Greater London Authority Consultation

From Democracywiki

The Government has published a consultation paper on the powers of the Greater London Authority and the Mayor. The proposals include giving new powers over policing, planning, waste and affordable housing to the London mayor.

The Greater London Authority, made up of the Mayor and the London Assembly, was created in 1999. The Mayor currently has largely strategic powers over the fire and police services, transport, regeneration and planning.

The most significant change would be to make the Mayor chairman of the Metropolitan Police Authority, giving him a significant say in London's security. But the most contentious expansion of powers would be planning. Mr Livingstone already has the power to refuse applications agreed by the London Boroughs if they conflict with his plans. The extension would give him the power to agree applications in the face of opposition from boroughs. He may also gain more powers to control the provision of affordable housing and of skills training in the capital. Ministers are also seeking views on whether the Mayor should control waste management.

David Miliband MP Minister of Communities and Local Government said:

"We believe the GLA has proven its worth and the time is right to shift power from Whitehall to London. We are opening the door to significant decentralisation of powers from Whitehall, while ensuring the Greater London Authority remains a focused and strategic authority."

The extent of the changes will depend on responses to the consultation which is open until 22 February 2006.