The Mayor and Cabinet meeting on 21 January 2026 addressed a wide range of issues, including the definition of housing delivery, the management of events on Blackheath, and significant updates on regeneration projects and housing policies. Key decisions included the approval of an updated Joint Events Policy for Blackheath, the adoption of new housing policies, and the strategy for tackling empty homes.

Housing Delivery Terminology

Councillor Penfold, Chair of the Housing Select Committee, raised concerns about the definition of delivery used in the Building for Lewisham (BfL) Programme. He argued that the council's use of delivery to mean spades in the ground or the start of construction, rather than the completion of homes, is misleading and could be politically damaging. He questioned whether this definition is also used when reporting to the government for the housing delivery test, which could indicate a greater shortfall in actual homes built. Councillor Penfold also highlighted the risk of double-counting if there are long delays between the start of work and completion.

Councillor Louise Krupski, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Climate Action, defended the council's terminology, stating that in building and regeneration terms, delivered means that funding and sites have been secured, and work has commenced. She explained that completed figures are separate and refer to when homes are handed over. She drew a parallel to securing land for the Bakerloo line extension, which is considered delivered even though the line is not yet built. Councillor Krupski acknowledged that language can mean different things but maintained that the council's approach is standard within the sector and reflects the complex process of development.

Joint Events Policy for Blackheath

Mayor Brenda Dacres and the Cabinet approved an updated Joint Events Policy for Blackheath, covering the period 2025 to 2028. This policy aims to provide a clear framework for managing events on Blackheath, balancing the support for a diverse programme of activities with the safeguarding of the Heath's environment and amenity. The updated policy includes stronger environmental safeguards, clearer processes for event approval, and improved engagement with the local community and stakeholders through the Blackheath Joint Working Party. Councillor Louise Krupski, who moved the report, highlighted that the policy ensures the continuation of popular events like the Blackheath fireworks, while protecting the Heath. Councillor Schaake spoke in support, noting the success of the fireworks event in bringing the community together and expressing hope for its continuation.

Empty Homes Strategy

Councillor Will Cooper, Cabinet Member for Better Homes, Neighbourhoods and Homelessness, presented the Empty Homes Strategy for Privately Owned Properties 2026-2029. The strategy aims to reduce the number of long-term empty homes, minimise their negative impact on neighbourhoods, and bring them back into use to address Lewisham's housing needs. The strategy includes identifying and addressing problematic empty homes, improving community reporting, supporting owners with advice, and using enforcement powers, including the empty homes council tax premium, where necessary. The council also plans to use restored homes to support housing needs, potentially through five-year agreements to house families in temporary accommodation. Last year, 10 empty homes were brought back into use. Councillor Cooper thanked Jus Nordin, the empty homes officer, for his dedication.

Housing Policies Update

Councillor Will Cooper also presented an update to three housing policies to ensure legal compliance and suitability in a changing regulatory environment. The Housing Services Complaints Policy has been updated to align with the statutory complaint handling code, strengthening rules for complaints handled by PFI contractors and TMOs, and improving accountability and communication with residents. The Remedies and Compensation Policy clarifies that ombudsman compensation cannot offset rent or other debts and introduces a framework for assessing the impact of service failures. The CCTV and Surveillance Policy has been updated to clarify that residents no longer need permission for video doorbells, but the council retains the ability to request their removal if they exacerbate anti-social behaviour. It also clarifies the distinction between subject access requests and camera evidence requests from the police, and addresses the recording of staff, stating that enforcement action will focus on recordings that harass or cause nuisance. The policy also confirms reciprocity, meaning residents should not be recorded without their consent. All policy changes have been reviewed by the service and performance panel and incorporate resident feedback.

Regeneration Projects

Catford Town Centre Regeneration: An update on the regeneration of Catford Town Centre was presented, with a focus on enabling Goldsmiths University to take a significant step forward in the area. Councillor James-J Walsh, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Regeneration and Planning, highlighted that despite challenges, the council has continued to deliver projects, including the completion of Catford House. Councillor Olaru-Holmes expressed enthusiasm for Goldsmiths University's involvement, stating it is a positive moment for Catford.

Besson Street Development: An updated business plan for the Besson Street development was presented. Councillor James-J Walsh noted the interest in the GP surgery, which has been funded and is considered a much-needed facility.

Lewisham Shopping Centre: Councillor James-J Walsh addressed what he described as a significant disinformation campaign regarding the Lewisham Centre redevelopment. He clarified that the development will retain and expand the market, which is a key place for working-class people, and will create much-needed homes. Councillor Hoon echoed these comments, highlighting the extensive community consultation that has taken place.

Land South of Copperas Street, Deptford Creekside: This report concerned the disposal of land south of Copperas Street, Deptford Creekside, which has been identified for regeneration for over a decade. The aim is to create homes, social rent, and public benefit for residents.

