Here is a summary of the topics scheduled for discussion at the Southampton Council Cabinet meeting on 25 September 2025. The Cabinet will be considering a range of issues, including a proposal for local government reorganisation, a lane rental scheme, and the council's financial position. They will also discuss the response to a scrutiny inquiry into reducing gambling-related harms in Southampton.

Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation

Councillor Alexander Winning, Leader of the Council, is scheduled to present a report containing the final proposal for local government reorganisation from Southampton City Council. The report - Local Government Reorganisation Proposal - includes several appendices.

Lane Rental Scheme

Councillor Christie Lambert, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Transport, is scheduled to present a report seeking approval for the Lane Rental Scheme. The scheme aims to reduce traffic congestion by charging utility companies for roadworks that occupy lanes during peak hours.

The Lane Rental Scheme- Cabinet Paper outlines the details of the proposed scheme, including its objectives, scope, and implementation plan. The report also refers to several appendices, including a Feasibility Study, a Cost Benefit Analysis Report, and a Consultation Summary.

Financial Position Update

Councillor Simon Letts, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, is scheduled to provide an update on the council's financial position for 2025/26. The Financial Position Update - September report will provide an overview of the council's income and expenditure, as well as any significant financial risks or challenges. Appendix 1 - Financial Position Update Report Month 5 2025-26 provides further details.

Response to the Reducing Gambling Related Harms in Southampton Scrutiny Inquiry

Councillor Marie Finn, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, is scheduled to present the Cabinet's response to the recommendations from the scrutiny inquiry into reducing gambling harms in Southampton. The Response to the Reducing Gambling Related Harms in Southampton Scrutiny Inquiry report includes action plans in response to the inquiry's recommendations. The original recommendations are detailed in Appendix 1 - Conclusions and Recommendations from the Scrutiny Inquiry Panel Report, and the action plans are in Appendix 2 - Action Plans Cabinet Response to Reducing Gambling-Related Harms Recommendations.

Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF)

Councillor Andy Frampton, Cabinet Member for Housing, is scheduled to present a report outlining the match funding proposal for the Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF) Round 3 initiative. The Report details the proposal.

Emergency Accommodation Acquisitions

Councillor Andy Frampton, Cabinet Member for Housing, is also scheduled to present a report seeking approval to spend an already agreed Capital Budget as part of the Homelessness Prevention Transformation Project. The Emergency Accommodation Acquisitions report details the proposal.

Annual Complaints Report

Councillor Simon Letts, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, is scheduled to present the Annual Complaints Report 2024/5, highlighting council complaints performance, including annual reporting from the Local Government and Social Care and Housing Ombudsman¹. The Annual Complaints Report 2024/5 and its Appendix - Annual Complaints Report 2024/5 provide details of the report.

Freedom of Information, Data Protection & Regulation of Investigatory Powers Acts: Annual Review

Councillor Simon Letts, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, is also scheduled to present a report detailing the statistical information for the financial year 2024-25 with regard to information governance. The Freedom of Information Data Protection Regulation of Investigatory Powers Acts Annual Review 202 report details statistical information on requests received under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA), the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR), the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the council's activity under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA). Appendix 1 2025 - List of Authorising Officers lists the authorising officers.