12.07.16
London devolution ‘vital’ following Brexit, says new London Councils chair
The newly-elected chair of London Councils has called for greater devolution of powers to the capital following the UK’s vote to leave the European Union.
Cllr Claire Kober, who has been leader of Haringey Council since 2008, was elected today at a meeting of the London Councils’ Leaders Committee, made up of leaders of London’s boroughs.
Cllr Kober was previously deputy chair of London Councils and executive member for infrastructure and regeneration, but has been elected to replace the previous chair, Mayor Jules Pipe, who has become deputy mayor of planning, regeneration and skills at City Hall.
She said: "In the aftermath of the European Referendum 2016, it’s vital that central government gives more power to London boroughs to work with the mayor to get on with the job. From finance to the integration of health and care, from housing to skills and employment, London’s boroughs have a vital role in sustaining the position of this great city.
"Bringing London together at this time is essential and London Councils – a cross-party organisation which represents the boroughs and the City of London – is well placed to meet this challenge. It is an honour to be elected to serve London local government and our capital in this critical role.”
She said London Councils has already worked with Core Cities to develop a devolution strategy and with the London Finance Commission and the mayor on plans to use the powers to support growth and public services.
London mayor Sadiq Khan has also previously said that the government should ‘move fast’ on devolution to London following the UK’s vote to leave the European Union.
At a meeting last month, London Councils discussed seeking full control of council tax, among other devolved powers.
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