The Council Assembly of Southwark Council met on Wednesday 20 March 2024 to discuss a range of issues, including the council's strategic plan, housing, play spaces, and member allowances. Key decisions included the adoption of the Southwark 2030 plan, a commitment to protecting play spaces, and an adjustment to member allowances.

Southwark 2030: A Proud History and a Vibrant Future

The Council Assembly adopted the Southwark 2030 plan, a strategic vision for the borough developed collaboratively with residents and organisations. The plan aims to address key priorities identified during community engagement, including affordable housing, safety, health and wellbeing, job creation, and environmental improvement. The council committed to finalising the plan in partnership with local stakeholders and to establishing a new partnership structure to ensure its delivery. Annual reporting on the plan's progress will be implemented.

Members' Motions

Several motions were debated and voted upon:

• Back the Bakerloo Line Extension: This motion, moved by Councillor Richard Livingstone, was carried. It resolves to continue campaigning for the Bakerloo Line Extension, working with Transport for London, the Mayor of London, and other councils. The motion also calls for increased bus capacity on the Old Kent Road, including a Bakerloo Bus, and asks the Cabinet to develop a plan to secure government funding for the extension. The motion will be referred to the Cabinet for consideration.

• A Fair Deal for Housing in Southwark: This motion, moved by Councillor Emily Tester, was carried after Amendment C was accepted. The amended motion acknowledges the housing crisis in Southwark, noting issues with affordability, temporary accommodation, and the housing waiting list. It resolves to prioritise improving council home conditions, continue building new council homes, use planning policy to secure affordable housing, campaign for the Bakerloo Line Extension, deliver on building safety, learn from past major works issues, roll out more protections for private renters, support homeowners affected by the Cladding Crisis, take a zero-tolerance approach to rogue landlords and empty homes, and work with the government to reform planning laws. The motion will be referred to the Cabinet for consideration.

• Southwark Council calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza: This motion was carried. It expresses horror at the conflict, notes the significant loss of life and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and the rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia. The Council resolves to stand with affected residents, unite against hate, and thank community leaders. It believes that fighting must stop now with an immediate ceasefire, hostages released, and humanitarian access to Gaza. The motion also calls for a political process for a just and lasting peace and resolves to work with local communities to ensure antisemitism and Islamophobia are not tolerated, and to welcome refugees. The Council will write to the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary urging them to call for an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian access, a two-state solution, safe and legal routes for refugees, and central government funding for community cohesion.

• Protecting Play Spaces in Southwark: This motion, moved by Councillor Rachel Bentley, was carried after Amendment D was accepted. The amended motion acknowledges the importance of outdoor play for children's development and notes the current state of disrepair of some play spaces across the UK due to funding cuts. It resolves to complete the next phase of the play audit, continue investing in play spaces, secure funding for inclusive play spaces and equipment, establish a clear prioritisation and delivery programme for further playground investment, and hold developers accountable for providing play spaces. The motion will be referred to the Cabinet for consideration.

• Improving Inclusivity for People with Dyslexia: This motion, moved by Councillor Darren Merrill, was carried after Amendment E was accepted. The amended motion notes the council's duty to ensure accessibility and that dyslexia is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010. It resolves to fully implement and roll out the new house style guide, explore incorporating further guidance from the Dyslexia Friendly Style Guide, and regularly review documents and webpages for accessibility. The motion will be referred to the Cabinet for consideration.

Constitutional Updates and Member Allowances

• Proposed Constitutional Updates 2023-24: Council Assembly Procedure Rules: Following debate, Amendment F was lost, and the recommendations for proposed changes to the constitution affecting Council Assembly were carried.

• Review of Call-in Procedure: The recommendations from the review of the council's call-in procedure were carried. This includes noting guidance from the Centre for Governance and Scrutiny, preparing written guidance on the call-in process, and amending Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rule 17.4 to allow any five members of the council to request a call-in. These changes will take effect from 1 April 2024.

• Adjustment of Member Allowances: The Council Assembly approved the adjustment of member allowances in line with the national local government officer pay settlement and the Member Allowances Scheme for 2024-2025. This includes an increase in the basic allowance for councillors and adjustments to per-meeting payments and co-optee allowances. Amendment G, which proposed changes to Special Responsibility Allowances (SRAs), was lost. The recommendations were carried, with the basic allowance increasing to £13,766 per annum.

• Council Assembly Dates and Calendar of Meetings 2024-2025: The proposed dates for Council Assembly meetings for the 2024-25 municipal year were agreed, along with noting the dates for annual/mayor making meetings for 2025 to 2027.

• Special Urgency and Urgent Implementation Decisions - Annual Report 2024: The Council Assembly noted the schedule of special urgency and urgent implementation decisions taken in accordance with access to information procedure rules.

Other Business

• Public Question Time: One public question was received regarding the council's policy on selling void council homes.
• Community Evidence: Submissions were received from Nicola Howard (Family Hub) and Nicola Noble (Surrey Square Primary School), South London Listens, and Better Bankside.
• Deputations: The Council agreed to hear deputations from Marcia Road Residents, Southwark Trades Union Council, and Kirby Estate residents' group and London Play.
• Members' Question Time: A total of 27 members' questions were addressed, with 18 supplemental questions asked.
• Minutes: The minutes of the ordinary meeting of Council Assembly held on 21 February 2024 were approved.
• Budget and Council Tax: In a separate meeting on 21 February 2024, the Council Assembly approved the final balanced budget for 2024-25 and set the council tax for the year, including a 2.99% increase for band D properties. The Capital Strategy and Treasury Management Strategy for 2024-25 were also approved.