The London Assembly today agreed a formal amendment [1] to the Mayor of London’s draft consolidated budget proposing that a Resident Empowerment Reserve Fund is created, initially with £500,000 taken from the Business Rates Reserve.
Further funds could be added to this in future, for example by using developer contributions and the resources landlords are already asked to provide for resident support in the ballot process.
Representative resident groups affected by major developments would be able to bid for grants from this fund. As a result, they would be empowered to influence changes that affect their homes and their lives in our city.
Caroline Russell AM, who proposed the amendment, said:
"This fund is intended to provide a meaningful way for Londoners to engage effectively with the planning system and play their full part in shaping the future of our neighbourhoods across London. The Assembly has heard from Londoners about the difficulties they face when engaging with major planning proposals. This idea could also help improve participation in estate resident ballots.
“I am delighted that our amendment for a Resident Empowerment Reserve Fund today received cross-party support and therefore passed. This fund will help level the planning playing field for Londoners. I hope the Mayor listens to the Assembly and includes it in his final budget in February.”
The full text of the formal budget amendment is here.
Notes to editors
- The amendment was approved by 12 votes for to 0 against.
- This meeting was the first part of a two-stage budget setting process. At the first stage amendments may be approved by simple majority and must be considered by the Mayor. The Mayor is under a duty to respond to this amendment when he presents his final budget to the Assembly at the 24 February 2022 Mayor’s Question Time meeting; the final budget may be amended by a two-thirds majority.
- The budget setting process is set out in Schedule 6 of the GLA Act 1999 (as amended).
- Caroline Russell AM, who proposed the amendment is available for interview – see contact details below.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
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