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Safer Stronger Communities Select Committee - Thursday, 2nd July, 2026 7.00 pm
July 2, 2026 at 7:00 pm Safer Stronger Communities Select Committee View on council websiteSummary
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The Safer Stronger Communities Select Committee met on Thursday 2 July 2026 to discuss the work programme and the growing concerns surrounding e-scooters. The committee agreed to several amendments to its work programme and resolved to explore the feasibility of a lithium battery collection and disposal service.
Select Committee Work Programme
The committee agreed in principle to several amendments to its work programme. The Accessibility Review item will be moved from September 2026 to January 2027. In its place for the September meeting, the committee will now consider the Council's Response to the EHRC Code of Practice and the Disabled People's Commission. An item on Community-Based and Public Health Approaches has been added to the November 2026 meeting. Finally, the Community Engagement item for March 2027 will be replaced with discussions on Borough of Sanctuary and Windrush. Officers will review these amendments to ensure the work programme remains deliverable and balanced.
E-scooters
The committee received information from the London Fire Brigade and the Metropolitan Police Service regarding the risks associated with e-scooters. Station Commander Mike Watts and his colleague Kelly from the London Fire Brigade highlighted the significant and increasing risk of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries in e-scooters and e-bikes. In 2025, there were 406 recorded lithium battery fires across the UK, with over half occurring in London. Lewisham borough recorded over 30 such fires, with 20 identified as originating from e-scooters and e-bikes in residential properties. Tragically, there have been at least five high-profile incidents since late 2024, including a fatality.
The Fire Brigade is launching a two-month targeted awareness campaign from July to September, working with partner agencies. This campaign will include events at local markets, secondary schools, and public drop-in sessions. They are seeking support from councillors and the local authority to raise awareness and reduce fire deaths and injuries.
Inspector Adrian Hannah from the Metropolitan Police Service discussed the wild west effect
e-bike misuse is creating, leading to a sense of lawlessness. He noted that e-bikes are widely used in criminality, with 356 offences linked to them in Lewisham in the last financial year, primarily theft. He also highlighted that many e-bikes, particularly those used by delivery riders, are illegally modified, with speed restrictors removed, making them dangerous. The police have launched an operation called Oplex
to tackle e-bikes used in criminality, involving static stop sites and specialist units. However, operational limitations, such as the fire risk associated with seized e-bikes and restrictions on pursuit policies, hinder their effectiveness.
Following the presentations, the committee resolved to note the information provided and recommended that the Council explore the feasibility of introducing a lithium battery collection and disposal service. This would involve considering arrangements adopted by other local authorities to reduce the risk of fires caused by batteries being placed in household waste collections. Councillor Podmore specifically raised the issue of waste collection vehicles and disposal sites, and the potential for fires in these areas. The committee agreed to refer the commitment to looking into a lithium battery collection service for further investigation.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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Minutes of previous meeting
Recommendations ApprovedThe Safer Stronger Communities Select Committee of Lewisham Council approved the minutes of their previous meeting on 02 July 2026. The committee noted the report on policing updates and agreed to follow-ups including police providing further data on stop and search outcomes. The committee also noted the report on becoming an age-friendly council and agreed to follow-ups including officers developing a more integrated approach across council departments. Finally, the committee noted the report on Disabled People's Commission implementation and agreed to follow-ups including officers continuing to develop a co-production framework.
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Confirmation of start time for Committee
Recommendations ApprovedThe Safer Stronger Communities Select Committee of Lewisham Council decided to approve the committee's continued meeting start time. The committee resolved to meet with a 7.00pm start time on 02/07/2026.
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Declarations of interest
Recommendations ApprovedThe Safer Stronger Communities Select Committee of Lewisham Council approved recommendations on 02/07/2026. No declarations of interest were made.
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Apologies for absence
Recommendations ApprovedThe Safer Stronger Communities Select Committee noted apologies for absence from Councillor Tracey Martin on 02/07/2026.
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Select Committee work programme
Recommendations ApprovedThe Safer Stronger Communities Select Committee of Lewisham Council approved recommendations on 02/07/2026 regarding amendments to the Select Committee Work Programme. The committee agreed in principle to move the Accessibility Review, add items on the Council's Response to the EHRC Code of Practice and the Disabled People's Commission, add an item on Community-Based and Public Health Approaches, and replace the Community Engagement item with Borough of Sanctuary and Windrush. Officers were recommended to review proposed amendments, considering scope, scheduling, and delivery implications in consultation with the Chair.
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E-scooters
Recommendations ApprovedThe Safer Stronger Communities Select Committee of Lewisham Council noted information from the London Fire Brigade and Metropolitan Police Service on 02/07/2026. The committee recommended exploring the feasibility of a lithium battery collection and disposal service. This includes considering arrangements adopted by other local authorities to reduce fire risks from batteries in household waste.
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