Mayoral Powers
I know some Councillors won't be happy with some of Ken Livingstone's extra powers, but having been elected twice and been part of a successful team winning us the Olympics as well as handling 7/7 so well on behalf of London's diverse communities, I think Ken has earned them.
Lets have a look on the impact on Sutton:
1. Housing
This is a transfer across from an unelected body to the Mayor so does not directly impact on boroughs. I think we will now see a more effective use as it will no doubt be used in conjunction with his planning policies.
2. Planning
The most controversial changes:
a) Strategic Sites
How many strategic sites are within Sutton? Possibly only a hospital planning application which looks less an less likely to be a single strategic application. This will have an impact on inner London boroughs, but little impact on Sutton.
b) Rewriting Local Development Plans
In some boroughs this will be a big issue. In Sutton, I suspect it will affect:
(i) Sutton Town Centre
(ii) Kimpton Industrial area
(iii) BMAO (needs a review) and Beddington Lane.
(iv) Wallington Town Centre
Ken essentially see the private sector leading regeneration in suburban town centre and industrial areas. If people don't like this they can vote against him 2008.
3. Learning and Skills
This is a transfer from an unelected regional body to the Mayor and should not affect boroughs.
4. Waste
This will have an impact on boroughs and will lead to larger waste contracts. I suspect the proposed South West Contract will broadly be supported by the Mayor.
5. Culture
This is a transfer of power from an unlected regional body to the Mayor and will not affect boroughs.
6. Health
This is only a minor change. Those who support more devolved powers for London may want to focus on securing more powers for the Mayor to appoint to the Strategic Health Authority for London.
7. Climate Change and Energy.
The Mayor now has two more statutary strategies, which should help drive change forward just as his other ones have.
8. Water
This is a devolution from central government and makes regional utilies such as Thames Water more accountable.
Overall this seems a sensible compromise that maintains the Mayor's role as a strategic co-ordinator for London, rather than someone who seeks to run local services. London First respresenting London's businesses has today announced it welcomes the increased powers.
I note that, Angie Bray, London Assembly Tory Group Leader in response has said: "Ken Livingstone is becoming the unaccountable elected dictator of London". I don't think that is a very convicning point as:
a) Wasn't it the Tories who from 1983 to 1997 abolished the GLC and then opposed elected regional government for London?
b) Isn't Ken up for re-election in 2008? Let's see if the Tory or Lib Dem Mayoral candidates campaign for a reduction in their own powers?
Lets have a look on the impact on Sutton:
1. Housing
This is a transfer across from an unelected body to the Mayor so does not directly impact on boroughs. I think we will now see a more effective use as it will no doubt be used in conjunction with his planning policies.
2. Planning
The most controversial changes:
a) Strategic Sites
How many strategic sites are within Sutton? Possibly only a hospital planning application which looks less an less likely to be a single strategic application. This will have an impact on inner London boroughs, but little impact on Sutton.
b) Rewriting Local Development Plans
In some boroughs this will be a big issue. In Sutton, I suspect it will affect:
(i) Sutton Town Centre
(ii) Kimpton Industrial area
(iii) BMAO (needs a review) and Beddington Lane.
(iv) Wallington Town Centre
Ken essentially see the private sector leading regeneration in suburban town centre and industrial areas. If people don't like this they can vote against him 2008.
3. Learning and Skills
This is a transfer from an unelected regional body to the Mayor and should not affect boroughs.
4. Waste
This will have an impact on boroughs and will lead to larger waste contracts. I suspect the proposed South West Contract will broadly be supported by the Mayor.
5. Culture
This is a transfer of power from an unlected regional body to the Mayor and will not affect boroughs.
6. Health
This is only a minor change. Those who support more devolved powers for London may want to focus on securing more powers for the Mayor to appoint to the Strategic Health Authority for London.
7. Climate Change and Energy.
The Mayor now has two more statutary strategies, which should help drive change forward just as his other ones have.
8. Water
This is a devolution from central government and makes regional utilies such as Thames Water more accountable.
Overall this seems a sensible compromise that maintains the Mayor's role as a strategic co-ordinator for London, rather than someone who seeks to run local services. London First respresenting London's businesses has today announced it welcomes the increased powers.
I note that, Angie Bray, London Assembly Tory Group Leader in response has said: "Ken Livingstone is becoming the unaccountable elected dictator of London". I don't think that is a very convicning point as:
a) Wasn't it the Tories who from 1983 to 1997 abolished the GLC and then opposed elected regional government for London?
b) Isn't Ken up for re-election in 2008? Let's see if the Tory or Lib Dem Mayoral candidates campaign for a reduction in their own powers?
posted by Charlie Mansell at 3:43 pm
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