Wandsworth Council have reversed their position to charge the organisers of street parties for The Big Lunch £1250 for each street party.

The Big Lunch is a national day of street parties held on the 19th July devised to bring communities together in a fun and friendly way.

Instead the sum will be charged only once and will be divided between all the Big Lunch street parties in the Borough, meaning each street of local residents will have to find £208.33 instead of the full £1250.

Sadiq Khan MP has previously criticised Wandsworth Council for their handling of The Big Lunch, as the high costs involved were discouraging local residents from taking part.

Sadiq Khan MP said, “I am really pleased that Wandsworth Council have changed their position and that local residents will be able to have a street party if they choose to.

“Street parties are great ways to meet neighbours, have some fun and increase community cohesion.

“The reduction in charges is a step in the right direction, but I would like to see more proactive action from Wandsworth Council to make it easier for local residents to organise a street party and to engage more positively with the Big Lunch event.

“This should be fun, not a bureaucratic nightmare.”

Local resident and party organiser Morgan Phillips said “Wandsworth Council have been extremely unhelpful and obstructive.”

“The Council have refused to exercise their discretion not to levy a significant charge and are refusing to be flexible in the way they engage with the event.”

“All I want to do is organise a street party for my neighbours and build a bit of community spirit.”

“I am pleased that the cost has come down but there is still so much more that the Council could do.”

To find out more about The Big Lunch and plan your own street party visit www.thebiglunch.com.