The Council meeting on Wednesday 15 July 2026 saw councillors debate and vote on a range of issues, including the council's constitution, the establishment of political assistant posts, and a motion opposing the EHRC draft code of practice. A key decision was made to adopt a motion requiring tenants and leaseholders to sign off on housing repairs, aiming to improve accountability and service standards.

Constitution 2026-27

Councillors discussed and voted on the council's constitution for the upcoming year. A significant portion of the debate focused on the allocation of seats to external bodies. The council agreed to a proportionate representation approach for borough-wide and London Councils/LGA bodies, while local ward or area bodies would be represented by local ward members. Disagreements arose over specific appointments, leading to recorded votes on six external body positions. Ultimately, a Labour councillor was appointed to the Lark Hall Partnership Board, a Liberal Democrat to the London Councils' Transport and Environment Committee and the Streatham Business Improvement District, and a Labour councillor to SW9 Community Housing, the London Councils' Grants Committee, and the London Councils' Greater London Employees Forum. The remaining recommendations in the report were agreed.

Establishment of Political Assistant Posts

The council debated the establishment of political assistant posts, a proposal that generated significant discussion and ultimately failed to pass. Councillor Matthew Bryant, representing the Liberal Democrats, argued against the proposal, citing concerns about it being rushed and the flawed process that affected existing staff without prior consultation. Councillor Bryn Scott of the Labour Group echoed these concerns, highlighting confusion over the proposal's origins and its potential impact on staff confidentiality and HR processes. Councillor Serafina Spicer, speaking for the Green Group, stated that the proposal was part of a wider restructure, had been signed off by HR, and followed employment law processes. Despite the Green Group's support, the recommendations in the report were not agreed upon by a hand vote.

Motion on Tenant and Leaseholder Sign-off of Housing Repairs

A motion proposed by the Liberal Democrats, calling for tenants and leaseholders to sign off on housing repairs, was debated and ultimately passed. The motion aims to improve accountability and ensure repairs are completed to residents' satisfaction. Amendments proposed by the Labour and Green Groups were voted on first. The Labour amendment, which sought to add factual points about the housing revenue account deficit and acknowledge past failings, was not carried. The Green amendment, which aimed to recognise past failings and ensure the new system worked for all residents, including those with disabilities or who are digitally excluded, was also not carried. The original motion, as unamended, was then agreed by the council.

Motion Opposing the EHRC Draft Code of Practice

A motion proposed by the Green Group, urging Lambeth Council not to implement the draft EHRC code of practice on services, public functions, and associations due to concerns about its impact on trans and intersex individuals, was debated extensively. Councillor Natalie Kane, proposing the motion, highlighted the potential for discrimination and the negative impact on trans, intersex, and gender non-conforming individuals. Councillor Nadia Burrell of the Labour Group expressed solidarity with the trans community and voiced concerns about potential violence and discrimination. Councillor Kita Ogden proposed Liberal Democrat amendments focusing on ensuring lawful action and appropriate consultation, which were agreed. An amendment from the Labour Group, which sought to change the motion's core commitment to opposing the code to seeking legal advice, was not carried. The substantive motion, as amended by the Liberal Democrats, was then agreed.

Other Motions

Two other motions were discussed. Motion two, concerning petitions and deputations, was amended without notice from the floor by Councillor Matthew Wilcock. The amendment proposed changes to the number of signatures required for deputations and petitions, and explicitly supported paper petitions for less digitally literate residents. This amended motion was agreed. Motion three, opposing Sadiq Khan's affordable housing quota reduction, saw amendments from the Liberal Democrats and Labour. The Liberal Democrat amendment was carried, and the Labour amendment was not. The substantive motion, as amended by the Liberal Democrats, was then carried.

The meeting also included a Cabinet Statement from Councillor Martin Abrams, Opposition Statements from Councillor Clare Holland and Councillor Matthew Bryant, and a series of questions from councillors to cabinet members on various issues including the Lambeth Country Show, controlled parking zones, Brixton Village, dementia daycare provision, and policing.