Councillor Rachel Bentley

Budget and Council Tax Setting Meeting, Council Assembly - Wednesday 25 February 2026 7.00 pm

The Council Assembly of Southwark Council met on Wednesday 25 February 2026 to set the budget and council tax for 2026-27. Key decisions included the approval of the final balanced budget, which incorporates an increase in Southwark's local Council Tax of 4.99%, and the noting of the Greater London Authority's proposed precept. The Assembly also formally moved and resolved the item concerning the proportionality and allocation of seats on committees.

Education and Local Economy Scrutiny Commission - Thursday 5 February 2026 7.00 pm

The Education and Local Economy Scrutiny Commission of Southwark Council met on Thursday 5 February 2026 to discuss the work programme, receive an update on pupils from recently closed schools, and interview a representative from HATS, a private provider of home-to-school transport for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The commission also reviewed minutes from a previous meeting and discussed the ongoing work programme for the municipal year.

Environment, Community Safety and Engagement Scrutiny Commission - Tuesday 3 February 2026 7.00 pm

The Environment, Community Safety and Engagement Scrutiny Commission was scheduled to discuss measures to tackle phone snatching, receive an annual interview with the Police Borough Commander, and review the council's response to recommendations concerning active travel and access to nature. The meeting's agenda also included a scrutiny review of play spaces and the commission's work programme.

Pensions Advisory Panel - Tuesday 9 December 2025 12.15 pm

The Pensions Advisory Panel was scheduled to meet to discuss the preliminary results of the 2025 actuarial valuation, review the fund's investment strategy, and receive updates on conflict zones, administration strategy, asset allocation, responsible investment, and the pension fund's statement of accounts. The agenda also included updates from the Local Pension Board and Pension Services.

Education and Local Economy Scrutiny Commission - Wednesday 3 December 2025 7.00 pm

The Education and Local Economy Scrutiny Commission met to discuss the Southwark Safeguarding Children Partnership (SSCP) annual report for 2024/25, the Connect to Work programme, and to interview Councillor Jasmine Ali, Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Refugees. The commission also reviewed the work programme for 2025-2026.