Councillor Eva Kestner

Council - Wednesday, 24th September, 2025 7.30 pm

Lewisham Council met to discuss a range of issues, including increasing councillor allowances, the use of substitutes on committees, and motions on childcare and public ownership of Thames Water[^2]. Councillors agreed to increase their basic allowance by 3.2% to £13,201 per year, and approved the use of substitutes on certain committees to ensure meetings can proceed even if some members are absent. A motion supporting the Labour government's plan for 30 hours of free childcare was passed, as was an amended motion calling for Thames Water to be brought back into public ownership.

Public Accounts Select Committee - Wednesday, 17th September, 2025 7.30 pm

The Public Accounts Select Committee met on 17 September 2025, and discussed the Period 4 Monitoring Report, the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Budget for 2025-26, and Council Tax and Business Rates, noting the reports and planned actions. The committee also agreed to a broad review of the reforms to local government finance at their next meeting.

Audit and Risk Committee - Tuesday, 22nd July, 2025 7.00 pm

The Lewisham Council Audit and Risk Committee convened to elect a chair and vice-chair, review audit plans and risk management strategies, and discuss external audit updates. Councillor Ava Kessner was elected as chair, and Councillor Luke Sauber as vice-chair. The committee also approved the internal audit plan for 2025-26 and noted the updated corporate risk register.

Council - Wednesday, 16th July, 2025 7.30 pm

The Council of Lewisham met on 16 July 2025, and agreed to consider a petition regarding divestment from Palestine, adopted the Lewisham Local Plan, and approved the Lewisham Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Charging Schedule. The council also paid tribute to two former councillors who had recently died, and heard announcements on Lewisham schools, the return of the Blackheath fireworks display, and funding for care experienced employment.

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

The Public Accounts Select Committee met to discuss the council's financial performance, savings proposals, and future work programme. The agenda included reviewing the 2024-25 financial outturn, discussing the medium-term financial strategy, considering budget savings proposals for 2025-26 and 2026-27, and planning the committee's work programme for the upcoming municipal year.