The Council meeting on Wednesday 15 July 2026 saw councillors debate and vote on several key issues, including the council's constitution, the establishment of political assistant posts, and a motion opposing the EHRC draft code of practice. A motion to improve housing repair sign-off procedures was passed, while a motion to oppose Sadiq Khan's affordable housing quota reduction was also carried after amendments.

Constitution 2026-27

Councillors discussed and approved the council's constitution for 2026-27. A significant portion of the debate focused on the allocation of councillors to outside bodies. Councillor Simon Corden explained the principles of proportionality and local ward representation that guided these negotiations. Councillor Judith Kavanagh welcomed the establishment of a new finance scrutiny subcommittee, intended to provide additional oversight of Lambeth's financial recovery plans. The council voted to approve the recommendations within the report, with specific appointments to various outside bodies being decided through recorded votes.

Establishment of Political Assistant Posts

A proposal to establish political assistant posts was debated, with significant concerns raised by the Liberal Democrat and Labour groups regarding the process and potential impact on existing staff. Councillor Matthew Bryant of the Liberal Democrats stated his group could not support the paper due to its rushed nature, flawed process affecting staff, and the lack of a clear overview of the wider review of member support arrangements. Councillor Bryn Scott of the Labour Group echoed these concerns, highlighting confusion over the proposal's origins and its potential breach of staff confidentiality and HR processes. Councillor Serafina Spicer, speaking for the Green Group, stated that the proposal was part of a wider restructure, had been signed off by HR, and would follow employment law processes. Despite the debate, the recommendations in the report were not agreed upon by the council.

Motion on Tenant and Leaseholder Sign-off of Housing Repairs

The council debated and passed a Liberal Democrat motion aimed at improving housing repair services by giving tenants and leaseholders the final say on whether a repair is satisfactorily completed. Councillor Doug Burst highlighted the frustration residents experience with incomplete repairs and the council's poor performance in this area, citing findings of severe maladministration by the Housing Ombudsman. Councillor Annie Gallop of the Labour Group acknowledged improvements made by the previous administration, including an SMS survey system for tenants to sign off repairs. Councillor Viktor Westerdahl of the Green Group supported the motion, suggesting amendments to address vulnerable residents and formally acknowledge past failings. Amendments from the Labour and Green groups were put to a vote but were not carried. The original Liberal Democrat motion was then agreed upon without amendment.

Motion Opposing the EHRC Draft Code of Practice

A Green motion opposing the implementation of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) draft code of practice on services, public functions and associations was debated and passed. Councillor Ciara Alleyne, proposing the motion for the Green Group, argued that the code would negatively impact trans, intersex, and gender non-conforming individuals, potentially leading to discrimination and harm. She emphasised the importance of inclusive services and allowing trans people to use facilities aligned with their gender identity. Councillor Nadia Burrell of the Labour Group spoke in solidarity with the trans community, expressing concerns about the code's potential to increase discrimination and violence. Councillor Keita Ogden proposed Liberal Democrat amendments focusing on ensuring the council acts lawfully and consults appropriately, which were agreed. A Labour amendment, which sought to change the motion's core commitment to opposing the code, was debated and voted against. The substantive motion, as amended by the Liberal Democrats, was then carried.

Review of Allocation of Seats

The council reviewed and agreed on the allocation of seats. Councillor Alex Davis, newly elected for Streatham St. Leonard's, welcomed the opportunity to represent his constituents and highlighted key issues for his ward, including tackling drug dealing, supporting vulnerable people, and improving street care and connectivity. Councillor Bryn Scott congratulated the new councillors and stated his group was happy to support the paper. Councillor Matthew Wilcock also welcomed the new councillors. The recommendations in the report were agreed.

Cabinet Committees

The council discussed the establishment of cabinet committees. Councillor Chris Nicholson expressed concern over the proposed timeline for implementation, suggesting it could have been achieved sooner. Councillor Danial Adilypour stressed the importance of checks and balances on the executive, particularly in a council with no overall majority, and urged for the swift establishment of these committees. Councillor Alan Andrews, for the Green Group, stated that while they had initially favoured a committee system, they were committed to delivering the proposed cabinet committee system on a realistic timeline. The recommendations in the report were agreed.

Motions on Petitions and Deputations

The council debated and agreed a motion regarding petitions and deputations. Councillor Matt Wilcock proposed an amendment to lower the threshold for residents to make a deputation and for petitions to be brought before the council, also ensuring paper petitions are supported for less digitally literate residents. This amendment was agreed, and the motion, as amended, was passed.

Motion Opposing Sadiq Khan's Affordable Housing Quota Reduction

The council debated a Green motion opposing Sadiq Khan's reduction of affordable housing quotas. A Liberal Democrat amendment, focusing on ensuring lawful action and appropriate consultation, was agreed. A Labour amendment, which was noted as potentially negating the original motion's intent, was debated and voted against. The substantive motion, as amended by the Liberal Democrats, was then carried.