Mayor of London update

The Mayor sets out his approach on planning

The Mayor has published the ‘Planning a better London‘ report setting out how he intends to improve the quality of life for Londoners through the planning system and specifically through revising the London Plan. The Mayor wants to see a slimmer plan which deals with strategic issues, without sacrificing London’s need for more homes and economic success, and which treats inner and outer London as equal priorities.

The document proposes several key changes including abolishing the 50 per cent London-wide affordable housing target, but committing to an expanded programme of 50,000 affordable homes over the next three years, by agreeing individual affordable housing targets with the boroughs. Responses to the consultation must be submitted by 10th November. The formal process for reviewing the London Plan will then begin.

Focus on London 2008

The GLA has published ‘Focus on London 2008‘, an annual study covering a wide range of demographic, social and economic data. The review gives a snapshot of life in London, including information on incomes, health, housing and transport. The Mayor used the publication to highlight his commitment to improving the quality of life of all Londoners during his tenure.

The Mayor increases London Living Wage

The Mayor has delivered on another election promise by announcing that he is increasing the London Living Wage to £7.45 per hour. The new figure will apply to all Greater London Authority Group staff and also to all new contracts as soon as possible. Ealing Council have also committed to introducing the London Living Wage in key contracts from September.

The Mayor launches competition to design new bus for London

The Mayor has joined Transport for London in launching a competition to design a new bus for London. The competition is open for all ages and the Mayor will invite would-be designers to submit their designs and ideas for a 21st version of the Routemaster by September 2008. As well as potentially seeing their design on the streets of London, the best designer will pocket a first price of £25,000. Further details and full terms and conditions of the competition can be found on the TfL website.

Other news

The Mayor scraps £25 congestion charge

The Mayor announces £60m to tackle empty homes

The Mayor announces public consultation on the future of the western extension of the congestion charging zone

The Mayor welcomes dedicated police team to tackle youth knife crime

The Mayor announces ten flagship ‘green’ energy ‘Low Carbon’ zones for London

The Mayor calls on the Government to save London’s post offices

Trevor Chinn has been appointed as Chairman of the Mayor’s Fund

The Mayor announces free travel for injured war veterans

Events

Trafalgar Square Festival 2008

Trafalgar Square Festival is London’s annual programme of spectacular street arts and performance, set in the very heart of the capital. This year, three weekends of extraordinary events capture the gathering excitement as London prepares for the moment of Olympic ‘handover’ on 24 August. The festival starts on 7 August and runs until 23 August.