistan.
This discussion reflects a wider trend across London of local councils struggling to accommodate the increasing number of asylum seekers being placed in their boroughs. As was the case with the Pan London Accommodation Scheme in 2016, the Home Office is increasingly seeking to accommodate asylum seekers in hotels. However, as was highlighted in the previous email about the Corporate Committee meeting on 26 September 2024, there are an estimated 4,000 empty homes in Lambeth alone, and other London boroughs face a similar challenge. The Sub-Committee’s decision to write to the Home Office to request further funding for services for sanctuary seekers in the borough echoes similar calls from other London councils, who have repeatedly called on the government to provide additional funding to support this vital work.
Healthy Homes
The Sub-Committee discussed the Healthy Homes report.
The report provided an update on the work of the Healthy Homes Partnership in Lambeth, which is a partnership between the council, its contractors and residents. The partnership aims to create healthy homes in the borough by working towards nine ‘Healthy Homes Principles’. Six of the council’s contractors have made pledges to work towards these principles, but the Sub-Committee was concerned that these pledges are voluntary and are not contractual requirements.
The Sub-Committee also heard about the Healthy Homes Innovation Day, which is a new initiative that aims to identify innovative new products and approaches that can be used to improve the health of homes in the borough. A number of products identified at the event are being piloted by the council, including positive input ventilation systems and smart thermostats and sensors.
The Sub-Committee also discussed the impact of Awaab’s Law on the services provided by housing associations. Awaab’s Law is named after Awaab Ishak, who died as a result of prolonged exposure to mould in his home. It places a legal duty on social housing landlords to investigate and fix reported damp and mould in their properties within strict timeframes, and gives the Housing Ombudsman more powers to hold landlords to account. The Sub-Committee requested that the Housing Sub-Committee investigate the impact of the new law on the services provided by housing associations, and consider what powers it has to make the pledges made by contractors mandatory.
As with the Sanctuary Seekers report, this discussion reflects the challenges faced by councils across the country in tackling the issue of damp and mould in social housing. Awaab's Law was introduced following a national outcry over the death of Awaab Ishak, and has led to a renewed focus on the issue of housing quality. The Sub-Committee’s request that the pledges made by contractors be made mandatory is a recognition of the need for stronger measures to ensure that all residents have access to safe and healthy homes. This echoes the concerns raised by residents of Kingscore Road, Streatham at the Council meeting on 16 October 2024, where they expressed frustration about the lack of street cleaning and fly-tipping on their street.
Adult Social Care Assurance Report
The Sub-Committee received a presentation from officers on the preparations that are being made for the upcoming inspection of Adult Social Care in Lambeth by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
The CQC is an independent regulator of health and social care in England. It inspects services to ensure that they are safe, effective, caring, responsive to people's needs, and well-led.
The presentation outlined the progress that has been made on each of the six workstreams in Lambeth’s ‘inspection readiness programme’:
- Self-Assessment
- Service Development Plan
- Engagement
- Comms and Logistics
- Information Return and Case Tracking
- Governance, Data and Performance
The Sub-Committee also heard about the key findings from the CQC assessments that have been carried out to date. Of the nine assessments that have been published nationally, six have resulted in a good overall judgement and three in requires improvement.
The Sub-Committee noted the Adult Social Care Assurance Report.
The CQC is a key part of the regulatory landscape for adult social care in England. Its inspections are designed to ensure that services are meeting the needs of the people who use them, and that they are safe, effective, caring, responsive to people's needs, and well-led. The Sub-Committee’s discussion of the upcoming inspection reflects the importance of the CQC’s work, and the council’s commitment to providing high-quality adult social care services.
Work Programme and Actions Log
The Sub-Committee considered the Adults Social Care and Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee Work Programme 2024-25 and Action Log, and allocated the remaining slot to an update on the ‘Pride in Care’ programme, which aims to improve the experience of LGBTQI+ residents in care homes.
The Sub-Committee also discussed an outstanding recommendation from a previous meeting, that the Sub-Committee visit the new Lambeth Hospital. They were told that they would be invited to visit the hospital as soon as possible.
The Sub-Committee approved the work programme.
Corporate Parenting Board - Wednesday 06 November 2024
The Corporate Parenting Board met to discuss a range of matters related to the wellbeing of children in care.
Pensions Board - Wednesday 06 November 2024
The Pensions Board meeting began with a discussion of recent data breaches, and the risks posed by such breaches. The Board then reviewed and approved the Risk Register, before moving on to discuss the performance of the Lambeth Pension Fund.
Investment Performance
Councillor Matthew Bryant asked officers to explain the recent underperformance of the fund, in particular the LCIV Emerging Market Equity Fund. Officers explained that whilst this underperformance was due to poor stock selection, it was a cyclical event. They argued that, as the fund is a long-term investor, short-term fluctuations were not a cause for concern.
Councillor Aiku asked how much the underperformance of the fund was due to trading fees, and officers said that the impact of trading fees was minimal, at around one percent.
The Board then noted the report on investment performance.
As with many other local government pension schemes, the Lambeth Pension Fund invests in a range of assets, including equities, bonds, and property. The performance of these assets can fluctuate over time, and this can impact the overall performance of the fund. The Board’s discussion of the recent underperformance of the fund reflects the challenges faced by pension funds in the current economic climate, and the need for careful management of investments to ensure that the fund can meet its long-term obligations to its members.
Lambeth Together Care Partnership (formerly Lambeth Together Strategic Board) - Thursday 07 November 2024
The Lambeth Together Care Partnership (LTCP) met to discuss a range of matters related to health and social care. The LTCP is a partnership between Lambeth Council, the NHS, and other organisations that work together to improve the health and wellbeing of people in Lambeth.
Licensing Sub-Committee - Thursday 07 November 2024
The Licensing Sub-Committee met to consider two applications for new premises licences, one for a restaurant in Brixton and another for a late bar in Vauxhall. Both applications were granted after the applicants agreed to amend their proposed hours.
As was the case with the application from Supercute, discussed in the email covering 14 - 17 October 2024, this week's meeting of the Licensing Sub-Committee demonstrated the complexity of the licencing process, and the need for businesses to work with the council and residents to mitigate the impact of their proposals on the local community. The willingness of both applicants to amend their requested hours shows their commitment to operating their businesses in a way that minimises the risk of noise nuisance and public safety concerns.
LSE redevelopment approved for Glasshouse Walk subject to conditions.
This week in Lambeth: The Planning Applications Committee approved plans by the London School of Economics and Political Science to demolish existing buildings at 7 Glasshouse Walk and construct a part 6/part 8/part 10 storey building to contain a Social Sciences incubator space, light industrial space and halls of residence.
Planning Applications Committee - Tuesday 29 October 2024
The Planning Applications Committee met to discuss an application for the redevelopment of the site at 7 Glasshouse Walk in Vauxhall. The application was submitted by the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), and sought permission to demolish the existing buildings on the site and replace them with a 6-10 storey building containing student accommodation, light industrial space and a Social Sciences incubator. The committee resolved to grant planning permission subject to a Section 106 Agreement1.
Over-Concentration of Student Accommodation
One of the most contentious aspects of the scheme was the amount of student accommodation that would be provided. Councillor Scott Ainslie raised concerns about over-concentration, given the number of existing and planned student accommodation schemes in the area. These concerns were echoed by the ward Councillor, Councillor Rothmark, when he addressed the committee at the start of the meeting. The case officer, Lauren Shallcross, explained that the site is not located within the area of Vauxhall identified in the Lambeth Local Plan as having an over-concentration of Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA). She also explained that the wording of the Local Plan policy relating to student accommodation (Policy H7) had been subject to changes during the Local Plan examination, and that the planning inspector had rejected a proposal to restrict all new student housing development in Vauxhall.
Councillor Ainslie asked how the affordable student accommodation would be allocated, and Ian Spencer, Director of Residential Services at the LSE, explained that undergraduate students are prioritised because the LSE is able to obtain their income details from Student Finance England. Graduate student income is unknown, he said, so it is more difficult to assess need. He also explained that the LSE's strategy is to provide all student accommodation at sub-market rents.
This discussion highlights the complexities of balancing the need for student housing with the needs of the wider community. The London Plan, which sets out the strategic planning framework for London, encourages the provision of student accommodation in areas with good access to education institutions and public transport, but it is important to ensure that this does not lead to an over-concentration of student housing in any one area. The LSE's strategy of providing all student accommodation at sub-market rents is a positive step, as it will make it more affordable for students from a wider range of backgrounds.
Daylight & Sunlight
Councillor Ainslie also raised concerns about the impact of the development on daylight and sunlight for neighbouring properties, particularly those that are already affected by existing buildings. This is an important consideration, as a lack of natural light can have a negative impact on the health and wellbeing of residents.
