Agenda and minutes

Cabinet - Tuesday 2 December 2025 11.00 am

Venue: Ground floor meeting rooms, 160 Tooley Street, London SE1 2QH

Contact: Paula Thornton and Virginia Wynn-Jones  Phone: 020 7525 4395/7055 Email:  paula.thornton@southwark.gov.uk;  virginia.wynn-jones@southwark.gov.uk

Note: Please note that cabinet meetings are usually live streamed. If you address the meeting, please do not disclose any information you do not wish to be in the public domain. Livestream at: https://www.youtube.com/user/southwarkcouncil/videos; to attend in person please contact the above constitutional officer 

Items
No. Item

1.

Apologies

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    To receive any apologies for absence.

    Minutes:

    An apology for absence was received from Councillor Stephanie Cryan.

2.

Notification of any items of Business which the Chair Deems Urgent

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    In special circumstances, an item of business may be added to an agenda within five clear working days of the meeting.

    Minutes:

    The following were identified as late and urgent items which the chair agreed to accept:

     

    Item 10:  Disposal of land at Greendale, East Dulwich

     

    Item 15:  Policy and Resources: Budget Setting Update 2026-27

     

    Item 16:   Housing Revenue (HRA) – Indicative Rent and Charges report 2026-27

     

    Item 23:  Report from Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Outcome of call-in Asylum Road Care Home, Disposal of the site by way of a long-leasehold interest.

     

     

    Reasons for urgency and lateness were included in the reports.

     

3.

Notice of Intention to conduct business in a closed meeting, and any representations received

4.

Disclosure of Interests and Dispensations

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    Members to declare any interests and dispensation in respect of any item of business to be considered at this meeting.

    Minutes:

    The following interests were declared:

     

    ·  Councillors Evelyn Akoto and Natasha Ennin declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in respect of Item 16: Housing Revenue Account – Indicative Rent and Charges report 2026-27.

     

    ·  Councillors Evelyn Akoto and Natasha Ennin declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in respect of items 19 / 29: Gateway 3 – Variation Decision: Phase 2 of Extension to the South East London Combined Heat and Power Plant (SELCHP) Heat Network.

     

    ·  Councillor Sarah King declared a non-pecuniary interest in respect of Item 10: Disposal of land at Greendale, East Dulwich.

5.

Minutes

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    To approve as a correct record the minutes of the open section of the meeting held on 14 October 2025.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    RESOLVED:

     

    That the minutes of the cabinet meeting 14 October 2025 be approved as a correct record and signed by the chair.

6.

Public Question Time (15 Minutes)

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    To receive any questions from members of the public which have been submitted in advance of the meeting in accordance with the cabinet procedure rules. The deadline for the receipt of public questions is midnight Wednesday 26 November 2025.

    Minutes:

    There were no public questions.

7.

Deputation Requests

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    To consider any deputation requests. The deadline for the receipt of deputation requests is midnight Wednesday 26 November 2025.

     

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    The report had not been circulated five clear days in advance of the meeting. The chair agreed to accept this item as urgent.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.  That the deputation request from Dulwich Hamlet Football Club be heard.

     

    2.  A spokesperson for the deputation addressed cabinet for five minutes and questions were asked of the deputation for a period of five minutes.

8.

Demolition of Marie Curie

    To consider the demolition of Marie Curie House.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    Cabinet heard representations from Mike Edge, chair of tenants and residents association and ward councillors Ian Wingfield, Ellie Cumbo and Jason Ochere.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.  That the recommendations in the report to scrutiny committee on 14 October (Appendix 1 of the report) including the recommendation to demolish the residential block known as Marie Curie and the need to consider appropriate steps to address the findings of the recent Type 4 Fire Risk Assessment in 2025 (Appendix 2 of the report) be noted.

