Overview

This bill amends the Greater London Authority Act 1999, primarily focusing on the Mayor's powers, the budget process, waste management, and climate change strategies. Key changes include term limits for the Mayor, adjustments to budget procedures, the creation of a London Waste and Recycling Board, and strengthened provisions regarding climate change mitigation and energy strategies.

Description

Mayor's Term Limits:

The bill limits the Mayor of London to two terms in office.

Budgetary Changes:

Amendments are made to the procedures for determining the Greater London Authority's budget. A specific paragraph (8(4)) in Schedule 6 of the GLA Act 1999 is omitted.

Consultation and Decision-Making:

The bill clarifies the Mayor's consultation duties, particularly regarding the London Housing Strategy and planning applications. It also introduces "representation hearings" for certain applications, requiring the Mayor to give applicants and local planning authorities an opportunity to make oral representations before decisions are made. The bill also specifies that the Mayor must consult the Housing Corporation and representative bodies of registered social landlords when preparing or revising the London housing strategy.

Planning Permissions:

The bill modifies the Mayor's powers regarding listed building consent and hazardous substances consent applications, including applications for variations or discharge of conditions. A new clause introduces the concept of "subsequent approval" for reserved matters, allowing the Mayor to direct that these applications be decided by the local planning authority.

London Waste and Recycling Board:

A new London Waste and Recycling Board is established to promote waste reduction, recycling, and environmentally beneficial waste management practices. The Secretary of State can provide funding for this board.

Climate Change Strategies:

The bill strengthens the Mayor's duties regarding climate change, requiring consideration of climate change mitigation and adaptation in strategies. The London climate change mitigation and energy strategy must include proposals to mitigate climate change and meet national energy objectives. The Mayor must also have regard to the desirability of advancing energy technologies which involve lower emissions of substances contributing to climate change.

Government Spending

The bill may lead to increased government spending through grants to the new London Waste and Recycling Board and potential funding for other initiatives related to climate change and waste management. Exact figures are not specified in the bill itself.

Groups Affected

• Mayor of London: Subject to term limits and changes in powers and responsibilities.
• Greater London Authority: Affected by changes to budget procedures.
• London Borough Councils and the Common Council: Increased involvement in consultation processes and waste management through the new London Waste and Recycling Board.
• Applicants for planning permission and listed building consent: Experience altered procedures including representation hearings.
• Registered social landlords and the Housing Corporation: Required consultation regarding the London Housing Strategy
• Residents of London: Potentially impacted by changes to waste management and climate change strategies.
• Environmental groups: Potentially positively impacted by strengthened climate change mitigation provisions and the creation of the London Waste and Recycling Board.

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