tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54153848648875732802024-03-05T06:10:08.436-08:00We love Brixton HillRichard Angellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09484551539938633108noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415384864887573280.post-41362905912518159042012-06-01T08:13:00.001-07:002012-06-01T08:13:50.922-07:00Free nursery scheme boost for Lambeth’s disadvantaged children<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAhXjrGwOh0i7HL5jCe4rpq_GqN-FTRhAvP-QJCNIWDvy-E6VI5fpTr6UrxC1-e5FLnYuqFIXqtwLphj83526D10yvAUFwraGwaETvpdjWh_T7SMzrXr79WGoE7ROcnGBxJ0Et4ln2Osc/s1600/lambeth-nursery-schools.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAhXjrGwOh0i7HL5jCe4rpq_GqN-FTRhAvP-QJCNIWDvy-E6VI5fpTr6UrxC1-e5FLnYuqFIXqtwLphj83526D10yvAUFwraGwaETvpdjWh_T7SMzrXr79WGoE7ROcnGBxJ0Et4ln2Osc/s1600/lambeth-nursery-schools.jpg" /></a></div>
Disadvantaged children in Lambeth are to benefit from an extra year
of free early education under a new scheme launched in Brixton
yesterday.<br />
<br />
The council’s successful bid to be a pilot area for a new scheme that
will see 2 year-olds who come from disadvantaged backgrounds given
extra early education for free is a welcome initiative after some hard
lobbying of government by the Lambeth Labour Group following the Tory
Lib Dem savage cuts to early years Sure Start funding.<br />
<strong> </strong><br />
Lambeth have been given £400,000, which will provide free places for
more than 100 two year olds from disadvantaged backgrounds which help
give them the extra skills needed before reaching primary school.<br />
The scheme which will go nationwide in September 2013 has been
developed with evidence showing that Children who have access to high
quality early education are more likely to start school ready and able
to learn, with the skills they need to succeed.<br />
<br />
Cllr Rachel Heywood, Cabinet Member for Children and Families at Lambeth Council, said:<br />
“This is great news for children and families from some of the most
deprived parts of Lambeth. Studies show that many children from poorer
backgrounds start primary school at a disadvantage. This funding is
vital because it will help close the attainment gap by making sure they
start school with the skills that they need to do well, given these
children the chance which they deserve.”Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10509155065624401257noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415384864887573280.post-77615095097140314572011-11-14T00:44:00.000-08:002011-11-14T00:47:08.680-08:00Protecting children at risk of harm<p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">Protecting children at risk of abuse is one of the most important things a council does. The work carried out by teams of professional social workers only hits the headlines if something goes tragically wrong. The social workers do a tough and demanding job, and on the whole they do it extremely well in very difficult circumstances. I spent a day out with our child protection teams finding out more about the work they do in Lambeth. All the cases I refer to in this article have been anonymised to protect people’s identities.</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">I sat in on a case conference to see how the professionals decide whether a child needs protection and what that might include. The mother – let’s call her Miss A – was a foreign national who, because of her immigration status, was not entitled to public support in terms of housing or financial benefits. She appeared to have some difficulty understanding the process taking place despite very sympathetic treatment from the social workers. Miss A has recently had a baby but is living in temporary lodgings with a co-tenant she doesn’t know and who objects to having the baby in the communal living areas. The baby has no separate sleeping area of its own. Miss A has a medical condition that she is failing to treat properly despite being at risk of collapsing unconscious. If that were to happen she has no plans for who would look after her child. The father lives elsewhere in London, she appears to have no close friends, has never worked, and her family all live abroad in her home country. There are clear risks to the child’s wellbeing and the team are keen to try and minimise these.</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">The case conference includes social workers, police, health visitors and an experienced social worker who chairs the proceedings. Decisions are taken about the kind of support the mother should receive. It strikes me that she seems rather confused by what’s going on and I later suggest that unaccompanied adults who are involved in this kind of process might benefit from the support of a volunteer who’s gone through a similar experience and who could act as their friend, explaining what’s going on in a friendly and impartial way.</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">After the case conference, I join a social worker on a home visit. We get in her car and drive a mile or so away to a flat in a converted Victorian house. We meet Mrs B, an African woman in her late 40s, mother of six children. Two of her daughters, both under 16, have got involved with a violent youth gang and Mrs B is at her wits’ end with worry about how she can regain control over them. They frequently stay away for days on end, apparently abusing drugs and alcohol. They are not present, as they should be, for the social workers’ visit. They have lost all respect for their heritage and culture, both have been arrested for involvement in offending – some of it seriously violent. Both have been excluded from school. Frequent appearances at court mean little to them as they receive extensions to their community sentences – wearing electronic tags and taking part in community reparations that they simply ignore without any serious consequences.</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">Mrs B feels she has been prevented by British law from using traditional models of discipline common in her home culture that she believes would have kept her daughters out of trouble. There seems to be a real issue about the lenience of punishment given to the girls – instead of learning to respect the law they are learning that it won’t do anything serious to stop them. That cannot be right. I discuss with Mrs B and the social worker whether we need a different approach. The Boston model, first trialled in the United States, brings together community leaders and public service leaders to confront young offenders with two stark choices: either they accept the support on offer to steer them away from offending, or they face serious consequences that might include custodial sentences or intensive foster care placements with foster carers experienced at controlling unruly young people. It seems to work in the US and I wonder whether a similar approach here would help mothers like Mrs B regain the control they have lost over their children.</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">I’m also impressed by another initiative to help struggling parents recently introduced in Lambeth. The Council has joined up with Home Start UK to get volunteers who have experience in bringing up children in difficult circumstances to support parents who need their help. This is a great project, offering support that really makes a difference for families in addition to the support available from the Council. It strikes me as a great example of what we’re trying to achieve with our cooperative council proposals.</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">Back at the office, I join the referrals team to see how vulnerable children are identified and allocated support. I’m astonished to learn that there are 22,000 referrals a year, including from the police and schools. That’s nearly 500 a week, most of them highly urgent. The majority of cases involve some kind of domestic violence and this is often associated with drugs or alcohol abuse. The assessment team officers review the cases and pass them on to the social work teams best able to investigate and offer support. The council is keen to support children in their own families where it’s safe to do so, but will take them into care if there is a serious and immediate risk of harm. In a few weeks’ time the council’s referrals team will be relocated to work alongside the police so that it’s easier to cross-refer past criminal records of adults who are reported to them, leading to better decision-making about which children are at risk.