News
02 February 2010
RADICAL proposals that would lead to better services and give Londoners more say over key issues affecting their everyday lives have been launched today by London Councils.
The Manifesto for Londoners, supported by all three main political parties, will also pave the way for significant savings, supporters say.
Under the proposals, Londoners would have more of a say over issues including local health care provision, how their neighbourhoods are policed, the licensing of venues, and schemes helping the jobless get back into work.
This would be achieved by devolving more powers from Whitehall and quangos to London boroughs to enable them to tailor and commission services so that they focus more closely on people's individual needs.
Resources would be used more efficiently and performance becoming more accountable to local communities.
Recent research commissioned for London Councils by Pricewaterhouse Coopers suggests devolution and greater focus on giving individuals more choice can generate savings of up to 15 per cent.
Chairman of London Councils, Councillor Merrick Cockell said: "Councils need more powers to help Londoners find jobs, feel safe on the streets, improve their local areas, get the healthcare they need, and make sure their children are protected.
"Local government has long called for devolution but our proposals in this manifesto are by far the most comprehensive, detailed and ambitious.
"We are now throwing down the gauntlet to any new government to work with us to drive forward this pioneering vision."
Mayor Jules Pipe, vice chair of London Councils said: "There is a need for radical and brave steps to be taken if we are to provide the maximum benefit for our residents. This Manifesto shows how these can be taken in a practical and sensible way."
Councillor Sean Brennan, vice chair of London Councils said: "To make things better for Londoners we must significantly change the balance of power to allow councils to respond to what residents tell them locally rather than waiting for bureaucrats in Whitehall.