Amanda De Ryk | Councillor for Blackheath, Lewisham

Councillor Amanda De Ryk

Labour and Co-operative Party Blackheath Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Performance

Council: Lewisham

Council Profile: View on council website

Committees: Council (Committee Member) Governance Committee Croydon & Lewisham Street Lighting Joint Committee (Committee Member) Standards Committee (Committee Member) Blackheath assembly Overview and Scrutiny Committee Mayor and Cabinet (Committee Member) Safer Stronger Communities Select Committee Public Accounts Select Committee (Committee Member, Cabinet Member) Appointments Committee (Committee Member) Sustainable Development Select Committee Brent, Lewisham and Southwark IT Committee (Committee Member) Works Council Pensions Investment Committee (Committee Member) Children and Young People Select Committee

Positions, Voting Record & Activity Summary

Last updated: 8 days ago

Councillor Amanda De Ryk's council service, particularly in her role as Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Performance, has been marked by a consistent focus on sound financial management, strategic resource allocation, and operational efficiency. Her recent activity in 2025 significantly amplifies these themes, showcasing a deepened engagement with the council's financial health and forward-looking strategies.

Key Themes and Priorities:

Across both years, De Ryk has consistently prioritized prudent financial management. This is evident in her regular presentations of budget reports, financial monitoring updates, and treasury management outturns. She has repeatedly emphasized the importance of security, liquidity, and return on investments, while also demonstrating a keen awareness of potential financial challenges such as budget shortfalls and the need for cost management. In 2025, this focus intensified with detailed discussions on increased operational costs and debt write-offs.

A significant and growing priority, especially in 2025, is sustainable procurement and economic development. De Ryk has become a strong advocate for spending in a different way to foster prosperity and support local Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). Her championing of Lewisham's Sustainable Procurement Strategy highlights a commitment to leveraging council spending for job creation and improved wages.

Performance management and operational improvement are also central to her work. In 2025, she actively presented performance updates, addressing areas like Council Tax collection and FOI response times, and was involved in implementing programs to enhance these services. This includes a focus on IT infrastructure and digital strategy, aiming to address legacy issues, data inconsistencies, and cybersecurity.

Ethical and responsible investment has emerged as a notable area of interest, particularly concerning the Local Government Pension Scheme in 2025. De Ryk has stressed the importance of responsible and ethical investing and the fiduciary duty of the Pensions Investment Committee.

Evolution of Focus:

While financial stewardship has been a constant, De Ryk's focus in 2025 demonstrates an expansion and deepening of her responsibilities. The emphasis on sustainable procurement and its direct link to local economic prosperity is more pronounced. Furthermore, her engagement with the intricacies of IT infrastructure, digital transformation, and the No Wrong Front Door program in 2025 indicates a broader strategic outlook beyond core financial reporting. Her involvement in the Local Government Pension Scheme's investment strategies also represents a more nuanced engagement with the council's long-term financial health and ethical considerations.

Most Significant Contributions (Especially in Recent Years):

In 2025, De Ryk's most significant contributions likely lie in her leadership as Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Performance. Her active role in shaping the Sustainable Procurement Strategy and advocating for its impact on local SMEs is a key development. Her oversight of the procurement of new IT systems and hard facilities management services, alongside her detailed engagement with the council's IT infrastructure and digital strategy, points to a proactive approach in modernizing council operations. Her consistent presentation and defense of the council's financial position, even when highlighting challenges, demonstrates a commitment to transparency and fiscal responsibility.

Patterns and Consistent Areas of Interest:

Financial Acumen: A consistent thread throughout her service is a deep understanding and active management of the council's finances.
Strategic Vision: She consistently engages with reports and discussions that have long-term implications for the council's operations and financial stability.
Leadership and Advocacy: De Ryk frequently moves and seconds key recommendations, demonstrating her willingness to lead and champion important council initiatives.
Operational Oversight: Her involvement in performance management and the implementation of improvement programs highlights a commitment to ensuring the council operates effectively.

Overall, Amanda De Ryk's tenure reflects a dedicated public servant with a strong grasp of financial governance, an evolving commitment to sustainable economic practices, and a proactive approach to modernizing council services.

Yearly Activity Timeline

Throughout 2025, Councillor Amanda De Ryk, as Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Performance, was a consistently active participant in council meetings, addressing a wide range of financial, operational, and strategic issues. A significant theme of her work involved the council's financial management, including presenting budget reports, financial monitoring updates, and treasury management outturns. She consistently emphasized prudent financial management, security, liquidity, and return on investments, while also highlighting potential budget shortfalls and the need for cost management, particularly concerning increased operational costs and debt write-offs.

De Ryk also played a crucial role in shaping the council's procurement and sustainability strategies. She championed Lewisham's Sustainable Procurement Strategy, advocating for spending in a different way to achieve prosperity and support local SMEs, noting the council's success in local procurement and its impact on job creation and wages. She also oversaw the procurement of new IT systems and hard facilities management services.

Her responsibilities extended to performance management, where she presented performance updates, highlighting both successes and challenges in areas like Council Tax collection, FOI responses, and Subject Action Reviews. She also addressed the implementation of a records management program to improve FOI response times.

Furthermore, De Ryk was involved in discussions regarding the council's IT infrastructure, digital strategy, and the No Wrong Front Door improvement program, addressing issues like legacy applications, data inconsistencies, cybersecurity, and the need for IT equipment upgrades. She also engaged with the Local Government Pension Scheme's investments, emphasizing responsible and ethical investing and the Pensions Investment Committee's fiduciary duty.

De Ryk also took on various leadership and deputy roles, including appointments to the Standards Committee, Joint Street Lighting Committee, and the Greater London Employment Forum. She consistently moved and seconded key recommendations and reports, demonstrating her leadership and commitment to the council's agenda.

