This week in Lambeth:

Council Overhauls Governance: New Leader Elected, Members' Allowances Reviewed

Lambeth Council convened on Monday 1 June 2026 for a significant meeting that saw a shift in leadership, a review of how the council operates, and a debate on how councillors are compensated. The meeting adopted a new governance model, elected a new Leader, and approved changes to the members' allowances scheme, aiming for greater transparency and accountability.

A New Governance Framework for Lambeth

The council debated and voted on a motion to reform its governance structure. While a full committee system was not adopted, amendments were passed that will see the Chairs of Cabinet Committees elected by the full council, rather than appointed by the administration. Additionally, if a Cabinet member disagrees with a recommendation from a Cabinet committee, the decision will now be escalated to the full council.

This move towards a more collaborative model was supported by various groups. Councillor Scott Ainslie, Group Leader, described the changes as overdue and positive, while Councillor Matthew Bryant of the Liberal Democrats noted they were better than the arrangements we have had thus far. Councillor Tam Langley of the Liberal Democrats highlighted that these changes would significantly enhance the role of ward councillors and ensure better scrutiny of its decisions. The substantive motion, as amended, was passed with 32 votes in favour, zero against, and 26 abstentions.

• View the Council meeting details

Councillor Martin Abrams Elected Leader of the Council

Following the governance debate, Councillor Martin Abrams was elected as the new Leader of the Council. The Liberal Democrats announced their support for Councillor Abrams, citing the election results and the approval of key conditions related to enhanced ward councillor roles, improved scrutiny, and a commitment to a balanced budget. The Labour Group stated they would not be supporting the nomination, expressing concerns about potential service impacts. Councillor Abrams' election signifies a new direction for the council's leadership.

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Members' Allowances Scheme Updated

The council also discussed and voted on the members' allowances scheme. Councillor Natalie Kane, speaking for the Labour Group, argued that allowances are essential for ensuring public service remains accessible to individuals from all backgrounds, particularly those with caring responsibilities, disabilities, or who are younger or from working-class backgrounds. She highlighted statistics indicating a lack of diversity in local government and stressed that allowances help make public service sustainable for a wider range of individuals. The Labour amendment to the scheme was carried, and the substantive motion, as amended, was also passed. This aims to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent diverse representation within the council.

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Review of Seat Allocations and Committee Appointments

The council also reviewed the allocation of seats to political groups on committees. An amendment proposing the establishment of a Finance and Budget Scrutiny Committee was carried. Another amendment to increase the size of the Scrutiny Subcommittee from six to seven members also passed. These changes aim to ensure a more balanced and effective distribution of responsibilities across different political groups. The substantive motion, as amended, was carried.

• View the Council meeting details

This week in Lambeth:

New Mayor Elected as Council Approves Budget and Gambling Principles

Lambeth Council convened on Wednesday 27 May 2026, marking a significant shift with the election of Councillor Paul Valentine as the borough's first Green Mayor. The meeting also saw the crucial approval of the Revenue and Capital Budget for 2026/27, alongside important decisions on the Council's Constitution and the Lambeth Statement of Principles for Gambling.

A New Era: Green Mayor and Budget Priorities

Councillor Paul Valentine stepped into the role of Mayor of Lambeth, a historic moment for the borough. He pledged to represent all residents and foster consensus within council debates. Mayor Valentine also indicated a focus on supporting arts and culture charities during his term, inviting councillors to suggest potential beneficiaries. Councillor Judy Best was elected as Deputy Mayor, recognised for her long-standing commitment to the Streatham and Lambeth community.

The Council also approved the Revenue and Capital Budget for 2026/27. Councillor Judith Cavanagh, Acting Cabinet Member for Finance, presented a budget designed for financial resilience and stability, reflecting Lambeth's core values. Key investments include:

• £250 million for adult social care and health services.
• £130 million for children and families' services.
• £98 million for housing and homelessness services.
• £52 million for council housing.

Amendments proposed by the Green and Liberal Democrat groups, aiming to reallocate funds and achieve savings through efficiency measures, were ultimately defeated.

• View the Council meeting details

Gambling Policy Update: Protecting Vulnerable Residents

A significant change was made to the Lambeth Statement of Principles for Gambling 2026-2029, with the adoption of the revised policy by 44 votes to seven. A key amendment was the removal of the No Casino resolution. This decision sparked concern from Liberal Democrat Councillor Ben Curtis and Green Councillor Martin Abrams, who argued it removed a crucial safeguard.

