The Mayor has a range of unambiguous powers and duties, and a general influence to do anything that will promote economic and social development, and environmental improvement, in London. Before using many of his powers the Mayor must consult with Londoners, and in all cases, the Mayor must promote equality of opportunity.
The Mayor’s vision for London is based on various areas:
Strong and diverse economic growth
Social inclusively to allow all Londoners to share in London’s future success
Fundamental improvement in environmental management and use of resources
The Mayor sets out plans and policies for London covering transport, planning and development, economic development and regeneration, culture and a range of environmental issues including biodiversity, ambient noise, waste disposal and air quality.
These individual plans fit together to help deliver the Mayor’s policies. Between them, these plans must also give to sustainable development and the health of Londoners.
The Mayor sets the annual budget for:
The Greater London Authority
The Metropolitan Police, who provide policing in the capital, under the oversight of the Metropolitan Police Authority
Transport for London, which is responsible for London’s buses and the Underground, manages river services and some light rail services, maintains London’s main roads and regulates London’s licensed taxi and private hire services
The London Development Agency, which works with business to maintain and improve London’s role as a business centre, while growing economic opportunity for all Londoners
London Fire Brigade, which responds to fires and promotes fire prevention, under the oversight of London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority.
How do you think the Mayor is doing so far, and is it still one big vision?
His having a go at many environmental issues, the way forward for 2007, introducing ideas for green supply chains, but does he get enough support?
