This week in Lewisham:

Housing Crisis Deepens: Damp, Mould, and Rent Hikes Hit Residents Hard

Lewisham Council is facing mounting pressure over its housing services, with residents bearing the brunt of rising costs and persistent issues. This week, the Housing Select Committee met on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, to discuss compliance with Awaab's Law, proposed rent increases, and the growing crisis in temporary accommodation.

Awaab's Law: A Race Against Time for Damp and Mould

The council is scrambling to comply with Awaab's Law, part of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, which mandates strict timeframes for addressing serious hazards like damp and mould in social housing. The law, named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak who tragically died in 2020 due to prolonged exposure to mould, came into effect for damp and mould on 27 October 2025.

Lewisham Council's own stock condition survey identified 6,840 hazards, with 1,508 classified as Category 1 (severe), including 397 cases of damp and mould. While the council reports progress in removing hazards, the sheer volume of issues, particularly during the winter months, raises serious concerns about the capacity to meet these new legal obligations.

The committee heard that for emergency hazards (Category 1), the council must investigate and make safe within 24 hours, potentially leading to decanting residents if immediate resolution isn't possible. For significant hazards (Category 2), investigations must be completed within 10 days, with resolution within 5 working days. Failure to meet these deadlines could also result in decanting.

Councillor James-J Walsh raised concerns about the council's ability to manage these demands, particularly with the potential for increased cases in future winters. The council stated that the service is scalable and that they are upskilling their direct labour organisation (DLO) team and engaging additional contractors. However, the reliance on external contractors and the complexity of root cause analysis mean that while immediate risks might be mitigated, full resolution can take longer.

The report also highlighted that historically, only one in ten damp and mould cases were reported directly by residents, with many issues being addressed through disrepair claims. This suggests a past failure in resident communication and service delivery, which the council claims to be rectifying with improved call centre response times and a dedicated damp and mould team.

The implications for vulnerable residents are stark: prolonged exposure to damp and mould can exacerbate respiratory conditions, allergies, and other health problems, disproportionately affecting children and the elderly. The council's ability to swiftly and effectively address these issues will be critical in protecting the health and wellbeing of its most vulnerable tenants.

You can read more about the council's compliance efforts in the Housing Select Committee meeting papers.

Rent Hikes and Service Charge Shocks Leave Tenants Struggling

In a move that will undoubtedly strain household budgets, Lewisham Council is proposing a 4.8% rent increase for social housing tenants, averaging £5.95 per week. This increase, which could be higher if the government reintroduces rent convergence, comes alongside significant proposed increases in service charges.

Tenants with communal heating will see their service charges rise by an average of £7.57 per week (22.28%), while those without communal heating will face an average increase of £2.36 per week (14.14%). These rises, particularly for communal heating, are not covered by housing benefit or universal credit, placing a direct financial burden on residents.

Councillor Katie Pritchard questioned the steep increases, noting that the service charge for communal heating alone rose by 39.9% last year. While the council attributes these increases to rising fuel costs and the need for full cost recovery, the cumulative impact on already struggling households is a major concern. The council stated that they are phasing in the increases over three years to cushion the impact, but for many, this will still represent a significant financial challenge.

The council's income team claims to have a supportive approach to arrears, offering financial advice and linking residents to welfare benefits support. However, the proposed rent and service charge increases will test the effectiveness of these measures.

You can find more details on the proposed rent and service charge increases in the Housing Select Committee meeting papers.

Temporary Accommodation Crisis Worsens as Applications Rise

The number of households in temporary accommodation (TA) in Lewisham has decreased, but this is largely attributed to a reduction in homelessness applications, not necessarily an improvement in preventing homelessness. As of 1 December 2025, 2,450 households were in TA, a decrease of 12.5% from the previous year. However, this decrease is mirrored by a 14.3% drop in homelessness applications between April and November 2025.

Councillor Abigail asked whether this reduction in applications was due to a true decrease or a change in criteria. The council stated that the figures include those ineligible for assistance, but further clarification is needed on the total number of approaches versus those accepted for a prevention duty.

The committee also heard that the council's reliance on nightly-paid accommodation is increasing, while privately managed accommodation (PMA) and private sector leased (PSL) properties are decreasing. This shift can lead to less stable and potentially more costly accommodation options for those experiencing homelessness.

The council is campaigning for central government to increase the subsidy for temporary accommodation, as the current rate only covers 90% of the 2011 Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rate, leaving a significant shortfall that impacts the council's budget. This shortfall is particularly acute for Lewisham, which is identified as one of the most affected councils.

