Title

WHITEHALL

Khan calls for more London powers

London’s mayor has called for his city to be given more control over taxes and public services to match New York and Chicago’s powers.

London's mayor has called for his city to be given more control over taxes and public services to match New York and Chicago's powers.

Sadiq Khan said that while his American counterparts control around half the funds raised by residents and businesses, he and the London boroughs combined only have control of 7%.

Mr Khan also highlighted the fact the mayors of New York and Chicago administer a number of additional taxes such as stock transfers, property, alcohol and tobacco. 

He called on the Government to agree a new devolution deal for London to include new powers over National Rail, tax raising powers, criminal justice and health services.

Mayor Khan said: ‘London needs more control over the services that will help improve life in our city, such as housing, skills, air quality, health and crime. 

‘I've seen first-hand that mayors in cities like New York, Chicago and Montreal are able to make huge improvements to the lives of the people they represent because they have more control over services in their city.

‘London's population is the same size as Wales and Scotland combined, but we have far less control over how our capital is run. 

‘London needs that control so that we can protect jobs and growth, and make London a better city to live in for all Londoners.'

WHITEHALL

Nobody ever voted for a map

By Ben Page | 17 August 2026

Rewiring the State offers the most significant shift in local government for a generation, but there is still a lot that has been left unwritten, says Ben Page.

WHITEHALL

Do devolution differently: without LGR

By Colin Copus | 14 August 2026

Steve Leach and Colin Copus write an open letter to the Prime Minister urging the government to rethink local government reorganisation and strengthen devolu...

WHITEHALL

Could changing the way we think about care help deliver economic growth?

By Jim McKenna | 14 August 2026

Research commissioned by Cornwall Council shows social care drives economic growth, jobs, wellbeing and wider social value, says Cllr Jim McKenna.

WHITEHALL

Why mayors must bring joy to their cities

By Abigail Scott Paul | 14 August 2026

Mayors may need to build homes, but they also need to avoid blandification and bring joy to our cities, says Abigail Scott Paul

Popular articles by Laura Sharman