The Council meeting on 27 November 2024 saw the approval of recommendations from the Overview & Scrutiny Annual Report and an increase in councillors' allowances. The meeting also addressed numerous public and member questions on a wide range of local issues.

Members' Allowances Increased

The Council approved a 2.5% increase to both the basic allowance for councillors and all Special Responsibility Allowances (SRAs). This adjustment, effective from 1 April 2024, will see the basic allowance rise from £12,480 to £12,792. The financial implications of this decision are estimated at £29,000, to be funded from the Governance team's budgets, with uplift from corporate provisions and reserves. This increase aligns with the pay award for the majority of council employees.

Overview & Scrutiny Annual Report Approved

Recommendations from the Overview & Scrutiny Annual Report for 2023/24 were approved by the Council. The report details the work undertaken by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, its select committees, and task and finish groups throughout the municipal year. It highlights their role in providing independent oversight, constructive challenge, and contributing to the improvement of council services. The report also notes the engagement with residents, local experts, and national specialists, and the various tools used to conduct scrutiny, including resident interviews, surveys, expert testimonies, site visits, and desktop research.

Public and Member Questions Addressed

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing public and member questions, covering a broad spectrum of council business and local concerns. Key topics raised included:

• International Affairs and Investments: Several questions focused on the Council's pension fund investments and ethical procurement policies, particularly in relation to companies with ties to Israel and the arms trade. Councillor Amanda De Ryk, Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Performance, responded to these, explaining the Council's commitment to responsible investing and ESG considerations, and outlining the process for reviewing investment mandates and potential exposures. The Pension Investment Committee (PIC) is actively reviewing its Responsible Investment Beliefs Statement and engaging with fund managers on these matters.
• Housing and Regeneration: Questions were raised about the financial viability of projects like Catford Mews, the management of arrears by Catford Regeneration Partnership Limited (CRPL), and the progress of housing developments such as Milford Towers and Convoy's Wharf. Councillor Will Cooper, Cabinet Member for Better Homes, Neighbourhoods and Homelessness, and Councillor James-J Walsh, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Regeneration and Planning, provided updates on these issues, including details on void flat refurbishments, lease extensions, and the delivery of affordable homes. The Council also outlined its strategy for reducing the number of households on the housing waiting list, which currently stands at 11,169.
• Environmental Concerns: Issues such as the death of trees in Lewisham High Street, dog fouling, and the replacement of impermeable surfaces with permeable alternatives were raised. Councillor Louise Krupski, Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Climate Action, addressed these, detailing plans for new market area planting, the implementation of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to tackle dog fouling, and the council's approach to replacing impermeable surfaces where funding permits and flooding is a risk.
• Climate Emergency and Fossil Fuels: A motion was put forward by Councillor Liam Shrivastava, Leader of the Lewisham Green Group, and seconded by Councillor Aisha Malik-Smith, affirming Lewisham Labour's commitment to addressing the climate emergency and endorsing the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. The motion, which was subsequently approved, calls on the UK government to endorse the treaty and for the Council to continue its decarbonisation efforts.
• Community Services and Public Health: Questions were asked about the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Lewisham, with Councillor Paul Bell, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care, providing the latest statistics and encouraging testing. The Council's efforts to increase uptake of the Healthy Start initiative were also detailed by Councillor Barnham in response to a member question.
• Transport and Infrastructure: Concerns were raised about falling bus speeds in Lewisham and the delayed Bakerloop Express bus service. Councillor Krupski stated that the Council is working with Transport for London (TfL) to improve bus reliability and that discussions are ongoing regarding the implementation of the Bakerloop Express. The A205 realignment in Catford was also discussed, with updates provided on the planning application and funding.
• Youth Provision and Education: The work of the Youth Provision Task and Finish Group was highlighted, with findings and recommendations submitted to the Mayor and Cabinet concerning strategic leadership, needs assessment, and the importance of open-access youth work.

The meeting also included announcements regarding Lewisham's recognition as the top-performing London borough for its parks service in the Good Parks for London Report 2024, and an obituary for Lord Herman Ouseley.