The Government has published a few more details about the Greater London Authority Bill mentioned in the Queen's Speech.
Note that the people of London are not going to get a chance to veto , via a vote in a referendum, the plan to give Ken Livingstone and his successors as Mayor, even more power to meddle and distort the property market and "strategic planning" processes.
Will this extra power lead to property speculator fueled corruption, as it has done in so many other countries ?
Greater London Authority BillKey Benefits
The Bill will give additional powers to the GLA (the Mayor of London and London Assembly) to support the delivery of better public services in London.
It will enhance the Mayor's leadership of London, driving forward its economic growth to meet future challenges - including hosting the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Bill includes measures that will give the Mayor a new lead strategic role on housing in London and a strengthened role over planning in the capital.
There will also be additional powers in a wide range of policy areas including culture, health and climate change. The Mayor will have a strengthened role in managing London's waste and stronger powers over the GLA's functional bodies.
The London Assembly's role will be enhanced to complement the additional powers of the Mayor.
Territorial Extent
England and WalesAdditional Information
The Bill builds on:
The consultation paper 'The Greater London Authority: The Government's proposals for additional powers and responsibilities for the Mayor and Assembly' published in November 2005 [www.communities.gov.uk/gla/review]
The policy statement ' The Government's final proposals for additional powers and responsibilities for the Mayor and Assembly' published in July 2006 [www.communities.gov.uk/glapowers]