A Southwark councillor is facing a backlash from angry residents who say the council is not doing enough to help them in the cost-of-living crisis.

Councillor Kieron Williams announced on October 18 that the council would launch a “here to help” plan, which would build 1000 new energy efficient homes by 2026 and reduce energy prices. There was also a promise of more employment opportunities by upskilling 2,000 Southwark residents and new apprenticeships.

But residents told South London Lines they were angry.

One said:“Why have I been left for seven days with no heat or hot water nor any idea of what is happening, or how much longer it will go on. How am I supposed to be to fund supplementary heating costs when I can barely afford to survive as it is?”

Another said: “I have been left with no heating, or hot water for a week, have not received no explanation or idea of how much longer it will go on for, and cannot afford to fork out exorbitant supplementary heating costs, yet no help has been forthcoming.”
Southwark council says it has accomplished a lot for residents, including keeping council tax low and the swift issuance of energy rebate repayments to 100,000 residents.

A third said: “All whilst you leave residents literally out in the cold with no heating or hot water for 10 days and still ongoing, with no help, info or advice from the council. Irony in action.”

But Williams, Labour leader of the council since 2014, is being blamed by some residents for an alleged lack of concern or empathy.
A Southwark resident sarcastically responded to William’s tweet promising help: “Thank you for your total lack of concern or response to my emails regarding what is now 10 days of no heating or hot water as we head into the weekend.”

Williams claims he provides a “strong voice for the local people nationally” and campaigns to protect funding for our public services and for the investment in our local schools and public transport. On November 11, Williams announced that the Southwark cost of living summit has finally opened.
He has not yet addressed the allegations against him and his party.