London Councils campaigns for new powers to improve London’s environment

London's local authorities could soon be granted new powers designed to make the capital a greener and safer place to live - thanks to London Councils.

London Councils Leaders' Committee has today approved a range of measures to be consolidated into the 10th London Local Authorities Bill. The measures span a range of subjects and are all designed to improve London and the lives of Londoners.

The majority of proposed measures reflect the capital's boroughs' environmental concerns and include introducing a London-wide levy on plastic bags, with the income being used to help pay for new waste and recycling facilities; and new powers to install charging points for electric vehicles on behalf of residents.

In response to public concerns over the proliferation of establishments such as lap-dancing clubs near residential areas, London Councils is also seeking new powers for local authorities to have control over where such establishments are sited.

Other proposals include providing powers for boroughs to ensure landlords of houses of multiple occupation (HMO) comply with management regulations; and strengthening borough powers to remove 'street clutter' - such as lights and traffic signs that could be fixed to buildings.

The list of measures has been proposed by London's local authorities, and the proposals are usually made in response to feedback or specific requests from their communities.

The proposed measures will now be consulted on over summer. Depending on the results of the consultation, these will then be drafted as the 10th London Local Authorities Bill, which will begin its parliamentary progress at the end of November.

Speaking after the Committee meeting, London Councils Chairman Councillor Merrick Cockell said:

"The measures proposed for the 10th LLA Bill demonstrate our commitment to working with our communities to improve life in the capital.

"The Bill will particularly highlight our ambition to provide leadership on environmental issues. The proposals for a plastic bag levy or borough-led charging points for electric vehicles underline our commitment to addressing these concerns. We hope Londoners will join with us in commending these proposals to Parliament to create a greener, safer city."