Whitehall, the GLA and the Boroughs: what works and what doesn’t Tony Travers LSE

The post-2000 London government system Restoration of London-wide democratic government Local accountability for city-wide transport, economic development, planning, fire and (to some extent) police Elected mayor: a major experiment A model designed to encourage co- operation between Mayor and Assembly

2005 – the results Post-2000 arrangements broadly accepted no ‘abolitionist’ party/movement The office of Mayor has not proved a failure no public resistance to office some might even argue ‘a success’ The Assembly has proved more difficult to achieve effectiveness Boroughs have, with memorable exceptions, accommodated the Mayor

Central government Different degrees of willingness to cede powers to GLA ODPM/Downing St were in favour of greater powers Transport broadly supportive Home Office less enthusiastic GOL has continued to operate, with no diminution of role, size some concern… Growing support since 2000 as system has matured

Within the GLA - 1 Mayor/Mayor’s office development of powerful Mayor’s Office –different from (bigger) than 2+10 core envisaged hub of political power –decisions transmitted directly to commissioners, staff –need for formally-appointed Deputy Mayors? awkwardness of Assembly appointments –Need to give Mayor power to appoint staff different pattern of appointments to TfL and LDA compared with MPA and LFEPA –need for mayoral accountability for all?

Within the GLA - 2 The Assembly key power is annual scrutiny of budget –effectively undertaken –2/3 alternative budget requirement very high scrutiny role has proved more difficult size of Assembly (25) has consequences –very small party groups –excessive informality confusion of positions on MPA, LFEPA need for ‘legislative’ power over Mayoral policy?

The Boroughs Now among Britain’s longest-established political institutions Some awkward relationships with the Mayor also some service overlaps Debate about number of boroughs Mayor’s views other indications (NHS, sub-regional institutions)

The Review More important/extensive than expected Opportunity to establish a more autonomous system of sub-central government in London Significant consensus about possible change Lessons for the rest of England Purpose must be better government…

Whitehall, the GLA and the Boroughs: what works and what doesn’t Tony Travers LSE