This week in Southwark:

New Council Leadership and Committee Structures Established

The Council Assembly met on Thursday 28 May 2026 to usher in a new municipal year, marked by the election of a new Mayor and Leader of the Council, and the establishment of the council's committee structures. Councillor Claire Sheppard was elected as the new Mayor of Southwark, taking over from Councillor Sunny Lambe. Following this, Councillor James McAsh was elected as the new Leader of the Council, succeeding Councillor Sarah King. Councillor McAsh announced his new executive team, outlining the portfolios for each member.

The meeting also focused on the proportionality and establishment of various committees, panels, and related bodies for the 2026-27 municipal year. This included appointing chairs and vice-chairs for key committees such as the Appointments Committee, Audit, Governance and Standards Committee, Licensing Committee, and Planning Committees. Neighbourhood champions were also appointed for different areas of the borough. The political balance of the council, with the Labour Group holding 29 seats, the Green Group 22, and the Liberal Democrat Group 12, informed the allocation of seats on these committees.

The Council Assembly also received and noted the Overview and Scrutiny Committee's Annual Report for 2025-26. This report detailed the scrutiny work undertaken throughout the year by the committee and its four scrutiny commissions, covering areas like housing quality, SEND provision, and adult safeguarding.

You can find more details about the Council Assembly meeting here.

Scrutiny Framework for the Year Ahead Agreed

The Overview & Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday 28 May 2026 to agree on the scrutiny arrangements for the upcoming municipal year. The committee was set to discuss and confirm the titles, sizes, and remits of scrutiny commissions for 2026-27, including which commission would oversee crime and disorder, and health matters. The appointment of chairs and vice-chairs for these commissions was also on the agenda.

In the previous year, the committee operated with four scrutiny commissions: Education and Local Economy; Environment, Community Safety and Engagement; Health and Social Care; and Housing. The report pack indicated that these commissions typically comprised seven seats, with political groups entitled to reserve members based on their representation. The inclusion of co-opted members from bodies like the Tenants Forum and Southwark Tenant Management Organisations Committee on the Housing Scrutiny Commission was also noted as a feature of the previous year's arrangements.

You can find more details about the Overview & Scrutiny Committee meeting here.

Licensing Sub-Committee Meeting Cancelled

A Licensing Sub-Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday 28 May 2026 was cancelled. The meeting was due to consider a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) for KFC at 128-132 Borough High Street SE1 1LB. The notice proposed late-night refreshment provision between 01:00 and 03:00 on 30 May and 31 May 2026.

The Environmental Protection Team had objected to the TEN, citing concerns about public nuisance. They noted a pattern of late-night applications for the premises and a complaint from residents detailing noise disturbance, deliveries, and fumes. A previous planning application to extend opening hours at the site was refused in December 2025 due to noise and air quality concerns. The report pack referenced the Southwark Council Statement of Licensing Policy 2026-2031, which designates the area as a Cumulative Impact Area (CIA) with recommended closing times for restaurants and takeaways.

You can find more details about the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting here.

This week in Southwark:

Election Results Declared: Liberal Democrats Secure Majority in Borough and Bankside and St George's Wards

The Election Results meeting on Thursday 7 May 2026 saw the official declaration of the borough councillor election outcomes for two key wards: Borough and Bankside, and St George's. The results indicate a strong showing for the Liberal Democrats, who have secured all available seats in both wards.

In the Borough and Bankside Ward, Hellen Benavides, Victor Max Mark Chamberlain, and David Watson, all representing the Liberal Democrats, were declared elected. The report pack detailed the number of votes cast for each candidate, alongside figures for rejected ballot papers, the electorate size, and the overall turnout.

Similarly, in St George's Ward, Graham James Neale and Lina Maria Usma, also standing for the Liberal Democrats, were elected as borough councillors. The documentation provided the same level of detail regarding votes, rejected ballots, electorate, and turnout for this ward.

The Returning Officer, Althea Loderick, signed off on these declarations on Friday, 8 May 2026. These election results will shape the representation for these wards on the council, impacting local decision-making and community representation.

You can find more details about the Election Results meeting here.

This week in Southwark:

Local Shop Faces Licence Review Amidst Allegations of Selling Counterfeit Goods and Illegal Substances

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Thursday 30 April 2026 to consider a serious application for the review of a premises licence for Nunhead Express, also known as Nisa, located at 2 Kirkwood Road, London SE15 3XX. The review, initiated by Trading Standards, raises significant concerns about alleged breaches of all four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, the promotion of public safety, the prevention of nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

The allegations detailed in the report pack are extensive and span from June 2025 to December 2025. They include:

• Sale of illicit and counterfeit goods: Reports suggest the sale of counterfeit Marlboro Touch cigarettes, illicit Amber Leaf hand-rolling tobacco, and over 1130 illicit vapes. These actions are alleged to contravene regulations including the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 and the Trade Marks Act 1994.
• Possession of illegal drugs: During an inspection in July 2025, officers reportedly found cannabis and hashish on the premises, with evidence suggesting they were for sale. Over 100 canisters of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, were also seized, believed to be intended for sale as a psychoactive substance. These findings are subject to a concurrent police investigation.
• Breach of licence conditions: It is alleged that a personal licence holder was not present on the premises when alcohol was available for sale, a direct contravention of licence conditions. There are also suggestions that customers may have been offered credit for purchases, potentially violating conditions that require alcohol to be paid for at the time of sale.
• Sale of non-compliant products: Officers reportedly discovered cans of Perla beer with labels not in English, failing to comply with food information regulations.
• Counterfeit toys: In July 2025, officers found 'Labubu' toy dolls on display, believed to be counterfeit and in violation of safety regulations.
• Failure to display premises licence: An inspection in December 2025 reportedly found the premises in breach of the Licensing Act 2003 for failing to have a copy of the full premises licence available.