</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">I was deeply impressed by the professionalism, dedication and commitment of Lambeth’s child protection teams. They really do an important job for which they get little public thanks. What could matter more than protecting some of our community’s most vulnerable children from harm? It was a privilege to spend some time with these people, and I will continue to work with them to explore some of the ideas for improving the excellent service they offer.</p><p style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">- Councillor Steve Reed</p>Councillor Alex Hollandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804944347576910457noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415384864887573280.post-67566675714938120552011-08-09T11:42:00.000-07:002011-08-09T11:49:39.187-07:00Brixton is bruised not Broken<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" >A message from Councillor Steve Reed, Leader of Lambeth Council</span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" >I thought it was important to get a message to you as soon as possible following the incidents here in Lambeth last night.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Firstly I want to make it clear that Brixton is a strong and united community. Over recent years we have benefited from strong community relations and sensitive policing. <span> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" >I’ve spoken to many people from all sections of the community over the past few hours, and they have all said the same thing - that there is absolutely no justification for the kind of vandalism and looting seen on the High Street yesterday. They are shocked and appalled by what they have seen and are united in condemnation for this type of behaviour, which has no place in our community.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span lang="EN-US">Let’s be clear – this was opportunistic criminal behaviour by a tiny minority intent on causing disruption and stealing from businesses. </span>This will not undermine the huge progress made over the past decade to build trust and respect; this is no return to 1981.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Our job now is to get Brixton back to normal as quickly as possible so people can get on with their lives. We will offer all the support we can to the police with their investigations, and to local residents and businesses that have been affected to get them back on their feet.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" >The community in Brixton is strong and resilient. Last night’s incidents will not damage that. ___________________________________________________________________________</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Updates </span></p><ul style="margin-top: 0cm; " type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" >If you have had criminal damage done to your property please contact your insurance company as soon as possible. They will advise you on what to do regarding making claims etc. It would be sensible to take photographs of any damage as this may help with any paperwork.</span></span></li></ul> <ul style="margin-top: 0cm; " type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span lang="EN-US">The tube has been closed today but was not damaged. In order to check when it is open again please check with TFL – </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.tfl.gov.uk/">www.tfl.gov.uk</a></span></span></li></ul> <ul style="margin-top: 0cm; " type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" >The high street will be cleaned up as soon as possible – our highways team will get on with this as soon as possible. We are all keen to get things back to normal as soon as possible.</span></span></li></ul> <ul style="margin-top: 0cm; " type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" >If you have any concerns about further activity or potential incidents then please call emergency services on 999.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" ><o:p></o:p></span></span></li></ul><p></p>Florence Nosegbehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407040385599879966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415384864887573280.post-29466819659426539982011-05-18T02:36:00.001-07:002011-05-18T02:36:37.668-07:00Labour Investment in Lambeth’s Housing is paying off<div class="entry"> <p><a href="http://www.lambethlabour.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Lib-windows_jpg.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1056" title="Lib windows_jpg" src="http://www.lambethlabour.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Lib-windows_jpg.jpg" alt="" width="298" height="277" /></a></p> <p>Lambeth Living with the aid of Labour investment are set to reach their target of only having 1% of homes empty by 31st May 2011. In a massive drive to improve housing in Lambeth, the Labour Group made fixing empty properties a key manifesto commitment and set out to make sure Lambeth Living hit this target.</p> <p>Over the last year investment from the Lambeth Labour administration has enabled Lambeth Living to bring over 700 properties back into use. This Labour administration is now housing nearly 1000 more households compared with 4 years ago.</p> <p>Bringing empty properties back into use is just one element though and thanks to sustained lobbying efforts Lambeth was awarded £100.5 million pounds over four years to help bring our homes up to decent standard and provide the necessary investment for new windows and doors.</p> <p>Lambeth Cabinet member for Housing Cllr Lib Peck said:</p> <p>Even though the government have slashed our housing Decent Home money from £258 million to just over £100 million I am extremely pleased that the Labour Administration and Lambeth Living have been able to restore so many properties for families that need them. We still have a long way to go but this is a definite step in the right direction.</p> </div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10509155065624401257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415384864887573280.post-66905228946560162572011-03-14T08:48:00.000-07:002011-03-14T08:50:18.121-07:00Latest Tory cut ‘risks increase in violent youth crime’<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyGacu6wTB1lgaFLMxmz1-gvGgaV7CpQHxOmZmBErU-yjM4eW6vzlyXpDxNSrpyMFDhCPE4GTr0OzzYBjuo_9DpeghdF6AyTVCml2FycWsfjkQZ_7EoSFDxOh0t30mI5sm5e5T7OJCYxDD/s1600/Tory+Cuts.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 313px; height: 147px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyGacu6wTB1lgaFLMxmz1-gvGgaV7CpQHxOmZmBErU-yjM4eW6vzlyXpDxNSrpyMFDhCPE4GTr0OzzYBjuo_9DpeghdF6AyTVCml2FycWsfjkQZ_7EoSFDxOh0t30mI5sm5e5T7OJCYxDD/s400/Tory+Cuts.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583963335999858802" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:12pt;" >Lambeth Labour have issued a warning that the latest Tory cuts to Lambeth’s Youth Offending Service risks fuelling a surge in youth crime in the borough.</span></span> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:12pt;" >Lambeth was dealt a blow last week after the Government announced it would be making cuts of over 20% to its Youth Offending Team, despite having one of the highest levels of youth offending in the country. These draconian cuts will reduce the ability to identify and divert potential young offenders, exposing our communities to an increase risk of violent crime. The Youth Offending Team offers young people an alternative to a life of crime and in making this cut the Coalition is likely to blight the lives of Lambeth’s most vulnerable young people.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:12pt;" >Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Cllr Pete Robbins, issued the warning as a Tory Youth Justice Minister, Crispin Blunt MP, visited Lambeth Council to see Lambeth’s Youth Offending Service. Cllr Robbins demanded a meeting with the minister, and set out how these short-sighted cuts will risk higher levels of youth disaffection and negative behaviour, leading to higher levels of offending. Experts confirm that the cost of repairing the damage caused by higher levels of youth crime far outweigh the savings made by short-sighted cuts like these.