This week in Lambeth:

Council Adopts Site Allocations Plan Amidst Housing Delivery Concerns

Lambeth Council has officially adopted the Site Allocations Development Plan Document (SADPD), a crucial step in guiding future development across the borough. The document identifies thirteen sites for new homes, employment, and other uses, aiming to unlock investment and bring forward much-needed housing. However, the adoption was met with reservations from some councillors who questioned the administration's commitment to actually delivering the homes outlined in the plan.

The Council meeting on Wednesday 14 October 2026 saw the SADPD formally adopted. Councillor Michael Ball of the Green Group commended the document for its potential to unlock sites for new council homes and social housing. He acknowledged the long process involved, from initial consultations in 2022 through to examination by an inspector in 2025. Councillor Ball also paid tribute to Councillor Danial Adilypour, who led the process, for the brave decision to drop a proposed site at Knolly's Road in the face of strong objections, cancelling the possibility of 430 new homes and significant investment.

However, Councillor Danial Adilypour of the Labour Group expressed reservations about the administration's political will to act on the plan. He pointed to past opposition from Green councillors to some of the sites included in the SADPD and questioned their conversion to tackling the housing crisis. Councillor Adilypour warned that the document's potential to deliver up to 900 new social affordable homes, £25 million in investment, and thousands of jobs, would only be realised if the administration demonstrated a genuine commitment to housing delivery. He noted that the administration was very good at saying what they're not going to do anymore but not very good at saying what they're going to do instead.

The adoption of the SADPD is a significant moment, but the real test will be in its implementation and whether the council can translate these allocations into tangible new homes for residents.

Correction, 19 October 2026: An earlier version of this email credited Councillor Michael Ball's remarks to Councillor Scott Ainslie, said that officers removed the Knolly's Road site, and misspelled Knolly's Road.

• View the Council meeting details

Governance Overhaul: Council Adopts New Constitution and Cabinet Committees

Lambeth Council has approved significant changes to its Constitution, including the establishment of five new advisory Cabinet Committees. These changes, discussed at the Council meeting on Wednesday 14 October 2026, aim to enhance democratic accountability and streamline decision-making processes.

New Constitution: Strengthening Accountability and Democratic Processes

The updated Constitution for 2026-27 includes amendments to planning regulations under the new National Scheme of Delegation. This change, which grants greater control over planning matters to unelected officers, was met with opposition from some councillors who argued it was undemocratic. However, the council is legally bound to implement these national changes.

Crucially, amendments were also made to the rules governing motions, ensuring fairer opportunities for different political groups to debate issues. A key development is the introduction of procedures for motions of no confidence in the administration and the ability to remove the leader. This is considered an essential provision, particularly in a council with no overall majority.

Five New Cabinet Committees Established

The council agreed to establish five new advisory Cabinet Committees: Resources, Climate and Future Lambeth, Housing and Built Environment, Health and Social Care, and Young People and Neighbourhoods. These committees will provide input into policy development and scrutinise executive functions. However, their implementation is conditional upon the council identifying appropriate funding through savings or income generation, as their establishment will incur additional annual costs.

Political Assistant Posts Rejected

Following a debate, the Council voted against the establishment of new Political Assistant posts. Concerns were raised about the process, the lack of clarity on how group needs would be evaluated, and unresolved issues concerning affected staff.

• View the Council meeting details

Tributes Paid to Former Mayor Councillor Annie Gallup

The Council meeting on Wednesday 14 October 2026 began with heartfelt tributes to the late Councillor Annie Gallup, a former Mayor of Lambeth. Councillors from across the political spectrum remembered her dedication to public service, her commitment to her community, and her passion for supporting local residents. Tributes highlighted her work on the Adult Social Care and Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee and her role as Mayor, during which her chosen charity was the Ebony Horse Club in Brixton. Councillor Gallup was remembered for her kindness, generosity, and unwavering community spirit. The council observed a minute's silence in her memory.

