01 February 2010
Source: LocalGov.co.uk ()

London manifesto backs radical new powers for boroughs


Mark Conrad

London’s boroughs should be handed ‘radical’ new powers over healthcare and welfare services after the general election, a manifesto for the capital has proclaimed.

The report by London Councils, published on 1 February, suggests integrating non-acute NHS care budgets within primary care trusts with care services that are already provided locally.

The manifesto calls for an end to CAA in the Capital
The manifesto calls for an end to CAA in the Capital
Echoing a report last year by the Local Government Association, the London boroughs also call for the devolution of Jobcentre Plus programmes and other employment regimes to council level.

The welfare proposals follow moves to devolve powers by both major political parties. Last year’s ‘Houghton Review’ of council welfare services suggested the direction in which the Labour government could move.

Meanwhile, Conservative shadow Treasury minister Phillip Hammond has said a Tory government could also devolve welfare programmes to localities, hinting that oversight of Jobseeker’s Allowance payments, soon to be eclipsed by the new Employment Support Allowance, could be handed to town halls.

A senior Whitehall source told LocalGov: ‘There’s little doubt that devolved welfare, and to a lesser extent, health services, will form a key part of the general election battle. Both parties are making noises about a devolution of welfare responsibilities.’

The London Councils manifesto also calls for the ‘safeguarding children’ portfolio at the Government Office for London to be handed to the council-led Safeguarding Children Board.

The document also calls for an end to the fledgling Comprehensive Area Assessment regime in the capital, with all savings to be passed on to the Treasury. Many London councils have attacked the CAA regime was unnecessary, including Camden LBC which, LocalGov’s sister title The MJ calculated, emerged as the highest rated council in England following December’s inaugural CAA.

Merrick Cockell, London Councils chair, said the UK-wide recession had created a ‘new environment’ in London that meant changes to public service provision were necessary.

‘Councils need more powers to help Londoners find jobs, feel safe on the streets, improve their local areas, get the healthcare they need and, and make sure their children are protected,’ he said.

Also read:

Report finds £11bn savings in ‘Total Place’ London
Camden emerges as highest-rated locality



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