The Metropolitan Police Service and the council's licensing department have submitted representations supporting the review. However, one representation was received from another person in support of the licence holder.

The sub-committee's decision could lead to modifications of the licence conditions, suspension of the licence for up to three months, or even revocation of the licence entirely. This case highlights the critical role of licensing in maintaining public safety and preventing illegal activities within our communities.

You can find more details about the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting here.

Council's Foundational Rules Under Review: The Southwark Council Constitution

The Constitution meeting on Tuesday 28 April 2026 was scheduled to discuss the foundational document that governs how Southwark Council operates. While no specific decisions were recorded as being made, the report pack provided a comprehensive overview of the council's structure, decision-making processes, and the roles and responsibilities of its various committees and officers.

The constitution is the rulebook for the council, outlining everything from how councillors are elected to how decisions are made and how the council engages with the public. Understanding this document is key to understanding how local government functions and how residents can influence its operations.

Key areas covered in the report pack included:

• Council Structure: The constitution details that Southwark Council comprises 23 wards and 63 councillors. It defines the Council Assembly as the council's sovereign body, responsible for approving the budget and developing policies. The Cabinet, led by the Leader of the Council, is responsible for executive functions.
• Decision-Making: The constitution distinguishes between executive and non-executive functions, outlining how decisions are made by the Cabinet, Cabinet Committees, individual Cabinet Members, Chief Officers, and various regulatory committees. The concept of a Forward Plan, which lists forthcoming key decisions, was also detailed.
• Rules and Conduct: The document sets out procedural rules for meetings, access to information, and contract standing orders. It also includes codes of conduct for members, emphasizing principles like integrity, accountability, and openness.
• Commitments: The constitution highlights Southwark Council's commitment to equality under the Equality Act 2010 and its declaration of a Climate Emergency, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2030.
• Public Engagement: It outlines how the public can participate in the council's processes, including through consultation, attending meetings, and submitting petitions.

This discussion is fundamental to ensuring transparency and accountability in local governance, providing a framework for how public services are delivered and how the council serves its residents.

You can find more details about the Constitution meeting here.

This week in Southwark:

Children in Care Face Heightened Risks as Council Tackles Substance Misuse and Support Gaps

The Corporate Parenting Committee met on Wednesday 22 April 2026 to address critical issues impacting the welfare and development of children in the council's care. A significant concern highlighted was the persistent over-representation of children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) among those suspended from school, and a worrying rise in absenteeism among girls. These issues can have a profound impact on a child's educational attainment and future life chances, particularly for those already facing additional challenges.

The committee reviewed a report on the Virtual School's findings regarding suspensions, exclusions, and persistent absence. While suspension rates for Southwark Children Looked After (CLA) are showing a downward trend, with no permanent exclusions in the 2024-2025 academic year, the report flagged a narrowing gender gap in suspensions and a concerning increase in absenteeism among girls. The Virtual School's response includes daily attendance monitoring and tailored support for emotionally based non-school attendance (EBSNA), aiming to keep children engaged and in education.

Furthermore, the committee discussed developments in the Kinship Local Offer, a framework designed to provide needs-led support for kinship carers. Launched in September 2025, this initiative aims to enhance support across areas like therapeutic services, training, financial assistance, and education. The plan details actions to improve communication and ensure kinship carers are fully aware of available resources, a crucial step in supporting families who step in to care for children.

An update on the Corporate Parenting Strategy 2026-2030, developed in collaboration with care-experienced children and young people, was also presented. This strategy aims to build on previous efforts and ensure sustained improvements in the life chances of looked-after children and care leavers. The committee also reviewed its work plan for the upcoming year, ensuring ongoing focus on these vital areas.

You can find more details about the Corporate Parenting Committee meeting here.

Local Businesses Under Scrutiny as Licensing Sub-Committee Considers Multiple Applications

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Thursday 23 April 2026 to consider two applications for premises licences that could significantly impact local communities. These applications, for Funicular Productions and Sotto, both located in SE1, attracted numerous representations from residents and responsible authorities, highlighting concerns about noise, public nuisance, and public safety.

Funicular Productions: Residents Raise Alarm Over Late-Night Operations

An application for a premises licence for Funicular Productions at Units 3 & 4, Crucifix Lane, London SE1 3JW, was met with ten objections from local residents. Concerns centred on potential nuisance and disturbance from proposed operating hours extending to midnight on Sundays to Thursdays and 1 am on Fridays and Saturdays. Residents voiced worries about increased taxi traffic, congregating customers, and the overall impact on the neighbourhood's peace. The applicant proposed control measures including CCTV, an incident log, and a dispersal policy to mitigate these concerns.

Sotto: Police and Residents Call for Stricter Conditions

Sotto at 4 Tanner Street, London SE1 3LD, faced representations from both the Police and Trading Standards, alongside six residents. The Police requested a raft of additional conditions to prevent crime and disorder, including enhanced CCTV and staff training. Trading Standards sought conditions to protect children from harm, such as a robust Challenge 25 policy. Residents' concerns focused on potential disturbance from customers, noise, and deliveries, particularly given the premises' proximity to residential addresses. The applicant's proposed measures included staff training and CCTV, aiming to ensure a safe and orderly environment.

The decisions made by the sub-committee will directly influence the operating hours and potential impact of these establishments on the local environment and the wellbeing of nearby residents.

You can find more details about the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting here.