The Government are today publishing a consultation paper on proposals for additional powers and responsibilities for the Greater London Authority—the Mayor of London and the London Assembly.We believe the time is now right to look at giving the Mayor a greater say in the planning and delivery of London's strategic services while preserving the appropriate balance of power between the Mayor, Assembly and boroughs. We are opening the door to significant decentralisation of powers from Whitehall, while ensuring the GLA remains a focused and strategic authority. We believe the GLA has proven its worth, and that the time is right to shift power from Whitehall to London. How far will depend on the response to the consultation.The Government's consultation paper outlines a number of proposals for additional powers for the Mayor across a range of policy areas, including housing, learning and skills, planning and waste management and waste planning. It also explores options for additional powers for the London Assembly and changes in appointments to the boards of the four functional bodies in the GLA Group.We look forward to hearing the views of Londoners and those with an interest in London during the consultation period, which will run until 22 February. After considering all the responses to this consultation exercise, the Government will announce a final package of proposals in spring 2006.A copy of the consultation paper has been placed in the Library of the House.

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