Cllr Victor Chamberlain's Southwark News Column: Let’s fix Southwark

After sixteen years of Labour running Southwark, with Labour in charge locally, in London and now nationally, you would expect things to be working better.

But ask residents what they think, and you hear a very different story.

Council tax going up. Streets that don’t feel as safe. A housing service that too often lets people down. And a council that feels distant and hard to reach.

At the last council meeting, Labour claimed Southwark doesn’t need fixing. Most people I speak to would strongly disagree.

The good news is: it doesn’t have to be like this.

The Liberal Democrats have set out a clear plan for the future - How to Fix Southwark - based on what residents are telling us every day on the doorstep.

And it’s focused on practical, positive change.

We will help with the cost of living by freezing council tax for the poorest households because those with the least should not be hit the hardest.

We will make our streets safer by doubling the number of community safety wardens, giving residents a visible presence in their neighbourhoods and helping tackle anti-social behaviour.

We will take on the housing crisis by pushing for at least 50% genuinely affordable homes in new developments and getting council housebuilding back on track, so local families have a fair chance of a decent home.

We will invest in young people, with five new youth centres and safe, welcoming spaces in every part of the borough.

We will clean up our streets by scrapping bulky waste charges and cracking down on fly-tipping - making it easier to do the right thing and harder to get away with the wrong thing.

And we will make the council work for you again with local one-stop shops where you can speak to someone face to face, and real decision-making brought back to neighbourhoods.

Southwark is an amazing borough, full of energy, diversity and community spirit. With the right leadership, we can match that with better services, safer streets and more opportunities for everyone.

After sixteen years, it is time for a fresh start.

And if you want change in Southwark, there is only one party that can deliver it.

The Liberal Democrats are the only real alternative to Labour here with the team, the ideas and the determination to make things better.

This election, we have a real chance to fix Southwark and build a borough that truly works for everyone.