Southwark Liberal Democrats bring “six to fix” manifesto to final council meeting

Southwark Liberal Democrats will tonight bring a motion to Council Assembly setting out their plan to “Fix Southwark”, endorsing the priorities in the party’s recently launched local election manifesto. 

The motion highlights what the Liberal Democrats say are the consequences of 16 years of Labour control of the council, alongside a Labour Mayor of London and now a Labour Government. Despite this, residents continue to face rising council tax bills, high crime, housing failures and council services that feel increasingly remote.  

The Liberal Democrats’ plan centres on their “Six to Fix”: six priority actions drawn from conversations with residents across the borough – covering the cost of living, crime, housing, council services, green space and opportunities for young people.  

These include freezing council tax for the poorest households, doubling community safety wardens, ensuring half of all new homes are genuinely affordable, reopening one-stop shops for council services, creating eight new parks and green spaces, and opening five new youth centres.  

The motion also sets out wider proposals on housing reform, neighbourhood democracy, climate action and transport, which the Liberal Democrats say would form the basis of the council’s delivery plan if they lead the next administration.  

Ahead of the debate, the Liberal Democrats also published an audit of Labour’s 2022 manifesto, showing that many of the promises made four years ago have not been delivered, while services have deteriorated and complaints have risen. 

The motion points to issues including rising crime rates, a housing department rated among the worst in the country by the Regulator of Social Housing, and more than 22,000 households now on the social housing waiting list.  

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Group Leader Cllr Victor Chamberlain said: 

“After sixteen years of one-party rule, Southwark needs a change of direction. Residents are facing rising bills, high crime and a housing system that too often fails them, while Labour run the council as if nothing needs to change. 

Our plan to Fix Southwark is rooted in what residents tell us every day on the doorstep – safer streets, genuinely affordable homes, and council services that actually work. 

Tonight’s motion sets out a credible and deliverable alternative to the current administration. With Labour now in power at every level, there are no more excuses. Southwark deserves better.”