The Council of Lewisham Council met on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, to discuss the council's financial management, the setting of the Council Tax base for the upcoming year, and proposed amendments to the council's governing documents. Key discussions were scheduled regarding the Treasury Management Outturn and Mid-Year Review, the Council Tax and National Non-Domestic Rates (NNDR) tax bases, and a review of the council's Constitution.

Treasury Management Outturn and Mid-Year Review 2025/26

The council was scheduled to review its treasury management position as at 31 March 2025, and receive an update on the financial year 2025/26. This included an examination of the Treasury Management Strategy, the Council's Capital Programme forecast, and prudential indicators. A review of the Council's investment portfolio and borrowing strategy for 2025/26 was also on the agenda, alongside a check on compliance with treasury and prudential limits. The report noted that inflation had been falling but had stalled due to global events, and that the Bank of England had made some cuts to the Base Rate. The Capital Programme for 2025-29 was forecast to increase, and borrowing limits were not expected to be breached. The council's investment returns were projected to fall as interest rates decreased.

Setting of the 2026/27 Council Tax Base, the NNDR Tax Base and Discounts for Second Homes and Empty Homes

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to setting the Council Tax Base for 2026/27, estimating the National Non-Domestic Rates (NNDR) tax base, and reviewing policies on discounts for second and empty homes. The council was asked to agree a Council Tax Base of 93,758.1 Band D equivalent properties, with a budgeted collection rate of 96.0%. It was recommended that no changes be made to the Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS) for 2026/27, meaning eligible claimants would continue to contribute a minimum of 25% towards their council tax. The continuation of discretionary discounts for care leavers up to the age of 25, and a sanctuary discount for residents housing refugees, was also proposed. The council was recommended to maintain a 0% discount for second homes, but to charge a 100% premium after one year. Policies regarding empty properties, including premiums for long-term empty homes, were also to be continued. An estimated NNDR net yield of £70m for 2026/27 was noted, with a caveat of significant uncertainty due to upcoming changes to the Business Rates Retention Scheme.

Review of the Constitution

The council was scheduled to consider proposed amendments to its Constitution, which governs how the council operates. These amendments, recommended by the Governance Committee, included changes to the Articles of the Council, Council Procedure Rules, Scrutiny Procedure Rules, Planning Committee provisions, the Scheme of Delegation, Committee Procedure Rules regarding meeting start times, and the Protocol on Planning & Lobbying. The proposed changes aimed to improve clarity, efficiency, and accessibility of the Constitution.

Appointment of Co-optees to Children and Young People Select Committee

The council was asked to appoint two co-opted members to the Children and Young People Select Committee. Emma McIntosh was proposed as the Primary School Parent Governor Representative, and Pia Longman as the Diocesan Representative, each for a term of four years. These co-opted members provide independent voices on local education matters.

Motions

Two motions were scheduled for discussion. The first, Defending the Rights, Safety and Dignity of People Seeking Sanctuary and Migrants, proposed by Councillor Olaru-Holmes and seconded by Councillor Burgess, aimed to reaffirm Lewisham's commitment as a Borough of Sanctuary and express concern over proposed government asylum and immigration reforms. The second motion, Resisting immigration raids and regressive Home Office policies in Lewisham, proposed by Councillor Liam Shrivastava and seconded by Councillor Hau-Yu Tam, condemned immigration raids and regressive Home Office policies, and resolved to refuse assistance to immigration enforcement teams.