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Mayor and Cabinet - Wednesday, 3rd December, 2025 6.00 pm
December 3, 2025 Mayor and Cabinet View on council website Watch video of meeting Read transcript (Professional subscription required)Summary
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The Mayor and Cabinet of Lewisham Council met on Wednesday 3 December 2025 to discuss a range of important issues, approving contract extensions for vital adult social care services, including Extra Care and supported living for adults with learning disabilities. The meeting also saw decisions made regarding the procurement of new IT systems for Revenue and Benefits, the future management of Brockley PFI housing, and the acquisition of new vehicles and waste management services.
Key Decisions and Discussions
Adult Social Care and Health Services
Mayor and Cabinet approved significant contract extensions for Extra Care services at Cedar Court, Cinnamon Court, and Hazlehurst Court. These extensions, valued at £1.17 million for Cedar and Cinnamon Courts and £1.21 million for Hazlehurst Court over two years, will ensure the continuation of these vital services for older residents from April 2026.
Furthermore, 33 supported living contracts for adults with learning disabilities received approval for extensions. Twenty-two contracts will be extended by nine months until September 2026, at a total cost of over £4.5 million, while 11 contracts will be extended until March 2027, costing over £4.4 million. These extensions are necessary to allow for the procurement of a new framework agreement for these services.
The meeting also approved the procurement of a new contract for the Older Adults Day Service at the Calabash Centre. This contract, valued at £424,000 annually for three years with a potential two-year extension, will ensure the continuation of this culturally significant service for the Black African and Caribbean community, while also evolving into a broader community hub.
Housing and Regeneration
A key decision was made regarding the Brockley PFI expiry, with Mayor and Cabinet authorising the Executive Director of Housing to facilitate the transfer of housing management functions back to the Council when the contract expires in June 2027. This follows a consultation with residents, the majority of whom supported the transfer. Plans will be developed to ensure service quality is maintained during this transition.
Permission was also granted to procure and award various housing works and service contracts. This includes extending contracts for Mechanical Services, Cold Water equipment with HSL, and for Gas, Solid Fuel & Non-Gas Heating Servicing, Repairs, Maintenance and Installations with BSW Heating Ltd and Smith & Byford Ltd. Additionally, new procurement exercises were approved for Retrofit Assessor Consultancy, Retrofit Works Contractors, and specialist building surveys through frameworks like Procure Plus' DPS, Fusion 21, and the South East Consortium (SEC). The Housing Acquisition Programme (HAP) will also see the procurement of a main contractor for refurbishment and maintenance, with an estimated cost of up to £7.2 million over four years. This will also include the refurbishment of Morton House, funded by the MHCLG Local Housing Fund 3 (LAHF3), which will also support an additional 12 homes, increasing the total to 312 units for temporary accommodation and resettlement.
Finance and Resources
Mayor and Cabinet noted the Period 6 Financial Monitoring Report, which indicated a £3.7 million underspend on the General Fund, largely due to the early delivery of savings. However, the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) has a projected overspend of £2.5 million on the high needs block. The Housing Revenue Account is currently on track to be balanced. The report also sought and received approval for the write-off of £157,700 in Adult Social Care debt.
The Council Tax Base for 2026/27 was set at 93,758.1 Band D equivalent properties, with a budgeted collection rate of 96.0%. The Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS) will remain unchanged, requiring eligible claimants to contribute a minimum of 25%. Various discretionary discounts and premiums for second homes, empty homes, and long-term empty properties were also approved for continuation. Mayor and Cabinet also noted the proposed National Non-Domestic Rates (NNDR) estimated net yield of £70 million for 2026/27, acknowledging the significant uncertainty due to the upcoming reset of the Business Rates Retention Scheme. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director for Finance, Digital and Corporate Resources to approve the final 2026/27 NNDR1 form.
Other Key Decisions
The meeting approved the procurement of new IT systems for the Revenue and Benefit service, with contracts for a processing system and maintenance valued at up to £3.675 million over seven years, and a customer engagement service via the G-Cloud 14 framework valued at up to £1.2 million over four years.
A new contract for Waste Transfer Station services was approved, with an estimated total value of £1.1 million. This includes a one-year contract for HWRC waste disposal (with a one-year extension option) and a two-year contract for fly-tipped and bulky waste disposal (with a two-year extension option). Additionally, approval was given to procure a Council-wide fleet contract valued at £21.5 million over five years, using the TPPL framework agreement, and to arrange leasing for vehicles to ensure service continuity.
Finally, the appointment of Laura Jenner as a Director to the board of Lewisham Homes Limited was agreed.
Topics Discussed
Adult Social Care and Health Services
The meeting focused on ensuring the continued provision of essential services for older adults and those with learning disabilities. The extensions for Extra Care services at Cedar Court, Cinnamon Court, and Hazlehurst Court were highlighted as crucial for supporting residents to live independently with 24-hour support. Councillor Paul Bell, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care, emphasised the importance of these services in promoting independence and wellbeing, aligning with the Council's strengths-based approach. The report noted that these services are more cost-effective than residential care placements and contribute to better health outcomes.