The committee heard from the applicant's daylight & sunlight consultant, Giulio Antonuto of Arup. Mr Antonuto explained that the assessment had taken into account the existing levels of daylight and sunlight, and that the proposals would not result in any significant adverse impacts. He said that the 'tunnel effect', where existing buildings already block light from reaching certain windows, had been factored into the assessment. He also said that the development had been designed in a T-shape in order to maximise daylight and sunlight for the surrounding properties.
Sustainable Design & Construction
Councillor Ainslie raised a number of questions about the sustainability of the development. He asked what consideration had been given to retrofitting the existing buildings instead of demolishing them, and the case officer explained that a pre-demolition audit had concluded that they were not fit for reuse. She also said that it is estimated that 99% of the demolition products will be either reused or recycled.
Councillor Ainslie also questioned why the proposals fall short of the London Plan's 35% on-site carbon reduction target. Erland Hulin of Blewburton, the applicant's energy & sustainability consultant, explained that the London Plan's targets are more difficult to achieve for commercial buildings. He said that the new Part L of Building Regulations, which came into force in 2021, includes low carbon heating in the baseline for commercial buildings but not for residential buildings, which makes it more difficult to demonstrate a reduction in emissions. This is a reminder of the challenges of meeting ambitious carbon reduction targets, and the need for further policy changes to make it easier for developers to achieve them.
Transport
Councillor Diogo Costa questioned the reduction in the Transport for London (TfL) contribution from £550,000 to £300,000. The case officer explained that this was because Lambeth Council had secured a separate contribution of £250,000 for Healthy Routes and Neighbourhood Regeneration. Simon Phillips, Assistant Director, Climate Change and Strategic Transport, explained that the original contribution requested by TfL was to support the Lambeth Bridge scheme, but that this scheme is now fully funded by TfL. The £250,000 contribution to Lambeth Council will instead be used to trial a Healthy Neighbourhood scheme in the area local to the site.
Councillor Bailey expressed concerns about the impact of food delivery trips to and from the student accommodation. Mr Phillips said that, although these trips are difficult to quantify, the applicant had estimated that there could be as many as 100 per day. He said that this should be accommodated by the two spaces available in the loading bay, as well as the provision of short-stay cycle parking.
Decision
Councillor Bailey proposed that the officer's recommendation to grant planning permission be approved, subject to the inclusion of an informative on the decision notice informing the applicant that Lambeth is a living wage borough. This was seconded by Councillor Costa, and the proposal was carried.
This application is a reminder of the complex issues that local councils must consider when making planning decisions. The committee had to balance the need for new development with the need to protect the local community from adverse impacts. The discussions about over-concentration of student accommodation, daylight and sunlight, and sustainable design and construction highlight the importance of these issues for local residents. The committee's decision to grant planning permission subject to a number of conditions is a recognition of the need to mitigate the impact of the development.
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An S106 agreement is an agreement between a developer and the local planning authority that lays out a set of requirements including changing the development, or contributing finances or infrastructure to the local area in order to reduce the impact of a development on the local community. ↩
Lambeth Licensing Sub-Committee: Swan review & Dirty Blonde adjourned
This week in Lambeth:
- The Licensing Sub-Committee was asked to consider revoking the licence of The Swan on Clapham Road after an alleged assault by security staff, but local residents seem to be big fans of the venue, with 29 of them writing to the council to defend it.
- The Licensing Sub-Committee was set to decide whether to revoke the licence of Dirty Blonde nightclub following a fatal stabbing, but the meeting was adjourned until next week.
Licensing Sub-Committee - Wednesday 23 October 2024
This meeting of the Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider an application for the review of a Premises Licence in respect of The Swan at 215 Clapham Road. The Sub-Committee was also scheduled to consider the minutes of the previous Licensing Sub-Committee meeting which was held on 25 September 2024.
The Swan, 215 Clapham Road
The Metropolitan Police applied for a review of the premises licence for The Swan following an alleged incident where members of the pub's security team were said to have used excessive force on a customer. The incident is alleged to have taken place on 16 August 2024. A representation was received from Lambeth Council Licensing in support of the application to review the licence. 29 representations were received from members of the public in support of The Swan and its licence. No representations were received from local residents objecting to the licence.
The Police's application for review included a statement from Police Constable David Watson of the Metropolitan Police's Licensing Team in which he stated that on 16 August 2024 he viewed CCTV footage of an incident at The Swan that appeared to show a man being assaulted by security staff.
The statement from PC Watson says that the CCTV footage shows a man being escorted out of the rear of the pub at 5:27am. He is then seen to get into the driver's seat of a car, before quickly getting out of the car and approaching the pub's security staff, in what appeared to be a confrontational manner.
PC Watson's statement says that he does not know why the man approached the security staff. There is then an altercation, which is partly obscured by the car. PC Watson's statement continues:
The male is then seen to be on the floor in the courtyard area, while surrounded by security staff. At this point he is set upon and assaulted, this is captured on CCTV and body worn video.
The statement then says that the man was arrested, and that:
Video footage of that incident purportedly shows the UM being punched multiple times while on the ground before being led back into the vehicle.
The representation from Lambeth Council's Licensing team in support of the application to review the licence argued that The Swan's 6am licence was a contributing factor in crime and disorder. It read:
It is to, the opinion of the Licensing Authority that having a licence which permits licensable activities until 06:00hrs, is a contributing factor of crime and disorder.
The meeting papers also include a witness statement from Patrick Dowling, the Designated Premises Supervisor for The Swan, and a report from Adrian Rendle, an independent licensing consultant instructed by The Swan.
Mr Dowling's witness statement says that the man was removed from the venue at around 5:15am on 16 August because he was intoxicated. The statement says that:
He was being abusive and refused to leave when asked by security.
The statement says that the man was being verbally abusive to staff, and attempted to spit at them
. Mr Dowling's statement says that:
...as far as I can recall the male left the premises without any further fuss.
Mr Dowling goes on to say that the man returned a few minutes later:
I believe he left in a vehicle and then returned a short time later.
Mr Dowling then describes an altercation between the man and the pub's security staff in which the man is alleged to have punched a member of the security team several times. The statement says that a number of the pub's security staff then restrained the man on the ground. Mr Dowling's statement then says:
The police were called and arrived shortly afterwards. I believe they arrested the male and took him away.
The report by Adrian Rendle analyses the crime statistics for the area around The Swan. He notes that between 29 September 2023 and 29 September 2024 there were 9 recorded crimes at The Swan, consisting of:
4 x theft of motor vehicle, 4 x theft from person and 1 x assault ABH. Of those offences, 5 took place between the hours of 03.00 – 06.00 (56%).
Mr Rendle argues that the number of incidents at The Swan is low given its capacity and opening hours. He says that:
These nine reported incidents have to been seen in the context of a premises with a capacity of 1000 customers operating until 05.00 on Friday night and 06.00 on Saturday night and amount to less than 2 per month.
Mr Rendle also suggested that the large number of alleged phone thefts at the venue may not be attributable to the venue itself:
Phone thefts are on the increase generally across London and the premises must introduce measures to improve the prevention and detection of such offences in the premises.
Mr Rendle's report recommended a number of measures be included in an action plan to improve the operation of The Swan. These include:
- Independent Welfare and Vulnerability (WAVE) training1 for all staff.
- Increased supervision of staff by managers.
- Enhanced medical facilities.
- Employment of a Welfare Officer.
- Designated quiet area within the premises.
- Information around the premises on key messages such as ‘Ask for Angela’2 and the London Women’s Safety Charter.
- An ‘All Gender’ toilet.
- Improved, free cloakroom facilities.
- Improving CCTV and CCTV monitoring.
- Improvements in recording and supervision of age-related refusals of service.
The scheduled options available to the Sub-Committee were:
- To take no action.
- To modify the conditions of the licence.
- To exclude a licensable activity from the scope of the premises licence.
- To remove the Designated Premises Supervisor from the licence.
- To suspend the premises licence for a period not exceeding three months.
- To revoke the premises licence.
Minutes of the meeting held on 25 September 2024
The minutes of the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting of 25 September 2024 record that the Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider three applications:
An application for a new Premises Licence for Commune Studios Ltd at Arch 657 Portslade Road. The application sought to authorise the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises, Late Night Refreshments, and Recorded Music. The minutes record that the Sub-Committee was scheduled to hear representations from the applicant and four objectors, including three local residents. The Licensing Officer, Ola Owojori, informed the Sub-Committee that while the Licensing Authority initially had concerns that the premises were unsuitable because of the potential noise impact of the business, these concerns had been addressed by the applicant's plans to install sound insulation. They still had some concerns about noise during the dispersal of customers. One of the objectors, Clare Khan, a local resident, told the Sub-Committee that residents had not been properly notified about the application. The minutes record that the Sub-Committee was scheduled to refuse the application, citing concerns about the prevention of public nuisance.
