London Councils multi-party leadership appointed to fight for Londoners’ interests

The London Councils multi-party Executive has been appointed at today's Annual General Meeting, with a vow to carry on fighting for the best possible deal for Londoners and their councils.

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

"Our unique multi-party Executive draws upon the strengths of local government in the capital, bringing together representatives from across the city and the three main political parties to fight for the best possible deal for London and Londoners. Its underpinning principle is that we are strongest when we work together, and we will continue working together for this, our second year, to help build a better, brighter capital." 

The Executive was created in September 2006 to shape and guide London Councils' policy. It is an 11-member cross-party forum comprising leading members from London's local authorities, including the London Councils Chairman, a Deputy Chairman and three Vice-Chairs.

Today's meeting also saw the reappointment of the London Councils Leaders' Committee - the main decision-making forum of the capital's local authorities.

As well as setting policy and taking decisions on the latest developments affecting London local government, the Leaders' Committee also ratifies decisions taken by the other London Councils committees and panels.

In the last year London Councils has been involved in a range of lobbying work to improve the lives of Londoners. Recent achievements include:

• Raising the profile of London Councils with MPs and lobbying on a range of bills affecting London, including the Greater London Authority Bill and the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Bill
  
  
• Ensuring the precept levied on the council tax for the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games remains capped and time-limited
  
  
• Persuading the government to provide an additional £11.4 million to London's councils for the support of asylum seekers
  
  
• Raising awareness about the threat to boroughs' social services caused by the NHS in London shunting costs for adult care onto council services
  
  
• Persuaded government to provide £30 million to transform temporary accommodation to permanent homes and an additional £500,000 for London's councils to tackle overcrowding.

Councillor Merrick Cockell said:

"Over the last year we have had some notable successes, particularly some of the concessions we have won from government. We are eager to build on our achievements, and over the coming year we will continue our lobbying to ensure fair funding for London and help maintain and build on London's status as a leading global city.

"We will also be re-focussing our efforts to work with our member authorities and other partners to improve public services for Londoners. Our communities demand a high performance from their public services, and we are determined to deliver on their demands.

"A new government, the forthcoming Comprehensive Spending Review and upcoming events like the 2012 Games make this an exciting time for London. We aim to make the most of the opportunities presented to us."