London Thames Gateway Update

Thames Gateway London boroughs praised by Audit Commission 

February saw the publication of the Audit Commission's annual ratings for all of the UK's local authorities.  Following on from good performances last year, the region's ten boroughs again all received strong marks receiving at least 2 stars or above in the overall rating.

Bexley was again among the best performing boroughs in the capital, receiving four stars with the Commission noting in particular that the authority "works well with partners, particularly with its community groups and the police"

In East London, Hackney was singled out as "among the fastest improving councils in the country" and was praised for "making effective contributions to wider community outcomes, for example increasing recycling performance."  Meanwhile Havering was one of only 3 boroughs across the UK that moved up two star categories since last year and now has a 3 star rating.  The Commission also stated that the borough "has a track record of service improvement and is making effective contributions to wider community outcomes."

Thames Gateway London's six other boroughs (Tower Hamlets, Newham, Barking & Dagenham, Lewisham, Greenwich, Redbridge) all received three star ratings with each seen as either improving well or improving strongly.

Please see the Audit Commission for further details on each of the boroughs.
www.audit-commission.gov.uk/ 

Newham wins large Casino bid

The Casino Advisory Panel announced in late January that the London Borough of Newham had won its bid for one of only a few national licenses to develop a large casino.

Alongside just seven other locations, Newham will have the opportunity, subject to Government approval, to develop a new casino venue that has a minimum total customer area of 1,500 m², and up to 150 Category B gaming machines, with a maximum jackpot of £4,000.

Among the comments on Newham's application, the Panel, which was appointed by Government as part of its plans to deregulate the gambling industry, said that there was "considerable expertise in the borough, not least through the local Access to Jobs Team, in identifying and responding to employers' needs and equipping local people with skills relevant to the local labour market."   

The London Borough of Newham has said that it will consider any proposals for a casino against what is right for local people, pointing out that the right casino would be a powerful anchor for regeneration. The council also said that a casino would form part of an enhanced leisure and entertainment facility with restaurants, cinemas and theatres. It would bring money into the borough - from the developers directly as well as jobs which the casino and leisure complex would create.

The Casino Advisory Panel recommendations are subject to a final consent from Parliament and a debate is therefore expected to be held on the Floor of the House in the next month.