An application for a new Premises Licence for Lowman Foods Limited at Slab City 8 The Pavement. The applicant sought authorisation to serve Late Night Refreshment and to sell alcohol. Representations were received from the Licensing Authority and from the Council's Food, Health and Safety team. The Licensing Authority told the Sub-Committee that 22 out of 28 proposed conditions on the licence had been agreed with the applicant. The Food, Health and Safety team told the Sub-Committee that they had been concerned about the lack of toilet facilities at the venue, but these concerns had been alleviated by the applicant's statement that alcohol would only be served to customers who were seated at tables and eating food. The applicant, Jake Lowman, told the Sub-Committee that his business was predominantly a takeaway, and that there was not enough space in his premises for a customer toilet. The minutes record that the Sub-Committee was scheduled to grant the application.
An application for a new Premises Licence for Istanbul Food Gate at 26 The High Parade Streatham High Road. The applicant sought authorisation to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises. The minutes record that the Sub-Committee was scheduled to hear a representation from a consultant for the applicant, Susan Nur. Ms Nur told the Sub-Committee that her client had agreed to all of the Licensing Authority's proposed conditions on the licence. The minutes record that the Sub-Committee was scheduled to grant the application.
Licensing Sub-Committee - Thursday 24 October 2024
This meeting of the Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider an application for a Summary Review of a premises licence. This application follows a previous hearing, where the committee ruled that the premises licence should be suspended pending this full review hearing. 29 representations were made to the committee, most of which were from members of the public.
Summary Review - Dirty Blonde, 642 Wandsworth Road
The meeting was scheduled to discuss a Summary Review of the premises licence of Dirty Blonde, a nightclub on Wandsworth Road in Clapham, after a fatal stabbing took place outside the premises in the early hours of Sunday 29 September 2024. The application was submitted to Lambeth Council on 1 October 2024 by the Metropolitan Police.
As a result of the application, an expedited review hearing was held on 3 October 2024 to consider whether it was necessary to take interim steps pending the outcome of the full review. In accordance with the Licensing Act 2003, the expedited review hearing took place within 48 hours of the application being received, and the full review is scheduled to take place within 28 days.
The expedited review hearing considered the application in private, after the committee ruled that the Managing Director of the premises, Mr Balin Ishmael, would not be permitted to address them. Mr Ishmael had requested to speak at the meeting, stating that he had been the Managing Director of Dirty Blonde for the past 4 years, and was in the process of having the licence transferred over to his name. However, because he was not the licence holder, and had not been given permission to speak by the licence holder, he was not permitted to address the committee. The Chair advised him that he would have an opportunity to address the committee at the full review hearing.
The committee decided that it was necessary and proportionate to suspend the licence as an interim step pending the outcome of the full review hearing. They decided to do this after hearing representations from Justin Atkinson, Licensing Officer for Lambeth Council, and Mr Michael Feeney, Counsel for the Metropolitan Police.
The report pack for this meeting contains a large number of written representations from the Metropolitan Police, Lambeth Council officers, local Councillors and members of the public.
The meeting was adjourned due to a procedural error, and will be rescheduled.
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WAVE training is a course run by the Good Night Out Campaign, an organisation that provides training and accreditation on safety and safeguarding in the night time economy. The course is designed to help staff in licensed premises to better understand and respond to incidents of sexual harassment and assault. ↩
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'Ask for Angela' is a scheme operating in many pubs and bars across the UK that allows people who feel unsafe, vulnerable or threatened to discreetly seek help by approaching a member of staff and asking for 'Angela'. ↩
Lambeth Council approves £89m Capital Programme
This week in Lambeth:
- The Appointments Committee was scheduled to discuss the appointment of a new Chief Executive for Lambeth Council, but no video of the meeting is available.
- The Licensing Committee meeting scheduled for Monday 14 October 2024 was cancelled.
- The Licensing Sub-Committee granted a variation to the premises licence for Supercute, allowing the venue to host live music and other events, and to extend its opening hours to midnight on Friday and Saturday.
- The Council received a deputation from residents of Kingscore Road, Streatham, about the level of litter and fly-tipping on their street.
Appointments Committee - Thursday 17 October 2024
The Appointments Committee of Lambeth Council was scheduled to meet to discuss the longlisting of candidates for the role of Chief Executive of Lambeth Council. The meeting was also scheduled to consider a resolution to exclude the press and public from the meeting during the discussion of the candidates.
Appointment of a new Chief Executive for Lambeth Council
This meeting was scheduled to consider the appointment of a new Chief Executive for Lambeth Council.
The meeting was scheduled to consider a report entitled Chief Executive Recruitment Process: Longlisting
which set out the process for appointing a new Chief Executive. The report recommended that the Committee note the process, note the job description, agree a longlist of candidates, agree a date for shortlisting and final interviews, and agree the questions to be asked during the interviews.
The report explained that:
The appointment of the Chief Executive is a rigorous process designed to secure the most suitable candidate in a timely manner. This process involves multiple stages, including executive search, longlisting, shortlisting, and final panel interviews. The ultimate decision rests with the Full Council, following the recommendation of the Appointments Committee.
The report also described the role of the Chief Executive, explaining that:
The role of the Chief Executive is to lead delivery of these aspirations across the Council and the borough.
The report included a number of appendices, including a job description and person specification for the role.
Exclusion of the Press and Public
The committee was scheduled to vote on whether to exclude members of the press and public from the meeting during the discussion of the candidates. The report argued that this was necessary because it was likely that the meeting would discuss information that was exempt from disclosure under paragraph 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972,1 which concerns:
Information relating to a particular employee, former employee or applicant to become an employee of, or a particular office-holder, former office-holder or applicant to become an office-holder, under the authority.
Licensing Committee - Monday 14 October 2024
This meeting was cancelled.
Licensing Sub-Committee - Monday 14 October 2024
The Licensing Sub-Committee granted a variation of the premises licence for Supercute, Ground Floor Unit 1, Shakespeare Business Centre, Coldharbour Lane, London SW9 8RR. The application allows the venue to host plays, films, live and recorded music, dance performances, and to sell late night refreshment. It also extends the hours during which licensable activities can be provided to midnight on Friday and Saturday. A variation to the licence for The Brickstone, 256-258 Brixton Road, London SW9 6AQ was withdrawn.
Supercute, Ground Floor Unit 1 Shakespeare Business Centre, Coldharbour Lane, London SW9 8RR
The applicant was Mr Hammant Patel-Villa, the owner of Supercute (LDN) Ltd. He was seeking to add plays, films, live and recorded music, dance performances and late night refreshment to the licence for his craft micro-brewery, and to extend the hours during which licensable activities could be provided to 1am, Sunday to Thursday, and 2am on Friday and Saturday.
Mr Patel-Villa described the history of the venue, his experience running other licenced premises in the area, and the types of events that he wanted to hold at Supercute. He argued that the venue was not likely to cause noise disturbance to local residents because it was located in an area with high levels of ambient noise already.
So our unit is actually part of a business centre. And as you can see in the map, it's not actually adjacent to any domestic properties. So the actual building itself for over 20 years was a garage and MOT center... So it's historically been a place that has always had business and significant noise. Our entrance is actually under the bridge at Loughborough Junction Station. So the trains go over it and on the main road there you get the buses and cars passing the premises. So this is a kind of natural noise barrier to any noise that might escape the venue.
Mr Patel-Villa told the committee that he had carried out a sound test that showed noise levels dropping to below the level of normal speech at the nearest domestic property. He also said that he would be prepared to hire SIA-licenced door staff for events that were likely to be attended by large numbers of people.
Also, we have a large shutter. So the shutter is about four meters high and a few meters wide, which we need obviously for lorries and things like this coming back and forth collecting kegs. But equally in the evenings it opens up so people can see what's happening and come in and it has this quite an engaging feel for any passers by to come in and also enjoy what we offer.
Seven residents had made representations objecting to the application. They raised concerns about noise nuisance, public safety, crime and disorder, and the protection of children from harm. They were represented at the meeting by Ms Margherita Poggiali, Mr Dawan Ramaden and Mrs Emma Pomfret. Ms Poggiali also spoke on behalf of Mr Keith Powers, who had made a representation but was unable to attend the meeting.
The residents argued that the noise from the venue, particularly when the shutter was open, was likely to cause a nuisance.