Monthly Activity in 2025

During December 2025, Councillor Amanda De Ryk, Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Performance, was active in one council meeting. She moved the report for the annual complaints reports for 2024-25, highlighting improvements in the housing complaints process due to a new case management system. She noted that 88% of Stage 1 responses have been given on time for the last four months, with expectations to reach 90% by year-end. De Ryk also mentioned that resident feedback has led to enhancements in training, quality assurance, and operations, resulting in a slight increase in satisfaction with complaints. Additionally, she moved the report for the strategy concerning the procurement of new IT systems for the Revenue and Benefits Service.

Meetings in December 2025

Mayor and Cabinet - Wednesday, 3rd December, 2025 6.00 pm - 3 December 2025

Councillor Amanda De Ryk, Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Performance, moved the report for Item 4, the annual complaints reports for 2024-25. She highlighted the improvements made to the housing complaints process, noting that initial delays have been resolved with the implementation of a new case management system. She stated that 88% of Stage 1 responses have been given on time for the last four months, with expectations to reach 90% by year-end. De Ryk also mentioned that resident feedback has led to improvements in training, quality assurance, and operational enhancements, resulting in a slight increase in satisfaction with complaints, though acknowledging further work is needed. She also moved the report for Item 15, concerning the strategy for procuring new IT systems for the Revenue and Benefits Service.

During November 2025, Amanda De Ryk was active in several council meetings. At the Croydon & Lewisham Street Lighting Joint Committee, she nominated Councillor Louise Krupski for Chair and seconded the nomination for Councillor Scott Roche as Vice Chair. In the Public Accounts Select Committee, De Ryk voiced concerns about Section 17 funding, recalling past difficulties in controlling the budget for Section 17 and children in need due to families with no recourse to public funds, and urged for close examination of any potential increase in such demands. As Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Performance at the Brent, Lewisham and Southwark IT Committee, she questioned delays in the laptop refresh project's purchase order and rollout timeline, highlighting potential knock-on effects like extended licenses. De Ryk also expressed anxiety about the Adobe contract renewal and PSN compliance, noting that things were being left too close to deadline lines. She further inquired about the implications of supplier issues on category one incidents and the council's confidence in supplier reliability, and sought information on Southwark's exit plans from the shared service.

Meetings in November 2025

Brent, Lewisham and Southwark IT Committee - Tuesday, 25th November, 2025 6.00 pm - 25 November 2025

Councillor Amanda De Ryk, Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Performance, raised several key questions and concerns during the Brent, Lewisham and Southwark IT Committee meeting on November 25th, 2025. Regarding the laptop refresh project, she questioned the delay in raising the purchase order, despite the project's earlier sign-off, and sought clarity on the rollout timeline. De Ryk also highlighted potential knock-on effects from the delay, such as the need for extended licenses, and acknowledged that council staff had been slow to get their laptops patched.

She further expressed anxiety about the Adobe contract renewal and PSN compliance, stating that things were being left too close to deadline lines. De Ryk also inquired about the implications of supplier issues leading to category one incidents and whether the council was confident in the supplier's ability to provide services safely and reliably.

Finally, De Ryk sought information on Southwark's plans to exit the shared service, asking about the timeline and if a formal paper would be presented to partners.

Public Accounts Select Committee - Thursday, 20th November, 2025 7.30 pm - 20 November 2025

Amanda De Ryk raised concerns regarding Section 17 funding, recalling a past period where the budget for Section 17 and children in need was difficult to control due to demands from families with no recourse to public funds. She expressed concern about a potential increase in such demands and hoped that the reasons for any uptick were being closely examined, suggesting that CYP colleagues might need to investigate further.

Standards Committee - Wednesday, 19th November, 2025 7.00 pm - 19 November 2025

Amanda De Ryk was a member of the Standards Committee and was present at the meeting on 24 September 2025. No specific statements or actions were recorded for her in the provided documents.

Croydon & Lewisham Street Lighting Joint Committee - Tuesday, 4th November, 2025 6.00 pm - 4 November 2025

Amanda De Ryk was present at the Croydon & Lewisham Street Lighting Joint Committee meeting on Tuesday, 10 December 2024. During the meeting, she nominated Councillor Louise Krupski to be Chair of the Committee for the 2024/25 municipal year and seconded the nomination of Councillor Scott Roche to be Vice Chair of the Committee for the same period.

During the October 22, 2025, Mayor and Cabinet meeting, Councillor Amanda De Ryk was active in several key areas. She presented the Quarter 1, 2025-2026 Performance Report, noting a concerning drop in Council Tax collection rates and its financial implications. De Ryk also introduced the Treasury Management Outturn and Mid-Term Review, emphasizing the council's prudent financial management principles:

The report provides a comprehensive overview of treasury performance outlining in detail what we mean when we say that we are prudent in the way that we manage the Council's and residence money. Our core principles of security, liquidity and return are evidenced in detail in the report. And I'm very happy to introduce it.

She sought permission to procure new hard facilities management services, outlining four three-year contracts totaling up to £14 million, and warned of a potential annual budget shortfall of nearly £1.8 million due to increased costs. De Ryk also provided an update on financial monitoring, reporting on the General Fund, Dedicated Schools Grant, and Housing Revenue Account, and sought approval for debt write-offs. She highlighted the significant cost increase for the security contract with Smartsec Solutions and expressed enthusiasm for the Lewisham Library project and the Warm Welcomes Programme.

Meetings in October 2025

Mayor and Cabinet - Wednesday, 22nd October, 2025 6.00 pm - 22 October 2025

Councillor Amanda De Ryk presented the Quarter 1, 2025-2026 Performance Report, highlighting that the Council Tax collection rate has fallen from approximately 97% pre-pandemic to around 92%, representing a significant financial risk of about £1.5 million per 1% drop in revenue. She also introduced the Treasury Management Outturn and Mid-Term Review for 2025-2026, confirming compliance with statutory requirements and discussing the dynamic economic context. She stated,

The report provides a comprehensive overview of treasury performance outlining in detail what we mean when we say that we are prudent in the way that we manage the Council's and residence money. Our core principles of security, liquidity and return are evidenced in detail in the report. And I'm very happy to introduce it.

