BrixtonBuzz

In a significant achievement for local representation, two MPs from our Brixton Buzz patch have been elected to chair influential Westminster committees following competition from fellow Labour Party members.

Helen Hayes, MP for Dulwich and West Norwood, has been appointed as Chair of the Education Select Committee. This committee plays a vital role in scrutinising the work of the Department for Education and shaping policy around schools, higher education, and children’s services.

The Labour MP for Clapham and Brixton Hill, Bell Ribeiro-Addy, did not take part in the Parliamentary vote on the Conservative motion to block plans to means-test the Winter Fuel Allowance.

In a statement, Ribeiro-Addy explained her absence, saying:

“I’m unable to attend today’s vote on winter fuel payment cuts, but I’d like to place my opposition on record. The Tories left the country in a dire economic state. But it is wrong to place the burden on the most vulnerable, who have suffered so much over the last 14 years.”

A month-long mural festival across London will feature street art at seven housing estates in Lambeth created by top international and homegrown artists.

The London Mural Festival which started on September 5th aims to celebrate all things street art with interactive installations, exhibitions and more.

The first mural, kicking off the festival, has been unveiled in Oval and was painted by Spanish artist Sebas Velasco. Called ‘A Lasting Place’ the portrait is of a young local resident and takes its title from the song by British rapper Loyle Carner.

The debt advice kiosk in Streatham Library offers free expert advice via video for individuals with financial difficulties or money worries.

Each kiosk is designed as a soundproof booth, ensuring conversations remain private and confidential.

This is a walk-in service, so no appointment is required.

Dates and times:

Streatham Library

London

SW16 1PN

More info here

Contact details Vincia Bennett, Library Manager

Lambeth Council has announced a major investment into leisure facilities across the borough, with £1.1 million set to be spent improving venues, including the introduction of tenpin bowling and virtual reality experiences at Brixton Rec.

The move forms part of a wider strategy aimed at boosting income and ensuring cost savings after Lambeth brought the borough’s leisure services back under its control in April 2023 under the banner of Active Lambeth.

The improvements to Brixton Rec lead the project, with the introduction of bowling lanes and immersive VR facilities.

Lambeth Council has launched its new property licensing scheme, designed to tackle rogue landlords and improve conditions for people living in private rented accommodation in parts of the borough.

From September 2, landlords will need a licence to legally let any property to a single-family household or no more than two unrelated sharers, in four specified wards.

The selective licensing scheme was approved by Lambeth’s Cabinet in May, in a bid to improve property conditions and management, and tackle problems including anti-social behaviour (ASB) and deprivation.

Network Rail is advising passengers in south London to plan ahead if they’re travelling from Saturday 24th August to Sunday 1st September, as the company carries out a major track upgrade at Crystal Palace.

Here’s more details:

Between Tuesday 27 and Friday 30 August, Southern trains to and from London Bridge via Sydenham and New Cross Gate will start and terminate at Crystal Palace.

The Streatham Free Film Festival offers an exciting range of films and events for two weeks every September and 2024 marks their 9th year. The programme kicks off on Saturday 14th September and runs until Saturday 28th with all of the films being absolutely free and the festival completely volunteer powered.

Taking place every Wednesday afternoon in Streatham Library is a free drop-in centre offering advice to local residents struggling to pay their bills.

The library says:

Every Wednesday a cost-of-living link worker will be onsite, providing support to residents experiencing financial hardship or having issues related to their living costs.

It will include advice on maximising incomes, minimising costs, building financial resilience, and managing debt.

Dates and times

Location

Streatham Library

London, SW16 1PN

More Info

Streatham Library’s 50+ Group meets on the last Friday of each month from 10:30am-12pm for board games, card games, quizzes, puzzles and colouring.

Billed as an opportunity for a friendly chat and to catch up with old friends and make new ones, members are expected to chip chip in £1 a meeting to cover the costs of the tea, coffee and biscuits.

They say, “Sociable new members welcome. ”

Dates and times

Location

Streatham Library

London, SW16 1PN

Contact details

Vincia Bennett, Library Manager