So far all the noise that we have recorded has been with the shutter open...
They also expressed concern that the removal of the requirement for SIA-licenced door staff would increase the risk of crime and disorder and asked that a condition be added to the licence requiring the shutter to be closed from 9pm onwards.
We also ask that the application is granted only with conditions that they will be obliged to close their front entrance shutter every day at 18:00, even in hot weather. The shutter is around 3x5 meters (guestimation) and we are very concerned that keeping the shutter open in the evening and late at night will impact with noise and public nuisance on the surrounding residential area.
The Licensing Officer, Mrs Pamela Riley, explained that the applicant had agreed to reduce the requested hours to midnight, Sunday to Thursday, and 1am on Friday and Saturday. Mr Patel-Villa disputed this, claiming that he had agreed to reduce the hours to midnight on Friday and Saturday, but still wanted a 1am licence for the rest of the week.
The Legal Adviser to the Sub-Committee, Ms Selina Iaffe, explained that because of The Live Music Act 20122 and The Licensing Act 2003 (Descriptions of Entertainment) (Amendment) Order 20133, the Sub-Committee could not place conditions on the licence that restricted the playing of live music between 8am and 11pm.
The Sub-Committee granted the variation to the licence as amended, including the condition requiring the applicant to carry out a risk assessment at least one week before any event to determine if SIA-licenced door staff are required. In their decision, they stated that they sympathised with the residents' concerns, but that there was not enough evidence to support their contentions. They noted that the hours had been amended to comply with the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy, and that the agreed conditions addressed the residents' concerns in an appropriate and proportionate way.
The Brickstone, 256-258 Brixton Road, London SW9 6AQ
This application was withdrawn by the applicant before the meeting took place.
Council - Wednesday 16 October 2024
The Council received a deputation about street cleaning and fly-tipping on Kingscore Road, Streatham, from local residents Juri Peggy Schmidt-Solta and Kizzie Ross. The residents explained that they were frustrated with the lack of street cleaning in the area, and the regularity of fly-tipping on the pavements. The Council noted the issue and pledged to review the street cleaning schedule for the road. Councillors also received and noted a verbal report from the Lambeth Youth Council. The Council then debated and voted to adopt the Capital Programme 2024 to 2028 FINAL which will see £89.485 million invested over the next four years across the Borough. The Constitution Report - Full Council was also debated and adopted, with amendments. The most significant changes to the Constitution include the formal inclusion of the Nolan Principles, and updated powers delegated to the Corporate Director of Finance.
Clean Up Streatham
Two residents of Kingscore Road, Streatham, Juri Peggy Schmidt-Solta and Kizzie Ross, made a deputation to the Council to complain about the level of litter and fly-tipping on their street. Ms Schmidt-Solta described the problem:
We are unhappy with the level of litter, fly tipping, blocked drainage and the street cleaning on Kingscore Road. Being close to the high street and lots of fast food joints specifically KFC which is very popular we get loads of fast food rubbish on the street and this gets blown down the road because Kingscore Road is a kind of a wind tunnel and also people who come to eat in this joint some of them sit in the car, eat inside the car and dump the rubbish on the street.
Ms Ross explained how these issues were affecting her and her neighbours:
Just this morning, I stepped outside to find a discarded mattress on the pavement, blocking me from pushing my child's pram onto the road. These incidents are not only unsightly but demoralising. They undermine the hard work and pride we've invested in our streets, leaving residents feeling discouraged.
Councillor Rosina Chowdhury, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Lambeth and Clean Air responded that the Council takes these matters seriously:
...we have regular street cleaning schedule in place, ensuring that our streets are cleaned routinely. When fly tipping is reported, we aim to respond within 72 hours on residential roads. In the past year alone, we've dealt with over 7,000 fly tipping cases across the borough.
She pledged to arrange for a Council officer to visit Kingscore Road with a contractor to identify improvements.
Separately, Councillor Nicole Griffiths, representing Streatham Wells ward, asked Councillor Chowdhury to confirm what measures were in place to keep the streets and gullies in Streatham clean and weed free, and confirmed that there was no intention to reintroduce the use of the weedkiller glyphosate. Councillor Chowdhury responded that:
...we acknowledge that streets haven't been clean as they could be, but we are taking action. I've asked officers to prepare and implement a performance improvement plan with significant additional scrutiny and support for CERCO since mid-September.
Lambeth Youth Council Annual Report
Councillors received and noted a verbal report from the Lambeth Youth Council. A number of Youth Councillors and Youth Council Coordinators explained the work that they had been doing, including their campaigns to improve access to fitness opportunities for young people, to break down barriers between young people and the police, and to give young people in the Borough a voice on local issues.
Capital Programme 2024 to 2028
The Council debated the Capital Programme 2024 to 2028 FINAL. The Capital Programme, which sets out the capital investments2 the Council will be making over the next four years, was adopted after a vote, with 38 Councillors voting for and 3 against.
Councillor Scott Ainslie, for Streatham St Leonard's ward, expressed concerns about the lack of transparency in the report:
Cabinet members tell us that the southern wards are getting their first share but they haven't told us how this compares to the north or the middle of the borough. When we asked about section 106 investments the learners ward was second last on the list with only £18,000 allocated to a CPZ consultation. Meanwhile 17 out of 25 wards have over a hundred thousand of individual projects allocated and some with millions. This is not reassuring. There is not enough detail in these reports to see where the money is being spent.
He also complained that there was a lack of accountability in relation to section 106 agreements3, and highlighted the amount of unspent section 106 funds being held by the council:
...a report from the home builders federation in 2023 showed that Lambeth was sitting on the second highest value of unspent section 106 funds in London of nearly 50 million. A figure that has been rising for two decades. Why have I also with section 106 projects from 2015 some of them still haven't been spent the balance in 2023. I mean why are these projects taking that long to complete or are we just sitting on money when frontline services are suffering effectively amplifying labour austerity.
Councillor Matthew Bryant, for Clapham Common ward, welcomed the inclusion in the Capital Programme of £8 million of funding for the Lambeth New Homes Programme:
We're pleased to see that the programme includes almost £8 million of funding for the new homes programme and Councillor Adleport confirmed last week that this should finance a minimum of 500 new homes in the borough by 2030.
However, he echoed Councillor Ainslie's calls for more transparency in the report:
...we would like to see far more transparency as to how decisions are taken about which schemes are funded and which are not.
Councillor David Amos, Cabinet Member for Finance, presented the Capital Programme. He highlighted the range of projects included in the programme:
This capital investment will contribute to maintaining assets, enhance our youth officer, support vulnerable residents, improve our environment and public realm, develop income generating schemes that support the land of 2030 ambitions, contribute towards the council's financial stability and enable the council to provide the safest most efficient and highest quality services possible for our residents.
He also highlighted the economic challenges facing the Council and explained how these impacted the Capital Programme:
...Brexit, Covid-related trade disruptions, the impact of the war in Ukraine with levels of inflation not seen in over a generation and these have all had substantial implications for our capacity as a council to fund capacity capital programmes and this has come in other ways in terms of higher construction costs, labour costs and a decrease in developer contributions as growth and developments have slowed or even stopped.
Constitution 2024/25
The Council debated and then voted to adopt the Constitution Report - Full Council, with amendments, with 38 Councillors voting for and 3 against.
Councillor Nicole Griffiths, for Streatham Wells Ward, raised concerns about a lack of transparency on the part of the Labour administration, and its approach to scrutiny by the Green Party:
This is reflected at every full council meeting including this evening. Despite green councillors representing nearly a quarter of Lambeth residents the motions we present to council are not debated and blatantly ignored by the ruling group.
Councillor Donna Harris, Liberal Democrat Group Leader, raised concerns about the length of time taken by Cabinet members to answer supplementary questions to the opposition during Council meetings:
...too often the answers are simply far too long-winded. Of course we don't want to restrict cabinet members for explaining the complexities of certain issues and we understand that it can take a moment to gather one's thoughts. However we've all noticed that supplementary answers to questions to opposition members frequently become long-winded and veer totally off topic, while questions from Labour members seem designed to give cabinet members an opportunity to deliver lengthy self-congratulatory speeches. This is not scrutiny, this is grandstanding and frankly a waste of time.
She also raised concerns about how the Council's Interim Chief Executive had proposed changes to how opposition Councillors met with her and Corporate Directors:
My concern is why this proposal wasn't brought to the constitutional working group. There is nothing in the constitution that gives the interim or any other CEO the authority to make this decision unilaterally.
