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Sir Humphrey of Yes Minister would call this a 'courageous' move.
The gamble is that greater powers to local gov't would bring forward a better calibre of candidate than the ghastly mediocrities we have now: but it's a gamble.

Our local Commander in Waltham Forest is most visible either giving or receiving awards from Councillors for 'social cohesion' (Code for: We're terrified of Muslims). Last week we learned that the local murder rate has doubled in a year; the same week a PC was murdered locally confronting a violent gang. In this week of sombre news our Commander could spare 8 officers to assist the attention-seeking Council leader to serve a Planning notice on a harmless takeaway (with maximimum media coverage, of course). Two other officers covered themselves in glory by making an Austrian tourist (and we don't get many of those!)delete the photos he had taken of buses, as an anti-terrorist measure.
Just think what it would be like if the Councillors appointed this man! This is not power to the voter, it's power to the jobsworths who knowingly issue thousands of illegal tickets. We need effective democracy before this can be considered.

- Mdj E10, london uk

Yet further proof that Boris is not fit for purpose and is not up to actually doing the job as Mayor of London!

As for buses we have seen how some tinpot car owning tory residents in West London have tried to stop buses using their street (well they think they own the road!) just magnify this by the number of streets in London and the result will be hundreds if not thousands of shops and businesses will have to close as very few people will be able to reach them!!

I take it Camben,Hackney and Islington councils together with the City of Westminster and their residents will now be consulted on whether disabled friendly artic buses with plenty of space for mothers with prams can remain on route 38? (Anyone see the BBC Local news the other night when a mother with a baby in a pram could not board a double decker, they should have took her to try a spacious Artic bus - more bus and less total roadspace used for your money and cheaper by millions of pounds!!)

Funny how Tories never tell you what they will do BEFORE an election be warned to be wary of Tories unwilling to detail their cuts before an election, whether you get your NHS treatment may depend on it!

They have millionaires baying for inheritence tax cuts!

- Melvyn Windebank, Canvey Island, Essex

Don't that copper looked pee'd off !!

- Dave Morris, Sunderland UK

Pat, UK- I have reservations over some elements of this proposal, but do agree with the general thrust of it.
There must be a coherent infrastructure policy (nationwide, not just across London), and I don't agree with the appointment of police commanders by politicians, for the reasons I have stated.
beyond that, I would support moves to allow people more influence over council priorities in their local area.
As the people of Doncaster have discovered to their disadvantage, one of the major obstacles to this is the system of directly elected mayors.
These officials have far too much power and rule by cabinet of cronies, effectively rendering the council chamber, and all councillors outside the inner sanctum completely powerless.
Little wonder that this system of local dictatorship is so popular with NuLiebour.

- Keith Lonsdale, Doncaster

Is there a route which TfL buses can take which means they will not sit in cyclist boxes at red lights?

- Reg, London

Under the proposals, the councils would be able to:

* Appoint borough commanders instead of the Met chief doing so...

H'm, dunno: our Met-appointed Commander in LB Waltham Forest spends half his time exchanging fatuous awards for 'social cohesion' with Councillors and, in a week when a PC was murdered locally accosting robbers, had time to lend 8 officers to the Council Leader to deliver a planning notice to a takeaway (with lots of press in attendance), while other officers made a tourist delete photos he had taken of a bus in the ignorant belief that this is now illegal. If this official were appointed by the local jobsworths it would be even worse.

- mdj e10, london uk

@ keith
so "Sounds good, although I wouldn't support the appointment of Police district commanders by local councils. "
while it sounds good you are not really for it because you have stated several reasons why it is a bad idea.

the odd thing is that most of the objections raised by commentators are so fundamental as to make the two ideas unworkable.

perhaps boris would be better served by getting rid of his highly paid advisors and hire some people who have to use the services.

i want an integrated public transport that takes me from one borough to the next without worrying what changes may or may not have been made by the borough. i want to know that the police service is working as a unit and not a series of competing borough elected commanders who will spend most of their time making sure they are safe in office rather than getting on with the job in hand.

as one of the comments pointed out rather than break up a system that works why not work to improve it.
though that wouldn't get you the headlines.

boris if you need me - you know where i am .

- pat, United Kingdom

This isn't giving power to the people, it power grabbing by the power crazy local councils.
The local people will have no say in who is appointed unless there are local elections to vote for whatever post is to be filled.
The public will soon get fed up with that.

- Paul, East London

Here in the US there are several ways the local or county police chief (usually called sheriffs in counties):
1) direct popular election
2) appointed by the Governor of the state, or the state's cabinet level law enforcement person (usually the case if a state has a highway patrol, or 'state trooper' level of law enforcement)
3) hired by the town mayor
4) hired by a town's 'manager' (not all cities/towns have a 'strong' mayor form of gvt)
5) hired by a town council (much as in #4 above)

In most scenarios there can be enormous public pressure applied to elected officials to change the police chief - if appointed or hired - and most cases the elected will give in to the pressure. And usually a town that elects its "local sheriff" retains the authority to fire him as well.

