The Cabinet of Lambeth Council met on Monday 22 September 2025 to discuss the council's financial performance for the first quarter of 2025-26 and review progress against the Lambeth 2030 Outcomes Framework. Key decisions included the approval of the Quarter 1 Financial Performance Report and the consideration of the Outcomes Framework performance update.

Quarter 1 Financial Performance Report 2025-26

The council is facing significant financial pressures, primarily due to increased demand for statutory services, particularly temporary accommodation, adult social care, and children's social care. A projected £20.38 million overspend for the year was highlighted, with the largest pressures identified in Housing Services (£19.99 million), Adult Social Care (£8 million), and Children's, Families & Education (£6 million).

Councillor Claire Holland, Leader of the Council, outlined that management actions and spending controls are in place to mitigate these pressures. Over 80% of planned savings for 2025-26 are on track, and any shortfalls will be addressed within directorates. The council is also reviewing its reserves position with plans to replenish them to strengthen financial resilience. A borough-wide transformation programme is underway, which includes measures such as reducing director posts, implementing a recruitment freeze, ending non-essential spending, and reviewing capital investments. Opportunities to raise capital receipts are also being developed to support financial sustainability.

Councillor Rezina Chowdhury, Deputy Leader of the Council (Sustainable Lambeth and Clean Air), sought assurance on the delivery of these savings. Officers confirmed that only savings with verifiable evidence are marked as on track, and all savings, including those marked as green, are actively monitored.

The Cabinet resolved to note the forecast position for the General Fund and Housing Revenue Account for 2025-26, the management actions being taken to reduce the forecast overspend, and the progress on the delivery of in-year savings. They also noted the review of the Capital Investment Programme to minimise future borrowing and associated revenue costs, and the draft Flexible Use of Capital Receipts Policy. Actions relating to reserves to safeguard the council's financial position were also noted.

Outcomes Framework Performance: Q1 2025/26

Councillor Fred Cowell, Cabinet Member for Digital, Data and Resident Experience, presented the Q1 performance update against the Lambeth 2030 Outcomes Framework. The report indicated that 72% of targeted indicators were meeting their targets in the first quarter, with a further 11% within 5% of their target. Overall performance is trending in the right direction, with 27% of indicators showing a positive change of at least 5%.

Under the ambition Making Lambeth's Neighbourhoods Fit for the Future, 75% of targeted indicators were meeting their targets. Councillor David Bridson, Cabinet Member for Healthier Communities, highlighted positive feedback from an inspection of adult social care and commended the team's hard work. Councillor Rezina Chowdhury celebrated achievements in sustainability, noting that targets for curbside recycling, tree planting, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure had been exceeded.

Under the ambition Making Lambeth One of the Safest Boroughs in London, 60% of targeted indicators were meeting their targets. The report noted an increase in young people classed as not in employment, education, or training (NEET) due to improved tracking efforts, with tailored support being provided to these individuals.

Under the ambition Making Lambeth a Place We Can All Call Home, 74% of targeted indicators were meeting their targets. The report highlighted an increase in the number of individuals identified as long-term rough sleepers, with outreach teams actively working to support them into settled accommodation.

The Cabinet resolved to consider and comment on the latest performance update against the delivery of the Outcomes Framework. The Chair and members commended the teams involved and noted the importance of distinguishing between key performance indicators and borough context indicators.

The meeting concluded with the next Cabinet meeting scheduled for Monday 20 October 2025.