The Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Lewisham Council met on Thursday 16 July 2026 to review the work programmes of the council's select committees and to receive an update on the Corporate Enquiries Transformation Project. The committee agreed the select committee work programmes for the municipal year and noted the progress and emerging findings of the Corporate Enquiries Transformation Project.

Select Committee Work Programmes 2026-27

The committee considered the proposed work programmes for the six select committees: Healthier Communities, Safer Stronger Communities, Children and Young People, Sustainable Development, Public Accounts, and Housing. Each committee chair presented their priorities for the year, highlighting key areas of scrutiny.

The Healthier Communities Select Committee, chaired by Councillor Nick Torry, will focus on scrutinising health services, including community mental health pilots and the use of Palantir within the NHS Trust. They will also examine safeguarding, adult social care, and the impact of winter programmes on residents' health.

Councillor Oana Olaru-Holmes, Chair of the Safer Stronger Communities Select Committee, outlined a work programme that includes reviewing the annual equalities report, the implementation of EHRC guidance, and updates on the Disabled People's Commission. They will also scrutinise budget proposals, community safety, and the licensing and gambling policy.

The Children and Young People Select Committee, chaired by Councillor Eleonora Aiello, will focus on SEND reforms, family help and care, and the implementation of EHRC guidance concerning trans youth. They will also examine race inequalities in educational attainment and data collection around exclusions.

Councillor Kate Anderson, Chair of the Sustainable Development Select Committee, presented a work programme centred on the climate and ecological crisis. Key areas include the council's climate emergency response, participatory budgeting, waste management, biodiversity recovery, and sustainable approaches to tackling the housing crisis.

Councillor Mark Kowalski, Chair of the Public Accounts Select Committee, detailed a programme built around the council's budget and performance cycle. This includes scrutiny of financial outturns, budget savings proposals, and a review of social value in commissioning and procurement. They will also examine income generation and inward investment.

Councillor Mike Podmore, Vice Chair of the Housing Select Committee, presented a work programme focused on housing provision and maintenance. Topics include the Renters' Rights Act, damp and mould issues, landlord performance, asset management, and temporary accommodation and homelessness strategies.

During the discussion on the work programmes, Councillor James Rathbone recommended that all committees examine the administration's budget proposals in November and review their directorate-level risk registers. The committee agreed the work programmes in principle for the municipal year.

Corporate Enquiries Transformation Project

Nahela Alavi, Director of Strategy, Transformation, Equalities and Performance, provided an update on the Corporate Enquiries Transformation Project. The project aims to create a modern, joined-up, and resident-focused corporate enquiries capability by strengthening governance, processes, technology, data, and performance.

The discovery phase has identified four emerging strategic themes:

1. Evolved Arrangements: Current arrangements for handling corporate enquiries have evolved differently across the council, leading to variations in governance, processes, and system use.
2. Technology Optimisation: There is an opportunity to make better use of the existing iCasework system by improving configuration and functionality.
3. Data Utilisation: Corporate enquiry information can be better utilised as an organisational asset for service improvement and learning.
4. Demand Management: Greater emphasis is needed on preventing avoidable demand by improving access to information and proactive publication.

Key emerging priorities for the next phase include developing a more consistent corporate framework, strengthening governance and ways of working, optimising technology, enhancing performance and organisational learning, and developing a demand management approach. The committee provided feedback and identified aspects for future consideration.

The meeting also included routine administrative items such as apologies for absence, confirmation of minutes, and the committee's start time for the municipal year.