Southwark Lib Dems Force Labour to Reconsider Budget Cuts to Vulnerable

Southwark Liberal Democrats used official levers at a council meeting on Tuesday evening to recommend the Labour cabinet reverse cuts to the vulnerable in its draft budget.

Liberal Democrat members of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC) formally recommended for the cabinet to find money immediately from its own finances to reverse cuts to special needs and disabilities (SEND) and early years services.

Draft 2022-23 council budget proposals included potential savings to early years autism support, a SEND inclusion practitioner service and home education. It also proposed the restructuring of an early years improvement team.

The council is seeking alternative funding for three of these four services.

But, the authority’s equality assessments have all noted that these savings could have adverse impacts on those that use the services.

OSC Liberal Democrat members also put forward recommendations that sought further information on other Southwark Labour proposals that might affect the vulnerable.

They requested clarification on the possible restructuring of the youth offending and care leaver services, with a suggestion to cabinet to consider how to mitigate any impact from its own budget.

Councillors scrutinised pest control fees, as well. The draft budget contains proposals to raise property inspection fees for pests by 130%, with discounted visits increasing by 100%.

Liberal Democrat OSC members asked for more information on how this would affect low-income residents and suggested rate reductions if needed.

Cabinet will have to now consider these formal recommendations on 1st February as it proposes a budget to council assembly for approval.

Cllr Victor Chamberlain, vice-chair of OSC, said the following on the SEND and early years cuts at a meeting on Monday:

“We are a progressive council and I think if we do believe we have a duty to look after some of the most vulnerable people in our society, there are ways that we could be doing that with our own resources…We are potentially putting some of the most vulnerable young people at risk by not finding that support, particularly in their early years…it’s a political priority.”