Communities in control: real people, real power

The computer ate my very long post about the new White Paper, for which you should feel grateful.
Anyway to cut to the chase, the papers got some stuff I like - removing the need for “two click” policies for councillor websites, ammending the Widdicombe rules, stuff about creating better and more accessible local information, realising [...]

The Benefits of Providing New Public Transport in Deprived Areas`

The JRF have produced a new report on the benefits of providing new public transport in deprived areas.
One of the conclusions the authors draw from their research is:
Improving public transport information and helping with the cost of fares was as important as improved bus services in helping people on low incomes move from welfare into [...]

Go on then, dare you…

Reuters:
A quarter of Londoners would like to be a councillor, despite many not knowing what the job entails or who runs their council, according to a poll.

An idea for Boris (and Sir Steve)

Anyone who travels on the bus will know that the drivers are wont to use their brakes quite aggressively, usually just as you’re trying to get your small children to get up or down the stairs!
But apparently if they didn’t do it there could be quite large fuel savings, something that with oil prices having [...]

How Lewisham Voted - GLA

London Elects has results by ward for the elections at the beginning of the month. I’ve taken the chance to have a look at how we voted for our local GLA representative by ward. I’ve concentrated on the four candidates who gathered the most votes.

And by constituency it looked like this:

When we said New Routemaster…

You didn’t take us seriously did you?
It’s enough to give a politician a bad name…

(Via The Tory Troll)

Brian Paddick’s Diary

Like everyone else in politics Brian Paddick has sold his diary to The Mail on Sunday. The difference is that his are funny:
Find myself broadcasting on Deptford Pensioners Radio station in East London. Wonder, not for first time, who exactly my Press officer is working for.

Just how right wing are they?

The Guardian:
“This is like the March on Rome in 1922,” one shadow minister said as Johnson inched towards victory.
(via The Virtual Stoa)

London Elects – Lewisham and Greenwich

Terrible night and day for us and not even the silver lining of keeping the BNP from City Hall.
Congratulations to Boris, commiserations to Ken.
In Lewisham and Greenwich Len’s back with an increased majority, congratulations to him.

Well done to Sue who came a respectable fourth.
Elsewhere it looks like James has a job for life should he [...]

Vote

Democracy, it’s pretty good idea don’t you think?
If you’re in London you’ve got until 10 o’clock to express your view on who ought to run our city’s government.