The Council of Lewisham met on Wednesday, 4 March 2026, to discuss a range of significant issues, including the Council Budget for 2026/27 and temporary changes to polling places for the upcoming May 2026 elections. The meeting also included a review of the Statement of Licensing Policy.

Council Budget 2026/27

The Council's budget for the 2026/27 financial year was a central item for discussion. The report outlined the overall financial position for 2025/26 and detailed the proposed budget for the following year. Key aspects included:

• General Fund: The report detailed the assumed Core Spending Power, which funds the General Fund Revenue Budget, and included an assumed increase in Council Tax of 4.99% for 2026/27, comprising a 2.99% increase in the core Council Tax and a 2.00% increase for the Adult Social Care precept. It also outlined necessary revenue budget reductions and the allocation of ongoing funding for growth, risks, and pressures.
• Fees and Charges: The report presented proposed fees and charges for chargeable services, generally in line with the Council's policy to increase charges by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) plus 1%.
• Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) and Pupil Premium: The report provided details on the overall DSG allocation for 2026/27, including breakdowns for the Schools Block, Central Services Support Block, High Needs Block, and Early Years Block. It also confirmed the continuation of the Pupil Premium grant.
• Housing Revenue Account (HRA): A proposed rent increase of 4.80% was outlined for dwelling rents and hostel accommodation charges. The report detailed the proposed annual expenditure for the HRA, including the capital and new build programme, and outlined ongoing actions to manage damp and disrepair.
• Treasury Management Strategy: The report updated the Council's Treasury Management Strategy for both borrowing and investments, proposing a prudent approach to risk.
• Capital Programme: The proposed Capital Programme for 2026/27 to 2029/30 was presented, detailing allocations for both the General Fund and the HRA.
• Climate Budget 2026/27 – 2028/29: The Council's third annual Climate Budget was presented, outlining emissions data and estimated costs for decarbonising corporate and housing assets.

Temporary Changes to Polling Places for May 2026 Elections

The Council was asked to approve temporary changes to polling places in three polling districts: EHG2 (Hither Green), EBE2 (Bellingham), and WSY3 (Sydenham). These changes were necessitated by the unavailability or unsuitability of the current designated venues. Alternative locations had been identified and assessed for their suitability in line with statutory requirements and equality considerations. The report also recommended delegating authority to the Returning Officer to make urgent temporary amendments to polling places if unforeseen issues arise before the elections.

Statement of Licensing Policy (Licensing Act 2003)

The Council was asked to approve and publish a new Statement of Licensing Policy for 2026-2031. This policy sets the framework for regulating licensable activities in Lewisham, including the sale of alcohol, provision of entertainment, and late-night refreshment. The primary objective of the policy is to promote the four statutory licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. The report detailed the scope of the policy, relevant local strategies, and outlined general principles and specific policies related to applications, fees, promotion of licensing objectives, partnership working, enforcement, management of outside spaces, and temporary event notices. It also included model conditions for various licensable activities.

Other discussions included:

• Declaration of Interests: Members were asked to declare any interests they may have in agenda items.
• Minutes: The minutes of the previous Council meeting held on 28 January 2026 were presented for approval.
• Apologies for absence: Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Coral Howard, Councillor Liz Johnston-Franklin, Councillor Joan Millbank, and Councillor Rosie Parry.
• Announcements or Communications: Various announcements were made, including a minute's silence in memory of those lost in the New Cross fire, an MBE award for Catherine Mbema, a Green Park award for Forster Park, the launch of a new mental health clinic for young people, the success of Lewisham's family hubs in securing funding, reaccreditation of Lewisham's Creative Enterprise Zone, the Old Town Hall in Catford becoming a new campus for Goldsmiths, a focus on collaborative action to tackle anti-social behaviour, library celebrations for the national year of reading, Lewisham's third place in the New Year's Day parade, and a minute's silence to remember the Holocaust.
• Petitions: A petition was submitted on behalf of residents of the Honor Oak Estate regarding serious issues with external infrastructure.
• Public Questions: Supplementary questions were asked and answered regarding Catford Station link budget, the appointment of a Director of Planning, the Mayor's commitment to Lewisham, the management of shared bikes, funding for Catford Mews, support for migrants and refugees, temporary accommodation issues, and due diligence for a new sports pitch at Whitefoot Lane playing fields.
• Member Questions: Supplementary questions were asked and answered regarding landowner offers for a site, the Ombudsman's findings on interim accommodation, resident involvement in local policing, condemnation of government legislation, special educational provision, housing estate improvements, anti-social behaviour in Catford, support for unpaid carers, support for market traders, cooperatives and community ownership, and the number of homeschooled children due to lack of placements.
• Treasury Management Strategy 2026/27: This report updated the Council's Treasury Management Strategy for borrowing and investments.
• Climate Budget 2026/27 – 2028/29: The Council's third annual Climate Budget was presented, outlining emissions data and estimated costs for decarbonising corporate and housing assets.
• Consultation on the Budget: Details of consultation exercises undertaken with citizens, rent setting and housing panel, and business ratepayers were presented.
• Financial Implications: These were explained throughout the report.
• Legal Implications: These were explained throughout the report.
• Risk Implications: These were explained throughout the report.
• Equalities Implications: The EIA for the budget proposals was presented, noting that the cumulative equalities impact is assessed as broadly neutral, with targeted mitigations.
• Crime and Disorder Implications: No specific implications were identified.
• Health and Wellbeing Implications: No specific implications were identified.
• Background Papers: A list of background papers was provided.
• Glossary: A glossary of terms used in the report was included.
• Report Authors and Contacts: Contact details for report authors were provided.
• Appendices: Various appendices were attached, detailing climate budget, capital programme, HRA, General Fund, Treasury Management Strategy, and other relevant information.