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:12pt;" >Cllr Pete Robbins said: ‘Safety is the number one concern of Lambeth residents, and this latest Tory cut could cause huge damage to our recent progress in reducing crime and helping divert young people away from gangs. I don’t see how the Tories dare to claim they are interested in preventing youth crime at the same time as cutting the service. I am pleased the minister had the opportunity to see the fantastic work that Lambeth does, but unless he realises his Government is putting it all at risk then it will have been a wasted trip.’ </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:12pt;" >He also added, ‘To add insult to injury, these latest cuts have been made with just one month’s notice - that’s no time at all to find ways to mitigate the worst impact.’ </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:12pt;" >Cllr Robbins and Cllr Steve Reed, Leader of Lambeth Council, have today written a joint letter to Justice Secretary Ken Clarke, Education Secretary Michael Gove, and Home Secretary Theresa May demanding that they reverse the cut, and pointing out their decisions are likely to put their stated aim that fewer young people should be sent to prison in serious doubt</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:11pt;">.</span></span></p>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10509155065624401257noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415384864887573280.post-10581724144189521722011-03-07T04:21:00.000-08:002011-03-07T04:29:16.366-08:00Labour secures millions for Brixton homes<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 13pt; color: black; font-family: Arial;">Labour has secured over £100 million to improve sub-standard homes in Brixton and across Lambeth. L<span class="056013012-03032011">ocal L</span>abour councillors spent months lobbying Government ministers for funding to complete upgrade works on 15,000 homes that need new windows, doors, kitchens, bathrooms and central heating to bring them up to minimum standards. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 13pt; color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br />Brixton Hill Ward councillor Steve Reed wrote to Government ministers to press the case for Lambeth’s tenants. The money will come through over the next four years, although there is disappointment the Government is delaying half the funding until 2014, and the total sum available is less than half the amount needed to complete work on all substandard homes. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 13pt; color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br />Cllr Reed said: "I am pleased our hard work has delivered some good news for Lambeth’s tenants. It’s not right people should be left to live in sub-standard homes. This money is a real boost but it is less than half the amount the Labour Government promised so we still have a significant challenge ahead of us." </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 13pt; color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br />He added: "It’s disappointing the Government is delaying this funding while bringing forward their cuts, but we welcome this news. Labour councillors and local tenants made such a strong case together that even this Government found it hard to ignore us completely."<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 13pt; color: black; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 13pt; color: black; font-family: Arial;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 13pt; color: black; font-family: Arial;">The money means Lambeth Council will be able to carry out more window replacements programmes, like the one planned for Dumbarton Court on Brixton Hill, as well as works to upgrade tenants' kitchens and bathrooms and install central heating.</span></p>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10509155065624401257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415384864887573280.post-58307982732425038272011-03-04T01:05:00.000-08:002011-03-04T01:16:39.476-08:00All change at Lambeth customer centres and call centre<span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>The customer centres and call centre opening hours have changed </strong></span><br /><br />The new opening hours are:<br /><strong>Brixton Customer Centre</strong> (based in Birxton Hill ward)<br />Address: 18 Brixton Hill, London SW2 1RL<br />Monday: 9am to 5pm Tuesday: 9am to 5pm Wednesday: 9am to 5pm Thursday: 9am to 7pm Friday: 9am to 5pm<br />Closed Saturday and Sunday<br /><br /><strong>Gracefield Gardens Customer Centre<br /></strong>Address: 2- 8 Gracefield Gardens, Streatham, London SW16 2ST<br />Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm<br />Closed Saturday and Sunday<br /><br /><strong>Lambeth Service Centre/call centre<br /></strong>General enquiries: 020 7926 1000 Available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.<br />Closed Saturday and Sunday<br /><br />Customers can call various out-of-hours emergency services outside of the core opening hours.Florence Nosegbehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407040385599879966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415384864887573280.post-38035928570181124682011-02-25T02:27:00.001-08:002011-02-25T02:28:25.341-08:00Extra Police for Lambeth’s Streets<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja9ljFZBq5CesI85AwZzRs3zh0zZk3UR6rH0W2PJzxODHvbNnCD_-neqLtXyxUNDWftp4hCpcEx2Iv9Cw0HePPIomR9_Z0_Y7T_lzYvVa0R5GEEc63e3AOsWcH05AdD9RvA_bQeHCoah7J/s1600/Cops%2520walking_bmp.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577572022772479314" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 265px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 265px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja9ljFZBq5CesI85AwZzRs3zh0zZk3UR6rH0W2PJzxODHvbNnCD_-neqLtXyxUNDWftp4hCpcEx2Iv9Cw0HePPIomR9_Z0_Y7T_lzYvVa0R5GEEc63e3AOsWcH05AdD9RvA_bQeHCoah7J/s400/Cops%252520walking_bmp.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div>Crime is residents’ number one concern and Police reorganisation strategy, known as Operation Hannah, will go live from Monday February 14th. Over 100 extra police officers will be assigned to six areas, covering the whole borough, that will increase visible policing, get more officers on the beat and provide an even greater focus on local issues such as anti-social behaviour.</div><br /><div><br />Cllr Rachel Heywood Lambeth cabinet member for Communities and Community Safety said “Operation Hannah will go a long way to help the fight against anti social behaviour in Lambeth and significantly enhance local neighbourhood policing at a time when police number are being cut across the rest of the UK. Ensuring safer communities in Lambeth is a key priority for Labour administration and the additional police constables will provide a visible presence and safety net as well as helping reassure residents across the borough.’</div><br /><div><br />Under operation Hannah all 21 wards in Lambeth will be partnered with others to make 6 clusters, called Local Policing Teams, with each cluster receiving at least an additional 14 police constables. The LPTs will also be working alongside, boosting the Safer Neighbourhood Teams, who will remain committed to tackling crime in their wards.<br />Residents in Lambeth will benefit from extra visible policing at a time when the Tory led coalition is cutting funding to services and the Lib Dems reneged on a deal to provide 3000 extra police.</div><br /><div><br />News of Operation Hannah comes on the back of the announcement that Lambeth is going to continue funding its special police team to tackle crime hit neighbourhoods. The Anti-Social Behaviour Action Team, set up last year, is made up of 22 PCSOs and they can be rapidly deployed across the borough, another addition to Labour’s manifesto commitment to zero tolerance of anti-social behaviour.</div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10509155065624401257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415384864887573280.post-87094620788269314752011-02-25T02:04:00.000-08:002011-02-25T02:24:08.949-08:00Labour wins cash boost for Lambeth homes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1BzA3vqtREVG04XoC0GzROalsBI3wpMjr9XA0Pa0ugf44AUccBQ-bNqV3iQ6sdrXX6ADIh_Hg3dM-9RW3Ht1q85LS7y8sA-2sOh1h1oZU3_4GOsPLVfveXNyZcWf8X7rQe3gDLgjRnhR/s1600/Lib+windows_jpg.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577570531133736594" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 333px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 231px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1BzA3vqtREVG04XoC0GzROalsBI3wpMjr9XA0Pa0ugf44AUccBQ-bNqV3iQ6sdrXX6ADIh_Hg3dM-9RW3Ht1q85LS7y8sA-2sOh1h1oZU3_4GOsPLVfveXNyZcWf8X7rQe3gDLgjRnhR/s400/Lib+windows_jpg.