The Policies Introduced by the Office of the Mayor of London - Case Study Example

? An analysis of the policies introduced by the Office of the Mayor of London Introduction London has been in a position to effectively compete with other cities around the world socially, politically and economically. It has been notoriously noted for its entrepreneurship, the lifestyle of its dwellers and its dynamic nature altogether. All this have been attained with the assistance of the Great London Authority that has played a crucial role in the managerial position, as well as the position of the mayor, who is normally elected directly to his position by 25 members, London has been able to be governed in a more civilized manner, perhaps that is the main reason for its success. The GLA has power deliberated to perform duties in various parts of the city (Greater London Authority 2012). It has four bodies that range from the London Development agency, The Metropolitan police authority, which is in charge of security in the city, The Emergency planning authority that deals with the disaster, and the London fire brigade. The role of the mayor of London The mayor of London`s job basically ranges from developing policies, setting budgets, as well as ensuring that London is well marketed globally. The mayor has powers and duties to ensure that there is absolute promotion of both the economic social and environmental improvement (Greater London Authority 2012). That is perhaps what may be termed as “improving London for all”. Before putting any of his powers into action, the mayor has to first consult the city dwellers. Consequently, he must ensure that equality for all citizens is achieved. Being a mayor in London, means one is also in charge of all policies and plans for city. This covers all aspects ranging from panning, development, housing, health injustices, culture and other environmental issues including climate changes, noise pollution and health quality too. On improving London, the mayor has to set up budgets that must project the visions that improve London; this makes him to come up with the annual budget for the Greater London Authority and the entire GLA group, this includes the metropolitan police, fire brigade, transportation in London and the London Development agency (Great Britain: Parliament House of Commons: Justice Committee 2009). In addition to his duties, he holds executive positions, as well as non-executive ones, in different organizations. The need for reforms in housing policy The mayor argues that London has got the need to have better and quality housing delivered to the citizens. Due to long term housing pressure in London, it is evident that many have failed to meet the increasing demand of the residents in London. With this in mind, it is clear that the quality of life for London citizens have been clearly undermined especially for those who cannot afford the high rents for home in the open market. Despite the number of households registering as homeless decreasing over the years, the number of temporary accommodations has been increasing too. This leads to recording of two thirds of the total households in London. Over 150,000 household in London are overcrowded, this is more than half the total number nationwide. This means that overcrowding rates are now higher as compared to the private rented tenancies. The policies put in place would only do more harm than good because the estimated growth of the population would only increase to 80,000 by 2016 thus creating demand for over 300,000 households. Although the current new housing output is around 270000 new homes every year, only half of them can be affordable. Perhaps, that is why the London housing requirement study has identified a need to have 35000 increments of new homes yearly so as to meet the needs as per the projected growth (Greater London Authority 2012). According to the London Housing Capacity, there is enough land that can accommodate more than 31000 new homes every year. However, the significant increase in housing investments over the years means that doubling of London’s total housing pot to meet the general housing basic needs would be fundamental. This would increase the public sectors investments even further. This was perhaps why the mayor had to lay down housing policies that would ensure the housing priorities and investments are set clear. Furthermore, there it was indispensable to see to it that the current housing investments are utilized maximally. This is by using the merging the economic development investment together with the housing pot. A strategic plan was also laid across to deliberate on enhancement in the use of the existing stock to see to it that the needs of London citizens are considered. The mayor’s proposal on housing was that, the London housing Board would be in charge of the current arrangements and responsibility based on the strategy and recommendation of the public housing investment (Greater London Authority 2012). However, the current housing strategy has fallen short in a number of areas. For instance, it was paramount that to focus more on the increasing supply of its primary aim. The strategies have also failed to deliver the right forms of housings (the structures and build forms). Apart from that, the strategies laid have also failed to meet and promote the choice of Londoners in general. Evidences based on the literature review After the