The Calabash Centre service was discussed in detail, with a commitment to maintaining its cultural significance for the Black African and Caribbean community while also serving all eligible elders. The future vision for Calabash includes evolving into a broader community hub, fostering partnerships with local cultural organisations.
The procurement of a new framework agreement for supported living services for adults with learning disabilities was a significant item. The delay in the procurement process due to the new Procurement Act 2023 necessitated the contract extensions. Councillor Amanda De Ryk, Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Procurement, noted the importance of ensuring continuity of care for vulnerable residents during this transition.
Housing and Regeneration
The transfer of housing management functions for the Brockley PFI properties back to the Council was a key decision, following a consultation that indicated resident support. Councillor Will Cooper, Cabinet Member for Better Homes, Neighbourhoods and Homelessness, stressed the importance of a seamless transition to ensure residents continue to receive the housing services they deserve.
The procurement of various works and service contracts for the Housing Acquisition Programme (HAP) and Morton House refurbishment was approved. Councillor James-J Walsh, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Regeneration and Planning, highlighted the HAP's success in providing quality temporary accommodation and reducing homelessness, noting that the programme is exceeding its original cost-avoidance targets. The use of the South East Consortium (SEC) Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) was favoured for its efficiency and compliance. The refurbishment of Morton House will be funded by the MHCLG Local Housing Fund 3 (LAHF3) grant, which will also support an additional 12 homes, increasing the total to 312 units.
Finance and Resources
Councillor Amanda De Ryk presented the Period 6 Financial Monitoring Report, highlighting an underspend on the General Fund due to early delivery of savings, but also noting a projected overspend on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) high needs block. The report detailed the Council Tax Base calculation for 2026/27, proposing a slight increase in Band D equivalent properties. The continuation of existing discounts and premiums for second homes, empty homes, care leavers, and refugees was recommended, aiming to encourage property use and support vulnerable groups. The significant uncertainty surrounding the National Non-Domestic Rates (NNDR) reset was acknowledged, with a provisional net yield of £70 million estimated, subject to change.
Waste Management and Fleet
The procurement of a new Waste Transfer Station service contract was approved to ensure proper management of bulky waste, fly-tipped waste, and HWRC waste. This contract, valued at an estimated £1.1 million, will provide a crucial disposal route. Councillor Louise Krupski, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Climate Action, emphasised that this, combined with fleet improvements, would support the Council's Cleaner and Greener
priority.
A significant Fleet Replacement Programme was also approved, with a total value of £21.5 million over five years, to be procured via the TPPL framework. This programme aims to modernise the Council's fleet, reduce carbon emissions by transitioning to hybrid and electric vehicles where feasible, and improve operational efficiency. The plan includes a phased replacement of vehicles, with a focus on RCVs and smaller vans, and acknowledges the need for ongoing review and adaptation.
Other Matters
The appointment of Laura Jenner as a Director to Lewisham Homes Limited was confirmed, following the retirement of Fenn Beckman. Councillor Will Cooper welcomed the appointment, noting its importance for the governance of the Council's wholly owned housing company.
The Quinpartite Agreement for Sexual Health Commissioning was approved, renewing a five-year joint commissioning arrangement with Lambeth, Southwark, Bromley, and Bexley. Councillor Paul Bell, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care, highlighted that this collaboration leverages shared expertise and economies of scale to secure high-quality sexual health services and address health inequalities across South East London, at an annual cost of £160,428.
An extension to the contract with Your Voice in Health and Social Care for Healthwatch Lewisham was approved for 14 months, from January 2026 to March 2027, at a value of £163,333.34. This extension is necessary due to government reforms transferring Healthwatch functions to Integrated Care Boards and local authorities, ensuring continuity of service during this transition period.
The procurement of new IT systems for the Revenue and Benefit service was approved, with contracts for a processing system and maintenance valued at up to £3.675 million over seven years, and a customer engagement service via the G-Cloud 14 framework valued at up to £1.2 million over four years. Councillor Amanda De Ryk emphasised the importance of these systems for efficient service delivery and financial management.
The meeting concluded with the approval of the Brockley PFI expiry plans, authorising the Executive Director of Housing to manage the transfer of housing management functions back to the Council. This follows a resident consultation that supported the move.
The Mayor and Cabinet also agreed to exclude the press and public from discussions relating to Part 2 of the agenda, which contained confidential financial and commercial information.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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Extension of contract for Learning Disability Framework (LDF)
Recommendations Approved...to ensure continuity of care for adults with learning disabilities, the Mayor and Cabinet agreed to extend 22 supported living contracts expiring on 31/12/2025 for 9 months at a cost of £4,581,227.06 and 11 supported living contracts expiring at various dates in 2026 until 31/03/2027 at a cost of £4,425,54.34, allowing time for the new Open Framework to be established and for the procurement of these contracts to be completed.
