House of Commons, Wednesday 26 June
In advance of the Spending Round announcement, London Councils sent a submission to HM Treasury, setting out London’s current position and making suggestions on how local government can continue to deliver much needed services whilst driving economic growth. In it London Councils is calling on the government for:
- Greater local leadership for skills provision and employment support schemes,
- The unnecessary cap on Housing Revenue Account borrowing to be removed,
- London local government to have full discretion over local taxes, fees and charges,
- Further exploration, in the light of Spending Round decisions, with government on a wider framework for accelerating growth through devolution to London government.
London boroughs play a crucial role in supporting the conditions to ensure London’s economic performance and its contribution to the wider economy. We are best placed to provide strategic oversight to some of the key drivers of growth and competitiveness. In this context, we welcome recent reports from both Lord Heseltine and the London Finance Commission which both place an emphasis on strong, local leadership and consider how greater financial devolution and autonomy can be a springboard for growth, jobs and necessary infrastructure.
We believe that this spending review announcement signals a timely opportunity to re-assess how London local government can best contribute to these goals. Our submission to HM Treasury contained a nine point call for change. This and other points are set out below. Further detail can be found within the full submission
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