Council Leader to residents: 'We need your help to build a better Southwark'

Speaking ahead of Council Assembly on Wednesday 1 December, Councillor John thanked the residents for role they have played in helping the council reach some major milestones.

But given the scale of the reductions in funding that the council faces, he says it will be impossible to achieve the council's ambitions for the coming months without the support of residents.

In July the cabinet agreed a vision for the borough, where everyone can take advantage of the opportunities that come from being in the heart of London.

At the meeting this week, councillors will have the chance to agree the rule changes needed to carry out the recommendations of the Democracy Commission - this will be just one of the milestones that have been reached with the help of local people.

Milestones reached with the involvement of residents:

• The council's cabinet has agreed a plan to push forward with a leisure centre and swimming pool at Elephant and Castle, implementing what residents told the council they wanted in a recent consultation.
  
• The Council Assembly has the chance to make the rule changes to improve local democracy following the work of the democracy commission, which involved local people.
  
• As the budget setting process begins, residents have given their innovative money saving ideas and their views on spending priorities as part of a budget consultation.
  
• The council is pushing forward with a new charter of rights for people who need social care and also a violent crime strategy following comments and feedback from residents.

Coming milestones that need the support of residents:

• The budget - there is still a chance to have your say about the council's priorities online.
  
• Teenage Pregnancy Commission - the new independent body will want residents views.
  
• Peckham and Nunhead Area Action Plan - a new plan for the future of the area will require as much resident involvement as possible.
  
• Free school meals pilot - before the full roll out of the scheme, the council will want to hear from schools, parents and pupils that took part.

Council Assembly is on Wednesday 1 December. View the agenda.

Spending reductions

The government has revealed that - based on a national average - the council could see its funding reduced by as much as 28 per cent or £80m over the coming years.

Councillor John says he is determined to continue to work towards its vision. But given the scale of the reductions in funding - he says the implementing their programme for the coming months will be very difficult without the support of residents.Councillor John said:

"We have only got this far with the help of residents. I want to thank all the people that got involved in important local issues such as the Elephant and Castle leisure centre and the budget consultation.

"There remain many unanswered questions about government funding for councils - but one thing is for sure, these funding reductions will impact on every part of the council.

"We have a vision of a borough where everyone can take advantage of the opportunities that come from being in the heart of London.

"We know cannot deliver this vision alone. We want to work with residents to find innovative solutions for Southwark.

"We have had a great response to our innovation challenge. Residents have some great ideas.

"But we are not closing the door to suggestions and I would urge anyone with anything to say about we build a fairer future for Southwark to get in touch."