46% Of Londoners Want Tax Raising Powers For London Assembly

A BBC London Live Poll conducted by MORI for BBC London Live 94.9 which on Monday 27th March, has revealed that 46% of Londoners believe that without tax raising powers, the Mayor and Greater London Authority will not be able to tackle London's problems effectively, with a further 9% neutral on the issue.

The London Live poll shows that Londoners want improvements to their capital and are prepared to spend their money to achieve that.

The London Live poll reveals that 94% of Londoners are aware of the elections for London Mayor taking place on May 4th, with 39% saying that they are certain to vote in the elections and a further 22% saying that they are likely to vote. 57% of Londoners believe that having an elected Mayor will make a real difference to their lives, though 28% feel that having an elected Mayor will lead to too much power being placed in the hands of one person.

Transport is thought by 36% of Londoners to be the single most important issue in deciding the way they vote, with health care the next most significant issue for 10% of Londoners.

The telephone poll of 1,000 Londoners shows a split for the tube - a key issue in the campaign - with 49% saying they believe that tube improvements should be funded by government and fares reviewed and 40% believing that London transport should be allowed to raise funds from the private sector and individuals.

80% would oppose increasing bus or tube fares to fund public transport improvement, though 53% would support introducing a tax on company car parking spaces in central London. 55% are opposed to a congestion charge of around 1635, with 40% support.

85%, of Londoners think that candidates personal qualities are important in deciding their vote, with 68% believing that the parties they represent is an important factor. But the single most important factor for Londoners is the position of candidates on the key policy issues with 84% of Londoners saying this is important to the way in which they will vote.

Technical details

MORI interviewed 1,000 London residents aged 18+ by telephone between 22-26 March 2000. All data is weighted to the known population profile.