The Southwark Council cabinet met on 7 July 2025, approving a new good landlord plan, an affordable workspace strategy, and several planning documents. The cabinet also approved the award of a contract for violence against women and girls (VAWG) support services to the Bede House Association. Councillor Kieron Williams, Leader of the Council, noted that this was his last cabinet meeting as leader.

Here's a breakdown of the key topics discussed:

Good Landlord Plan

The cabinet approved the council's Good Landlord Plan, which outlines its approach to becoming a better landlord for tenants and leaseholders. The plan details how the council will deliver decent homes for all, a key commitment under the Southwark 2030 strategy. The plan addresses the C3 grade given to the council by the Regulator of Social Housing, and includes improvements in tenant satisfaction. Councillor Sarah King, Cabinet Member for Council Homes, stated that the plan puts tenants and leaseholders at the heart of the council's work, giving them a stronger voice in housing services. The plan focuses on:

• Better homes
• Better estates
• Better repairs
• Better customer services
• A stronger voice for tenants
• New council homes

Financial Strategy

The cabinet noted the updated Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) to 2030, along with transformation savings, budget pressures for 2025-26, and potential risks to MTFS savings in 2025-26 and 2026-27. The financial sustainability of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) was also noted. Councillor Stephanie Cryan, Cabinet Member for Equalities, Democracy and Finance, said that the report sets the scene for future annual budgets.

Affordable Workspace Strategy

The cabinet approved the adoption of the Affordable Workspace Strategy, which aims to create a more accessible environment for businesses and organisations needing affordable space. Councillor John Batteson, Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency, Jobs and Business, stated that the strategy aligns with Southwark's economic development objectives, promoting inclusive growth, supporting innovation, and improving the social economy. The strategy includes actions such as establishing Affordable Workspace Hubs and pooling financial contributions from developers.

Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Support Services

The cabinet approved the award of the new VAWG Support Services contract to the Bede House Association for an initial four-year period, starting 7 February 2026. The contract, valued at £3,209,578, includes options to extend for a further six years, potentially reaching a total value of £8,407,584. Councillor Natasha Ennin, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Neighbourhoods, said the new service will extend advocacy and support to include victims of public space VAWG, while still providing services for domestic abuse victims. The new service provider will deliver services from the Women's Safety Centre, alongside the council's community safety VAWG officers.

Planning Documents

The cabinet agreed to adopt the following Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs):

• Householder Development SPD
• Affordable Housing SPD
• Section 106 and Community Infrastructure Levy SPD

These SPDs provide guidance on implementing policies within the Southwark Plan 2022.

Householder Development SPD

The Householder Development SPD provides guidance on improving and adapting existing homes, ensuring high housing standards, reducing energy demand and carbon emissions, and mitigating the impact on the surrounding area.

Affordable Housing SPD

The Affordable Housing SPD provides guidance on delivering affordable housing, including social rented and intermediate housing, key worker housing, and community land trusts. It also addresses viability assessments and the design and management of affordable housing.

Section 106 and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) SPD

The Section 106 and Community Infrastructure Levy SPD sets out how planning obligations and CIL are used by the council, detailing financial and non-financial obligations for new developments.