Issue

budget reductions

1 story · discussed at 2 council meetings · 1 council

Lewisham Council is considering proposals to scrap local planning meetings as part of budget reduction efforts to save £35,000 annually.

Lewisham Council's Sustainable Development Select Committee discussed proposals in November 2026 to remove local planning meetings, which are unique to Lewisham and non-statutory. This aims to save £35,000 annually and increase staff time, though a councillor warned residents might struggle to be heard. The proposals are part of a broader effort to streamline the planning application process.

These discussions form part of ongoing budget reductions, which involve decreasing allocated financial resources for council services. In March 2026, Lewisham Council approved its budget for 2026/27, which included a 4.99% increase in Council Tax.

Key facts

  1. Lewisham Council's Sustainable Development Select Committee discussed proposals to scrap local planning meetings on 5 November 2026. Source
  2. Scrapping local planning meetings could save Lewisham Council £35,000 a year. Source
About this summary

This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 12 November 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Latest stories

  1. Lewisham could scrap local planning meetings, saving £35,000 a year A Lewisham councillor has warned residents could struggle to make their voices heard under proposals to scrap local planning meetings. Lewisham 12 November 2026