At a meeting on 2 December 2025, Southwark Council's Cabinet addressed a range of issues, from housing and education to community safety and financial planning. Key decisions included approving the demolition of Marie Curie House, reviewing school standards, and outlining a new resident engagement strategy. The cabinet also discussed and made decisions on land disposal in East Dulwich, strategic community infrastructure funding, and the Tustin Estate renewal project.

Here's a more detailed look at the key discussion points:

Housing

Marie Curie Demolition

The cabinet considered the demolition of Marie Curie House, a 16-storey residential block on the Sceaux Gardens Estate. The decision was recommended due to structural and fire safety concerns identified in an independent engineering report (see Appendix 3 Marie Curie Structural Survey Report.pdf). The report cited:

• Structural degradation due to humidity
• Insufficient reinforcement cover and carbonation
• Presence of gas creating a fire incident hazards
• The building nearing or exceeding its original design life.

The council had previously planned to carry out Phase 2 fire safety works, but updated fire safety regulations and financial pressures made this option unviable. All tenants have been offered the right to return to the estate. The demolition is subject to the council obtaining ballot exemption from the GLA. The estimated cost for the demolition works is £3 million. The cabinet approved the demolition of the Marie Curie block.

Tustin Estate Renewal - Phase 2

The cabinet agreed to change the strategy for delivering Phase 2 of the Tustin Estate Renewal to accelerate the delivery of affordable housing. As part of the changes, 98 homes previously intended for key workers will now be new council homes for social rent, supported by GLA grant funding. To begin Phase 2, the council will enter into an early works contract for design work and demolition of Heversham House and Kentmere House. The main works contract will include construction of all four blocks in Phase 2, with separate prices for each block and a break clause to exclude some blocks if needed.

Disposal of Land at Greendale, East Dulwich

The cabinet agreed to land transfer arrangements for land at Greendale, East Dulwich, including accepting a freehold transfer of land and disposing of a long leasehold interest to Dulwich Hamlet Football Club. This decision aims to facilitate the implementation of a consented scheme for the redevelopment of Champion Hill and the Astro Turf Pitch Site within Greendale Playing Fields. A spokesperson for Dulwich Hamlet FC addressed the cabinet to make a statement in respect of the report.

Asylum Road Care Home

The cabinet considered recommendations from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee regarding the disposal of the Asylum Road Care Home site via a long-leasehold interest. The committee's recommendations focused on due diligence for provider appointments, transparency in leaseholder charges, and ensuring up-to-date information for decision-makers. The cabinet agreed to report back on the recommendations within eight weeks.

Response to Housing Scrutiny Commission

The cabinet accepted all recommendations made by the Housing Scrutiny Commission regarding the outcome of reviews of QHIP major works projects at Canada Estate, Fair Street/Devon Mansions, and Kirby Estate. These recommendations include improved communication with residents, ensuring sufficient council expertise for oversight of major works, and establishing clear processes for dispute resolution.

Community Engagement

Resident Engagement Strategy

The cabinet approved a new resident engagement strategy, building on the council's Good Landlord Plan and commitments to empower residents. The strategy aims to provide inclusive and meaningful opportunities for residents to shape services, with a focus on accountability, trust, accessibility, and transparency. The impact of the strategy will be evaluated in January 2028.

Financial Matters

Revenue Monitoring Report 2025-26

The cabinet noted the forecast adverse variance of £7.3m for the HRA and £26.2m for the General Fund in 2025-26. Key budget pressures include demand for temporary accommodation and increased costs in children's and adults' social care. The cabinet also noted updates on departmental and transformational savings and the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) position.

Capital Monitoring Report 2025-26

The cabinet noted the month 6 forecast spend and resources for the General Fund and Housing Investment Programme (HIP), as well as the alignment of the General Fund capital programme with the Southwark 2030 priorities. They also noted the significant borrowing requirements for both programmes. The cabinet approved virements and variations to the General Fund and HIP.

Budget Setting Update 2026-27

The cabinet noted an update on local government funding arrangements, the approach to setting the 2026-27 budget, and proposed options to achieve a balanced budget. The report also highlighted the delay in guidance on social rent convergence and the ongoing work to find additional savings options.

HRA Indicative Rent and Charges Report 2026-27

The cabinet noted the proposed rent increase of 4.8% for HRA properties, as well as proposed increases to tenant service charges, sheltered and flexi-care housing service charges, and garage charge rates. They also noted the proposed freezing of heat network charges and the withdrawal of the concessionary garage rate for non-blue badge holders.

Community Safety

Response to Environment Scrutiny Commission

The cabinet approved the council's response to the Environment Scrutiny Commission's report on the impacts of active travel and access to nature. The response included accepting most recommendations and partially accepting others, with a focus on integrating health benefits into the Streets for Nature strategy and addressing barriers to active travel for specific groups.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee Report: Southwark Community Safety Partnership

The cabinet noted the recommendations from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee regarding the Southwark Community Safety Partnership. These recommendations include improving the reporting of crime, enhancing communal lighting and CCTV, and providing specialised training to housing officers and T&RA representatives.

Other Business

Motions from Council Assembly

The cabinet considered motions referred from Council Assembly, including those related to rights for residents, fairer funding for Southwark, divestment from conflict and genocide, affordable housing requirements, Peckham Rye Station safety, and water management.

All-Age Integrated Drug and Alcohol Treatment and Recovery Services

The cabinet approved the procurement strategy for Southwark's substance misuse treatment services, with a maximum estimated contract value of £73,995,840 over ten years. They also delegated the contract award approval to the Strategic Director of Children and Adult Services.

Urgent Item Accepted

The chair agreed to accept a late deputation request from Dulwich Hamlet Football Club to make a statement in respect of the report on the disposal of Greendale, East Dulwich.