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Weekly updates

Lambeth Pension Fund surplus, health teams

This week in Lambeth:

Pension Fund Navigates Market Volatility and Investment Strategy

Lambeth's Pensions Committee met on Wednesday, 7 January 2026, to review the draft Annual Report for 2024/25 and discuss the updated Funding Strategy Statement. The committee also delved into investment performance and risk management, with a significant portion of the meeting held in private to discuss commercially sensitive information. You can review the meeting details here.

Draft Annual Report and Funding Strategy

The committee noted the draft Annual Report for 2024/25, which is subject to audit. Approval of the final audited report and financial statements was delegated to the Chair, Councillor Martin Bailey. This delegation was questioned by one member, who felt it was inappropriate to grant approval authority before the Chair had contributed their section to the report. Councillor Bailey assured the committee that their section would be circulated in advance for review.

The updated Funding Strategy Statement revealed a significant improvement in the pension fund's financial position. Following a deficit of approximately £80 million at the 2022 valuation, the fund now reports a surplus of nearly £300 million and a funding level of 120% as of 31 March 2025. This turnaround is attributed to updated actuarial assumptions, including lower expected pension increases and higher expected investment returns. However, risks related to inflation, membership, and market changes remain, and the statement outlines how the fund will manage these. The process of calculating employer contribution rates is underway, with a final version of the Statement expected after consultation with employers and the Department for Education.

Investment Performance and Risk

A key focus of the meeting was the Investment Performance Report for Quarter 2 2025. While the total fund slightly outperformed its benchmark over the quarter, the annual return was a disappointing 3.5%, significantly below the benchmark of 4.9%. Over a three-year period, the fund's performance was also considerably weaker than its benchmark. Contributing factors included underperformance in global equities and a particularly disappointing Liability-Driven Investment (LDI) mandate.

Concerns were raised about the persistent underinvestment in private equity, a recurring issue that has been discussed at previous meetings. Councillor Martin Bailey acknowledged the underweight allocation and stated it needed to be addressed.

The committee also reviewed the Lambeth Pension Fund Risk Register. While no changes were made to current risk ratings, the inherent rating for risk PA 22 was adjusted to reflect the possibility of the accounts being qualified again due to historical record-keeping issues. Members also expressed concerns about the reputational risk associated with risk PA 20, particularly regarding the committee's support of controversial international issues, arguing that the current risk rating was too low. The risk of climate change (PA 19) was also highlighted as a major source of uncertainty affecting investments, with a member arguing its current rating was too low given rising insurance premiums and the costs of extreme weather events.

Other Matters

The committee noted that work is continuing towards the 31 March 2026 deadline for the transition of assets to London CIV. A workshop with London CIV was described as productive, though the timeline remains tight. Buckinghamshire Pension Fund has also approached London CIV to join the pool, a proposal agreed in principle by all shareholders. A governance review by Hymans is underway, with committee members being interviewed and surveyed.

The committee moved into a private session to discuss investment manager performance, investment strategy, and a London CIV update due to the commercially sensitive nature of the information.

Health and Care Partnership Plans for Integrated Neighbourhood Teams

The Lambeth Together Care Partnership met on Thursday, 8 January 2026, to discuss progress on health and care initiatives and to approve draft priorities for the 2026/27 business plan. Key discussions included the development of Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INTs) and updates on public health programmes. You can review the meeting details here.

Integrated Neighbourhood Teams and Health Plan

Andrew Eyres, Corporate Director for Integrated Health and Adult Social Care, provided an update on the 'Our Health, Our Lambeth' health and care plan. A significant focus is the development of Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INTs), with the first teams expected to roll out from April 2026. These teams aim to shift care from hospitals to communities, prioritise prevention, and leverage digital solutions. Progress was also noted on the Tobacco Control Plan and the 'Vaccination in New Spaces' programme.

NHS Health Checks and Staying Healthy

The board received an update on the 'Staying Healthy' programme, with a focus on NHS Health Checks. Preliminary findings from Department of Health and Social Care pilots, including 'Health Checks at Work' (HAWK) and 'Health Checks online', were presented. The HAWK pilot showed a proportionate reach to Asian and Black ethnic groups, while the online pilot indicated that individuals from areas of higher deprivation were more likely to use the service. Proposed priority groups for health checks in 2026/27 include men, socio-economically deprived individuals, and Black and minority ethnic communities.

