This week in Lewisham:

Rail Services Face Scrutiny: Punctuality, Electrification, and Micro-Mobility Concerns

Lewisham residents rely heavily on public transport, and the Public Transport Liaison Forum meeting on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, brought crucial issues to the forefront. Discussions ranged from improving punctuality on rail services to the ambitious transition to electric buses and the growing challenges posed by e-scooters and e-bikes.

Rail Performance: Mixed Bag for Commuters

Updates from Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) and Southeastern Railway painted a mixed picture for rail users. GTR reported a significant reduction in cancellations on Thameslink services through the borough, largely due to fewer driver-related issues. However, Southern services through Forest Hill have faced more disruptions due to network incidents. Southeastern highlighted that while overall performance was slightly below target due to summer heatwaves impacting embankments, they remain above the industry average for reliability and pride themselves on low cancellation rates.

Looking ahead, Southeastern announced timetable improvements for December, with four trains per hour on most metro routes. GTR plans to reroute the Luton to Raynham Thameslink service in December to improve punctuality, though this means direct services to Luton will cease for Deptford. GTR also announced plans for a significant upgrade to customer experience on Thameslink trains, including new, more comfortable seating, expected to begin next year.

Bus Electrification and the Future of Public Transport

The transition to electric buses was a key topic, with Go Ahead and Stagecoach confirming ongoing efforts to electrify their fleets. Transport for London (TfL) noted that approximately one-third of London's bus fleet is now electric, with plans to introduce more zero-emission buses. A significant announcement was the creation of Buses for London, a new publicly owned bus operator set to launch in late 2027. Councillor Corinne Ashwell raised valid concerns about the infrastructure and charging times required for electric buses, highlighting the need for support for faster charging solutions at bus garages.

Micro-mobility and Parking: A Growing Challenge

The rapid growth of e-bike usage, with Lime reporting a 30% increase in rides in Lewisham in September, brings new challenges. Lime is working with the council on designated parking bays, but concerns remain about parking compliance and the effectiveness of geofencing, particularly around busy stations like Forest Hill. Robert McIntosh from the Forest Hill Society pointed out that bays are frequently overcrowded, leading to bikes being parked on pavements. Councillor Ashwell acknowledged this, stating that bays on footways are being reviewed for relocation. Discussions also touched on the speed of e-bikes and preventing underage riders, with Lime exploring technological solutions.

Cycling Infrastructure and Safety Under the Spotlight

Councillor Esther Lee raised concerns about the safety of cycling infrastructure, particularly at junctions like Brockley Rise and Stanstead Road, noting the lack of advanced stop lines. TfL confirmed they are investigating road danger reduction at this location. Residents and cycling advocates also highlighted the need for more cycling infrastructure in Forest Hill, particularly around the station.

Other Matters

• Rail Infrastructure: TfL provided an update on the proposed Surrey Canal station, with detailed design expected over the next 18 months. Concerns were also raised about recurring Thames Water leaks impacting bus services and the safety of walls and fencing at Forest Hill station.
• Meeting Times: Councillor Robin McGhee proposed moving future meetings from 7:00 pm to 6:00 pm to allow attendees more of their evenings back.

You can find more details in the Public Transport Liaison Forum meeting papers.

Schools Forum Scheduled to Discuss Funding and SEND Reforms

The Schools Forum was scheduled to meet on Thursday, 22 October 2026. The agenda included crucial discussions on the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), with updates on final outturn positions and future projections. The forum was also set to consider proposed changes to the Scheme for Financing Schools and responses to Department for Education (DfE) consultations on early years funding and SEND reforms.

A key item was the scheduled presentation of a report concerning a reapplication to the DfE for an exception factor for St Michaels school, relating to a service charge of £21,925. Previous applications for this exception factor had been successful. The forum was also to be updated on the local authority's response to consultations on early years funding and upfront funding for mainstream schools for SEND.

The 2026/27 DSG allocation was projected to show an overspend of £10.0m in the High Needs Block. The report was also to provide an update on pay awards and changes to free school meal eligibility from the 2026-27 academic year.

You can find more details in the Schools Forum meeting papers.

SACRE to Discuss Child Protection and Safeguarding

The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) was scheduled to convene on Wednesday, 21 October 2026. A significant item on the agenda was the scheduled consideration of how to connect social care services with faith communities to enhance child protection, a topic deferred from a previous meeting.

