Lib Dem plan to axe Lambeth housing

Lambeth Labour has exposed secret Lib Dem plans to savage Lambeth’s housing service with £9 million of cuts. Their refusal to increase investment for the underfunded service means that, to balance the budget as the law demands, they would have to impose cuts on a scale never before seen in Lambeth.

The Lib Dem axe would sweep through housing, removing staff and frontline services and leaving it facing meltdown. The last time Lib Dems were running Lambeth’s housing service they were so incompetent they managed to cut services while making them cost more at the same time in a botched restructuring plan called ‘Reframing’. This time, they plan to make the same mistakes only on a far bigger scale.

When they were finally voted out of office in 2006, the Lib Dems left behind a toxic cocktail of a £7.78m annual overspend and no financial reserves in the bank. The council has already been forced to consider big rent rises to clear up the Lib Dem mess.

Labour’s leader Steve Reed commented: “Tenants in Lambeth would face a terrifying double whammy of cuts and rent rises if the Lib Dems were ever to grab back power. Alongside savage cuts to frontline services, tenants could see weekly bills rise to the level seen in other Lib Dem-run councils like Islington. The Lib Dems want to cover up the truth about their plans, but today Labour can expose exactly where the Lib Dem axe will fall.”

Here’s the nightmare that £9m Lib Dem cuts would mean:

• Half of all housing staff sacked
• Area offices closed down
• Rent collection staff reduced and rents left uncollected
• Pest control service scrapped
• Safety patrols slashed
• Call centre waiting times increased
• No window cleaning
• All concierges removed
• CCTV switched off
• External repairs and redecorations left undone
• Household repairs scrapped
• One in every three homes left without central heating or watertight doors, windows or roofs
• Rents skyrocketing to the level seen in Lib Dem-run Islington

Lambeth Labour freezes council tax for TWO years

Lambeth Labour councillors have voted to freeze council tax for the next TWO years to help local households cope with the economic recession.

Labour was elected in Lambeth two years ago promising that we would be “on your side”, with council tax increases kept below the level of wage inflation. During the previous four years, a Lib Dem and Conservative coalition forced council tax up 40% - the biggest increase in Lambeth’s history - that cost the average household an extra £1000 in council tax payments.

Labour’s two-year tax freeze is intended to help residents who are struggling to cope with the effects of the global recession. With rising fuel prices and many facing job losses, Labour wants to help families and individuals keep more of their money. The freeze will be delivered without cuts in frontline services. This is possible only because of the careful way Labour has managed the council’s finances over the past two years, restoring them to stability after the Tories and Lib Dems left the council with no money in the bank and millions of pounds in debt.

Larkhall Labour Councillor Pete Robbins is Chair of the Finance Committee, and said: "The one thing the council does that affects just about every household in Lambeth is set the council tax. With Labour, our council tax is already one of the lowest in the country. But Lambeth Labour is determined to stay on the side of ordinary people, so we will be freezing council tax for the next two years with no increase in people’s bills. We know that’s the best way we can help people manage through the economic downturn. And it’s a clear difference from the record-breaking 40% hikes we got from the Lib Dems.”

Cllr Neeraj Patil commented: "When the next elections come in May 2010, voters will face a clear choice. The Lib Dems who put council tax up 40% but wasted all the money, or Labour with low increases for two years followed by a two-year freeze to help people through the recession. That’s the difference between a Lib Dem council that’s not on your side or a Labour council that is."

Successful walkabout on Larkhall estate - 17th January

Labour councillors Pete Robbins, Tina Valcarcel and Raj Patil held a successful walkabout on the Larkhall estate last Saturday, 17th January.

They were joined on the walkabout by PCSOs Jim Medcraft and Sam Gorman, officers from the Larkhall Safer Neighbourhoods Team - a team of police officers who work only in Larkhall ward. The Teams were introduced by Labour in 2006, and have been instrumental in the large reduction in crime in Larkhall ward.

Councillors were also joined by officers from Lambeth Streetcare, as well as many local residents who were keen to point out problems that needed solving.

Many issues were raised, including anti-social behaviour, some damaged windows, estate parking problems, broken estate lighting, lack of litter bins and the need for extra measures to reduce crime. Larkhall councillors have already raised all the issues with Lambeth Council, and have promised to do all they can to get the problems solved. They will then write to all residents on the estate to let them know what progress has been made.

Below is a picture of some of Cllr Valcarcel with some of the residents of Larkhall estate who took part in the walkabout.