Business Planning for 2026/27

Draft priorities for the 2026/27 business plan were presented, aiming to improve local health and care services. These plans align with the South East London (SEL) 5-Year Strategic Commissioning Plan and will inform the refreshed Lambeth Together Health and Care Plan. The Population Health Improvement Plan focuses on enabling residents to lead healthy lives and receive early diagnosis and support, while the Neighbourhood Delivery Plan details actions to establish INTs and improve community-based care.

Primary Care Commissioning and Assurance

An update from the Primary Care Commissioning Committee (PCCC) included the ratification of decisions such as extending the modular building hire for Waterloo Health Centre and approving an uplift for the Specialist Allocation Service contract. The PCCC also approved clinical cover for Protected Learning Time and actions regarding a contract breach with Lambeth Healthcare Ltd. The Lambeth Together Assurance Group (LTAG) report highlighted progress on immunisation, early diagnosis of physical health conditions, and mental health support services. The Integrated Assurance Report noted an £8m underlying pressure in Adult & Social Care.

Upcoming Meetings

Stay informed about future discussions and decisions:

  • The Housing Scrutiny Sub-Committee will meet on Thursday 15 January 2026 to discuss Awaab's Law, housing services complaints, and the committee's work programme. See the full agenda here.
  • The Licensing Committee will meet on Friday 16 January 2026 to consider proposed updates to the borough's Gambling Policy. See the full agenda here.
  • The Council will meet on Wednesday 21 January 2026. See the full agenda here.
  • The Corporate Parenting Board will meet on Wednesday 14 January 2026. See the full agenda here.

Lambeth Considers Lifting Casino Ban, Focuses on Gambling Harms

This week in Lambeth:

Gambling Policy Under Review: Casino Ban Could Be Lifted

Lambeth Council's Cabinet met this week to discuss the Lambeth Statement of Principles for Gambling 2025-2028, a document required by the Gambling Act 2005 that outlines how the council regulates gambling within the borough. You can review the meeting details here. A key change under consideration is the removal of the existing no casino resolution, a move that comes as the council also considers measures to address gambling-related harm among vulnerable groups.

What's Changing?

  • Potential Casino Licenses: The council's previous policy included a resolution not to issue casino licenses. The new policy proposes removing this ban, citing existing restrictions under the Gambling Act 2005 that limit the number of new casino licenses nationally and prevent Lambeth from accepting applications.
  • Focus on Vulnerable Persons: The updated policy includes an expanded definition of vulnerable persons to include shift workers, late-night gamblers, young adults, people with mental health conditions, and those experiencing debt or homelessness.
  • Treatment Service Consultation: New applications or variations outside of midday to 10pm would require mandatory consultation with treatment services, with applicants needing to demonstrate engagement with local addiction support providers.
  • Operator Responsibility: Operators would need to demonstrate how they will contribute to preventing vulnerable individuals from falling into harmful gambling cycles.
  • Public Health Data: The policy now includes public health data related to gambling-related harms, highlighting the council's awareness of the issue's impact on the community.
  • Gambling Clusters Reduced: The number of gambling clusters has reduced from 7 to 5.

The removal of the casino ban, coupled with the increased focus on vulnerable individuals and operator responsibility, suggests a shift in the council's approach to gambling regulation, balancing economic considerations with public health concerns. The consultation on the proposals closed on 7 December 2025, and the cabinet will be fully appraised with an update on the consultation results.

What are the Gambling Clusters?

The report pack also includes a table summarising the changes to the Lambeth Gambling Policy which states that the number of gambling clusters has reduced from 7 to 5. The clusters were originally:

  1. South Bank and Waterloo
  2. Kennington
  3. Clapham High Street
  4. Central Brixton
  5. West Norwood
  6. Streatham Hill
  7. St. Leonard's

and are now:

  1. Waterloo & South Bank
  2. Clapham High Street
  3. Central Brixton
  4. Streatham Hill
  5. St Leonard's

Minutes of Previous Meeting

The cabinet also reviewed the Minutes of Previous Meeting, from the meeting held on 24 November 2025.

