The Mayor and Cabinet of Lewisham Council are scheduled to convene on Wednesday 04 November 2026 to discuss a range of significant issues, including the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2026-2031, the Lewisham Youth Strategy 2026-2031, and the Lewisham PBSA Planning Position Statement. The meeting will also address the reinstatement of a fire-damaged property at 41 Rushey Green, SE6 4AS, and consider updates on the Lewisham Builds Housing Delivery Programme.

Reinstatement of 41 Rushey Green, SE6 4AS

The meeting agenda includes a discussion on the reinstatement works required for 41 Rushey Green, SE6 4AS, a property that sustained significant damage from a major fire on 31 January 2026. The report seeks approval to award a contract for a surveyor to specify and manage the reinstatement works, and to undertake a competitive procurement exercise for a contractor to deliver these works. The cost of these works is anticipated to be funded through an insurance claim for the property. The Council will seek recovery of these costs as part of the insurance claim for reinstatement. The report also seeks approval for additional insurance funding to be used towards the reinstatement.

Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2026-2031

A key item on the agenda is the proposed Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy for 2026-2031. This strategy outlines the council's vision, priorities, and proposed actions for preventing homelessness, reducing rough sleeping, and improving outcomes for residents at risk of homelessness. It has been developed in partnership with key stakeholders and informed by a review of local needs, evidence, and existing service provision. The strategy aims to provide the strategic framework for the council's homelessness and rough sleeping response over the next five years and support continued partnership working across the borough. The report aligns with the administration's priority on 'Safe, affordable homes', supporting the council's commitment to preventing homelessness, reducing rough sleeping, improving access to suitable and secure accommodation, and ensuring residents live in safe, stable homes that meet their needs.

Pest Management Policy

The Mayor and Cabinet are scheduled to review and approve a revised Pest Management Policy. This policy has been updated to ensure compliance with Awaab's Law Phase 2, which comes into effect on 30 November 2026. The revisions aim to strengthen the council's approach to the timely management of pest infestations and to reduce the risk of recurrence within properties directly managed by Housing Services. While not representing a significant policy shift, the updated policy provides greater clarity on responsibilities, response standards, and service delivery requirements. The policy also outlines the respective responsibilities of the council and residents in preventing and managing pest infestations.

Tenancy Strategy 2026-2031

The meeting will also consider the proposed Tenancy Strategy for 2026-2031. This strategy will provide the strategic framework for registered providers of social housing operating in Lewisham regarding tenancy policies. It focuses on two overarching objectives: Secure Homes and Strong Communities. The strategy supports the continued use of secure tenancies as the principal form of tenancy provided by registered providers, reflecting current practice in Lewisham where providers generally offer tenancies that provide long-term security and stability. Where registered providers opt for fixed-term tenancies, the strategy suggests these should ordinarily be granted for a minimum term of five years, with consideration for the needs of households with children, older people, and vulnerable residents. The strategy also encourages proactive work with tenants to address issues such as rent arrears and anti-social behaviour to sustain tenancies and prevent homelessness.

Lewisham Youth Strategy 2026–2031

A significant item on the agenda is the proposed Lewisham Youth Strategy 2026–2031. This strategy establishes a shared borough-wide framework for improving outcomes for children and young people through a more visible, consistent, and accountable Youth Offer. It responds to the Council's Youth Review, Overview and Scrutiny Task and Finish Group recommendations, further consultation and co-production with children and young people, and the insourcing of the Youth Service from 1 April 2025. The strategy aims to strengthen the Council's role as a system leader, direct provider, commissioner, and quality assurer, while acknowledging the essential contributions of schools, health partners, and the voluntary, community, and faith sector. It will be delivered through enhanced cross-departmental working, aligning youth provision with the four Family Hub localities and establishing a graduated model of universal, focused, and specialist support. The strategy sets out six ambitions: trusted relationships; belonging, participation and voice; places to go and things to do; health and wellbeing; skills, progression and opportunities; and safety.

Lewisham PBSA Planning Position Statement

The meeting will also discuss the Lewisham PBSA Planning Position Statement. This statement has been prepared in response to the Lewisham PBSA Technical Study 2026 and its supplementary addendum. The evidence suggests that while there is a current need for Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) in Lewisham, the borough has already contributed significantly to London's PBSA supply and has a substantial pipeline of approved and pre-application schemes. This raises concerns about the displacement of conventional C3 housing, potential overprovision, localised spatial overconcentration, and impacts on mixed and balanced communities. The statement clarifies how adopted Lewisham Local Plan Policy HO7 will be applied in decision-taking and signals that further PBSA will generally be discouraged unless applicants can provide strong, evidenced planning justification demonstrating improvements in creating mixed and balanced communities and exceptional wider public benefits that outweigh any identified harm and oversupply.

