The Executive of Southwark Council is scheduled to convene on Tuesday 15 September 2026 to discuss a range of important matters.

Housing Allocations Scheme Review

Councillor Reginald Popoola, Executive Member for Council Homes, is scheduled to present a report on the review of the Housing Allocations Scheme. The current scheme, introduced in 2013, is to be updated to reflect significant changes in the housing landscape. The proposed new Southwark Housing Allocations Scheme 2026 aims to simplify rules, improve clarity for applicants, and ensure a fairer and more transparent framework for allocating social housing. Key proposed changes include removing working in the borough as an automatic qualification criterion, introducing a five-band structure for priority, removing the priority stars system, and confirming the use of Local Lettings Plans and an Annual Lettings Plan. The report also seeks approval for a new Management Transfer Policy to streamline urgent moves. A review of the new scheme after 12 months of operation is also recommended.

Revised Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Charging Schedule

Councillor Victor Chamberlain, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, Strategic Planning, and Wellbeing, is scheduled to present a report on a revised Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Charging Schedule for purpose-built student accommodation. Following viability testing, public consultation, and an independent Examination in Public, the proposal is to increase the CIL rate for direct-let purpose-built student accommodation in CIL Zones 1 and 2 to £250 per square metre. The existing rate of approximately £149 per square metre will be retained in Zone 3 due to viability constraints. This revision aims to secure greater contributions from the student housing sector towards essential infrastructure projects, such as transport, schools, and open spaces, helping to address a significant funding gap.

Ledbury Estate Renewal – Phase 2 Approval

Councillor Alexandra Austin, Executive Member for Public Works and New Homes, is scheduled to present a report seeking approval for Phase 2 of the Ledbury Estate Renewal. This phase involves the demolition of Skenfrith House, Sarnesfield House, and Peterchurch House, along with associated structures, to make way for the construction of 215 new council homes for social rent and 45 homes originally designated for private sale. A key recommendation is to approve the conversion of these 45 homes into council homes for social rent, utilising Right to Buy receipts to fund the works. This would increase the total number of new council homes for social rent on the estate to 260. The report also seeks approval for variations to the contract with Higgins Partnerships 1961 PLC, including inflationary uplifts and changes to meet Building Safety Act 2022 requirements. The proposed variations aim to maintain momentum, reduce overall delivery time, and secure long-term benefits through high-quality, energy-efficient homes and improved neighbourhood facilities.

Parking and Traffic Enforcement Contract Variation

Councillor James McAsh, Leader of the Council, is scheduled to present a report on a variation decision for the Parking and Traffic Enforcement and Associated Services Contract. The report recommends approving the activation of the final contract extension with APCOA Parking UK Ltd, extending the contract for three years from 1 June 2027 to 31 May 2030, at an annual cost of £10,500,000. This extension aims to strengthen enforcement over evenings and weekends, as well as on housing estates, aligning with the council's Streets for People strategy. The variation will also allow for greater ownership of the IT systems underpinning the operation, enhancing innovation and ensuring services evolve to meet resident needs.

Community Safety Partnership Strategy 2025-2030

Councillor David Watson, Executive Member for Community Safety and Engagement, is scheduled to present the Community Safety Partnership Strategy 2025-2030. This strategy outlines how the council and its partners, including the Metropolitan Police Service, London Fire Brigade, and the Southeast London Integrated Care System, will work together over the next five years to tackle crime, disorder, and community safety concerns. The strategy establishes five strategic priorities: Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and promoting women's safety; Reducing and preventing violence and vulnerability; Reducing drug-related harm; Creating safe and sociable estates and neighbourhoods; and Increasing trust and confidence. It is informed by the 2024/25 Strategic Assessment, which details crime and antisocial behaviour trends across Southwark.

Gateway 1 – Procurement Strategy Approval - The Nest

Councillor Rebecca Corn, Executive Member for Education and Care, is scheduled to present a report seeking approval for the procurement strategy for The Nest, an open-access mental health service for children and young people. This service provides support for mild to moderate mental health needs, acting as a vital Tier 2 service. The report highlights the significant prevalence of mental health disorders among Southwark's children and young people and the difficulties many face in accessing timely support. The proposed strategy involves single supplier negotiation and subsequent contract award to Groundwork London for a period of three years, with an option for a one-year extension, at a maximum lifetime contract value of £1,916,000. This aims to reinstate the service and ensure continued support for children and young people in the borough.

Policy and Resources: Revenue Monitoring Report

Councillor Sam Foster, Executive Member for Finance and General Purposes, is scheduled to present the revenue monitoring report for Month 4 of the 2026-27 financial year. The report details the financial position of the General Fund, Housing Revenue Account (HRA), and Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG). The General Fund is forecasting an adverse variance of £40.8 million, primarily driven by pressures in temporary accommodation, Children and Adults' Services, and No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) budgets. The HRA is forecasting a net overspend of £0.5 million, while the DSG is projecting an unfavourable variance of £5.9 million, mainly due to pressures within the High Needs Block. The report outlines key variances, budget pressures, and mitigating actions being taken.

Policy and Resources: Capital Monitoring Report

Councillor Sam Foster is also scheduled to present the capital monitoring report for Month 4 of the 2026-27 financial year. This report reviews the forecast position of the capital programme, detailing planned expenditure and financing for both the General Fund and the Housing Investment Programme (HIP). The HIP has a total forecast spend of £1.55 billion over the ten-year period to 2035-36, with significant investment planned for Repairs and Maintenance and New Build and Acquisitions. The General Fund programme totals £356 million over the same period. The report highlights the financing mix, including borrowing, capital receipts, grants, and developer contributions, and notes the impact of current financial pressures such as inflation and higher borrowing costs. Virements and variations to the capital programme, as well as new capital bids, are also presented for approval.

Reports from Scrutiny Commissions

The Executive will consider reports from the Education and Local Economy Scrutiny Commission. One report focuses on pupil place planning, youth services, SEND, and the Southwark Safeguarding Children Partnership (SSCP) for 2025-26. Recommendations include the implementation of an improved, data-driven pupil place planning model, strengthening youth services, embedding a need-not-diagnosis approach for SEND, improving monitoring of safeguarding risks linked to housing conditions, and enhancing the safety and oversight of SEND home-to-school transport. The second report from the commission covers East Street Market, Commercial Property Management, Connect to Work (CTW), Support for Businesses, and Apprenticeships. Recommendations include implementing targeted infrastructure and safety improvements for East Street Market, reviewing commercial property management, expanding the Connect to Work programme, strengthening promotion of employment support, assuring London Living Wage compliance for contracted employees, promoting affordable workspace hubs, improving apprenticeship transparency, and developing clear milestones for work experience opportunities.