Councillor James Rathbone

Public Accounts Select Committee - Thursday, 20th November, 2025 7.30 pm

The Public Accounts Select Committee met to discuss the council's financial performance, income collection strategies, and risk management. Councillors reviewed the period six monthly monitoring report, focusing on areas of overspend and potential risks, and they also discussed strategies for improving income collection and managing corporate resources risks. The committee agreed to note the reports presented, and decided against making a recommendation to Mayor and Cabinet regarding the council tax collection rate target, pending further review.

Audit and Risk Committee - Tuesday, 11th November, 2025 7.00 pm

The Audit and Risk Committee of Lewisham Council met on 11 November 2025 to discuss external and internal audit updates, the annual report from the Anti Fraud and Corruption Team, and an update to the Corporate Risk Register. The meeting was also scheduled to include a review of the minutes from a previous meeting.

Council - Wednesday, 24th September, 2025 7.30 pm

Lewisham Council met to discuss a range of issues, including increasing councillor allowances, the use of substitutes on committees, and motions on childcare and public ownership of Thames Water[^2]. Councillors agreed to increase their basic allowance by 3.2% to £13,201 per year, and approved the use of substitutes on certain committees to ensure meetings can proceed even if some members are absent. A motion supporting the Labour government's plan for 30 hours of free childcare was passed, as was an amended motion calling for Thames Water to be brought back into public ownership.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday, 23rd September, 2025 7.30 pm

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the 'No Wrong Front Door' (NWFD) programme, which aims to make Lewisham the most accessible council in London. Councillors reviewed the programme's progress, challenges, and future plans, and agreed to note the report and its appendices. The committee made recommendations for a resident outcomes framework, digital inclusion for residents for whom English is not a first language, a dependency map, and a resourcing and investment plan for phase two.

Planning Committee B - Thursday, 18th September, 2025 7.00 pm

Planning Committee B met to discuss several planning applications, including a deferred decision on Robin's Court, new dwellings on Breakspears Road and Dartmouth Road, and a mixed-use development on Gillian Street, with a focus on housing provision, design, and community impact. The committee approved all applications, often with additional conditions to address resident concerns and ensure compliance with planning policies.