Lewisham Builds - Housing Delivery Programme Update and Key Decisions

An update on the Lewisham Builds housing delivery programme, formerly known as the Building for Lewisham Programme, will be presented. This report details the context, key changes, and seeks approval to initiate the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) process for Achilles Phase 2. It also provides programme updates and addresses ongoing risks and market challenges impacting delivery. Additionally, the report will provide an update on the outcome of the bid for London Social and Affordable Homes Programme (LSAHP) 2026-36 grant funding from the GLA.

Supported Housing: Permitted Extensions to Contracts

The Mayor and Cabinet are recommended to approve two-year extensions to five existing supported housing and housing-related support contracts. These services are crucial for individuals with mental health needs, care leavers, adults experiencing homelessness, and members of Lewisham's Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, helping them secure and maintain suitable accommodation and live more independently. Exercising these extension options will ensure the continuity of these vital services, prevent disruption for residents and service users, and allow sufficient time for the planning and execution of the next commissioning cycle.

Exclusion of Press and Public

Finally, the meeting agenda includes a recommendation to exclude the press and public from the meeting for any items of business classified as Part 2. This is due to the likely disclosure of exempt information, where the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosure.

Reinstatement of 41 Rushey Green, SE6 4AS

The meeting agenda includes a discussion on the reinstatement works required for 41 Rushey Green, SE6 4AS, a property that sustained significant damage from a major fire on 31 January 2026. The report seeks approval to award a contract for a surveyor to specify and manage the reinstatement works, and to undertake a competitive procurement exercise for a contractor to deliver these works. The cost of these works is anticipated to be funded through an insurance claim for the property. The Council will seek recovery of these costs as part of the insurance claim for reinstatement. The report also seeks approval for additional insurance funding to be used towards the reinstatement.

Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2026-2031

A key item on the agenda is the proposed Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy for 2026-2031. This strategy outlines the council's vision, priorities, and proposed actions for preventing homelessness, reducing rough sleeping, and improving outcomes for residents at risk of homelessness. It has been developed in partnership with key stakeholders and informed by a review of local needs, evidence, and existing service provision. The strategy aims to provide the strategic framework for the council's homelessness and rough sleeping response over the next five years and support continued partnership working across the borough. The report aligns with the administration's priority on 'Safe, affordable homes', supporting the council's commitment to preventing homelessness, reducing rough sleeping, improving access to suitable and secure accommodation, and ensuring residents live in safe, stable homes that meet their needs.

Pest Management Policy

The Mayor and Cabinet are scheduled to review and approve a revised Pest Management Policy. This policy has been updated to ensure compliance with Awaab's Law Phase 2, which comes into effect on 30 November 2026. The revisions aim to strengthen the council's approach to the timely management of pest infestations and to reduce the risk of recurrence within properties directly managed by Housing Services. While not representing a significant policy shift, the updated policy provides greater clarity on responsibilities, response standards, and service delivery requirements. The policy also outlines the respective responsibilities of the council and residents in preventing and managing pest infestations.

Tenancy Strategy 2026-2031

The meeting will also consider the proposed Tenancy Strategy for 2026-2031. This strategy will provide the strategic framework for registered providers of social housing operating in Lewisham regarding tenancy policies. It focuses on two overarching objectives: Secure Homes and Strong Communities. The strategy supports the continued use of secure tenancies as the principal form of tenancy provided by registered providers, reflecting current practice in Lewisham where providers generally offer tenancies that provide long-term security and stability. Where registered providers opt for fixed-term tenancies, the strategy suggests these should ordinarily be granted for a minimum term of five years, with consideration for the needs of households with children, older people, and vulnerable residents. The strategy also encourages proactive work with tenants to address issues such as rent arrears and anti-social behaviour to sustain tenancies and prevent homelessness.

Lewisham Youth Strategy 2026–2031

A significant item on the agenda is the proposed Lewisham Youth Strategy 2026–2031. This strategy establishes a shared borough-wide framework for improving outcomes for children and young people through a more visible, consistent, and accountable Youth Offer. It responds to the Council's Youth Review, Overview and Scrutiny Task and Finish Group recommendations, further consultation and co-production with children and young people, and the insourcing of the Youth Service from 1 April 2025. The strategy aims to strengthen the Council's role as a system leader, direct provider, commissioner, and quality assurer, while acknowledging the essential contributions of schools, health partners, and the voluntary, community, and faith sector. It will be delivered through enhanced cross-departmental working, aligning youth provision with the four Family Hub localities and establishing a graduated model of universal, focused, and specialist support. The strategy sets out six ambitions: trusted relationships; belonging, participation and voice; places to go and things to do; health and wellbeing; skills, progression and opportunities; and safety.

