The Mayor and Cabinet meeting on 25 February 2026 saw the approval of several key procurements and policy updates, including significant investment in substance misuse services, domestic violence support, and housing maintenance. The meeting also celebrated the achievements of the Young Mayor's program and approved the designation of five new Areas of Special Local Character.

Young Mayor's Annual Report

Shane Grant, the Young Mayor of Lewisham, presented his annual report, highlighting the significant achievements of the Young Mayor's program and outlining a budget proposal for a new Lewisham Youth Enterprise Hub. The hub aims to empower young people aged 14-21 (and up to 25 for those with SEND) by developing their entrepreneurial skills, supporting them to launch socially impactful businesses, and engaging them with the wider Lewisham business community. The proposal includes Shark Tank -style pitch events, mentoring programs, and co-working spaces, with an estimated budget of £25,000. The report was well-received, with Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Edison Huynh, praising Shane Grant's representation of young people and the detailed, realistic budget proposal. The committee agreed to accept the report and asked the business team to review the proposal.

School Minor Works Programme 2026

Mayor and Cabinet approved the procurement of contracts for the School Minor Works Programme 2026, with a budget allocation of over £4 million. This annual program, funded by the Department for Education's School Condition Allocation grant, will support essential capital works in community schools, including roof repairs, brick maintenance, and window replacements with double glazing, to ensure the sustainable running of schools. Councillor Edison Huynh moved the report, and the recommendations were agreed.

Authority to Procure Substance Misuse Services

A significant procurement for community-based drug and alcohol treatment services for adults and young people was approved. The contracts will be for an initial three years, with options to extend for up to nine years, with an estimated total cost of nearly £50 million over the full period. Councillor Paul Bell, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care, moved the report, highlighting that the approach aligns with national drug strategy priorities and aims to reduce harm and support recovery. The recommendations were agreed.

Permission to Procure Domestic Violence Women's Service

Mayor and Cabinet approved the procurement of a specialist 24-hour supported housing service for women experiencing domestic abuse and multiple disadvantages. This initiative, which aims to deliver 79 self-contained units, addresses a gap in provision for women often excluded from traditional refuge services. The bid seeks £1.6 million in capital funding for refurbishment and £1.9 million in revenue funding for the first three years, subject to confirmation of external funding from the GLA's Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation Programme. Councillor Paul Bell moved the report, and the recommendations were agreed.

Permitted Extension for Sexual and Reproductive Health Services

The council approved the extension of its contract with Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust for the delivery of sexual and reproductive health services. This extension, valued at £3.1 million per annum, will ensure the continuity of a high-performing, open-access service that meets Lewisham's public health responsibilities. Councillor Paul Bell expressed delight that the service would remain within the NHS, aligning with Labour values. The recommendations were agreed.

Permission to Procure a Lewisham Wellbeing Hub Contract

A contract for a new Lewisham Wellbeing Hub was approved for procurement, with a three-year duration and an option to extend for an additional two years, totalling an estimated £2.6 million. This initiative aims to support mental health and wellbeing needs across the borough, addressing higher-than-average mental health rates and significant disproportionality within Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities. Councillor Paul Bell highlighted the need to address the impact of deprivation and the living crisis on mental health. The recommendations were agreed.

Electrical Safety Policy

Mayor and Cabinet approved an updated Electrical Safety Policy to ensure compliance with new national regulations extending electrical safety requirements to the social rented sector from May 2026. Lewisham Council has already been adhering to many of these standards since 2010, and the revisions formalise compliance. Councillor Will Cooper, Cabinet Member for Better Homes, Neighbourhoods and Homelessness, moved the report, noting that the policy had been reviewed by residents via the Service and Performance Panel. The recommendations were agreed.

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

Several procurements and contract value uplifts were approved to enhance the Housing Directorate's services. This included two ICT procurements for a repairs and maintenance management system and a housing needs and refugee processing system, both to be procured via the G-Cloud 14 Framework. Additionally, approval was given for the procurement of drainage contractors and uplifts in the value of contracts for general building maintenance and fire risk assessments. Councillor Will Cooper moved the report, emphasizing the importance of these procurements for improving data management, service delivery, regulatory compliance, and resident safety. Councillor Paul Bell paid tribute to Councillor Cooper's leadership in the housing service. The recommendations were agreed.

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

Mayor and Cabinet approved the extension of the Lewisham Parks and Open Spaces Strategy until December 2028. This extension provides continuity while a new strategy is developed, informed by the Nature Towns and Cities Award project, which has provided £850,000 in funding. The extension ensures momentum is maintained in protecting and expanding green spaces, aligning with climate resilience, health, and social equity goals. Deputy Mayor Councillor Louise Krupski moved the report, and Councillor Paul Bell commended her leadership in this portfolio. The recommendations were agreed.

Procurement for Lewisham Hybrid Mail Solution

Approval was given for a 12-month interim contract with Ricoh UK Limited for a hybrid mail solution, at a cost of £756,000 (inc. VAT), to ensure service continuity. Additionally, approval was granted to procure a new three-year contract, at a total cost of £1.92 million (inc. VAT), using the Crown Commercial Service's RM6297 framework. Councillor James-J Walsh, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Regeneration and Planning, moved the report, highlighting the essential nature of this service for reliable and secure communication with residents. The recommendations were agreed.

Lewisham Town Centre Improvement Programme - Market Canopy Procurement Update

Mayor and Cabinet noted the progress on the Lewisham Town Centre Improvement Programme, which remains on schedule for completion by winter 2026/27. They also approved a variation to 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. Councillor Ese Erheriene, Cabinet Member for Business, Jobs and Skills, moved the report, emphasizing the importance of the canopy for the market's future and the decision to use the term contractor due to the failure of a previous competitive tender. The recommendations were agreed.

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

Mayor and Cabinet adopted the selection criteria and Statements of Significance for five new Areas of Special Local Character: Lee Green, Loampit Hill, Silk Mills Path, Lewisham Town Centre, and the Bellingham Estate. These designations, which are non-statutory but will be a material consideration in planning decisions, aim to recognise and protect places with distinct local character, contributing to sensitive design and preserving local heritage. Councillor James-J Walsh, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Regeneration and Planning, moved the report, highlighting that this work supports the Council's commitment to high-quality design and the preservation of Lewisham's history and diversity. The recommendations were agreed.

All agenda items were confirmed as held, and decisions were made on each. The meeting concluded with a reminder to vacate the room quickly due to another committee meeting.