critical evaluation of the literature review, it is clear that the living wages that are provided do not represent the associated jobs or even the workers interests at all. Productivity has been increasing simultaneously due to the lower reporting of the staff. Consequently, some of them have been reported to be notorious in absenteeism. However, the increased stability in the place of work has been a major boost to the confidence of the workers self esteem. It has also been noted that the increased cost has stimulated other firms to seek a more efficient projects in other places. A good example is the substitution of workers. Reducing liter in London Sweet wrappers thrown on the floor rather than into the correct dumping places have been one of the environmental crimes citizens of London have always committed time and again. Chewing gums and cigarette remains are not unexceptional too. Such actions make the all too often unsafe. Enforcing and educating Tackling such problems can only be a success by encouraging behavior change. This can only be possible through education of masses. Consequently, enforcement where necessary is vital. Making people aware of the consequences would somehow discourage them from committing such crimes in the first place. However, people who commit such felonies should not face the law. Working with the boroughs Furthermore, the boroughs play an important role in fighting environmental crime; their main goal is to ensure that land is clear of litter. That is the reason why the London Councils in conjunction with the London boroughs are working closely in a pan-London programme projected for the next two years. Maintaining good climate in London Climate change has been one of the biggest threats to the future development of humanity, and poses a huge challenge for cities and London is not exceptional here. These changes posses’ two challenges: reducing out emissions to limit further climate change, and adapting to the climate changes that are unavoidable. London dwellers need not to adapt to new standards of living in order to participate in the fight against climate change. The only thing to be done is to completely shift away from using high energies that are wasteful and adopt a more energy saving economy fuel that is pollution free. This means that efficiency counts a lot. To ensure that the fight against environmental pollution is won, a big reduction in London’s carbon emissions is key to this campaign (Greater London Authority 2012). Improving London's air quality A green and clean city is attractive to every single eye. Furthermore, people living in such a place will always enjoy the aesthetic beauty and quality of life around them (Sokhi 2011). Despite the air in London being of good quality as compared to the recent years, there is a lot that needs to be articulated on to make it even more appealing. However, much has been put into consideration for the good of London, for instance transforming London's bus fleet to hybrid. It is believed that the mayor’s policy on the quality of air in London tries to speed up the necessary changes. Focusing on transport The mayor of London has proposed that the London bus fleets are cleaned up in order to meet the Euro standards; that is, the Euro IV emission standards for PM10 and NO by the year 2015 (Greater London Authority 2012). In addition to this the taxis should also be cleaned up in accordance to the proposed age limit by 2012. He further proposes that air quality days are introduced with measures that limit the risk of being exposed accompanied with regular events that will enlighten people on the need to walk and cycle more rather than cycling. Focusing on other areas In order to ensure that pollution by local sources is minimized, the mayor proposes that, new slots should be introduced in the London plan so that the boroughs are encouraged to make sure that, there is quality air in the city of London (Greater London Authority 2012). This would be through reduction of dust emissions from construction sites by implementing best practice guidance. Companies, retrofit homes, and even public buildings are encouraged to improve their energy efficiency, which would ensure the provision of co2 and NO is drastically reduced (Sokhi 2011). London dwellers should be enlightened in order to assist them minimize the risk to their health. The main function of the London Implementation Plan is to come up with policies that state clearly how the London plan will be put into action (Greater London Authority 2012). The effective implementation of such policies that support the Mayor’s planning authorities. The main aim is to lay down a framework that translates the policies into clear decisions. This Plan gives an overview of mechanisms to achieve the policies. In addition to this, it also provides basis for strategic planning of infrastructure across London. In the event of the draft period, the replacement of the London Plan had a wide range of consultation with different stakeholders like the boroughs who demanded an improved implementation. The mayor’s Implementation Plan is with an aim to ensure that there is coordination of a range of activities so as to achieve the London plan. Furthermore, it is to enlighten all the delivery partners to understand clearly the strategic infrastructure in relation to the London plan. With this in mind, transparency and accessibility of information should be