The Mayor and Cabinet of Lewisham Council met on Wednesday, 25 February 2026, to discuss a range of important issues, including the council's budget for the upcoming year, the procurement of essential services, and the adoption of policies to protect the borough's character. Key topics included the approval of the School Minor Works Programme, the procurement of substance misuse and domestic violence services, and the extension of the Sexual and Reproductive Health Services contract.

Young Mayor's Annual Report

The meeting was scheduled to receive an update on the work of the Lewisham Young Mayor and Young Advisors for 2025. This report was intended to provide an overview of their activities and outline budget priorities for spending from the Young Mayor's £25,000 budget. The proposals were to focus on business and enterprise, with the aim of establishing a Lewisham Youth Enterprise Hub. This initiative is designed to empower young people aged 14-21 (up to 25 with SEND) to develop entrepreneurial skills, launch socially impactful businesses, and engage with the wider Lewisham business community. The proposed budget allocation included £10,000 for start-up grants, £3,000 for co-working space setup, £5,000 for mentoring and workshop development, £5,000 for staffing and coordination, and £2,000 for marketing and outreach.

School Minor Works Programme 2026

Approval was sought for the School Minor Works Programme (SMWP) for 2026, which is an annual capital repair and replacement programme funded by the School Condition Allocation grant from the Department for Education. The programme aims to address essential capital works in community schools to prevent disruption and ensure safety. The draft programme of works included projects such as the replacement of windows at Abbey Manor College, external wall insulation surveys at Baring, and roof replacements at Clyde Nursery. The total estimated cost for the SMWP26 was £4,156,300, to be funded by the School Condition Allocation grant and contributions from schools.

Authority to Procure Substance Misuse Services

The Mayor and Cabinet were asked to approve the procurement and award of contracts for community-based drug and alcohol treatment services. The proposed contracts would be for an initial period of three years, with the option to extend for up to a further six years, at a total estimated cost of £16,276,379 over the initial three-year term, and £49,795,959 over the full nine-year period. This procurement is aligned with the UK Government's Drug Strategy 2021 and aims to build a world-class treatment and recovery system. A comprehensive review of Lewisham's drug and alcohol treatment system was also noted, with final recommendations expected in February 2026.

Permission to Procure Domestic Violence Women's Service

Approval was sought to procure and award two contracts related to a new specialist Complex Needs Women's Service for victims of domestic abuse and multiple disadvantage. The first contract was for the refurbishment of a council-owned building, estimated at up to £1.6 million, subject to external funding. The second contract was for a specialist provider to deliver the support service for an initial three-year period, with an option to extend for a further three years, at an estimated cost of £1,919,870. This initiative is supported by the Greater London Authority's Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation and Support Programme (DASAHP) grant.

Permitted Extension for Sexual and Reproductive Health Services

The meeting was scheduled to consider the extension of the contract for sexual and reproductive health services with Lewisham & Greenwich Trust (LGT). The proposed extension is for a period of three years, from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029, at the current contract value of £3,110,544 per annum, totalling £9,331,632 for the extension period. This extension is considered a permitted variation under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, as it was provided for in the original procurement documents. The service is performing strongly and is essential for meeting the sexual health needs of Lewisham residents.

Permission to Procure the Lewisham Wellbeing Hub

The Mayor and Cabinet were asked to approve the procurement of a new contract for a Lewisham Wellbeing Hub. This service aims to support residents with their mental health and wellbeing needs for a period of three years, with the option to extend for up to two years, at a maximum estimated cost of £2,611,900. The procurement process will be undertaken in accordance with the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. The redesigned service aims to address rising mental health needs and health inequalities in the borough, providing a single point of access for support and early intervention.

Electrical Safety Policy

The meeting was scheduled to review and approve a revised Electrical Safety Policy. This update is necessary to ensure compliance with the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) (Amendment) (Extension to the Social Rented Sector) Regulations 2025, which come into force for existing tenancies on 1 May 2026. The revised policy incorporates requirements relating to existing tenancies and the timescales for providing Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs).

Permission to Procure and Award Multiple Housing Services (including ICT) & Works Contracts

The Housing Directorate sought permission to procure and award two ICT systems, one landlord works contract, and to increase the value of existing works contracts. The ICT procurements include a management system for repairs and maintenance and a processing system for Housing Needs and Refugee Services, both to be progressed via the G-Cloud 14 Framework. A works contract for drainage services was also proposed, to be procured through an open competitive flexible procedure. Additionally, uplifts in value were requested for existing contracts for general building maintenance and fire risk assessments.

Extension of the Lewisham Parks and Open Spaces Strategy 2020-2025 to 2028

The meeting was asked to approve a three-year extension of the Lewisham Parks and Open Spaces Strategy 2020-2025, until December 2028. This extension is intended to ensure strategic continuity while a new strategy is developed, informed by the Nature Towns and Cities project. The extension will also maintain alignment with Parks for London's requirements and provide time for piloting nature-based interventions.

Procurement for Lewisham Hybrid Mail Solution

Approval was sought for the expenditure for a hybrid mail printing service. This includes a 12-month interim contract with Ricoh UK Ltd, estimated at £756,000 (inclusive of VAT), and a new three-year contract, estimated at £1,920,000 (inclusive of VAT). The London Borough of Brent will enter into these contracts on behalf of Lewisham Council under the terms of an Inter-Authority Agreement. This service is crucial for the secure and timely delivery of essential communications to residents and businesses.

Lewisham Town Centre Improvement Programme - Market Canopy Procurement Update

An update was provided on the Lewisham Town Centre Improvement Programme, which is on schedule for completion by winter 2026/27. The report sought approval to vary the existing Highways Term Contract with FM Conway to include the manufacture, supply, and installation of the Lewisham Market Canopy at a total value of £2.9 million. This decision was presented as a necessary measure following a failed competitive tender process for the canopy, aiming to avoid further delays and ensure the project's completion within the Levelling Up Fund grant deadlines.

Adoption of Selection Criteria for Areas of Special Local Character (ASLCs) and 5 ASLC Statements of Significance

The meeting was asked to adopt selection criteria for Areas of Special Local Character (ASLCs) and agree the Statements of Significance for five areas: Lee Green, Loampit Hill, Silk Mills Path, Lewisham Town Centre, and Bellingham Estate. ASLCs are identified as places with coherent and notable local character, recognised as non-designated heritage assets. Their adoption will make them a material consideration in planning decisions, encouraging sensitive development that responds positively to local character. Public consultation on these areas had been carried out, with responses generally positive and incorporated into the revised statements.

Exclusion of the Press and Public

The meeting was scheduled to consider excluding the press and public from any Part 2 items of business, on the grounds that they involved the likely disclosure of exempt information.