The committee also discussed the potential for improved inter-borough working on TA placements, a concept that has been undermined by the increasing crisis and a lack of cooperation between councils. The hope is that as homelessness figures potentially stabilise, this collaborative approach can be revisited to ensure more equitable and efficient use of resources across London.

You can find more details on temporary accommodation in the Housing Select Committee meeting papers.

Climate Action Plan Progress and Biodiversity Goals Under Scrutiny

The Sustainable Development Select Committee met on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, to review the council's progress on its Climate Action Plan and Biodiversity Action Plan. While there are areas of success, significant challenges remain in securing sustainable funding and ensuring equitable distribution of green initiatives.

Biodiversity Efforts: Successes and Funding Gaps

The committee received an update on Lewisham's Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP), highlighting achievements such as a 63% increase in tree canopy cover and the successful delivery of projects like the Ladywell Fields River Restoration. The council is also working towards a Local Nature Recovery Plan to replace the current BAP.

However, challenges persist, particularly concerning the management of privately owned land, which constitutes the largest habitat in Lewisham. The report also noted the piecemeal and short-term nature of funding, leading to a heavy reliance on volunteers. Councillor Sian Eiles raised concerns about this reliance, highlighting it as a potential weakness.

The committee discussed the need for greater public awareness and engagement, with calls to replicate the success of initiatives like Wild London to inspire action among schoolchildren and the wider community. The Nature Neighbourhoods project was highlighted as a unique funding opportunity aimed at community engagement, but its equitable distribution across areas of deprivation was questioned by Councillor Eiles.

A key recommendation from the committee was for the council to investigate how Section 106 and NCIL funding could be better utilised to include nature conservation, and to explore changes to the local plan to ban practices like the use of plastic grass in gardens, which harms biodiversity.

Climate Action Plan: Ambitions and Realities

The committee also reviewed the Climate Action Plan, noting Lewisham's strong performance in the Climate Emergency UK Scorecards, achieving an overall score of 66%. The council has seen a 25% reduction in its corporate CO2 emissions since 2018/19.

Highlights include progress on school heating upgrades, the decarbonisation of Lewisham Library, and the commitment to replacing streetlights with LEDs. The council is also working on housing retrofits, sustainable transport initiatives, and flood mitigation projects.

However, the scale of the challenge is immense. Martin O'Brien, Head of Climate Resilience, acknowledged that the cost of fully decarbonising the council's own housing stock is estimated at £470 million, a figure far beyond current budgets. For the borough as a whole, the estimated cost is a staggering £3.2 billion. This highlights a significant funding gap, with current government grants providing only limited support.

The discussion also touched upon the importance of scope three emissions, which relate to the council's supply chain and are estimated to be 15 to 20 times higher than its direct emissions. The council is working to engage with its supply chain to reduce these emissions, particularly in areas like construction and energy supply.

The committee expressed concern about the lack of meaningful retrofit plans for privately owned housing, a sector that contributes significantly to emissions. While the council offers advice, there is currently little financial support available for homeowners not on extremely low incomes.

The ambition of net zero by 2030 was discussed, with the acknowledgement that it is an aspiration rather than a firm target, largely due to the financial constraints. The council is exploring local area energy plans and heat networks as potential game-changers, but the path to achieving these ambitious goals remains challenging.

You can find more details on the Climate Action Plan in the Sustainable Development Select Committee meeting papers.

Upcoming Meetings

• Mayor and Cabinet - Wednesday 21 January 2026
• Licensing Sub Committee C - Thursday 22 January 2026
• Appointments Committee - Thursday 22 January 2026
• Council - Wednesday 28 January 2026
• Planning Committee B - Tuesday 27 January 2026
• Public Accounts Select Committee - Thursday 29 January 2026

This week in Lewisham:

Children in Care and Young People's Futures Take Centre Stage

The Children and Young People Select Committee met on Thursday, 8 January 2026, to discuss critical issues affecting the borough's young people. A major focus was the Corporate Parenting Strategy 2025-2028, which outlines the council's commitment to supporting children in care and care leavers. The strategy aims to ensure these young people are safe, supported, and have the opportunities to thrive, built on the seven statutory principles from the Children and Social Work Act 2017. This is vital for ensuring that children who are not in the care of their families receive the same level of care and support as they would from a parent.