• View the Council meeting details

Other Matters

The Licensing Sub-Committee meetings scheduled for Monday 12 October 2026 and Wednesday 14 October 2026 were not confirmed as held.

This week in Lambeth:

Adult Social Care Rated 'Good' Overall, But Improvements Needed for Vulnerable Residents

Lambeth's Adult Social Care services have received an overall Good rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), a significant achievement that places the borough in the top 10% nationally. The service was particularly praised for its Outstanding performance in Equity in Experiences and Outcomes, a testament to the council's commitment to addressing inequalities. However, the inspection, which took place over a year ago, also identified eight areas for improvement, and councillors are keen to see continued progress, especially for those with complex needs.

The Adult Social Care and Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee met on Monday 05 October 2026 to review the CQC assessment. Richard Sparks, Director of Adult Social Care, highlighted the positive outcome, noting that this was the first inspection of its kind for local authorities in over 15 years. He acknowledged that while the overall rating is excellent, the council is not resting on its laurels and is actively working on the identified areas for improvement.

Councillor David Oxley raised concerns about performance since the assessment, particularly regarding direct payment uptake, Home Improvement Agency waiting times, and safeguarding. Mr. Sparks explained that while performance is closely monitored, rising demand and case complexity have led to a slight increase in waiting times. He detailed ongoing work to improve direct payment uptake and reduce waiting times for Home Improvement Agency assessments, including investment in additional staff. Regarding safeguarding, David Jennings, Assistant Director for Quality Assurance in Adult Social Care, outlined measures to improve feedback loops to practitioners. The committee requested further updates on the direct payments improvement plan, baseline targets, and the CQC action plan, seeking more detailed data on performance metrics.

Sanctuary Seeking Services Re-accredited, But ESOL Provision Needs a Coordinated Approach

Lambeth has successfully retained its accreditation as a Borough of Sanctuary, a recognition of its commitment to supporting asylum seekers and refugees. The Adult Social Care and Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee reviewed the progress of the Borough of Sanctuary Strategy, which aims to improve support and amplify the voices of those seeking sanctuary. Of the 27 actions in the plan, 15 have been completed, with 9 in progress and 3 identified as at risk.

Amadine Ismail, a sanctuary seeker supported by Lambeth, shared his positive experience of resettlement, highlighting the support received with accommodation and language classes. However, the challenge of the language barrier remains significant. Adela Belletua from English for Action, alongside her student Hugo Mokada, presented a compelling case for a more coordinated approach to English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) provision. They recommended the appointment of a qualified ESOL advisor to manage a comprehensive database of provision, signpost learners effectively, and address access barriers such as travel support.

Councillor Liam Daley raised concerns about the at risk status of actions related to Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC) age dispute cases, an area identified as complex. Councillor David Oxley inquired about funding for sanctuary seekers, and it was clarified that services are primarily funded through central government grants. The committee noted the importance of the Borough of Sanctuary initiative and agreed on the need to explore grant conditions for more joined-up ESOL provision and improve accessibility.

Integrated Neighbourhood Teams: A New Model for Health and Social Care Delivery

The council is piloting a new model of care through Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INTs) as part of its commitment to delivering preventative care closer to residents' homes. The Adult Social Care and Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee received an update on this initiative, which aims to integrate health, social care, and voluntary sector services. Lambeth is piloting this model in five neighbourhoods, focusing on priority groups such as people with multiple long-term conditions, those with frailty, and children and young people with complex needs.

Dr. Di Aitken, GP and Clinical Lead for the Neighbourhood and Wellbeing Alliance programme, shared powerful case studies illustrating the benefits of the multidisciplinary team approach in managing complex patient needs, leading to improved health outcomes and reduced hospital admissions. Binky Taylor, Independent Chair of the Neighbourhood Wellbeing Delivery Alliance, highlighted ongoing engagement with residents and the voluntary and community sector to shape these teams.

