Lambeth Council's annual meeting was adjourned on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, amid significant concerns over governance arrangements, leading to a delay in crucial budget and constitutional decisions. The adjournment followed the passing of an emergency motion, supported by all three political groups, to allow for a safe, legal, and effective determination of matters required by statute and the council's constitution.

Significant decisions were scheduled to be made regarding the council's Revenue and Capital Budget for 2026/27, the Council's Constitution, and the Lambeth Statement of Principles for Gambling. However, the adjournment means these decisions will be revisited at a later date, with the meeting set to reconvene on June 1, 2026.

The constitutional review was prompted by a Local Government Association (LGA) Peer Review which identified significant issues within the Council, including concerns relating to financial control, governance and the effectiveness of scrutiny, and which also found that parts of the existing constitution were unlawful.

Councillor Scott Ainslie highlighted the findings of this review. Councillor Donna Harris further elaborated on the need for constitutional reform, expressing concern regarding the operation of the Council's constitutional procedures, including the view that existing rules did not provide sufficient mechanisms to challenge statements made about previous budget decisions. She suggested that scrutiny and challenge within the Council Chamber were sometimes treated negatively rather than as part of the democratic process, and that the chamber should strive for higher standards of debate and accountability.

Councillor James Bryan noted that the review process had been cross-party and involved legal advice.

During the debate on the adjournment motion, Councillor Danial Adilypour, speaking for the Labour group, expressed reluctance, stating that the delay was not in the borough's best interest. However, the group supported the motion due to a lack of detail on proposed governance arrangements. The Labour Group stated, We've been clear in our conversations with both the Greens and the Liberal Democrats that we are open to the introduction of a committee system. Yet we have also said we urgently need information on exactly what system you are proposing, what these committees look like, what the transitional arrangements will be, and what the resources and financial implications will be, as well as any equalities impact assessment.

Councillor Adilypour specifically highlighted the need for clarity on the proposed committee system, its operation, transitional arrangements, and financial implications.

The Lambeth Statement of Principles for Gambling 2026-2029 was also on the agenda. This statement outlines principles for regulating gambling within the borough. A key change was the removal of the No Casino resolution, a move intended to align the Council's policy with current national legislation, which does not permit new casino licences in London, while aiming to strengthen protections for vulnerable residents.

Councillor Corden emphasised the urgency of the situation, stating, Annual Council, as we know by law, has to take place no later than the 21st of June 2026. Therefore, it is inevitably urgent that we must consider this tonight.

Further details on the public reports pack can be found here, and the agenda frontsheet is available here.