Royal Assent means more powers for London mayor

More strategic powers for the mayor of London in key areas such as climate change, housing and culture have now become law after the Greater London Authority (GLA) Act received Royal Assent.

The Act brings into law a broad package of additional powers for the mayor of London and the London Assembly.

Under the provisions of the GLA Act 2007 the mayor will:
* Publish a London housing strategy, setting out his strategic housing investment priorities for London;
* Be able to determine planning applications of strategic importance in London;
* Publish a strategy for reducing health inequalities between Londoners;
*Be subject to a duty to address climate change, and publish a London climate change mitigation and energy strategy and an adaptation to climate change strategy for London.

The Assembly will be subject to a duty to address climate change, and will be able to hold confirmation hearings in order to scrutinise candidates for key appointments the mayor intends to make.

In addition the Act allows for the establishment of a London Waste and Recycling Board to promote the production of less waste in the capital and encourage recycling and re-use of waste.

Local Government minister, John Healey, said:
 
"The package of enhanced powers for the mayor and Assembly in this Act is great news for London.

"The mayor provides the strong, visible and accountable leadership London needs as a world city to meet the challenges ahead. This Act gives the mayor more powers to make a positive difference to Londoners' lives - meeting the challenge of providing more affordable housing; taking a more strategic approach to planning in the capital; and leading the fight against climate change. And it offers the Assembly more bite to scrutinise the mayor on behalf of Londoners."