according to the London plan. Such an act of transparency enables the London dwellers to be fully involved in the development activities. Lastly, would help to get a wider context for implementation and infrastructure planning and preparation. Analysis of the gap between policy, public policy initiatives and general practice It can be contented that the aftermath of these policies brought about by the mayor are yet to be fully felt by the citizens. Generally, there is still a gap between policy, public policy initiatives, as well as general initiative among the Londoners. First of all, for such policies to be fully put into action, a lot of resources are needed. For instance, to achieve a reduction of CO2 by 6o% by 2025, about 60 billion pounds are needed. The Greater London Authority depends on financial assistance from the government in order to attain its objectives (Greater London Authority 2006). It is still not clear whether the central government wound fund the plans. Perhaps, that is why some of the plans have not been achieved yet, although, some have been achieved with difficulties. Furthermore, public awareness is still a apprehension. It is eminent implement the policies and their objectives. Public campaign should be put in place to enlighten the people on the importance to maintain their environment. As much as there is a slight improvement in the recent years, inequality is still experienced in many parts of the town. For instance, laws that are meant to improve water supply only comes with high bills. Student’s survey The survey was conducted using interview guide. However, the students were not allowed to respond to anything or everything related to mayor’s proposal. The following question was the subject of the students’ opinion on the proposed plan. Four students participated in the survey. Their responses are also indicated below. What would you term mayor’s proposal for introduction of new slots in the London plan in order to improve quality air in the city of London? “It is apparent that there is no problem with that. In fact, that is a great move. You know, we keep on talking about the effects about issues of environmental degradation, but very little is done to revert the situation. Why can’t people see the importance of the mayor’s proposal? I personally believe that, if politics are not included in this plan, London will be a great city.” “We keep on talking about effects of pollution. Look at how people from some of the developing countries are suffering as a result of air pollution. Surely, do we really have to be told of the effects of air pollution? The writings are on the wall. Many people are dying of air borne diseases, and all what the government concentrates on is instilling measure of how to cur such diseases. This is like putting out fire using water while another person is adding fuel on the same fire. What the government needs to do is to embrace ideas like that one of the mayor in order to avoid effects of air pollution.” “There are many visitors visiting the city of London every day. What picture do we portray to them? Even in my own home, I do not think I can leave out garbage scattered everywhere. A part from preventing diseases, there is lot more especially on the issue of tourist attraction. It is apparent that very few or no tourists at all can come back to a dirty destination. Therefore, I think mayor’s proposal to introduce now slots in order to improve the management of environmental management is a great move.” “Why can’t people read the writings even when they are clearly written on the wall? The mayor is just playing political game in order to quench his political wishes. We know how politicians play with minds of people. What is blocking him and the government from making London a clean city? What is it that will be introduced and does not exist? They just want to create new avenues through which tax payers money can drain through. I believe public sensitisation is key to making London a clean city. Even if they create other slots without actually educating the city dwellers on the importance of keeping the city clean, these slots will be just a waste of time and resources.” Analytically, from the responses of the students, it is apparent that the mayor’s proposal of introducing new slots in a bid to decentralise air pollution management is a good move that would improve the situation in the London city. Conclusion Leading a city like London to greater heights requires superb policies as well as the policy implementation experts. The GLA body has really played a fantastic role in policy formulation and governing too. Though some of the policies formulated are far from being reached, we can say they have made a mar. The mayor has also played a big role in ensuring the conservation of the environment; security and housing are all improved. Bibliography: Greater London Authority, 2006. Review of Power of Great London Authority. London: Greater London Authority. Greater London Authority, 2012. London Environmental. Accessed on 30th Nov 2012 from: http://www.london.gov.uk/priorities/environment. Greater London Authority, 2012. Mayor of London. Accessed on 30th Nov 2012 from: http://www.london.gov.uk/who-runs-london/mayor. Great Britain. Parliament House of Commons. Justice Committee., 2009. Devolution: a decade on. London: TSO. Sokhi, R., 2011. World atlas of atmospheric pollution. London: Anthem, 2011. Read More