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div>Labour has secured over £100 million to improve sub-standard homes in Lambeth. Labour councillors have spent months lobbying Government ministers for funding to complete upgrade works on 15,000 homes that need new windows, doors, kitchens, bathrooms and central heating to bring them up to minimum standards.</div><br /><div><br />Labour’s Lib Peck, Cabinet Member for Housing, and Council Leader Steve Reed both wrote to Government ministers repeatedly to press the case for Lambeth’s tenants. The money will come through over the next four years, although there is disappointment the Government is delaying half the funding until 2014, and the total sum available is less than half the amount needed to complete work on all substandard homes.</div><br /><div><br />Cllr Lib Peck said: “I am pleased our hard work has delivered some good news for Lambeth’s tenants. It’s not right people should be left to live in sub-standard homes. This money is a real boost but it is less than half the amount the Labour Government promised so we still have a significant challenge ahead of us.”</div><br /><div><br />Cllr Steve Reed commented: “It’s disappointing the Government is delaying this funding while bringing forward their cuts, but we welcome this news. Labour councillors and Lambeth’s tenants made such a strong case together that even this Government found it hard to ignore us completely.”</div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10509155065624401257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415384864887573280.post-46971753273775278352010-12-14T02:27:00.000-08:002010-12-14T02:33:26.229-08:00Central London Labour Leaders condemn government's cuts to local councils<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgD4wAI2YzTdCK59rzUb3Xz8SX6YFkZN1B2yKXkcywObvq2XTg9LP6oPiMdMAcCXoPrF39LZLDwdn3eBGIA5qYgDVriUejTko68U7_KbOoOmUaGVKMq9gKvhQ567HHCLXgN_8XlX3jIAG/s1600/SaveOurServices%255B1%255D.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 209px; height: 186px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgD4wAI2YzTdCK59rzUb3Xz8SX6YFkZN1B2yKXkcywObvq2XTg9LP6oPiMdMAcCXoPrF39LZLDwdn3eBGIA5qYgDVriUejTko68U7_KbOoOmUaGVKMq9gKvhQ567HHCLXgN_8XlX3jIAG/s400/SaveOurServices%255B1%255D.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550483223231304002" border="0" /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">The three Labour leaders of Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark Councils have issued a joint statement laying out their opposition to the huge cuts for local councils announced today by the Coalition Government. As part of the settlement for local government the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles, has cut funding to the three councils by millions of pounds.<br /><br />Between them the three council leaders represent nearly a million people including some of the most deprived communities in the country. Today</span></span>’<span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">s settlement is not the first government decision that will disproportionately affect people living in inner-city areas, but comes on the back of changes to welfare, higher education and social housing.<br /><br />Cllr Steve Reed, Leader of Lambeth Council, Sir Steve Bullock, Mayor of Lewisham and Cllr Peter John</span></span>’<span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">s statement:<br /><br /></span></span>“<span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Between us we represent some of the most deprived inner-city areas in the UK and almost 1 million people. The Tory/Lib Dem government</span></span>’<span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">s announcement today to cut council funding by millions of pounds is a hammer-blow to our boroughs and hit s our people hard. This was not an inevitability but a short-sighted political choice; it was not an unavoidable outcome but a calculated decision to put dogma ahead of decency.<br /><br /></span></span>“<span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">We will each work with local residents to try and minimise the pain of these cuts but we are united in our opposition to them. Today's decision will force all Councils to cut highly valued services. We share local people's anger about this, and will stand alongside our communities through the challenging months and years ahead”.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:12pt;" > </span></span></p>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10509155065624401257noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415384864887573280.post-49255016948305689882010-09-24T02:17:00.001-07:002010-09-24T02:19:42.517-07:00Labour challenges Tories and Lib Dems to back anti-trafficking laws.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9IKGcs91AgrGHesu3TOG0Ku9rs6y6oEJuJa_lT6KEA731S9l9QH7ImY_tUrVC5Tjv_dT6XNbdBzTSfgc-kF4FsrWnm261W6tAKFIaZ8JweBBCHL0Mr5Z8qqWaA8SkrRqjKLkVz6AndTZo/s1600/Eaves+Logo.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 204px; height: 130px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9IKGcs91AgrGHesu3TOG0Ku9rs6y6oEJuJa_lT6KEA731S9l9QH7ImY_tUrVC5Tjv_dT6XNbdBzTSfgc-kF4FsrWnm261W6tAKFIaZ8JweBBCHL0Mr5Z8qqWaA8SkrRqjKLkVz6AndTZo/s320/Eaves+Logo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520406894805717698" border="0" /></a> Lambeth Council leader Steve Reed has called on local Lib Dems and Tories to support proposed rules to tackle human trafficking across Europe. The coalition government has dismayed campaigners by refusing to sign up to the new rules, but Labour hopes a cross-party campaign can persuade them to change their minds.<div class="entry"> <p>The new guidelines would work to ensure that EU countries work together to prevent trafficking, ensure successful prosecution and make sure victims of trafficking are properly looked after. Researchers estimate there are an average of 100 trafficked women and children facing regular abuse, including physical and sexual abuse, in every London Borough including Lambeth.</p> <p>Astonishingly the coalition government have said they will opt out of the new rules that are supported by many well respected campaign groups including Anti–Slavery International and ECPAT UK which campaigns against child sexual abuse. The government’s failure to support the new rules seriously undermines European–wide efforts to tackle the misery caused by this crime, abandoning victims in Lambeth and elsewhere to their abusers.</p> <p>Lambeth is home to the Poppy Project, part of Eaves Women’s Housing, which offers support to women and children who are freed from their abusers. They have also backed the campaign for the government to sign up to the new rules.</p> <p>Cllr Steve Reed said:</p> <p>“It is unbelievable the Government is refusing to sign up to new rules that could help protect some of the most vulnerable people in our country. Hundreds of women and children are trafficked to the UK every year and suffer untold abuse at the hands of their captors. I’m calling on Lambeth’s Tories and Lib Dems to join Labour in demanding a change of heart from their colleagues in government. We must do everything in our power to stop this vile abuse of women and children.”</p> </div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10509155065624401257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415384864887573280.post-47892819663466677622010-09-14T04:57:00.000-07:002010-09-14T05:00:27.250-07:00Brixton Pound Invites you to celebrate its first year<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVruvZWmpKmtGIZndXXgTfnWjDKSIhmU-jvMISvFPAebnOscG4KG7L0jokt8eFwlJ5btS0FpmAMd2WuLs92TpIJk-jb8J1olQjUHmtUNxSnbFzjS2pXyTQY2tStq8xKagiuBF4mt0yCGFn/s1600/noname.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 201px; height: 207px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVruvZWmpKmtGIZndXXgTfnWjDKSIhmU-jvMISvFPAebnOscG4KG7L0jokt8eFwlJ5btS0FpmAMd2WuLs92TpIJk-jb8J1olQjUHmtUNxSnbFzjS2pXyTQY2tStq8xKagiuBF4mt0yCGFn/s200/noname.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516737630826239778" border="0" /></a><br /><i>On 16th September the Brixton Pound will be one year old and where better to celebrate than the place where it all began – Brixton Market.</i><br /><br />Brixton Hill Councillors provided early support for the project and are proud to see it celebrating it's first birthday.<br /><br />The Brixton Pound will be taking over one of Brixton Village’s now legendary late-night Thursdays and throwing a big party for our friends and supporters.