Leicester mayor set to be given new powers
City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby is set to be given a raft of new powers over public transport and regeneration.
It could see him deciding the routes and frequency of buses in Leicester, and the price of travel tickets.
He could also get powers to decide which buildings are compulsory purchased, to make way for new developments to regenerate the city.
The Government will decide later this year what powers to grant the city's most senior politician, and those holding similar roles around Britain.
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Sir Peter said: "At the moment, bus companies run the profitable routes, then ask councils for money to subsidise vital but less profitable or loss-making routes.
"It's a system that needs to change.
"With the same powers as the Mayor of London, I would be able to set the standards of service across the city which bus operators would have to agree to if they wanted to operate in Leicester."
In practice, this would mean firms agreeing to run regular unprofitable routes in return for the chance to earn money from profitable routes in the city.
Sir Peter said he was considering what other powers he would be asking the Government to consider giving city mayors. This could include responsibility for skills and apprenticeships, and money to invest in high-speed broadband and other economic infrastructure.
Martin Traynor, chief executive of the Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce, said he would like to see the mayor given tougher powers to force owners of dilapidated buildings to sell up.
He said: "The perfect example is the building opposite Curve, which once housed a sex club. It is not in keeping with the modern Cultural Quarter, but the council's powers are not enough to be able to force the owners to sell it to the council."
London mayor Boris Johnson has already backed calls to give city mayors around the country extra powers.
He said: "My view is that you need to run the mass transit system, you need to have democratic accountability over policing, you need to have a housing function and you need to have some role in education.
"It is pretty difficult to have a general remit of delivering economic prosperity and improving the lives of everybody in the city unless there is a greater role in delivering on education."
Sir Peter already holds power over housing in the city.
And voters are due to elect a police and crime commissioner to run Leicestershire Constabulary later this year.
Education powers currently rest mainly with head teachers and governors.
Comments
by mole74
Sunday, January 08 2012, 12:25PM
“I wouldn't trust any politician looking for more powers. Surely the Mayor should have less power? There are no checks and balances and little accountability at the council under the new regime.”
by robbc11
Friday, January 06 2012, 3:47AM
“The only time I've seen him in public was at a private opening where he wasn't invited in his mayoral role (that went to Mayor Wann) and he looked very lost without any aides alongside. There was hundreds of pictures taken of the opening, none of him. Poor chap looked like a fish out of water as he was on his own. He didn't know where to hang his coat and wore it all night.
I've got a bus pass that works on all of the buses, being disabled helps me get one. Could he cope if he had to use public transport for a year without expenses, in the sense that he'd have to find the cheapest tickets available and not deviate. Peter'd get to meet his true supporters that way day by day & he'd be promoting the City for the good. Go on Sir Peter do it!
Then could you reply to the email I sent you on the 19th of October 2011 or do I have to send you another? Maybe it's got lost? No it's got an acknowledgement and you're looking into it..... still”
by Neil0123
Thursday, January 05 2012, 8:29PM
“That is just a day ticket. It needs to be available in weekly, monthly, quarterly & annual sizes as well.”
by Martin8
Thursday, January 05 2012, 8:13PM
“by Neil0123
Thursday, January 05 2012, 8:05PM
"The first job should have been when he got elected and it wouldn't have cost him or the taxpayers anything. He just needed to tell First, Arriva, etc al to accept each others travel cards to make it easier for people to travel around the area. Not rocket science!"
They do have tickets for both a flexi ticket.”
by Neil0123
Thursday, January 05 2012, 8:05PM
“The first job should have been when he got elected and it wouldn't have cost him or the taxpayers anything. He just needed to tell First, Arriva, etc al to accept each others travel cards to make it easier for people to travel around the area. Not rocket science!”
by City_C10
Thursday, January 05 2012, 7:44PM
“Nice picture!
"It could see him deciding the routes and frequency of buses in Leicester, and the price of travel tickets."
So he wants to become 'Head of Transport'? This could mean some fun and games for the Leicester bus users, good luck! His first task would be to reduce and improve service, not to cut and charge extra, can he do it?”
by upthecity
Thursday, January 05 2012, 6:22PM
“What does he know about public transport
Horse and cart last time he looked .”
by garyb2011
Thursday, January 05 2012, 3:42PM
“Another day another SPS photo story - the LM need to be careful not to appear as the propaganda organ of the glorious leadership. I suppose we should be glad it's not Rory and his Smart Car (£30K+!)
Interesting that SPS would be quite happy to get more powers from Government and to accept money for broadband (but choooses to decline funds that would freeze Council Tax and a referendum as to whether WE even want a Mayor) - why so?”
by Eastonian
Thursday, January 05 2012, 3:41PM
“Didn't we all just know when SPS became the 'Elected Mayor' his portfolio would gradually grow and more and more powers would come under his control.
His proposed £100K salary is beginning to look somewhat paltry!!”
by LestaHercules
Thursday, January 05 2012, 1:39PM
“No. No. No. This is another very bad idea. Who keeps suggesting such rubbish?
As michaelkw said we need to have a genuine referendum on whether the City of Leicester wants an elected mayor or not. Thousands have been forced to vote for a mayor but not given the option to say 'I don't want a mayor'.”