Councillor Stephen Penfold

Delivering Affordable Homes in Partnership Task and Finish Group - Tuesday, 21st October, 2025 7.00 pm

The Delivering Affordable Homes in Partnership Task and Finish Group met to discuss a report outlining the group's findings and recommendations on how Lewisham Council can deliver more affordable housing through effective partnerships. The group agreed to the report and its recommendations, which will now be submitted to Mayor Damien Egan and the cabinet for consideration. These recommendations include a post-procurement review of the Strategic Partnership Agreement, embedding KPIs and performance measures, and resident engagement in the small-sites pilot.

Planning Committee A - Tuesday, 7th October, 2025 7.30 pm

The Planning Committee A of Lewisham Council met to discuss a number of planning and licensing applications, including a proposal for the demolition of a garage and the construction of a house at 2a Gaynesford Road. Councillors also discussed retrospective permission for a terrace at Skehans Freehouse, and a new traveller site at Pool Court. The committee voted to approve the application for 2a Gaynesford Road, subject to conditions outlined by planning officers.

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.