Council working group denies delegations [Video]

Several organizations that asked to speak at the inaugural meeting of council’s budget working group left disappointed on Tuesday.

The councillors appointed to the Strategic Opportunities Review Working Group (SORWG) are tasked with making recommendations that will reduce future property tax increases either through reduced spending or new revenue at London city hall.

Its first order of business was to consider a proposal by Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis and Coun. Steve Lehman to suspend Capital and Innovation Community Grants for the next three years ($500,000/year savings) and Neighbourhood Decision Making Grants ($250,000/year savings).

However, councillors disagreed about whether several nonprofit and charitable organizations that requested delegation status would be allowed to speak to the working group.

Lewis argued that the working group is different from a standing committee, and stakeholders will be able to speak to the proposal at the upcoming Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee (SPPC) and also during …