Ian Davis to take on Lambeth’s £50m budget crisis

Lambeth council’s Appointments Committee have recommended Ian Davis to take over the top job as chief executive.

Mr Davis has been the chief executive of Enfield council since 2017, following a stint as the borough’s Executive Director for Housing, Regeneration and Environment. 

He said: “Lambeth is an iconic borough with huge potential and the borough’s Lambeth 2030 vision sets out a clear and compelling vision for the future that I look forward to working with you all to deliver.

“The commitment to equity and justice really resonated with me when applying for the role and the council’s values are those that I have strongly believed in throughout my Local Government career.”

The appointment, subject to the approval of full council in January, will see Mr Davis replace the position previously held by Bayo Dosunmu.

The ex-chief executive pleaded guilty to drink driving, failing to stop after a car crash and driving without insurance at a court hearing back in August. He had resigned a month earlier.

As Enfield chief executive, Mr Davis led a regeneration programme including a borough-wide estate renewal of 3,000 homes and the £6billion Meridian Water scheme of 10,000 home.

Lambeth’s own regeneration schemes have been stalling, with plans to bulldoze a number of estates still undecided seven years after facing fierce criticism from residents.

Cllr Claire Holland, leader of Lambeth council said: “Ian’s wealth of experience, knowledge and commitment will be crucial to supporting the council to deliver our Lambeth 2030 ambitions especially in the challenging financial times that local government faces.”

Mr Davis will inherit a stark financial position when he joins the ranks of Lambeth council.

Government funding for the local authority has reduced by 34 per cent in real terms since 2010.

In July, the council published a report setting out the scale of the financial challenge it faces.

The unprecedented demand for services including temporary accommodation means the council may need to save £70million by 2028, including a savings target of £29million for next year, the report said.

Plans to consult residents on cutting children’s centres, and a tax support scheme have already been set out with other budget saving measures including dimming streetlights, renting out space in council offices and increasing parking charges.

Mr Davis is expected to take over the role from acting chief executive, Fiona Connolly,  in early 2025.

Ms Connolly said: “I’d like to congratulate Ian Davis on his appointment.

“He will find a council that is hugely passionate about delivering for residents, with a group of staff who are deeply committed to making Lambeth a better place for everyone who lives and works here.”

Pictured top: Lambeth council/ Ian Davis who has been recommended to take over the top job as chief executive (Picture: Robert Firth /Lambeth council)