The Capital Standards Programme was acknowledged, today, by the Prime Minister - Rt Hon Tony Blair as playing a key role in improving the life of Londoners.
The London's Challenge for 2012 Building on Success Report refers to the improvements which took place across the capital Standards membership during 2004/5 and underlines the challenge to maintain and improve this trend so that London can become a showcase for the country by 2012.
Central government support is pledged to supporting joint working to tackle environmental crime and keeping London clean through the Capital Standards including the 28 boroughs, ENCAMS (Keep Britain Tidy), the Environment Agency, the Association of London Government, the Mayor of London, the Metropolitan Police, the Fire and Emergency Planning Authority and Government Office for London.
Specific reference was made to the sharing of good practice and networking through groups such as the Capital Standards Young Persons Education Working Group which has already worked with over 250,000 primary school children and will be piloting educational programmes for secondary schools focusing on local environmental quality in London in coming months,
The work of the Capital Standards Transport Working Group, in developing a protocol agreement between Transport for London and the London boroughs, to clarify responsibilities around enforcement action and clear-up was also cited as an example of good practice and partnership working. This is in addition to the highly regarded Enforcement Academy which will provide training for 600 borough officers with responsibility for tackling environmental crime in London by July 2006.
Finally there is a commitment to step up measures to help keep London clean by extending the Capital Standards programme, by providing additional support and training for key partners such as contractors, as well as local authorities, and delivering new projects, such as the 100 days clean up for London later this year.