London’s emergence from the Covid-19 shutdown is to be shaped by two new committees comprised of “senior leaders” from central Government, City Hall and local boroughs.
Co-chaired by Mayor Sadiq Khan and Robert Jenrick, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, the London Transition Board will “provide strategic direction” for the capital’s restart, including phasing in and out the varying levels of lockdown and managing the impact on public services.
A separate London Recovery Board, chaired by the Mayor and Peter John, Chair of London Councils, will oversee the wider long-term recovery. Minister for London, Paul Scully, will attend on behalf of the government.
Mayor Khan said: “The COVID-19 pandemic is the most significant public health crisis in living memory.
“We are not being complacent about the continued threat from coronavirus, but the economic, health and social challenges arising from both the virus itself and from the lockdown are far-reaching, and London’s recovery will be a long and complex road that will take many months, if not years.
“As Mayor, I am committed to securing a better future for Londoners. The city’s recovery from Covid-19 must ensure that nobody is left behind, and no one organisation or sector can tackle these challenges alone.
Robert Jenrick said: “I want to thank all of those across London who have worked in partnership with the Government since the start of the pandemic to protect Londoners and keep essential services running.
“Now we are past the peak it is right that we focus on safely reopening the capital, taking the necessary steps to control the virus.
“Through this new Transition Board, we will carefully build on the extensive planning already underway to get life and business in London – the most dynamic capital city in the world – safely back on track.
Cllr John said: “London local government has made an enormous contribution on behalf of Londoners in response to COVID-19 to date.
“We now must be ready to work closely with all of our communities across the capital and with our key partners, including the Mayor, Government and others to ensure that we are able to transition safely out of lockdown and pursue London’s economic and social renewal in a way that our city needs.”
