New City Charter to tackle economy, crime and climate change in London

London Councils Press Release 29 April 2009

A groundbreaking new agreement to address the economic downturn, funding for the capital, policing and youth crime, transport and climate change was announced today.

The first ever City Charter for London commits the Mayor and London's 33 local authorities to work together more closely in order to improve the capital's public services and deliver better value for money for London taxpayers.

As a result of the charter issues including the delivery of 5000 new apprenticeships, involving councils in the recruitment and retention of Borough Commanders and campaigning for a fairer share of funding for the capital from central Government will be jointly discussed by the Mayor and boroughs.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson and Chairman of London Councils, Merrick Cockell agreed the first City Charter at a meeting between the Mayor and leaders of the capital's boroughs at City Hall today.

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson said,

"For far too long relations between City Hall and the boroughs have been confrontational rather than constructive, hindering the development of our great city. In these times of huge challenges for the capital we cannot afford for that to continue.

"Today we have agreed the first ever City Charter for London which will lead to a far more productive relationship which will benefit millions of Londoners.

"The charter will address the most pressing issues for the capital, ensuring we emerge stronger from the current economic downturn, cut crime and violence and improve our transport system. This will mean looking at how we deliver 5000 new apprenticeships over 3 years, support the development of town centres and ensure we get a fairer share of funding for London from Government.

"The City Charter marks a new era in the relationship between the City Hall and the capital's boroughs to get a better deal for Londoners and make our city safer, greener and more prosperous."

Chairman of London Councils and Leader of London Councils' Conservative Group Councillor Merrick Cockell said:

"As a world city, London faces many challenges alongside its many opportunities. With the City Charter, London Councils and the Mayor have committed to work closer together to meet those challenges, now made all the tougher by the economic recession. The City Charter also focuses our attention on how we can better assist our residents, businesses and visitors to take advantage of the many opportunities offered by our great city.

"The City Charter is not an end in itself but a means by which London Councils and the Mayor can better work together to deliver improved services and better value for money for Londoners.

"The success of the City Charter will be measured by how it enables the capital's boroughs to work more closely with the Mayor in tackling Londoners' concerns - the economy, crime, and transport. Today's event marks the commitment by borough leaders and the Mayor to making the City Charter a success for London."

Leader of London Councils' Labour Group Mayor Jules Pipe said:

"Local authorities should always be working together where it can benefit London's residents and businesses, and that includes a good working relationship between the boroughs and the Mayor of London. I hope the City Charter will contribute to building that relationship."

Leader of London Councils' Liberal Democrat Group, Councillor Sean Brennan said:

"This is about making Londoners a priority. This Charter has high aspirations but it is the actions that will make a real difference to people's lives. All of London's politicians should be judged on their results and this Charter demands we put effort in to working together and put our residents needs first."

A Congress of Leaders chaired by the Mayor and consisting of the Leaders of each London Borough and the Chairman of the Policy & Resources Committee of the City of London Corporation will oversee the development of the City Charter and set key priorities for the capital.

Read the charter
(pdf, 68 kb)