The Mayor and Cabinet of Lewisham Council met on Wednesday 09 September 2026 to discuss a range of important issues, approving significant capital programmes for transport and highways, and agreeing to a borough-wide smoke control area designation. Key decisions also included the endorsement of Lewisham Homes' business plan, the approval of a new domestic abuse policy for housing services, and the procurement of contracts for housing revenue works.

2026/27 Strategic Transport and Highways Capital Programme

Mayor and Cabinet agreed to proceed with the projects, project stages, and maintenance operations outlined in the 2026/27 capital programme for strategic transport and highways. Councillor Corin Ashwell, Cabinet Member for Environment, Nature, Transport and Climate Action, introduced the report, highlighting the administration's commitment to improving road safety and encouraging active travel. The programme aims to reduce road danger, improve air quality, and increase physical activity, with a focus on initiatives like healthy neighbourhoods and improvements for bus and cycling routes. Consultation on the details of many of these changes will be undertaken with residents. Authority was also delegated to the Director of Public Realm to approve any necessary traffic management orders.

Smoke Control Area: Whole Borough Designation

The meeting approved the commencement of the statutory process to revoke existing Smoke Control Orders across various wards in Lewisham and to declare a new, updated, borough-wide Smoke Control Order. Councillor Corin Ashwell, Cabinet Member for Environment, Nature, Transport and Climate Action, explained that this move is crucial for regularising the smoke control area arrangements, ensuring consistent and effective regulation, and includes smoke from moored vessels within its scope. This initiative is part of Lewisham's commitment to improving air quality, as outlined in its Air Quality Action Plan¹. The Executive Director for Place, in consultation with the Director of Law and Corporate Governance, was delegated authority to progress the revocation and declaration process.

Contract Award Report for Electric Vehicle Charging Point Installation, Operation and Maintenance

Mayor and Cabinet agreed to award concession contracts for the installation, operation, and maintenance of electric vehicle (EV) charging points. Councillor Corin Ashwell, Cabinet Member for Environment, Nature, Transport and Climate Action, recommended the report, highlighting the importance of these contracts in encouraging the transition to electric vehicles and ensuring equitable access to charging infrastructure, particularly for residents without off-street parking. Contracts were awarded to Believ Limited for Lot 1 (£106,863,600) and Lot 2 (£107,883,216), and to Zest Eco Limited for Lot 3 (£75,373,152), with terms of fifteen years and an option to extend for a further year. The use of £183,000 in Department for Transport grant funding for a cross-pavement charging trial was also approved. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director for Place to finalise and enter into these contracts.

Treasury Management Mid-Year Review 2026/27

Mayor and Cabinet approved and recommended to Council the Treasury Management Outturn report for 2025/26 and the Mid-year Treasury Management Strategy for 2026/27. Councillor Rudi Schmidt, Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Economic Development and Deputy Mayor, presented the report, noting its statutory requirement and compliance with CIPFA guidance. He highlighted the Council's underborrowing strategy, which involves borrowing against its own cash reserves for infrastructure projects, saving significant costs by circumventing higher market interest rates. The Council currently holds £210 million in investments with an annualised return of 3.7%. The report also noted the challenging borrowing environment and the Council's innovative approach to financing.

Approval to enact permitted extension to 0-19 Public Health Nursing Service contract

The Mayor and Cabinet approved a three-year extension to the 0-19 Public Health Nursing Service contract with Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust (LGT), from 1st April 2027 to 31st March 2030, valued at £25,640,731. Councillor Samantha Gardiner, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care, presented the report, highlighting LGT's strong performance and continuous improvement. The extension also includes variations to provide the Parent-Infant Relationship Service (PAIRS) for two years (£554,000) and the Specialist School Nurse for the Integrated Adolescent Service for one year, with an option for a second year (£126,720). These extensions are fully funded by external grant funding.

