Publications

Queen’s Speech 2017

The Speech contained 27 Bills and draft Bills, eight of which deal with the UK’s departure from the European Union. This briefing highlights the Bills and announcements that will impact on London local government.

Our analysis of the Bills announced today is based upon the information published so far; as more information is made available London Councils will provide further detailed briefings.

The Queen’s Speech 2016: briefing

This briefing highlights the bills in the Queen’s Speech that affect London local government.

Devolving employment support

London Councils is proposing devolution and reform of London’s public services.

Reforming Public Services

London Councils, which represents London’s 32 boroughs and the City of London, is proposing devolution and reform of London’s public services in order to deal with the financial challenges of the next five years and to invest in the social and economic infrastructure that is vital to the capital’s continued growth and success.

Administration of business rates in England: discussion paper

In April 2014, the Government published a discussion paper on the administration of business rates in England.

London Councils submitted the attached response to the discussion paper.

Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement 2015/16

The provisional 2015-16 Local Government Finance Settlement announcement

Making Devolution Work

Following the Scottish referendum result, the issue of devolution is in the air: not just to Scotland but to cities, towns and regions in the rest of the UK.

As part of its work at the party conference season 2014, London Councils partnered with the UK's core cities to press the case for urgent devolution to cities. At present, London government retains only 8 per cent of the taxes the capital generates, compared with more than 50 per cent in New York.

Trust in Democracy

All political parties are promoting policies for a strong local democracy. Placing the power back in the hands of the people and their locally elected leaders is a central theme, in varying degrees, of the main political parties' rhetoric and is vital for restoring public confidence in the value and effectiveness of local democracy.