De Ryk sought permission to procure hard facilities management services, outlining four new three-year contracts for mechanical, electrical, building fabric, and fire and security services. She noted the total combined value over five years would be up to £14 million, with an annual contract value of £2.8 million. She warned of a potential annual budget shortfall of nearly £1.8 million due to increased costs, stating,

As you've said, this report is asking for us to begin the permission for us to begin the procurement of our hard FM services in four new three-year standalone contracts. As you've said, these are mechanical, electrical, building, fabric and fire and security services. The total combined value of the four proposed contracts over a five year period is up to 14 million pounds, which equates to an annual contract value of 2.8 million. With everything else, the cost of both the professional skills and the raw materials these kind of contracts need has gone up. The council's current annual expenditure on M&E building fabric and fire and security services is approximately 1.0. It's just sorry, just over a million pounds. If the full contract emissions are drawn down, this could result in a potential annual budget shortfall of nearly 1.8 million and therefore a cumulative shortfall of close to 9 million over the five year term. That's obviously a risk and a pressure to budgets and we will have to include the uplifted contract amount in next year's budget and beyond. And I think moreover, we will need to consider whether the cost of running certain buildings outweighs their usefulness as we go forwards. It's anticipated that the new contracts will commence in April 2026 and I'd like to thank Brian Collier and Jason Holmes for the work behind this procurement and to correct an admission because I forgot to thank Catherine Nid and David Austin for the Treasury Review that came before.

Additionally, De Ryk provided an update on the Period 4 financial monitoring, reporting an underspend on the General Fund, a projected overspend on the Dedicated Schools Grant, and a balanced Housing Revenue Account. She also sought approval for debt write-offs totaling £98,000 for adult social care and £52,000 for business rates. She commended the work on the Housing Ombudsman Service Complaint Handling Code annual submission and emphasized the importance of a culture of listening and learning across all council services. De Ryk also reported on the significant cost increase for the security contract with Smartsec Solutions, with an anticipated cost of £2.3 million for the remaining period until April 2027. Finally, she expressed enthusiasm for the Lewisham Library project and praised the Warm Welcomes Programme as part of the council's cost-of-living response, highlighting libraries as valuable community spaces.

During September 2025, Councillor Amanda De Ryk was actively involved in several key council meetings. On September 10th, as Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Performance, she introduced and discussed significant reports, including corporate banking services, emphasizing careful contract management and legal considerations. She also presented the Council's Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) and period 2 financial monitoring, detailing financial sustainability, potential budget gaps, and mitigation strategies, including securing substantial savings. De Ryk also presented the capital programme for 2025/26. She consistently acknowledged the hard work of finance and regional teams. On September 24th, she spoke extensively about the expansion of the warm hubs program, highlighting its role in addressing the cost of living crisis and its year-round funding to support voluntary sector partners. She also clarified council rules regarding public questions and by-election costs. De Ryk was also noted as present at a Standards Committee meeting on the same day. On September 25th, during the Pensions Investment Committee meeting, she commented on technical difficulties with sound quality, stating, > Yeah, Amanda's saying it's bad too.

Meetings in September 2025

Pensions Investment Committee - Thursday, 25th September, 2025 7.00 pm - 25 September 2025

During the Pensions Investment Committee meeting on September 25, 2025, Amanda De Ryk's participation was noted in relation to technical difficulties. She indicated that the sound quality was poor, stating, Yeah, Amanda's saying it's bad too.

Standards Committee - Wednesday, 24th September, 2025 7.00 pm - 24 September 2025

Amanda De Ryk was a member of the Standards Committee and was summoned to attend the meeting on Wednesday, 24 September 2025. She was also noted as present at a previous Standards Committee meeting on Wednesday, 9 April 2025. No specific statements or actions were attributed to her in the provided documents.

Council - Wednesday, 24th September, 2025 7.30 pm - 24 September 2025

Amanda De Ryk, Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Performance, spoke extensively about the warm hubs program. She highlighted its importance as a response to the cost of living crisis, providing warm spaces, company, and activities for residents. De Ryk announced the program's expansion to a 12-month initiative, funded to support voluntary sector partners in keeping spaces open year-round, addressing both cold and hot weather impacts. She thanked library services, the adult social care team, and voluntary sector partners for their contributions.

Additionally, Cllr De Ryk responded to a question about by-election costs and explained the council's rules regarding public questions, stating they were unanimously agreed upon and correctly applied.

Appointments Committee - Thursday, 18th September, 2025 12.15 pm - 18 September 2025

Amanda De Ryk was a member of the Appointments Committee and was summoned to attend the meeting on September 18, 2025. However, the provided documents contain no record of her speaking or taking any specific actions during the meeting.

Mayor and Cabinet - Wednesday, 10th September, 2025 6.00 pm - 10 September 2025

Councillor Amanda De Ryk was active in introducing and discussing several key reports during the Mayor and Cabinet meeting on September 10, 2025. She introduced the officer's report on corporate banking services, detailing the contract arrangements, associated risks, and legal considerations, emphasizing the need for a carefully managed transition to avoid service disruptions. She also highlighted that it would be unlawful to terminate contracts based on a supplier's dealings in certain countries unless those countries were sanctioned.

Councillor De Ryk presented the Council's Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) and period 2 financial monitoring, stressing the importance of financial sustainability and stability. She outlined both optimistic and pessimistic scenarios for potential budget gaps, identifying key risks such as uncertainty in government funding, the impact of inflation and interest rates, changes in funding allocation, and increasing demand for services, particularly in social care and temporary housing. She acknowledged the uncertainties but noted that the Council had already secured nearly £30 million in savings for the next two years to mitigate reliance on reserves and address inflation and risk pressures.

