Government Departments
Like other parts of the country, most areas of public life in London are decided by government ministers according to the broad outline of policies set out by the governing party at each general election. Policies are then developed by the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers and their advisors. Central government is divided into departments headed by a Cabinet Minister and supported by a number of junior ministers. Departments often have a minister with specific responsibility for London. Departments are staffed by civil servants who advise ministers and oversee the implementation of policies.
Government Office for London (GOL)
The Government Office for London serves Greater London (32 boroughs and the City of London). It supports the Minister for London, currently the Rt. Hon Tessa Jowell MP, in their work. The Government Office for London represents the Government in London, working with a wide range of partner organisations in London to promote the Government’s policies and helping to achieve its objectives.
GOL's Key Aims
- Improving London's economy - creating jobs and investment in London
- Future-proofing London - ensuring Government policy works for London
- Moving to a low carbon London - reducing London's carbon footprint
- Working together for a better London - improving local communities through Boroughs and their partners
- Supporting London authorities - improving public services efficiency
GOL includes officials from the following departments:
- Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG)
- Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF)
- Department for Transport (DfT)
- Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
- Home Office
- Ministry of Justice
- Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)
- Department of Health (DH)
GOL’s main roles are:
- developing knowledge and intelligence about London and exploiting it to influence the Government’s policies at the centre
- communicating and explaining the Government’s policies in London
- managing a range of Government programmes in London
- brokering relationships between key stakeholders in London and influencing what they do to help better meet the Government’s objectives
- identifying the need for and developing new cross-cutting initiatives to tackle particular issues in London, such as teacher recruitment and retention and affordable housing
- carrying out statutory planning functions and other casework
- ensuring London is prepared for any terrorist emergencies through the work of the London Resilience Team
The Government has delegated responsibility for the performance of London’s economy to the elected Mayor of London.
GOL also plays a key role in liaising between the Mayor of London and the Greater London Assembly (GLA) and Government Departments. GOL takes the lead in co-ordinating the Government’s response to the Mayor’s strategies. Their contact details are:
Chris Hayes
Regional Director
Government Office for London
Riverwalk House
157-161 Millbank
London SW1P 4RR
Telephone: 020 7217 3328
Email: enquiries.gol@go-regions.gov.uk
http://www.gos.gov.uk/gol/