Councillor Scarlett O'Hara, for Herne Hill ward, praised the inclusion of the Nolan Principles in the new Constitution:
...the Nolan principles provide a set of standards for the conduct of people in public office. We wanted to include these ethical guidelines in our constitution to remind us what our residents can expect from all of us as we carry out our duties. These principles underpin everything we do be it dealing with casework on behalf of our residents, scrutinising papers for our work on committees or working alongside our colleagues and council officers.
She also highlighted how opposition Councillors played a key role in the Council's scrutiny committees:
And note that all of our scrutiny committees have members of the opposition parties sitting on them as part of our commitment to the principles of openness and accountability.
The Green Party proposed an amendment to the report, which was carried. The key changes to the Constitution are the formal inclusion of the Nolan Principles, updated Cabinet Member portfolios, and updated procedures for virement.4
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The Local Government Act 1972 is an Act of Parliament that applies to England and Wales. You can find out more about it on the legislation.gov.uk website. Schedule 12A of the act lists a number of types of information that are exempt from public disclosure, meaning that councils are allowed to discuss these things in private. ↩
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The Live Music Act 2012 deregulated the playing of live music in certain venues. ↩
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The Licensing Act 2003 (Descriptions of Entertainment) (Amendment) Order 2013 amended the Licensing Act 2003 to further deregulate the provision of entertainment in certain circumstances. ↩
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Virement is the process of transferring budgeted funds from one budget head to another. ↩
Lambeth Council approves £89m investment plan.
This week in Lambeth:
- The Children's Services Scrutiny Sub-Committee discussed the Youth Justice Plan for 2024-2026, which aims to address priorities such as prevention, diversion, and support for children from over-represented groups.
- The Cabinet noted the council's latest performance update and approved the Capital Programme for 2024 to 2028, which includes an additional £89.485m of investment across a range of schemes.
- The Licensing Sub-Committee meeting was adjourned due to a procedural error and will now take place on 24 October 2024.
Children’s Services Scrutiny Sub-Committee - Thursday 10 October 2024
The Children's Services Scrutiny Sub-Committee meeting was scheduled to discuss several important topics related to the well-being and future of children in Lambeth. The meeting focused on the Youth Justice Plan for 2024-2026, Lambeth's Children’s Social Care Workforce Strategy, and the Sub-Committee’s work programme for 2024-2025.
Youth Justice Plan 2024-2026
The Sub-Committee was scheduled to be presented with a report on Lambeth’s Youth Justice Plan 2024-2026. Local authorities are required by the Youth Justice Board (YJB) to create Youth Justice Plans in order to be eligible for Youth Justice Grants.
The plan outlines Lambeth’s approach to youth justice, with a focus on preventing young people from entering the criminal justice system, diverting those who do offend away from custody, and providing support to help them turn their lives around.
The plan identifies a number of key priorities, including: children from over-represented groups, prevention, first-time entrants, diversion, education, employment and training, restorative justice, serious violence & exploitation, detention in police custody, remands, use of custody, resettlement, standards for children and young people in the system, and workforce development.
The plan outlines a number of initiatives aimed at addressing these priorities, including: the Turnaround programme, the Engage programme, the provision of additional support for young people leaving custody and those transitioning into adult services, the provision of additional support to Care Experienced young people, a number of initiatives aimed at helping young people stay engaged in Education, Employment, and Training (ETE), a pilot housing-related support service for young males identified as being at risk from serious violence, and the provision of additional support to help young people participate in restorative justice and to support the victims of crime.
Children’s Social Care Workforce Strategy
The Sub-Committee was also scheduled to receive a report on Lambeth’s Children’s Social Care Workforce Strategy. The strategy sets out the council's plans to improve the recruitment, retention, and development of its children’s social care workforce.
Children’s Services Scrutiny Sub-Committee Work Programme
The final item on the agenda was the Sub-Committee’s work programme for 2024-2025. This programme sets out the key issues that the Sub-Committee will be scrutinising over the coming year.
The committee was also scheduled to receive a verbal update on pupil place planning1. The draft work programme also included provision for a report on the SEND and Inclusion Strategy, but it was noted that this may need to be rescheduled.
Cabinet - Monday 07 October 2024
The Cabinet meeting on 07 October 2024 considered two key reports: the Quarterly Performance and Budget Report and the Capital Programme 2024 to 2028.
Quarterly Performance and Budget Report
The report presented the council's performance against the Lambeth 2030 Borough Plan and provided a financial update. A key issue raised was the council's projected overspend of £34.3 million, primarily attributed to rising costs and demand for temporary accommodation (TA).
Councillor Danny Adilypour highlighted the severity of the housing crisis, stating that the council had placed 170 families in TA in the previous week alone, with 4,600 families currently residing in TA across Lambeth. He emphasized the need for central government support to address this crisis.
Councillor Ben Kind expressed concerns about insufficient funding for placements for children in care, echoing Councillor Adilypour's call for government intervention.
Capital Programme 2024-2028
The Capital Programme report proposed an extension to 2028, with an additional £89.485m investment across various schemes aimed at delivering the council's 2030 Borough Plan ambitions, improving financial stability, and providing essential services.
Councillor Scott Ainslie raised questions about the allocation of Section 106 funding, noting that Lambeth had a significant amount of unspent funds. He called for greater transparency and fairness in the allocation process.
Councillor Matthew Bryant inquired about the number of new homes the programme would deliver, the impact of inflation, and the programme's alignment with the council's Corporate Carbon Reduction Plan.
Councillor Adilypour responded that the council had set a minimum target of 500 new social and affordable homes by 2030, with plans to increase this target as circumstances allow.
Duncan Whitfield, Lambeth's Interim Corporate Director of Finance, highlighted the underfunding of local authority housing and the challenges posed by rising borrowing costs, inflation, and government austerity measures.
The meeting concluded with Councillor Amos praising the work done to ensure the capital programme reflects the administration's priorities and contributes to the provision of vital services.
Licensing Sub-Committee - Tuesday 08 October 2024
The Licensing Sub-Committee meeting was adjourned to allow the committee time to consider material that had not been included in the agenda pack. The meeting will now take place on 24 October 2024.
The meeting was to consider an application for the review of the licence of The Swan public house on Clapham Road in Stockwell. The review was requested by the Metropolitan Police and supported by Lambeth's Licensing Authority.
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Local authorities have a statutory duty to ensure that there are enough school places for children in their area. Pupil place planning is the process of determining how many school places are needed, and where they should be located. ↩
Lambeth Council: Noise concerns prompt licence refusal for Commune Studios.
This week in Lambeth:
- The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Wednesday 25 September 2024 and refused a new premises licence for Commune Studios Limited at Arch 657 Portslade Road, due to concerns about the potential for noise nuisance and public safety.
- The Corporate Committee met on Thursday 26 September 2024 and approved the recommendations on Lambeth's compliance with the CIPFA Financial Management Code, but expressed frustration about the lack of information on Homes for Lambeth (HfL) and the number of empty homes in the borough.
Licensing Sub-Committee - Wednesday 25 September 2024
The Licensing Sub-Committee met to decide on three applications. The application by Commune Studios Limited, for a new premises licence at Arch 657 Portslade Road in Stockwell West & Larkhall Ward was refused due to concerns around public nuisance, public safety and the suitability of the dispersal arrangements. The applications by Lowman Foods Limited for a new premises licence for Slab City at 8 The Pavement, and Mr Okkes Toprak for a new premises licence for Istanbul Food Gate at 26 The High Parade were both granted.
Commune Studios Ltd - Arch 657 Portslade Road, London, SW8 3DH
This application was for a creative studio space that would operate during the week as a studio for hire, and at weekends host events. The requested hours were 6pm to 11pm on Thursday, 6pm to 3am on Friday and Saturday, and 12pm to 3pm on Sunday, with late night refreshment and recorded music until 3am on Friday and Saturday. The committee heard representations from the applicant, the Licensing Authority, and a local resident.
The Licensing Authority objected to the application on the grounds that the hours requested were outside the framework hours for the area, which are set out in Lambeth's Statement of Licensing Policy 2024-2029. The policy states that the framework hours for new premises licences in areas designated as a 'secondary town/local/district centre'1 are 11pm. The applicant argued that the designation was incorrect, as the arch was not in a town centre location, but the committee disagreed. The committee also heard concerns from a local resident about noise nuisance, public safety, and the adequacy of the dispersal arrangements, particularly given the location of the arch on a gated private business estate road with limited lighting and only one exit. The resident also questioned the advertising of the application, which they said was not displayed correctly. The Licensing Officer confirmed that the notice had been correctly displayed, as confirmed by the Licensing Act 2003 and the Premises Licence and Club Premises Certificate Regulations 2005.