Furthermore, she introduced the officer's report on the Council's capital programme for 2025/26, covering its current position, the 2024/25 outturn, and new additions, including confirmed grant funding streams and reprioritized capital funding.

Throughout her contributions, Councillor De Ryk consistently thanked the staff in the Finance department, as well as colleagues from regional teams, for their hard work and contributions to the reports. She also acknowledged economic headwinds but expressed a positive view on a particular project as an innovative partnership model that would benefit residents by providing much-needed housing.

During July 2025, Amanda De Ryk was active in multiple council meetings. On July 9th, she was present at the Mayor and Cabinet meeting. On July 16th, she played a significant role in the Council meeting, moving recommendations for the Divest for Palestine petition and the Review of the Constitution. Regarding the constitution review, she stated,

the review was exhaustive, all councillors were equal, and Cllr Tam's points had been heard and represented.

In addition to her speaking contributions, De Ryk was appointed as a Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources & Procurement. She also took on several deputy roles, including for the Joint Street Lighting Committee, the Grants Committee (London Councils), and the Greater London Employment Forum (London Councils). Furthermore, she was appointed to the Blackheath Joint Working Party and the Standards Committee.

Meetings in July 2025

Council - Wednesday, 16th July, 2025 7.30 pm - 16 July 2025

During the Council meeting on July 16th, 2025, Amanda De Ryk was active in several capacities. She formally moved the recommendation for Agenda Item 4, the Divest for Palestine petition, acknowledging the strong feelings around the issues despite the petition's presentation not aligning with procedure. She also moved the report on the Review of the Constitution and responded to Councillor Tam's concerns, stating that the review was exhaustive, all councillors were equal, and Cllr Tam's points had been heard and represented. Furthermore, Amanda De Ryk was appointed as a Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources & Procurement, and took on deputy roles for the Joint Street Lighting Committee, the Grants Committee (London Councils), and the Greater London Employment Forum (London Councils). She was also appointed to the Blackheath Joint Working Party and the Standards Committee.

Mayor and Cabinet - Wednesday, 9th July, 2025 6.00 pm - 9 July 2025

Amanda De Ryk was present at the Mayor and Cabinet meeting on July 9th, 2025. There is no record of her speaking or taking any specific actions during the meeting.

Brent, Lewisham and Southwark IT Committee - Tuesday, 8th July, 2025 6.00 pm - 8 July 2025

Councillor Amanda De Ryk (London Borough of Lewisham) was present at the Brent, Lewisham and Southwark IT Committee meeting held on July 8, 2025.

During June 2025, Amanda De Ryk, Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Performance, was active in the Public Accounts Select Committee meeting on June 25th. She provided detailed responses on several key areas:

Financial Monitoring: De Ryk discussed the financial outturn for 2024-25, addressing the impact of changes to personal independence payments on care packages and government benefits, and outlining the housing transformation programme.
'No Wrong Front Door' Improvement Programme: She contributed to discussions on this programme, highlighting the contact directory, communication system challenges, the need for new officer resources, the importance of an all-members briefing on engagement, monitoring the new approach with KPIs, and the integrity of data systems.
Digital Strategy Update: De Ryk addressed the Council's IT infrastructure, including legacy applications, data inconsistencies, duplicate systems, and cybersecurity. She also spoke about the need for IT equipment upgrades for Windows 11, the long-term digital strategy, leveraging data for customer journeys, standardization, the roles of management and IT boards, innovative data applications like a 'digital 3D twin', the use of national land and property gazetteer references, and the potential for digital hubs and collaborations with charities.

Meetings in June 2025

Mayor and Cabinet - Wednesday, 25th June, 2025 6.00 pm - 25 June 2025

Councillor Amanda De Ryk is a member of the council and serves as the Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Performance. As Cabinet Member, she signed off on the financial comments for the Draft Financial Monitoring 2024/25 – Outturn report, indicating her involvement in the approval of the financial report.

Public Accounts Select Committee - Wednesday, 25th June, 2025 7.00 pm - 25 June 2025

Amanda De Ryk, Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Performance, actively participated in the Public Accounts Select Committee meeting on June 25th, 2025. She responded to numerous questions from the Committee across several agenda items. Regarding the Financial monitoring 2024-25 outturn, she addressed the financial position, including the impact of changes to personal independence payments on care packages and government benefit changes, as well as providing details on the housing transformation programme. In the discussion on No wrong front door, she contributed to the conversation about the improvement programme, focusing on the contact directory, challenges with communication systems, the need for new officer resources, the importance of an all-members briefing on engagement methods, monitoring the new approach with KPIs, and the robustness of data systems. Furthermore, concerning the Digital Strategy update, she discussed the Council's IT systems, including legacy applications, data inconsistencies, duplicate systems, and cybersecurity. She also addressed the necessity of upgrading IT equipment for Windows 11, the long-term strategy, data utilization for customer journeys, standardization, the roles of management and IT boards, innovative data uses like a 'digital 3D twin', the use of national land and property gazetteer references, and the potential for digital hubs and collaborations with charities.

Children and Young People Select Committee - Tuesday, 10th June, 2025 7.00 pm - 10 June 2025

There is no mention of Amanda De Ryk's contributions in the provided documents for the Children and Young People Select Committee meeting on June 10th, 2025.

During May 2025, Amanda De Ryk was active in two council meetings. In the May 7th meeting, she responded to numerous questions during the Public Questions and Member Questions sections. She clarified the Council's stance on honoring global figures, stating,

The Council is very proud that Archbishop Desmond Tutu lived in the Borough. Whilst the Council does not honour global figures, it honoured Desmond Tutu with the Freedom of the Borough because of his connection to Lewisham Borough.