Anthony Doudle, Director of Education, was scheduled to provide an update on safeguarding practices and risk assessments for educational visits, detailing key changes in the Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026 guidance. The council was also scheduled to consider its Code of Conduct and attendance management process, as well as updates on its Annual Report and the Places of Worship directory.

You can find more details in the Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) meeting papers.

This week in Lewisham:

Pension Fund Navigates New Governance Rules and Responsible Investment Demands

Lewisham Council's Pensions Committee met on Thursday, 15 October 2026, to approve the draft Pension Fund Annual Report and Statement of Accounts for 2025/26. The meeting also addressed significant changes stemming from new guidance on Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) governance and asset pooling, alongside a proposed update to the fund's responsible investment beliefs.

Pension Fund Annual Report Approved Amidst Governance Overhaul

The committee approved the draft Pension Fund Annual Report for publication by the statutory deadline of 1 December 2026. Any amendments following the external audit by KPMG will be brought back to the committee.

The meeting also detailed the substantial changes arising from new LGPS fund governance and asset pooling guidance issued in June 2026. This guidance mandates participation in a single FCA-authorised asset pool, with administering authorities retaining responsibility for setting high-level objectives. Key changes include:

• LGPS Senior Officer Role: A new statutory role responsible for the overall management of pension functions, to be appointed by the Chief Executive by 31 December 2026. Lewisham Council is currently in the process of making this appointment.
• Independent Person: A mandatory role to provide independent expertise and scrutiny to pension committees and senior officers, also to be appointed by 31 December 2026. The council is considering whether to advertise this role or procure it from a pension advisory firm.
• Revised Terms of Reference: The terms of reference for both the Pensions Committee and the Pension Board have been revised to align with the new LGPS governance framework and legislation. These changes, approved by Full Council on 23 September 2026, include renaming the Pensions Investment Committee to the Pensions Committee and incorporating the Independent Person as a non-voting member.

These reforms aim to enhance governance, transparency, and accountability within the LGPS, with pools responsible for investment implementation and administering authorities setting strategic objectives.

Responsible Investment Beliefs Under Review Amidst Global Conflicts

A significant discussion centred on a proposal to update the fund's Responsible Investment (RI) Beliefs Statement. Driven by recent international conflicts and sanctions, the proposal seeks to screen and exclude companies and sovereign issuers involved in war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, violations of human rights, and exploitation in occupied territories.

The committee agreed to ask officers to undertake further work, including obtaining specialist legal and London CIV advice, conducting necessary assessments and consultations, and reporting back on progress at each meeting. This move reflects a growing demand from pension fund members for their investments to align with ethical considerations, particularly in light of global events. The potential for such exclusions raises complex questions about fiduciary duty and the practicalities of implementing ethical investment strategies within the framework of asset pooling.

Investment Strategy Shifts Towards Credit and Government Bonds

Updates on the fund's investments revealed a shift in strategy, with an implementation plan finalised to reduce exposure to listed equities and increase allocations to credit assets and UK Government bonds. A key transaction involved moving £95 million from the LCIV Passive Paris Aligned Equity Fund to the LCIV All Maturities Buy & Maintain Credit Fund. Further allocations to index-linked government bonds are also planned. Investment activity continued in private markets, with capital calls received for private debt and buy & maintain funds.

Administration and Training Updates

The committee received updates on the administration team, noting that despite staff departures, continuity arrangements are in place and recruitment is ongoing. The 2026 Annual Benefit Statements were issued electronically for the first time, with a strong uptake in portal registrations. Data quality testing showed a pass rate of 92.6%, with ongoing efforts to improve this.

A draft Training Strategy and Plan were also presented, developed to ensure individuals involved in the fund's governance maintain appropriate knowledge and understanding, in line with new LGPS fund governance guidance. The plan outlines training themes including core induction, governance and regulatory training, investment and pooling, administration, and funding and actuarial training.

The meeting also confirmed that the committee's start time for the municipal year 2026/27 would remain at 7 p.m.

You can find more details in the Pensions Committee meeting papers.

This week in Lewisham:

Council Approves £5.8 Million Insurance Extension and £668,000 for Domestic Violence Support

Lewisham Council's Mayor and Cabinet met on Wednesday, 7 October 2026, making key decisions that will impact council operations and support for vulnerable residents. The meeting saw the approval of a significant insurance contract extension and a vital investment in a new domestic violence women's service.