Support for Carers and Mental Wellbeing

Lewisham Carers Wellbeing Service: Permission was sought to procure a new Lewisham Carers Wellbeing Service, designed to offer a more holistic and co-produced service aligned with the all-age unpaid carers action plan. The report also requested an extension of the current contract by six months. Councillor Paul Bell, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care, emphasised the vital role of unpaid carers and the council's commitment to valuing their work.

Lewisham Wellbeing Hub: A proposal to extend the current contract for the Wellbeing Hub, provided by Together for Mental Wellbeing, for a period of 12 months was approved. This extension will ensure continuity of care while a borough-wide review of mental health voluntary sector provision is undertaken.

Substance Misuse Services

The re-procurement and award of contracts for Residential Rehabilitation (Tier 4) Services and Day Programmes for people with substance misuse were discussed. Councillor Paul Bell moved the report, which sought approval for officers to award 11 contracts to existing Tier 4 providers offering specialist drug and alcohol rehabilitation services.

School Admissions and Special Educational Needs

Determined Admissions Arrangements for 2027/28: The report set out the proposed Pan Numbers (PANs) for school admissions for the academic year 2027/28. PANs specify the number of places available at the normal point of entry for primary and secondary schools. Councillor Edison Huynh, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, stressed the council's legal duty to ensure every child has a school place and the importance of planning for capacity and financial viability. He noted that all schools with reduced PAN numbers have agreed to provide additional places if needed in the future.

New Special Educational Needs (SEN) Unit: Permission was granted to consult on the proposal to add a Special Educational Needs Provision for up to 40 children with severe learning difficulties at Deptford Park Primary School. This initiative is part of Lewisham's ongoing investment in SEND provision, with over 300 additional places created in the last four years. Councillor Edison Huynh highlighted the benefits for young people to be educated within the borough and the efficient use of resources. Councillor Will Cooper, whose ward includes Deptford Park Primary School, spoke in strong support, noting the positive impact of similar provisions and the importance of bringing services closer to home.

Voluntary and Community Sector Support

Main Grants Programme Allocations 2026-2029: Councillor Sakina Sheikh, Cabinet Member for Culture, Communities, Libraries and Sports, presented a significant piece of work regarding the recalibration and pivot of the Main Grants Programme into community infrastructure work. This approach aims to support and empower the voluntary and community sector, aligning with neighbourhood models and hyper-localised approaches. The programme will focus on four lead partners: Age UK, Community Connections, Lewisham Local, and localised organisations within each neighbourhood. Transition grants have been established to support organisations during this shift, with all applicants receiving funding except for Montage Theatre Arts, who sought endorsement rather than funding. Councillor Sheikh thanked James Lee and Sakti from the communities and culture teams, as well as Cabinet colleagues for their contributions. Councillor James-J Walsh and Councillor Paul Bell also spoke in support, acknowledging the challenges and the positive outcome of saving organisations and enabling their future.

Elevate 100 in Downham: The adoption of a grant award for the Youth Futures Foundation Connected Futures Phase 2 project, Elevate 100 in Downham, was approved. This funding will help address systemic barriers to work for young people in an area facing long-standing deprivation. Councillor Oana Olaru-Holmes, Cabinet Member for Refugees, Safer Lewisham and Equalities, and Councillor Lara Holmes, speaking as a ward councillor, both expressed their welcome for the funding and highlighted the project's potential to provide opportunities for local residents. Councillor Huynh also congratulated the team on securing the funding, emphasising the youth-led nature of the project.

Other Decisions

Contract Award for New Contact Centre: Approval was sought to award a contract for a new contact centre solution.

Support for Unpaid Carers: Permission was sought to procure a new Lewisham Carers Wellbeing Service and to extend the current contract by six months.

Wellbeing Hub Contract Extension: A proposal to extend the contract for the Lewisham Wellbeing Hub, provided by Together for Wellbeing, for 12 months was approved.

New Hope Housing Project Contract Extension: A proposal to extend the contract for the New Hope Housing Project with Penrose, South East London, ICB, and SLAM for two years was approved.

Procurement of Supported Housing, Floating Support and Rough Sleeper Services: Permission was sought to procure these essential services for 2026.

Catford Town Centre Regeneration Update: An update on the regeneration of Catford Town Centre was provided.

BfL Development Programme Update: An update on the Building for Lewisham development programme was presented.

Besson Street Business Plan Update: An updated business plan for the Besson Street development was presented.

Lewisham Shopping Centre Land Assembly Powers: In-principle use of land assembly powers for the Lewisham Shopping Centre redevelopment was discussed.

Land South of Copperas Street, Deptford Creekside: A report on the subject-to-planning disposal of land to the south of Copperas Street was presented.

Procurement of Case Management Systems: The implications and options for procuring case management systems for the Children & Young People's Directorate and Adult Social Care & Health Directorate were discussed. The council agreed to use the Crown Commercial Service framework for procurement.

High Street Rental Auction Designation - Forest Hill: A report on designating Forest Hill for high street rental auctions was presented.

Exclusion of Press and Public: A report concerning the exclusion of press and the public from certain agenda items was noted.