The Mayor and Cabinet of Lewisham Council met on Wednesday, 10 June 2026, to discuss several key issues, including the extension of major works contracts for council housing, updates on special educational needs provision, and the council's financial outturn for the 2025/26 financial year. Key decisions included approving the extension of term contracts for major works in housing, endorsing progress on a new SEN unit at Deptford Park Primary School, and noting the draft financial monitoring report for the past fiscal year.

Extension of Term Contract for Major Works in Housing

Mayor and Cabinet approved the extension of two JCT measured term contracts for major works in council housing. The contract with United Infrastructure will be extended for three years, from 9 August 2026 to 8 August 2029, with a value of up to £50,000,000. The contract with Mulalley will also be extended for three years, from 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2029, with a value of up to £103,000,000. Councillor Natalie Thomas, Cabinet Member for Safer Homes, Homelessness and Housing Services, acknowledged concerns about the current delivery of these contracts, citing uneven performance and insufficient client-side oversight. However, she argued that extending the contracts was a responsible choice to avoid disruption to essential works, such as addressing damp and mould cases and ensuring building safety and decent homes standards. She described the extension as a bridge to allow the council to build a better system, including bringing more delivery in-house and setting up specialist routes for specific work. The decision was made with a six-month break clause, allowing the council to terminate the contracts if performance does not improve.

Update on New SEN Unit at Deptford Park Primary School

Mayor and Cabinet endorsed and noted the progress made in delivering a new 40-place Special Educational Needs (SEN) unit for learners with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) at Deptford Park Primary School. Councillor Rotimi Skyers, Cabinet Member for Children, SEND, Youth Empowerment and Culture, highlighted that this initiative is a crucial step in expanding local SEN provision within Lewisham. The unit is being implemented in phases, with the first cohort of children joining in May 2026 and a second cohort in September 2026. Councillor Skyers emphasised that this provision will allow more children to be educated closer to home, reducing travel times and disruption, and providing specialist classrooms and skilled staff in a tailored environment. The report noted that the statutory consultation for the SEN provision received no formal comments or suggestions. Positive feedback from parents was shared, with one stating, this is amazing news. You have saved my children's education.

The Local Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Reform Implementation Plan

Mayor and Cabinet noted the requirement to submit a Local SEND Reform Implementation Plan to the Department for Education (DfE) by 19 June 2026. Councillor Rotimi Skyers reiterated the council's commitment to improving the SEND system for all children and young people in Lewisham, acknowledging families' frustrations with long waits and the need for specialist provisions. The plan outlines how Lewisham will implement national SEND reforms by 2030. If approved by the Secretary of State for Education, up to 90% of the council's accumulated High Needs Block deficit of £24.4 million could be covered by government funding. Authority was delegated to the Director of Education Services, in consultation with the Integrated Care Board Senior Responsible Officer and the Council's Section 151 Officer, to finalise and submit the plan, taking into account any feedback from the DfE. Councillor Hau-Yu Tam noted a minor typo in the report, which was to be corrected. Councillor Scott emphasised the importance of co-production with parents and carers in shaping the SEND offer.

Financial Monitoring 2025/26 - Outturn

Mayor and Cabinet noted the draft out-turn for the financial year ending 31 March 2026, subject to external audit. The report indicated a council-wide underspend of £4.4 million for General Fund activities, a favourable movement of £4.8 million since the previous monitoring period. However, this underspend was £2.3 million less than planned, partly due to the early delivery of £6.7 million in savings planned for 2026/27. The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) showed an overspend of £5.5 million on the High Needs Block. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) reported a break-even position, a worsening of £0.3 million since the previous period. Capital expenditure for 2025/26 saw 78.2% of the profiled budget spent. Councillor Rudi Schmidt, Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Economic Development, highlighted the ongoing financial pressures, particularly in adult and children's social care, and the significant deficit in the Dedicated Schools Grant related to SEND and EHCP plans. He also spoke about the council's commitment to anti-austerity work and advocating for fairer funding for local government. Councillor Daniel Dream raised concerns about development's role in reducing overspends, particularly in temporary accommodation, and Councillor Tam discussed the importance of anti-austerity campaigning.