OPINION
The revelations that Lambeth council gave almost £100 million of ratepayers money to building societies last year will cause outrage. It will also cause tears of frustration – and anger.
The PEOPLE of Lambeth have seen some of their libraries which they hold dear to their hearts shut amid Lambeth councillors claiming that the only way of keeping them open was to get Greenwich Leisure to open gyms in them – with Lambeth council blaming Government cuts.
Upper Norwood joint library has been reduced to one member of staff. (It was about to become a book lounge before Lambeth agreed one member of staff could stay.)
NOW WE FIND THE MONEY TO KEEP THEM OPEN AS PROPER FULLY-STAFFED LIBRARIES HAS BEEN THERE ALL ALONG.
PEOPLE living on Central Hill, Cressingham Gardens, Fenwick, Knights Walk, South Lambeth and Westbury estates scheduled for demolition have been caused totally unnecessary anguish and stress.
They have constantly been told there is no money for repairs. Last year they spent £20 million LESS on council housing repairs. AND WHY? – BECAUSE LAMBETH HAVE BEEN GIVING THE MONEY TO BUILDING SOCIETIES AND BANKS.
Lambeth council may well argue that the money was given to building societies and banks in last year’s budget. It would be a fatuous argument. (At best, they haven’t thought ahead. At worst ?????)
Here’s some questions Labour councillors should – but won’t – be putting to their cabinet colleagues at Lambeth council’s next full meeting:
How much are Lambeth council ‘investing’ in building societies in the current 2016 – 2017 financial year? And at what interest rates?
How much are Lambeth council ‘investing’ in banks in the current 2016 – 2017 financial year? And at what interest rates?
Here at News From Crystal Palace we’ve always wondered how neighbouring Labour-controlled Southwark have been able to keep libraries there open and (apparently) fully staffed.
NOW WE KNOW WHY