Policy

Settled Status

We helped 48,000 residents apply for EU Settled Status to protect their rights after Brexit. Of these, about 44,000 have been granted either Settled Status or pre-Settled Status. 

We proactively held events to meet communities in need of support and provided a free checking service for people applying for settled status. 

Governance

Online council meetings

15,000 residents have logged on to watch a Council meeting online since March 2020, giving access to more democratic decision-making during this administration than any other in Lewisham’s history.  

We are progressing with conducting hybrid meetings to ensure they are accessible for all residents. 

Accessible reports

As outlined in the Local Democracy Review, we have made our reports more accessible. We have also started hosting Q&A sessions in schools so pupils can ask questions of the Council.

Communities

Lewisham Disabled People’s Commission

We set up the Lewisham Disabled People’s Commission, led by independent chair Jamie Hale, to make the borough more accessible for disabled people.  

Festival of Creative Ageing

We delivered the innovative Festival of Creative Ageing in partnership with the Albany in Deptford.

Advice Lewisham Partnership

We fund the Advice Lewisham Partnership, which has delivered over 20,000 advice sessions for Lewisham residents.

Social prescribing

We understand the importance of being active in the community, so in partnership with the NHS we set up a new social prescribing service Community Connections Lewisham. CCL has already had more than 8,000 requests for support.  

Tennis

We continue to promote sport and physical activity in the borough. We have redeveloped local tennis courts in partnership with the Lawn Tennis Association and the London Marathon Trust, and we have supported local sports clubs like Tenembee through granting new peppercorn rent leases to use Council properties.  

Playing pitches

We have reviewed all playing pitches in Lewisham and are strategically exploring how to improve them so the whole community can enjoy them and keep active.  

Free swim & gym

We have continued to provide free swim and gym for the over 60s, helping our older residents stay active.