Approval of the Section 75 Agreement governing the Better Care Fund 2026-27

Councillor Samantha Gardiner, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care, presented the report seeking approval for the Council to enter into a Section 75 Agreement with NHS South East London Integrated Care Board for the Better Care Fund 2026/27 pooled budget. The pooled budget amounts to £54,500,230. This agreement provides the necessary governance framework for the joint commissioning and oversight of services funded by the Better Care Fund, which plays a crucial role in integrating health and social care to help residents remain independent for longer, reduce hospital admissions, and support safe hospital discharges. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Adult Social Care and Health to finalise and execute the agreement.

Authority to procure dynamic purchasing software (DPS) and the total spend under the DPS for temporary accommodation

Mayor and Cabinet approved the use of the YPO 1231 Commissioning Solutions 2 Framework to award a contract to Access Adam Housing (The Access Group) for a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) software solution, costing £259,270 over three years. Councillor Natalie Thomas, Cabinet Member for Safer Homes, Homelessness and Housing Services, explained that this system will improve the efficiency and transparency of securing and managing temporary accommodation, which is currently a high-demand and costly area. The Council also approved the securing of temporary accommodation through leases and other property agreements, with an estimated annual cost of £45 million. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director for Housing to negotiate and enter into these agreements.

Domestic Abuse Policy - Housing

Councillor Natalie Thomas, Cabinet Member for Safer Homes, Homelessness and Housing Services, presented the approved Domestic Abuse Policy for the Housing Directorate. This policy replaces the previous high-level statement with a more comprehensive document detailing support available to survivors across all tenures, including council tenants, those in temporary accommodation, and individuals seeking housing assistance. The policy was developed with input from survivors, residents, housing teams, and partner organisations, aiming to ensure residents are listened to, treated sensitively, and provided with clear routes to support.

Endorsement of Lewisham Homes Limited's Business Plan 2026/27

Mayor and Cabinet endorsed the 2026/27 Business Plan for Lewisham Homes Limited, the council's wholly owned housing company. Councillor Natalie Thomas, Cabinet Member for Safer Homes, Homelessness and Housing Services, noted that despite the management of the council's general housing stock returning to the council, Lewisham Homes continues to manage 200 properties and will take on an additional 181 homes at Milford Towers. The business plan projects the company will remain cash positive and not require additional council financial support beyond existing loan arrangements. Approval was also given to refinance a £10 million loan maturing in March 2027, with authority delegated to the Executive Director for Finance, Digital and Corporate Resources.

Housing: Competence and Conduct Policy and Code of Conduct

Councillor Natalie Thomas, Cabinet Member for Safer Homes, Homelessness and Housing Services, presented the approved Competence and Conduct Policy and Code of Conduct for housing staff. These documents have been developed in preparation for the new national Competence and Conduct Standard coming into force on 1st October 2026. The policy ensures housing staff have the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience, supported by training and performance management. The Code of Conduct, developed with residents, sets clear expectations for respect, empathy, communication, accountability, honesty, and resident care. The policy and code apply to all staff, including agency workers and contractors.

Permission to Procure and Award Multiple Housing Revenue Works Contracts

Councillor Natalie Thomas, Cabinet Member for Safer Homes, Homelessness and Housing Services, sought and received approval to procure and award multiple housing revenue works contracts. These contracts will cover repairs, out-of-hours services, void properties, damp and mould remediation, and disrepair works. The procurement is structured into five lots with estimated values totalling £83 million over an initial three-year term, with options to extend. The approach aims to increase capacity, access specialist expertise, and reduce reliance on single providers, particularly important given the growing housing portfolio and stricter regulatory requirements, including Awaab's Law. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Housing to determine successful tenderers, award contracts, and finalise terms.

