The Lambeth Council meeting on 16 July 2025 addressed several key issues, including a response to the Supreme Court judgment on sex and gender, tackling child poverty, and reviewing various committee reports. Councillors also debated the allocation of seats on committees following a recent by-election.

Deputations

Three deputations were heard by the council.

• A speaker from Naked Larder spoke about single use plastics and the need to reduce waste. Councillor Zine Choudhury, Deputy Leader of the Council (Sustainable Lambeth and Clean Air), responded, outlining the council's actions to reduce single-use plastics in its own operations and support borough-wide initiatives.
• A speaker spoke about homelessness prevention in Lambeth, particularly regarding tenants at Central Hill Estate. Councillor Danial Adilypour, Deputy Leader of the Council (Housing, Investment, & New Homes), responded, stating that the council was bringing former council homes back into use for those in need.
• A speaker spoke about road safety and the need to protect children.

Petitions

Councillors presented petitions on behalf of residents regarding:

• Funding for the Angel Town community space.
• Enforcement action against two houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) on Churchmore Road.
• Modifying the Streatham Wells controlled parking zone (CPZ) enforcement period.

Cabinet and Opposition Statements

Councillor Claire Holland, Leader of the Council, reflected on the 20th anniversary of the 7/7 tragedy and the killing of Jean-Charles de Menezes¹ and highlighted the launch of Lambeth's Growth Plan, which aims to bring more jobs and homes to the borough. She also noted the government's policy of providing free school meals to all children in households on universal credit.

Councillor Donna Harris, Group Leader, criticised the council's financial management and accused the Labour government of retreating from its pledges.

Council Questions

Councillors posed questions to cabinet members on various issues, including:

• Mould and damp in council housing.
• The future of Waterloo Health Centre.
• The removal of No Ball Games signs.
• Support for trans residents.
• Policing of schools.
• Air quality around school streets.
• Support for families in temporary accommodation.
• Parking permits for essential workers.
• Legal costs related to unsuccessful court cases.
• Engagement with Transport for London (TfL) on the Tulse Hill gyratory.
• Parking of rental e-bikes in the Waterloo and Southbank area.
• Accessibility at Loughborough Junction station.
• Responsible investment of the pension fund.
• Improvements to Milkwood Community Park.
• Street sweeping on Hazelbourne Road.
• Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding in Clapham.
• The selective licensing scheme in the south of the borough.
• Activities for teenagers in Streatham Wells during the summer holidays.
• The use of Amazon accounts by Lambeth Council.
• The rollout of free breakfast clubs in Oval and surrounding wards.

Reports

Allocation of Seats to Political Groups

Following the Herne Hill and Loughborough Junction by-election, the council reviewed the allocation of seats to political groups. Councillor Scott Ainslie, Group Leader, argued that the Greens should have parity with the Liberal Democrats on committee seats. Councillor Ben Curtis, Group Whip, stated that the Liberal Democrats would abstain on the item, and that the opposition should chair scrutiny committees. Councillor Scarlett O'Hara, Chief Whip, stated that the Greens were asking for a hefty increase in their special responsibility allowance (SRA). The recommendations in the report were agreed.

Constitution 2025/26

The council approved the Constitution 2025/26, with some changes. Councillor Ainslie expressed disappointment that the Green Group had not been nominated to the Constitutional Working Group. Councillor Harris supported the inclusion of the Green Group. Councillor James Bryan, Deputy Chief Whip, explained that the changes were revised to refocus the rules of Cabinet on the principles of inclusivity, delivery and equity. The recommendations in the report were agreed.

Use of Special Urgency

The council noted a report outlining the reasons for taking special urgency decisions concerning the Marsfield North PFI refinancing and Brockwell Park events. Councillor Paul Valentine criticised the use of special urgency in relation to the Brockwood Park decision. Councillor Matthew Bryant, Deputy Group Leader, argued that the administration sought to avoid scrutiny. Councillor Donatus Anyanwu, Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, stated that the decisions were necessary to safeguard the council's interests.

Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2024-25

The council approved the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2024-25. Councillor Nicole Griffiths expressed concerns about the lack of independent voices on the scrutiny committees. Councillor Curtis thanked the chair and democratic services team. Councillor Liz Atkins, Chair of Overview and Scrutiny, highlighted the importance of scrutiny in building trust and giving voice to local residents.

Corporate Committee Annual Report 2024-25

The council approved the Corporate Committee Annual Report. Councillor Ainslie criticised the committee for being asleep at the wheel and missing the financial problems caused by Homes for Lambeth. Councillor Bryant noted that the committee had successfully recruited a new independent member. Councillor Rebecca Spencer, Chair of Corporate Committee, stated that the committee had discharged its responsibilities with diligence.

Health and Wellbeing Board Annual Report

The council approved the Health and Wellbeing Board Annual Report. Councillor Harris called for the board to look into supporting families through the introduction of baby boxes. Councillor Nanda Manley-Browne, Cabinet Member for Healthier Communities (job-share), presented the report, highlighting the board's focus on reducing health inequalities.

Corporate Parenting Board Annual Report 2024-25

The council approved the Corporate Parenting Board Annual Report 2024-25. Councillor Bryant commended the work of Jordan Windet, the new Participation Officer. Councillor Ben Kind, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families, expressed thanks to the team supporting the Corporate Parenting Board.

Motions

Responding to the Supreme Court Judgment on Sex and Gender

The council debated a motion from the Liberal Democrats on responding to the Supreme Court judgment on sex and gender. An amendment from Labour was carried, and the amended motion was agreed.

Tackling Child Poverty in Lambeth

The council debated a motion from Labour on tackling child poverty in Lambeth. Amendments from the Greens and the Liberal Democrats were not carried, and the original motion from Labour was agreed.

Oppose Cuts to Disability Benefit Payments

The council debated a motion from the Greens on opposing cuts to disability benefit payments. An amendment from the Liberal Democrats was not carried, and the original motion from the Greens was not carried.

Celebrating Pride in Lambeth

The council debated a motion from Labour on celebrating Pride in Lambeth. Amendments from the Greens and the Liberal Democrats were not carried, and the original motion from Labour was agreed unanimously.

Nature and Biodiversity in Lambeth

The council debated a motion from Labour on nature and biodiversity in Lambeth. Amendments from the Greens and the Liberal Democrats were not carried, and the original motion from Labour was agreed.