gully cleansing programme
Lewisham Council is proposing to end its proactive gully cleansing programme as part of budget cuts, with drains only cleared when reported.
Lewisham Council is proposing to cease its proactive gully cleansing programme as part of budget reduction proposals to address a £65 million budget gap. This measure, which would mean drains are only addressed when reported as blocked or flooded, was discussed by the Healthier Communities Select Committee in November 2026.
The gully cleansing programme involves cleaning and maintaining road drainage systems. The council's report anticipates that ending the proactive programme will lead to more blocked drains, as maintenance would shift from scheduled work to a reactive approach.
Key facts
- Lewisham Council is proposing to cease its proactive gully cleansing programme. Source
- The proposal was discussed by the Healthier Communities Select Committee in November 2026. Source
- This change is part of budget reduction proposals to address a £65 million budget gap. Source
- If approved, drains would only be addressed when reported as blocked or flooded. 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 4 November 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.