- Youth Community Council / Young People slot
- Announcement on the 2015/16 budget process
- Councillor Situ: a petition for more police officers in the borough
- Any community announcements?
Minutes:
Cooltan Arts
Tom McCabe, interim development manager, explained that Cooltan Arts reached out through the creative arts to people with mental health issues. It provides workshops, arts classes, media classes and film-editing. There were also cultural and historical walks for well-being throughout the Lambeth and Southwark area.
2015/16 budget process
The chair outlined the forthcoming budget process. Southwark Council was having to make savings in its budget. Over the last 4 years about £90 million of funding had been lost. In the short-term about £20 million of cuts were required with further cuts expected after that. As in previous years, there would be consultation with residents at a series of events including community councils. Residents would have the opportunity to tell the council where they think the savings should be made in its budget.
A petition for more police officers in Southwark
Councillor Michael Situ, cabinet member for community safety, explained there was a campaign in Southwark to lobby the Mayor of London to increase police officer numbers in the borough. The replacement of the safer neighbourhoods’ teams with local police teams had reduced the amount of officers dedicated to specific wards. For further details of the petition view: www.southwark.gov.uk/policenumbers
Leader’s Public Question Time
The chair explained that Councillor Peter John, Leader of Southwark Council, would be taking part in a leader’s public question time on 22 October 2014. The venue would be City Hall and there was an opportunity for anyone living or working in Southwark to put forward a question for Councillor John to respond to.
Charter of principles for delivering 11,000 new council homes
The council is currently consulting residents on a charter of principles which would set the framework for how the council delivers 11,000 new council homes. A commitment to build these homes was reaffirmed by cabinet in July. This consultation was the beginning of the conversation with residents about housing in Southwark. Contact: ebony.riddell-bamber@southwark.gov.uk or Tel. 020 7525 1564.
Black History Month – October 2014
Residents were encouraged to take part in a variety of events taking place throughout the borough in October to celebrate and raise awareness of black cultural heritage, history and experiences. www.southwark.gov.uk/blackhistorymonth
World War One poetry competition
Barbara Pattinson announced that St Giles’ Church and the SE5 Forum for Camberwell had organised a war poetry competition aimed at young people from 7 to 18 years. Entrants could enter individually or through their school. The competition was free to enter and a number of prizes would be awarded by judges. Successful poems would be recited at a special commemoration event at St Giles’ Church on 17 December. See www.se5forum.org.uk or www.musicatstgiles.com
Community councils online forum
A new online forum had been launched that enabled residents to discuss items from community council meetings or begin new conversations and debates. See https://forums.southwark.gov.uk/