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Period 6 Financial Monitoring Report
Recommendations Approved -
Extension of Contract with Your Voice in Health and Social Care for Healthwatch Service
Recommendations ApprovedMayor and Cabinet decided to approve the extension of the contract with Your Voice in Health and Social Care for the Healthwatch Service. This decision was made on 03 December 2025. The contract extension is for 14 months, from 31 January 2026 to 31 March 2027, at a value of £163,333.34.
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Authority to participate in Quinpartite Agreement for Sexual Health Commissioning
Recommendations Approved...to enter into a renewed Quinpartite Agreement with Lambeth, Southwark, Bromley, and Bexley for commissioning sexual and reproductive health services from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2031, at an annual cost of £160,428.
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Quarterly Corporate Performance Report Q2
Recommendations Approved...they noted the progress made during Q2 2025/26 in delivering the Corporate Strategy, as measured through the agreed key performance indicators (KPIs).
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Permitted contract extensions for extra care services
Recommendations Approved...to extend the existing contracts for extra care services with Housing 21 for Cedar Court and Cinnamon Court, and with Cera Care (formerly Westminster Homecare) for Hazlehurst Court, for two years starting April 1, 2026.
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Supported Housing Contract Value Award 2025 PART 2
For Determination -
Exclusion of Press and Public
Recommendations Approved -
Setting of the 2026/27 Council Tax base, the NNDR Tax base and discounts for second and empty homes
Recommendations Approved...to recommend to the Council the setting of the 2026/27 Council Tax base at 93,758.1 Band D equivalent properties, a 96% collection rate, the continuation of existing Council Tax Reduction Scheme policies and discretionary discounts, the application of a 100% premium to second homes after one year, the continuation of existing policies for empty homes, noted the estimated £70m NNDR net yield, and delegated approval of the final 2026/27 NNDR1 form to the Executive Director for Finance, Digital and Corporate Resources.
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Procurement of Contract of the Older Adults Day Service at Calabash Centre
Recommendations Approved...to approve the procurement and award of a contract for the older adults day service at the Calabash Centre for three years, with a two-year extension option, while ensuring the centre remains a culturally rooted space for the Black African and Caribbean community and exploring its evolution into a broader community hub.
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Future IT changes in the Revenue and Benefit service and approval to procure
Recommendations Approved...to procure and award contracts for IT systems supporting Revenue and Benefit services, including a processing system and maintenance, a processing system, and a Customer Engagement service, with a total estimated value of £7,325,000.
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Options appraisal on PFI Contract Expiry update
Recommendations Approved...to prepare for the expiry of the Brockley PFI contract in June 2027, they noted resident feedback, authorized the Executive Director of Housing to facilitate the transfer of housing management functions back to the Council, and required plans to maintain service quality and implement necessary works until the contract's end.
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Appointment of a New Director to the Board of Lewisham Homes Ltd
Recommendations Approved...to appoint Laura Jenner, Director of System Development, South East London Integrated Care System (Lewisham), as a Director of Lewisham Homes Limited.
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Supported Housing Contract Award Value 2025
Recommendations Approved...to award supported housing contracts to Riverside for Honor Lea and Rokeby House Hostel, and to St. Mungo’s for the Lewisham Assessment and Recovery Centre, approving contract values for the first three years.
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Authority to Procure a new Contract for Print and Multi Functional Devices (MFDs)
Recommendations Approved...to procure a new contract for Print and Multi Functional Devices (MFDs) for the London Borough of Lewisham, approving expenditure up to £690,000 (including VAT) for a contract period of up to five years, authorizing Brent to enter into the contract on Lewisham's behalf within authorized limits, and delegating authority to the Executive Director for Corporate Resources to approve final expenditure within those limits.
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Housing Acquisitions Programme - refurbishment and maintenance contract permission to procure
For DeterminationThe Mayor and Cabinet of Lewisham Council decided on 03/12/2025 to approve the procurement of an external provider for repair and maintenance services for a four-year contract commencing January 2026. They also agreed to include the refurbishment of Morton House within this contract and approved additional LAHF3 funding for 12 more homes. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Place to award the contract.
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Approval to procure Waste Transfer Site
For Determination...to procure and award a contract for a waste transfer station service with an estimated value of £1.1 million and a council-wide fleet contract with a total value of £21.5 million over a five-year period.
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The Mayor and Cabinet of Lewisham Council agreed to extend contracts for mechanical services and heating, and to procure new contractors for retrofit works and major projects. The decision was made on 03 December 2025. The Mayor and Cabinet approved officers to undertake procurement exercises for energy efficiency planning and works, latent defect works, and major works projects.
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Annual Complaints Report
For Determination...to note and approve the Annual Complaints Report, publish a response to the Non-statutory Complaints Performance and Service Improvement Report, and continue prioritizing complaint-handling improvements across the council.
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