<br /><br />Entry is free and there will be entertainment for all ages including music, theatre performances, an interactive workshop and a treasure hunt for kids.<br /><br />The party will be in full swing from 6.30 – 10pm with a special birthday toast at 8pm (guest speakers tba). As usual, shops and restaurants in Brixton Village will be open until 10pm.<br /><br />The party will be followed by a late-night DJ set in the White Horse pub, Brixton Hill.<br /><br />Hope to see you there<br /><br /><a title="http://brixtonpound.org/2010/happybirthday/" href="http://brixtonpound.org/2010/happybirthday/">http://brixtonpound.org/2010/happybirthday/</a>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10509155065624401257noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415384864887573280.post-76722205751225738892010-09-07T03:19:00.000-07:002010-09-07T03:28:46.274-07:00Urban green fair<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.urbangreenfair.org"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 392px; height: 95px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOgj7AoqSmNiQREhIquw6eG5pV3KH-WGg_orX6z5EE_-7LoRIzBHOLdmj6tmARJzjDmgnENFmt90M6rYffDMqfXrphPu5wGR-0VCvPlRjqwmFxbzdocHLxeKvt8a21WpkjLLRIOgCalzkR/s200/home_page_header2+urban+green+fair.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514115991166927858" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We Love Brixton Hill is happy to see the return of the Urban Green Fair, one of the largest and most vibrant sustainable community events in the country.<br /><br /><p align="center"><span class="style8"><span class="style22">The Urban Green Fair</span><br /></span><span class="style13">Sunday 5th September 2010</span><br /><span class="style13">Brockwell Park</span><br /><span class="style23">An independent green fair for London<br />powered by solar and wind energy</span><br /></p> <p><span class="style3"></span><br />The Urban Green Fair is a Community Interest Company (CIC), providing a simple step to a sustainable future. Our aims are principally to organise an outdoor ‘festival’, through which we: </p> <ul><li>Empower, educate and enthuse people regarding current environmental issues, by effective and positive communication. </li><li>Present environmentally-focussed products, businesses, practises and information.<br /></li><li>Engage with diverse local communities, before, during and after the event.<br /></li><li>Provide a uniquely family-friendly learning environment, not diluted by alcohol or loud music.<br /></li></ul> <p align="center"><strong>The Urban Green Fair: “Skill up for power down</strong></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.urban75.com"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 147px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjPmNj6RNw2fdCx5qUwUZN4ln4K28xIxp2ZMUmBvgsVqQz3SEzDtGRB9N2k3OYfWpY5SmNtzt37uwoamJGY8tL0Nukzt2Wl1ng5RqN4xi-iNrnFZK8f4n7pY4tjV1XcP-RV8YuLuVsM8P/s200/urban-green-fair-08.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514116229581553122" border="0" /></a><p align="center"><strong><br /></strong></p>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10509155065624401257noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415384864887573280.post-52718436753685136552010-08-16T07:15:00.000-07:002010-08-16T07:16:32.995-07:00Come along to Brixton Hill Safer Neighbourhood Panel - Thursday 19th August 2010Come alone and discuss local crime and policing issues with the Brixton Hill Safer Neighbourhood Police Team and other local residents.<br /><br />By joining in you can help raise any concerns you have and set the priorities for policing in our neighbourhood.<br /><br />The meeting is on Thursday 19th August, 19:00-21:00, Clapham Park Offices, 1-4 Brixton Hill Place (map below)<br /><br />All residents living or working in the Brixton Hill ward (see Map <a title="http://www.lambeth.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/47C3A8BB-4DE0-4AF7-975B-433E6B10E472/0/BrixtonHillWardMap.pdf" href="http://www.lambeth.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/47C3A8BB-4DE0-4AF7-975B-433E6B10E472/0/BrixtonHillWardMap.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.lambeth.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/47C3A8BB-4DE0-4AF7-975B-433E6B10E472/0/BrixtonHillWardMap.pdf</a>) are very welcome.Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10509155065624401257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415384864887573280.post-56901992558595383232010-07-29T02:23:00.000-07:002010-07-29T02:24:55.830-07:00Lambeth Labour Councillors call on Government to commit to Decent Homes for Tenants<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIorJtmE4Epf5qqDjDndanWjG09tuVtxK-yIpIlZobJOaW-KzOUWFj3QHu-9cqhvpVa9Nt4b7oBI0u5HuH8d_KkK5dnlMGk-zNVLNYeVopKJOzzXWxqJsQKOMOWOcHH_UsRGd8Bt4E5R3B/s1600/windows_jpg.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 230px; height: 187px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIorJtmE4Epf5qqDjDndanWjG09tuVtxK-yIpIlZobJOaW-KzOUWFj3QHu-9cqhvpVa9Nt4b7oBI0u5HuH8d_KkK5dnlMGk-zNVLNYeVopKJOzzXWxqJsQKOMOWOcHH_UsRGd8Bt4E5R3B/s200/windows_jpg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499256686782793362" border="0" /></a><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:small;" >Labour Cabinet Member for Housing, Lib Peck today called on the Government to commit to funding Decent Homes in Lambeth. Lambeth Leaders wrote to Housing Minister Grant Shapps in June urging him to commit to funding for decent homes but he has yet to respond.</span> <p><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:small;" >Lambeth Council is campaigning for continued investment in the Decent Homes scheme, which was started by the Labour Government, to bring all of the borough’s social housing up to a decent standard. </span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:small;" >The Decent Homes scheme is under threat after the Tory-Lib Dem Government made no commitment to complete the programme in their manifestos or the Coalition Agreement.</span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:small;" >Cllr Lib Peck said:</span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:small;" >“We’re calling on the Conservative/Liberal Democrat government to fund the decent homes programme in Lambeth. In total this amounts to £233 million for Lambeth Living; and “25 million for United Residents Housing. This money is desperately needed so that our homes can be made safe, warm and secure. It will pay for new roofs, new boilers, new windows, new kitchens and new bathrooms that are desperately needed by our residents. The last government promised this money – we don’t want the new government to break this agreement and let down Lambeth residents.”</span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:small;" >Rt Hon John Healey MP, Shadow Minister for Housing and Planning, said: </span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:small;" >“I want to see the new Government back tenants’ desire to live in a decent home. They deserve the improvements that others have already had.</span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:small;" >“If ministers fail to give a clear commitment to finish Labour’s big refurbishment programme, tenants will be left in limbo and we’ll see the widespread unfairness of two-tiered council estates in our communities.”</span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:small;" >Please help support Labour in Lambeth’s call on the government to commit to Decent Homes for Tenants by clicking on the following link </span><a title="http://www.lambeth.gov.uk/moderngov/mgEPetitionDisplay.aspx?ID=183&RPID=10738965" href="http://www.lambeth.gov.uk/moderngov/mgEPetitionDisplay.aspx?ID=183&RPID=10738965">http://www.lambeth.gov.uk/moderngov/mgEPetitionDisplay.aspx?ID=183&RPID=10738965</a></p>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10509155065624401257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415384864887573280.post-30298905038168686152010-07-27T04:45:00.000-07:002010-07-27T04:46:06.075-07:00Brixton Splash 2010 United Colours of Brixton.<div><p class="ev2"><span id="lblDescription">1 August 2010 12 noon to 7pm. Brixton Splash is an exhilarating festival of music, with sound systems and two stages, promoting cultural diversity through arts, crafts, workshops, food and music for the local community and visitors alike. There is a something for all the family to enjoy whilst celebrating the diverse culture and history of Brixton.