Councillor Paul Bell

Council - Wednesday, 26th November, 2025 7.30 pm

The Lewisham Council meeting on 26 November 2025 confirmed the minutes of the previous meeting and addressed declarations of interest. Key discussions included a community safety update, announcements on the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, planning service recognition, Lewisham Parks Awards, and secured funding for better bus infrastructure. The council also discussed free SIM cards for low-income residents and funding for youth clubs and adventure playgrounds. A petition was presented regarding traffic calming measures on Sunny Dean Street, and public questions covered various council services and planning decisions. Member questions delved into specific council initiatives and policies, and the meeting concluded with the approval of the Statement of Accounts for 2024-25 and the consideration of two motions: one recognising the contribution of British West Indian and Global Majority Service Personnel, and another recognising the Latin American community in Lewisham.

Strategic Planning Committee - Tuesday, 18th November, 2025 7.00 pm

The Strategic Planning Committee convened to discuss proposed amendments to a previously approved development plan for the Leegate Shopping Centre site. Councillors unanimously approved the application for a Section 73 minor material amendment, which includes increasing the number of residential units, affordable housing, and the height of some buildings, while reducing commercial space and car parking. The committee also addressed concerns raised by residents and ward councillors regarding the height of the development and its impact on the surrounding area.

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

At a meeting on 22 October 2025, Lewisham Council's Mayor and Cabinet agreed to extend the advice services grant, implement changes to bulky waste disposal, and transfer management of Whitefoot Lane Playing Fields to Bonus Pastor School, among other decisions. The cabinet also approved a new active travel strategy and discussed ways to improve housing policies and services.

Health and Wellbeing Board - Monday, 13th October, 2025 3.00 pm

The Lewisham Health and Well-Being Board convened to discuss several key initiatives, including updates on health inequalities, flu vaccination campaigns, sexual health strategies, and the implementation of the NHS 10-Year Plan. The board approved the Lewisham, Lambeth, Southwark, Bromley and Bexley sexual health strategy, and delegated approval of the neighbourhood health plan to the chair of the board. Members also received updates on the Birmingham Lewisham African Caribbean Health Inequalities Review (BLACHIR), the flu vaccination campaign, and the Better Care Fund.

Corporate Parenting Group - Thursday, 9th October, 2025 6.00 pm

The Lewisham Council Corporate Parenting Group met to discuss the upcoming Corporate Parenting Strategy for 2025-2027, receive updates on corporate parenting activities, and review reports related to looked after children. The group also discussed a missing annual report and received an update from health leads.