The Council meeting on 27 November 2024 saw councillors approve recommendations for an increase in members' allowances and review the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report for 2023/24. A motion was also put forward to endorse the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Members' Allowances

The Council approved a 2.5% increase for both the basic allowance and all Special Responsibility Allowances (SRAs) for councillors, effective from 1 April 2024. The basic allowance will rise from £12,480 to £12,792. This increase aligns with the pay award for the majority of council employees and will be funded from the Governance team's budgets, with uplift from corporate provisions and reserves. The financial implications are estimated at £29,000.

Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2023/24

Councillors were asked to note the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report for the municipal year 2023/24. The report details the work undertaken by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, its select committees, and task and finish groups. It highlights their role in providing independent oversight, constructive challenge, and contributing to the improvement of services for residents. The report also outlines the committee structures, engagement with residents and experts, and the impact of scrutiny activities.

Motions

A motion was put forward by Councillor Liam Shrivastava and seconded by Councillor Aisha Malik-Smith, affirming Lewisham Labour's commitment to addressing the climate emergency and endorsing the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. The motion noted that Lewisham Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and has since published annual action plans with an ambition to reach net-zero by 2030. It also highlighted the scientific consensus on the role of fossil fuels in climate change and the risks associated with current global plans for fossil fuel production. The Council resolved to endorse the call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, call on the UK government to do the same, reaffirm its commitment to decarbonisation, and write to the Local Government Association to promote the treaty among its members.