SEC aims to cooperate with the Greater London Authority (GLA)
Wider South East Engagement
SEC aims to cooperate with the Greater London Authority (GLA) to ensure the wider South East has opportunities to influence London’s housing and strategic infrastructure ambitions – normally in the shape of “The London Plan”.
In recent years, a number of events and meetings have taken place to enable issues impacting on the South East to be considered alongside London’s needs. The East of England LGA (EELGA) has also often taken part in these gatherings.
An Annual Wider South East Summit gave South East council leaders an opportunity to speak to the Mayor of London and GLA officials, alongside leaders of London Borough and East of England local authorities.
A Political Steering Group was made up of five members each from:
- South East England Councils
- London Councils
- East of England LGA
The Steering Group met to set priorities and take forward agreed actions.
Underpinning these structures were Officer working groups that provided technical support for elected members.
Policy and infrastructure collaboration across the Wider South East
Future activity
The Mayor of London published his latest London Plan on 23rd February 2021.
Following the publication, South East England Councils and the East of East of England LGA wrote to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government making some observations on the applicability of the new London Plan in the context of:
- The affects of the Covid-19 pandemic
- The increasing impacts of Climate Change
- The Government’s interest in reshaping local government
In order to consider these matters more fully and, to prepare for the next iteration of the London Plan, South East England Councils and the East of England LGA are currently reflecting on joint proposals for a new Inter-Regional Dialogue.
Please check-in here for updates.
Wider South East Officer working group (OWG)
The purpose of the OWG is to offer support and advice to the SEC Secretariat on its dialogue with the Greater London Authority and London Councils. A principal focus of the OWG is the London Plan, however, other pertinent issues including housing and infrastructure will be explored by the OWG.
For further information about this OWG, please do get in touch: Contact us
OWG Membership:
- James Gleave, Strategic Planning Manager, Sevenoaks District Council
- Piers Mason, Executive Head of Service (Planning and Regulatory), Mole Valley District Council
- Andrew Hunter, Executive Director of Place, Bracknell Forest Council
- Mark Worringham, Planning Policy Team Leader, Reading Borough Council
