This week in Lambeth:

Council Grapples with Housing Repairs, Call Centre Overhaul, and Homelessness Strategy

The Housing Scrutiny Sub-Committee tackled critical issues this week, including the state of council housing, a new call centre model, and strategies to combat homelessness. You can review the meeting details here. The discussions highlighted the tension between ambitious goals and financial constraints, with committee members pushing for greater transparency and resident involvement.

£2.6 Billion Needed for Housing Repairs

The committee heard that a recent stock condition survey revealed a staggering £2.6 billion is needed over the next 30 years to maintain council properties to regulatory standards and meet net-zero ambitions.

• Fire Safety First: Deputy Leader of Housing, Investment and New Homes, Councillor Danial Adilypour, emphasized that fire safety remains the council's top priority, with ongoing replacement of dangerous cladding.
• Decent Homes Deficit: Despite significant investment, 22% of council homes still don't meet decent home standards, with issues ranging from failing windows to outdated kitchens.
• Transparency Plea: Councillor Nicole Griffiths urged the council to be upfront with tenants about what repairs can realistically be afforded, given the financial limitations.
• Housing Association Route: The committee recommended a clearer pathway for residents to apply to housing associations as an alternative to council housing.

Bringing Call Centre In-House: Ambitious Plans, Potential Risks

Lambeth is planning to bring its call centre services in-house by 2026, when the current contract with Capita ¹ ends.

• Manifesto Commitment: Councillor Fred Cowell, Cabinet Member for Digital, Data and Resident Experience, said the move aligns with a Labour manifesto pledge to prioritize in-sourcing housing services.
• Redundancy Concerns: A key risk identified is potential redundancy costs, depending on whether the new call centre is fully virtual, hybrid, or based in a physical location.
• First-Call Resolution: The council aims to reduce call volume by resolving more issues on the first call, with success measured by an organic and natural reduction in calls.
• Career Progression: Councillor Timothy Windle highlighted the opportunity to create career paths within the call centre, potentially leading to roles as housing officers.
• Six-Month Check-In: The committee requested a progress update in six months, including key performance indicators (KPIs) and workforce structure details.

Tackling Homelessness: Collaboration and Data Key

The committee discussed Lambeth's homelessness strategy, focused on prevention, accommodation, and data improvement.

• Rough Sleeping Reduction: The council reported a 29% decrease in rough sleepers and a slight decline in households requiring temporary accommodation.
• Partner Praises: Representatives from Thames Reach and Centre Point praised Lambeth's commitment to addressing homelessness, particularly its youth homelessness pathway.
• Grassroots Disconnect: Councillor Griffiths expressed concern about a disconnect between council services and grassroots groups, who often lack information and resources.
• Single Parent Support: Councillor Dominic Armstrong inquired about support for single-parent families in temporary accommodation and efforts to identify hidden homelessness among women.
• Temporary Isn't Home: Councillor Griffiths voiced concern about families with children living in single rooms in shared accommodation, questioning why temporary accommodation isn't treated as a settled home.

Pensions Board Reviews Performance, Debates Investment Ethics

The Pensions Board met to review investment performance, risk management, and the implications of government consultations on the future of local government pension schemes. You can review the meeting details here. The board grappled with issues of underperformance, ethical investment, and the impact of government policy on local control.

• Underperforming Investments: The fund underperformed against its benchmark by 1.3% in the first quarter of 2025, driven by losses in global equity, emerging market equity, and UK Private Rented Sector (PRS) funds.
• Reputational Risk: The board discussed increasing the risk score for investments in companies engaged in activities in the occupied Palestinian territories, reflecting concerns about potential reputational damage.
• Government Influence: Members expressed concern about potential political pressure to divert funds to the UK economy, questioning how governance structures would protect against negative growth.
• Ethical Concerns: A board member raised concerns about the fund's investment in fossil fuels through NatWest, urging a shift towards more ethical investments.
• Training Gaps: Concerns were raised about insufficient knowledge of LGPS legislation, prompting discussion of ongoing training and a governance review.

Highways and Housing Dominate Overview and Scrutiny

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee tackled two major issues this week: the condition of Lambeth's highways and pavements, and the management and investment in council housing. You can review the meeting details here. The meeting highlighted the challenges of balancing limited resources with pressing needs and the importance of resident engagement in decision-making.

Potholes and Pavement Peril: Residents Demand Action

The committee heard from residents about the dangerous state of Lambeth's roads and pavements, with concerns ranging from trip hazards to speeding cars.