Lambeth Gambling Policy Updated: Casino Ban Lifted, Addiction Focus

This week in Lambeth:

Casino Ban Lifted as Council Updates Gambling Policy Amid Addiction Concerns

Lambeth Council's Licensing Sub-Committee met this week to discuss the Lambeth Statement of Principles for Gambling 2025-2028, a document required by the Gambling Act 2005 that outlines how the council regulates gambling within the borough. You can review the meeting details here. A key change is the removal of the existing no casino resolution, a move that comes as the council also considers measures to address gambling-related harm among vulnerable groups.

  • No Casino Resolution Removed: The council's previous policy included a resolution not to issue casino licenses. The new policy removes this ban, citing existing restrictions under the Gambling Act 2005 that limit the number of new casino licenses nationally and prevent Lambeth from accepting applications.
  • Focus on Vulnerable Persons: The updated policy includes an expanded definition of vulnerable persons to include shift workers, late-night gamblers, young adults, people with mental health conditions, and those experiencing debt or homelessness.
  • Treatment Service Consultation: New applications or variations outside of midday to 10pm will require mandatory consultation with treatment services, with applicants needing to demonstrate engagement with local addiction support providers.
  • Operator Responsibility: Operators will need to demonstrate how they will contribute to preventing vulnerable individuals from falling into harmful gambling cycles.
  • Public Health Data: The policy now includes public health data related to gambling-related harms, highlighting the council's awareness of the issue's impact on the community.

The removal of the casino ban, coupled with the increased focus on vulnerable individuals and operator responsibility, suggests a shift in the council's approach to gambling regulation, balancing economic considerations with public health concerns. The Cabinet is scheduled to discuss the Lambeth Statement of Principles for Gambling 2025-2028 on Monday 15 December 2025.

Planning Committee Approves Developments in Vauxhall, Brixton, and Clapham

The Planning Applications Committee met this week to discuss several planning applications across the borough. You can review the meeting details here. The committee approved plans for developments in Vauxhall, Brixton North, and Clapham Town, each with its own set of considerations and community impacts.

  • Blue Star House (Brixton North): The committee approved the refurbishment and extension of Blue Star House, transforming it into a hotel with 341 rooms. While the scheme aims for a 30% reduction in carbon emissions, it falls short of the London Plan's 35% requirement.
    • Councillor Valentine supported the retrofitting element of the plan, praising the decision to avoid demolishing the existing building and rebuilding from scratch.
    • Councillor Bailey expressed reservations about the design, calling it a generic church that could be located anywhere, and urged for strong conditions on materials and public art.
  • Arches 88 to 95 Glasshouse Walk (Vauxhall): The committee approved a change of use for Arches 88 to 95 Glasshouse Walk to allow for the expansion of Base Dance Studios, a local creative hub.
    • Councillor Bailey described the scheme as good growth, expanding a successful local business and activating vacant arches.
    • Concerns were raised about potential queues for auditions, leading to a discussion about visitor management plans.
  • Islamic Centre (Clapham Town): The committee approved the demolition of the existing building at the Islamic Centre, 11-13 Edgeley Road, and the construction of two buildings providing nine residential dwellings.
    • The development faced scrutiny due to its proximity to neighboring residential buildings and potential impacts on daylight and sunlight.
    • Councillor Nye noted that the development is policy compliant and welcomed the new homes, but expressed regret that it fell just below the threshold for requiring affordable housing.

These decisions highlight the complexities of balancing development with community concerns, environmental sustainability, and the need for affordable housing.

Licensing Committee Adjourns Gambling Policy Discussion Amid Paperwork Concerns

The Licensing Committee meeting to discuss the updated Gambling Policy was adjourned due to concerns about the late release of additional papers related to the public consultation. You can review the meeting details here.