Besson Street Business Plan Update

Councillor Daniel Dream, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Regeneration, Planning and Housing Delivery, presented the annual business plan update for the Besson Street joint venture. He acknowledged the ongoing viability challenges and extended timelines for the development, which includes 35% affordable housing, a GP surgery, and community facilities. The report sought approval for the updated business plan, extension of the pre-development loan agreement to October 2027 (with an increased maximum loan value), and the extension of the option agreement. Additionally, Nnenna Urum-Eke was approved as a Member Representative on Lewisham Grainger Holdings LLP and Besson Street LLP, and as a Director of Besson Street Second Member Limited, with a Deed of Indemnity agreed.

Catford Town Centre Business Plan

Councillor Daniel Dream, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Regeneration, Planning and Housing Delivery, presented the Catford Town Centre Business Plan 2026-2030. This plan outlines a renewed approach to regeneration, focusing on immediate improvements and long-term development. Key decisions included endorsing the continuation of the business plan for Catford Regeneration Partnership Limited (CRPL), approving a new loan agreement with an additional facility of up to £500,000, and approving the write-off of £1,280,249.46 in rental arrears and £110,896.34 in service charge arrears. A financial assessment and review of CRPL's purpose was also approved, with a budget allocation of £400,000. The Council's Catford Town Centre Business Plan 2026-30 was endorsed, along with an annual revenue budget allocation of £250,000 (£1,250,000 over the plan period) and a recommended capital budget increase of £250,000 (£1,250,000 total). Authority was delegated for the preparation of a new Catford Town Centre Framework and for specific regeneration projects, including revised approaches for the A205 project and procurement for Catford Station Links. Approval was also given for the discontinuation of Thomas Lane Yard car park and the introduction of new parking restrictions in Doggett Road.

Capital investment to refurbish and operate a 5–6 bed local authority children's home at 200 Kirkdale, Sydenham

Councillor Rotimi Skyers, Cabinet Member for Children, SEND, Youth Empowerment and Culture, presented a proposal to refurbish and operate a 5–6 bed council-run children's home at 200 Kirkdale, Sydenham. This initiative aims to reduce reliance on high-cost external placements and strengthen local sufficiency in children's residential care. The proposal supersedes a previous decision to develop three homes, opting instead for a single, more deliverable home. The total capital requirement is £1.68m, funded by an £800,000 Department for Education grant, a £400,000 capital receipt, and an additional £479,000 Council capital investment. Savings from substituting external placements will be used to repay the additional capital investment and support ongoing costs. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director for Children and Young People to finalise implementation arrangements.

Permission to procure and award contracts for adults' and children's case management systems

Councillor Rotimi Skyers, Cabinet Member for Children, SEND, Youth Empowerment and Culture, presented the report seeking approval for the procurement and award of contracts for new case management systems for adults' and children's social care. Following an earlier approval to use the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Framework RM6259, further work has been completed to define detailed requirements. The report recommends approving the procurement route and delegating authority for evaluation, selection, and contract award to the Executive Director for Children and Young People, in consultation with the Executive Director for Adult Social Care and Health and the Director of Law and Corporate Governance. Authority was also delegated to extend current contractual arrangements for up to 12 months if the new contracts cannot be implemented by the 1st April 2027 expiry date.

WorkWell – Expanding the health and employment integrated system in Lewisham

Councillor Shireen Asaw, Cabinet Member for Workers, Business and Skills, presented the report on the WorkWell programme, an employment support service for residents with health-related barriers to employment. Lewisham Council will deliver the programme through its in-house service, Lewisham Works. The Council will enter into a Section 256 agreement with NHS South East London Integrated Care Board (SEL ICB) for a value not exceeding £1,234,268. This programme aims to support over 1,000 residents over three years, building on the success of Lewisham Works' existing 'Connect to Work' service. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director for Place to finalise and enter into the Section 256 agreement and any necessary agreements with Primary Care Networks.

Exclusion of Press and Public

Mayor Liam Shrivastava, Chair of the meeting, moved and it was agreed that the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the remaining items of business (Items 22-26) as they involved the likely disclosure of exempt information.