My Plan - Lewisham Liberal Democrats

Clean

Lewisham is third worst in England for fly tipping, which is increasing at the same time enforcement is decreasing. The number of fines issued by the council was cut by a quarter last year despite the volume of incidents going up 13%.

As your Lib Dem Mayor, I will clean up fly tipping by ramping up the use of data and enforcement.
I will keep our pavements clean by making sure streets are swept regularly.
Lib Dems will alleviate the costs of bulky-waste disposal using community skips, which have been successfully used by other Lib Dem-led councils.
We will increase opening hours at Landsmann Way waste centre to make it easier to dispose of waste the right way.
I will make sure the Council works with others across London and nationally to defeat organised criminal rubbish dumping.

Sustainable

Lib Dems will prioritise nature, climate, air quality, and the local environment we all love, whatever our political views.
We will channel our investments into positive, sustainable causes – not war, genocide, gambling, tobacco, or fossil fuels… we’ll have to work hard with many partners – but we can do it.

Josh Matthews speaking at the UN COP26 event

Affordable

We have a Housing Crisis.
We will build a housing system that genuinely cares for people, gets maintenance done, and dramatically prioritises building social homes, not expensive flats.

I will work with our MPs to push the Labour Government on their stealth taxes and taxes on jobs, working people, and small business.

I will amplify the Liberal Democrat campaign to decouple the electricity price from the price of gas to bring down bills for homes and businesses.

I will be vocal in calling for the UK to negotiate a customs union with Europe, removing barriers to trade, travel, and collective action on the world’s most pressing threats like war and climate change.

Safe

As Mayor, I will adopt a public health approach to crime - based on successful models used in Glasgow, Cardiff and other cities - to reduce crime and violence before it starts.
I will work with City Hall and the Met to deliver a more visible and accessible police presence that engages with communities.
Lib Dems will prioritise keeping our pavements clear and well lit.
We will prioritize safety for ALL road users through planning and collaboration throughout the community – including reviewing our current road layouts.

Josh and Catford South colleagues dealing with overgrown pavements

Thriving

We will bring together small businesses, entrepreneurs, and start-ups to make Lewisham a thriving local economy and pioneer for innovation.
I will draw on ambitious Liberal Democrat plans like on transport to keep our communities moving and tackle the cost-of-living crisis: reforming fuel duty on petrol, lowering the cap on bus fares, slashing rail prices, boosting cycle parking locally, and installing more electric vehicle chargers while reforming VAT and unfair network charges.

Led by You

As Lewisham's Liberal Democrat Mayor, I will genuinely consult and help residents actively participate in decision making and democracy in Lewisham.
Liberal Democrats will replace expensive consultants with expertise built for Lewisham and properly scrutinise council contracts to get value for your money.
We will bring Lewisham together in Citizens Assemblies to discuss and make plans for Building Lewisham's Future.
Lib Dems will restore local Ward Assemblies so that residents, your councillors, and council staff can meet regularly and work together.
As Mayor, I will stand up for residents, challenging City Hall and Westminster, working with our Lib Dem Assembly Members and MPs.