Councillor Dr. Mahamed Hashi explained that the removal aligns the Council's policy with current national legislation, which prohibits new casino licences in London. The revised approach aims to strengthen protections for vulnerable residents by encouraging overnight operators to contact local gambling support groups and incorporating updated local area profiles and guidance from the Metropolitan Police Service. This move seeks to balance the need for regulation with the practicalities of existing laws, with a focus on mitigating harm for those most at risk.

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Constitutional Review and Pay Policy Approved

The Council unanimously approved updates to its Constitution and Council Procedure Rules. This review followed a Local Government Association (LGA) Peer Review that identified areas for improvement. Councillor Donna Harris had previously raised concerns about existing procedures potentially hindering scrutiny and challenge. Councillor James Bryan noted the cross-party nature of the review process.

Additionally, the Council approved the Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27. Councillor Matthew Bryant highlighted positive trends, including a reduction in the ratio between the highest and lowest paid employees and a narrowing of the gender pay gap. Councillor Judith Cavanagh emphasised Lambeth's commitment as an accredited London Living Wage employer.

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Procedural Motions Lead to Adjournment

Two procedural motions were debated and passed, leading to the adjournment of the annual Council meeting. Motion A2 aimed to ensure all council groups are properly informed before decisions are made, particularly in a council with no overall majority. Motion B, an emergency motion, called for the adjournment of the annual Council meeting to allow for the safe, legal, and effective determination of statutory matters. While the Labour group expressed reluctance due to a lack of detail on proposed governance arrangements, the motion was supported by all three groups, leading to the adjournment of the meeting until 1 June 2026.

• View the Council meeting details

This week in Lambeth:

New Homes Approved in Streatham Amidst Concerns Over Affordability and Character

Lambeth Council's Planning Applications Committee has approved two significant new developments in Streatham, promising much-needed housing but also raising questions about affordability and the impact on the local streetscape. The committee met on Tuesday 28 April 2026 to consider applications for sites on Leigham Court Road and Dorchester Parade.

Leigham Court Road Development Promises 92 Homes, Including Social Rent

A substantial redevelopment at 35–37 Leigham Court Road and land to the west and rear of 39–49 Leigham Court Road received conditional planning permission. This project will see the demolition of existing structures to make way for three buildings offering 92 residential units. Crucially, the development includes 15 social rented homes and 31 discount market rent homes, contributing 35% affordable housing by habitable room. The scheme is car-free, except for Blue Badge parking, and includes extensive cycle parking.

However, the decision was not without controversy. Objectors, represented by the Streatham Liam Group, argued the development was oversized, overbearing and built on a foundation of flawed advice. They raised concerns that the officer's report was misleading regarding the site's location within the town centre boundary and that the proposed building heights were inappropriate for the area. Concerns were also voiced about the impact on the Liam Court Road North Conservation Area and the potential for overlooking neighbouring properties.

Despite these objections, officers recommended approval, noting that the scheme's benefits, including regeneration and the provision of affordable housing, outweighed the identified impacts. The committee also added a precautionary condition to address potential archaeological remains and amended an existing condition regarding land contamination.

• View the Planning Applications Committee meeting details

Dorchester Parade Redevelopment to Deliver 18 New Homes

Conditional planning permission was also granted for the demolition of existing buildings and the erection of a part 5/part 6 storey mixed-use building at Dorchester Parade, Leigham Court Road. This development will provide two ground-floor commercial units and 18 residential units. The revised scheme is one storey lower than a previous permission, while retaining the same number of residential and commercial units.

This development is car-free and provides 34 residential cycle parking spaces. It is subject to a Section 106 agreement to secure contributions towards the Controlled Parking Zone, Healthy Routes Network, and on-street cycle parking.

While the previous permission had secured a financial payment towards affordable housing, updated viability assessments indicated that the current scheme is not viable for affordable housing contributions. However, early and late-stage viability review mechanisms will be secured through a Section 106 agreement to capture any future improvements in viability. Objectors had raised concerns about the loss of heritage and the impact on the conservation area, but officers concluded that the demolition of the existing building was acceptable and that the new development would preserve the character of the conservation area.