Councillor Liam Daley questioned how success would be measured, and it was explained that a range of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), including reductions in hospital admissions and patient-reported outcomes, are being tracked. Councillor David Oxley requested a detailed qualitative and quantitative update in 18 months' time, including information on how the £3 million Strategic Investment Fund is being used. The committee welcomed the preventative focus but raised questions about the integration of adult social care professionals within the INTs from the outset. Andrew Eyres, Corporate Director for Integrated Health and Adult Social Care, assured members that adult social care is a key partner and efforts are being made to ensure the right professionals are involved. The committee requested more explicit breakdowns in future updates on how adult social care is embedded, more robust KPI data, and details on the use of the Strategic Investment Fund.

This week in Lambeth:

Late-Night Licences Spark Resident Concerns Across the Borough

Lambeth Council's Licensing Sub-Committee met on Wednesday 30 September 2026 to consider several applications for premises licences and variations to existing licences. The committee heard from applicants and residents, with concerns raised about public nuisance, crime, and disorder, particularly regarding extended operating hours.

Venezuelan Restaurant's Extended Hours Met with Licensing Authority Objections

The committee was scheduled to consider a variation application for Arepera Conuco Limited (Conuco), located at 14 Brixton Road, London SW9 6BU. The application sought to extend the hours for late-night refreshment and the retail sale of alcohol until 1:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays, and midnight from Sunday to Thursday. The current licence permits alcohol sales until 11:00 pm Monday to Saturday.

The Licensing Authority raised concerns that the requested hours exceeded those recommended in Lambeth's Licensing Policy for premises in local centres. Their representation suggested that the extended hours could negatively impact local residents and potentially undermine the licensing objectives of preventing public nuisance, crime and disorder, and ensuring public safety. The policy recommends terminal hours of midnight on Fridays and Saturdays and 11:00 pm from Sunday to Thursday for restaurants.

Multi-Use Event Space in Leake Street Arches Faces Noise and Planning Objections

A new premises licence application for Venue Lab Limited at 26 Leake Street, 7 Addington Street, London SE1 7RY was also on the agenda. The company proposed to operate a multi-use event space, seeking authorisation for a wide range of licensable activities, including music, performances, and late-night refreshment, with proposed hours extending until 2:00 am from Sunday to Wednesday and until 6:00 am from Thursday to Saturday.

Representations were received from Environmental Health (Public Protection), recommending a noise limiter to control amplified sound. Crucially, residents also objected, citing concerns about public nuisance and the impact on their quality of life, particularly given the proximity of residential accommodation. The Planning Department noted a conflict between the proposed hours and the site's planning permission, which restricts customer access to between 7:30 am and midnight Monday to Thursday and Sundays, and until 1:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays. The proposed all-night licences posed a significant risk to the licensing objectives.

Clapham High Street Wine Bar Seeks Extended Hours, Facing Resident and Councillor Opposition

The committee was also scheduled to consider a variation application for TPX25 Limited (Tropix), a wine bar at The Royal Oak Public House, 10 Clapham High Street, London SW4 7UT. The application sought to extend terminal hours for various activities, including films, music, and late-night refreshment, by one hour each day, pushing alcohol sales and late-night refreshment to 3:30 am daily.

The Licensing Authority raised concerns that the requested hours exceeded Lambeth's Licensing Policy for premises in district centres, which suggests terminal hours of midnight from Sunday to Thursday and 1:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays. Councillor Linda Bray, representing Clapham Town ward, objected on grounds of preventing public nuisance, public safety, and preventing crime and disorder. She highlighted the densely populated area, the presence of residential properties, and concerns about high intoxication levels and associated anti-social behaviour on Clapham High Street, particularly after midnight. The premises also falls within the Clapham High Street cumulative impact zone, which creates a presumption against granting licences for longer hours when relevant representations are received.

• View the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting details

Housing Repairs and Leaseholder Experience Under Scrutiny

The Housing Scrutiny Sub-Committee met on Wednesday 30 September 2026 to examine the effectiveness of the council's housing services. Key discussions focused on the Community Works repairs service, the homeownership and leaseholder experience, and the major works process, revealing significant concerns from residents and councillors alike.