Lambeth Youth Mayor and UK Youth Parliament elections 2009

Are you aged between 11 and 21? Do you live, work or study in Lambeth? Make your voice heard in the Lambeth youth elections!

Lambeth will soon be holding it's second Youth Mayor elections, which aim to give a voice to young people in Lambeth which will be listened to by local and national government, businesses and young peoples’ service providers. It provides an opportunity for young people to become involved in the democratic process and take real, positive action within their local community.

Lambeth Labour introduced the Youth Mayor in 2008, and it has been extremely successful, despite being branded as a 'gimmick' by the Lib Dems. Last year’s Youth Mayor Elections attracted 35 potential candidates and the votes of over 3000 local young people who chose 15 year old Satya Panigrahi as their first ever Youth Mayor. Satya is from Streatham, and Larkhall councillors think the next Mayor should be from Clapham or Stockwell!

The Youth Mayor acts as spokesperson for young people in Lambeth and provides a link between the young people, media, decision-makers and service-providers. The Youth Mayor is responsible for allocating £25,000 in funding to projects designed for and run by local young people. The Youth Mayor will also work in partnership with other members of Lambeth Youth Council to highlight and campaign on issues which are important to local people.

If you want to be Lambeth’s Youth Mayor or UKYP Member you would be seen as a figurehead for young people. This would involve attending press opportunities, meetings with decision-makers and time to consult with your peers. It is a very ‘hand-on’ role and devoting some time to the project would be a must.

To nominate yourself to be Lambeth’s Youth Mayor or UK Youth Parliament Member, just click here!

On 26 February selected schools in Lambeth will be hosting polling stations to enable their students to vote. For everyone else voting will be online only and voters must be registered by 3 February 2009 for their votes to count. To register to vote in both elections, just click here!

Nominate your local Clapham and Stockwell heroes for a Lambeth Civic Award

Nominations are now open for the Lambeth Civic Awards 2009, honouring those unsung heroes whose tireless work within the Lambeth community does so much to improve the lives of its residents.

Anyone living or working within the borough of Lambeth can nominate the person they believe deserves recognition, with 26 January 2009 being the deadline for nominations.

The awards are split into 'town centres' (North Lambeth, Brixton, Clapham and Stockwell, Streatham and Norwood), with an additional borough-wide prize, as well as the Lord Scarman Award, given for increasing or promoting equality, or encouraging achievement in challenging circumstances.

Last year, Larkhall councillors nominated Ron Laidley, the Chair of the Fenwick Estate Tenants and Residents Association, for his leadership and hard work in helping the estate deal with the aftermath of the tragic murder of Billy Cox. Ron was given his award by the Mayor in a spceial ceremony in April 2008.

Larkhall councillors would like to hear suggestions for nominations from local residents. Councillor Tina Valcarcel said: "Perhaps residents know of someone who has been working for a community group or local charity, or who gives up their time helping vulnerable residents. If so, please consider nominating them for the Lambeth Civic Awards 2009, so that they can be recognised and honoured. We need to celebrate those people who give up so much for us."

If you know someone who you believe should be recognised for their work, please contact Cllr Pete Robbins, who will supply you with the necessary forms.

Lambeth launches E-Petitions service

A new online service will give Clapham and Stockwell residents a chance to have a say about issues in their communities - at the touch of a button.

Lambeth Council have launched a new e-Petition service which offers people an opportunity to express a view or raise an issue, which other residents can choose to support if they wish.

Lambeth is among the first local authorities in the country to introduce e-Petitions. Where they have been used elsewhere, they have focused on issues such as planning developments, care home closures, graffiti removal and airport extensions. They allow local people to raise issues and give a good indication of people's opinion on an issue.

Of course, the best way to get a problem sorted out is still to approach your local Lambeth Labour councillor - we spend a great deal of time fighting for residents concerns, and solving problems in our wards. You can contact Larkhall ward councillors using the details listed here, and you can keep up to date with our local campaigns and activities by signing up for the We Love Larkhall e-newsletter or by following us on the We Love Larkhall Twitter.

E-petitions will be looked at by Lambeth Council and will be responded to in the same way that paper petitions are currently dealt with. The council has kicked-off the new e-Petition service by asking residents to put forward a view about whether Transport for London (TFL) should extend the Northern Line to Battersea.

