The Lewisham Council meeting on 26 November 2025 confirmed the minutes of the previous meeting and addressed declarations of interest. Key discussions included a community safety update, announcements on the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, planning service recognition, Lewisham Parks Awards, and secured funding for better bus infrastructure. The council also discussed free SIM cards for low-income residents and funding for youth clubs and adventure playgrounds. A petition was presented regarding traffic calming measures on Sunny Dean Street, and public questions covered various council services and planning decisions. Member questions delved into specific council initiatives and policies, and the meeting concluded with the approval of the Statement of Accounts for 2024-25 and the consideration of two motions: one recognising the contribution of British West Indian and Global Majority Service Personnel, and another recognising the Latin American community in Lewisham.

Community Safety Update

Councillor Oluwu Holmes provided an update on community safety, expressing solidarity with victims of recent violence in Catford and Hiddle Green. The council is committed to ensuring the safety of these areas and is working closely with the police to identify and bring those responsible to justice. Additional enforcement officers will be in place from January to increase street presence, and enforcement efforts will be integrated across the council to tackle anti-social behaviour. Communication will be stepped up to inform residents on how to report concerns.

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

Councillor Oluwu Holmes also spoke about the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, reaffirming the council's commitment to tackling violence against women and girls in Lewisham. The council is working with specialist services and community partners to strengthen its response and ensure women and girls have the right to feel safe in all aspects of public life. This commitment extends beyond the 16 days, with a focus on long-term, sustained work to eliminate violence against women and girls.

Planning Service Recognition

Councillor Walsh announced that Lewisham's planning service has been rated as a Gold Local Planning Authority, placing it among the top authorities in London and England. This is an improvement from last year's Silver rating, reflecting the dedication and commitment of the planning officers. Special thanks were given to Steve Everson, David Syme, Michael Forrester, and Nick Fenwick for their contributions, particularly in delivering the council's progressive new local plan.

Lewisham Parks Awards

Councillor Krupski announced that Lewisham's parks have received numerous awards. Beckenham Place Park Eastside won the Landscape Institute Award for excellence in climate, environment, and social outcomes. Lewisham Park received a new Green Flag Award, and the borough secured 10 gold and one silver award at the London in Bloom Awards, with special mentions for Blythe Hill Fields (Best Large Park), Garthorn Road Nature Reserve (Best Conservation Area), and Chinbrook Meadows Horticultural Society and Community Orchard (Biodiversity).

£10 Million Better Bus Funding Secured

Councillor Krupski shared the positive news that Lewisham has secured £10 million in funding from the Mayor of London and Transport for London to improve bus infrastructure and operations. This funding will enhance bus journey times, reliability, and ridership, addressing the borough's reliance on bus services due to the lack of Tube lines. The improvements will focus on routes through Grove Park and Sydenham, enhancing connectivity between bus networks and active travel along these routes.

Free SIM Cards for Low-Income Residents

Councillor Cooper announced a partnership with the Good Things Foundation to provide up to a year's worth of free SIM data to families from Deptford, Downham, and Catford Libraries. This initiative aims to support families in temporary accommodation, who often struggle with basic connectivity needs for homework, communication, and bill payments. The offer is also extended to any household struggling to get online, acknowledging the broader digital inclusion challenges faced by residents.

Youth Clubs and Adventure Playground Funding

Mayor Dacres announced the securing of over half a million pounds in government funding through the Better Youth Spaces programme. This investment will upgrade all adventure playgrounds and youth clubs with new equipment, improved facilities, free Wi-Fi, and better technology. Enhancements will include new kitchens and cafe areas, outdoor cooking spaces, a carpentry workshop, expanded climbing walls, outdoor gyms, gaming areas, and a new music studio and dance equipment. The Mayor also celebrated the scrapping of the two-child benefit cap, estimating it will lift over 6,500 children in Lewisham out of poverty.

Petition on Sunny Dean Street Traffic Calming Measures

Councillor Curran presented a petition from residents of Sunny Dean Street in Sydenham requesting traffic calming measures to address speeding on the road, particularly during school drop-off and pick-up times. The petition highlights concerns for children attending St. Philip's School, located opposite the street.

Public Questions

A series of public questions were addressed to various Cabinet Members. Mark Morris asked supplementary questions regarding safety works at a cinema site and the council's approach to charging residents for gullies, comparing it to other boroughs. Matthew Sparks' question was not addressed as he was not present. Mark Bennett inquired about the median time for wheelie bin repairs and the locations of dumped containers. Edward Parker Humphreys asked about lobbying the police for increased enforcement action against speeding drivers in Brockley and requested a visit to affected roads. Alison Streetley sought performance targets for managing allotment waiting lists and requested a written update on progress. Eleanor Davis questioned the evidence of due diligence for the Lewisham Shopping Centre development regarding its housing mix and scrutiny processes. Evie Sampson asked why the council gambled with housing futures for the poorest to achieve the Landsec development. Helen Mercer questioned the number of social housing units built and the council's housing strategy. Amara Cook asked how the other 80% of houses in the Landsec development would help communities, given the disproportionate effect of gentrification on Black and minority ethnic communities. Councillor Walsh addressed most of these questions, explaining planning processes, housing policies, and development models.

