Councillor Joan Millbank

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.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday, 23rd September, 2025 7.30 pm

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the 'No Wrong Front Door' (NWFD) programme, which aims to make Lewisham the most accessible council in London. Councillors reviewed the programme's progress, challenges, and future plans, and agreed to note the report and its appendices. The committee made recommendations for a resident outcomes framework, digital inclusion for residents for whom English is not a first language, a dependency map, and a resourcing and investment plan for phase two.

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.

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.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Thursday, 10th July, 2025 7.00 pm

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to meet to review the budget scrutiny process and approve the work programmes for the select committees. The meeting was also scheduled to cover declarations of interest from councillors.