The e-Petition system does not replace paper petitions, and residents can still register their feelings about issues in the traditional way. Once an e-Petition has been submitted, it will be posted with supporting information, so that people can see any background that is necessary to put it into context. Find out more at www.lambeth.gov.uk/epetitions

Joint councillor and community police advice surgery - Saturday 17th January 2009

Larkhall councillors Pete Robbins, Tina Valcarcel and Raj Patil are holding a special community safety advice surgery on Saturday 17th January at Springfield Community Flat, in Brocket House, on the Springfield estate.

Come and talk to local Safer Neighbourhoods Police team and your local Labour councillors - we can help you with problems with Lambeth Council, give advice about keeping safe, or listen to your views on the local area.

The Larkhall Safer Neighbourhoods Police Team was introduced by Labour in 2006. They are based at Clapham Police Station in Union Grove and spend all of their time tackling crime and anti-social behaviour issues in our local area. The Team is made up of both police officers and community support officers, and is commanded by Sergeant Graham Williamson.

You can read the latest Safer Neighbourhoods Team newsletter here.

Environmental grants available in Lambeth for 2009

Grants available for projects that work with local communities to promote environmental improvements and sustainable waste management in Lambeth:

The Western Riverside Environmental Fund utilises landfill tax credits. It is available to support the following categories of projects as defined by ENTRUST, the regulator of the landfill tax credit scheme.

- The provision, maintenance or improvement of a public park or public amenity where it is for the protection of the environment e.g. pocket parks and seating areas, play areas, open spaces on
housing estates, churchyards and community gardens.
- Delivery of biodiversity conservation for UK species habitats

Grants are usually offered in the range of £5,000 - £25,000 with the flexibility to approve higher and lower amounts in exceptional circumstances.

There are 2 funding rounds per year with current closing dates of 27th February 2009 & 28th August 2009. (The application has two stages; an Expression of Interest form can be submitted at any time throughout the year, the second stage applications need to be submitted by the
deadlines above).

The fund was set up in April 1999 to utilise landfill tax credits arising from household rubbish and other waste handled by the Western Riverside Waste Authority. The fund is managed by Groundwork UK, a national charity organisation working to promote sustainable
regeneration. To date over £2 million has been made available to environmental projects within the boroughs of Lambeth, Wandsworth, Hammersmith & Fulham and Kensington & Chelsea.

For further information and an application pack please contact:

WREF Programmes Officer
Groundwork
18-21 Morley Street
London SE1 7QZ
Tel: 020 7922 1230
Email: londonprogrammes@groundwork.org.uk

Free Community Training for Lambeth Residents in 2009

The Lambeth Voluntary Action Council are offering free 'Active Citizens Hub' training courses in 2009. Details below:

Community Advocacy – 2nd, 3rd, and 4th February 09, Full days, Waterloo Action Centre

Introduction to Volunteering and Being Active – 10th February 09, 9.30am – 1pm, Weir Link

Introduction to Being a Magistrate – 11th February 09, 12pm – 4.30pm, Evangelical Alliance

Introduction to Being a Trustee – 12th February 09, 9.30am – 1pm, Stockwell Community Resource Centre

Time Management – 17th February 09, 9.30am – 1pm, Weir Link

Volunteering with Young People – 18th February 09, 9.30am – 1pm, Waterloo Action Centre

Public Speaking – 19th February 09, 9.30am – 1pm, Weir Link

Value of Volunteering to Sustainable Employment – 20th February 09, 9.30am – 1pm, Waterloo Action Centre

Good Governance – 19th and 26th February 09, Full Days, Stockwell Community Resource Centre

Booking - A training registration form can be obtained by contacting LVAC on 020 7737 9467 or email acho@lambethvac.org.uk. Please return forms to: LVAC’s Active Citizens Hub, LVAC, 95 Acre Lane, London, SW2 5TU.

Cost - All courses provided by the Active Citizens Hub are FREE!

For more information about the above training courses call 020 7737 9467 or email acho@lambethvac.org.uk. If there is no one available to take your call please leave a message and they will get back to you.

Licence application: Solneve, 523 Wandsworth Road

Larkhall councillors have been notified that Solneve, at 523 Wandsworth Road, have applied for a licence to sell alcohol, and also a music licence.