Regarding investments, she emphasized the Pensions Investment Committee's fiduciary duty and commitment to ethical practices, noting,

The Pensions Investment Committee has fiduciary duty, not a political one.

She also confirmed ongoing work on divestment from companies in occupied territories and assured that information on fund manager engagement is publicly available. De Ryk also moved the motions for the Council Budget 2025/26 and the Pay Policy Statement for 2025/26. In the May 21st meeting, she presented the Quarter 3 2004.5 Performance Update, highlighting performance indicators within her portfolio, including challenges and improvements in Freedom of Information requests and Subject Action Reviews, and strong performance in Council Tax and business rates collection.

Meetings in May 2025

Mayor and Cabinet - Wednesday, 21st May, 2025 6.00 pm - 21 May 2025

Councillor Amanda De Ryk presented the Quarter 3 2004.5 Performance Update, highlighting key performance indicators within her portfolio. She acknowledged ongoing challenges with Freedom of Information (FOI) requests and Subject Action Reviews (SARS), noting that while FOI response rates were nearly on target, SARS performance was improving despite difficulties in meeting requirements. De Ryk also reported that Council Tax collection was a concern but close to target, and business rates were near 100% collection, exceeding the national average. She further stated that additional resources had been invested to address backlogs.

AGM, Council - Wednesday, 7th May, 2025 7.30 pm - 7 May 2025

During the Public Questions section, Amanda De Ryk responded to several supplementary questions. Regarding the commemoration of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, she stated,

The Council is very proud that Archbishop Desmond Tutu lived in the Borough. Whilst the Council does not honour global figures, it honoured Desmond Tutu with the Freedom of the Borough because of his connection to Lewisham Borough.

On the topic of political statements against investing in genocide and war crimes, she explained that the Chair of the Pensions Investment Committee is actively lobbying for change within long-term investment funds, emphasizing that

The Council has a fiduciary duty to pensioners benefitting from this fund and Lewisham takes measured, sensible steps managing the fund.

When questioned about justifications for minimal exposure to investments linked to human rights violations, she assured that

The Pensions Investment Committee is aware of concerns of this nature, and it is very concerned that Lewisham investment fund remains as ethical as is possible and compliant with its Responsible Investment beliefs.

Regarding proposing a motion for divestment, she clarified,

The Pensions Investment Committee has fiduciary duty, not a political one.

In response to taking action to withdraw investments in companies operating in occupied territories, she confirmed,

That is the work that the Pensions Investment Committee is already doing.

Concerning exploring restructuring investment approaches for ethical oversight, she noted,

I understand you have already discussed with the Chair of the Pensions Investment Committee the issues around specific exclusions.

On publishing a breakdown of engagement with fund managers, she stated,

I believe the information relating to the engagement with fund managers is reported to the Pensions Investment Committee at the beginning of the meeting and is in the public domain.

During the Member Questions section, she addressed a question about divesting funds from companies dealing in arms by saying,

The Council’s Pensions Investment Committee is working tirelessly and diligently to make sure that the pension fund meets its fiduciary duty. It is a legal obligation for the Pensions Investment Committee to do so. We stand by the guardianship of the fund, and we are doing our best in a shifting global environment to meet the duties we are responsible for.

In addition to her responses, Amanda De Ryk MOVED the motion for the Council Budget 2025/26 and MOVED the motion for the Pay Policy Statement for 2025/26.

During April 2025, Councillor Amanda De Ryk was active in two council meetings. In the Standards Committee meeting on April 9th, she confirmed her appointment to Standards Sub-Committee A and stressed the need to align the Lewisham Council Code of Conduct with the LGA model, welcoming a review workshop to address any discrepancies. She also seconded the recommendation to agree the Work Programme. Later, on April 30th, at the Mayor and Cabinet meeting, Councillor De Ryk presented two key reports: the Sustainable Procurement Strategy 2025-2029 and the Out of Hours Switchboard Contract Extension.

Meetings in April 2025

Mayor and Cabinet - Wednesday, 30th April, 2025 6.00 pm - 30 April 2025

Councillor Amanda De Ryk presented two reports to the Mayor and Cabinet: the Sustainable Procurement Strategy 2025-2029 and the Out of Hours Switchboard Contract Extension.

Standards Committee - Wednesday, 9th April, 2025 7.00 pm - 9 April 2025

Councillor Amanda De Ryk was present at the Standards Committee meeting on 11 December 2024 and was appointed to Standards Sub-Committee A. She emphasized the importance of aligning the Lewisham Council Code of Conduct with the LGA model and welcomed the review workshop, noting it would address any gaps. Councillor De Ryk also seconded the recommendation to agree the Work Programme.

Public Accounts Select Committee - Thursday, 3rd April, 2025 7.00 pm - 3 April 2025

Cllr Amanda de Ryk, in her capacity as Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Performance, addressed a question from the Committee regarding engagement with the new government concerning the challenges faced by local government.

Cllr de Ryk noted the work that was taking place with leaders and members from other authorities, whilst acknowledging the difficulties facing public services generally.

In March 2025, Councillor Amanda De Ryk provided a foreword for Lewisham’s Sustainable Procurement Strategy 2025 - 2029. She stressed the importance of spending in a different way to achieve prosperity and highlighted the potential of amending Social Value Acts for greater transparency in public spending, stating,

When we measure, track and monitor where money is spent then we have a chance at understanding the wider impact of every public pound. If we are clever, we can make every purchase do double-duty.

De Ryk pointed out that UK SMEs miss out on approximately £30 billion annually in public contracts. She showcased Lewisham's success in local procurement, noting the council's top UK ranking in 2023 for local government procurement, with 83% of its £300m spend within Lewisham and the wider London region. She detailed strategies like 'Meet the Buyer' events and prioritizing local suppliers, reporting that in 2023, Lewisham spent £74m on local contracts, creating 824 jobs and £18m in wages, with 99% of jobs at or above the London Living Wage.

