Liberal Democrats slam "super boroughs"

12.26.14pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 17th Oct 2003

Councillor Serge Lourie, Group Leader on Richmond upon Thames Borough Council

The Mayor's suggestion to create five 'super boroughs' for London to replace the current 33 authorities has been criticised by Councillor Serge Lourie, Leader of the Liberal Democrat opposition on Richmond upon Thames Council.

Speaking at the Association of London Government in Southwark, he said: "Ken Livingstone's suggestion that there should be only five London Boroughs instead of the present 33 is absurd. If anything the present boroughs are too large rather than too small."

"The Liberal Democrats believe that services should be delivered as close to local people as possible, not through entities with one to two million inhabitants. There is no justification for only five boroughs."

"The Liberal Democrats on the Greater London Assembly clearly do not support the mayor, but do think that a review of London Local Government may be appropriate."

Graham Tope, leader of the Lib Dem Group on the GLA, said:

"London is an exciting place to live in, a city that continues to evolve and develop. Unfortunately its local governance has failed to keep pace with such change. The Mayor's idea of replacing the current system with five authorities is not the way forward."

"However, something does need to be done. Since the last major review of London's local governance arrangements nearly 40 years ago, the capital has suffered under the Tory drive for centralisation that saw abolition of the GLC and ILEA and the neglect of effective London governance."

"In its place has grown a complicated web of often unaccountable bodies making decisions in which local people have no say. As well as central government, the GLA and the boroughs, there are now a range of private and public bodies trying to ensure that London functions effectively."

"In addition, central government has kept control over local government finance and some of the decisions affecting the capital. Despite the creation of the GLA, the Government Office for London and a Minister for London are just two examples of central government's continued direct involvement in London."

"It is an ineffective, confused system that fails to provide value for money . The Local Governance in London Committee will be looking at how London can develop to meet the challenges it now faces. Many London assembly members, like myself, are or have served on local councils and our knowledge will be crucial in finding the best ways of delivering effective and efficient public services and the funding needed to support them."

For further information, contact Cllr Serge Lourie on (home) 8876 7368;