If you think you will be affected by this establishment, and want help in objecting to this application please contact your Larkhall councillors. Here are the full details:

A New application for a Premises Licence under the Licensing Act 2003 in respect of the below-mentioned premises was received by the licensing authority on 8th January 2009

Applicants Name: Almeida & Vilardouro Ltd
Premises Address: Solneve - 523 Wandsworth Road London SW8 4PA
Activities/times requested:

Supply of Alcohol (for consumption on premises)
Friday & Saturday 08:00 - 01:00
Sunday - Thursday 08:00 - 23:00

Late Night Refreshment
Friday & Saturday 23:00 - 01:00

Provision of Facilities for Making Music [karaoke]
Friday & Saturday 19:00 - 01:00
Sunday 19:00 - 23:00

Recorded Music
Friday & Saturday 08:00 - 01:00
Sunday - Thursday 08:00 - 23:00

Prior to determining this application, the licensing authority may accept written representations from Responsible Authorities and Interested Parties on the likely effect of the grant of this application in relation to the licensing objectives, which are:

· Preventing crime and disorder;
· Public safety;
· Preventing public nuisance; and
· Protecting children from harm.

Representations will be disregarded if they are deemed to be vexatious, frivolous, or irrelevant, or if they are received later than the 5th February 2009.

True grit - Lambeth working to ensure ice-free roads and pavements

Some residents have contacted me with concerns about whether it is safe to go out during the current cold spell. Having checked with Lambeth Council I can confirm that the gritting operation is well underway, and there should be few problems with icy pavements and roads.

For information, here is a full briefing on Lambeth Council’s Winter Service for Highways:

In common with all highway authorities, Lambeth Council operates a Winter Service. The primary purpose of the Winter Service is to pre-treat borough roads when ice or snow is forecast to prevent the formation of ice or settled/compacted snow on road surfaces.

The service operates from 25th October until 15th April. The service covers Lambeth maintained roads only but the Council works closely with TfL and highway authorities in neighbouring boroughs. The service is cliented by Transport and Highways and provided by Veolia.

Forecasts

The Council receives four forecasts and current condition reports daily during the designated winter period. The service moves from standby to operational mode in the event that ice formation and/or settled snow is predicted. The forecasts are provided by the Meteorological Office.

Carriageways

For carriageway treatments, the Lambeth road network is divided by Priority as follows:-

Priority 1 (Mainly main roads and bus routes)- 97 km (32% of network)
Priority 2 (Lesser link roads and hilly roads)- 81 km (27% of network)
Priority 3 (All other borough roads)- 127 km (41% of network)

In addition the more vulnerable lengths of the Priority 1 roads have been identified as “+1°”
Roads (i.e. these contain lengths where there is a risk of localised ice formation even
where the forecast road temperature is in the range 0° - 1°C)

The extent of the “call-out” decision is risk-based and the primary aim is to ensure that pre-treatment is completed prior to the first morning or evening peak traffic flow period expected to be affected by an ice or snow event. Five gritting lorries are available to Veolia for exclusive use within Lambeth. Vehicle crews and client staff are on standby throughout the designated winter period.

Footways

Footways are prioritised as follows
Priority 1- Surface rail and Tube stations, major bus interchanges and stations, routes to schools and hospitals
Priority 2- Public buildings, major shopping centres, steep hills
Priority 3- Lesser shopping areas, other hilly footways

Footway gritting is triggered by forecast-led prediction of ice/snow. The specific decision that is made is that street cleaning crews are switched to footway gritting duties.

Footway gritting was traditionally carried out by barrow and shovel but in recent years the Council has introduced hand propelled gritting units which ensure an even spread. Evenness is essential to ensure effectiveness of de-icing and also to minimise use of grit.

Environmental Issues

Grit (or rock salt) is harmful to vegetation, and therefore measures are taken both to minimise the total amount used and to ensure that surplus grit is not swept into tree pits. Trials will be carried out of alternative de-icing materials which are not harmful to vegetation, subject to a suitable storage location being identified and subject to funding being available (the new materials are more expensive than traditional grit).

Lib Dems and Tories Bid To Close South London Libraries

Liberal Democrat and Conservative councillors in neighbouring Southwark are considering closing four precious libraries in a desperate bid to save cash. These important community resources could be lost forever because of Lib Dem and Tory financial mismanagement and incompetence.

Opponents have said such closures would be scandalous and have demanded an alternative plan be found that will keep these libraries open for the benefit of future generations. Even the South London Press has attacked the Lib Dem plans, and have launched a “Save Our Libraries” campaign. South London Press editor Hannah Walker has urged readers to join the fight to save the threatened libraries.

The leader of Southwark Pensioners’ Action Group (SPAG) Tony Farsky said: “Library services in Southwark are already poor. It’s going to be cut back further. We will fight it.”

