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Our local pledges to you


Regular readers will know that Southwark Labour candidates have already made some significant pledges on issues like free school meals for primary school kids and on sorting out the mess which has been created in the housing repairs service.

However, with the 6th May local elections approaching fast we thought we would make it clear where we stand on local issues. We don't make these pledges lightly. There is a huge amount of work to be done in putting right the damage that has been done to Peckham Rye since the Lib Dems and Tories were elected in 2002. Like other people living in this area we are determined to put things right.

So without further ado, these are our pledges to you:-

1. We will guarantee a place in a local primary school for all local children.
Local parents and children have been put through a hugely stressful time because the Lib Dems and Tories have failed to plan primary school places properly. Labour will fix the school admissions system in Southwark so this never happens again. We will spend the £12 million the Government has given Southwark to sort this out, but which the Lib Dems and Tories have inexplicably left in a bank account.

2. We will deliver the new children's and sports facilities on Peckham Rye Park and Common
The Lib Dems and Tories have dragged their feet on this project and refused to give this it any funding in this year's budget. Labour will deliver where they have failed.

3. We will fight to extend the 63 bus to Honor Oak Park Station.
Renata, Victoria and I will continue Labour fight to get Boris Johnson to extend the 63 bus, and link up Peckham Rye with the overland trains and new East London Line extension from Honor Oak Peckham. Unlike the other parties, we want to ensure that this is done alongside new crossing points around local schools.

4. Labour will double the recycling rate in Southwark
Like other residents of Peckham Rye, we are deeply concerned that Southwark is the 6th worst recycler in the country. Where the Lib Dems and Tories have failed on recycling, we will make it a priority by expanding the range of items that can be recycled and doubling the recycling rate overall.

5. We will keep council tax at or below the rate of inflation
We know that many local residents are watching every penny during these tough economic times. A Labour council will keep council tax down to help everyone in Peckham Rye. As a result of Lib Dem-Tory incompetence Southwark has one of the worst council tax collection rates in the country. By increasing the collection rate, Labour will keep your council tax down.

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