The Cabinet of Southwark Council met on Monday 16 September 2024, approving a new framework and action plan to support refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants, and agreeing changes to the process for allocating Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy funding. The meeting also saw the approval of the Climate Change Strategy Annual Report and progress on the Climate Action Plan, alongside the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy.

Borough of Sanctuary Framework and Sanctuary Action Plan

The Cabinet approved the 2024-2027 Southwark Borough of Sanctuary Framework and Sanctuary Action Plan, solidifying the council's commitment to being a place of safety and welcome for those seeking sanctuary. This follows Southwark Council being awarded Borough of Sanctuary status on 17 June 2024. The plan outlines a commitment to inclusivity, openness, participation, inspiration, and integrity, aligning with the City of Sanctuary movement's values. The framework aims to celebrate the diversity and contributions of sanctuary seekers, shape services based on their needs, and foster collaboration between local agencies to provide bespoke support. A four-year grant programme for voluntary community sector (VCS) organisations working with refugees, asylum seekers, and disadvantaged migrants, with a total budget of £100,000 per year, was also approved. Councillor Jasmine Ali, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Refugees, highlighted Southwark's long history of welcoming migrant communities and the importance of this framework in the current global climate.

Allocation of Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Funding

Minor changes to the existing process for allocating Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding were agreed. These changes will ensure that project allocations are made in the ward or neighbourhood where the funding is generated, assessed against the Southwark 2030 goals, meet a minimum funding level, and benefit from a streamlined approval process where local priorities are already established. The Cabinet also noted that a revised Neighbourhood CIL allocation process will be presented in March 2025 for consultation and adoption in September 2025. Authority has been delegated to the Cabinet Member for New Homes and Sustainable Development to approve individual Neighbourhood CIL projects for a year. The report detailed the current Neighbourhood CIL allocation per ward, totalling over £20 million.

Climate Change Strategy Annual Report and Progress on the Climate Action Plan for 2023-24

The Cabinet noted the progress made in tackling the climate emergency over the last financial year, as detailed in the annual report and climate action plan. They also noted the adoption of the climate resilience and adaptation strategy and that officers will work collaboratively to implement its actions. The report highlighted priorities for the next twelve months, including the preparation of an updated climate change strategy and action plan in 2025. While welcoming new investment secured to support climate change initiatives, the Cabinet acknowledged the significant costs involved and the lack of resources provided by central government for carbon emission reduction and climate adaptation.

First Consideration of the Strengthened Biodiversity Duty, Arising from the Environment Act 2021

The Cabinet noted and supported the requirement to meet the strengthened biodiversity duty introduced by the Environment Act 2021. The report and its appendix were approved as the council's statutory first consideration of this duty. The new reporting requirements, including the publication of a first biodiversity report by January 2026 detailing actions taken and progress made, were also noted.

Local Flood Risk Management Strategy

The Cabinet agreed to the approval and implementation of the updated Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (LFRMS), as set out in Appendix 1 of the report. The Leader of the Council also agreed to the implementation of the strategy in line with the council's statutory duties as a Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA).

Policy and Resources: Revenue Monitoring Report 2024-25

The Cabinet noted the forecast revenue out-turn position, including an adverse variance of £10.1 million for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and £12.9 million for the General Fund (GF). Key adverse variations and budget pressures were detailed, including demand pressures in temporary accommodation, increased costs for those with 'No Recourse to Public Funds' (NRPF), and increased costs in children's services. The Cabinet also noted a dedicated schools grant (DSG) in-year pressure of £0.68 million. They approved the write-off of a bad debt totalling £0.140 million for a commercial outdoor event.

Tustin Estate Phase 2 Compulsory Purchase Order

The Cabinet noted the current position regarding the delivery of 295 new homes at phase 2 of the Tustin Estate redevelopment. This included the agreement of a development partnership with BY Development Ltd (trading as Linkcity) and the submission of a planning application for phase 2. The council has acquired 13 leaseholder interests in Heversham House, with 15 remaining outstanding. The council is pursuing negotiated settlements but may need to use compulsory purchase powers if agreements are not reached. The Cabinet agreed in principle to use compulsory purchase powers under Section 226(1)(a) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 for the acquisition of land and interests within the phase 2 area. They also approved applying to the Secretary of State for consent to extend existing demolition notices and issue further notices, and to apply for redevelopment status to rely on Ground 10A of the Housing Act 1985.

Motions Referred from Council Assembly

The Cabinet agreed to several motions referred from Council Assembly:

• Renewing our borough: a strategy for building the homes and infrastructure we need: This motion supports the council's plans for delivering new social rent, genuinely affordable homes, and essential infrastructure, highlighting the council's achievements in building council homes and securing affordable housing through the planning system. It also calls for continued investment in housing and infrastructure, and campaigning for projects like the Bakerloo Line Extension.
• Declaring a Housing Emergency: This motion acknowledges the housing crisis in Southwark, with a significant number of households in temporary accommodation, overcrowded homes, and on the council housing waiting list. It contrasts the current situation with the achievements of the last Labour government and outlines the council's ongoing efforts to tackle the crisis, including building new council homes and implementing robust affordable housing policies. The motion resolves to support the new Labour Government's plans for new homes and asks Cabinet to bring forward plans for new council homes, key worker homes, community land trusts, and investment in existing council housing.
• Debate not Hate: This motion commits the council to challenging the normalisation of abuse against councillors and officers, upholding exemplary standards of public debate, and signing up to the LGA's Debate Not Hate campaign. It also commits to writing to local MPs and the Government to support the campaign, ensuring a clear reporting mechanism for incidents of harassment and abuse, and taking a zero-tolerance approach.
• Ending the Lower Road chaos: This motion addresses concerns raised by residents, businesses, the local MP, and councillors regarding the Lower Road cycle lane in Rotherhithe. It notes the ongoing development in the area and the stress on the road network. The motion resolves that the Cabinet Member for Clean Air, Streets and Waste will continue to work with stakeholders to monitor the situation and find further solutions, and reiterates an invitation for Liberal Democrat councillors to contribute their ideas.

Appointments to Outside Bodies 2024-25 - Southwark and Lambeth Archaeological Excavation Committee (Deputy) Position

Raymond Whitaker was appointed as the council's deputy representative to serve on the Southwark and Lambeth Archaeological Excavation Committee for the 2024-25 municipal year.