She concluded by outlining the strategy's ambition:

This strategy sets out our ambition and intention to continue to ensure that our procurement of goods, works and services for the Council will not only be compliant and deliver value for money, but importantly work to improve the lives of our residents and increase opportunities for our businesses. It will ensure that it does so in a way that is ethically and environmentally responsible. Quietly and patiently, we are using procurement to make a difference.

Meetings in March 2025

Mayor and Cabinet - Wednesday, 12th March, 2025 6.00 pm - 12 March 2025

Councillor Amanda De Ryk provided a foreword for the Lewisham’s Sustainable Procurement Strategy 2025 - 2029 report. She emphasized that growth is key to prosperity and can be achieved by spending in a different way. De Ryk highlighted the potential of amending the Social Value Acts to increase transparency in public spending, stating,

When we measure, track and monitor where money is spent then we have a chance at understanding the wider impact of every public pound. If we are clever, we can make every purchase do double-duty.

She pointed out that UK small and medium-sized businesses miss out on approximately £30 billion annually in public contracts. De Ryk showcased Lewisham's success in local procurement, noting that in a 2023 survey, the council ranked highest in the UK for local government procurement, with 83% of its £300m total spend within Lewisham and the wider London region. She detailed strategies like 'Meet the Buyer' events and prioritizing local suppliers, reporting that in 2023, Lewisham spent £74m on local contracts, creating 824 jobs and £18m in wages, with 99% of jobs at or above the London Living Wage.

De Ryk concluded by stating the strategy's ambition:

This strategy sets out our ambition and intention to continue to ensure that our procurement of goods, works and services for the Council will not only be compliant and deliver value for money, but importantly work to improve the lives of our residents and increase opportunities for our businesses. It will ensure that it does so in a way that is ethically and environmentally responsible. Quietly and patiently, we are using procurement to make a difference.

BUDGET, Council - Wednesday, 5th March, 2025 7.30 pm - 5 March 2025

Amanda De Ryk was present at the Council meeting held on March 5, 2025. However, the provided documents contain no record of her speaking or taking any specific action during the meeting.

During February 2025, Amanda De Ryk was actively involved in council meetings, addressing public questions and moving key recommendations. She provided updates on the council's records management program, aiming to improve FOI response times, and discussed the Local Government Pension Scheme's investments, stating,

I am unable to name any companies directly - we have passive investments, and it is very difficult to single out individual companies. We are doing our best to invest responsibly, ethically and to keep up to date with the international situation as it evolves.

She also indicated that a mid-contract review of Oracle licenses for non-performance-related issues was unlikely, explaining,

the bottom line is that it is a central system for the whole working of the council and its transactions.

De Ryk expressed support for the London CIV ethical investment fund, noting,

we would all welcome more options for the London Collective Investment Vehicle. The PIC is actively advocating for funds that reflect our views.

Her key actions included moving recommendations for the Council Tax Base, Statement of Accounts, Constitution Update, and Polling District Review. Additionally, as Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Performance, she signed off on the 2025/26 Budget Report on February 4th, 2025.

Meetings in February 2025

(Budget), Mayor and Cabinet - Wednesday, 12th February, 2025 6.00 pm - 12 February 2025

Councillor Amanda De Ryk, Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Performance, signed off on the 2025/26 Budget Report on 04.02.2025.

EGM, Council - Tuesday, 11th February, 2025 7.30 pm - 11 February 2025

Amanda De Ryk was actively involved in the EGM, Council meeting on February 11th, 2025. She responded to several public questions, addressing concerns about the council's on-time FOI responses by stating, We are embarking on a records management programme in February which will improve performance and accessibility. Regarding investments in the Local Government Pension Scheme, she explained that the Pensions Investment Committee (PIC) is conducting a thorough review of all investments and is actively communicating concerns to fund managers, noting, I am unable to name any companies directly - we have passive investments, and it is very difficult to single out individual companies. We are doing our best to invest responsibly, ethically and to keep up to date with the international situation as it evolves. When questioned about reviewing Oracle licenses, she indicated that a mid-contract review for non-performance-related issues was unlikely, stating, we cannot commit to a review of our core accounting system. We do regularly review systems for performance but not mid-contract for something that is not directly performance related. I will take your question away and talk to officers, but the bottom line is that it is a central system for the whole working of the council and its transactions. She also expressed support for the creation of the London CIV ethical investment fund, saying, we would all welcome more options for the London Collective Investment Vehicle. The PIC is actively advocating for funds that reflect our views. In addition to her responses, Amanda De Ryk moved the recommendations for several key items: Item 7 (Setting the Council Tax Base, the NNDR Tax Base & Discounts for Second Homes and Empty Homes), Item 8 (Statement of Accounts 2023/24 and Annual Report 2023/24), Item 9 (Constitution Update), and Item 10 (Polling District Review).

During January 2025, Councillor Amanda De Ryk, Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Performance, was active in council meetings. She addressed concerns about FOI responses by announcing the implementation of a records management program in February. Regarding pension fund investments, she highlighted their long-term nature and the Pensions Investment Committee's commitment to responsible and ethical investing. De Ryk indicated that a mid-contract review of Oracle licenses was not feasible unless performance-related, but she would discuss it with officers. She expressed support for more options within the London Collective Investment Vehicle and moved recommendations for Setting the Council Tax Base, the NNDR Tax Base & Discounts for Second Homes and Empty Homes , Statement of Accounts 2023/24 and Annual Report 2023/24 , Constitution Update , and Polling District Review . In response to concerns about Oracle's business dealings, De Ryk stated that the Council is concerned about the situation in Gaza and would investigate the concerns raised about Oracle, emphasizing the Council's procurement procedures and due diligence. She also clarified the process for communicating constitutional changes, noting that a verbal update was given at a Governance meeting with a written report to follow.

