The debate begins: government budget cuts

He has repeatedly underlined the need to be open about the impact of unprecedented government cuts and the importance of working with residents, businesses and partners to find innovative solutions.

The event took place at the council's Tooley Street office.

Speaking to stakeholders from a range of local organisations, Councillor Peter John said:

"This is not a financial challenge - it is a financial nightmare. We believe cuts on this scale will be hugely damaging to Southwark. We have made our views known to government, and will continue to do so."

But he argued that it was the duty of the council to continue providing services to its residents, whatever budget it is given.

"Make no mistake this administration faces the coming years with an absolute determination to face the challenges which are presented to us and to deliver for the residents of our borough.

But he said the borough will have to be "creative, explore new ways of working and throw off pre-conceived ideas about what is and isn't possible".

He said: "We can no longer just talk about partnership working - we have to really deliver co-operative ways of working, which put residents ahead of any individual consideration."

"From the autumn onwards we will be speaking to everyone that has an interest in Southwark's future and asking what your priorities are for our reduced budget and presenting you with options for how we might preserve as many of our front line services as possible."

In response to Councillor John, Mee Ling Ng, chair of NHS Southwark, gave a quick overview of the changes happening in the health service; Borough commander Wayne Chance underlined his commitment to "keeping cops on the street" and Chris Sanford, chief executive, Community Action Southwark, spoke of the opportunities and challenges facing the voluntary sector as it responded to a greater demand for it work, but reduced resources. All agreed that strong partnerships were the secret to meeting the challenge.