Sadiq: Give London more tax powers

SADIQ KHAN today said “nothing should be ruled out” as he relaunched a commission to set out what tax and policy powers ministers should give London.

The Mayor said the group, which called for stronger tax raising powers in a previous report, should bring forward new “beefed-up” proposals following the Brexit vote.

Mr Khan said he has already held initial discussions with the new chancellor, Philip Hammond, on devolving more power to City Hall and the boroughs. In 2013, the London Finance Commission concluded local government should control property taxes in the capital — including council tax, stamp duty and business rates.

The Mayor said: “London needs a stronger voice so that we can protect jobs and growth from the economic uncertainty ahead. It is vital that we have greater control over how the capital is run, so we have more control over the things we need to improve our city such as skills training, housing, business rates and the tools to tackle air quality, health and crime.”

He added: “Nothing should be ruled out and I expect Government to give us the tools to ensure London contin- ues to prosper for decades to come.” City politicians believe having greater control of tax revenue would mean London has more ability to invest in its own infrastructure and promote economic growth.

The commission will once again be led by London School of Economics p ro fe s s o r To ny Tr ave rs , an d wi l l include political and business leaders. In a piece for the Standard today, Professor Travers wrote: “More control by Londoners over their own taxes and spending would mean power to the people.”