Labour's budget proposals

Lambeth Labour Group unveil a “budget for children”

1. Meeting the Council’s statutory target for registering births. The statutory target for local authorities to register births is 6 weeks after a child is born. Lambeth is currently only able to do this in around 8 weeks. Labour is proposing to make additional appointment times available and clear this backlog in 12 months. Total cost £32, 000

2. Reversing the privatisation of day nurseries: The administration is planning to transfer all five day nurseries to the private sector against the wishes of parents using the service. Brixton Nursery has already been privatised, others will follow shortly. Labour is proposing to halt this process immediately and instruct officers to come up with a plan to bring Brixton back in house. Total cost £250, 000

3. Capital for Play Areas: Good quality play facilities encourage healthy exercise and create a positive environment for children. Labour is proposing to fund the complete redesign and installation of approximately 4 additional play areas or paddling pools. Total cost £500, 000

4. Healthier School Dinners for Primary School Children: Research shows healthy school meals can help children to concentrate at school and teach them good eating habits for later life. Labour wants the council to invest so that every primary school pupil has a free 1/2 piece of fruit with their school meal. Labour will also invest to provide organic food for all primary school children. Total cost : £672, 000

6. Making children out of school a priority: There are at least 150 children in Lambeth who do not have access to any relevant education. The Lib Dems and Tories have proposed just £100, 000 to set up a learning centre which will give these children access to education. Labour believes that this is not enough to make adequate provision and will boost the funding to £250, 000. Total Cost £150, 000.

7. Brixton Hill and Shakespeare Road Feasibility Study: For two years the Administration has dragged its heels and has refused to look at Brixton Hill as an option for a new secondary school. We need a full study to inform both the council and parents about the possibility of a new school on that site and the cost of taking control of the whole of the Shakespeare Road Site for a school. Total cost £100, 000

8. Phase two of Stockwell Park Skateboard Park: Local people have worked extremely hard to develop Stockwell Skate Park and their hard work deserves to be matched by investment by the Council. Labour proposes to fund phase two of the project. Total cost: £150, 000

9. Youth club renovation Liberal Democrats and Conservatives have done next to nothing for young people in the borough. Police are highly concerned about the inadequacy of provisions made by the council for young people. A number of Youth Centres in Lambeth are currently falling into disrepair. Labour will fund repairs to 3 youth clubs outlined by officers. Total cost: £400, 000

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