The Council meeting began with tributes to the late Councillor Annie Gallup, followed by the confirmation of minutes and apologies for absence. Key decisions made during the meeting included the adoption of the Site Allocations Development Plan Document (SADPD), the establishment of five new Cabinet Committees, and the approval of the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report. The Council also debated and voted on several motions concerning climate change, the RNLI, and waste management strategies.

Tributes to Councillor Annie Gallup

The meeting commenced with a moment of silence and tributes from councillors across different groups, remembering Councillor Annie Gallup, a former Mayor of Lambeth, who had passed away. Tributes highlighted her dedication to public service, her commitment to her community, her work on the Adult Social Care and Health Scrutiny Subcommittee, and her passion for supporting local residents. Councillor Gallup was remembered for her kindness, generosity, and unwavering community spirit.

Constitution and Governance Changes

The Council discussed and approved significant changes to its Constitution for the 2026-27 period. These included updates to planning regulations under the new National Scheme of Delegation, which will see greater control given to unelected officers over planning matters, a move that was met with opposition from some councillors who argued it was undemocratic. Amendments were also made to the rules on bringing motions to the chamber, aiming to ensure fairer opportunities for different political groups to debate issues. A key change was the introduction of procedures for motions of no confidence in the administration and the ability to remove the leader, considered essential in a council with no overall control.

The Council also agreed to establish five new advisory Cabinet Committees: Resources, Climate and Future Lambeth, Housing and Built Environment, Health and Social Care, and Young People and Neighbourhoods. These committees will provide input into policy development and scrutinise executive functions. However, the adoption of these committees is conditional upon the Council finding appropriate funding from savings or income generation, as their implementation will incur additional annual costs.

Political Assistant Posts

Following a debate, the Council voted not to approve the establishment of new Political Assistant posts. This decision came after concerns were raised about the process, the lack of clarity on how group needs would be evaluated, and unresolved issues concerning affected staff.

Site Allocations Development Plan Document (SADPD)

The Council adopted the Site Allocations Development Plan Document (SADPD), which identifies thirteen sites across the borough for new homes, employment, and other uses. This document, subject to independent examination and modifications, aims to guide development and bring forward investment. Councillor Danial Adilypour of the Labour Group expressed reservations about the administration's commitment to housing delivery, while Councillor Michael Ball of the Green Group commended the document for its potential to unlock sites for new council homes and social housing, and paid tribute to Councillor Adilypour for dropping proposals for a site at Knolly's Road in the face of strong objections.

Motions Debated

Several motions were debated and voted upon:

• Protecting Lambeth's residents, children and workers from the climate emergency (Green Group): This motion, amended by the Liberal Democrats and Labour Group, was carried. It called for a Climate Emergency Summit, a borough-wide school climate resilience plan, and urged the National Government to halt fossil fuel extraction projects and provide more funding to local authorities. The Labour amendment added a commitment to a two-state solution and compulsory anti-racism training for councillors.
• Supporting the RNLI, Opposing Far Right Intimidation and Improving Thames Water Safety (Labour Group): This motion, which expressed solidarity with the RNLI and condemned far-right intimidation, was amended by the Green Group. The amendment called for the Government to withdraw its immigration proposals and advocated for people arriving via any route seeking sanctuary. The amended motion was carried.
• Improving Lambeth's Waste Strategy (Liberal Democrats): This motion, which called for a review of the waste strategy including a mega-skip scheme, prioritisation of fly-tipping enforcement, and a review of the Serco contract, was amended by the Green and Labour Groups. The amendments focused on the trial of mega-skips and membership of Keep Britain Tidy. The amended motion was carried.
• Rejecting the NHS Palantir Contract and protecting patient data (Green Group): An amendment from the Labour Group to this motion was not carried. The original motion, unamended, was then carried.
• Palestine – End the Genocide, Complicity and Impunity (Green Group): The proposer of this motion, the Green Group, did not move it, and therefore the motion fell.

Council Questions

The Council also addressed questions from councillors to Cabinet Members on various issues, including housing regeneration, the skate bowl renovation, financial pressures on the Council, transport issues in Oval, community cohesion, waste collection services, fly-tipping, library plans, and the development of a carers' charter.

Other Business

The meeting also included the presentation of petitions, a Cabinet Statement, and an Opposition Statement. The Council agreed to extend the meeting until 10:30 pm to allow for the completion of business.

Correction, 19 October 2026: An earlier version of this summary credited Councillor Michael Ball's remarks on the SADPD to Councillor Scott Ainslie.