The General Purposes Committee of Lambeth Council met on Thursday 23 July 2026 to discuss the council's work programme, housing ombudsman determinations, children's and adult social care ombudsman cases, and activity relating to Rush Common. The committee agreed to the proposed work programme and noted the reports presented.

Work Programme and Action Monitoring Log

The committee reviewed and agreed the proposed work programme for the General Purposes Committee for 2026-2027. This standard report, introduced by Kaya Small, Democratic Services Officer, outlines the committee's responsibilities, which include considering issues not within the remit of other committees, overseeing health and safety, acting as trustee for council trusts, and reviewing ombudsman determinations. The work programme also includes monitoring actions from previous meetings and upcoming items for future meetings.

Housing Ombudsman Determinations

Janet Sharpe, Director of Housing Operations, presented a report detailing determinations issued by the Housing Ombudsman between October 2025 and March 2026. The council received 108 cases during this period, with 19 cases resulting in severe maladministration. The primary reasons for these findings related to the management of damp, mould, leaks, property damage, and repairs. Lambeth was noted as having the highest number of determinations and the highest rate of maladministration (92%) among comparable London boroughs in 2024/25. The council has commissioned Campbell Tickell to conduct a review of its complaints handling, with a focus on repairs, and has implemented a formal Complaints Improvement Programme. A significant issue highlighted was the backlog of 2,600 disrepair cases, with a plan to clear this by 2027/28. The council is also subject to a formal Paragraph 49 investigation by the Housing Ombudsman due to persistent themes in casework concerning complaints handling, repairs, and knowledge management. Proactive measures include a text messaging service for repair sign-off and the use of technology for diagnostics and reporting. The committee discussed the need for measurable improvements and the financial implications of compensation payments, which totalled £133,339 in the reporting period.

Children's Social Care Ombudsman Determinations

Nina Sio-Lokam, Quality Assurance Service Manager for Practice, Evaluation and Complaints Children's Social Care, presented a summary of determinations issued by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) for Children's Social Care for the year ending March 2026. In this period, 12 complaints were referred to the LGSCO, an increase from nine in the previous year. While no investigations were conducted by the Ombudsman, four complaints were upheld. These upheld complaints related to delays in complaint handling, for which the council had already offered redress. The report noted a national trend of increasing referrals to the Ombudsman, partly due to greater public awareness and the influence of online platforms. The council is focusing on improving internal complaint monitoring and training for practitioners.

Adult Social Care Ombudsman Cases

David Jennings, Assistant Director, Head of Safe and Army to Assurance, presented a summary of Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman cases for Adult Social Care for 2025-26 and April-May 2026. For the financial year 2025-26, Adult Social Care received 10 LGSCO complaints, with four proceeding to full investigation, all of which were upheld. These upheld complaints related to communication failures in safeguarding enquiries, financial maladministration in charging processes, service failure in housing repairs for a tenant with disabilities, and failure to meet assessed needs in accommodation. Remedies included apologies, financial redress ranging from £200 to £1,000, and requirements for policy updates and improved guidance. For the current financial year (April-May 2026), no LGSCO complaints had been received to date. The committee was asked to endorse the continued oversight of complaint and LGSCO report findings through the Integrated Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee. A point of concern raised by a councillor was the lack of financial summaries in these reports, which was addressed by officers explaining that financial remedies are detailed within the outcomes.

Annual Report on Rush Common Applications and Activity

Jennifer Walsh, Area Team Manager for Brixton and Clapham, and Kiri Shuttleworth, Head of Development Management, presented the annual report on Rush Common applications and activity. Rush Common is a historic protected area in Brixton, and the council has a duty to preserve its open character under the Rush Common Act 1806. For 2025-2026, three Rush Common consent applications were received: one was withdrawn, one refused, and one remains under consideration. No applications were approved. There are two active enforcement investigations concerning an alleged unauthorised extension and an alleged unauthorised gate installation. Ward councillors and community groups are consulted on all applications. A resident, Mr Wilcoot, raised concerns about the long duration of some enforcement cases and the need for greater public awareness of Rush Common. He specifically mentioned potential unauthorised structures on the St Matthew's Estate and gates on Raleigh Gardens. Officers agreed to email the chair with the specific addresses and matters raised. The committee agreed to the recommendations in the report.