Lewisham PBSA Planning Position Statement

The meeting will also discuss the Lewisham PBSA Planning Position Statement. This statement has been prepared in response to the Lewisham PBSA Technical Study 2026 and its supplementary addendum. The evidence suggests that while there is a current need for Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) in Lewisham, the borough has already contributed significantly to London's PBSA supply and has a substantial pipeline of approved and pre-application schemes. This raises concerns about the displacement of conventional C3 housing, potential overprovision, localised spatial overconcentration, and impacts on mixed and balanced communities. The statement clarifies how adopted Lewisham Local Plan Policy HO7 will be applied in decision-taking and signals that further PBSA will generally be discouraged unless applicants can provide strong, evidenced planning justification demonstrating improvements in creating mixed and balanced communities and exceptional wider public benefits that outweigh any identified harm and oversupply.

Lewisham Builds - Housing Delivery Programme Update and Key Decisions

An update on the Lewisham Builds housing delivery programme, formerly known as the Building for Lewisham Programme, will be presented. This report details the context, key changes, and seeks approval to initiate the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) process for Achilles Phase 2. It also provides programme updates and addresses ongoing risks and market challenges impacting delivery. Additionally, the report will provide an update on the outcome of the bid for London Social and Affordable Homes Programme (LSAHP) 2026-36 grant funding from the GLA.

Supported Housing: Permitted Extensions to Contracts

The Mayor and Cabinet are recommended to approve two-year extensions to five existing supported housing and housing-related support contracts. These services are crucial for individuals with mental health needs, care leavers, adults experiencing homelessness, and members of Lewisham's Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, helping them secure and maintain suitable accommodation and live more independently. Exercising these extension options will ensure the continuity of these vital services, prevent disruption for residents and service users, and allow sufficient time for the planning and execution of the next commissioning cycle.

Exclusion of Press and Public

Finally, the meeting agenda includes a recommendation to exclude the press and public from the meeting for any items of business classified as Part 2. This is due to the likely disclosure of exempt information, where the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

Reinstatement of 41 Rushey Green, SE6 4AS

The meeting agenda includes a discussion on the reinstatement works required for 41 Rushey Green, SE6 4AS, a property that sustained significant damage from a major fire on 31 January 2026. The report seeks approval to award a contract for a surveyor to specify and manage the reinstatement works, and to undertake a competitive procurement exercise for a contractor to deliver these works. The cost of these works is anticipated to be funded through an insurance claim for the property. The Council will seek recovery of these costs as part of the insurance claim for reinstatement. The report also seeks approval for additional insurance funding to be used towards the reinstatement.

Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2026-2031

A key item on the agenda is the proposed Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy for 2026-2031. This strategy outlines the council's vision, priorities, and proposed actions for preventing homelessness, reducing rough sleeping, and improving outcomes for residents at risk of homelessness. It has been developed in partnership with key stakeholders and informed by a review of local needs, evidence, and existing service provision. The strategy aims to provide the strategic framework for the council's homelessness and rough sleeping response over the next five years and support continued partnership working across the borough. The report aligns with the administration's priority on 'Safe, affordable homes', supporting the council's commitment to preventing homelessness, reducing rough sleeping, improving access to suitable and secure accommodation, and ensuring residents live in safe, stable homes that meet their needs.

Pest Management Policy

The Mayor and Cabinet are scheduled to review and approve a revised Pest Management Policy. This policy has been updated to ensure compliance with Awaab's Law Phase 2, which comes into effect on 30 November 2026. The revisions aim to strengthen the council's approach to the timely management of pest infestations and to reduce the risk of recurrence within properties directly managed by Housing Services. While not representing a significant policy shift, the updated policy provides greater clarity on responsAwaab's Law Phase 2, which comes into effect on 30 November 2026. The revisions aim to strengthen the council's approach to the timely management of pest infestations and to reduce the risk of recurrence within properties directly managed by Housing Services. While not representing a significant policy shift, the updated policy provides greater clarity on responsibilities, response standards, and service delivery requirements. The policy also outlines the respective responsibilities of the council and residents in preventing and managing pest infestations.

