Business Plan 2010-11

Introduction from John O'Brien, chief executive of London Councils

With both local and national elections imminent, the coming year promises to be a time of tremendous challenge and also opportunity for London local government.

Whatever the outcome of the elections, we know that the fall-out from the global financial crisis will present big challenges for local public services and local authorities as central government looks to reduce the national debt. In this context, the mantra ‘doing more for less’ can no longer simply be an aspiration for local government, it has become a requirement.

As the key co-ordinating body for London local government, London Councils has long made the case for greater devolution from central to local government, based on the capital’s impressive track record of delivery in recent years.

In February this year, London Councils formally launched its cross-party Manifesto for Londoners which sets out exactly how boroughs can deliver improved services to Londoners at a lower cost to the public purse, if local democratically accountable councils are given the space to create the services and solutions their residents want and need. Our Policy and Public Affairs work will be geared to taking more arguments forward with any newly elected government and with stakeholders in London and beyond

Full plan available for download