Business welcomes mayor's devolution plans

15 June 2010

Commenting on the Mayor's plans to streamline the GLA, chief executive of business group London First, Baroness Jo Valentine, said:

"Top marks for seeking to reducing the number of overlapping agencies in London, particularly those swarmed around the Olympic regeneration brief, though the challenge is to maintain accumulated knowledge and momentum towards the Games and their legacy. Similarly, London's skills needs are not the same as the rest of the UK. Devolution to the Mayor's Skills and Employment Board would allow more flexibility in responding to employers', employees' and would-be employees' needs.

"The Mayor's proposals offer more efficient government for London, with decisions made at an appropriate level – be it local, Borough or London. Business has campaigned for this next phase of devolution since the office of Mayor and the GLA were created in 2000."

Notes:

London First is a business membership organisation with a mission to make London the best city in the world in which to do business. London First undertakes this by mobilising the experience, expertise and enthusiasm of the private sector to develop practical solutions to the challenges facing London. London First also seeks to persuade central and London government to make the investments that London needs in its infrastructure.

London First delivers its activities with the support of the capital's major businesses in key sectors such as finance, professional services, property, ICT, creative industries, hospitality and retail. Membership also includes further education colleges and all of London's universities. London First members represent over a quarter of London's GDP. www.LondonFirst.co.uk

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