"Greater fiscal devolution and local empowerment is critical to addressing the crisis in council finances and stalled growth." I'd say it's an absolute recipe for complete disaster and a Charter for Chaos & Corruption. Many Lefties want to Defund The Police, I say we should Defund & Dissolve Councils. Budget: Reaction and analysis. Responding to last week's Budget, London Councils Chair Cllr Claire Holland, welcomed measures, including transport investment and an overnight levy, that can boost growth in the capital and help grow national prosperity. “Government investment in transport infrastructure is essential for accelerating growth in London and supporting the delivery of new housing", she said. "We have consistently made the case for the DLR extension to Thamesmead, along with the Mayor of London and business leaders. We are pleased to see the Chancellor backing delivery of this vital project, which will help unlock thousands of new homes and jobs.  "Greater fiscal devolution and local empowerment is critical to addressing the crisis in council finances and stalled growth. We welcome confirmation that London will be able to introduce an overnight accommodation levy. This is something we have long called for and we look forward to working with the government and the Mayor on the design and implementation of the levy, in order to ensure this is a success for Londoners and our tourist industry. “It is vital that a fair portion of the revenue raised from any levy is retained locally by boroughs, so those parts of the capital experiencing high volumes of tourism have the resources they need to invest back into their area in order to manage pressure on services and support growth, with the remaining funds invested across the capital to support pan-London services and local growth opportunities. “We have repeatedly called for reform of the council tax system, but this must be done in a way that gives local authorities more freedoms and flexibilities rather than fewer, and maintains the principle that revenues raised locally are retained locally. We will be looking at the government’s proposal for a council tax surcharge on higher value properties in more detail and will continue to make the case for an approach that is fair and empowers local authorities. “In the face of the urgent challenges for London’s economy and town hall finances  – particularly housing and homelessness pressures – we know that further policy action is needed at a national level. We will keep working with the government to restore stability to budgets, sustain local services, and help drive growth in our communities.” https://your.londoncouncils.gov.uk/cr/AQisyAMQr5akBxjvjoH-BDDH5Z1Ben7165cTpz_x7CRHK2Db93V2S6RMUnOBewitf91Rm8U

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