The committee also dedicated significant time to improving economic opportunities and outcomes for young people. While Lewisham performs well in ensuring post-16 education or training offers, challenges remain in the transition to employment. This is particularly concerning for care-experienced young people, those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and those from low-income households, who face a labour market with fewer entry-level roles and more precarious work. Discussions covered how skills provision aligns with economic growth, the status of a borough-wide skills strategy, apprenticeship opportunities, and strategies to help young people access sectors like digital and creative industries. The impact of the cost of living crisis and digital exclusion were identified as significant barriers.

The committee also reviewed its work programme, ensuring its scrutiny activities align with the council's Corporate Strategy priorities for children and young people.

You can find more details about the discussions in the Children and Young People Select Committee meeting.

Unpaid Carers and Hospital Services Get Spotlight

The Healthier Communities Select Committee met on Wednesday, 7 January 2026, to address crucial support systems for residents. A key focus was the Lewisham Unpaid Carers Action Plan 2025-2028. Developed with extensive input from unpaid carers, the plan aims to make carers visible, valued, and supported. This is essential as unpaid carers provide vital support that would otherwise fall to the council, often at great personal cost. The plan prioritises establishing a central Carers Hub, improving the identification of carers, and enhancing their involvement in service planning. While feedback on the plan was overwhelmingly positive, some carers expressed scepticism about whether it would translate into tangible action, highlighting the need for clear milestones and accountability.

The committee also received an update on University Hospital Lewisham and Community Services. Ben Travis, Chief Executive of Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust, reported significant progress in reducing elective care waiting lists, with the number of patients waiting over 52 weeks more than halved. However, the trust faces considerable challenges, including pressure on the Emergency Department, high bed occupancy, and a substantial waiting list of approximately 950 children and young people waiting over a year for neurodevelopmental assessments. This delay can have a profound impact on a child's educational attainment and life outcomes. The trust is investing £0.5 million into this pathway and working with partners to redesign clinical pathways and outsource some assessments.

The committee also reviewed the Lewisham Safeguarding Adults Board (LSAB) Annual Report 2024-25. The report highlighted a trebling of safeguarding enquiries over seven years, linked to austerity, the cost of living crisis, and pressures on services and unpaid carers. This increase underscores the growing need for robust safeguarding measures to protect vulnerable adults.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Healthier Communities Select Committee meeting.

Tackling Domestic Abuse and Promoting Equality Take Centre Stage

The Safer Stronger Communities Select Committee met on Tuesday, 6 January 2026, to discuss vital work on domestic abuse and equality. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the Domestic Abuse (DA) and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy. Lewisham continues to face high rates of domestic abuse, with a 9.4% increase in related offences in the year to November 2025. Bellingham ward, in particular, has the highest rate of domestic abuse crime in Lewisham and ranks third in London. The committee heard about services like the Athena service, run by Refuge, which provides crucial support, and the ongoing review of the DA and VAWG Strategy 2021-2026. The CODA program (Children Overcoming Domestic Abuse) and the Freedom program for adult survivors were highlighted as vital interventions, offering support for healing and recovery. The impact of these programmes is crucial for breaking cycles of abuse and supporting survivors to rebuild their lives.

The committee also received an update on the Corporate Equalities agenda, focusing on the Single Equalities Framework (SEF) for 2024-2028. Key priorities include improving workforce representation, making the borough more accessible, tackling preventable illnesses, and embedding intersectionality in decision-making. The report highlighted positive movements in the representation of women and Black staff and a reduction in the disability pay gap. However, concerns were raised about progression and retention within the workforce, which can disproportionately affect minority groups. The committee also heard about innovative engagement methods, such as a play developed with disabled residents to explore their experiences with the council, demonstrating a commitment to co-production and ensuring diverse voices are heard.

You can find more details about these discussions in the Safer Stronger Communities Select Committee meeting.

Upcoming Meetings

• Sustainable Development Select Committee - Tuesday 13 January 2026
• Housing Select Committee - Wednesday 14 January 2026
• Appointments Committee - Thursday 22 January 2026
• Licensing Committee - Thursday 22 January 2026
• Mayor and Cabinet - Wednesday 21 January 2026
• Health and Wellbeing Board - Monday 19 January 2026
• Planning Committee A - Tuesday 20 January 2026

This week in Lewisham:

Pensions Investment Strategy and Ethical Considerations

The Pensions Investment Committee convened this week to discuss investment strategies, focusing on real estate pooling, triennial valuation results, and engagement with investment firms like BlackRock. A key concern is ensuring the pension fund's financial health while adhering to ethical and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.

