The Sustainable Development Select Committee met on Wednesday 9 September 2026 to discuss the Climate Emergency Response, Ecological Governance and Participatory Budgeting, and the Committee Work Programme. The committee made several recommendations to Mayor and Cabinet regarding the Climate Strategy, including strengthening accountability through smart targets, placing greater emphasis on Lewisham's role as a convenor, and prioritising heat decarbonisation, adaptation, and resilience. The committee also noted reports on ecological governance and participatory budgeting, and agreed the committee's work programme.

Climate Emergency Response

The committee reviewed the Council's Climate Action Plan and discussed plans for a new Climate Strategy. It was noted that significant progress has been made in areas such as housing retrofit, school streets, community energy, and flood mitigation, though challenges remain regarding funding, capacity, and the extent of council control over borough-wide emissions.

The committee resolved to recommend that Mayor and Cabinet:

• Consider methods to strengthen accountability for smart targets and increase reporting to the committee every six months.
• Consider and refresh the Climate Strategy, placing greater emphasis on Lewisham's role as a convenor and influencer in addressing borough-wide emissions.
• Identify heat decarbonisation as a strategic priority in its own right within the refreshed Climate Strategy.
• Place greater emphasis on adaptation and resilience in light of recent heatwaves and the evolving climate emergency.
• Clearly set out how major programmes will be delivered in the context of declining or discontinued funding streams, and identify possible external or innovative routes to investment and delivery.

The committee also noted the report on the Climate Emergency Response.

Ecological Governance and Participatory Budgeting

The committee received a report summarising ecological governance in Lewisham, outlining challenges and opportunities, and providing background information on the concept of Rights for Nature. It was noted that biodiversity is integrated across the Council's strategies and policies, with a strong emphasis on partnership working and community participation. Key challenges identified included limited influence over privately owned land, balancing development pressures with nature recovery, and securing adequate funding for biodiversity projects.

The committee resolved to note the report on Ecological Governance and Participatory Budgeting.

Select Committee Work Programme

The committee reviewed its work programme for the upcoming year. Councillor Gavin Moore raised the importance of scrutinising plans for the regeneration of Catford Town Centre, which was agreed to be discussed with officers. The committee also noted that the Right to Grow item would be considered at a future meeting.

The committee resolved to note the work programme, with the next meeting scheduled for 5 November 2026.