Richard Reynolds, author of On Guerilla Gardening, said the closures would be a real blow to the community. He said: “Southwark council should be doing the exact opposite – they should be investing in the libraries, enriching the talents and opportunities of the community. Sewing the seed for future generations. Libraries are where great ideas begin.”

Larkhall ward Labour Councillor Pete Robbins is supporting Southwark residents in their fight to save the libraries, saying: "The Liberal and Tory coalition in charge in Southwark are desperately scrabbling around for millions in savings because they have squandered council tax payers money. They couldn't run a whelk stall. What a contrast to Labour-run Lambeth - we're actually opening a new library in Clapham. Lambeth Labour has cut out tens of millions in waste, have kept council tax low, and have built up record levels of reserves to cushion the blow of the credit crunch."

Italo (The new Di Lieto) - offering free deliveries to local residents

Charlie, from local Italian deli Italo (formerly Di Lieto) has contacted http://www.welovelarkhall.com/ with news about a free food delivery service for local residents from their new store in Bonnington Square (Di Lieto moved from it's original location on South Lambeth Road in 2008). Here's the message from Charlie:

Hi Pete,

I wanted to tell all local residents groups and online newsletters about the new online delivery service offered by mine and Luigi Di Lieto's new shop at Bonnington Square. Because parking is a little difficult around Bonnington Square, and because the new shop is out of walking distance for many of Di Lieto's old customers, we are offering a free delivery service, for orders placed over the phone or on the internet, at www.italodeli.co.uk. I thought your residents might be interested,

best wishes,

Charlie

Longer Opening Hours For Doctors in Clapham and Stockwell

Many GPs in Clapham and Stockwell now stay open longer, giving you the opportunity to see a doctor or a nurse early in the morning, during the evening or on Saturday, on top of their current daytime hours.

The local ones include:

SW4 Dr Curran & Partners 020 7411 6866
SW4 Dr Sheila Santamaria 020 7411 6877
SW4 Sandmere Road Practice 020 7274 6366
SW4 Clapham Family Practice 020 7622 4455
SW4 Hetherington Group Practice 020 7274 4220
SW8 Dr Ala’s Surgery 020 7622 5642
SW8 South Lambeth Road Practice 020 7622 1923
SW9 Dr Wickremesinghe 020 7733 6191
SW9 Beckett House Practice 020 7738 7030

For more information about your local health services, including GP services in your area and their opening times, please go to the NHS Choices website at http://www.nhs.uk/ or call 0800 587 8078.

Boris' New Year Gift to Bus Users

Tory London Mayor Boris Johnson has hit Lambeth public transport users hard by massively increasing bus and tube fares.

Val Shawcross AM, London Assembly Member for Lambeth and Southwark, has slammed the decision. She said: "This unnecessary, above inflation fare hike is going to hit the pocket of every Londoner hard and makes a complete mockery of the Mayor's promise to provide value for money. Boris Johnson has given us no evidence whatsoever for his claim that there is a transport finance blackhole. What the evidence does point to is an increase in passenger numbers and revenue in TfL's coffers. If anything there should be a surplus this year, as there was in previous years."

"If the Mayor genuinely is concerned about the fares budget then he should have thought twice about abolishing the £25 higher charge for gas guzzlers and should reconsider his expensive plans to replace the bendy bus. It's strange to say the least that Boris is consulting about the future of the Western extension of the congestion charge but hasn't seen fit to consult Londoners on this fare hike which will hit all passengers hard. It just smacks of playing political games with London's transport network".

Example fare rises (from January 2009)

BUS
Single bus fare was: 90p
From January: £1 - this 10% rise will affect around 1.3 million Londoners

TUBE
Single Tube journey was: £2
From January: £2.20 - a 10% rise!

Community Toilet Scheme Launches

Lambeth Council has launched an innovative new scheme to improve public toilet provision for residents and visitors. It works by the Council paying businesses a small annual fee in return for the businesses providing access to their toilets, for free, with no obligation to make a purchase.

Under the scheme businesses such as restaurants, bars and shops work together with the council to provide more clean, safe and accessible toilets for members of the public. Several of the premises offer wheelchair access and baby changing facilities.

Those in and around Clapham and Stockwell are:

Revolution, 95-97 Clapham High Street, SW4 7TB

Berlengas, 176A Wandsworth Road, SW8 2LA
Machico Tapas Bar, 133 South Lambeth Road, SW8 1XB

For more information see Lambeth's website.