Greater London Authority Act 1999 facts for kids
| Act of Parliament | |
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| Long title | An Act to establish and make provision about the Greater London Authority, the Mayor of London and the London Assembly; to make provision in relation to London borough councils and the Common Council of the City of London with respect to matters consequential on the establishment of the Greater London Authority; to make provision with respect to the functions of other local authorities and statutory bodies exercising functions in Greater London; to make provision about transport and road traffic in and around Greater London; to make provision about policing in Greater London and to make an adjustment of the metropolitan police district; and for connected purposes. |
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| Citation | 1999 c. 29 |
| Introduced by | 2 December 1998 (Commons) 7 May 1999 (Lords) |
| Territorial extent | England, Scotland and Wales |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 11 November 1999 |
| Other legislation | |
| Amended by | Greater London Authority Act 2007 |
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Status: Amended
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| Text of the Greater London Authority Act 1999 as in force today (including any amendments) within the United Kingdom, from legislation.gov.uk | |
The Greater London Authority Act 1999 (also known as the GLA Act) is an Act of Parliament. This means it is a law passed by the UK Parliament. This important law created three key parts of London's government: the Greater London Authority (GLA), the London Assembly, and the Mayor of London.
Why Was This Law Made?
This law was created because people in London voted for it. In 1998, a special vote called a referendum was held. People were asked if they wanted a new Greater London Authority. This new authority would include an elected mayor and a separately elected assembly.
A large number of people voted "Yes." About 72% of voters agreed with the idea. Only 28% voted "No." Because most people wanted these changes, Parliament then passed the Greater London Authority Act in 1999.
What Did the Act Do?
The Greater London Authority Act 1999 did many things for London. Its main purpose was to set up the new Greater London Authority. This new body would help run the city.
The Act also created the Metropolitan Police Authority. This group was made to oversee the Metropolitan Police Service, which is London's police force. The law also changed the police district's boundaries. They now matched the borders of Greater London, except for the City of London.
This law was very long and detailed. It had 425 sections and 34 schedules. It was one of the longest laws passed by Parliament in many years. The Act covered many different areas of life in London, including:
- How the Greater London Authority would work.
- Rules for its money and spending.
- Plans for transport and roads.
- How the police and fire services would operate.
- Rules for city planning and the environment.
- Support for culture, media, and sports in London.
How the Act Was Updated
Laws can be changed or updated over time. The Greater London Authority Act 1999 was later changed by another law. This new law was called the Greater London Authority Act 2007. The 2007 Act made further updates and changes to how the Greater London Authority works. It also updated rules for other important bodies in London.
