The Wandsworth Council Cabinet met on Monday 03 November 2025 to discuss a range of important issues, approving significant investment in Wandsworth Town Station and agreeing to the closure of Bradstow School. The Cabinet also reviewed and approved updated fees and charges for council services, a masterplan progress update for Clapham Junction, and a new Domestic Abuse Policy for housing services.

Wandsworth Town Station Receives Major Investment

Wandsworth Town Station is set to undergo a significant £20 million upgrade, including the construction of a second entrance and the installation of new lifts to provide step-free access. The Department for Transport's Access for All programme will fund the lifts, with the council contributing a capped £2.65 million towards this element. The council will also fully fund the second entrance on Swandon Way, estimated at £4.43 million. This investment, funded by developer contributions, aims to address the station's current congestion issues and support the extensive new housing developments in the area. Councillor Kemi Akinola expressed gratitude for the step-free access, highlighting its importance for those with mobility issues. The Cabinet agreed to authorise the Director of Place and Growth to enter into legal agreements with Network Rail and approved a General Fund capital budget variation of £1,183,000 for 2026/27 to facilitate these contributions.

Bradstow School to Close

After extensive consultation and consideration of financial and commissioning challenges, the Cabinet agreed to the closure of Bradstow Community Special School and its registered Children's Homes, with effect from 31 December 2025. Councillor Judi Gasser, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, expressed her regret in presenting the recommendation, acknowledging the school's long-standing reputation and the dedication of its staff. The decision was driven by an accumulated deficit of close to £1 million by the end of the year, compounded by £4.9 million in debt from previous years owed by other councils, notably Kent County Council, which owes £4.6 million. Despite efforts to explore alternative arrangements such as academisation with Cygnus Trust and Bridge Academy Trust, the Department for Education advised against proceeding with these plans. Councillor Gasser emphasised her responsibility to Wandsworth children and the need to keep Wandsworth money for Wandsworth children. Polly Benton, the school's Business Manager, spoke passionately about the school's importance as a lifeline for vulnerable children and families, arguing that the school could still thrive with more time for academisation. Muz Popovici, Director of Children's Services, commended the staff's dedication but stated that the school's financial situation was untenable. The Cabinet approved the recommendation for closure, with assurances of support for the affected workforce.

Review of Fees and Charges for 2026/27

The Cabinet reviewed the annual fees and charges for 2026/27, with most proposed to increase in line with inflation (3.8% based on August CPI). Councillor Jenny Yates welcomed the continued availability of Access for All discounts for leisure facilities, recognising the ongoing cost of living challenges. Councillor Graeme Henderson noted that parking charges would remain frozen, a decision attributed to a significant increase in parking charges the previous year and an increase in Parking Charge Notice (PCN) income. The Cabinet approved the revised charges, with specific implementation dates varying across services, and agreed to a negative General Fund revenue budget variation of -£122,800 for 2026/27.

Clapham Junction Urban Heart Masterplan Progress Update

An update was provided on the Clapham Junction Urban Heart Masterplan, focusing on Stage 1 findings and outlining Stage 2 next steps. Councillor Aydin Dikerdem highlighted the innovative approach of establishing a Community Panel to ensure diverse voices, including those who don't typically engage with planning consultations, are heard. This panel, comprising 23 members from various backgrounds, will work with an independent advisor to challenge proposals and generate new ideas. Stage 1 identified three shortlisted options for station improvements: a new overbridge at the eastern end, a new overbridge at the western end (potentially replacing the existing one), and a new underpass at the eastern end. These options will be further tested in Stage 2, which will integrate station improvements with development sites around the station. The Cabinet approved a positive General Fund revenue budget variation of £82,000 in 2025/26 and £50,000 in 2026/27 to support the continued capacity of the Spatial Planning and Design Team for this project.

Domestic Abuse Policy for Housing Services Approved

The Cabinet approved a new Domestic Abuse Policy for Wandsworth's housing services and partner agencies. Councillor Graeme Henderson, Cabinet Member for Health, welcomed the policy, stating it was infinitely better than previous versions and adopted modern approaches. The policy aims to provide clear guidance for staff and partners, ensuring residents experiencing domestic abuse receive a safe, effective, and compassionate response. It consolidates existing processes and referral pathways, supporting a coordinated partnership approach across the borough and is a key requirement for the Council's Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA) reaccreditation. The policy aligns with the Council's corporate plan to create a more compassionate and inclusive borough. Councillor Henderson specifically inquired about the training provided to housing officers to identify the first signs of domestic abuse, and Councillor Dikerdem confirmed that training covers both open disclosures and identifying patterns of behaviour, with a dual focus on supporting those who present openly and being vigilant for subtle signs.

Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan Update

An update on the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan was presented, highlighting the Council's strong financial position compared to other local authorities. The HRA remains viable, allowing for continued investment in new council housing and regeneration projects, alongside essential maintenance of the existing stock. The report detailed updates reflecting movements since the framework's last approval in February 2025, including 2024/25 financial results and updated capital programme cash flows. Councillor Dikerdem noted the challenges of an ageing stock and increasing regulatory requirements, but assured that the strategy to maintain financial viability while making necessary investments was robust. The Cabinet approved positive Housing Revenue Account capital budget variations totalling £6.8 million and the revised HRA capital programme cash flows.

Care Technology Investment and Procurement

Councillor Graeme Henderson presented a proposal for investment in care technology, framing it as a spend to save initiative that also enhances independent living. The proposal seeks Cabinet approval for a general fund revenue budget variation of £650,000 in 2025/26 and £550,000 in 2026/27 to expand the care technology service. This investment is projected to deliver efficiencies of £1 million between 2024/25 and 2026/27, with further savings exceeding £3.5 million by 2029/30. The procurement method will prioritise quality, with a 100% weighting for quality evaluation. The Cabinet agreed with the recommendation, viewing it as a sensible investment in future technology that supports independent living.

The meeting concluded with a private session to discuss commercially sensitive information.