Community Works Repairs: Ambitions vs. Reality

The committee reviewed the effectiveness of Community Works, Lambeth Council's Direct Labour Organisation (DLO) for communal repairs. While Councillor Danny Adilypour acknowledged its establishment by the previous administration to improve responsiveness and quality, he questioned the current administration's manifesto commitment to a direct repair service for all council homes, suggesting a hybrid model might be necessary due to financial constraints. Councillor Pete Elliott, Cabinet Member for Housing, stressed the need for data to ensure value for money, expressing doubt that 100% of services could be brought in-house realistically. Councillor Nicholson expressed disappointment with the report's lack of information to judge value for money and requested performance assessment timelines. Martin Greenway, Assistant Director for Repairs and Contracts, explained the bespoke nature of the DLO's service, making direct comparisons difficult. The committee proposed recommendations for benchmarking methodology, a timeline for considering repair models, and a report on the SMS repair service rollout.

Leaseholder Experience: Systemic Errors and Contract Management Failures

Tracey Gregory and Anthony Greenness from the Lambeth Home Owners Association (LHA) presented a starkly different picture of leaseholder experience than that offered in the council's report. They highlighted significant errors in service charge calculations and administration, citing a First-tier Tribunal case where Lambeth was found to be careless and inattentive. Concerns were raised about contract management, with questions about accountability for authorised payments to contractors and the lack of transparency regarding recouping money for overcharging. The use of Qualifying Long-Term Agreements (QLTAs) was criticised for potentially leading to cosy arrangements and overcharging. Councillor Pete Elliott committed to providing full responses and supported the proposal for a working group. Councillor Scott Ainslie, Cabinet Member for Planning and Development, agreed that contract management needed improvement. Councillor Elizabeth Fraser raised concerns about leaseholders struggling to understand their service charges. The committee agreed to establish a working group comprising leaseholders and committee members to develop an action plan and consider recognising the LHA as a recognised body.

Major Works Process: Millions Overpaid to Contractors

Simon Morrow, a chartered surveyor, described the report on the major works process as a work of fantasy, detailing instances of tens of millions of pounds being overpaid to contractors due to mismanagement. He cited examples of incorrect overhead percentages, payments for non-existent works, and gross overvaluation. Morrow suggested the council should employ staff capable of professionally managing contracts rather than relying on the status quo. Councillor Viktor Westerdahl recommended exploring ventilation and external solar shading for future major works and suggested looking into the role of a clerk of works and using framework agreements. The committee made recommendations including pausing the current condition survey procurement for clarification, considering alternatives to QLTAs, and incorporating sustainability points into future reports. They also requested a report detailing specific schemes in the pipeline and their locations.

Housing Supply: Delays and Uncertainty Plague New Homes Programme

The committee discussed the New Homes Programme, with Councillor Scott Ainslie outlining a review of regeneration schemes, particularly Central Hill and Crescent Gardens, where initial appraisals indicated none of the options were currently viable. He stated the administration's focus was on reviewing previous schemes to ensure they aligned with resident needs and council priorities, including increasing genuinely affordable and council housing. Councillor Pete Elliott emphasised bringing empty homes back into use as the quickest and cheapest way to increase supply, targeting 200 empty homes by Christmas. Concerns were raised about the Vistry partnership for the New Homes Hexagon sites, given the company's financial difficulties. Councillor Viktor Westerdahl highlighted the temporary accommodation crisis and the need for social rent units, suggesting a breakdown of estates into smaller units for development.

• View the Housing Scrutiny Sub-Committee meeting details

Council's Digital Platform Renewal Sparks Debate on Resident Experience

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday 1 October 2026 to discuss the renewal of the IEG4 digital customer platform and a review of the council's scrutiny function. The IEG4 platform, which supports high-volume services like Council Tax and Benefits, was subject to a call-in request due to concerns about its performance and the retrospective approval of its two-year renewal.

