Forward plan

The forward plan is a list of all key decisions to be made over the next one to four months, either by the Executive or by officers under delegated powers. It is published on the first working day of each month.

What is a key decision?

A 'key decision' is one that involves resources of £500,000 or more, or significantly affects two or more wards.

What information does the forward plan contain?

The plan includes a short description of the decision to be made, who will make it, when the decision will be taken, details of the planned consultation with local people and other stakeholders, and contact details for further information including reports and background papers.

Where can I find the forward plan?

The plan is available online and also at Lambeth Town Hall and in Lambeth's libraries.

Who puts information onto the forward plan?

Only the committee continuity officer of your department can do this. If you are unsure who your committee continuity officer is, please contact democratic services on 020 7926 2170.

Once information is on the plan, can it be altered?

Yes. Your committee continuity officer will update the plan each month and can take this opportunity to add information, remove incorrect items, etc. to keep the plan as up to date and accurate as possible.

Late notice (urgency procedures)

We aim to include as many decisions due to be taken over a one to four-month period as possible, but when urgent issues arise we cannot always give proper notice. If the urgent decision cannot be included in the forward plan, then you must carry out one of the following procedures. You can seek advice from your committee continuity officer. The committee continuity officer must be convinced that there are genuine reasons for urgency and that the item cannot wait until proper notice can be given. That officer will deal with the necessary administrative arrangements.

General urgency

If you can give five clear days' notice of the proposed decision, you should send the report and completed urgency pro forma to the chair and vice chair of the overview and scrutiny committee, the head of scrutiny, and democratic services (so the proposed decision can be published at Lambeth Town Hall).

Special urgency

If you cannot give five clear days' notice, again you should send the report to those listed above. The decision can then only be taken if the chair of the overview and scrutiny committee agrees that it can.

Reporting the process

Democratic services, on behalf of the leader, must report the use of the special urgency procedure to full council every three months.

'Five clear days'

This means five clear working days, not including the date of publishing the item and the date of the meeting/decision making. For a decision on a Monday, the information would need to be published on the Friday of two weeks before.

Further information

For further information about the plan or urgency procedures, please contact democratic services on 020 7926 2170.