• Resident Injury: Jamie Leask shared the story of his wife, who fractured her wrist after tripping on a wire protruding from the pavement, highlighting the real-world consequences of neglected infrastructure.
• Prioritization Problems: Councillor Liz Atkins, Chair of Overview and Scrutiny, questioned whether the council's prioritization scoring system adequately considers resident concerns, particularly on minor roads.
• Lack of Transparency: Residents criticized the lack of communication and follow-up after reporting damaged roads and pavements.
• Committee Recommendations: The committee recommended that the council prioritize resident-identified problems, provide greater clarity on its methodology, and ensure a transparent reporting process.

Housing Disposals: Balancing Finances and Resident Needs

The committee also discussed the council's proposed asset management framework and disposals policy, aimed at generating funds for housing investment.

• Financial Pressures: Councillor Danny Adilypour, Deputy Leader for Housing Investment Homes, explained that the council faces significant financial challenges in its housing revenue account due to past government decisions.
• Disposal Rationale: The council plans to dispose of land and untenanted properties that are uneconomic to develop or invest in, using the proceeds to improve existing homes.
• Resident Concerns: Sabine Mary, Chair of Central Estate Residents Association, criticized the mismanagement of her estate and the lack of repairs and insulation.
• Transparency Plea: Councillor Griffiths requested clarity on how the £13.7 million from the initial tranche of disposals would be used and questioned the valuation process.
• Committee Recommendations: The committee emphasized the need to secure the best possible price for assets, consult with local residents, and ensure transparency throughout the disposal process.

Upcoming Meetings

Stay informed about future discussions and decisions:

• The Planning Applications Committee will meet on Tuesday 29 July 2025 to discuss planning applications. See the full agenda here.
• The Pensions Committee will meet on Wednesday 30 July 2025 to discuss pension-related matters. See the full agenda here.

This week in Lambeth:

Quick Stop Alcohol Licence Approved Amid Public Health Concerns

The Licensing Sub-Committee approved an application to extend the hours for alcohol sales at Quick Stop, a convenience store located at 14 Acre Lane, to 3:00 AM. You can review the meeting details here. This decision, made despite objections from public health officials and the licensing authority, has sparked debate about balancing economic viability with community well-being and public safety.

• Economic Lifeline: Gary Grant, representing the applicant, argued that the extended hours were crucial for the store's economic survival and the jobs it provides, catering to shift workers and emergency personnel seeking to purchase groceries, food, and alcohol after midnight.
  • The economic viability of this convenience store and the jobs depend on your decision, Grant stated.
• Community Support: A petition with 38 signatures from local residents and workers supported the application, highlighting the community's desire for the convenience store to meet their needs.
• Public Health Objections: Matthew Andrews, representing public health, voiced concerns about the increased risk of public nuisance and threats to public safety, citing the store's proximity to vulnerable populations, including rough sleepers, individuals with substance misuse issues, and residents of nearby supported housing.
  • The extended hours of selling alcohol during unsociable hours is likely to lead to increased access to alcohol by these people, Andrews stated, referencing a statement from Riverside supported housing.
• Compromise Conditions: The sub-committee approved the application with several conditions, including a ban on selling super-strength beers, lagers, and ciders above 6% ABV[^4], a prohibition on selling miniature bottles of spirits, a requirement for staff training on age-restricted sales and refusal of sales to intoxicated individuals, and a mandate for at least two staff members on duty after 11:00 PM. [^4]: Alcohol by volume
• SIA Door Staff: The sub-committee also stipulated that SIA[^2] registered door staff be deployed at the premises subject to a risk assessment carried out by the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS)[^3]. [^2]: The Security Industry Authority [^3]: Designated Premises Supervisor
• Deferred Decision: A decision on a new premises license for Jungle Bar, located at 133 Stockwell Road, was deferred due to discrepancies in the application and late submission of relevant information.

Council Discusses Housing, Policing, and Accessibility

Lambeth Council was scheduled to meet to discuss a range of topics, including housing, policing, and accessibility. You can review the meeting details here. Councillors were expected to answer questions and debate motions on issues of local and national importance.