</span></p> <p class="ev2"><span id="lblExtra"></span></p> <p class="ev2"><span id="lblTimes">This is FREE event from 12 noon to 7pm. All the family are welcome whether you want to enjoy diverse music and performances, sample local crafts, support local artists or simply entertain the family.</span></p> <h2 style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Coldharbour Lane, Atlantic Road, Electric Avenue, Windrush Square & Peace Gardens Brixton. London SW9 8HE</h2> <p class="ev5"><span id="lblDates">Sun 1 August<br /></span></p> <p class="ev2"><span class="VisitWebsite" id="lblWebsite">Website</span> <a class="EventLink" id="hlWebsite" title="http://www.brixtonsplash.co.uk/ Link to www.brixtonsplash.co.uk" href="http://www.brixtonsplash.co.uk/" target="_blank">www.brixtonsplash.co.uk</a></p></div> <div> </div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10509155065624401257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415384864887573280.post-8496365460655153232010-07-14T03:34:00.000-07:002010-07-14T03:37:05.633-07:00Councillors slam Tory/Lib Dem school building cuts in Lambeth and a new school planned for Brixton Hill ward<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CCknott%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C11%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; 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margin:0cm; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {color:blue; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {color:purple; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} @page Section1 {size:612.0pt 792.0pt; margin:72.0pt 90.0pt 72.0pt 90.0pt; mso-header-margin:36.0pt; mso-footer-margin:36.0pt; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Labour councillors Steve Reed, Florence Nosegbe and Alex Holland have slammed the recent admission by Tory Education secretary Michael Gove that he is cutting more than £200 million in Lambeth schools funding, just days before contracts were due to be agreed and building work was to begin.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Local schools in Lambeth including Landsdowne and the Fenstanton Project had been promised rebuilt or refurbished school buildings under the Building Schools for the Future project, but the Tory/Lib Dem coalition government has now dashed their hopes. Michael Gove has now cancelled Lambeth’s entire program, affecting thousands of pupils at eleven secondary schools. The cancelled investment in schools was desperately needed, both to renew or rebuild tired buildings, and also to provide much needed extra places in the borough, including a new school for Brixton. The creation of hundreds of local construction jobs will also be dashed.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Labour councillor Steve Reed said: “Teachers and pupils across Lambeth’s schools had been promised millions in funding to bring their school up to modern standards. Now the Tory/Lib Dem government have destroyed their dream of modern buildings by cancelling Building Schools for the Future in Lambeth outright, affecting the life chances of hundreds of local children in Lambeth.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">“Lambeth is still desperately short of places for secondary school age children, despite Labour building three new schools from scratch in the last few years. Labour’s plans for school rebuilding would have created the extra places our borough need – but the Tories and Lib Dems will leave our children having to travel miles out of the borough to get to school.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">“What’s more, Lambeth has already spent more than £6 million on preparing planning permissions and producing designs for the eleven new schools – local taxpayers will be outraged that the coalition government’s decision will see that money go to waste.”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;">Lambeth Labour are now leading a ‘Save Our Schools’ campaign, to shame the Tory/Lib Dem government into reversing their short-sighted decision. They are urging local parents and children to write to Education secretary Michael Gove telling him how their decision will affect their education, and urging him to restore the funding Lambeth needs. He can be contacted at:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; color: black;" lang="EN">The Rt Hon Michael Gove MP <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; color: black;" lang="EN">Secretary of State for Education<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; color: black;" lang="EN">Sanctuary Buildings <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; color: black;" lang="EN">Great <st1:street st="on"><st1:address st="on">Smith Street</st1:address></st1:street> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; color: black;" lang="EN">London</span></st1:city></st1:place><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; color: black;" lang="EN"> SW1P 3BT<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; color: black;" lang="EN"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; color: black;" lang="EN">Or email: </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><a href="mailto:ministers@education.gsi.gov.uk" title="mailto:ministers@education.gsi.gov.uk">ministers@education.gsi.gov.uk</a></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<br /><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CCknott%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C10%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="Street"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="address"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="City"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0cm; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {color:blue; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {color:purple; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} @page Section1 {size:612.0pt 792.0pt; margin:72.0pt 90.0pt 72.0pt 90.0pt; mso-header-margin:36.0pt; mso-footer-margin:36.0pt; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:arial;font-size:10pt;" ><a href="mailto:ministers@education.gsi.gov.uk" title="mailto:ministers@education.gsi.gov.uk"></a></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p></o:p></span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10pt;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></p> Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10509155065624401257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415384864887573280.post-22350082177878262442010-07-08T08:43:00.000-07:002010-07-08T08:59:05.500-07:00WINDMILL FESTIVAL: Sunday 11 July 2010<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyOukXHP4tGA1r7vu7BE1Ud26zibjEMyUtM-Iqh49966tKBBo5pPoAUWiOvJN8M08lix7pFj3iarHmGhjFq2-HuTntF-38CLkiip37837u4uSil2qVSdP5hl3NXPLo8XPN7zynaeFP-_o/s1600/brixton+windmill.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491565237918025410" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyOukXHP4tGA1r7vu7BE1Ud26zibjEMyUtM-Iqh49966tKBBo5pPoAUWiOvJN8M08lix7pFj3iarHmGhjFq2-HuTntF-38CLkiip37837u4uSil2qVSdP5hl3NXPLo8XPN7zynaeFP-_o/s200/brixton+windmill.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The annual Windmill Festival will be held on Sunday 11 July 2010 from 2pm to 5.30pm.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The day will include world music puppet and theatre shows. flamenco and Morris dancing, face painting and a whole range of other activities.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The Friends of Windmill Gardens (FOWG) are keen to hear from people who may be able to help set up before the event, to clear up afterwards and to act as stewards during the festival. If you are interested in helping out please email <a href="mailto:info@brixtonwindmill.org.uk">info@brixtonwindmill.org.uk</a> </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Florence Nosegbehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08407040385599879966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415384864887573280.post-83109224539457221462010-07-08T02:43:00.000-07:002010-07-08T02:47:46.427-07:00ENDYMION ROAD STREET PARTY!<strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Street party on Saturday the 10th July and everyone’s invited!<br /></span></strong><br />The street party will run from 2pm to 7pm<br /><br />2pm to 3pm – Setting Up<br />3pm to 4pm – Food<br />4pm to 7pm – Music & entertainment<br />(Music will be off by 10pm at the latest)<br /><br /><strong>Food:</strong><br /><br />Many of us are bringing tables and chairs into the street and preparing some food to share- please come and join us! (Please provide your own drink).