Real Estate Investment and Pooling

The committee considered an investment proposal related to the London LGPS CIV's Indirect Real Estate Pooling (IREP) solution with Schroders. This move aims to consolidate assets across London borough pension funds, potentially reducing costs and improving investment performance.

Triennial Valuation and Financial Health

The initial results of the triennial valuation were reviewed, assessing the pension fund's ability to meet future obligations to pensioners. This valuation is crucial for ensuring the long-term financial stability of the fund.

Ethical Investment and BlackRock Engagement

The committee discussed feedback from a meeting with BlackRock, covering investment strategy, performance, market outlook, and ESG factors. This engagement is vital for aligning investment decisions with ethical considerations and promoting responsible investment practices.

Exclusion of Public and Press

The agenda indicated that the committee may exclude the press and public from certain items due to the disclosure of exempt information, as defined in the Local Government Act 1972. This lack of transparency raises concerns about public accountability and the ability of residents to scrutinize investment decisions.

Executive Director Appointment and Transparency Concerns

The Appointments Committee met this week to discuss the appointment of an Executive Director of Children and Young People. The meeting also included the election of a chair and vice chair, and declarations of interest from members.

Executive Director Appointment

The committee discussed the appointment of an Executive Director of Children and Young People. The press and public were excluded from this part of the meeting, citing the disclosure of exempt information under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972. This lack of transparency raises concerns about public scrutiny of key appointments within the council.

Declarations of Interest

Councillors were asked to declare any personal interests in the agenda items. The report outlined the different types of interests, including disclosable pecuniary interests, other registerable interests, and non-registerable interests. Failure to declare a disclosable pecuniary interest could result in prosecution and a fine of up to £5000.

Economic Strategy and Transformation Plan

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee discussed the borough's economic development strategy, Inclusive Economy Lewisham, and the Lewisham Transformation Plan. These initiatives aim to grow the local economy, reduce inequality, and improve council services.

Inclusive Economy Lewisham

The committee received an update on Inclusive Economy Lewisham, which defines the council's vision to grow an ambitious, unique, resilient, and authentic economy. The action plan is segmented into four themes: enterprise and creativity, decarbonisation, young people, and prosperity.

Lewisham Transformation Plan

The committee discussed the Transforming Lewisham Plan, which sets out the council's approach to strengthening services, improving resident experience, and building a more modern and financially sustainable organisation. The plan aims to improve service stability, productivity, and long-term sustainability.

Library Incident Analysis and Health and Safety Measures

The Health and Safety Committee met this week to discuss health and safety in council buildings and analyse recent incident data from Lewisham's libraries. The committee also received an update on matters raised at the Corporate Health and Safety Board.

Libraries Incident Analysis

The committee was presented with a report analysing health and safety incidents across Lewisham's hub libraries. The data covered the period from October 2024 to September 2025 and was compared against the same period the previous year. Total incidents increased from 49 to 54, with verbal or threatening abuse accounting for over half of all incidents.

Corporate Health and Safety Board Update

The committee received an update on matters raised at previous meetings and relevant matters raised at the Corporate Health and Safety Board, including recent accident and incident statistics. The update included information on defibrillators in council buildings, Site Responsible Persons, and fire evacuations at Laurence House.

Public Transport Improvements and Accessibility Concerns

The Public Transport Liaison Forum discussed updates from transport providers, questions raised about transport services, and declarations of interest from members. Key topics included Southeastern Railway's investment plans, e-bike management, bus service issues, and station accessibility.

Southeastern Railway Investment and Performance

The forum discussed Southeastern Railway's performance data and investment plans, including station improvements and rolling stock upgrades. Planned works in the borough of Lewisham for 2026/27 include rewiring and relighting of Catford Bridge station, platform and building refurbishment at Deptford station, footbridge refurbishment at Grove Park station, and canopy refurbishment at Lewisham station.

E-Bike Management

The forum discussed measures to reduce abandoned Lime e-bikes obstructing footways. Lime has stated that its £20 million London Action Plan includes increasing its on-street team by 60%, meaning that they now have 20 staff working in Lewisham to tidy and remove obstructive bikes and address issues on-street.

Station Accessibility

The forum discussed a petition asking for an accessible entrance to New Cross Gate station at Platform 5. TfL has stated that as the station already has step-free access to all platforms via the main entrance, it is unlikely to be prioritised under the Department for Transport's Access for All (AfA) scheme.

This week in Lewisham:

Council Grapples with Housing Risks and Regulatory Compliance

Lewisham Council's Audit and Risk Committee met this week to address critical issues surrounding risk management in housing, regulatory compliance, and the progress of internal audits. The discussions highlighted the challenges the council faces in ensuring the safety and quality of its housing stock, particularly in light of a regulatory notice issued in March 2024.

