London Councils warns mayor not to abuse new powers

The Act will strengthen the mayor of London's powers in a number of areas, notably housing, planning and waste.

Commenting on the mayor's new powers, London Councils chairman councillor Merrick Cockell said:

"It is vital that the mayor does not abuse his new powers or seek to micro-manage those boroughs on planning issues that he disagrees with. The boroughs know what works for their local communities and have a democratic mandate from them; he must not dismiss them because their views are not in line with his one-size fits all approach.  Londoners live in the best city in the world, and they expect their leaders to work together to ensure that this remains the case."

London Councils has also renewed its invitation to the mayor to chair and co-fund the government's proposed London Waste and Recycling Board.