There is no doubt local law enforcement is much more responsive to the town, city, county, when the chief has to either win an election or is otherwise responsible to local authority for his/her performance.

- Trunk, US

Oh! What larks MR Pipp !


Courtesy of Chrles Dickens

- Bernard Parke, GUILDFORD

Rogan, Irving; It is not that I saw anything in Ken Livingstone that needed dismantling in the GLA; more what needed rebuilding to the same levels as the old GLC.

This is all a long story from my point of view; and the reply space on this board is very limited etc.

London Transport Buses: ran well through out its history; including the war; snow and all; in those days though, you had to be well trained at Chiswick before you could drive a London Bus at all; today if you can wee your pants, you can drive a London bus. Another long London story Rogan.

As to locally elected Police Chiefs; we have about 33 London Boroughs off hand; that means 33 police chiefs; this would mean, we would have more Chiefs than Indians.

If we divide all the boroughs into separate entities; all with their own agendas; and own Police Chiefs; we will end up having London States; just like in the USA; this in turn would mean the local law in one borough would not be the same law in the next borough; criminals could just jump the borough lines to escape the law in the borough they have just left; the police would then have to stop at the local border; because it would be outside their jurisdiction etc; this in turn would mean we need an FBI type force; that knows no boundaries, and has its own crime agenda; which in turn would mean we will end up with one police force; which we had long before Boris was born.

I have had to cut this reply here; the full reply was far to long etc.

- mickyinlondon, london

Mickyinlondon, london - you clearly don't see a correlation between Ken Livingston, the last GLC leader and Ken Livingston, the last GLA leader? Could it be that what Ken created actually needs to be dismantled? Of course not, like die-hard tories, you are a die-hard socialist.

I'm not so sure about the practicality of the public transport devolution, but the idea of locally approved police chiefs DOES appeal. If elected, as one commentor suggested, as are USA local police chiefs rather than appointment by local councils, they would be more 'connected' to the local scene (no, being human they would not be saintly perfect - but local accountability and 'best possible' are also worthy aims).

- Rogan, Irving

This is what happens when Boris surrounds himself with cronies from the borough councils. All the talented people with actual vision (Parker, Lewis etc) surprisingly, found themselves unable to work with his team. Who is he left with? Brian 'Taxi' Coleman, and the hilariously inept Kit 'Boris Island' Malthouse. Boris doesnt have the ability to stand up for Londoners. We have voted ourselves an absent Mayor.

- K Williams, London

I can see problems coming here if every borough is going to meddle in local bus services. Mr Johnson seems to forget that a bus route goes through many boroughs. take one of our routes, the 25? It goes through redbridge, Newham, Tower Hamlets, City of London, Westminster.

Why do politicians always want to change things that work?. perhaps Mr J should remember Lord Palmerston's advice to Queen Victoria: "Change, change, change! - all this talk of change - are'nt things bad enough already? Leave it alone, ma'm, leave it alone!"

- Graham, Ilford Essex

This sounds like another of Boris's promises that he knows cannot happen but sounds as if he cares about us. Check who represents your Borough on the MPA board, you may find it is someone who has no link with your area and no understanding of your problems. This has been done since he took control of the MPA so how sincere is he.

- Daphne, London NW3

It might sound a bit lame, but isn�t the point behind democracy � government by the people for the people. When did it become control by the political class, for the benefit of the political class?

Good on you Boris, you might even survive the revolution. We need more Politicos� to start understanding the ideals of democracy.

- Ian, Reading, England

'Scuse me, but isn't it just a short while ago that the Tories were claiming that the last head of the Met Police was a Labour Party political appointment, and that was a bad thing ? And now they want Tory borough bosses to appoint local police chiefs and have that done as a political decision... only this time, coz a Tory fat cat suggests it, it's a good thing ?

- David W, London, U.K.

Transport planning and provision is a strategic issue and in London's case is best managed at a regional level i.e. through the GLA. How can anyone seriously expect TfL and its unified bus, Tube, DLR, and Rail service to be broken up into separate borough transport authorities. It would make London a laughing stock.

- Pete, Chippenham, UK

Good on you Boris. I'm probably very lucky because I live in the largest (Greater) London Borough, It's Tory controlled and they do a fantastic job. Give the power back to the people. If I had my way I'd elect people on the American system (vote for Heads of Boroughs, the public elect Judges ,etc). It's a brilliant idea. Of course the only people who will be against it are the ones that live in terribly run London Boroughs in the first place (and most of them are either Labour or Liberal controlled).