  • Insufficient Time for Review: The committee cited insufficient time to review the additional papers, which were published following the close of the public consultation.
  • Inclusive Participation: The adjournment aims to ensure that all members of the Licensing Sub-Committee have the opportunity to contribute to the discussion.
  • New Date in January: A new date for the meeting will be set in early January 2026.

The adjournment underscores the importance of transparency and thorough review in the council's decision-making processes, particularly on issues with significant community impact.

Upcoming Meetings

Stay informed about future discussions and decisions:

  • The Cabinet will meet on Monday 15 December 2025 to discuss the Lambeth Statement of Principles for Gambling 2025-2028. See the full agenda here.

Lambeth Rejects 5 AM Karaoke Bid Amid Noise Concerns

This week in Lambeth:

KPUBSTAR's Late-Night Licence Bid Rejected Amid Noise Concerns

Lambeth Council's Licensing Sub-Committee has rejected an application from KPUBSTAR, a karaoke bar located at Arch 23 Atlantic Road, to extend its opening hours until 5am on weekends. The decision follows concerns raised by the Lambeth Licensing Service and Environmental Health regarding potential noise nuisance and the impact on local residents. You can review the meeting details here.

  • Extended Hours Sought: Mr. Chan On Kim, the applicant, sought to extend the hours for live and recorded music, late-night refreshment, and the sale of alcohol until 3am Monday to Thursday and 5am Friday to Sunday.
  • Licensing Authority Opposition: The Lambeth Licensing Service and Environmental Health (Public Protection) submitted representations against the application, citing concerns about all four licensing objectives1.
  • Noise Concerns: The Licensing Authority argued that the extended hours were beyond those recommended in the Licensing Policy and are likely to impact adversely on residents in the area, especially during unsocial hours and in the early hours of the morning.
  • Applicant's Argument: Mr. Kim argued that the extended hours were necessary to cater to late-night customers and to compete with other venues in the area. He also highlighted measures taken to mitigate noise, such as installing noise limiters and employing SIA[^17] security staff.
  • Capacity Concerns: The committee raised concerns about the proposed increase in capacity from 80 to 250 people, and how this would be managed, particularly in terms of noise and antisocial behaviour upon leaving the premises.
  • Committee's Decision: The committee rejected the application, citing a lack of clarity and stating that they were not satisfied that the licensing objectives were met.
  • Right to Appeal: The committee noted that Mr. Kim has a right to appeal the decision.

The decision highlights the council's commitment to balancing the needs of businesses with the concerns of local residents, particularly in areas with a high concentration of residential properties.

Streatham Cocktail Club Granted Licence for Online Alcohol Sales

In contrast to the KPUBSTAR decision, the Licensing Sub-Committee approved a new premises licence for the Streatham Cocktail Club, an online delivery service operating from 11 Heathdene Road. You can review the meeting details here. The licence allows the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises, with deliveries taking place between 9am and 6pm.

  • Subscription Model: Mr. Archibald Sebag-Montefiore, the applicant, described the business as a subscription model, with customers receiving a monthly delivery of bottled cocktails.
  • Residential Concerns: One representation was received from a member of the public, citing concerns about potential public nuisance. However, the objector did not attend the hearing.
  • Planning Authority Advice: The Planning Authority advised Mr. Sebag-Montefiore to submit an application for a lawful development certificate to clarify the nature of the business and whether it constitutes a change of use requiring planning permission.
  • Sunset Clause: The committee added a sunset clause to the licence, meaning that it would terminate if Mr. Sebag-Montefiore ceased to have a proprietary interest in the premises.
  • Community Engagement: Mr. Sebag-Montefiore stated that he had engaged with local residents and was committed to minimizing any disruption to the neighborhood.

The decision demonstrates the council's willingness to support new businesses while ensuring that they operate responsibly and do not negatively impact the local community.

