Radical proposals that would lead to better services and give Londoners more say over key issues affecting their everyday lives have been launched today (Monday) by London Councils.

The Manifesto for Londoners, supported by all three main political parties, will also pave the way for significant savings.

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. This would result in resources being 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.

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