Mayor Livingstone is calling for London’s 32 boroughs to be scrapped and the capital to be split into five huge super-boroughs. In direct contrast, Greens are calling for smaller local councils that truly represent London’s communities .
“Greens would like to see smaller London boroughs which would provide a real voice for London’s historic local communities, like Stoke Newington and Shoreditch. The Green vision for London is not just one sprawling metropolis but a network of urban villages, each with its own thriving local community, strong local economy and quality local services. It’s time to make local democracy truly local. Let’s open up the old town halls and make them the heart of thriving local communities,” said Cllr. Darren Johnson AM, Leader of the Green Party Group in the London Assembly.
In 1963, London boroughs were re-organised. Consequently small councils that represented London’s historic neighbourhoods, like Stoke Newington and Shoreditch were swept away to be replaced by larger bureaucracies like Hackney Council.
“In Hackney we could either return to having separate boroughs – Stoke Newington, Shoreditch and Hackney; or else we could create urban parish or community councils so that different neighbourhoods have their own directly elected voice,” declared Darren.
“Mayor Livingstone has fallen into the trap of assuming that bigger means more efficient but his merger plans would make local councils even more remote and out of touch with local people,” concluded Darren.
The London Assembly is planning to set up a scrutiny committee on the future of local government in London. The planned 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 planned scrutiny has been welcomed by the Green Party Group in the London Assembly who will be arguing for smaller, rather than bigger boroughs.
Greens want the planned 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)
· breaking up the boroughs to create separate smaller units
· proportional representation for local government
ENDS