main content Increased powers for the Mayor of London

Proposals that give the Mayor of London increased power to dictate planning, housing and waste management decisions across London is the subject of consultation by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. Following its Executive last night, the Council will be sending its response in a letter to the ODPM expressing concern that the proposals undermine the right of local people in Bromley to shape the future of their borough.

Said Councillor Stephen Carr, Leader of the Council: “These increased powers mean that the Mayor of London would determine how the future of Bromley is shaped rather than local people and their elected councillors. Put simply, what we build, how we allocate housing, how we spend local people’s money on waste and recycling will be under the control of the Mayor at the expense of local democracy. They fly in the face of everything the Government is saying about local accountability and the importance of empowering people to shape the services they receive. It will also be essential for the London Assembly to be given greater power to hold the Mayor to account in exercising any increased authority he may be given.”

The proposals would allow the Mayor of London to direct local authorities on planning issues and as such give the GLA powers beyond those of any other regional body in England. The Council feels this would mean the Mayor, as an individual, could over ride the considerations of local people in Bromley and their ability to influence local planning decisions.

The Mayor would also be given much greater control over how housing services are delivered in London boroughs. This could include the right to withhold funding for housing. The draft proposals raise fears that this would undermine how the housing needs of local people are met and will fail to take account of how local authorities in London are working effectively across boroughs on housing issues such as homelessness.

The evidence regarding recycling and waste rates is also questioned as the basis of the proposals to give the Mayor power over waste management and recycling across London. At present London boroughs recycle 50% more of their waste than other urban areas outside the capital and Bromley performs particularly well in this area with a 27% recycling rate.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• The proposals are based on suggestions originally from the Mayor and are contained in “The Greater London Authorities: the Government’s Proposals for Additional Powers and Responsibilities for the Mayor and the Assembly.” The proposals will also give the Mayor greater say over skills and training strategies. 
• For media enquiries, please contact Amanda.day@bromley.gov.uk, Communications Officer,
  on 020 8313 4390