Lib Dems freeze council tax and pledge funds for a cleaner, greener, safer Southwark

10.30.32pm GMT Wed 22nd Feb 2006

The Lib Dem budget will take more abandoned cars off our streets

Southwark Liberal Democrats have ensured that Southwark's Council Tax will be frozen next year, whilst the council will continue to improve front-line services and invest in key projects including child protection, tackling abandoned cars on our streets, better street cleaning, and £115,000 for new books in our libraries.

Southwark's Labour Group voted against all of the new funding and instead proposed to CUT funding for local projects and centralise powers in the Town Hall away from community councils.

The Liberal Democrat budget is a stark contrast to the Labour-run Greater London Authority (GLA), which is increasing its share of council tax by an inflation-busting 5½ percent while rejecting funding the Lib Dem proposal to provide 272 extra police officers at rail stations.

Commenting on Southwark council's budget Councillor Nick Stanton, Leader of the Council, said: "This is a win-win budget for all Southwark residents. The Lib Dems have always been committed to reducing the burden of council tax, especially in such a deprived borough, and we are pleased that this represents a cut in real terms.

"At the same time strong financial management and setting the right priorities means we will also be able to protect Southwark's vulnerable children, continue to clean up our streets, and invest in community safety initiatives.

"Sadly, the Mayor of London's budget still means inflation-busting rises for our residents. The Liberal Democrats remain committed to scrapping this extremely unfair tax."

Councillor Lorraine Zuleta, Lib Dem Executive Member for Resources, added: "It is shameful that Southwark Labour have voted against better community and road safety measures, cleaner streets, and more books for our libraries. It is scandalous that this year Gordon Brown has taken away the £200 pre-election sweetener he gave to pensioners last year. And it is deeply worrying that despite a 135% increase in the Mayor of London's budget since 2000, four of Southwark's police stations do not open 24 hours a day. Where is our money going?"

Notes:

The Liberal Democrat budget, which freezes council tax for 2006/07, was passed by Council Assembly on Wednesday 22nd February.

As part of the budget the Lib Dems have pledged money for the following schemes:

• Child protection and Mental Health Work - £98, 000

• Operation Scrappit - Untaxed Vehicles - £200,000

• Libraries Book Fund - £115,000

• Local graffiti "Shop 'em and Stop 'em" campaigns - £10,000

• Enhanced twilight sweeping - £22,000

• Community payback and YOT - £15,000

• Funding for a Kerbcraft Officer, Planning Equalities Officer & Accessibility Officer for Transport & Planning - £100,000

• Alcohol Officer (Community Safety) - £35,000

• Improvement and Development (Apprentices) - £100,000