Councillor Stephen Penfold

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.

Housing Select Committee - Tuesday, 16th September, 2025 7.00 pm

The Housing Select Committee met to discuss the Housing Assistance Policy, the Building for Lewisham Programme, the Annual Statutory Housing Ombudsman Report, the Regenter B3 Annual Report, and the Select Committee Work Programme. The committee agreed to request further information on energy performance certificates and disrepair figures in the next Regenter B3 report, and also requested a detailed report covering complaint handling and transactional surveys.

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.