Tenancy Strategy 2026-2031

The meeting will also consider the proposed Tenancy Strategy for 2026-2031. This strategy will provide the strategic framework for registered providers of social housing operating in Lewisham regarding tenancy policies. It focuses on two overarching objectives: Secure Homes and Strong Communities. The strategy supports the continued use of secure tenancies as the principal form of tenancy provided by registered providers, reflecting current practice in Lewisham where providers generally offer tenancies that provide long-term security and stability. Where registered providers opt for fixed-term tenancies, the strategy suggests these should ordinarily be granted for a minimum term of five years, with consideration for the needs of households with children, older people, and vulnerable residents. The strategy also encourages proactive work with tenants to address issues such as rent arrears and anti-social behaviour to sustain tenancies and prevent homelessness.

Lewisham Youth Strategy 2026–2031

A significant item on the agenda is the proposed Lewisham Youth Strategy 2026–2031. This strategy establishes a shared borough-wide framework for improving outcomes for children and young people through a more visible, consistent, and accountable Youth Offer. It responds to the Council's Youth Review, Overview and Scrutiny Task and Finish Group recommendations, further consultation and co-production with children and young people, and the insourcing of the Youth Service from 1 April 2025. The strategy aims to strengthen the Council's role as a system leader, direct provider, commissioner, and quality assurer, while acknowledging the essential contributions of schools, health partners, and the voluntary, community, and faith sector. It will be delivered through enhanced cross-departmental working, aligning youth provision with the four Family Hub localities and establishing a graduated model of universal, focused, and specialist support. The strategy sets out six ambitions: trusted relationships; belonging, participation and voice; places to go and things to do; health and wellbeing; skills, progression and opportunities; and safety.

Lewisham PBSA Planning Position Statement

The meeting will also discuss the Lewisham PBSA Planning Position Statement. This statement has been prepared in response to the Lewisham PBSA Technical Study 2026 and its supplementary addendum. The evidence suggests that while there is a current need for Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) in Lewisham, the borough has already contributed significantly to London's PBSA supply and has a substantial pipeline of approved and pre-application schemes. This raises concerns about the displacement of conventional C3 housing, potential overprovision, localised spatial overconcentration, and impacts on mixed and balanced communities. The statement clarifies how adopted Lewisham Local Plan Policy HO7 will be applied in decision-taking and signals that further PBSA will generally be discouraged unless applicants can provide strong, evidenced planning justification demonstrating improvements in creating mixed and balanced communities and exceptional wider public benefits that outweigh any identified harm and oversupply.

Lewisham Builds - Housing Delivery Programme Update and Key Decisions

An update on the Lewisham Builds housing delivery programme, formerly known as the Building for Lewisham Programme, will be presented. This report details the context, key changes, and seeks approval to initiate the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) process for Achilles Phase 2. It also provides programme updates and addresses ongoing risks and market challenges impacting delivery. Additionally, the report will provide an update on the outcome of the bid for London Social and Affordable Homes Programme (LSAHP) 2026-36 grant funding from the GLA.

Supported Housing: Permitted Extensions to Contracts

The Mayor and Cabinet are recommended to approve two-year extensions to five existing supported housing and housing-related support contracts. These services are crucial for individuals with mental health needs, care leavers, adults experiencing homelessness, and members of Lewisham's Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, helping them secure and maintain suitable accommodation and live more independently. Exercising these extension options will ensure the continuity of these vital services, prevent disruption for residents and service users, and allow sufficient time for the planning and execution of the next commissioning cycle.

Exclusion of Press and Public

Finally, the meeting agenda includes a recommendation to exclude the press and public from the meeting for any items of business classified as Part 2. This is due to the likely disclosure of exempt information, where the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

Reinstatement of 41 Rushey Green, SE6 4AS

The meeting agenda includes a discussion on the reinstatement works required for 41 Rushey Green, SE6 4AS, a property that sustained significant damage from a major fire on 31 January 2026. The report seeks approval to award a contract for a surveyor to specify and manage the reinstatement works, and to undertake a competitive procurement exercise for a contractor to deliver these works. The cost of these works is anticipated to be funded through an insurance claim for the property. The Council will seek recovery of these costs as part of the insurance claim for reinstatement. The report also seeks approval for additional insurance funding to be used towards the reinstatement.

Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2026-2031

A key item on the agenda is the proposed Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy for 2026-2031. This strategy outlines the council's vision, priorities, and proposed actions for preventing homelessness, reducing rough sleeping, and improving outcomes for residents at risk of homelessness. It has been developed in partnership with key stakeholders and informed by a review of local needs, evidence, and existing service provision. The strategy aims to provide the strategic framework for the council's homelessness and rough sleeping response over the next five years and support continued partnership working across the borough. The report aligns with the administration's priority on 'Safe, affordable homes', supporting the council's commitment to preventing homelessness, reducing rough sleeping, improving access to suitable and secure accommodation, and ensuring residents live in safe, stable homes that meet their needs.