     

    2.  That the departure from the original approved 2022 cabinet recommendation to undertake Phase 2 fire safety works and remediation be noted. The recommendation not to proceed with the original approval reflects the impact of updated fire safety regulations, the recommendations from the recent structural engineering report, the introduction of a new compliance sign-off process for high-rise buildings, ongoing market volatility, inflationary pressures, and sustained financial strain on the housing revenue account (HRA).

     

    3.  That it be noted that Marie Curie and Lakanal House are sister blocks situated within the Sceaux Gardens Estate. They exhibit comparable architectural characteristics, notably their duplex 'scissors flat' configuration and concrete frame construction. Nevertheless, the context surrounding decision-making and the implementation of safety measures for each block varies considerably as set out in the report.

     

    4.  That the progress with the resident engagement and rehousing of residents and buy backs of leaseholder properties has progressed and that all tenants have been offered the right to return be noted.

     

    5.  That the outcome of the independent structural engineering report on the Marie Curie block that identifies emerging issues ranging from structural degradation due to humidity, insufficient reinforcement bar cover and the building nearing or exceeding its original design life, highlighting the need for decisive intervention be noted.

     

    6.  That it be noted that if a decision to approve demolition is agreed by cabinet that the procurement of a demolition contractor for Marie Curie will be subject to a separate GW1 and GW2 process in line with the council’s gateway process.

     

    7.  That to maintain continuity for residents, estate and key stakeholders, the proposal is to include the Marie Curie scheme together with the Florian and Racine sites on the Sceaux Gardens Estate in the pipeline sites as part of the Southwark Construction Development Agreement (DA) Future Programme for new homes, subject to separate approval from the cabinet member for new homes and sustainable development in consultation with strategic director of housing, strategic director of resources and director of planning and growth be noted.

     

    8.  That it be noted that the demolition is subject to the council obtaining ballot exemption from the Greater London Authority (GLA) as set out in paragraphs 68 to 70 of the report.

     

    9.  That the estimated cost for the demolition works as set out in paragraph 13 of the report be noted. This will be subject to additional approval to vary the housing investment programme.

     

    10.  That subject to paragraphs 8 and 9 of the report, the demolition of the Marie  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

9.

A Good Start in Life- Southwark School Standards report 2024-25

10.

Disposal of land at Greendale, East Dulwich

11.

Phase 2 of the Tustin Estate Renewal

    To approve phase 2 of the Tustin Estate renewal.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    Cabinet heard representations from Andrew Eke, chair of tenants and residents association.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.  That it be noted that since the development agreement was signed in October 2022, the Tustin Estate Renewal has been progressing well on site, and that Phase 1 is about to complete and will deliver 167 new homes, including 157 council homes for social rent, and 10 homes for resident leaseholders.

     

    2.  That it be agreed that the strategy for delivering Phase 2 should change to accelerate the delivery of affordable housing as set out in paragraphs 38-51 of the report.

     

    3.  That it be agreed that 98 homes that were previously intended to be key worker homes for London Living Rent should be changed to deliver additional new council homes for social rent.

     

    4.  That it be noted that the Greater London Authority (GLA) have agreed to provide grant funding for these 98 additional council homes, if the tenure change is agreed.

     

    5.  That it be agreed that to start Phase 2, the council will enter into an early works contract in the sum of £10,667,678 for a period of six months commencing December 2025 to finalise the detailed Phase 2 design work and to demolish Kentmere House and Heversham House, ahead of demolition starting in March 2026 (subject to vacant possession being achieved).

     

    6.  That it be noted that the main works contract will include the construction of all four blocks within Phase 2, but will include separate prices for the development of each of the four blocks within Phase 2, with Phase 2a including Block G2, and a break clause that can be exercised before the end of October 2026 to exclude Phase 2b which is made up of Blocks F1, F2 and H.

     

    7.  That it be noted that a subsequent report will be presented to cabinet in early 2026 to confirm the final price for Phase 2a main works, and an updated estimate for Phase 2b main works, and to agree that Bouygues Development should enter into a construction contract to deliver them.

     

    8.  That the updated total estimated cost to deliver Phase 2 of the Tustin Estate Renewal as set out in the closed version of the report be noted.

     

    9.  That a minor variation is made to the development agreement in line with the points set out in paragraph 53 of the report to accommodate the Building Safety Act changes.

12.

Resident Engagement Strategy

13.

Policy and Resources: Revenue Monitoring Report 2025-26

    To note the forecast revenue out-turn position.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.  That the housing revenue account (HRA) forecast of an adverse variance of £7.3m be noted 

     

    2.  That the adverse variance of £26.2m forecast for the general fund (GF) in 2025-26 be noted.

     

    3.  That the key adverse variations and budget pressures and mitigating actions underlying the position be noted:

    ·  Housing revenue account (paragraphs 13-22 of the report)

    ·  General fund (paragraphs 23-88 of the report)

    ·  Demand pressures in temporary accommodation (TA) (Housing)

    ·  Increased demand in adult’s and children’s social care (children’s and adult’s).

     

    4.  That the update on the 2025-26 and 2026-27 departmental savings and transformational savings (paragraph 84-88 of the report) be noted.

     

    5.  That the dedicated schools grant (DSG) in-year balanced position (paragraphs 48-50 of the report) be noted.

14.

Policy and Resources: Capital Monitoring Report 2025-26 and Southwark 2030 strategic alignment

15.

Policy and Resources: Budget Setting Update 2026-27

    To note the medium-term financial strategy update.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    It was not possible to circulate this report five clear days in advance of the meeting. The chair agreed to accept this item as urgent because the council were responding to immediate circumstances and it was necessary to bring this to the attention of cabinet for any comments ahead of the budget report in February 2026.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    That the following be noted:

     

    1.  The update to the local government funding arrangements including the policy statement and the autumn budget

     

    2.  The approach to setting the 2026-27 budget.

     

    3.  The proposed options to help achieve a balanced 2026-27 (Appendix A of the report).

     

    4.  The draft fees and charges schedules (Appendix B of the report).

     

    5.  That strategic directors will continue to work with their respective cabinet members to find additional savings options to close the estimated funding gap.

     

    6.  That equality impact assessments are ongoing, and a cumulative impact assessment will be presented to cabinet as part of the budget update in February.

     

    7.  That the contents of the report will be considered by the overview and scrutiny committee in December 2025 and January 2026 prior to February 2026 cabinet.

16.

Housing Revenue Account (HRA) - Indicative Rent and Charges Report 2026-27

    To consider the proposed housing revenue account rent (the indicative/draft rent) and charges for 2026-27.

     

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    Having declared a disclosable pecuniary interest, Councillors Evelyn Akoto and Natasha Ennin withdrew from the meeting while this item was being discussed.

     

    It was not possible to circulate this report five clear days in advance of the meeting due to the timing of the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement on 26 November 2025. The statement was expected to confirm details on the implementation of the social rent convergence policy, which has implications for the council’s housing revenue account (HRA) and tenant rents for 2026–27. As noted in paragraph 16 this has been delayed.

     

    Submitting the indicative rent and charges report to December cabinet enabled the statutory 28-day notice period to be met ahead of the effective date of 6 April 2026. Any further delay would risk breaching legal notification requirements and potentially result in a loss of income to the HRA.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.  That the proposed rent increase of 4.8% (based on September 2025 Consumer Price Index plus 1%) for all directly and tenant managed (TMO) housing stock held within the council’s housing revenue account (HRA) be noted.

     

    2.  That it be noted that guidance on the proposed implementation of rent convergence expected to be announced in the Autumn Statement (26 November 2025) has been delayed to January 2026, as set out in paragraphs 16-18 of the report.

     

    3.  That the proposed rent increase of 4.8% for the council’s shared ownership stock as set out in paragraph 20 of the report with effect from 6 April 2026 be noted. 

     

    4.  That the proposed increases to tenant service charges, comprising estate cleaning, grounds maintenance, communal lighting and door entry maintenance as set out in paragraphs 21-22 of the report with effect from 6 April 2026 be noted. 

     

    5.  That the proposed increase in sheltered and flexi-care housing service charges as set out in paragraph 23 of the report with effect from 6 April 2026 be noted. 

     

    6.  That the disaggregation of the combined rent and service charges for supported hostels and the proposed increase for both in line with CPI+1% as set out in paragraphs 24-25 of the report with effect from 6 April 2026 be noted. 

     

    7.  That the proposed increase in garage charge rates as set out in paragraphs 26-27 of the report with effect from 6 April 2026 be noted. 

     

    8.  That the withdrawal of the concessionary garage rate for non-blue badge holders as previously agreed under individual decision making (IDM) by the cabinet member for council homes as set out in paragraph 28 of the report with effect from 6 April 2026 be noted. 

     

    9.  That the proposed freezing of heat network charges for 2026-27 at existing levels, with the exception of the borough-wide metered charge for new homes, which will be reduced as set out in paragraphs 29-43 of the report with effect from 6 April 2026 be noted. 

     

    10.  That it be noted that resident engagement on the proposals will be undertaken during December, and the outcomes reported to cabinet at its meeting on 6 January 2026.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

Note:

Councillor James McAsh left the cabinet meeting at 12.55pm.

17.

Gateway 1 Procurement Strategy Approval Report: All-Age Integrated Drug and Alcohol Treatment and Recovery Services

18.

Allocations for Strategic Community Infrastructure Funding

19.

Gateway 3 – Variation Decision: Phase 2 of Extension to the South East London Combined Heat and Power plant (SELCHP) Heat Network

20.

Approval to purchase: Rockingham Street Arches nos. 107, 106,105

    To approve the acquisition.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.  That the strategic director of resources, advised by the director of planning & growth and in consultation with the assistant director of property be authorised, to purchase the property. That the circumstances leading to the purchase and due diligence being undertaken by officers and their advisors be noted.

     

    2.  That the legal and financial arrangements and the conditions of the purchase be noted.

     

    3.  That authority be delegated to the strategic director of resources, advised by director of planning and growth and in consultation with the assistant director of property to:

     

    ·  Complete the acquisition and

    ·  Agree detailed transactional terms pursuant to the Heads of Terms (see closed appendices 1 to 4 of the closed report).

21.

Response to the housing scrutiny commission: Outcome of the review of the Canada Estate 2017/18, Fair Street / Devon Mansions 2018/19 and Kirby Estate 2018/19 QHIP major works projects

22.

Response to the Environment Scrutiny Commission 2024-25: Exploring the physical and mental health wellbeing impacts of active travel and access to nature scrutiny review report

23.

Report from Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Outcome of call-in Asylum Road Care Home, Disposal of the site by way of a long-leasehold interest

24.

Report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Chilton Grove Estate - Infill and Major Works

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    To consider recommendations from the overview and scrutiny committee in respect of Chilton Grove Estate, infill and major works.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.  That the recommendations from the overview and scrutiny committee arising from the Internal Review of the Chilton Grove Estate Rooftop Homes and 2018-19 QHIP Major Works Project be noted.

     

    2.  That the recommendations from the committee be considered and that the relevant cabinet member report back to cabinet on the recommendations within eight weeks.

25.

Report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Southwark Community Safety Partnership

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    To consider recommendations from the overview and scrutiny committee in respect of Southwark Community Partnership.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.  That the recommendations from the overview and scrutiny committee arising from the Review of Southwark Community Safety – Working Together for a Safer Southwark be noted.

     

    2.  That the recommendations from the committee be considered and that the relevant cabinet member report back to cabinet on the recommendations within eight weeks.

26.

Motions from Council Assembly

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    To consider motions referred from council assembly 12 November 2025 as follows:

     

    ·  Rights for Residents: Putting People First

    ·  Demanding Real Fairer Funding for Southwark

    ·  Action to divest the Southwark Pension Fund from conflict and genocide

    ·  Southwark Council will not water down affordable housing requirements

    ·  Make Peckham Rye Station safe and accessible

    ·  Our water our way.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    RESOLVED:

     

    Rights for Residents: Putting People First

     

    That the motion referred from council assembly as a recommendation to cabinet, set out below be agreed.

     

    1.  Council Assembly believes:

     

    a.  That a core goal of local and national government is to improve people’s lives by guaranteeing rights for residents.

     

    b.  That rights empower people against more powerful organisations and individuals.

     

    c.  That every worker has the right to join a Trade Union.

     

    d.  That under fourteen years of Conservative government, the balance of power shifted away from working people and toward more powerful individuals and organisations.

     

    e.  That amidst the cost of living crisis, rights at work and for renters are especially vital and in need of reform.

     

    2.  Council Assembly notes:

     

    a.  That the Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition oversaw an end to real terms wage rises for the first time in 50 years.

     

    b.  That this end to real terms wage rises is a core driver of the cost of living crisis today, with rising prices and bills outstripping wages leaving thousands of Southwark residents struggling to make ends meet.

     

    c.  That this year the Liberal Democrats once again sided with the Conservatives and Reform to try to block improved rights for working families.

     

    d.  That private rents are rising at unacceptable levels in central London boroughs such as Southwark, also driving the cost of living crisis.

     

    e.  That this is partly caused by the Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition’s cut to investment in genuinely affordable housing, with a 60% cut in capital investment for new affordable homes from 2010.

     

    f.  That the Labour Party has a proud history of enshrining rights in law, from the Minimum Wage to maternity leave, and continues to lead on expanding rights for workers and renters.

     

    g.  That the balance of power in both the workplace and the rental market is tilted against individuals, and this must change.

     

    3.  Council Assembly welcomes:

     

    a.  This Labour administration’s continued adherence to Labour values, supporting the rights of our residents and backing working families.

     

    b.  The council’s new Know Your Worth, Know Your Rights campaign, showcasing the rights our residents have at work and how to access the right guidance and advice to better understand them.

     

    c.  The council’s work to partner with organisations like Citizens Advice Southwark and the Southwark Law Centre in the campaign, to promote information about our residents rights in the workplace, such as entitlement to sick leave and paid holidays.

     

    d.  The work of the Southwark Living Wage Unit, Southwark Works, and Connect to Work in supporting fair pay and employment access.

     

    e.  The council’s support for local businesses, including through Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and business forums, and efforts to double the number of Living Wage employers.

     

    f.  The largest landlord licensing scheme in the country, successful prosecutions of rogue landlords, and the Gold Standards Charter for responsible landlords.

     

    4.  Council Assembly also welcomes:

     

    a.  Labour’s Employment Rights Bill, which will deliver day-one rights, ban fire-and-rehire, and improve  ...  view the full minutes text for item 26.

Exclusion of the press and public

That the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in category 3 of paragraph 10.4 of the access to information procedure rules of the Southwark Constitution.

 

The following is a summary of the decisions taken in the closed part of the meeting.

27.

Minutes

Minutes:

The closed minutes of the cabinet meeting held on 14 October 2025 were approved as a correct record and signed by the chair.

28.

Phase 2 of the Tustin Estate Renewal

Minutes:

The cabinet considered the closed information relating to this item. Please see item 11 for the decision.

29.

Gateway 3 - Variation Decision: Phase 2 of Extension to the South East London Combined Heat and Power (SELCHP) Heat Network

Minutes:

The cabinet considered the closed information relating to this item. Please see item 19 for the decision.

30.

Approval to purchase: Rockingham Street Arches nos. 107, 106,105

Minutes:

The cabinet considered the closed information relating to this item. Please see item 20 for the decision.