Now Londoners are being asked for their views on a package of changes and options giving the Mayor greater freedom of choice and more influence over delivery of key services.

These include housing, skills, planning and waste, while preserving the appropriate balance of power between the Mayor, Assembly and the boroughs.

Planning There are three broad options for change: A significant additional powers - would allow the Mayor to direct boroughs on local plans and become the development control authority for defined classes of strategic planning application B more limited new powers - the Mayor would be able to direct boroughs' local plans in relation to defined strategic issues, and would be able to decide specific categories of strategic planning applications C minimal change

The consultation paper 'The Government's proposals for additional powers and responsibilities for the Mayor and Assembly' also offers the London Assembly the chance to play a bigger role in policy development and scrutiny.

A move aimed at maintaining the balance of power between the two parts of the GLC.

The review focuses on the powers and functions of the GLA rather than on London governance structures as a whole.

Many of the proposals set out in the paper would mean devolving powers from central Government to the Mayor.

Waste Management/Planning There are three options for changing the current arrangements for managing London's waste: A the Mayor's proposal to establish a single waste authority for London, accountable to him as a functional body of the GLA B establishing a single, London-wide body comprising a committee of representatives from the boroughs and a representative of the Mayor. The body would not be accountable to the Mayor C extending the sub-regional arrangements operating in some parts of the capital London-wide. fact here there is also a 'no change' option

However, Ministers have signalled they are keen to explore giving the Mayor a greater say over some specific functions currently carried out by the boroughs.

Specifically where a convincing case can be made that change would improve the planning and delivery of services.

The Politics Show

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