Council Insurances Extended for Two Years

Mayor and Cabinet approved the extension of the council's insurance arrangements for a further two years, from 1 December 2026 to 30 November 2028. The total value of this extension is up to £5.8 million. This decision was made due to the satisfactory performance of the current insurance arrangements and the ongoing challenging conditions within the insurance market. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director for Corporate Resources to finalise the contract terms. This ensures continued protection for the council's assets and operations.

New Domestic Violence Women's Service to Receive £668,162 Investment

A crucial investment of £668,162 was approved for capital works on a council-owned property to establish a high-needs domestic violence women's service. This service will provide eight self-contained homes and specialist support for women experiencing domestic abuse and complex needs. The decision follows a previous approval in February 2026, with the revised capital investment necessary due to clarifications from the Greater London Authority regarding grant eligibility. The service aims to offer a safe and stable environment, alongside specialist support, enabling women to recover and rebuild their lives. This initiative directly addresses the critical need for safe accommodation and support for those fleeing domestic abuse, a group often facing complex challenges.

Financial Monitoring Reveals Projected £7 Million Overspend

The Mayor and Cabinet noted the financial forecast for the year ending 31 March 2027, which indicated a projected £7 million overspend on the General Fund. This overspend is primarily attributed to increased demand and associated costs in children's social care and adult social care, as well as additional costs within the parking contract. The meeting also approved the write-off of £350,300 of Business Rates arrears and £60,700 of Short Breaks debt. This highlights the significant financial pressures faced by the council, particularly in providing essential social care services, which can have a direct impact on the availability and quality of support for vulnerable individuals and families.

Procurement of Building Security Services Approved

The Mayor and Cabinet approved the procurement of a specialist building security and related service provider. The contract will be for a period of three years, with an option to extend for a further two years, utilising the ESPO Site Security Services Framework. The maximum contract value will be detailed in Part 2 of the report. This decision ensures the ongoing safety and security of council buildings and assets.

Housing Major Works and Performance Updates

The Mayor and Cabinet noted the Housing Major Works Procurement Strategy, which aims to improve the procurement and delivery of major works to the council's homes. The strategy focuses on increasing competition, bringing in specialist expertise, and strengthening oversight to deliver better quality work and value for money. It was noted that the council's Direct Labour Organisation (DLO) is unlikely to undertake major works delivery in the foreseeable future.

Additionally, a report outlining the council's performance as a landlord of social housing for the financial year 2025-26 was noted. The report highlighted progress in reducing non-decent homes and cutting the repairs backlog, but acknowledged ongoing challenges in tenant satisfaction and repair completion times. The council remains subject to a Regulatory Notice from the Regulator of Social Housing concerning safety and quality standards.

Contract Extensions for Critical Safety Systems

A two-year extension to the contract with Alphatrack Systems was approved for door entry systems, warden call systems, CCTV, and working at height systems, valued at £3,406,323. This extension is intended to maintain continuity of critical safety and security services for residents and ensure compliance with statutory responsibilities while future procurement options are explored.

Lewisham Town Centre Improvement Programme Update

The Mayor and Cabinet noted the progress on the Lewisham Town Centre Improvement Programme. They approved the award of the Lewisham Library Operator concession contract to Blue Garage Ltd for a period of five years, with an option to extend for a further five years, at a value of £10,704,000. Contract variations were also approved for the Lewisham Library refurbishment to address additional works and costs. The programme aims to revitalise the town centre, including improvements to the library and market.

Licensing Sub-Committee B Decision on The Railway Tavern

The Licensing Sub-Committee B met on Tuesday, 6 October 2026, to consider an application for a premises licence for The Railway Tavern at 401 Southend Lane, London, SE26 5BH. The committee granted the application for the premises licence but refused to specify a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS). This means the business cannot trade until a qualified individual is appointed and notified to the council. The decision was made after representations from the Licensing Authority and Trading Standards, who raised concerns about suspected counterfeit goods, non-compliant vaping products, and management control deficiencies. The committee imposed additional conditions to strengthen management oversight, staff training, and stock control. This decision highlights the importance of robust management and compliance for licensed premises to ensure public safety and prevent crime.

