Liberal Democrats announce plan to freeze council tax for poorest, whilst Labour spend £1.4 million on consultants

Southwark Liberal Democrats will tonight table their alternative budget for Southwark Council – which among other measures includes a cost of living package that would freeze council tax for those most struggling.  

Meanwhile, the Labour administration spent £1.4 million on consultants in the year to date, and an extra £26.6 million on agency staff.  

This also comes as the council was slammed for spending £6,000 on Dominos since 2022. 

The Liberal Democrats plan to cut what they call “Labour bloat” to fund an extra £1 million top up to the council’s existing cost of living fund, and abolish council tax in its entirety for those with terminal illnesses. They will also set up a new fund to provide extra support to those already in receipt of council tax reduction to cover increases, and provide a small cash boost on top of that.  

The Liberal Democrats’ alternative budget will also double community safety officers, roll out banking hub style “one stop shops” for council services, and abolish the bulky waste charge. 

Other measures being used to pay for their amendment include making better use of council assets to bring more money in, and making film studio giants like Amazon and Disney pay a bit more when they use Southwark’s streets for filming.  

Commenting, Southwark Liberal Democrat Group Leader Cllr Victor Chamberlain said:  

“Times are really tough for councils right now – the Labour Government has continued Tory austerity leaving Southwark with an £80 million gap over the next three years, and nine London Councils on emergency financial support.  

Even then, this Labour administration are still making the wrong choices. They’re leaving money on the table in missed opportunities, and continuing to blow millions on consultants and agency staff.  

Liberal Democrats would refocus resources to what matters: tackling the cost of living crisis, cracking down on anti-social behaviour, and making council services better and more accessible. 

This is just a taste of our plan to fix Southwark – the choice is clear: more waste and incompetence from a Labour council, or a bold, liberal administration with the Liberal Democrats.”