South London councils have joined forces to push for devolved powers from the Government.

The South London Partnership (SLP), made up of the boroughs of Croydon, Kingston, Merton, Richmond and Sutton, believes by working together on this issue they will be able to create at least 500,000 new jobs by 2036 and 20,000 extra homes.

This figure includes 23,000 jobs in Croydon stimulated by its £5.21bn regeneration programme.

The five committee members of the new group are Kingston Council leader Kevin Davis, Sutton Council leader Ruth Dombey, Croydon Council leader Tony Newman, Richmond Council leader Lord True, and Merton Council leader Stephen Alambritis.

Croydon goes to Parliament for devolution powers

Croydon Council asks Government for devolved tax powers to generate £5.21bn 

Kingston Council plots independence from government funding

Yesterday at the partnership’s first joint committee meeting they outlined the growth potential for the region.

Councils issue demands 

Together they have agreed a joint ask to Government, which covers four themes for growth:

1. Devolved decision-making powers – including devolved funding streams and budget holding at a local level, 100 per cent retention of business rates.

2. Matching skills to demand to support the local economy and create new jobs and businesses through devolved funding and commissioning at a local level.

3. Realising infrastructure ambitions – including a stronger role in transport planning, local control of bus routes, and stronger orbital connections.

4. Greater freedom to deliver homes – including a stronger voice in planning housing, easier and more direct routes to funding, removal of restrictions on borrowing.

'First in London'

This committee is the very first in London to have been ratified by each of the member councils, granting it decision-making powers that set it ahead of other regional groups.

Merton Council leader Councillor Stephen Alambritis has been appointed as the chairman of the joint committee.

He said: “This is a landmark opportunity for an unprecedented scale of growth in our region, which will bring huge benefits for local residents.

“South London represents one of the biggest growth opportunities not only in London but the entire country.

“We are starting from a position of strength and the strong track record we have of working together that demonstrates a single focus on delivery.

“Our message to government is quite clear – devolve us the powers we are asking for to unlock the growth potential in our region that will ensure London maintains its status as a global city in the coming decades.

“Together we offer the perfect platform to deliver a unique growth proposition benefiting both London and the UK.”

Surrey Comet:
Merton Council leader Councillor Stephen Alambritis was appointed joint committee chairman