The Executive of Southwark Council met on Monday 20 July 2026 to discuss a range of important issues, including the future of vital mental health services for young people and the continuation of support for residents living with dementia. The council also approved a new policy to enhance standards in the private rented sector and noted reports on the council's financial outturn for the previous year.

Protecting Essential Services for Young People and Vulnerable Residents

The Executive reaffirmed its commitment to protecting The Nest, a mental health service for children and young people, and announced that it would prevent the service from closing in November 2026. Referrals will reopen as soon as possible, and a Gateway 2 report is scheduled for the next Executive meeting to outline proposals for sustainable, multi-year funding. Contingency funding has been secured to ensure that young people currently accessing the service can complete their programmes, and those on the waiting list will be able to start and finish their support. The summer programme organised by The Nest will also proceed as planned.

In a similar vein, the Executive announced its intention to protect support for vulnerable residents by approving a four-year grant of £164,000 per year to the Alzheimer's Society. This funding, totalling £656,000, will recommence on 1 September 2026 and will re-establish the Dementia Advisor Service in Southwark, offering crucial support to residents living with dementia and their families and carers.

Enhancing Standards in the Private Rented Sector

The Executive agreed to adopt the revised Private Sector Housing Enforcement Policy (PSHEP), which will be implemented in line with the Renters' Rights Act 2025. This new policy aims to raise standards across the private rented sector, protect tenants, and ensure landlords are held accountable for their legal obligations. The policy provides a consistent, robust, and transparent framework for enforcement activities, with increased financial penalties for landlords who breach their obligations. Income generated from these penalties will be reinvested in bolstering enforcement activity and tenant protections. The Executive also delegated authority for minor amendments and updates to the policy to the Strategic Director of Environment, Sustainability and Leisure, in consultation with relevant officers and Executive members.

Financial Outturn and Future Planning

The Executive noted the Policy and Resources: Out-turn Capital Monitoring Report 2025-26, which detailed the council's capital expenditure for the previous financial year. The report highlighted an ambitious capital programme requiring significant borrowing, with costs being prudently managed despite a volatile geopolitical environment. The Housing Investment Programme (HIP) has faced challenges, including overspending, but the council remains committed to delivering new council homes and maintaining existing stock.

The Policy and Resources: Out-turn Revenue Monitoring Report 2025-26 presented a more challenging picture, indicating revenue budgets under sustained pressure. The report noted a historically large drawdown of £25.3 million from reserves to balance the budget, largely due to pressures in temporary accommodation and adult social care. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) was also highlighted as being in a precarious financial position, requiring urgent action.

The Policy and Resources: Financial Remit Report provided an update on the council's Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS), outlining the significant financial challenges ahead, including a £102 million funding gap. The report emphasised the need for a rigorous and open savings process, with a commitment to finding efficiencies, eliminating waste, and protecting essential services. The council also plans to involve residents in the budget-setting process through a large-scale budget participation exercise.

Governance and Local Plan Development

The Executive approved the Governance Arrangements for the Monitoring of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and Section 106 Projects. This decision aims to strengthen oversight, project management, and accountability for projects funded through CIL and Section 106 by integrating them into the council's overall capital governance framework. This will enhance strategic consistency and improve the monitoring and visibility of these projects.

The Executive also agreed the Local Plan Timetable 2026-2029, marking the formal commencement of work on the new Southwark Plan 2045. This timetable sets out a clear three-year programme, including consultative stages and engagement with the planning inspectorate, with the ultimate adoption of the Southwark Plan in 2029. This document will shape the borough's growth over the coming decades, influencing housing development, town centres, local jobs, infrastructure, and the response to the climate emergency. The council committed to meaningful engagement with residents throughout the plan-making process.

Appointments and Motions

The Executive also made a number of appointments to outside bodies and panels, boards, and forums for the 2026-27 municipal year. Additionally, motions referred from Council Assembly on topics including A borough where everyone can succeed, Tackling antisocial behaviour on Southwark's estates, and Protecting the Freedom Pass for Older Londoners were noted. Reports from the Housing Scrutiny Commission and the Environment, Community Safety and Engagement Scrutiny Commission regarding play spaces were also noted, with a commitment to a response from the relevant Executive members within eight weeks.