Local organisations have been forced to cancel events as they would not know if they had funding until 31st
May, the day before pride month begins.

The ‘Southwark Pride Fund’, announced and supported by all councillors and parties at the at the February budget-setting meeting, allowed local organisations
to apply for up to £2,499 to put on events in pride month.

The fund totaled £30,000 and local groups were able to apply for funding between 2nd
and 30th April.

However, local organisations have not been able to plan the events they applied for funding for as they will only find out if they received funding on 31st
May, a day before pride month begins. This is despite the Southwark Council website stating applicants would informed of the outcome “in mid May”.

Leader of the Liberal Democrat opposition in Southwark and co-organiser of Southwark Pride Cllr Victor Chamberlain said letting people know this late was
“ridiculous” and “amateur” and would stop groups being able to hold events in pride month.

Internal queries from the Southwark Liberal Democrats revealed that £76,390 worth of applications were made meaning over half of applicants will not receive
funding they applied for.

Cllr Chamberlain said this shows that, although welcome, the pride fund is “failing to match the ambition” of the local LGBTQ+ community.

Commenting, Southwark Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Victor Chamberlain said:

“Despite the Southwark Pride Fund being resoundingly welcomed, Southwark Labour have somehow contrived to let people down.

Letting applicants know if their events are being funded just one day before pride month is ridiculous and amateurish. How are applicants supposed to plan
and organise if they don’t know if they are getting any support?

The £30,000 total on offer is measly in comparison to the number of applications. Southwark needs to match the ambition and needs of our vibrant LGBTQ+ community.
Next pride month, the council must be better organised and more ambitious. Southwark Liberal Democrats will be looking to increase the Pride fund next year to do so.”