This meeting will include a discussion about the council's Corporate Peer Challenge Action Plan 2025, and a report that recommends the adoption of its Revenue and Capital Budget for 2025/26. An action plan to deliver the council's ambition to become an 'Age-Friendly Borough' will also be included for discussion.

Corporate Peer Challenge Action Plan 2025

The Local Government Association (LGA) carried out a four-day 'Corporate Peer Challenge' (CPC) of Lambeth Council in November 2024. During the CPC the LGA met with 90 people to hear their views on Lambeth Council, including staff, Councillors, voluntary and community sector partners and residents. The LGA peer team, led by Councillor Shantanu Rajawat¹ and Stephen Evans², also reviewed key council documents, including the [Lambeth 2030](https://www.lambeth.gov.uk/sites/default/files/lambeth_2030_final_web_version_2.pdf) Borough Plan. A CPC report containing nine recommendations was published as a result of the four-day challenge.

The CPC Report (Appendix A) recommended that the council Work quickly to provide clarity on the full revenue implications of [HRA](https://www.insidehousing.co.uk/insight/insight/what-is-the-housing-revenue-account-60263)[^4] and the winding down of [Homes for Lambeth](https://www.homesforlambeth.co.uk/) and that it Take a collective and transparent approach to the organisation’s financial challenges; building on difficult decisions taken already, go further and faster on savings and transformation and consider all options in the ongoing discussions with Government. The report also recommended that the council Maintain pace on developing the One Lambeth transformation approach and work to clarify roles and responsibilities across the corporate centre and services.

The council's action plan to deliver these and the other recommendations in the LGA's report (Appendix B) has been published. The action plan (Appendix B) states that the council will Develop a One Lambeth Transformation Plan to guide the next phase of our change journey including the case for change and key priorities to support Lambeth 2030 ambitions. The plan (Appendix B) also commits to Consistently engage with residents and the voluntary and community sector to support the delivery of Lambeth 2030, particularly around Equity and Justice.

Revenue and Capital Budget 2025/26 and Medium-Term Financial Strategy 2025/6 to 2028/29

The report (Revenue and Capital Budget 202526 and Medium-Term Financial Strategy 20256 to 202829) states that Lambeth Council's 'Core Spending Power' has reduced by £136.8m since 2010. It describes the council's budget as being under pressure from significant increases in costs due to inflation and the demand-crisis that local government is facing in delivering statutory services, particularly temporary accommodation in London. The report (Revenue and Capital Budget 202526 and Medium-Term Financial Strategy 20256 to 202829) states that the cost of housing homeless households in overnight accommodation is expected to reach £100m this year.

The report (Revenue and Capital Budget 202526 and Medium-Term Financial Strategy 20256 to 202829) recommends that the council approve £46.3m of savings and income generating proposals for 2025/26. If approved, the council will review its operating model with a view to saving £15.4m during 2025/26. A 2.99% increase in Council Tax is also recommended in the report (Revenue and Capital Budget 202526 and Medium-Term Financial Strategy 20256 to 202829), in addition to the 2% Adult Social Care precept, as well as the introduction of a 100% council tax premium on second homes. The report (Revenue and Capital Budget 202526 and Medium-Term Financial Strategy 20256 to 202829) recommends that the council approve a Council Tax Support scheme in which eligible working-age residents will be liable for 20% of their council tax bill, while pensioners and other specified groups will be protected.

Age-Friendly Lambeth Action Plan 2024-2027

The report (Age-Friendly Lambeth Action Plan 2024-2027) states that the number of residents aged 50 and over has increased by 34% between 2011 and 2021, and is forecast to increase further in future.

The report (Age-Friendly Lambeth Action Plan 2024-2027) contains an action plan (Appendix A) to make Lambeth an 'Age-Friendly Borough'. The plan (Appendix A) follows the World Health Organisation's (WHO) 'Age-Friendly Cities and Communities Framework' and includes 57 actions across eight domains: housing; transport; outdoor spaces and buildings; community support and health services; communication and information; social participation; respect and social inclusion; and civic participation and employment.

The action plan (Appendix A) commits to improving the accessibility of the borough by increasing pedestrian crossing times and providing more places to stop and rest across the borough, to reduce the presence of bikes and scooters on pavements, and to make the toilets at Streatham Leisure Centre, West Norwood and Ferndale Road accessible to the public. An 'Age-Friendly Bulletin' is also included in the plan (Appendix A), and the council will seek to engage older residents in the development of its Night-Time Economy strategy.

The action plan (Appendix A) was informed by consultation with over 700 residents, as well as feedback from an 'Age-Friendly Forum'. £150,000 has been allocated to deliver the action plan in 2024/25.