Upcoming Meetings

Stay informed about future discussions and decisions:

  1. The licensing objectives are: the prevention of crime and disorder; public safety; the prevention of public nuisance; and the protection of children from harm. These objectives are set out in the Licensing Act 2003, which governs the licensing of premises for the sale of alcohol, regulated entertainment and late-night refreshment. ↩

Lambeth Faces £35M Budget Gap; Food Justice Plan Launched

This week in Lambeth:

Council Grapples with £35 Million Budget Gap, Impacting Community Sports and Local Forums

Lambeth Council is facing tough choices as it seeks to address a significant budget shortfall, with potential cuts to community sports funding and grants for local forums sparking concern. The Cabinet met this week to discuss the Quarter 2 2025/26 Budget Monitoring Report, revealing the scale of the financial challenge and the difficult decisions ahead.

  • Savings Target: The council needs to find savings of nearly £50 million by 2026/27, but has only identified a fraction of that amount so far.
  • Community Sports Budget: The Overview and Scrutiny Committee urged the Cabinet to reconsider withdrawing the Community Sports Budget for those under 18 if alternative grant funding cannot be secured, highlighting the potential impact on health and wellbeing.
  • Lambeth Forum Network (LFN) Grant: A proposal to cut the £60,000 grant to the LFN has been met with strong opposition from forum members, who argue that it provides essential cash flow for leveraging external funding and supporting community projects.
    • A representative from the SE5 Forum for Camberwell stated that the forums leveraged over £1.2 million in outside funding and generated £334,000 worth of volunteer time last year, calling the proposed cut a false economy.
  • Temporary Accommodation Pressures: The council continues to face significant financial pressures related to temporary accommodation, with efforts underway to reduce costs and find more sustainable housing solutions for residents.
    • Councillor Danial Adilypour, Deputy Leader of the Council (Housing, Investment, & New Homes), noted that the number of families in temporary accommodation is starting to decrease after years of unsustainable growth.
  • Austerity Impact: Councillor Claire Holland, Leader of the Council, emphasized that the need for these savings is a direct result of 14 long hard years of austerity by successive Tory and Lib Dem governments, which have starved and gutted the funding of local services.

The proposed cuts to community sports and local forums raise concerns about the potential impact on vulnerable residents and the vital role these organizations play in supporting local communities. The council's commitment to mitigating these impacts will be closely watched as it moves forward with its budget plans.

Corporate Peer Challenge Highlights Financial Risks and Need for Scrutiny

The Cabinet also considered the Lambeth Corporate Peer Challenge Progress Review 2025, which acknowledged progress made by the council but also highlighted significant financial risks and the need for stronger scrutiny.

  • Financial Stability Concerns: The peer team stated that Lambeth does not currently have the financial stability or organizational capacity to deliver its borough plan, describing the council's position as precarious and high risk.
  • Need for Faster Savings: The review suggests that Lambeth must go further and faster on cuts and savings, raising concerns about potential impacts on frontline services.
  • Importance of Scrutiny: The review emphasizes the need for strong independent scrutiny, particularly in a period of such severe financial risk.

The Corporate Peer Challenge Progress Review underscores the challenges facing Lambeth Council and the importance of transparent and accountable decision-making as it navigates these difficult times.

Food Justice Plan Aims to Tackle Food Insecurity and Promote Healthy Eating

The Health and Wellbeing Board met to discuss the Director of Public Health's Annual Report, focusing on food justice and outlining a plan to tackle food insecurity and promote healthy eating across the borough. You can review the meeting details here.

  • Food as a Right: The report recognizes food as a right, with everyone entitled to nutritious, affordable, reliably accessible, sustainable, and culturally appropriate food.
  • Lambeth Food Justice Action Plan: The report includes a Lambeth Food Justice Action Plan 2025 – 2030, which sets out actions mapped to a life course stage, from early years to older adulthood, and linked to local strategies and priorities.
  • Key Actions: The plan includes actions such as delivering holistic support for residents in financial need, promoting healthier food policies, supporting schools to increase free school meal uptake, and prioritizing nutritional value in emergency food provision.

The Food Justice Plan represents a comprehensive approach to addressing food insecurity and promoting healthy eating in Lambeth, recognizing the importance of food as a fundamental right and a key determinant of health and wellbeing.

Other Matters

  • The Health and Wellbeing Board also discussed the Lambeth, Southwark, Lewisham, Bexley, Bromley Sexual and Reproductive Health and HIV Strategy (2025-2030).
  • The Corporate Committee and Licensing Sub-Committee meetings took place, but no video was provided.