- Sue, Orpington, Kent

This will turn London in a collection of ghettos that will make people who are a minority in a Borough want to leave. Tower Hamlets will become a no go area for non-muslims within 10 years .

- Eric Muldownie, London

Another stupid suggestion from Boris: 'Change bus routes and timetables, taking control of local services from Transport for London.' Since buses cross borough boundaries, if each borough decides to change the bus timetable for one of these buses, and the other borough(s) wants something different, how's that going to work?
It's bad enough that there are a multitude of bus companies in London, instead of having just one for the whole capital.

- Ralph, London GB

This at least explains why it was suggested that Johnson would not be running for a second term - he doesn't plan on there being a central London authority!!

- Andy, london

Mark Armstrong, london. Uk.

The Trotsky with the red flag you mention, was voted out; we have a fascist now with a blue flag.

That is the beauty of having a democracy in London Affairs; we can keep, or get rid of who we like etc.

Boris of course; now wants to get rid of Londoners having a choice; yet he could not do that before becoming Mayor of London; himself.

Are you a die hard undemocratic Tory, by the way?

- Mickyinlondon, london

The only problem with this is deadbeat councils like Haringey will get these powers. I would approve of efficient councils like Wandsworth and Westminster having a greater say of what goes on in their boroughs, but loony leftie councils, replete with their backward-looking policies, shouldn't be allowed a whiff of extra power. Or at least not until they have a good clean out of all the dead wood they employ and bring their crackpot thinking into the 21st Century.

- Richard, London

Who knows their borough better, who knows the needs of the people in their borough, the local Councillors who live there.

Not Ministers in the ivory tower of Westminster, not even MPs with London Boroughs who dont live there and just make flying visits once a week if their constituents are lucky.

The needs of Islington are very different to the needs of Newham or Dagenham

- Lizzy, dagenham

this is good news. for years londoners suffered under the despotic and embezzling trotsky, Livingston led GLC, copmplete with red flag. then Livingston got in again and abused the L.A with his friends with their hands in their pockets and noses in the trough. Lets stop the growth of another meglomaniac incompetant machine

- Mark Armstrong, london. uk

ONLY if there is also an option that when we, the GLA resedents vote to decide what proposals remains within the GLA or may be devolved. A vote for each devolved power per Borough.

Also there should be a statement per borough about how many EXISTING borough authority employees will be made redundent because of this initiative, also the % increase in efficiency and the cost saving reflected by a rate reduction over the following five years

I assume that each of the Boroughs inhabitants will be given a vote on this. We do not all want power mad, money hungry officials looking for more ways to top up their index-linked final salary pensions.

- Jack, London

Are we giving power to the same people who lost our millions investing in Icelandic banks whilst not being able to afford snow shovels / pavement improvements / road improvements...

- Lou, London

Back in the late 80s' early 90s' there was a policy de-centralising power from government to local authorities. However after finding budgets(MONEY) associated with the given powers were abused by people within the local authority, without providing adequate services the power we re-centralised. Imagine a borough like Haringey which already finds it difficult to manage its existing powers in Social Services; More fincial accountability has to be placed on those in power,ensuring prudent spending and services levels are key to overall success.

- Ryan, London

The Mayor is democratically elected by a larger turnout than the councils. Anyone, therefore, claiming this as in any way democratic has a screw loose.

Boris long ago handed authority over to the Tory councils by appointing their representatives to his team and then delegating his authority to them. This is merely the official announcement. How on earth did London end up going backwards to a time when we had no vision or city-wide management, just bickering second rate council nobodies puffed up with their own self-importance? We need better leadership, not no leadership.

- Tom, London, UK

I am a simple man; but I have been around a long time.

Thatcher destroyed the GLC because it was not under her direct control; after that London was without any control at all; it never had a mayor then ��either��

The GLA was formed to give back to London and its people; its own form of central government control; with power over all London Boroughs for the good of London as a whole etc; with a Mayor at the head of this new London Government, that the people can vote for; or vote against etc.

Now I see the Tories trying to destroy the GLA by the back door; just as they destroyed the GLC.

You have all seen the way London Boroughs work over the years; largely they are fractured, and power mad; from far right to far left; depending on the borough etc.

We will be back to square one; if Boris Johnson is allowed to destroy the GLA; as the Tories destroyed the GLC.

The GLA is the same today; as the GLC was then; in-fact Ken Livingstone was the last GLC leader; just as he was the first leader of the GLA, before Johnson arrived etc.

Do not let Johnson, do a Margaret Thatcher; and once again destroy London�s only powerful central control over renegade borough councils; if you do; then we will all lose control over our city for ever.

Be warned; history always repeats itself; but we can stop it; if we are wise and remember the past.

Let this be a warning when the general election looms; the Tories will never change; they just kid you they have; for power.

