Comparing the powers of international cities to London
In December 2024, the Government outlined its proposals for a new devolution framework in the English Devolution White Paper and has committed to introducing the English Devolution Bill during the current parliamentary session.1
The White Paper proposes that “the government will work with the Mayor of London to compare the powers and policy approaches of other global city authorities”.
Tomorrow, the GLA Oversight Committee will examine the powers and responsibilities of the city governments of Milan and Toronto to identify lessons and good practice.
The Greater Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy's economic powerhouse, is the third most populated metropolitan area in Europe, after London and Paris. Toronto, Canada's largest city and the economic capital of Canada, is similarly an important city in the fields of business, finance, technology, and entertainment.
The discussion will include a comparison of each city’s powers in transport, economic development, housing, environment, policing, fire and emergency services, health, and skills, as well as a discussion on taxation powers and scrutiny arrangements.
The guests are:
- Filippo Barberis, Chief of Staff of the Mayor of Milan
- Gaia Romani, Deputy Mayor for Decentralisation, Neighbourhoods and Participation at the Municipality of Milan
- John Elvidge, City Clerk of the City of Toronto
The meeting will take place on Thursday 12 June from 11am, in the Chamber at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE.
Media and members of the public are invited to attend
The meeting can also be viewed LIVE or later via webcast or YouTube.
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Notes to editors
- MHCLG (2024), English Devolution White Paper, p. 18.
- Read the agenda in full.
- Bassam Mahfouz AM, Chair of the GLA Oversight Committee, is available for interview.
- Find out more about the work of the GLA Oversight Committee.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For media enquiries, please contact Alison Bell on 07887 832 918 or at [email protected]. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly.