Southwark Riverside Strategy Faces Cross-Borough Cost Concerns Amidst Climate Adaptation Needs

Concerns over cross-borough costs have been raised regarding Southwark's emerging Riverside Strategy, a plan designed to address the increasing tidal flood risk from the River Thames.

Map of London showing areas with varying levels of 'Overall Risk'
Map of London showing areas with varying levels of 'Overall Risk', indicated by a color gradient from red (high) to blue (low). The map highlights the River Thames and borough boundaries, with labels for London, Lambeth, and Camberwell.Source: Environment Scrutiny Commission papers, 14 October 2026

During discussions on the Thames and Local Rivers, Councillor Margy Newens provided an update on the developing Riverside Strategy, expressing apprehension about its potential financial implications and the necessity for inter-borough coordination. The strategy is being developed in response to projected increases in tidal flood risk over the coming decades, which will necessitate significant investment in flood resilience for the river wall.

Councillor Newens highlighted that the Riverside Strategy is anticipated to be a mandatory requirement for all boroughs by 2030. This led to questions from Councillor Catherine Dawkins regarding the extent of inter-council coordination planned. Councillor Newens stated she is actively engaging with the Cross River Partnership and the Environment Agency to foster cross-borough coordination, noting that Southwark is an early mover on this strategy. Councillor Dawkins further inquired whether this coordination is limited to neighbouring councils or encompasses all London boroughs.

Icons illustrating potential impacts of climate change and disruptions
Icons illustrating potential impacts of climate change and disruptions, including IT service disruption, concerned residents, increased reliance on emergency services, introduction of diseases, damage to infrastructure, missed waste collections, and overcrowding.Source: Environment Scrutiny Commission papers, 14 October 2026

Councillor Graham Neale suggested incorporating recommendations from the sustainable freight review into the strategy, particularly concerning river transport. He referenced a previous review by the Environment Scrutiny Commission on sustainable freight, which explored the potential of using river transport for freight. This could involve a combination of river and rail transport, potentially to stations like Waterloo, thereby reducing the reliance on freight hubs and enabling more efficient last-mile delivery options.

The Riverside Strategy is currently in its emerging and early stage of development. Councillor Newens' ongoing discussions with the Cross River Partnership and the Environment Agency are crucial for aligning efforts as Southwark takes a leading role in this initiative.

Map of London showing projected temperature increases by 2050
A map of London showing projected temperature increases by 2050 under the SSP2 scenario, indicating a 2°C rise.Source: Environment Scrutiny Commission papers, 14 October 2026

While specific financial implications for Southwark and other boroughs are not yet detailed, the strategy's aim to bolster flood resilience underscores the significant investment anticipated. The broader context of climate change, with projections indicating rising global temperatures 1, highlights the urgency and importance of such adaptive strategies.

  1. See 'Public reports pack Wednesday 14-Oct-2026 19.00 Environment Scrutiny Commission.pdf' for detailed climate projections, available at https://moderngov.southwark.gov.uk/documents/g8599/Public%20reports%20pack%20Wednesday%2014-Oct-2026%2019.00%20Environment%20Scrutiny%20Commission.pdf?T=10 ↩