- Mickyinlondon, london

This is a good idea and about time. Perhaps we can also ensure through this that the quangos who run the health service are far more accountable. Local councils are voted for by local people and are nearest to understanding what is required in their area.

Well done Boris and the London Leaders

- Hiw, London, London

Anything that hands power to ordinary people and takes it from colourless unaccountable Bureaucrats is a step forward, the altenative is civil war, I believe its called democracy.

- Dave Morris, Sunderland

I don't support giving power back to the local boroughs as this would lead to unequal services across London, however I support Boris 100% on all his decisions so will have to accept this inequality as an eventuality. Maybe in the long run this will be good for the city as we've had it good for too long and I think we need a bit of chaos and disorganisation to liven things up a bit.

- Frankie, London

I have never heard anything so ridiculous. These matters have to be centralised to ensure that we have a cohesive and co-ordinated London service not broken down into non co-operative groups (one council run by Labour, a neighbouring council run by Liberals and another neighbouring council run by the Conservatives) - councillors cannot be trusted with these issues. I accept that the current system needs to be improved to run as it should but what we have has to be better than the alternative being proposed here.

- Andy, london

Borough devides..
Think of all the gang issues we'd have

- Jennifer, London

My council does not need more powers. These officials behave as mini dictators and spend our money on their own pet projects. If they appoint a police commands God knows what we would get. Let the people vote for this kind of position directly then we will get the policing we need not some liberal clap trap!

- Graham, London

Anything that takes powers away from Transport For London (which seems in a world of its own) and gives them to elected representatives is probably a good thing. Less convinced over the policing side though.

Another idea worth developing is requiring councils to operate defined essential services (such as administering planning permission and holding local elections) but asking residents if they are happy to pay up for other 'services', particularly the hire of video games from libraries or grants to politicised groups.

Those who want their money spent this way should be able to opt-in, and maybe indicate how much they are happy to pay. Properly organised, it would be a step towards giving power back to the people.

- Jools, London

This is a very bad idea. Local authorities are already overstuffed, overpaid and overbearing. Hasn't Boris noticed the endless and generally pointless roadworks instituted in the last few weeks by local councils all over London to spend up their budgets? I'm glad that national Tory policy is running counter to this notion; Boris is sadly out of step on this one.

- Eduardo, N London

This is nothing more than a cynical move to break up the GLA. We will no longer have an integrated transport system and will be controlled by tinpot local councillors of dubious quality.

- Carl, London

this is getting boring. Does EVERYone has to justify themselves?

- Marianne, Uk National And Camden Voter, SW France

Devolution - just what London needs. boris is definitely leading from the front and getting things done.

the raising of the London Minimum wage to STG 7.45 per hour was a clear and deliberate statement that had an immediate impact on the low-paid who work in London.

Giving power back to local councils is just what is needed, because local people are best placed to judge what needs to be done in their area.

- Manny Goldstein, London, UK

Break up London, every borough will have it own congetion charge, no integrated transport system as each will set there own time tables, different rules and regulations in each borough.

I would go the I opposite way and remove power from local councils and have the same rules for the whole off london.

- David, Abbey Wood SE2

Having local Councils decide, means that there will not be an equal service across the various boroughs.

Just keep it as it is and improve the current services.

- Helen, London

"Don't start something you won't be around to finish, Boris." - Says the woman writing from south west France

- Neil, London

Sounds good, although I wouldn't support the appointment of Police district commanders by local councils.
It would invariably lead to greater politicisation of the Police than has already happened under NuLiebore, with predictably dire consequences. This is a process that needs to be reversed, not accelerated.
That said, I see no reason why local councillors cannot have some input into the appointment process by helping the Commissioner to appoint someone who would best represent local needs. However, Senior police officers on the "vote for me" campaign trail, like a wild west sheriff, must be avoided at all costs.

- Keith Lonsdale, Doncaster

"The charter will address the most pressing issues for the capital, ensuring we emerge stronger from the economic downturn, cut crime and violence and improve our transport system."

Pressing issue number one would be to get rid of all the illegal immigrants, some of the above would fall into place as a result.

This is no more than a gimmick. I wouldn't trust a single person on Southwark Council to pick a police commander; that's one decision I rather leave that to the professionals.

- Mark, South-East London

NO NO NO. God help us if local Councils get more power.They waste �millions of tax payers money as it is and certainly from experience of my council (Bromley) waste of money on road schemes,'speed' camera's,Crystal Palace Park etc etc this will just give them more money to waste and they are Tory so pity help the Labour run Councils who are far worse

- Mike, London England

In Boris we Trust.

- Scotty, london

Don't start something you won't be around to finish, Boris.

- Marianne, SW France

go boris!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

- Mikeee, peterborough uk

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