IEG4 Renewal: A Controlled Bridge or a Missed Opportunity?

Councillor Matthew Bryant, a signatory to the call-in, argued that the existing platform had provided inadequate service, citing examples of issues with parking permits and the planning portal. He expressed surprise that the contract renewal was approved retrospectively and suggested a shorter extension to allow for a thorough review involving councillors and residents.

Councillor Natalie Kane, Deputy Leader for Inclusion, Democracy and Culture, responded that the issues raised related to other systems, not IEG4 itself. She explained that IEG4 is a core part of the council's digital infrastructure and the proposed two-year renewal was a controlled bridge to allow for a wider customer services review and technology roadmap. Further delay, she warned, would increase the risk of service interruption and additional costs.

The committee voted to make recommendations rather than referring the decision back. These included establishing a working group with councillor involvement to provide feedback on the resident experience, developing a framework for residents to report issues with webpages and forms, clarifying responsibilities between IEG4 and the council's front-end interface, and creating an action plan with a shorter timeframe to address non-software issues.

• View the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting details

Improving Scrutiny: Recommendations for Greater Effectiveness

The committee also reviewed a report on the council's scrutiny function, which followed a Corporate Peer Challenge and a review by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA). The report identified 20 recommendations for improvement.

Councillor Danial Adilypour, Chair of the committee, welcomed the report and stressed the need for clarity on implementation timelines, written explanations for late papers, and a clear process for cabinet to respond to scrutiny recommendations. He also emphasized the importance of regular meetings between committee chairs and the cabinet to embed pre-decision scrutiny. The committee agreed on a set of recommendations to be made to the Deputy Leader of the Council, including confirmation of implementation timelines, immediate implementation of a requirement for written explanations for late papers, and a formal reporting mechanism for scrutiny recommendations to cabinet.

• View the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting details

This week in Lambeth:

Housing Crisis Deepens: Council Grapples with Financial Overspend and Development Delays

Lambeth Council is facing significant financial headwinds, with a projected £9.3 million overspend for the first quarter of the financial year. This challenging situation is impacting crucial services, from temporary accommodation to children's social care. Meanwhile, the council's ambitious plans for new housing are facing scrutiny, with concerns raised about the pace of development and the affordability of proposed homes.

Financial Storm Clouds Gather: Overspend and Costly Decisions

The Cabinet met on Wednesday 23 September 2026, receiving a stark update on the council's financial performance. Councillor Zvikomborero Chihoro, Cabinet Member for Finance and Community Wealth Building, acknowledged the £9.3 million projected overspend, a figure that, while an improvement on previous forecasts, remains a significant concern. The overspend is driven by pressures in temporary accommodation, income shortfalls in Growth and Environment, and ongoing challenges in children's services and adult social care. The Dedicated Schools Grant is also facing a £13.4 million overspend, largely due to the increasing complexity of children's needs.

Councillor Chihoro was candid about the difficult choices ahead, stating, We cannot protect everything and anyone who tells residents otherwise is not being honest with them. The administration is committed to tackling the council's £1.13 billion debt and £156 million in Exceptional Financial Support, a legacy of past decisions. While the council is working to bring 200 empty council homes back into use by Christmas, the financial strain means that not all services can be protected.

The council's commitment to transparency was highlighted, with plans to present a more resident-focused financial report in the future. However, questions remain about the council tax assumptions and the capital programme timeline, with opposition councillors calling for greater clarity on financial decisions and their impact on residents.

• View the Cabinet meeting details

Housing Development Under the Microscope: Affordability and Delivery Concerns

The Planning Applications Committee met on Tuesday 22 September 2026, approving a major redevelopment at Citadel Place, which will deliver 529 new homes, including 156 affordable units. However, the decision was not without controversy, with two councillors voting against the proposal due to concerns about the loss of daylight and sunlight for neighbouring properties. The committee also approved the redevelopment of 68-86 Clapham Road, providing 134 co-living rooms and four self-contained homes, with a £1.4 million contribution in lieu of affordable housing.

