Councillors Commission provides food for thought for local government – says London Councils

Commenting on the launch today (Monday) of the Councillors Commission report by Dame Jane Roberts, Chairman of London Councils, Councillor Merrick Cockell, said:

 "The Commission's recommendations prove that there is no simple solution to the challenges of encouraging more people to stand as councillors and ensuring that they represent the diverse make up of their local communities.

Being a councillor is an incredibly demanding and fulfilling role and we are pleased that the Commission has heeded some of London Councils' calls to encourage more people to take up the challenge.

To address some of the issues raised by the Commission, London Councils is already working with Capital Ambition and the Leadership Centre for Local Government to actively raise the profile of councillors. Beginning in the new year we will be leading a campaign to raise awareness of what London's councillors do for their local communities. The more people know about the work of local councillors the more likely they are to consider taking on the challenge themselves.

Local councillors make important decisions on multi-million pound services that have major impacts on the lives of every member of their local communities. London Councils believes it is vital that we enable people from all backgrounds to have the opportunity of playing a full and active role in their local communities.

We hope that, when Londoners come to vote in local elections in 2010, they will have an even more diverse and talented pool of candidates to choose from."

Notes to editors

There are 1,861 councillors across London.

Any member of the media wanting more information should contact Stewart Henderson on 020 7934 9620 or stewart.henderson@londoncouncils.gov.uk