Southwark Issues (article in Southwark News)

12.00.00am GMT Thu 19th Feb 2009

This year decisions about budgets seem much more difficult than usual. The international financial crisis has brought lower interest rates, which means less return on investments and savings for governments, councils and individuals alike. Billionaires have lost billions and people on the lowest incomes are worried that the money they budgeted on just won't be there. There are two big local battles over money at the moment. The first is to get a fair slice of the cake which the government distributes for our borough. For years Southwark, like other inner London boroughs, has received less than we should because our population figures are out of date and we don't get paid for all the people the council has responsibility for. That is why last year I voted against the three year budget for Southwark when the government proposed it. But two weeks ago when the government brought their plans for next year's budgets for approval I am happy to say I won two very clear commitments from ministers. The local government minister promised me that the next three year grant for Southwark will be based on up to date population figures not old ones. The police minister told me that in future the money given to London's police forces will also be based on up to date figures. This will not mean a fair deal yet, but it does mean a fairer deal from 2011 on. There is also a fight going on to get our fair slice of the NHS budget cake for Southwark. For the second time in only a few years the NHS wants to top slice our budget to pay for overspend in other parts of London. I am continuing to battle for Southwark residents to make sure that our health and social care receives the full allowance we're entitled to.

For those in SE16, the first round of consultation ends this week on the Canada Water Action Plan. I hope everybody who lives, works and visits SE16 will put in their ideas to the council now. You can find details at www.southwark.gov.uk under the Planning Policy Local Development Framework page. You can also request information from the Planning Policy department on 020 7525 5561. I am also keen to have your feedback when I make my response so please do take a few minutes to complete my online survey at www.simonhughes.org.uk. For me, a new secondary school and swimming pool, improved transport access and more affordable housing are big local priorities.

On 28 February our Borough Commander Malcolm Tillyer retires after 30 years in the police. Malcolm has been an excellent commander, absolutely committed to sensitive but no nonsense policing and to the different needs of different communities. He deserves our warm thanks and very best wishes.

Finally, readers may remember that I held a special employment surgery at the Elephant a few weeks ago. Many people came along and everyone was fantastically keen to work. I have already had successes in getting redundancy pay, including for a lovely lady who lost her job at Woolworths after 23 years and who has already found a new job. I am very grateful to Southwark Works who do really important work in helping people with CVs, training, interview practice and job applications. Anyone who is worried about work is very welcome to contact them on 0800 052 0540 or me on 020 7403 2860.