Meanwhile, the Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Monday 21 September 2026 to discuss the New Homes Programme. Councillor Scott Ainslie, Cabinet Member for Planning, Development, Built Environment and Public Realm, emphasized the need to increase housing supply, but also highlighted issues with previous administrations' development plans, including the blocking of Phase 2 of the Nance Walk Estate regeneration by the completion of Phase 1. Concerns were raised about the pace of delivery, the affordability of new homes, and the lack of detail on the administration's housing priorities. The committee recommended that officers provide a detailed report on estate regeneration options, a substantive update on the New Homes Programme, and a breakdown of off-site affordable housing contributions.

The Housing Scrutiny Sub-Committee is set to meet on Wednesday 30 September 2026 to investigate the effectiveness of the Community Works repairs and maintenance service, review the Home Ownership Service, and scrutinise the major works process. An update on the New Homes Programme will also be discussed, highlighting Lambeth's severe housing crisis with over 30,000 households on the waiting list and around 4,100 in temporary accommodation.

• View the Planning Applications Committee meeting details
• View the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting details
• View the Housing Scrutiny Sub-Committee meeting details

Parks Under Pressure: Balancing Events with Community Needs

Lambeth's parks are at the centre of a debate about the future of events in the borough. The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Monday 21 September 2026 to discuss the Events Policy and Strategy. Residents and park user groups voiced concerns about the cumulative damage caused by large events, including ground compaction, loss of amenity, and ecological harm. They called for greater transparency in budgeting, reinvestment of the Parks Investment Levy, and stricter limits on event duration and footprint.

Councillor Natalie Cain, Deputy Leader for Inclusion, Democracy and Culture, outlined a new policy approach that prioritises parks as green spaces, with events needing to add value rather than detract from them. However, questions remain about the future of major events like the Lambeth Country Show, with a commitment to its return but no clear timescale.

The committee also heard from Councillor David Ford, who sought reassurance that funding for smaller parks would be maintained, and Councillor Claire Holland, who raised formal complaints about unsubstantiated claims made by Green Party councillors regarding the City Splash event. The need for more representative consultation processes, particularly for speakers of English as an additional language and those with disabilities, was also highlighted.

The committee agreed on recommendations for better mitigation of event impacts, including a review of fairground rides, timings, and parking enforcement. There was also a focus on ensuring local businesses benefit from events and improving the transparency of Parks Investment Levy spending.

• View the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting details

Children's Services Rated 'Good', But Vulnerable Young People Need More Support

Lambeth's Children's Social Care has achieved an overall 'Good' rating from Ofsted, a significant milestone. However, the inspection highlighted that the experiences and progress of children needing help and protection Requires Improvement. This means that while many services are performing well, crucial areas like the Integrated Referral Hub and support for homeless 16 and 17-year-olds need urgent attention.

Ofsted praised Lambeth's effective child assessment teams and strong understanding of disabled children's needs. Extra-familial harm and contextual safeguarding were noted as particular strengths. Care leavers received an Outstanding rating for their experiences and progress, a testament to their active involvement in shaping services.

However, areas identified for improvement include:

• Front Door Decision-Making: Screening and decision-making for children presenting at the front door without immediate safeguarding concerns need to be more consistent.
• Homeless Young People: The response to 16 and 17-year-olds presenting as homeless, particularly those not already known to services, requires enhancement.
• Return Home Interviews: The quality and timeliness of recording return home interviews for children missing from care need improvement.

Councillor Alice Weavers, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, stressed that ensuring children's voices are heard is a priority for the new administration. Mechanisms for this include direct work by social workers, independent reviewing officers, and the redesign of pathway plans with young people's input. The council is also working to increase the number of in-house foster carers, aiming for 80-90% of children in care to be looked after by Lambeth's own foster carers by 2030.

• View the Children's Services Scrutiny Sub-Committee meeting details