• Awaab's Law: Councillor Donna Harris, a Liberal Democrat Councillor, planned to ask Councillor Danial Adilypour, Deputy Leader of the Council (Housing, Investment, & New Homes), about Lambeth Council's plans to meet its responsibilities under Awaab's Law[^1]. [^1]: Awaab's Law is a piece of legislation that is expected to come into force in Autumn 2025. It is designed to protect tenants from health hazards in social housing, particularly damp and mould. It is named after Awaab Ishak, a two-year-old boy who died in December 2020 from a respiratory condition caused by prolonged exposure to mould in his family's flat.
• School Policing: Councillor Sarah Cole, a Labour Councillor, planned to ask Councillor Mahamed Hashi, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, for an update on the restructuring of policing for schools.
• Accessibility Study: Councillor Paul Valentine, a Green Party Councillor, planned to ask Councillor Rezina Chowdhury if there are plans to perform an Accessibility Feasibility Study for Loughborough Junction Station.
• Motions: The council was scheduled to debate motions on responding to the Supreme Court judgment on sex and gender, tackling child poverty in Lambeth, opposing cuts to disability benefit payments, and celebrating Pride in Lambeth.
• Reports: The council was scheduled to consider reports on the allocation of seats to political groups, the council's constitution, the use of special urgency in respect of key decisions, and annual reports from various committees.

Upcoming Meetings

Stay informed about future discussions and decisions:

• The Housing Scrutiny Sub-Committee will meet on Monday 21 July 2025 to discuss the condition of housing stock and repairs strategy, proposals for a new call centre model, and the homelessness strategy. See the full agenda here.
• The Overview and Scrutiny Committee will meet on Tuesday 22 July 2025 to discuss the condition of the borough's highways and pavements, and how the council manages and invests in its housing stock and estates. See the full agenda here.
• The Pensions Board will meet on Wednesday 23 July 2025 to discuss pension administration performance, risk management, investment performance, and the implications of the government's consultation on the future of local government pension schemes. See the full agenda here.
• The Corporate Committee will meet on Thursday 24 July 2025 to discuss the effectiveness of the committee itself, financial matters, audit reports, and emergency planning. See the full agenda here.
• The Planning Applications Committee will meet on Tuesday 29 July 2025 to discuss planning applications. See the full agenda here.
• The Pensions Committee will meet on Wednesday 30 July 2025 to discuss pension-related matters. See the full agenda here.

This week in Lambeth:

SEND Strategy Aims for Inclusivity Amid Caseload Concerns

The Children's Services Scrutiny Sub-Committee met to discuss the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) and Alternative Provision strategy, elective home education, and to receive an Ofsted update. You can review the meeting details here. The new SEND and Alternative Provision Strategy for 2025-2030 aims to improve outcomes for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, but concerns were raised about managing SEND caseloads and the impact of potential funding reductions.

• Co-Production Focus: The strategy was co-produced with schools, parents, families, and young people, and informed by a Local Government Association (LGA) peer review in November 2023.
• Youth Voice Amplified: Lulu Pinky, Send Youth Coordinator, highlighted the Send and General Inspectors Programme, a paid opportunity for young people to review local services and suggest improvements.
• Transition Challenges: Councillor Dominic Armstrong asked about plans for transitions between different stages of education. Sophie Garner, Interim Director of Education and Learning, explained that the strategy prioritises smooth transitions between early years, primary, secondary, and post-16 settings.
• Caseload Concerns: Karen Chamberlain, Head Teacher of Lilian Baylis Technology School, noted the increase in EHCPs at her school and the importance of identifying and meeting needs to prevent children from falling through the gaps. She also raised concerns about the volume of work involved in EHCP consultations and the impact of potential funding reductions.
  • Each consultation probably takes about three to four hours at least of time, reading all the documentation, looking at the provision, looking at the costings, putting something together, having it all checked by the team, Chamberlain said.
• Funding Worries: Chamberlain expressed concern about the new white paper and the idea that the blame of local authorities having crises in budgets is the result of having children with EHCPs.

Elective Home Education Scrutinized for Safeguarding

The committee also discussed a report on elective home education (EHE), where parents choose to educate their children at home instead of sending them to school.

• Safeguarding Balance: Councillor Ben Kind, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families, noted the balance between parental rights, safeguarding, and educational quality.
• Transition Support: Sophie Garner explained that the council's focus is on supporting families to transition back into mainstream education, as children are more vulnerable when electively home educated.
• Register Preparations: Councillor Bryant asked about preparations for the implementation of the Children's Wellbeing and School Bill, which will introduce compulsory Children Not in School registers. Garner responded that the council has had recent meetings with the Department for Education (DfE) and is aware that the new register will be enforceable.

Standards Committee Tackles Councillor Conduct and Training

The Lambeth Council Standards Committee met to discuss member training and development, complaints, and standards updates. You can review the meeting details here. The committee agreed to note the progress of the Member Learning Development Programme and provide suggestions for future focus areas. They also discussed induction arrangements and the role of the Member Learning and Development Working Group.

