Bexley Labour councillors tonight proposed an amendment to the Council’s budget plans which would have used millions in unallocated money sitting in the councils coffers on affordable housing.

There is a housing crisis in Bexley, and money sitting unused should be used on sites like the former library site on Hadlow Road (Sidcup) to provide up to 50% affordable housing on that site.

Yet Bexley Tories tonight voted against this amendment and again refuse to do anything to address their housing crisis, all while hiking council tax for residents already suffering from a cost of living crisis.

Cllr Stefano Borella, Leader of the Labour Group said:

“It is a scandal that while the Tories put up council tax in Bexley, unused millions waiting to be spent on affordable housing from as far back as 2014 still have not been allocated while families desperate for a decent home are kept longer and longer in unsuitable temporary accommodation.”

Cllr Nicola Taylor, Labour opposition spokesperson for communities said:

“As a councillor I receive so many cases of families living in poor living conditions, far away from family and friendship support and yet this council still refuse to build any social housing, are happy to see a reduction with housing states demolished while sitting on money which could be used to increase affordable housing levels to up to 50%.”

In addition, the Labour group amendment proposed to allocate funding to secure the continued service of school crossing patrols and commence the recuitment of crossing patrols which the council have left vacant.

Cllr Daniel Francis, Labour opposition spokesperson for Environment, Transport and leisure, said:

“We note with grave concern comments at a key council transport committee that the school crossing patrol service ‘may need to be dis-established or operated on reduced numbers. Yet Bexley Tories at Wednesday’s budget meeting refused to support Labour’s amendment that would help children safe going to school.”

Bexley Tories budget does not provide the investment in services needed. It is a smoke and mirrors budget which continues the theme of #PayMoreGetLess – reducing council services while raising council tax by 2.99%, further causing financial difficulties and hardship to residents in the middle of a #CostOfLivingCrisis with National Insurance rises, rising energy prices, and rising prices.