This week in Lewisham:

Lewisham Shopping Centre Development Sparks Fierce Debate: Council Notes Petition Amidst Calls for More Affordable Housing

A significant portion of the recent Council meeting on Wednesday, 23 September 2026, was dedicated to a passionate debate surrounding the Save Lewisham Shopping Centre petition. The petition, which garnered over 3,000 signatures, called for the rejection of development plans for the site, citing concerns over the level of social housing and the potential for private developer profits to be subsidised by public funds.

While the council acknowledged the petition and the importance of affordable housing, it was ultimately resolved that the council would note the petition and recommend that the Mayor and Cabinet use compulsory purchase powers to maximise affordable housing in new developments. This decision reflects the complex reality of planning decisions, where approved schemes cannot simply be undone, but levers can still be pulled to advocate for better outcomes.

Councillor Ed Sutton voiced support for the petition's aims, highlighting the urgent need for genuinely affordable housing and an alternative to the current developer-led model. He noted that the opportunity to reject the plans had passed, but that the Greater London Authority (GLA) held the power to overrule the council.

Councillor Shireen Asaw, Cabinet Member for Workers, Business and Skills, clarified that the shopping centre is privately owned by Landsec and was approved under the previous Labour administration. She stressed that while the council cannot undo history, it would focus on using its influence to fight for market traders, good jobs, and more social housing.

Mayor Liam Shrivastava stated his belief that the current levels of social housing in the scheme were insufficient and that he would not use compulsory purchase order powers unless there was a significant increase in social housing. He also clarified that the Section 106 agreement was signed by the previous administration.

The debate underscored the tension between the need for regeneration and the demand for truly affordable housing, a recurring theme in local government decision-making. The council's resolution reflects a commitment to continue advocating for residents' needs within the existing planning framework.

You can read the full Council meeting minutes.

Council Boosts Direct Cash Support and Insources Mental Health Social Workers

In a move aimed at providing more dignity and choice to residents facing financial hardship, Lewisham Council announced the launch of its cash-first approach through the Crisis and Resilience Fund. From the following day, all Lewisham residents will be able to apply for direct cash support. This initiative, a Green Party manifesto commitment, seeks to offer immediate relief and empower individuals to meet their essential needs.

Councillor Samantha Gardiner, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care, also announced the significant step of insourcing Lewisham's mental health social care services directly into the Council. This move is expected to improve the experience for residents by ensuring more seamless care and better integration with other council services. Councillor Gardiner also firmly stated the Council's opposition to Palantir technologies within the NHS and public services, citing concerns over data privacy and human rights.

Furthermore, Councillor Rotimi Skyers, Cabinet Member for Children, SEND, Youth Empowerment and Culture, announced an investment in the council's first council-run children's home in decades. This initiative aims to provide better care and outcomes for vulnerable children by keeping them closer to their support networks. These decisions demonstrate a commitment to strengthening local services and directly addressing the needs of vulnerable groups.

You can find more details in the Council meeting minutes.

Treasury Management and Planning Reforms Approved

The Council also approved key financial and procedural reforms during its meeting on Wednesday, 23 September 2026. Councillor Rudi Schmidt, Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Economic Development, presented the Treasury Management Outturn and Mid-Year Review for 2026-27, which was approved by the council. This report details the council's financial management of its reserves and borrowing, ensuring prudent stewardship of public funds.

In a move to streamline planning processes, the council agreed to reforms for its Planning Committees. Councillor Ruth Persian moved a report proposing changes to align with new national arrangements for planning decision-making. These changes include replacing the current Planning Committees A and B with a single Planning Committee and retaining a Strategic Planning Committee for significant applications. These reforms aim to improve efficiency and clarity in the planning system, which directly impacts development and regeneration across the borough.

You can find more details in the Council meeting minutes.

Other Matters

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday, 22 September 2026, to review the Draft Annual Complaints Report for 2025/26. The committee identified several lines of inquiry to improve service delivery, including enhancing communication with residents, ensuring consistency in complaints handling, and better utilising technology. The report highlighted that many submissions were misclassified as complaints when they were service requests, indicating a need for clearer communication channels and initial triage processes. The committee stressed the importance of using complaint data as a strategic tool for service transformation, not just performance measurement.

You can find more details in the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting minutes.