CRE should investigate Southwark Council's plans for Elephant and Castle

Press Release

CRE should investigate Southwark Council's plans for Elephant and Castle
14-12-2005 633

London Mayor Ken Livingstone is urging the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) to formally investigate Southwark Council over their failure to properly involve black Londoners in decision-making about the Elephant and Castle regeneration. Following a meeting with the Leader of the Council the Mayor of London said today:

'Southwark Council has failed to address the very real concerns of the African and Caribbean communities who have consistently alleged that they experience racism within the local authority led regeneration process. Lord Ouseley investigation report and his subsequent press comments, in addition to recent calls from senior members of the black community indicate that Southwark Council has failed to reassure or convince the local black community of its determination to tackle racism.

'In such circumstances and after considering all of the issues involved I have decided to request the Commission for Race Equality to formally investigate matters relating to the regeneration of the Elephant and Castle area.'

Throughout 2005, stakeholders involved in planning and regeneration matters in Southwark have stated that black Londoners in Southwark are not actively included and fully participating in decision-making on this major development.

The CRE wrote to Southwark Council in May this year expressing their concern about the Council failing to meet its General Statutory Duty under the Race Relations Amendment Act 2000 to eliminate unlawful discrimination and promote race equality with regard to its planning and regeneration functions. The letter contained 35 recommendations for the Council to act upon.

At a previous meeting on 8 November 2005, the Mayor recommended that the leader of Southwark Council self-refer the local authority to the CRE. No action has been taken, so the Mayor has himself decided to refer the issue to the CRE.

Notes to Editors

Southwark Council delivers the Elephant and Castle regeneration programme through Elephant Links.
In March 2005, Lord Herman Ouseley published his independent review of Southwark Council’s equality and diversity framework in which he made particular reference to the council’s failure to work with black and minority ethnic communities on planning and regeneration policies.
In early 2004 the District Auditor identified many failures in the way Southwark Council handled the Imperial Gardens Nightclub in Camberwell during the regeneration of the area. The DA highlighted flaws in the council’s consultation process, inadequate staff and Member training on planning issues and weak internal performance management, monitoring and decision-making procedures.
The Mayor recognises the need for proper co-ordination between the various stakeholders involved in the Elephant and Castle regeneration and effective synergy between the London Plan, the Economic Development Strategy and delivery by both the London Development Agency and Southwark Council. He has therefore asked the LDA to consider establishing a steering group with Southwark Council and key stakeholders to improve scrutiny and transparency.