Dramatic change in council powers
by Roxanne Blakelock An extraordinary agreement which could revolutionise the way London s services are run. Boris Johnson today backed a new City Charter which would see major changes including giving local councillors the power to choos
by Roxanne Blakelock
An extraordinary agreement which could revolutionise the way London's services are run.
Boris Johnson today backed a new City Charter which would see major changes including giving local councillors the power to choose their own police borough commanders, which is currently done by Sir Paul Stephenson, the Met Commissioner.
Every borough leader signed the charter which also includes the demand that local councils would decide how NHS money is spent, which is currently under the control of primary care trusts.
Local councils would also decide on GPs' opening hours and make decisions on bus routes and timetables, taking over from Transport for London.
Cllr Paul Lorber, Brent Council leader, said: "The aim of this morning's meeting was to agree a way forward for councils to work with Boris to solve London's problems.
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"We work with the Mayor on issues ranging from the North Circular Road to the Olympics and its critical that both the Council and the Mayor know what's expected from them.
"I think this is a positive first step and look forward to working with the Mayor and the GLA to make Brent cleaner, greener and safer."
roxanne.blakelock@archant.co.uk