Wandsworth Council Axes Free Sport and Homes
New Conservative leadership initiates spending review, cutting several resident services and housing plans.
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Wandsworth Council is poised to eliminate free sports sessions, halt the construction of new council homes, and discontinue a youth bus service. These changes are part of an initial spending review undertaken by the council's new Conservative leadership following their election in May. The council stated that these measures are necessary to address financial challenges, including anticipated reductions in central government funding.
Financial Review and Funding Concerns
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The council's new administration is conducting a comprehensive spending review to identify savings. According to a report presented to the council, Wandsworth anticipates a 40 per cent reduction in its core government funding by 2030, equating to an annual loss of £84 million. The council has also been granted permission to increase council tax by over 4.99 per cent next year without requiring a referendum, a change linked to reforms aimed at redirecting funds towards more deprived areas.
Councillor Peter Graham, Cabinet Member for Finance, stated at a council meeting on Wednesday, 22 July, that the authority aims to reduce 'wasteful spending' and find savings. He indicated that the goal is to limit the impact on residents' bills while prioritising essential services. The 'Access for All' scheme, which offered discounts on sports, leisure, and education, will be ended. A new concessions scheme is planned for September. Additionally, the council will cancel its 'Borough of Sanctuary' accreditation, a programme established in 2022 to support refugees. Information on future refugee support will be provided in September, described as a 'generous and supportive policy'.
Housing and Youth Services Cuts
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Plans for constructing new council homes on the Lennox estate in Roehampton and the Ashburton estate in Putney are being cancelled due to resident opposition. Three smaller housing schemes on Tyneham Close, Lavender Hill, and the Fitzhugh Estate are also being axed, with Councillor Graham noting advice that they were not financially viable. The cancellation of these five housing projects is expected to save approximately £77 million in future borrowing costs and £5 million annually in debt servicing. The youth bus serving the Alton Estate in Roehampton will also be discontinued, with its equipment to be transferred to a youth centre, resulting in an estimated annual saving of £90,000. The disbanding of the previous Labour administration's leader's office, comprising six full-time staff, is projected to save taxpayers over £1 million per year. The council also intends to sell the Bradstow School site in Kent, which closed in December, to reduce maintenance expenses.
Opposition Concerns
Labour councillor Simon Hogg, who led the previous administration, criticised the Conservative approach, arguing it targets 'the most vulnerable' and lacks sufficient consultation. Councillor Hogg asserted that the Conservatives have made 'plainly misleading' statements regarding the council's finances, claiming the authority possessed substantial reserves and no external debt. He stated that the Labour administration had maintained balanced budgets and low council tax, with plans to continue this through efficiency, growth, partnerships, and reserves. He believes the Conservatives' 'austerity approach' is incorrect, leading to cuts in frontline services, cancelled investments, staff reductions, and increased council tax.
Councillor Graham responded by stating the council faces a 'serious financial challenge' threatening its long-term viability. He described the spending review as a necessary step to 'face the facts' and focus limited resources on services most important to residents, such as clean streets, community safety, and core neighbourhood services, while safeguarding the council's financial resilience.
Next Steps
Final decisions on the initial outcomes of the spending review are pending. A full presentation of the review's findings is scheduled for September.
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