The council meeting addressed the significant financial challenges facing Wandsworth, particularly the impact of the provisional local government finance settlement, and reviewed the administration's manifesto promises. A key decision was made regarding the submission of paid communications to the council for approval before the pre-election period.

Impact of the Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement on Wandsworth

The council discussed the serious financial implications of the provisional local government finance settlement, with concerns raised about a substantial funding gap. Councillor Peter Graham, speaking on behalf of the opposition, highlighted that the government's withdrawal of £85 million per year would necessitate significant council tax increases. He presented figures suggesting that council tax would need to rise by over 80% after the election, and potentially over 180% if savings targets were not met, describing the administration's approach as contemptuous, cynical and dishonest. Councillor Graham also criticised the council's use of reserves, stating that they were being burned through or wasted.

Councillor Simon Hogg, Leader of the Council, defended the administration's financial management, stating that Wandsworth was one of the last boroughs still building and that their ambitious growth plan identified opportunities for 12,000 new homes. He highlighted the council's commitment to delivering genuinely affordable homes for local people, not just investment opportunities. Councillor Hogg also detailed how reserves were being used to benefit residents through schemes like Access for All, which provides free gym and swim sessions, discounted tickets to events, and support for families. He contrasted this with the previous Conservative administration's approach, which he claimed left reserves untouched while essential repairs were neglected.

Councillor Daniel Hamilton expressed disappointment at the rhetoric surrounding the meeting, asserting that it was not an act of pomposity but a necessary examination of the council's finances. He cited analysis from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) indicating that Wandsworth's funding would be cut by approximately two-fifths, while other councils, such as Enfield, had seen significant increases in their settlements. Councillor Hamilton argued that councils with the lowest council tax, which he implied were those best run under the Conservative Party, were now being penalised by a Labour central government. He warned that without intervention, the council's reserves would be depleted, leading to bankruptcy by 2027.

Councillor Matthew Corner, in his right of reply, argued that the administration's manifesto was full of unrealistic, undesirable and undeliverable promises. He specifically challenged the council's claim of building 1,000 new council homes, stating that only 366 had been built or started. He also criticised the 50% affordable housing pledge, suggesting the administration had been forced to backtrack.

Ultimately, the council agreed to note the report on the impact of the provisional local government finance settlement.

The Manifesto Promises of the Administration

The council debated the administration's adherence to its manifesto promises, with the opposition presenting a report detailing 41 alleged broken pledges. Councillor John Locker, in his final council speech after 16 years of service, reflected on the importance of vision, delivery, and honesty from elected representatives. He acknowledged successes such as the redevelopment of Nine Elms and Battersea Power Station but expressed concern over the pace of delivery on projects like the Winstanley estate regeneration and the Wandsworth one-way system. Councillor Locker urged the council to regain its ambition and be honest with the electorate.

Councillor Jenny Yates, a Cabinet Member for Transport, countered by highlighting the administration's delivery on key manifesto commitments. She cited the successful rehousing of a family in Roehampton into a new council home as an example of their commitment to building 1,000 new council homes, with 500 completed and more under construction. She also pointed to the introduction of a landlord licensing scheme, action on rough sleeping, and the freezing of council tax for four consecutive years, resulting in Wandsworth residents paying the lowest council tax in the country. Councillor Yates also detailed achievements in sustainability, prosperity, security, and opportunity, including increased recycling rates, the payment of the London Living Wage to all council staff and contractors, and expanded support for domestic abuse services.

Councillor Matthew Corner, speaking in his right of reply, reiterated his belief that the Labour manifesto contained unrealistic promises. He contested the figures on new council home completions and criticised the administration's handling of the affordable housing pledge.

A recommendation from the report proposed that any paid communications delivered to households before the pre-election period of heightened sensitivity must be submitted to the full council in final draft form for prior approval. This recommendation was put to a vote and was lost, with 20 votes in favour and 26 against.