London's charities look to new Greater London Authority and Mayor to save capital from chronic problems
Twelve of London's largest charities say the first task of the new Mayor for London and GLA should be to "bang heads together" to solve vital issues like homelessness and public transport, according to a MORI survey commissioned by London Electricity.
The charities, including Friends of the Earth, Shelter and Cancer Research Campaign, have given an enthusiastic welcome to the prospect of a new elected Greater London Authority. On balance, Richard Branson is their preferred choice for Mayor, with the Liberal Democrat Simon Hughes a favoured alternative for understanding of the capital's problems at grass roots level.
However, while the mood among charity executives is generally optimistic, they believe a lack of funding could scupper the GLA's ability to effect significant change.
The London Electricity poll also found that these views were shared by a sample of 443 Londoners interviewed by MORI. Fifty one per cent said ending homelessness had to be the main priority, while 42 per cent emphasised the need to improve public transport.
As London prepares to elect a Mayor for the first time in more than a decade, Londoners also want the corporate sector - private companies and privatised utilities like London Electricity - to play a greater part in improving the communities within which they live and work. Initiatives suggested include greater steps to improve the environment and more involvement in educational activities.
London Electricity's Community Relations Manager, Jane Vine, said "Charities want real action from the new Mayor for London - it is clear they don't just want a figurehead. They're also looking to work with the private sector to improve the lot of all Londoners including the most vulnerable in society. London Electricity is committed to working with the voluntary sector specifically to target the issues of most concern to the people of our capital city.
Technical details
MORI conducted 12 face-to-face interviews among senior charity executives between 24 March - 21 April and a representative quota sample of 443 Londoners aged 15+ between 26-31 March and 3-6 April 1998.
Charities involved were: The Children's Society, Cancer Research Campaign, Crusaid, RSPCA, Crisis, Shelter, CPRE, Friends of the Earth,Scope, Mental Health Foundation, Salvation Army and Help the Aged.
