Ambitious Lib Dem Budget Lost on Labour

At our last Council meeting on 26th February, as expected, our Liberal Democrat alternative budget did not pass. But that was never the only goal.

We put forward a fully costed, ambitious plan to prove that Southampton CAN and SHOULD be delivering real change. Every time Labour says something "can’t be done," we have shown that it absolutely can.

What We Showed 

• Development CAN happen – Our plan to fully fund the £150 million redevelopment of the Toys R Us site proved that the council doesn’t have to wait for private developers. If they won’t build, we should lead from the front.
• Park & Ride CAN be delivered – Our £60 million city-wide Park & Ride proposal showed the council has the power to act now to cut congestion, support businesses, and improve access to major events. Labour’s claim that this "can’t be done" is a choice, not a reality.
• Labour’s inaction CAN be challenged – Every time Labour claims investment isn’t possible, we now have clear evidence to say, “Yes, it is.” Their refusal to act is a political decision, not an economic necessity.

Southampton Needs Action, Not Excuses. We don’t need more Labour excuses—we need real investment. We don’t have to sit back and wait for change—we can make it happen. And every time Labour does nothing, we will remind them they CAN act—if only they were willing to.

We are proud of the work we put into this budget, and we will keep fighting for a better Southampton—one that invests in housing, transport, green energy, and our future as a thriving maritime city.