Mayor for London Ken Livingstone has attacked the Government’s regional spending policies, claiming that they have deprived the capital of over £10bn of public investment.
Speaking at the start of the Case for London campaign today, Livingstone said: “Without more resources to invest in its crumbling social and public infrastructure there is a real danger that London will lose its competitive edge. Sustaining Londons position as one of the four indisputable world cities requires continued and massive investment and must be a national priority.”
The campaign coincides with the launch of the Investing in London: the Case for the Capital report. The report estimates that London would need between £4 to £6bn to tackle infrastructure problems, including funding for vital transport improvements and providing more affordable homes for key workers.
The Mayor said that increased investment from the Government was essential to ensure the success of the Spatial Development Strategy and the Transport Plan. “I have made it my priority in developing strategies for transport, economic development and spatial planning to lay the foundations for a better London. But my direct powers, and those of the Assembly, are limited. Investing in London is also a national responsibility.”
The report said that each year the City of London alone gives £7bn to support the rest of the country.
EGi News 25/06/01
