Southwark Council has voiced its opposition to planned welfare cuts by the Labour Government, while also supporting an amendment recognising local efforts to mitigate the impact. The decision was made during a Council Assembly meeting on Wednesday, 9 July 2025, where members discussed a range of issues.

The motion, titled Southwark Stands Against Welfare Cuts, was moved by Councillor Victor Chamberlain. It condemned the government's proposed reductions to the health element of Universal Credit and stricter tests for Personal Independence Payments (PIP). The motion highlighted concerns that these stricter PIP tests could disproportionately affect vulnerable individuals, estimating that approximately 370,000 people with disabilities may no longer qualify for PIP under the government's new assessment rules. It was noted that some individuals who struggle with basic self-care tasks could see their payments reduced by an average of £1720 a year.

Amendment C, which welcomed the work of the Southwark Labour administration to provide welfare support and recognised the role of Labour MPs in scrutinising the government's welfare plans, was carried. The amended motion was then carried.

Amendment C specifically acknowledges several initiatives undertaken by the Southwark Labour administration to support residents, including:

  • Delivering free healthy school meals across nursery, primary and secondary schools, and during school holidays.
  • Distributing over £40 million to families in immediate need through the Southwark Cost of Living Support Fund in 2024.
  • Offering cost-of-living support, including help for residents on low or insecure incomes and assistance with problem debt.
  • Funding nearly 70,000 free meals for children aged 4-6 in 2024 through the Holiday Food and Fun programme.
  • Distributing Rose Vouchers to help families purchase fresh fruit and vegetables.
  • Running the Pension Credit take-up campaign to help eligible residents apply for Pension Credit and benefit from the Winter Fuel Allowance.
  • Operating the Southwark Energy Savers Scheme, providing energy-saving advice and support to residents facing rising energy bills.

The amendment also recognised the work of Labour MPs, including Florence Eshalomi and Helen Hayes, in scrutinising the government's welfare plans and securing changes. This includes voting for the amended Welfare Reform Bill and ensuring that current recipients of the health top-up of Universal Credit will not lose out.

The Public Reports Pack provides further details on the motions and amendments discussed during the meeting.