Upcoming Meetings

Stay informed about future discussions and decisions:

Council

Council - Wednesday 21 January 2026 7.00 pm

We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.

January 21, 2026
Licensing Committee

Licensing Committee - Friday 16 January 2026 12.00 pm

The Licensing Committee of Lambeth Council is scheduled to consider proposed updates to the borough's Gambling Policy. The committee will review the draft Lambeth Statement of Principles for Gambling 2026-2029, which aims to update the existing policy and incorporate new data and recommendations.

January 16, 2026
Housing Scrutiny Sub-Committee

Housing Scrutiny Sub-Committee - Thursday 15 January 2026 7.00 pm

The Housing Scrutiny Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday 15 January 2026 to discuss preparations for new legislation, the performance of housing services, and the council's work programme. Key topics include the implementation of Awaab's Law, an annual report on housing services complaints, and the committee's future plans.

January 15, 2026
Corporate Parenting Board

Corporate Parenting Board - Wednesday 14 January 2026 6.00 pm

We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.

January 14, 2026
Lambeth Together Care Partnership (formerly Lambeth Together Strategic Board)

Lambeth Together Care Partnership (formerly Lambeth Together Strategic Board) - Thursday 8 January 2026 1.00 pm

The Lambeth Together Care Partnership met on Thursday 8 January 2026 to discuss progress on health and care initiatives across the borough and to plan for the upcoming year. Key decisions included the approval of the draft priorities for the 2026/27 business plan and the ratification of decisions made by the Primary Care Commissioning Committee.

January 08, 2026
Pensions Committee

Extraordinary, Pensions Committee - Wednesday 7 January 2026 6.30 pm

Here is a summary of the Pensions Committee meeting held on 7 January 2026. The committee noted the updated Funding Strategy Statement, and also noted the draft Annual Report, delegating approval of the final audited report and financial statements to the Chair. The public were excluded from the remainder of the meeting to discuss investment manager performance, investment strategy, and a London CIV update.

January 07, 2026
Cabinet

Cabinet - Monday 15 December 2025 5.00 pm

The Lambeth Council cabinet is scheduled to meet on Monday 15 December 2025, at Lambeth Town Hall, to discuss several items. The most significant item appears to be the Lambeth Statement of Principles for Gambling 2025-2028, which the council is required to publish every three years. The cabinet will also review the minutes from the previous meeting.

December 15, 2025
Licensing Committee

Licensing Committee - Thursday 11 December 2025 7.00 pm

The Lambeth Council Licensing Committee meeting was adjourned to a date in early January 2026 to allow committee members and officers more time to review additional papers related to the gambling policy. This decision was made after concerns were raised about the timing of the publication of the papers following the public consultation. All ten members of the licensing subcommittee will be invited to contribute at the rescheduled meeting.

December 11, 2025
Licensing Sub-Committee

Licensing Sub-Committee - Thursday 11 December 2025 7.00 pm

The Licensing Sub-Committee of Lambeth Council met on 11 December 2025 to consider a licensing application and a draft Statement of Gambling Principles. Councillor David Robson, Chair of Licensing, along with Councillors Liam Daley and Scott Ainslie, were scheduled to be present. The Sub-Committee was to discuss a licensing application, and also consider a report regarding Lambeth's Statement of Principles for Gambling 2025-2028.

December 11, 2025
Planning Applications Committee

Planning Applications Committee - Tuesday 9 December 2025 7.00 pm

The Lambeth Council Planning Applications Committee met on 9 December 2025 to discuss four planning applications for sites in Vauxhall, Brixton North and Clapham Town. For each application, the committee was scheduled to discuss granting conditional planning permission subject to a Section 106 agreement[^2], and delegating authority to the Director of Climate Change, Planning and Transport to finalise the conditions and planning obligations. The committee was also scheduled to discuss delegating authority to the Director of Climate Change, Planning and Transport to refuse planning permission if a Section 106 agreement was not completed within six months.

December 09, 2025
Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Monday 9 February 2026 7.00 pm

February 09, 2026