Leading urban expert appointed to oversee new chapter in capital's history » Central government » 24dash.com

Dr Mark Kleinman has been appointed to work with London Councils and the GLA to oversee development of the London City Charter and the creation of the capital’s first Congress of elected leaders.

The London City Charter was first announced in June this year when London Councils and the Mayor signed a memorandum of understanding setting out the principles which would lead to its creation.

The memorandum also included plans to establish a Congress of London’s elected leaders, which will involve the leaders of London’s councils and the Mayor meeting at least twice a year to develop solutions to the capital’s major challenges.

It is anticipated that the first Congress will be held in spring 2009.

Welcoming Dr Kleinman’s appointment, London Councils’ Chairman, Councillor Merrick Cockell said: "London’s City Charter marks a new chapter in the capital’s history – and we are pleased to have a man of Dr Kleinman’s abilities and experience on board to support us in this new endeavour.

"Londoners rightly expect those that they elect to govern this great city to work together for all their interests. The City Charter and Congress will help us live up to their expectations and ensure the capital works for all its communities."

Ian Clement, Deputy Mayor of Government Relations who is taking forward the City Charter for the Mayor of London said: "I welcome this new appointment and I look forward to working with London Councils on the City Charter which will review issues that can make a real difference to life in the capital. The Mayor is committed to working closely with every borough to deliver maximum results for all Londoners."

Dr Kleinman said:"This is a key moment in the development of London’s governance and I am very pleased to take up this important role."

Dr Kleinman, has previously worked both for the GLA and for two London boroughs, and is a visiting Professor at the London School of Economics. He will work with London Councils and the GLA to create the City Charter, which will pave the way for the Mayor and the boroughs to work together more effectively in delivering first class services for Londoners.

He has taken leave of absence from the government’s department for Communities and Local Government, where he is currently director for migration and chief social researcher. Part of his brief will be to engage with key stakeholders such as the NHS and the new Homes and Communities Agency to establish new ways of working in the capital.