Yesterday, Andrew Rosindell M.P. had the pleasure of meeting with officials from London Councils in Parliament to voice the people of Romford's concerns regarding the power of the Mayor of London and the poor deal we get in return.
Echoing the sentiments that Andrew hears daily from local residents, Andrew discussed the widening of London Councils to represent individuals of the London region, from Reading to Southend and Luton to Gatwick, while also stating that the GLA must be abolished and replaced with something much more democratic that represents our identity.
Andrew had the following to say:
On Wednesday, I visited the London Councils parliamentary drop-in session to discuss local government across ‘Greater London’, where I met the Mayor of Croydon @JasonForCroydon - there was no hesitation on my part in echoing the views of Romford residents in saying that ‘Greater London’ must be completely and radically reformed. Romford remains and wishes to continue being an integral part of the historic county of Essex, especially given our close connections with places like Brentwood, Epping, Chelmsford, Thurrock and Southend. However, being stuck under the GLA, Romford does not receive the adequate police cover that we pay for, does not receive the funding that we’re surely entitled to, and when important decisions are to be made, such as the expansion of ULEZ, we are not listened to! Firstly, I believe London Councils should represent all local auorities between Reading and Southend and Gatwick to Luton, as they are equally within the ‘London region’ and many places within this bubble are connected by TfL and transport systems that serve London. Secondly, our Capital for the UK needs to be clearly defined as what is now the central areas of London and not places like Havering that orbit the Capital, but are obviously not part of it. Lastly, the GLA must be abolished and replaced by something completely different and more representative - such as a Council made up of Borough Leaders from across the London-wide region. I will continue fighting for Havering’s independence from the GLA and to restore power locally, to fully control our own resources and make decisions for Havering that are in the best interests of Romford, Hornchurch, Upminster and Rainham and not the inappropriately named 'City Hall'!