Housing Risks Under the Microscope

The committee delved into the key risks within the housing directorate, focusing on three major areas of concern:

• Regulatory Compliance: The council is striving to achieve full regulatory compliance for its housing stock, adhering to consumer standards and legislation like the Building Safety Act 2022 and Awaab's Law.
• Improving Housing Stock: The council aims to eliminate non-decency in its housing stock, ensuring residents live in safe and habitable homes free from hazards.
• Housing Management Software: The successful implementation of housing management software is seen as crucial for data reliability and integrity, which are essential for guaranteeing compliance.

Clare, whose last name was not provided, the Council's Director of Housing, emphasized the council's commitment to openness and transparency, stating that the council is very self-aware as a council around our housing performance .

The committee also discussed the progress made in reducing the backlog in the repair service, improving responsiveness to residents, and cutting down call waiting times. However, challenges remain in replacing non-compliant flat entrance doors, particularly in higher-risk buildings.

External Audit Update

The committee received an update from KPMG, the external auditor, regarding the audit for 2024-25. While the audit is progressing, the committee emphasized the importance of addressing any outstanding issues to ensure a smooth and efficient audit process.

Internal Audit Progress

The committee reviewed the Internal Audit Progress Report for December 2025, which provided an overview of internal audit activities and their outcomes. The report highlighted the results of a self-assessment against new global internal audit standards, with 30 actions identified to strengthen compliance.

Governance Committee Tackles Constitution Amendments and Deputations Debate

The Governance Committee convened this week to discuss proposed amendments to the council's constitution¹, sparking debate over the removal of references to deputations.

Constitution Review

The committee considered several amendments to the Articles of the Council, including:

• Removing references to Ward Assemblies from Article 6.5, Overview & Scrutiny.
• Amending Article 6.7 to specifically include the council's landlord function in the terms of reference for the Housing Select Committee.
• Reinstating wording in Article 9.1, detailing the terms of reference for the Strategic Planning Committee.

Deputations Debate

The proposed removal of references to Deputations from the Council Procedure Rules ignited a debate among committee members. Councillor Hau-Yu Tam, Deputy Leader of the Lewisham Green Group, questioned the rationale behind the removal, arguing that deputations are a good way for members of the public to contribute testimonies.

Jeremy Chambers, the Council's Director of Law and Corporate Governance, explained that the decision to remove references to deputations stemmed from the lack of a defined deputation scheme and the existence of provisions for petitions and public questions. He clarified that the current proposal was simply to remove a hangover of one word that hadn't been taken out.

Councillor James-J Walsh, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Regeneration and Planning, emphasized that the chair of any council or committee has the discretion to allow non-councillors to address meetings. He supported the creation of a formal deputation scheme if there was sufficient member support.

Other Amendments

The committee also considered amendments to the Scrutiny Procedure Rules, the Planning Committee provisions, and the Scheme of Delegation, aiming to streamline processes and clarify responsibilities.

Schools Forum Discusses Funding and High Needs

The Lewisham Schools Forum met this week to discuss the Dedicated Schools Grant mandate for the 2026/27 school year and receive updates on high needs funding and Lewisham Learning. The Schools Forum was asked to agree the principles and approach for the 2026/27 schools funding Authority Proforma Tool (APT) submission to the Department for Education (DfE).

The Schools Forum was asked to consider a potential transfer of 0.5% from the Schools Block² to the High Needs Block³ for 2026/27. It was noted that this funding supported the pilot SEN support to schools who have in excess of 5% SEN in their mainstream setting, and also continues to support wider mitigation and early intervention work related to learners with SEND, whilst also helping with managing the high needs block overspend.

Other Matters

• The meeting of the scheduled for Thursday 11 December 2025 took place, but no transcript was provided.
• The meeting of the Lewisham Schools Forum scheduled for Thursday 11 December 2025 took place, but no transcript was provided.
• The Pension Board met this week to review the breaches and rolling action logs, receive a general update, review the risk register, and discuss the work programme. The press and public were excluded from discussions of the general report part two, and the investment monitoring report.

Upcoming Meetings

• Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday 16 December 2025
• Health and Safety Committee - Wednesday 17 December 2025
• Public Transport Liaison Forum - Wednesday 17 December 2025
• Pensions Investment Committee - Thursday 18 December 2025
• Appointments Committee - Friday 19 December 2025