<br /><br /><strong>Music:</strong><br /><br />Jackie & Kat will be hosting a small soundsystem for everyone<br /><br /><strong>Kids Activities:</strong><br /><br />From 2 pm ‘til 3pm we’ll be blowing balloons and hanging streamers<br />– come and join the fun!<br /><br />From 4pm, there will be face painting and children’s games<br />– any ideas and suggestions welcome.<br /><br /><strong>Do you own a car?</strong><br /><br />If so, we kindly need you to not park between numbers 15 and 80 & find some alternative parking so that this part of our road is safe from vehicles as we all take to the street and enjoy a shared space<br /><br /><strong>When do I need to move my car?<br /></strong><br />Please move your car by 1pm on Saturday 10th July<br /><br /><strong>Where can I park my car?</strong><br /><br />The street will only need to be clear between numbers 15 and 80. The rest of Endymion Rd is fine to park in. There should also be parking spaces on other streets in our area<br /><br /><br />It’s not too late to help out! If you have any ideas, or suggestions, then please do let us know. Pop round to no. 43, email <a href="mailto:phillymoore@yahoo.co.uk">phillymoore@yahoo.co.uk</a> or give Phil a call on 07931 840 771<br /> <br />Lambeth council has agreed to closing off the street to traffic making it a safer place for children & to give us more spaceChrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10509155065624401257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415384864887573280.post-7851868973907458712010-07-05T03:54:00.000-07:002010-07-05T03:56:06.562-07:00Ruth Ling wins it for Labour in the Tulse Hill By election<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxxre3W4Ov8WJIBE4BnYZsYzcOyL12bz7QyAPrQe3DUpUh5l7qd7i8dOZNhrn026ucEYeZPYbNDqXcbFEL5TTP7Rg0UOV8TnSs-QdiScQQyviuCxDXcbnKYO_2oOofYiHLPnzd-IrUm-O/s1600/ruth.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490374167333347938" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxxre3W4Ov8WJIBE4BnYZsYzcOyL12bz7QyAPrQe3DUpUh5l7qd7i8dOZNhrn026ucEYeZPYbNDqXcbFEL5TTP7Rg0UOV8TnSs-QdiScQQyviuCxDXcbnKYO_2oOofYiHLPnzd-IrUm-O/s320/ruth.jpg" border="0" /></a>Labour candidate Ruth Ling claimed victory in the Tulse Hill by election which was held yesterday on the 1st July 2010. After a hard and well fought campaign by Ruth Ling and the Lambeth Labour Party which included guest appearances from Blur drummer Dave Rowntree and former Mayor of London Ken Livingstone, Ruth won with a 490 majority on a 21.4% turnout.<br /><div><br />The result helps strengthen Labour in Lambeth’s fight against ConDem cuts and plans to work more closely with communities and customers of council services as a co-operative council to improve service quality for everyone.</div><br /><div><br />Cllr Ruth Ling said:<br />“I’m delighted to be back on the Council and I would like to thank all the residents in Tulse Hill who have been so friendly and supportive to me over the last few weeks. I look forward to working hard on their behalf.”</div><br /><div><br />Council Leader Steve Reed said:<br />“The by-election result was a powerful endorsement of Ruth Ling and Lambeth’s Labour Council. The result, with Labour’s share of the vote even higher than in May, sends a clear signal to the Tory-Lib Dem Government that people in Lambeth will not take their unfair cuts lying down. For the Tories, as the country’s governing party, to win barely 4% of the vote just a few miles from Parliament is a humiliation. Ruth has many years of experience and will be a hard-working champion for the people of Tulse Hill”.<br /><br />Full Results:</div><br /><div><br />Labour – 1235<br />Liberal Democrats – 745<br />Green Party – 256<br />Conservatives – 94<br />UKIP – 36 </div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10509155065624401257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415384864887573280.post-91837061548485683652010-07-05T03:52:00.000-07:002010-07-05T03:54:44.455-07:00Labour to work cross-border to protect services Lewisham, Southwark and Lambeth<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeY4S40XYukGOICbXHz0s4_bpuZiXbQ8-eLOOWh4PC17hC-tpRNpC2i6ANCeFof_Rx762ztFJkDpAzZwciAitbKSnaQF7EbfhuX5ZKS8sXfF5GfBNbKsPkU9Wtz7TdgdlhnEVgS1tR1Ifi/s1600/hand+shake.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490373776106462546" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 188px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 145px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeY4S40XYukGOICbXHz0s4_bpuZiXbQ8-eLOOWh4PC17hC-tpRNpC2i6ANCeFof_Rx762ztFJkDpAzZwciAitbKSnaQF7EbfhuX5ZKS8sXfF5GfBNbKsPkU9Wtz7TdgdlhnEVgS1tR1Ifi/s320/hand+shake.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham are building on plans announced before the election to work together to cut costs and protect frontline services. </div><br /><div><br />Partnership working between the three boroughs has taken on a new urgency in light of the unprecedented cuts from the Tory/Lib Dem Government that local councils will face over the coming years.</div><br /><div><br />Sir Steve Bullock, elected Mayor of Lewisham, Cllr Steve Reed, Leader of Lambeth and Cllr Peter John, Leader of Southwark, have today written to their respective Chief Executives to commission them to begin joint discussions to consider where potential exists for efficient and effective joint working. They have been asked to work together to present a range of options by the autumn. </div><br /><div><br /><strong>Cllr Steve Reed said</strong>: “Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark councils all provide many services that are identical, but do we really need to pay twice for separate sets of senior management and back-office support? We need to proactively look at making savings at a time when the Tory/Lib Dem government is making cuts to council funding in order to protect frontline services” </div><br /><div><br /><strong>Cllr Peter John said</strong>: “Local councils are facing unprecedented cuts from the Tory/Lib Dem Government. We know that we’re going to have to change the way we work to rise to the challenge those cuts present and carry on making the improvements to local services that our residents need. Pulling together with our neighbouring boroughs, which face many of the same challenges we do, promises to deliver some of that change.” </div><br /><div><br /><strong>Mayor Sir Steve Bullock said</strong>: “We have to seek dramatic improvements in efficiency by working in partnership with our neighbouring Councils, other public services and the private sector. Every pound we can save through efficiency is a pound we can spend on frontline services. I hope this innovative approach can be used as a model across Local Government, rather than a return to slash and burn cuts”</div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10509155065624401257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415384864887573280.post-75350104243057176992010-06-18T07:27:00.000-07:002010-06-18T07:32:06.828-07:00Brixton Hill Safer Neighbourhood PanelCome along to Brixton Hill Safer Neighbourhood Panel - Thursday 24th June 2010<br /><br />Come alone and discuss local crime and policing issues with the Brixton Hill Safer Neighbourhood Police Team, your Councillors and local residents.<br />By joining in you can help raise any concerns you have and set the priorities for policing in our neighbourhood.<br /><br />The meeting is on Thursday 24th June, 19:00-21:00, Clapham Park Offices, 1-4 Brixton Hill Place (map below)<br /><br />All residents living or working in the Brixton Hill ward (see Map <a title="http://www.lambeth.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/47C3A8BB-4DE0-4AF7-975B-433E6B10E472/0/BrixtonHillWardMap.pdf" href="http://www.lambeth.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/47C3A8BB-4DE0-4AF7-975B-433E6B10E472/0/BrixtonHillWardMap.pdf">http://www.lambeth.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/47C3A8BB-4DE0-4AF7-975B-433E6B10E472/0/BrixtonHillWardMap.pdf</a>) are very welcome.Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10509155065624401257noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415384864887573280.post-12544605588339694042010-06-03T06:31:00.000-07:002010-06-03T06:35:08.038-07:00Lambeth's Cooperative Council Challenges Camerons Big Society<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPxrWORPM72AlJsK1lAv_rO7aJmWuNKIkkXP7qdmAaMWrbJwWHF6bROO59rmbnDnEnE3J8PvYMRKkO2q9hu-dlaGr9UCwMDlwmkB_XvP-kiMavzzDEzOKO-9ras69exN8qKcQMa1BonYZO/s1600/583fea0c-8fd8-5674-914c-606001caf243.