Issues and SWOT

strength

Use resident scrutiny to improve housing design

The Old Kent Road review describes community feedback changing the housing mix.

Proposed response: Keep that feedback linked to approved designs and delivery.

Evidence

strength

Bring support closer to people in poor health

4.1% of people reported bad or very bad health in Southwark council area (21 March 2021). Across England, the figure was 5.2%. People reporting bad or very bad health ranged from 2.7% in Surrey Docks to 5.8% in Newington — a gap of 3.2 percentage points.

This is how residents described their health in the census. It can reveal differences between neighbourhoods, but does not diagnose illness or measure current waiting times. Age profiles differ between places, so these shares do not measure service quality.

strength

Connect local skills to local opportunities

54.9% of people aged 16 or over had a degree or equivalent (21 March 2021) in Southwark council area. Across England, the figure was 33.9%. People aged 16+ with no qualifications ranged from 7.6% in Dulwich Village to 19.9% in Faraday — a gap of 12.2 percentage points.

Qualifications show one part of the skills available locally. They do not show whether people have secure jobs or work that uses those skills.

weakness

Restore confidence after the pool closure

Canada Water’s main pool closed for four months because of building faults.

Proposed response: Monitor reliability after repairs and keep alternatives clear.

Evidence

weakness

Make room for homes people can afford

Average private rent is £2,474 a month (August 2026) in Southwark council area. This is £1,015 higher than the England average for the same month. Homes rented privately ranged from 18.7% in Dulwich Village to 41.2% in Surrey Docks — a gap of 22.5 percentage points.

Housing costs matter most alongside earnings and the number of affordable homes available. A local average cannot tell us whether a particular household can afford its home.

opportunity

Make new walking routes continuous

Old Kent Road connections are being delivered in separate phases.

Proposed response: Prioritise the gaps that prevent a usable whole route.

Evidence

opportunity

Plan homes and care around an older population

8.3% of people in Southwark council area were aged 65 or over (21 March 2021). People aged 65 or over ranged from 5.9% in Chaucer to 14.8% in Dulwich Village — a gap of 8.9 percentage points.

Age alone does not mean poor health or a need for care. Accessible homes, reliable transport and support close to home matter as people get older.

opportunity

Target safety work where problems repeat

Mapped police records are available for neighbourhoods in Southwark council area.

Published locations are approximate and some crimes are not mapped. Counts show recorded incidents, not the chance of an individual becoming a victim.

opportunity

Turn published plans into visible progress

3 named local projects or plans have official evidence in this collection.

A published plan makes responsibilities and intentions easier to inspect. It does not prove that funding is secured or that promised benefits have arrived.

opportunity

Target support where disadvantages overlap

Households facing two or more measured disadvantages ranged from 7.8% in Dulwich Village to 28% in Old Kent Road — a gap of 20.1 percentage points.

These households met at least two census conditions covering education, employment, health and housing. This is not an income or poverty measure.

threat

Explain what the Tustin contract actually commits to

The authorised second-phase contract includes a break clause affecting three blocks.

Proposed response: Keep residents informed of confirmed scope and changes.

Evidence