The Overview & Scrutiny Committee of Southwark Council met on Monday 05 October 2026 to discuss the Lower Road Project and the council's work programme for 2026-27. The committee also considered a call-in regarding the Housing Allocations Scheme Review.

Lower Road Project

Councillors raised significant concerns about the long-standing congestion issues on Lower Road, delays to wider improvements, changes to the original scheme design, traffic flow, bus journey times, and the adequacy of consultation with ward councillors, residents, and local businesses. Officers presented information on the scheme, noting an 81% increase in cycling since its implementation and a reduction in traffic volumes and heavy goods vehicles. However, they acknowledged that congestion and bus journey time issues remain significant concerns. The committee resolved to recommend to the Executive that a funded delivery plan for Phase Two of the project be developed, an Equalities Impact Assessment review be carried out, regular formal engagement with ward councillors be undertaken, an audit trail of design and implementation changes be provided, and the impact of safety and junction improvements on traffic and bus journey times be monitored.

Work Programme 2026-27

The committee considered the proposed work programme for 2026-27, discussing the capacity of scrutiny commissions, topic prioritisation, and opportunities for evidence gathering. A key discussion point was the timing of scrutiny of the Borough Action Plan, with members requesting a draft version be presented to the committee on 04 November 2026 for pre-decision scrutiny. The committee approved the proposed work programme for the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and its commissions for 2026-27.

Scrutiny Call-in: Housing Allocation Scheme Review

The committee considered a call-in of the Executive decision on the Housing Allocations Scheme Review. Concerns were raised regarding the consultation process, particularly the increase in the age limit for same-sex siblings sharing a bedroom, the response rate, provision for digitally excluded residents, and the consideration of equality impacts on residents with disabilities. Officers informed the committee that the current scheme was outdated and required updating due to legislative changes. They also stated that the consultation received over 1,000 responses and that extensive engagement had been undertaken. The committee decided not to refer the matter back to the Executive but to undertake a subsequent scrutiny review, specifically an Early Implementation Report to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on the Housing Allocations Scheme Review at six months.