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Your weekly London local government update

18 Dec 24

Devolution agenda offers a 'golden opportunity' to update settlement

Responding to the launch of the English Devolution white paper ( [link removed] ) on Monday, London Councils has welcomed a “golden opportunity” to build on existing collaboration between the boroughs and Mayor of London, and to put this on a stable long-term footing, enabling more coordinated decisions and better outcomes for Londoners.

The lack of formal structures for shared decision-making between the Mayor and boroughs and reliance on voluntary arrangements can represent a significant barrier to effective delivery in the capital. This is in contrast to other parts of the country with Mayoral Combined Authorities, where local authority leaders have a formal say about certain regional funding and powers.

Chair of London Councils, Cllr Claire Holland ( [link removed] ), said: “The government’s devolution agenda offers a golden opportunity to update London’s devolution settlement and ensure we fulfil our potential as a capital city.

“Boroughs already work closely with the Mayor to tackle the key challenges facing London, but our reliance on voluntary arrangements represents a real risk to long-term stability and delivery. More formal arrangements for shared decision-making between the Mayor and boroughs will enable us to work together more effectively, secure better outcomes for Londoners, and help drive economic growth.

“From boosting housebuilding to helping Londoners into work, boroughs play a critical role in on-the-ground delivery. Ensuring we have a seat at the table is vital for producing the best possible outcomes for the communities we represent. We look forward to contributing to the government’s devolution plans and helping shape this exciting agenda alongside the Mayor.”

New powers on dockless bikes welcome, but we need action now

Following the announcement of new micromobility powers for transport authorities in the English Devolution White Paper, London Councils Executive Member for Climate, Transport and Environment, Cllr Kieron Williams ( [link removed] ), said: “We have seen the great benefits dockless e-bikes and rental e-scooters provide to people travelling across the capital, but we are also aware of the challenges this new transport option has brought to London.

"While the large majority of people using the bikes do so with care and respect for their fellow residents, we are still seeing far too many blocking pavements, roads and crossings. This is putting other people’s safety and accessibility at risk, especially elderly and disabled Londoners.

"We welcome today's announcement from Government to issue transport authorities with new powers to set consistent rules across areas using dockless e-bikes and rental e-scooters.

“But we need action on responsible parking in London now. I have written to Lime and Forest today alongside the Walking and Cycling Commissioner, setting out our concerns and asking them to work with us to tackle poor parking and the excess amount of dockless e-bikes.

"Dockless e-bikes and rental e-scooters are a major positive step forwards for London, but to work for our city they need to work for all Londoners. London boroughs will continue to work with TfL, operators, and users to make sure they do.”

You can read the letter sent to dockless bike operators here. ( [link removed] )

Planning reform 

London Councils has welcomed the launch of the new National Planning Policy Framework, highlighting the strong support among boroughs for planning reform that enables councils to take local decisions regarding 'grey belt'.

Cllr Peter Mason, London Councils’ Executive Member for Planning and Skills ( [link removed] ), said: “Boroughs are strongly in favour of housebuilding and growing London’s economy, and we welcome the clear direction being set by the government through the new National Planning Policy Framework.

“Planning reform is an important part of the jigsaw, but housebuilding in London faces an array of serious challenges, with spiralling construction costs, high interest rates, insufficient and overly rigid funding, and a lack of investment in local infrastructure posing significant financial barriers to the delivery of new homes. Alongside the Mayor of London, boroughs will continue making the case for the investment we need to unlock stalled sites in the capital and work with ministers to deliver the housing we all want to see.”

EV infrastructure

London Councils has announced the launch of its new Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) designed to streamline the procurement of electric vehicle (EV)  infrastructure such as charge points.

London is currently leading the nation in EV infrastructure, with over 20,000 public charge points available to residents and those visiting the capital.

Cllr Kieron Williams, London Councils Executive Member for Climate, Transport and Environment ( [link removed] ), said: “Boroughs are determined to supercharge the rollout of electric vehicle infrastructure, making it easier for Londoners to make cleaner and greener journeys where a vehicle is essential.

“The new system improves the way boroughs buy goods and services. This significant step forward ensures that boroughs will be able to deliver quickly and provide better value for money.”

Happy Christmas

The next edition of Key Issues will be in your inbox on Wednesday 8 January. In the meantime, we would like to wish you a very happy Christmas on behalf of everyone at London Councils. 

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In the news this week...

White paper deemed ‘golden opportunity’ for London
LGC ( [link removed] )

Dynamic Purchasing System to accelerate EV chargepoint buying
Government Technology ( [link removed] )

Duty to collaborate' over homelessness call
The MJ ( [link removed] )

All London boroughs set higher than proposed housing target
LGC ( [link removed] )

London Councils lobbies for share of GB Energy cash
The MJ ( [link removed] )

New law to end 'scourge' of badly parked bikes
BBC News ( [link removed] )

Alsion Griffin: Improving the delivery of warmer and greener homes in London
The MJ ( [link removed] )

New research from the charity Shelter ( [link removed] ) shows that the capital is experiencing the most severe pressures of homelessness in the country, estimating that 183,000 Londoners are living in temporary accommodation. This includes almost 90,000 children, on average equating to at least one homeless child in every London classroom.

Cllr Grace Williams, London Councils’ Executive Member for Housing & Regeneration ( [link removed] ), said: “London is the epicentre of a national homelessness emergency, with vast numbers of families set to spend Christmas in temporary accommodation.

“The impact of homelessness on individuals – especially children – is devastating and the pressures on local services are unsustainable. We need urgent action to turn the crisis around.”

London Councils’ priorities include: doubling the Homelessness Prevention Grant funding, making the increase in Local Housing Allowance a permanent measure, and removing the January 2011 cap on Local Housing Allowance payable for temporary accommodation in the Housing Benefit subsidy.

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