Responding to Andy Burnham’s speech this morning, John Dickie, Chief Executive at BusinessLDN, which recently published a report on the powers that London needs to thrive, said:
“Andy Burnham is right to put greater devolution at the heart of his agenda. Giving regions the powers they need to attract investment, upskill communities and deliver infrastructure is key to getting the economy moving again.
“It’s good to hear him backing London as the world’s greatest capital and setting out plans to devolve further powers to the city. Contrary to the perception, proximity to Whitehall has not automatically worked in the capital’s favour and London is just as constrained by one-size-fits-all policymaking as other parts of the country. The Mayor of London currently has fewer powers than his counterparts in global cities like New York and Paris, as well as less financial freedom than Manchester and the West Midlands.
“The commitment to grappling with some of the long-standing thorny challenges facing the country — from housebuilding to reforming business rates – will also be welcomed by firms across the capital.
“The only way to improve living standards is through growth, and unleashing London’s potential is vital to achieving that, while also tackling the deep inequality and poverty that persists across the capital.”
BusinessLDN’s ‘A New Deal for London’ report was published alongside the Central District Alliance, EC BID and London Heritage Quarter.