• View the Planning Applications Committee meeting details

Between the Bridges Event Approved for South Bank

The committee also granted conditional planning permission and advertisement consent for the temporary event, Between the Bridges 2026, at Hungerford Coach Park on the South Bank. The event, featuring bars, food concessions, and performance stages, will run from April 2026 to January 2027.

The decision was made despite the site being partly designated as Metropolitan Open Land (MOL). The committee found that the temporary nature of the event, its contribution to the area's cultural offer, and the fact that the MOL is currently hardstanding constituted very special circumstances. Conditions were imposed to control noise, lighting, and construction vehicle movements. The event's temporary nature was noted as not prejudicing long-term plans for the site's integration into an extension of Jubilee Gardens.

Objectors raised concerns about the event's extended duration and its impact on the delivery of a promised public park. However, officers confirmed that the event would not prejudice long-term plans for the site.

• View the Planning Applications Committee meeting details

Appointments Sub-Committee Meets to Finalise Director of Adult Social Care Recruitment

The Appointments Sub-Committee met on Wednesday 29 April 2026 to conduct final interviews for the crucial role of Director of Adult Social Care. This statutory position is responsible for leading and delivering adult social care services across the borough, ensuring compliance with legal standards and promoting wellbeing. The recruitment process, managed by executive search firm Gatenby Sanderson, is designed to align with the Council's Constitution and the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

The Director of Adult Social Care plays a vital role in supporting vulnerable residents, including those seeking sanctuary, as outlined in the Lambeth Borough of Sanctuary Strategy. The annual budget for this post is £141,000, with an estimated total annual cost of £189,000. The successful candidate will be instrumental in achieving Lambeth's strategic objectives, as detailed in the Lambeth 2030 Borough Plan, which aims to create a fairer, greener and safer borough.

• View the Appointments Sub-Committee meeting details

This week in Lambeth:

Council Gears Up to Appoint New Director of Adult Social Care Amidst Funding Pressures

Lambeth Council is moving forward with the crucial appointment of a new Director of Adult Social Care, a role vital for shaping services that support some of the borough's most vulnerable residents. The Appointments Sub-Committee met on Thursday 23 April 2026 to shortlist candidates for this pivotal position, which carries a significant annual salary of £141,000. This appointment comes at a time when the council is grappling with substantial financial pressures, as highlighted in recent budget monitoring reports.

The Director of Adult Social Care will be responsible for transforming services, enhancing prevention, and championing a values-driven culture. This role is central to delivering Lambeth's 2030 Borough Plan, aiming for a fairer, greener and safer community. The successful candidate will oversee statutory responsibilities, including the safeguarding of adults as defined in the Care Act 2014. The recruitment process, managed by executive search firm Gatenby Sanderson, is nearing its conclusion, with final interviews scheduled for 29 April 2026. The high salary for this role underscores its importance, but it also comes at a time when the council is proposing significant savings measures to balance its budget.

• View the Appointments Sub-Committee meeting details

Pension Fund Shows Strong Financial Health, But Risks Remain

The Lambeth Pension Fund is in a robust financial position, according to the latest actuarial valuation. The Pensions Committee met on Wednesday 22 April 2026 to review the fund's performance, which revealed a healthy surplus of £297 million and a funding level of 120%. This significant improvement, up from 96% in 2022, is largely attributed to updated assumptions about future investment returns.

Despite this positive outlook, the committee also discussed the fund's risk register, which identified seven amber-rated risks. These include potential issues with insufficient resources for the Pensions Committee and Board, a lack of understanding among members, and the ongoing impact of climate change on investments. The committee also reviewed recommendations from an independent governance review, aimed at preparing the fund for upcoming regulatory changes. These include appointing a dedicated Senior LGPS Officer and restructuring the pensions function. The financial strength of the pension fund is crucial for the long-term security of its members, but ongoing vigilance regarding identified risks is essential.

• View the Pensions Committee meeting details

Licensing Sub-Committee Meets Amidst Ongoing Regulatory Scrutiny

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Tuesday 21 April 2026. While the specific details of the discussions are pending council publication, the committee's role is vital in balancing the needs of local businesses with the well-being of residents. Licensing decisions can have a direct impact on community life, affecting noise levels, public safety, and the availability of local amenities. The committee's work often involves navigating complex regulations and considering representations from businesses, residents, and other stakeholders.

• View the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting details