Richmond Council's Leader has warned that new powers proposed by the Mayor of London could "undermine local democracy" by allowing City Hall to intervene in licensing decisions.

Councillor Gareth Roberts has raised concerns over plans that would give Sadiq Khan the ability to call in and potentially overturn certain local licensing applications.

The proposals would apply to venues considered of "strategic importance", as part of efforts to strengthen London's night-time economy.

However, Cllr Roberts said the move risks taking decisions away from locally elected representatives.

"Licensing is one of the clearest expressions of local democracy – decisions taken by councillors who know their communities," he said.

"These proposals cut across that. 'Strategic' is undefined and likely to widen – taking decisions away from those who understand the area best."

Richmond Council said it supports local businesses but stressed that decisions must reflect the needs of residents as well as the wider community.

Cllr Roberts added: "We support business. But decisions must reflect local realities. We work with residents, businesses, and police to strike the right balance – and that balance cannot be set from City Hall."

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He also warned the plans could damage public confidence in the system.

"People expect decisions about their neighbourhoods to be made locally. If they can be overridden, trust is weakened," he said.

The Council leader has now written to the Mayor setting out his concerns, urging City Hall to work with boroughs rather than bypass them.

"Boroughs are best placed to make these calls," he added. "Work with us – don't take powers away."

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