There has been a lot of talk about Parish Councils lately.
Labour are saying we Lib Dems are committed to starting one in Bermondsey,
to replace Bermondsey Community Council,
following Labour’s decision to merge it into the ‘super-community’ council of Bermondsey & Rotherhithe C.C.

In fact we are simply asking residents what they think.
We have organised a petition, to test the support, and if there is enough support, a ballot could follow.

Do residents want some services, like libraries, nurseries, street sweeping and bin collection managed locally by a Parish Council?
We’d like residents to tell us, would you like a more local regime?
that’s all,
Just asking your opinion.

The costs of these services would be subtracted from borough wide taxation, and raised locally instead ,
the cost increase to local residents could be zero, with more control over local services.

In Westminster, Labour politicians campaigned for the Parish Council.
Knowing it would add to the tax bill of residents in Queens’ Park.

In The London Standard, Karen Buck, Labour MP for Westminster North, said:
“Something very exciting is happening in Queen’s Park.
I am incredibly proud of the community and of those who have thrown themselves with such enthusiasm into preparing for community self-government.
“I am looking forward to working with them for a safer, healthier and happier Queen’s Park.”

The Evening Standard calculates The Parish Council in Westminster will::
“add between £39 to £44 a year to typical council tax bills“

So here is an example of Labour campaigning for a Parish Council, when it is likely to add to local taxes.

In Bermondsey, the £50 a year figure is made up, in fact there is no evidence that it will increase costs
often, when services are managed locally, waste and costs are reduced.

Labour really need to work harder to find an honest campaign strategy.

Link to Guardian article here