The applicant explained that they had chosen the location specifically to avoid causing noise nuisance, and highlighted the substantial soundproofing measures they were implementing. They also described the robust dispersal policy they would use to ensure that customers left the premises quietly and did not cause disturbance. Despite these assurances, the committee were not satisfied that the premises could promote the licensing objectives of preventing public nuisance and public safety, and refused the application.
The refusal of this application demonstrates the importance of the framework hours set out in Lambeth's Statement of Licensing Policy and the need for applicants to consider the potential impact of their proposed activities on the local community. The committee's decision to refuse the application despite the applicant's assurances about soundproofing and dispersal arrangements shows that they are taking a robust approach to protecting residents from noise nuisance and public safety concerns.
Lowman Foods Limited - Slab City, 8 The Pavement, London, SW4 0HY
This application was for a small pizza restaurant that was seeking permission to sell alcohol on and off the premises. The Licensing Authority and the Food, Health and Safety team had both submitted representations against the application, but following negotiations with the applicant, they agreed to withdraw their objections subject to the addition of a number of conditions to the licence.
The Licensing Authority's concerns related to public nuisance and public safety, particularly given the location of the premises on a busy high street. The applicant agreed to amend their requested hours to match those recommended in Lambeth's Statement of Licensing Policy 2024-2029, and also volunteered to limit the number of customers allowed to consume alcohol on the premises to eight. These concessions satisfied the Licensing Authority's concerns.
The Food, Health and Safety team's concerns related to the lack of a toilet for customers, and the need for customers to walk through the food preparation area to access the staff toilet. The applicant argued that as their premises were predominantly takeaway, they were not required to provide a toilet for customers under BS 6465:2011+A1:2017, a code of practice for sanitary installations. However, the Food, Health and Safety team were concerned that, as the applicant was also seeking permission to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises, they could not rely on this exemption. Ultimately, the applicant agreed to limit the number of customers consuming alcohol on the premises to eight, thereby removing the need for a customer toilet. This satisfied the Food, Health and Safety team's concerns.
The committee granted the application, subject to a number of conditions. In addition to those already mentioned, the committee added a condition requiring the display of a notice asking delivery drivers to use their vehicles responsibly.
This application is a good example of how the Licensing Sub-Committee can work with applicants to find solutions that address the concerns of responsible authorities while still allowing businesses to operate. The applicant's willingness to amend their application and agree to conditions demonstrates their commitment to operating their business in a way that minimises the risk of noise nuisance and public safety concerns.
Istanbul Food Gate - 26 The High Parade Streatham High Road London W16 1EX
This application was for a supermarket at 26 The High Parade, Streatham High Road that requested permission to sell alcohol off the premises between 11am and 11pm every day. Five local residents had objected to the application, but none of them attended the meeting. The applicant agreed to a number of conditions requested by the Licensing Authority to prevent public nuisance and street drinking, and the committee granted the application.
The conditions included restrictions on the sale of high-strength beers, lagers and ciders, the sale of single cans of beer, lager or cider, and the sale of miniature bottles of spirits. The applicant's willingness to agree to these conditions demonstrated their commitment to preventing public nuisance and promoting the licensing objectives.
Corporate Committee - Thursday 26 September 2024
The Corporate Committee is a key part of Lambeth Council's governance structure. It is responsible for scrutinising the council's performance and holding the cabinet to account. The committee has a wide-ranging remit, covering everything from finance and risk management to health and safety. This week's meeting was typical of the committee's work, with discussions covering a wide range of topics, including the council's compliance with the CIPFA Financial Management Code, the Key Risk Report for Quarter 1 2024/25, and the Corporate Health and Safety Policy.
Empty Homes Action Plan
The committee were expecting an update on the number of empty homes in the borough at this meeting, and were frustrated to be told that the draft plan is still waiting for approval from the Cabinet. They highlighted the urgent need for action, given the estimated 4,000 empty homes in the borough and the ongoing housing crisis. Councillor Meldrum felt that the council's existing policy of charging a four times council tax premium on long-term empty homes didn't seem to have a desired effect
. The committee called for a ward-by-ward breakdown of empty homes to understand the full extent of the problem and agreed to add the Empty Homes Action Plan as a spotlight item for their next meeting.
The committee's frustration reflects the ongoing concerns about housing in Lambeth, which is a key issue for many residents. As this was also a topic raised by the Licensing Sub-Committee, it is clear that housing remains a key area of concern for both residents and elected members. The committee's request for a ward-by-ward breakdown of empty homes is a sensible one, as it will allow them to better understand the scale of the problem in different parts of the borough. It will be interesting to see what the Empty Homes Action Plan proposes when it is finally presented to the committee.
Housing Service Improvement and Transformation Programme
The committee also raised concerns about the lack of a housing improvement plan, which had been promised to them at their last meeting by the Chief Executive, Fiona Connolly. Councillor Meldrum was concerned that the plan had not been mentioned in the minutes of the previous meeting, and asked for this to be amended. Following a discussion about the scope of the plan, Paul Rock, Interim Assistant Director of Law & Governance, advised the committee that the relevant plan was called the Housing Service Improvement and Transformation Programme. This will be provided to the committee at their next meeting.
Councillor Meldrum also raised concerns about the lack of detail in the minutes of the committee's meetings, and asked if it would be possible to get transcripts. The Democratic Services Officer said that he would raise this with the relevant officers. This echoes Councillor Adem's concerns in the previous Licensing Sub-Committee meeting, where she questioned how the public was supposed to understand the investigation into a £170,000 procurement issue if the report was heavily redacted.
£170,000 Procurement Issue
The committee were given an update on an investigation into a £170,000 procurement issue, which had been going on for a number of months. Paul Rock advised the committee that the investigation had been completed but that the final report could not be shared with them in a public forum as it contained a lot of sensitive information. He suggested that the report be shared with the Chair in a private meeting, and that it then be shared with the committee as a whole in a subsequent private meeting.
This suggestion was challenged by Councillor Adem, who was concerned that it would not be possible for the public to scrutinise the findings of the investigation if the report was not made public. Paul Rock said that this had been attempted, but that it had proven to be impossible to redact the report in a way that would make it both readable and protect sensitive information. He added that the report could not be published in a way that would potentially cause legal implications for the council.
Councillor Adem expressed frustration that the Corporate Committee had been waiting for this information for three months, adding:
Every single item so far that we've done hasn't come to the committee and they're like months overdue. So it just, yeah, it is frustrating and it feels, yeah, I don't know.
The committee's frustration is understandable, as they are being asked to scrutinise the council's performance without being given access to all of the relevant information. The council's decision to keep the report confidential is likely due to concerns about data protection and legal liability. However, this lack of transparency is likely to damage public trust in the council. It is important that the council finds a way to balance the need for confidentiality with the need for public accountability.
Lambeth's Compliance with the CIPFA Financial Management Code
The committee discussed a report on the council's compliance with the CIPFA Financial Management Code. Rob Browning, Acting Assistant Director of Corporate Finance, presented the report and highlighted a number of areas where the council has performed well. The committee were particularly pleased to see that the council had achieved 84% green ratings in its self-assessment. However, Councillor Abrams suggested that the rating for committee governance should be downgraded from Green to Amber, as the committee has not yet recruited an independent member since the last one left a year ago.
The committee also heard a representation from Galinda Ghanivos, a member of the Residents Board at Cressingham Gardens, who criticised the amber rating for project management, saying that it should be red. Ghanivos gave the example of the Cressingham Gardens TMO project, which she said is four years behind schedule and has spent nearly £500,000 without delivering any services. Ghanivos also criticised the council's lack of an action plan for the refurbishment of empty homes on Cressingham Gardens. Browning said that the amber rating for project management was given because there was limited evidence to support a green rating, and that this was highlighted by the independent review.
The committee also discussed the challenges facing the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), and the impact of the Homes for Lambeth (HfL) transition. Councillor Warren said that she was concerned that the report did not mention the current state of the HRA or the impact of bringing HfL back in-house. Browning explained that the council is working to understand the impact of the HfL transition on the council's balance sheet, and that this is a complex process that has been delayed. He said that he understood that the committee was frustrated, but that the transition was not an easy process.
The committee's discussion of the CIPFA Financial Management Code is a reminder of the importance of sound financial management in local government. The council's good performance in its self-assessment is encouraging, but the concerns raised by Councillor Abrams and Ghanivos highlight the need for continued improvement in areas such as committee governance and project management. The ongoing challenges facing the HRA and the impact of the HfL transition are also a reminder of the complex financial environment in which local councils operate.
Key Risk Report Quarter 1
The committee received a report on the council's key risks at the end of quarter 1 2024/25. James Rimmington, Risk Manager for the Finance Directorate, explained that the report was focused on the top ten overarching risk themes, and that these risks are subject to regular monitoring and review.
