Lib Dems urge Council to mark International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

6.55.11am GMT Tue 14th Nov 2006

Lib Dems have voiced disappointment that Lambeth Council does not mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, and are urging it to mark it. Nick Perry, Lambeth Lib Dems' spokesperson for poverty and social justice, has written to councillors Steve Reed and Lorna Campbell saying:

"I am pleased to note that the development of an equalities and anti-poverty strategy for Lambeth is listed as one of the 12 aims of the Corporate Plan 2006-9. I will follow its development with interest.

However, having done some investigations of the Council's website this morning, I am disappointed that Lambeth Council is not due to mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty - a day which anti-poverty groups in the UK and across the world use to highlight the struggle of the most disadvantaged in each community.

I am sure that this is an oversight on the part of the new administration, but I hope that this is a date that will become fixed in the Lambeth calendar in years to come. Not least because tackling poverty and social exclusion must remain a key priority for this borough: a borough where many families continue to experience the pernicious effects of inter-generational poverty.

I am sure that there are many organisations in Lambeth - particularly in the voluntary sector - that are well-placed to advise the Council on how best to mark such an occasion.

Wherever you engage in anti-poverty work which has at its heart the experience of the most disadvantaged, you will have my support. I hope that future events in Lambeth to mark 17 October will reflect genuine partnership with the most disadvantaged, to eradicate poverty from our community."