The petition of residents of the constituency of Beckenham and Penge,
Declares that the London Borough of Bromley’s continued membership in the Greater London Authority (GLA) secures critical economic, social, and cultural benefits for its residents; and further declares that any proposals to remove the Borough from the GLA would threaten vital public services, including transport lifelines like the Over-60s Freedom Pass, free primary school meals, and major investment projects such as the transformation of the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre.
The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to encourage Bromley Council and other relevant bodies to maintain the London Borough of Bromley’s status as an integral part of Greater London, safeguarding the public services, capital investments, and transport infrastructure that residents rely upon.
And the petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Liam Conlon , Official Report, 2 June 2026; Vol. 786, c. 1138 .]
[P003203]
Observations from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (Nesil Caliskan):
This year marks over 25 years since the establishment of the Greater London Authority as London’s strategic city-wide authority, created under the Greater London Authority Act 1999. Since its creation, the GLA has played an important role in providing city-wide leadership for the capital, working in partnership with London boroughs to support Londoners, strengthen communities and drive economic growth across Greater London.
The Government recognise the value of this partnership model. London’s success depends on effective collaboration between the Greater London Authority, led by the Mayor of London, and the 32 London boroughs and the City of London, each of which has an important and distinct role to play. Over the past quarter century, that close working has helped deliver strategic transport, planning, housing, economic development, environmental improvement and cultural investment across the capital.
The London borough of Bromley remains an important part of Greater London and makes a significant contribution to the capital’s economic, social and cultural life. As with other London boroughs, Bromley’s residents benefit from participation in pan-London arrangements and from partnership between boroughs and London-wide institutions. Programmes such as the freedom pass, which is managed on behalf of all London local authorities, demonstrate the practical value of London-wide co-operation for residents across the capital.
The Government also recognise the importance of strategic investment and co-ordinated public services in improving outcomes for Londoners. More recent examples of London-wide and borough-supported collaboration include the Mayor’s universal primary free school meals programme and wider investment in sport and community participation across the capital.
The Government believe that strong co-operation between the GLA and London boroughs remains vital to delivering for residents. Bromley, like every London borough, has a key role in shaping the future of the capital, and the Government support continued constructive partnership between London’s institutions in the interests of local communities.
The Government will continue to work with the Mayor of London, the GLA and London boroughs to support effective governance, strong public services and investment that benefits Londoners across the whole capital.