• Training Attendance: Attendance at training sessions was noted as relatively low, despite efforts to accommodate members' schedules. Officers are working with colleagues to schedule compulsory training for those who have not yet completed the sessions.
• Skills vs. Knowledge: Councillor Jackie Meldrum emphasised the importance of skills training, alongside knowledge-based sessions, and suggested that evaluations should be conducted after each session to gather feedback.
  • What people really want, some skills training as well as the knowledge stuff, Meldrum said. Because the knowledge is quite, don't speak in and out, but skills is something you practice.
• Member Inquiries: Councillor Meldrum raised concerns about councillors needing help with member inquiries from day one, suggesting a pack on how to deal with basic inquiries.
• Complaints Increase: Andrew Pavlou, Principal Lawyer Governance, presented the Annual Member Complaints Report, which provided an update on the number and nature of complaints against councillors from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025. During this period, the Monitoring Officer received nine complaints, an increase of four from the previous year.
• Government Reform: Raymond Prince, Director of Legal and Governance and Monitoring Officer, presented the Standards Update, which included a proposal from the government to reform the local government standards regime. The government considers the current regime ineffectual and lacking adequate powers to sanction members found in serious breach of their codes of conduct.

Adult Social Care Savings and Sexual Health Strategy on the Agenda

The Adult Social Care and Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee was scheduled to meet on 10 July 2025 to discuss a range of topics.

• Sexual Health Strategy: The Sub-Committee was scheduled to review and provide feedback on the draft Lambeth Southwark Lewisham Bexley and Bromley Sexual and Reproductive Health and HIV Strategy (2025-2030). The strategy addresses sexual and reproductive health inequalities, and aims to provide accessible services to all.
• Substance Misuse Support: The Sub-Committee was scheduled to discuss substance misuse support services and the Combating Drugs Partnership, including support for young people and additional funding from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID).
• Adult Social Care Savings: The Sub-Committee was scheduled to review the Medium-Term Financial Savings (MTFS) programmes in Adult Social Care for 2025-26 and savings achieved to date. The report pack details the achieved MTFS savings in 2023-24 and 2024-25 and notes the financial outturn on each of these savings' areas in each respective financial year.
• Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment: The Sub-Committee was scheduled to receive information on the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA).

Upcoming Meetings

Stay informed about future discussions and decisions:

• The Licensing Sub-Committee will meet on Thursday 17 July 2025 to discuss a new premises licence application for Jungle Bar and a variation to the existing premises licence for Quick Stop. See the full agenda here.
• The Council will meet on Wednesday 16 July 2025. See the full agenda here.
• The Housing Scrutiny Sub-Committee will meet on Monday 21 July 2025. See the full agenda here.
• The Overview and Scrutiny Committee will meet on Tuesday 22 July 2025. See the full agenda here.
• The Pensions Board will meet on Wednesday 23 July 2025. See the full agenda here.
• The Corporate Committee will meet on Thursday 24 July 2025. See the full agenda here.

This week in Lambeth:

Vauxhall Student Housing Sparks Heritage Concerns

The Planning Applications Committee (PAC) convened to discuss several planning applications, with a major focus on the redevelopment of 36-46 Albert Embankment for student accommodation. You can review the meeting details here. The proposal, involving the demolition of a petrol station and construction of two linked towers, has drawn scrutiny due to its potential impact on the Westminster World Heritage Site¹.

• Student Housing Boom: The development aims to provide 769 student rooms with 897 beds, along with a cafe, flexible incubator space, and refurbishment of Vintage House for office use.
• Affordability Compromise: Initially proposing 35% affordable student accommodation, the applicant revised this to 20% and an £8.02 million payment in lieu (PiL) to support conventional affordable housing. This shift raises questions about whether the needs of students from lower-income backgrounds are being adequately prioritised.
• Heritage at Risk? The Greater London Authority (GLA) and Historic England have voiced concerns about potential harm to the Westminster World Heritage Site due to the development's scale. This highlights the tension between development and preserving Lambeth's historical character.
• Green Ambitions: The applicant is aiming for Passivhaus² certification and a BREEAM³ rating of Outstanding for the student accommodation, showcasing a commitment to sustainability.

Alcohol Licence for Walcot Stores Faces Resident Pushback

The Licensing Sub-Committee met to consider a new premises licence application for Walcot Stores, located at 68 Walcot Square in Kennington. You can review the meeting details here. The application has received significant opposition from local residents, raising concerns about public nuisance and safety.

• Revised Hours: In response to concerns, the applicant, Emily Youngs, revised the proposed operating hours to 11:00 to 16:00, Sunday to Wednesday, and 11:00 to 20:30, Thursday to Saturday.
• Community Split: While 20 objections cited concerns over public nuisance, public safety, and crime and disorder, eleven representations supported the application. This division underscores the challenges of balancing business interests with community well-being.
• Licensing Policy: The Lambeth Statement of Licensing Policy 2024 - 2029 categorises the premises as a restaurant/café in a local centre/shopping parade, recommending a terminal hour of midnight on Sunday to Thursday and 01:00 on Friday and Saturday.