The committee raised a number of questions about the risks identified in the report. Councillor Adem asked about the likely impact of the high risk rating given to the financial planning risk. Browning explained that this risk is largely driven by temporary accommodation, social care costs, and inflation. Councillor Abrams said that it was scary
that the council is looking to restrict its spending, as this could be seen as cuts to services. She also reiterated her frustration about the lack of information about HfL.
Councillor Meldrum asked for the names of the risk holders to be included in the report, saying:
we have not got an organisation chart, I don't know who all these people are, bring some names please.
Rimmington said that he was not sure if he could share names due to the public nature of the report.
The committee's discussion of the Key Risk Report is a reminder of the importance of risk management in local government. The risks identified in the report are significant, and the council needs to ensure that it has robust plans in place to mitigate them. The committee's request for the names of the risk holders to be included in the report is a reasonable one, as it would increase accountability and transparency. The council should consider whether it can share this information without compromising data protection or legal liability.
Corporate Health and Safety Policy
The committee discussed the Corporate Health and Safety Policy. Alexis Correa, Head of Corporate Health & Safety, introduced the report and explained that it aims to build on the council's existing work in improving health and safety management systems.
Councillor Meldrum asked about the impact of the previous version of the policy, and how many health and safety incidents had been recorded. Correa said that he did not have this data but would bring it to the next meeting.
Councillor Meldrum also asked about how the policy addressed the safety of council staff who are often subject to abuse from residents, particularly given that residents can find out their personal details on social media. Correa explained that the council is developing a policy on violence and aggression towards staff and that it is looking to implement a system to track incidents and take action against residents who abuse staff.
Councillor Meldrum also asked about how the council is protecting its staff who are working from home. She said that there is no mention of working from home in the report, and that this is a growing area that needs to be addressed. Richard Lebrun, Assistant Director of Public Protection, Insurance & Regulatory Services, said that the council is constantly reviewing its policies on lone working and violence and aggression, and that Correa is working on a policy that covers both.
Councillor Abrams said that she was encouraged to see a number of mentions of trade unions in the report, and that she would like to extend an invitation to the trade union health and safety representatives to attend future meetings of the committee.
Councillor Byrant asked about the financial implications of the policy, as the report states that there are no financial implications but also outlines a need for additional resources to be allocated. Correa explained that there are no additional costs envisaged, and that the costs of recruiting for the schools health and safety adviser role should be covered by the income generated by the service level agreement for schools.
Councillor Byrant asked if the costs of increasing capacity in the Corporate Health & Safety Team had been factored into the council's budget. Correa said that he did not know but that any team would need to grow to meet demand.
Councillor Meldrum said that she felt the policy did not adequately address the issue of stress that council staff are under and that the next version of the policy should take into account the external pressures that staff are under.
Lebrun said that he was happy to bring a list of all of the council's corporate health and safety policies to the next meeting of the committee.
The Corporate Committee's discussion of the Corporate Health and Safety Policy is a reminder of the importance of protecting the health and safety of council staff. The committee's concerns about the impact of social media on staff safety are particularly relevant, as this is a growing issue for many organisations. The council's commitment to developing a policy on violence and aggression towards staff is welcome, but it is important that this policy is robust and effective. The council should also ensure that it is doing everything it can to protect the health and safety of its staff who are working from home.
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'Secondary town/local/district centres' are designated areas in Lambeth's local plan that are intended to provide a range of services and facilities to the local community. They are typically located in areas with good transport links and a mix of residential and commercial uses. ↩
Licensing Decisions: Summer Sizzle Refused, Melody Food Extended Hours Approved
In the last 7 days (since Saturday 08 June 2024), the council has held the following meetings:
- Cabinet on Monday 10 June 2024
- Licensing Sub-Committee on Thursday 13 June 2024
Cabinet
The Cabinet meeting scheduled for Monday 10 June 2024 was cancelled. No further details are available.
Licensing Sub-Committee
The Licensing Sub-Committee meeting on Thursday 13 June 2024 was particularly significant, with two major licensing applications discussed: the Summer Sizzle event at Norwood Park and the application from Melody Food Limited.
Summer Sizzle Event at Norwood Park
The committee reviewed an application for a time-limited event by Global Entertainment Limited at Norwood Park. The event, named Summer Sizzle, was proposed to include live music, recorded music, and the sale of alcohol from 13:00 to 21:00 on Saturday, 27 July 2024. The application faced 25 representations against it, including objections from the Licensing Authority, the Metropolitan Police, the Food Health and Safety Department, and 22 members of the public.
Key Concerns and Discussions
- Public Safety and Noise: Matthew Onokoya from the Public Protection Noise Department highlighted the lack of a background noise report and noise assessment, which are crucial for ensuring that the event does not negatively impact nearby residents.
- Event Management: The applicant, Mr Ramon Roper, expressed frustration with the guidance received from Lambeth's events team, stating that he felt misled about the suitability of Norwood Park as a venue.
- Community Impact: Councillor Rebecca Spencer and local residents, including Francis Bernstein and Ellie Brown, raised concerns about the event's impact on the residential area, including noise, accessibility for emergency services, and the park's suitability for such a large event.
Decision
The committee decided to refuse the application, citing concerns about public safety, noise, and the lack of necessary permissions and documentation. The decision was influenced by the absence of a Safety Advisory Group (SAG) review and the potential for significant disruption to the local community.
For more details, refer to the Summer Sizzle Report and Annex B - Summer Sizzle representations.
Melody Food Limited
Melody Food Limited sought to extend its operating hours and the hours for the sale of alcohol at its premises. The application proposed extending the sale of alcohol from 1 AM to 3 AM and the opening hours from 1:30 AM to 3 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Key Concerns and Discussions
- Public Nuisance and Crime: The Metropolitan Police, represented by PC Dave Watson, and the Licensing Authority, represented by Pamela Riley, raised concerns about the potential for increased public nuisance and crime due to the extended hours.
- Applicant's Response: Stephen Banks, representing Melody Food Limited, argued that the extension was necessary to meet customer demand and highlighted the presence of nearby nightclubs and late-night food outlets, which already attract significant foot traffic.
Decision
The committee decided to grant the application with conditions to ensure the promotion of the licensing objectives, particularly concerning public nuisance and crime prevention. Specific conditions included the implementation of a noise management plan and the presence of security personnel during the extended hours.
For more details, refer to the Melody Report and Annex B - Representations Melody Var App.
The meeting concluded with the committee's decisions being communicated to the applicants and interested parties.
This week's meetings highlight the council's ongoing efforts to manage public events responsibly and balance community needs with business interests.
Lambeth Council Approves Key Developments: Temporary Campus and Waterloo Undercrofts
In the last 7 days (since Saturday 01 June 2024), the council has held the following meetings:
- Planning Applications Committee on Tuesday 04 June 2024
Planning Applications Committee
The Planning Applications Committee meeting on Tuesday 04 June 2024 was significant, focusing on two major applications: the temporary campus for Lambeth College and the use of the Waterloo undercrofts.
Lambeth College Temporary Campus
The committee approved the application for a temporary campus at Lambeth College's Clapham site. This decision allows the college to continue its educational activities while the main campus undergoes redevelopment. Key points discussed included:
- Temporary Buildings: Two three-storey modular buildings will be erected to serve as the temporary campus for a period of two academic years.
- Public Consultation: Three objections were received, mainly concerning daylight, sunlight, privacy, noise, and light pollution. However, the committee concluded that the temporary nature of the buildings and the measures in place would mitigate these concerns.
- Educational Continuity: The temporary campus ensures that there is no disruption to the educational services provided by Lambeth College during the redevelopment phase.
Luke Butler, Planning Director at London Realty, emphasized the importance of this project:
This temporary campus will allow education to continue on site and therefore benefit the young people of Lambeth.
Waterloo Undercrofts
The committee also approved the application for the temporary use of the Waterloo undercrofts for food and beverage areas, an event space, and associated facilities. This approval is for a period of up to 10 years. Key points included:
- Public Realm Improvements: The project will significantly enhance the pedestrian environment around the IMAX roundabout, making it safer and more welcoming.
- Heritage Considerations: The site lies partly within the Waterloo and South Bank conservation areas. The committee found that the proposed use would not harm these heritage assets and would, in fact, provide public benefits.
- Operational Management: Conditions were set to ensure the site is managed effectively, including the installation of public toilets and improved lighting.
The committee's decision reflects a broader strategy to utilize underused spaces for community and commercial benefits while ensuring that heritage and environmental considerations are addressed.
