Hello,
Last week, we discussed Lambeth Council’s difficult financial situation before the budget’s publication. This week, the challenges are even clearer.
The budget sets out the urgent action needed, with more than £99 million of savings over the next four years identified, largely due to 14 years of structural underfunding and austerity measures from previous central governments, rising demand for services and the significantly increased costs of providing them.
Some of the difficult decisions we are taking include increasing Council Tax and the Adult Social Care precept.
Although Lambeth’s Council Tax rate will remain one of the lowest in the UK, significant challenges remain for some of our most vulnerable residents. Support will continue to be available through our Council Tax Support scheme, which remains one of the more generous in London, alongside the council’s Cost of Living support programme.
Delivering a balanced budget is incredibly challenging in the face of our financial situation, but doing so is vital to maintain and protect the essential services that residents rely on.
Councillor Claire Holland, Lambeth Council Leader
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 An independent review team has praised Lambeth Council’s performance in a series of key areas, following a four-day visit to the Town Hall last year. A Local Government Association (LGA) ‘peer challenge’ found the council had strong political and organisational leadership – and a clear focus on achieving equity and justice, which “shines through” Lambeth’s ambitious masterplan for the borough.
Learn more about Lambeth Council's independent review
Join us for an immersive orchestra performance at Lambeth Town Hall on 8 March. This free, live installation will explode an orchestra across interconnecting rooms, creating a ‘Symphony to Walk Within’ — an experience that places you at the heart of the music. By transforming our historic Town Hall, we’re honouring our commitment to making public spaces more inclusive, accessible and vibrant.
Poetic Unity, a proud local accredited Living Wage employer, is celebrating 10 years of helping young people find their voice. Originating in Lambeth and still based in Brixton 10 years later, their mission is to empower young people, help them find their own voices, and find careers that bring them joy.
Learn more about Poetic Unity's 10th anniversary
Lambeth Council has welcomed news that work has started on a £5.8million refurbishment of an important adult education centre in the borough. The work is being carried out at the Waterloo Centre for Adult Education in Westminster Bridge Road which is run by Morley College London, and the project is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.
Lambeth Council has received an event application from Brockwell Live to run a series of events in Brockwell Park again this coming summer. If approved, it could help reduce the costs of running the much-loved show from £1million to an estimated £300,000, ensuring its continuation.
 There's just over one week until LGBTQ+ History Month ends, and we've still got lots of events happening to celebrate the incredible contribution of our LGBTQ+ communities past and present. Take a look at what's on and sign up. Upcoming events include:
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LGBTQ+ Zine Fair celebrating fanzine, small press and book writers and artists. Saturday, 22 February Brixton Library via Eventbrite
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Wikipedia LGBTQ+ Edit-a-thon: learn to add LGBTQ+ lives and history to the world’s largest online encyclopaedia. Monday 24 February, 6pm to 9pm Brixton Library via Eventbrite
Find more local events
Huge response to Lambeth Civic Awards nominations
Working to bring empty homes back into use
Celebrating achievement to mark National Apprenticeship Week
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