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478540399366514370" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPxrWORPM72AlJsK1lAv_rO7aJmWuNKIkkXP7qdmAaMWrbJwWHF6bROO59rmbnDnEnE3J8PvYMRKkO2q9hu-dlaGr9UCwMDlwmkB_XvP-kiMavzzDEzOKO-9ras69exN8qKcQMa1BonYZO/s320/583fea0c-8fd8-5674-914c-606001caf243.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Lambeth Council is launching detailed proposals that will see the South London authority become Britain’s first-ever cooperative council.<br /><br />Lambeth’s cooperative council model – first trailed in the national media in February 2010, months before David Cameron announced his Big Society proposals – will see residents take on a bigger role in running and shaping local services. The model contrasts with the Tory ‘EasyCouncil’ model in the London Borough of Barnet that aims to create two-tier services with substandard services for the majority and better options available only to those wealthy enough to pay for them. While there are some similarities with the coalition Government’s Big Society proposals, Labour’s model in Lambeth takes a more thorough-going approach applying the cooperative values of fairness, accountability and responsibility across a broad range of services. It is built on four years experience trialling the approach in specific services in Lambeth.<br /><br />Lambeth’s Labour leader, Cllr Steve Reed, will publish detailed proposals on Wednesday 26 May at the same time as the council sets up a Citizens’ Commission to consult local people on the proposals. The Commission will identify new services where the cooperative model can be piloted and will explore how the approach can be rolled out across further service areas later this year. The Commission will also explore how an ‘active citizens dividend’ could be paid to reward people who get involved in running local services, possibly in the form of a council-tax discount.<br /><br />Lambeth has led the country in exploring the cooperative approach to service delivery in recent years. The council has more tenant-managed housing estates than any other borough and is transferring more assets to community control than any other council. Notable examples include Raleigh Hall in Brixton which is set to become the country’s first National Black Heritage Centre; the Weir Link children’s centre in Balham which is a service run by residents in a building built by the community; and the Old Lilian Baylis community sports hub operating out of a disused secondary school in Vauxhall that has won praise from leading politicians of all parties as well as international sports heroes like Usain Bolt and Michael Jordan.<br /><br />Other community-led services already succeeding in Lambeth include 2XL, a peer mentoring programme that has dramatically cut youth reoffending levels on tough inner-city estates, the country’s first parent-promoted secondary school in West Norwood, and Community Freshview, an environmental programme that sees local people given tools and support to transform derelict or overgrown wasteland into community gardens or public spaces.<br /><br />Lambeth’s Council leader, Cllr Steve Reed, said: “Lambeth has spent the past four years exploring how the community can get more involved in running local services. In widely different service areas like schools, housing and tackling crime we’ve learnt this approach delivers better services that cost less. Now we will take the model further and become the first council in the country to apply cooperative values right across the board. Our model differs from the Tories’ Big Society because while they want to roll back state, we want to change the role of the state, creating a new settlement between the citizen and public services with more power and control handed to local people. Our model empowers people to get on and make the changes they want to see in their local area, building better services and a stronger civic society at the same time.” </div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10509155065624401257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415384864887573280.post-12860510857812157992010-05-17T05:06:00.000-07:002010-05-17T05:10:43.893-07:00Labour appoints a new leadership teamWith the election finished and the people of Lambeth giving a resounding thumbs up to Labour in Lambeth you voted in 44 Labour Group Councillors including 13 new faces to the council in the Borough elections on May 6th 2010.<br /><br />The Labour Group would like thank those who voted to keep Labour in control of Lambeth and give us a mandate to carry on the work of improving Lambeth and carrying out our Manifesto commitments to you.<br /><br />Councillor Steve Reed and Councillor Jackie Meldrum will continue as Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council but there are some new faces. Cllr Florence Nosegbe and Cllr Pete Robbins have both been appointed to the Cabinet for the first time.<br /><br />The Cabinet is also the most diverse that at any other point in the council’s history. There are 6 women and Cllr Nosegbe and Cllr Campbell as representatives of our diverse communities.<br /><br />Cllr Steve Reed leader of the Labour Group and the Council says “Thank you to all of those who voted for Labour to continue running the Council, it’s a testament to the Labour Group that we have been getting things right and most importantly listening to what you want in Lambeth. The Labour Group is really looking forward to getting on with the job in hand and making Lambeth a better fairer place for all”<br /><br />Labour in Lambeth can exclusively reveal the new Cabinet is as follows;<br /><br /><strong>Leader of the Council – Steve Reed</strong><br /><br /><strong>Deputy Leader – Jackie Meldrum.</strong><br /><br /><strong>Cabinet Member for Communities and Community Safety – Cllr Rachel Heywood</strong><br /><br /><strong>Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and the 2012 Games – Cllr Florence Nosegbe</strong><br /><br /><strong>Cabinet Member for Housing – Cllr Lib Peck</strong><br /><br /><strong>Cabinet Member for Environment – Cllr Lorna Campbell </strong><br /><br /><strong>Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning & Employment – Cllr Sally Prentice</strong><br /><br /><strong>Cabinet Member for Health & Wellbeing – Cllr Jim Dickson</strong><br /><br /><strong>Cabinet Member for Finance – Cllr Paul McGlone</strong><br /><br /><strong>Cabinet Member for Children’s & Young People Services – Cllr Pete Robbins</strong>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10509155065624401257noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5415384864887573280.post-3546232771616636372010-04-14T05:36:00.000-07:002010-04-14T05:40:38.642-07:00Labour in Lambeth proves it is serious about council finances<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbfsT1XsEMJYN4x7ao_2aMrHLnf8XuqQfEF9-sFSA-n1JRhVoRnlJbEWi7q__3_xER7MtsdhhrdMVwQK8GMOnxR5zXMkCCgkPiS9TrQFQDWRwF96MxVVJUmT-0yj8fz6TVtCIj2NKQgIlb/s1600/pound+sign.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459972024074092626" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbfsT1XsEMJYN4x7ao_2aMrHLnf8XuqQfEF9-sFSA-n1JRhVoRnlJbEWi7q__3_xER7MtsdhhrdMVwQK8GMOnxR5zXMkCCgkPiS9TrQFQDWRwF96MxVVJUmT-0yj8fz6TVtCIj2NKQgIlb/s320/pound+sign.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Keen to back up claims that Lambeth Council has stabilised the finances after Lib Dems and Tories lost millions in fraud and left the council on the brink of bankruptcy in 2006, Labour’s Cabinet Member for Finance, Cllr Jim Dickson, today released figures that show that the Labour administration has paid back £126 million of long term debt in the past four years.</div><br /><div><br />Cllr Dickson said ‘Labour has been paying back historic debt left by previous administrations, putting the council on the strongest possible financial footing for the future; something the Lib Dems jeopardised by leaving the council bankrupt after 4 years in power.’</div><br /><div><br />And added that ‘because we have paid down this debt, we have saved in the order of £3million a year on servicing loans, so more money is available to spend on high-quality services that local people need including school places and youth services’. </div><br /><div><br />Cllr Dickson released the figures ahead of the local elections on May 6th where Labour has, as one of its key promises, vowed to keep council tax as low as possible and to protect frontline services from ‘savage’ Lib Dem cuts.</div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10509155065624401257noreply@blogger.com0