Member Questions

Councillor Lehigh Taylor asked Councillor Walsh about community involvement in the Lady Well Play Tower redevelopment. Councillor Tam questioned Councillor Cooper about prosecutions for road traders, unscrupulous letting agents, and counterfeit goods, and the council's strategy for retaining trading standards expertise. Councillor Powell asked Councillor Ese Erheriene about the council's support for residents into work, highlighting the Youth Guaranteed Trailblazer programme and Connect to Work. Councillor Srivastava asked Councillor Cooper about damper mould cases and the council's confidence in meeting legal timeframes and publishing repair data. Councillor Harding also asked Councillor Cooper about oversight and scrutiny for Awaab's Law compliance. Councillor Bernard asked Councillor Ron Holmes about supporting Russian businesses with raising their visibility. Councillor Malick-Smith asked Councillor Kropski for more information on the scope of retrofitting works in the Hatch and Park area of New Cross Gate Ward. Councillor Bernard asked Councillor Ron Holmes about further changes to support residents dealing with bereavement. Councillor Malick-Smith asked Councillor Walsh about progress on the proposed Surrey Canal London Overground station. Councillor Schrevesse questioned Mayor Dacres about the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God and the council's endorsement of the church.

Statement of Accounts, Audit and Annual Report for 2024-25

Councillor Amanda De Ryk presented the Statement of Accounts for 2024-25, noting that the council was two months ahead of schedule compared to the previous year and well within the statutory deadline. She highlighted the efficiency of the council's accounts department and its strong financial sustainability, as well as the collaborative relationship with auditors KPMG. The accounts were presented to the Audit and Risk Committee on 11 November 2025, with no referrals made. KPMG expects to provide a clean audit opinion. Councillor De Ryk thanked David Austin, Catherine Nid, and their teams, as well as Councillor Eva Kessner and members of the Audit Committee for their diligent work. Councillor Kessner seconded the motion, echoing the thanks and emphasising the robust scrutiny process. Councillor Liam Shrivastava raised a question about a prior year adjustment to correct an error dating back to 2021-22, reversing £40.5 million incorrectly recorded as revenue contributions to capital outlay for the Building for Lewisham programme. He questioned why it took an internal review to uncover this error and if it demonstrated failings in financial controls and stewardship of the HRA. Councillor De Ryk responded that while the HRA work had been outstanding, detailed questions like this were welcome on the Audit Committee. The recommendations were agreed, with Councillor Tam abstaining and Councillor Shrivastava not voting.

Motions

Motion 1: Recognising the contribution of British West Indian and Global Majority Service Personnel to Lewisham

Councillor Kim Powell proposed a motion to formally acknowledge the contributions of British West Indian and Global Majority service personnel to Lewisham. The motion highlighted the historical service of the British West Indian Regiment and the ongoing service of Black British and global majority personnel in today's armed forces. Councillor Mark Jackson seconded the motion, emphasizing Lewisham's diverse heritage and the importance of inclusive remembrance. Councillor Hau-Yu Tam added comments, echoing the need to redress historical gaps and ensure the bravery of these soldiers is never forgotten, while also advocating for peace, equity, liberation, and justice. Councillor Powell concluded by urging a vote for the motion, stating that Lewisham is making history by proposing such a motion. The motion was carried.

Motion 2: Recognising the Latin American Community in Lewisham

Councillor Liam Shrivastava proposed a motion to officially recognise the Latin American community in Lewisham. He highlighted their significant presence, rapid growth, and the statistical invisibility they face due to the lack of a dedicated ethnic category in the UK Census. Councillor Hau-Yu Tam seconded the motion, emphasizing the importance of adding a Latin American category to monitoring forms for concrete data collection and addressing issues like low pay and workplace exploitation. Councillor Oana Olaru-Holmes proposed an amendment to strengthen the motion, focusing on building on existing partnerships and ensuring statistical visibility. Councillor Aisha Malik-Smith seconded the amendment, paying tribute to the Latin American community in New Cross Gate and La Placita Mall. Councillor Liam Shrivastava spoke on the amendment, expressing disappointment that the Labour Group had amended the motion and removed the commitment to add a Latin American category to monitoring forms. He questioned why a commitment could not be made, despite the precedent set by other councils. He also expressed concern about the government's stance on immigration. Councillor Oana Olaru-Holmes responded, welcoming the community members present and reaffirming the council's commitment to partnership and visibility. She stated that the amendments reaffirmed the council's existing work and aimed to deepen engagement. Councillor Liam Shrivastava reiterated his disappointment with the removal of the commitment to add a Latin American category to monitoring forms. The amendment was voted on and carried, becoming the substantive motion. Councillor Oana Olaru-Holmes then summed up, welcoming the community members and reiterating the importance of visibility nationally. The amended motion was then voted on and carried.

Appendix

The appendix contained various documents related to the meeting, including the Audit Findings Reports, Management Representation Letters, and the Auditor's Annual Report for 2024/25. It also included details on the Council's financial performance, capital expenditure, pension fund valuation, and related party transactions. The document pack also contained the full Statement of Accounts for 2024-25, including the Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Statement, Movement in Reserves Statement, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow Statement, Housing Revenue Account, Collection Fund, Group Accounts, Pension Fund Accounts, and the Annual Governance Statement. The audit reports from KPMG highlighted no significant control deficiencies in the value for money arrangements, but noted two significant weaknesses in the Housing Revenue Account related to financial sustainability and governance. The audit fee for 2024/25 was £513,332 plus VAT for the statutory audit of the Authority's financial statements, with additional fees for the Pension Fund audit and other assurance services. KPMG confirmed their independence and objectivity as auditors. The report also detailed uncorrected and corrected audit misstatements, with the primary correction relating to a prior year adjustment for the Building for Lewisham Programme financing error. Control deficiencies were noted regarding timely system access for leavers and the retention of lease agreements. The report also included a performance improvement observation regarding the need for a formalised communication strategy in response to the Housing Ombudsman's special investigation report.