Meetings in January 2025

Mayor and Cabinet - Wednesday, 29th January, 2025 6.00 pm - 29 January 2025

Amanda De Ryk was present at the Mayor and Cabinet meeting on January 29th, 2025. The provided minutes do not record any specific statements or actions taken by her during the meeting.

Public Accounts Select Committee - Tuesday, 28th January, 2025 7.00 pm - 28 January 2025

Amanda De Ryk, in her capacity as Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Performance, addressed the Public Accounts Select Committee regarding budget reductions. She highlighted the Council's past underfunding as a key factor contributing to the current financial difficulties.

Councillor Amanda de Ryk (Cabinet Member for Finance, Performance and Resources) was invited to address the Committee. She noted the years of underfunding which had preceded the current challenges facing the Council. Cllr de Ryk also set out a number of the Council’s successes and achievements – which had been delivered in the context of this restrained financial situation.

She also participated in a Q&A session with the Committee, alongside other Executive Directors and the Chief Executive.

Council - Wednesday, 22nd January, 2025 7.30 pm - 22 January 2025

Councillor Amanda De Ryk, Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Performance, addressed several key issues during the council meeting. She responded to questions regarding FOI responses by stating that a records management program would be implemented in February to improve performance and accessibility. On the topic of pension fund investments, she emphasized their long-term nature and the Pensions Investment Committee's thorough review of all investments, assuring that efforts are being made to invest responsibly and ethically, despite the difficulty in singling out individual companies within passive investments. Regarding Oracle licenses, she indicated that a review of the core accounting system mid-contract, unless performance-related, was not feasible, but she would discuss the matter with officers. De Ryk also expressed support for more options within the London Collective Investment Vehicle, noting the PIC's advocacy for funds aligning with their views. She moved recommendations for Setting the Council Tax Base, the NNDR Tax Base & Discounts for Second Homes and Empty Homes , Statement of Accounts 2023/24 and Annual Report 2023/24 , Constitution Update , and Polling District Review . In response to concerns about Oracle's support for Israel's occupation and genocide in Gaza, De Ryk stated that the Council is concerned about the situation in Gaza and would look into the concerns raised about Oracle, highlighting the Council's adherence to meticulous procurement procedures and robust due diligence. She also clarified that a verbal update on proposed constitutional changes was given at a Governance meeting, with a written report to follow, and explained that the Constitution is a live document frequently amended for relevance and legality, with a more formal process for communicating changes to be discussed.

Safer Stronger Communities Select Committee - Tuesday, 21st January, 2025 7.00 pm - 21 January 2025

Councillor Amanda De Ryk, in her capacity as Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Performance, attended the Safer Stronger Communities Select Committee meeting on January 21, 2025. She served as a witness for item 4, which concerned Budget Reductions.

Throughout 2024, Councillor Amanda De Ryk, Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Performance, demonstrated consistent engagement with the council's financial management and strategic priorities. Her activities spanned multiple months, highlighting her key responsibilities. In June, she formally moved the 2023-24 financial outturn report and thanked officers for their work. September saw her present the 2024/25 P2 Financial Monitoring Report and discuss the management of legal costs, particularly in housing, emphasizing the need for data and performance monitoring to understand service costs. In November, De Ryk was a vocal advocate for the Corbett Community Library, discussed pension fund exposure, and expressed concern about resident engagement barriers. She also detailed Lewisham's significant investments in addressing child poverty through the Household Support Fund and moved a successful motion on Treasury Management Outturn and Mid-Year Review. Her involvement in December included the noting of her sign-off on the Appointment of Lewisham Homes Director report.

Monthly Activity in 2024

During December 2024, Councillor Amanda De Ryk, Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Performance, had one recorded activity. She signed off on the report Appointment of Lewisham Homes Director on November 22, 2024, which was noted in the Mayor and Cabinet meeting on December 4, 2024.

Meetings in December 2024

Governance Committee - Wednesday, 18th December, 2024 7.00 pm - 18 December 2024

Councillor Amanda De Ryk was present at the Governance Committee meeting on December 18, 2024. However, the available documentation does not record her saying or doing anything during the meeting.

Standards Committee - Wednesday, 11th December, 2024 7.00 pm - 11 December 2024

Amanda De Ryk was present at the Standards Committee meeting on December 11, 2024. She is also listed as a member of Standards Sub-Committee A.

Croydon & Lewisham Street Lighting Joint Committee - Tuesday, 10th December, 2024 6.30 pm - 10 December 2024

Councillor Amanda De Ryk was present as a member of the Croydon & Lewisham Street Lighting Joint Committee on December 10, 2024. She is also listed as a Lead Member for Lewisham in the Joint Street Lighting PFI Update report. It is noted that she sent apologies for the meeting held on October 19, 2023.

Mayor and Cabinet - Wednesday, 4th December, 2024 6.00 pm - 4 December 2024

Councillor Amanda De Ryk, Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Performance, signed off on the report Appointment of Lewisham Homes Director on 22/11/2024.

During the November 27th, 2024 council meeting, Councillor Amanda De Ryk addressed multiple significant issues. She advocated for the Corbett Community Library, emphasizing volunteer importance and exploring potential financial support from Lewisham, similar to the Citizens Advice Bureau. Regarding the pension fund, she reported a decrease in Defence sector exposure to 0.1%, noting that Blackrock holdings were in government bonds. De Ryk also expressed concern about a perspex screen potentially hindering resident engagement and offered to investigate. On child poverty, she highlighted Lewisham's substantial investments through the Household Support Fund, including expanded free school meals and support for low-income families, stressing the need to invest in families' overall safety and well-being. Finally, Councillor De Ryk moved a successful motion concerning Treasury Management Outturn and Mid-Year Review, which was seconded and approved by the Council.

