Lewisham Council is grappling with a £30 million budget shortfall, prompting a review of services and potential cost-cutting measures. The Housing Select Committee met on Wednesday, 18 June 2025, to discuss the proposed budget reductions and their potential impact on housing services.
The council faces tough decisions as it seeks to address the shortfall. According to the meeting summary, officials have identified £29.250 million in general fund savings and £4.784 million in Housing Revenue Account (HRA) savings. These proposals will be presented to the Mayor and Cabinet on 9 July 2025.
Several specific savings proposals were discussed at the Housing Select Committee, including:
- Ending funding for the council-run Assembly Programme, potentially saving £203,025. The report pack notes that Councillor Edison Huynh was scheduled to be consulted on this matter.
- Centralising back office functions for Libraries and Adult Learning Lewisham (ALL), potentially saving £100,000 in 2025/26 and £111,472 in 2026/27.
- A reduction to the main Grants Programme, potentially saving £217,000 in 2026/27. The report pack states that the Main Grants Programme funds the Lewisham voluntary and community sector (VCS).
The Housing Select Committee also reviewed minor amendments to the Housing Allocation Policy, including the introduction of auto-bidding for vulnerable applicants and the removal of the five-year local connection link for UK Armed Forces Veterans. The Housing Allocation Policy- Minor Amendments.pdf document details the proposed changes.
Furthermore, the committee discussed its priorities for the 2025-26 municipal year and agreed on a work programme. Key topics for the upcoming year include evictions and possession proceedings, anti-social behaviour, the Renters Rights Bill, and regulatory changes, including the implementation of Awaab's Law.