Pest Management Policy

The Mayor and Cabinet are scheduled to review and approve a revised Pest Management Policy. This policy has been updated to ensure compliance with Awaab's Law Phase 2, which comes into effect on 30 November 2026. The revisions aim to strengthen the council's approach to the timely management of pest infestations and to reduce the risk of recurrence within properties directly managed by Housing Services. While not representing a significant policy shift, the updated policy provides greater clarity on responsibilities, response standards, and service delivery requirements. The policy also outlines the respective responsibilities of the council and residents in preventing and managing pest infestations.

Tenancy Strategy 2026-2031

The meeting will also consider the proposed Tenancy Strategy for 2026-2031. This strategy will provide the strategic framework for registered providers of social housing operating in Lewisham regarding tenancy policies. It focuses on two overarching objectives: Secure Homes and Strong Communities. The strategy supports the continued use of secure tenancies as the principal form of tenancy provided by registered providers, reflecting current practice in Lewisham where providers generally offer tenancies that provide long-term security and stability. Where registered providers opt for fixed-term tenancies, the strategy suggests these should ordinarily be granted for a minimum term of five years, with consideration for the needs of households with children, older people, and vulnerable residents. The strategy also encourages proactive work with tenants to address issues such as rent arrears and anti-social behaviour to sustain tenancies and prevent homelessness.

Lewisham Youth Strategy 2026–2031

A significant item on the agenda is the proposed Lewisham Youth Strategy 2026–2031. This strategy establishes a shared borough-wide framework for improving outcomes for children and young people through a more visible, consistent, and accountable Youth Offer. It responds to the Council's Youth Review, Overview and Scrutiny Task and Finish Group recommendations, further consultation and co-production with children and young people, and the insourcing of the Youth Service from 1 April 2025. The strategy aims to strengthen the Council's role as a system leader, direct provider, commissioner, and quality assurer, while acknowledging the essential contributions of schools, health partners, and the voluntary, community, and faith sector. It will be delivered through enhanced cross-departmental working, aligning youth provision with the four Family Hub localities and establishing a graduated model of universal, focused, and specialist support. The strategy sets out six ambitions: trusted relationships; belonging, participation and voice; places to go and things to do; health and wellbeing; skills, progression and opportunities; and safety.

Lewisham PBSA Planning Position Statement

The meeting will also discuss the Lewisham PBSA Planning Position Statement. This statement has been prepared in response to the Lewisham PBSA Technical Study 2026 and its supplementary addendum. The evidence suggests that while there is a current need for Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) in Lewisham, the borough has already contributed significantly to London's PBSA supply and has a substantial pipeline of approved and pre-application schemes. This raises concerns about the displacement of conventional C3 housing, potential overprovision, localised spatial overconcentration, and impacts on mixed and balanced communities. The statement clarifies how adopted Lewisham Local Plan Policy HO7 will be applied in decision-taking and signals that further PBSA will generally be discouraged unless applicants can provide strong, evidenced planning justification demonstrating improvements in creating mixed and balanced communities and exceptional wider public benefits that outweigh any identified harm and oversupply.

Lewisham Builds - Housing Delivery Programme Update and Key Decisions

An update on the Lewisham Builds housing delivery programme, formerly known as the Building for Lewisham Programme, will be presented. This report details the context, key changes, and seeks approval to initiate the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) process for Achilles Phase 2. It also provides programme updates and addresses ongoing risks and market challenges impacting delivery. Additionally, the report will provide an update on the outcome of the bid for London Social and Affordable Homes Programme (LSAHP) 2026-36 grant funding from the GLA.

Supported Housing: Permitted Extensions to Contracts

The Mayor and Cabinet are recommended to approve two-year extensions to five existing supported housing and housing-related support contracts. These services are crucial for individuals with mental health needs, care leavers, adults experiencing homelessness, and members of Lewisham's Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, helping them secure and maintain suitable accommodation and live more independently. Exercising these extension options will ensure the continuity of these vital services, prevent disruption for residents and service users, and allow sufficient time for the planning and execution of the next commissioning cycle.

Exclusion of Press and Public

Finally, the meeting agenda includes a recommendation to exclude the press and public from the meeting for any items of business classified as Part 2. This is due to the likely disclosure of exempt information, where the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.