Meetings in November 2024

Council - Wednesday, 27th November, 2024 7.30 pm - 27 November 2024

Councillor Amanda De Ryk addressed several key issues during the council meeting. Regarding the Corbett Community Library, she emphasized the importance of volunteers and stated that Lewisham provides financial support for the Citizens Advice Bureau, agreeing to investigate if the library's work could qualify for such support. She also thanked volunteers and committed to meeting with Ms. Gainey to explore potential assistance from Lewisham.

In relation to the pension fund's exposure to the Defence sector, Councillor De Ryk reported that this exposure had decreased to 0.1% of the total Fund, invested in low-carbon passive equity tracker funds, and acknowledged the difficulty in separating investments in a global economy. She noted that Blackrock holdings, quoted at 13.4%, were in government bonds, not company shares, and suggested this matter could be considered in the future.

Concerning the installation of a perspex screen for security, she was aware of the discussion but unaware of the outcome, expressing concern about anything that might hinder residents' engagement with the council. She offered to investigate the matter further.

On the topic of tackling child poverty, Councillor De Ryk highlighted Lewisham's significant investment through the Household Support Fund, including substantial amounts for free school meals, breakfast clubs, and support for low-income families. She mentioned the installation of additional kitchens to support free school meals for all primary-aged children and noted a direct correlation between free school meal vouchers and reduced reliance on food banks, attributing this understanding to investments in new software programs. She stressed the need for the council to invest in families, not just children, for their safety and well-being.

Furthermore, Councillor De Ryk moved a motion regarding Treasury Management Outturn and Mid-Year Review, which was seconded by Councillor Rathbone and resolved by the Council. The motion approved the Treasury Management Outturn report for 2023/24 and the Mid-year Treasury Management report 2024/25, including prudential indicators, the revised Capital Programme 2024-28, and the borrowing forecast.

Brent, Lewisham and Southwark IT Committee - Tuesday, 26th November, 2024 6.00 pm - 26 November 2024

Councillor Amanda De Ryk is a member of the Brent, Lewisham and Southwark IT Committee. She was present at the meeting on November 26, 2024. However, the available documentation does not record any specific statements or actions attributed to her during this meeting.

During October 2024, Amanda De Ryk participated in two council meetings. She was listed as a member of the Employer Side for the Works Council meeting on October 1st. For the Mayor and Cabinet meeting on October 23rd, there is no record of her speaking or taking any specific actions.

Meetings in October 2024

Mayor and Cabinet - Wednesday, 23rd October, 2024 6.00 pm - 23 October 2024

There is no record of Amanda De Ryk speaking or taking any action in the provided documents for the Mayor and Cabinet meeting on October 23rd, 2024.

Works Council - Tuesday, 1st October, 2024 7.00 pm - 1 October 2024

Councillor Amanda De Ryk was listed as a member of the Employer Side for the Works Council meeting. No specific statements or actions were recorded for her in the provided documentation.

During September 2024, Councillor Amanda De Ryk was active in two council meetings. On September 18th, she introduced and moved the report on the 2024/25 P2 Financial Monitoring Report at the Mayor and Cabinet meeting. Subsequently, at the Public Accounts Select Committee meeting on September 26th, she discussed the management of legal costs, particularly in housing, noting that these are common pressures for local authorities. She stated,

the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) has external validation for normal repair costs and that recovery and stabilization of the HRA should be achievable, though short to medium-term assurance is required.

Councillor De Ryk also highlighted the significance of overspending areas, which constitute approximately 80% of the Council's budget, and stressed the importance of data and performance monitoring for understanding service costs and pressures.

Meetings in September 2024

Public Accounts Select Committee - Thursday, 26th September, 2024 7.00 pm - 26 September 2024

Councillor Amanda De Ryk addressed the Committee on the management of legal costs, particularly within housing, noting that these pressures are common among local authorities. She stated that the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) has external validation for normal repair costs and that recovery and stabilization of the HRA should be achievable, though short to medium-term assurance is required.

Later, Councillor De Ryk emphasized that the areas experiencing overspending represent about 80% of the Council's budget, underscoring the importance of their effective operation. She also highlighted the critical role of data and performance monitoring in understanding service costs and pressures.

Mayor and Cabinet - Wednesday, 18th September, 2024 6.00 pm - 18 September 2024

Councillor Amanda De Ryk introduced and moved the report on the 2024/25 P2 Financial Monitoring Report.

Governance Committee - Wednesday, 11th September, 2024 7.00 pm - 11 September 2024

Amanda De Ryk attended the Constitution Working Party meeting virtually on 14 March 2023. No specific statements or actions were recorded for her during this meeting.

Appointments Committee - Monday, 9th September, 2024 9.30 am - 9 September 2024

Amanda De Ryk was present as a member of the Appointments Committee. However, neither the minutes nor the reports pack indicate that she made any statements or took any specific actions during the meeting.

Amanda De Ryk attended the Appointments Committee meeting on July 11, 2024.

Meetings in July 2024

Appointments Committee - Thursday, 11th July, 2024 9.30 am - 11 July 2024

Amanda De Ryk was present at the Appointments Committee meeting on July 11, 2024.

During the Mayor and Cabinet meeting on June 12th, 2024, Councillor Amanda De Ryk, Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Performance, formally moved the 2023-24 financial outturn report. She also expressed her appreciation to the officers for their work on the report's figures, stating: > I'd like to formally move the report but also to thank the officers who worked all year on the figures that it contains. She participated in the meeting virtually.

Meetings in June 2024

Mayor and Cabinet - Wednesday, 12th June, 2024 6.00 pm - 12 June 2024

Councillor Amanda De Ryk, Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Performance, formally moved the report for item eight, the 2023-24 financial outturn report. She also expressed her gratitude to the officers who contributed to the figures within the report, stating:

I'd like to formally move the report but also to thank the officers who worked all year on the figures that it contains.

She joined the meeting virtually.