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There must be more co-operation between public and private sector organisations in order to meet London's goals for economic and social improvement.
The London Assembly's Economic and Social Development Committee heard today how big business can make important social and financial contributions to the regeneration of London's communities and the development of the economy. The Committee is starting the second phase of its investigation to see whether companies adopt responsible business practices, which respond to the diverse needs of London's society and environment.
The Committee was told that businesses involved in community-based initiatives are more successful in the long term and can add to London's competitiveness as a city. At the same time, businesses can help the public sector to provide improved employment, education and economic opportunities. This is mutually beneficial to the public and private sectors, as well as serving community and voluntary groups.
Members are also examining the Mayor's strategies to assess whether they address adequately corporate social responsibility.
Mike Tuffrey AM, Chair of the Committee, said: "A London-wide approach to the benefits of corporate responsibility is lacking. In the past, companies have focused on small-scale initiatives, such as serving on boards of regeneration agencies and offering volunteers to mentor in schools. We now need to consider how the public and private sectors can constructively work together to develop a more strategic impact on economic and social regeneration in London. Our investigation will also highlight the potential benefits of joint-working to smaller businesses and encourage them to take part in such initiatives."
Crucial projects to help London's hospitals, schools, police and transport services use information technology to communicate better with each other and the public are under threat because of a lack of government funding.
London only received four percent of the £60 million offered by the government to boost new technology initiatives in 2002/03. This year the amount rose to 14 percent of the £23 million available, but this went to local projects and not London-wide initiatives.
The London Assembly's Economic and Social Development Committee yesterday received evidence from LondonConnects, which plays a major role in coordinating IT communication systems across the capital. Members were told that its projects are being starved of government funds. Unless it receives more money for resources, a number of IT projects may not be completed in time to meet the government's targets to get all public services on-line by 2005.
The Committee is concerned that without extra investment new IT systems that will further develop joint-working and information sharing between the health and social care sectors and boroughs could be jeopardised. The opportunity to develop a London-wide smartcard based on Transport for London 'Oyster Card', which will integrate transport facilities - making it easier to buy tickets, reduce journey times and provide more accurate timetables, is under threat.
Mike Tuffrey AM, Chair of the Committee, said: 'The Government cannot afford not to invest in technology, particularly when some of the IT systems proposed could contribute towards cutting health service waiting lists, enhance transport services and make information from public sector organisations more accessible to Londoners.
' I am writing to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister to find out why London-wide initiatives are not receiving an appropriate share of the funds needed to help boost technology in the capital. Without this money the government's plans to bridge the digital divide, and ensure the benefits of technology are available to all, will not come to light.'
The London Assembly today voted for the Mayor to urge the Fire Brigade Union and fire workers in London to call a halt to their threat of strike action in the Capital.
In a motion proposed by Mike Tuffrey AM, the Assembly noted that the local authorities' final pay and reform offer, which was put on the table at the beginning of March, had initially been rejected by the union without consulting its members.
Mike Tuffrey said: 'It is time to end this dispute. We are asking the Mayor to urge the union to consult with its members. It should hold a secret ballot in order to get a clear view of fire workers' opinions.'
Sally Hamwee AM, Chair of the Assembly said: 'It is our job to represent the interests of Londoners and the Fire Brigade Union and London fire workers do not seem to appreciate the impact that the threat of strikes may have on London.'
Press release: 29 January 2003
The London Assembly has today unanimously deplored the Government's failure to provide £15m to the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority [LFEPA] to ensure that London is fully prepared against a terrorist attack.
Assembly Members heard that the Treasury is dragging its feet on releasing money that will help to provide the fire service with extra resources, such as chemical suits and gas masks. Since the attacks in America on 11 September 2001, two funding bids have been submitted to the Government. The Treasury will only decide in April whether it will release the money.
The Assembly voted on two motions put forward by Mike Tuffrey AM and Brian Coleman, which call on Central Government to accept the financial responsibility for providing London with the fire service it requires. Members have resolved that the Chair of the Assembly should write to Rt. Hon Nick Raynsford MP, Minister of State for Local Government and the Regions, expressing their dismay on behalf of Londoners, that no detailed funding figures have been made available to LFEPA for their budget preparations.
Brian Coleman said: 'London's fire service needed this money months ago. £15m is not a large sum in terms of Government expenditure, and it is a small price to pay to ensure that London is properly defended. Even if we get the money in April, it may still be some time to procure all the resources needed to ensure that we are as ready as we ought to be to deal with a major incident.'
Mike Tuffrey said: 'In light of the current international situation, we need to make an urgent case to Government so that the capital can deal successfully with any major incident. It is deplorable that the Treasury is not moving quicker on this. Knowing that this funding is available will make all our lives a lot easier.'
Press release: 29 January 2003
The Labour Party today refused to join the Liberal Democrats in condemning the Government for failing to provide adequate funding to protect London in the wake of the 9/11 attacks.
London Labour Assembly members voted against a Liberal Democrat Assembly motion that expressed dismay at the Government's delays in providing additional 'resilience' funding, 15 months after the terrorist attacks.
Mike Tuffrey, Liberal Democrat Assembly member, said after the Assembly meeting:
"It is deplorable that the Labour Party refused to support our direct call on Government to provide funding to the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority to purchase specialised vehicles and equipments for use in the event of large-scale terrorist incidents. Shortcomings in London's preparedness were identified and agreed many months ago but the Treasury is dragging its feet.
"We proposed that Trevor Philips, Chair of the London Assembly, writes to Nick Raynsford MP, Minister of State for Local Government and the Regions, to express our dismay on behalf of Londoners that the Government failed to provide LFEPA with funding figures in time for their budget preparations. This means that the cost of protecting the capital will fall on London council tax payers. It is a national responsibility and the Treasury should fund it.
"The Tory Party fully supported our motion. It is shocking that Labour Party Assembly members care more about toeing their party line than ensuring that London gets the additional money it needs to protect its citizens. Labour Party members are failing to deliver for Londoners."