Implications
These approvals underscore the council's commitment to balancing development with community needs and environmental sustainability. The temporary campus at Lambeth College ensures educational continuity, while the Waterloo undercrofts project enhances public safety and usability in a historically significant area.
This week's meetings highlight the council's proactive approach to managing urban development and public amenities.
New Leadership, Autism Strategy, and Mental Health Initiatives: Key Highlights from Lambeth Council Meetings
In the last 7 days (since Saturday 11 May 2024), the council has held the following meetings:
- Pensions Board on Wednesday 15 May 2024
- Cabinet on Thursday 16 May 2024
- Health and Wellbeing Board on Thursday 16 May 2024
Pensions Board
The Pensions Board meeting on Wednesday 15 May 2024 covered several key topics, including the election of a new chair, performance reports, and updates on contracts and investments.
Election of New Chair
Councillor Sri was elected as the chair for the Pensions Board for 2024-25 without any objections. This leadership change sets the stage for the board's activities in the coming year.
Performance Report and Actuarial Services
Saul Amuco, Acting Head of Treasury and Pensions, and Linda D'Souza provided updates on the business plan tracker and the performance report for January to March 2024. There were no significant updates reported.
A major focus was the actuarial services contract. Due to staffing issues between procurement and finance, a dedicated officer from procurement has been assigned to restart the retender process, with an expected completion date of October 2024. Councillor Bryant requested an update at the next meeting.
Climate Change Report and Investment Performance
Linda D'Souza noted that the fund's exposure to Israel and Palestine was minimal and indirect, amounting to less than 0.5% of the total fund value. The fund managers are in constant communication to avoid investing in that area.
Saul Amuco reported that the fund's market value increased by about 1.3%, or roughly £21.7 million, over the previous quarter. However, the fund was slightly below the benchmark by 0.1%. The funding level at the end of December was 110%, a slight drop from the previous quarter's 118%.
Councillor Bryant inquired about the London CIV UK Housing Fund, which aims to generate funds for building new houses and meeting social housing needs. Saul Amuco confirmed that the fund is operational, with about £6 million currently invested.
Health and Wellbeing Board
The Health and Wellbeing Board meeting on Thursday 16 May 2024 focused on health and wellbeing initiatives, with significant discussions on autism strategy, mental health support, and community engagement.
Autism Strategy
Michelle Homer presented the Lambeth All-Age Autism Strategy, co-produced with various stakeholders, including autistic individuals and their families. The strategy includes a three-year action plan focusing on raising awareness, enhancing inclusion, and continuous improvement. Concerns were raised about long waiting times for autism assessments, a national issue.
Mental Health Support Teams (MHST)
Rosalie South Palmer and her team discussed the MHST program, which supports early mental health and wellbeing in schools. The program has expanded to 28 schools and aims to reach more by 2025. They provide one-to-one interventions, whole school approach work, and support positive mental health across the school community.
Impact on Urban Health
Yuli Kanihos and her team from Impact on Urban Health discussed their investments in children's mental health in Lambeth and Southwark. They focus on creating nurturing environments in schools and communities and improving statutory provision. Examples of funded projects include evaluations of the Nest in Southwark and the Well Centre in Lambeth.
Health and Wellbeing Strategy Implementation
The progress report on the Health and Wellbeing Strategy emphasized the importance of community engagement and sustainability of programs. The Health and Wellbeing Board's annual report was introduced, summarizing the work done over the past year and will be presented at the full council meeting.
Cabinet
The Cabinet meeting on Thursday 16 May 2024 had a blank transcript, so no details are available at this time.
This week’s meetings highlight the council’s ongoing efforts to manage pension funds responsibly, improve health and wellbeing services, and engage with the community to address pressing issues.
Permanent London Eye and Vauxhall Campus Redevelopment: Key Decisions from Lambeth Council
In the last 7 days (since Saturday 04 May 2024), the council has held the following meetings:
- Planning Applications Committee on Tuesday 07 May 2024
- Lambeth Together Care Partnership (formerly Lambeth Together Strategic Board) on Thursday 09 May 2024
- Licensing Sub-Committee on Thursday 09 May 2024
- Licensing Sub-Committee on Thursday 09 May 2024
Planning Applications Committee
The Planning Applications Committee meeting on Tuesday 07 May 2024 was particularly impactful. Two major applications were discussed and approved: the permanent retention of the London Eye and the reserved matters for Block B of Lambeth College's Vauxhall campus.
London Eye
The committee resolved to approve the permanent retention of the London Eye. This decision follows the original planning permission granted in 2003, which included a condition requiring the council to reassess the acceptability of the London Eye after 20 years. The key points discussed included:
- The economic and social benefits of the London Eye, which has generated significant revenue and employment.
- The environmental impact, with the Environment Agency raising concerns about future flood defenses. The committee addressed this by including a condition to ensure the London Eye's structure would not impede future flood defense works.
- The ongoing financial contributions from the London Eye, which have supported local public realm improvements and community projects.
Councillor Joanne Simpson, Chair of the committee, summarized the decision:
The London Eye has more than proved itself over the past 20 years. Tonight we have the opportunity to secure its permanent future and all the benefits it brings.
Lambeth College's Vauxhall Campus
The committee also approved the reserved matters for Block B of Lambeth College's Vauxhall campus. This approval is part of a larger redevelopment plan for the site, which includes multiple buildings. The reserved matters focused on the layout, scale, and appearance of Block B. Key points included:
- Compliance with the design code established in the hybrid planning permission granted in 2021.
- The building's height and scale, which are within the approved parameters.
- The provision of cycle parking and the overall layout, which were deemed appropriate for the educational campus.
The committee was satisfied that the proposed design met all necessary criteria and would contribute positively to the campus and surrounding area.
Other Meetings
The Lambeth Together Care Partnership and two Licensing Sub-Committee meetings were also held on Thursday 09 May 2024. However, the transcripts for these meetings are not yet available.
This week’s decisions highlight the council’s ongoing efforts to balance development with community benefits and environmental considerations.
Recent meetings
Standards Committee - Thursday 21 November 2024 6.00 pm
This meeting has been cancelled.
Planning Applications Committee - Tuesday 19 November 2024 7.00 pm
The Planning Applications Committee will be considering two applications at this meeting, one for a large mixed-use co-living scheme with industrial units in Loughborough Junction, and the other for an application to vary the conditions on a consented scheme for a residential-led, mixed-use development on Wyvil Road in Oval.
Appointments Committee - Thursday 14 November 2024 3.00 pm
We couldn't generate a summary for this meeting. Please check back later.
Lambeth Together Care Partnership (formerly Lambeth Together Strategic Board) - Thursday 7 November 2024 1.00 pm
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Licensing Sub-Committee - Thursday 7 November 2024 7.00 pm
The Licensing Sub-Committee met to consider two applications for new premises licenses: one for La Surena, a restaurant at 30-30A Brixton Station Road, and another for a late bar at the Basement Hyatt Regency, 10 Albert Embankment. Both applications were granted after the applicants agreed to amend their proposed hours.
Corporate Parenting Board - Wednesday 6 November 2024 6.00 pm
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Pensions Board - Wednesday 6 November 2024 6.30 pm
The meeting began with a discussion of recent data breaches, approved the recommendations on the Risk Register, and then discussed the investment performance of the Lambeth Pension Fund, noting its underperformance.
Adult Social Care and Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee - Tuesday 5 November 2024 7.00 pm
The Sub-Committee considered three reports, and reviewed the current work programme. They made recommendations to write to the Home Office to request additional funding for sanctuary seekers and to provide more information about its plans to accommodate asylum seekers in Lambeth. They also made recommendations for the Housing Scrutiny Sub-Committee on the Healthy Homes Partnership, and requested that it review its powers to make the pledges made by contractors mandatory. The Sub-Committee noted the work being done to prepare for an inspection by the Care Quality Commission.
Cabinet - Monday 4 November 2024 5.00 pm
The meeting decided to proceed with the next phase of selective licensing for landlords, despite some concerns from Councillors about the timing of the decision. This means that landlords of private rented properties in 19 wards in Lambeth will require a licence from July 2025. Separately, the meeting also agreed a series of measures aimed at reducing the number of primary school places in the borough, including the closure of two schools and two amalgamations.
Planning Applications Committee - Tuesday 29 October 2024 7.00 pm
The Planning Applications Committee resolved to grant planning permission to the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) for the demolition of the existing buildings at 7 Glasshouse Walk and construction of a part 6/part 8/part 10 storey building, subject to planning obligations being secured in a Section 106 legal agreement and conditions. The building will contain a Social Sciences incubator space, light industrial space and halls of residence, with 35% of the student rooms being let at the London Plan definition of an 'affordable rent'.[^1]