The investigation will look into the structure and size of local authorities in London as well as looking at possible changes to the electoral system. The scrutiny has been welcomed by the Green Party Group in the London Assembly.
Cllr. Darren Johnson AM, Leader of the Green Party Group in the London Assembly commented, “Mayor Ken Livingstone and some of his Labour colleagues are arguing for fewer and bigger London boroughs but we are totally opposed to any proposals to amalgamate London’s 32 boroughs. This would make local councils even more remote and out of touch with local people. However, the current borough boundaries were drawn up in the 1960s and need to be looked at again. Greens would like to see smaller London boroughs that reflected London’s historic pattern of local communities. “
Greens want the scrutiny to investigate:
· the creation of urban parish or community councils (London is the only part of the UK which is legally prevented from having these)
· decentralisation within each borough
· breaking up the boroughs to create separate smaller units
· proportional representation for local government
Darren concluded, “I therefore welcome this inquiry. Greens will be arguing in favour of local democracy and speaking up for smaller, not bigger, boroughs.”
ENDS