Liberal Democrats campaign to Save Community Councils (Southwark Liberal Democrats)

Southwark Liberal Democrats <info@southwark-libdems.org.uk>

Liberal Democrats campaign to Save Community Councils

January 21, 2012 12:35 PM

Southwark Liberal Democrats are fighting to save Community Councils as Labour plan to cut them in next Tuesday's (24th) Cabinet meeting. The proposals, buried deep in Tuesday's Cabinet agenda, seek to merge 8 Community Councils in Southwark into 5 and reducing the number of meetings to 5 per year. Proposals also strip funding from the Community Councils and remove their influence over planning decisions, completely destroying the principle of Community Councils and the local decision-making that comes with it.

Liberal Democrats are clear that money for Community Councils is available, and their alternative budget would increase the amount of money available whilst Labour Southwark are increasing their contingency fund, spending money on school meals for rich families and planning a VIP roof terrace in the council offices.

Southwark Liberal Democrats are encouraging disgruntled local residents to make deputations at the Cabinet meeting, and contact the Labour Cabinet member on abdul.mohamed@southwark.gov.uk, and chair of Overview and Scrutiny Committee Cllr Cathy Bowman on catherine.bowman@southwark.gov.uk

Southwark residents are also encouraged to sign a petition at www.southwark-libdems.org.uk

Councillor Anood Al Samerai said, "Southwark Liberal Democrats are proud to have introduced Community Councils in Southwark - giving people a say over how money is spent in their area."

"Sadly, Labour Southwark seem determined to destroy the principle of local decision making.

"Labour will say that it isn't possible to keep things the same because of finances - this is the same group of councillors who have put away millions for a rainy day, to spend on school meals for rich families and to pay for a VIP roof terrace in the council offices."