Supercute Licence Extension Sparks Noise Concerns

The sub-committee also considered an application to vary the premises licence for Supercute, located at Unit G1, Coldharbour Works, 245a Coldharbour Lane. You can review the meeting details here. The application seeks to extend permitted hours and use the courtyard for licensable activities, leading to concerns about public nuisance.

• Community Division: The application received 48 representations, with 26 supporting and 22 objecting. This split highlights the challenges of balancing business interests with community well-being.
• Licensing Authority Concerns: Lambeth Council's Licensing Authority raised concerns that the application may fail to promote the licensing objectives, potentially leading to increased public nuisance and anti-social behaviour.
• Noise Management: The applicant, Hammant Patel Villa, submitted a noise management plan, stating the business is invested in Brixton's and Loughborough Junctions cultural and economic vitality.

Lambeth Together Focuses on Integrated Neighbourhood Teams

The Lambeth Together Care Partnership Board convened to discuss updates on key developments in Lambeth's health and care services, including the development of integrated neighbourhood teams. You can review the meeting details here.

• Integrator Model: The board was asked to ratify the Lambeth Integrator Model, a partnership between Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust (GSTT) and the Lambeth General Practice Provider Alliance (LGPPA).
• Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INT): The Lambeth INT Delivery Plan for July to December 2025 outlines the development of integrated neighbourhood teams in Lambeth's five neighbourhoods.
• Ageing Well Framework: The South East London (SEL) Ageing Well Framework, developed as part of the ongoing development of integrated neighbourhood teams, was also up for discussion. The framework aims to improve partnership working and deliver proactive care closer to home, reducing inequalities and improving overall health outcomes.

School Merger Approved Amid Falling Pupil Numbers

At a meeting of Lambeth Council's cabinet, councillors voted to merge St Bede's Catholic Infant and Nursery School with St Bernadette Catholic Junior School. You can review the meeting details here. St Bernadette Catholic Junior School will close, and St Bede's Catholic Infant and Nursery School will extend its age range to take on the junior school's pupils.

• Financial Pressures: This decision was made in response to falling birth rates and declining pupil numbers in Lambeth, which have put financial pressure on schools.
• Seamless Transition: Sophie Garner, an officer, clarified that the merger would mean less transition points for vulnerable children with special educational needs and disabilities.
• Site Usage: Councillor Donatus Anyanwu, cabinet member for stronger communities, asked about the relationship with La Retraite Roman Catholic Girls' School going forward and what the vacant space would be used for. Eva Ostrinska, headteacher of both schools, responded that most of their girls go to La Retraite when they transition from year six to year seven, and that they did not know what would happen to the site, as that was up to the diocese.

Lambeth Growth Plan Approved

The cabinet voted to approve and adopt the Lambeth Growth Plan, outlining the council's economic development priorities for the next 10 years. You can review the meeting details here.

• Inclusive Growth: Councillor Claire Holland, Leader of the Council, said that the plan was about bringing about and continuing to develop inclusive growth within the borough to ensure that everyone can contribute to and benefit from that growth.
• Affordable Housing Concerns: Councillor Scott Ainslie, a Green Party councillor, criticised the council for undershooting its targets on social homes.
• Town Centre Focus: Councillor Fred Cowell, cabinet member for digital, data and resident experience, said that he was pleased to see the South Borough town centres being given attention in the report.

Upcoming Meetings

Stay informed about future discussions and decisions:

• The Council will meet on Wednesday 16 July 2025. See the full agenda here.
• The Licensing Sub-Committee will meet on Thursday 17 July 2025. See the full agenda here.
• The Standards Committee will meet on Wednesday 09 July 2025 to discuss the member learning and development programme, the annual member complaints report, and a standards update. See the full agenda here.
• The Children's Services Scrutiny Sub-Committee will meet on Tuesday 08 July 2025 to discuss Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Alternative Provision, Elective Home Education, and an Ofsted update report. See the full agenda here.
• The Adult Social Care and Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee will meet on Thursday 10 July 2025 to discuss a range of topics, including the Lambeth, Southwark, Lewisham, Bexley and Bromley Sexual and Reproductive Health and HIV Strategy, substance misuse support services, adult social care savings, and a pharmaceutical needs assessment. See the full agenda here.
• The Corporate Parenting Board will meet on Wednesday 09 July 2025. See the full agenda here.