Environment Scrutiny Commission
Welcome to the Environment Scrutiny Commission page - the Commission is a sub-committee of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and reviews and monitors Council and partner agency services in areas covering the environment and climate change.
Meeting dates, agendas and membership
The Council uses a dedicated microsite to organise committee membership and meeting information – please visit the Environment Scrutiny Commission on ModernGov.
Recordings of meetings
Meetings are streamed live and archived on Southwark Council’s YouTube channel.
Current Scrutiny Priorities (2026-)
Following the recent elections, priorities will be reported here once established.
Historic Scrutiny Priorities
During the year (2025-26), the Environment, Community Safety and Engagement Scrutiny Commission (as its remit was) focused on:
- Playgrounds – a review with a focus on inclusive design for both children and young people.
- Customer Experience Plan
- Community Safety Review
- Police Oversight Board
- Streets for People Zoning – public realm strategy, active travel considerations and resident engagement.
Scrutiny Review Reports & Cabinet Responses (2022–2025)
Reports below derive from the former Environment Scrutiny Commission:
2025/2026
- Exploring the Physical and Mental Health and Wellbeing Impacts of Active Travel and Access to Nature Scrutiny Review [Link] > Cabinet Response [Link]
2024/2025
- Biodiversity Scrutiny Review [Link] > Cabinet Response [Link] The report presented on biodiversity strategies, including front garden protection, de-paving schemes, going pesticide-free, sustainable drainage (SUDS), and “More, Bigger, Better, Joined Up” green spaces.
- Sustainable Freight [Link] > Cabinet Response [Link]
2023/2024
- Climate Finance – Financing Southwark’s Green Transition Scrutiny Review [Link] > Cabinet Response [Link]
2022/2023