Campaign group Assemble Brixton has expressed concern over Labour councillors’ decision not to engage with its plans to tackle homelessness and addiction in Brixton.
The group created a ‘charter’ to support those affected by homelessness, addiction and mental health at an October meeting attended by 150 people, two MPs and four councillors.
But Lambeth Council’s Labour group, Lambeth Labour, declined to meet campaigners to discuss the charter, which aims to reduce rough sleepers by 75% by November 2026.
Assemble Brixton organiser Orin Cooley-Greene argued the response would not deter campaigners.
He said: “The point of the meeting was to hear what the councillors had to say, but ultimately this is a people-powered campaign and people are going to continue regardless. I suspect momentum is going to keep building from here.”
Lambeth Labour said in a letter to campaigners: “Recent coverage of your campaign, and statements from organisers and supporters, make clear this is intended as a political rather than community intervention.”
They cited the group’s stated support for independent candidates running in the May 2026 local elections.
The councillors also claimed the campaign’s leaders do not live in Brixton or Lambeth and draw resources from outside of London.
However, they encouraged residents to raise concerns with them directly at regular advice surgeries.
They said: “We are not complacent. There is more to do, and we will continue to improve, invest and work with residents to achieve better outcomes for people at risk in Brixton.”
Assemble Brixton said in a response letter: “This is, in practice and in leadership, a Brixton-led movement, shaped by Brixton residents and rooted in the lived realities of your constituents.
“The priorities outlined in the charter address one of the most urgent and deeply felt issues in Brixton today.”
Leo Carlyon, who has lived in Brixton for more than 30 years, said: “I’ve seen homelessness, addiction and mental ill health on the streets go up and down here over the years.
“Once again, it’s become particularly acute and becomes more pressing going into the winter, although it’s a year-round problem.
“It’s clearly something that the existing structures are struggling to address, so it’s time to look at a different approach.”
Assemble Brixton’s response letter said: “With more than 5,000 signatures gathered from constituents across the ward, there is a clear and substantial mandate for more urgent, decisive, and coordinated action.
“It is also important to reiterate that you remain the elected ward councillors until May 2026. Democratic accountability does not cease on the basis of political alignment, organisational origin, or electoral timing.”
Lambeth Labour was approached for comment.
Feature image: Natasha Norris
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