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Greater London Authority Act 2007 facts for kids

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Greater London Authority Act 2007
Long title An Act to make further provision with respect to the Greater London Authority; to amend the Greater London Authority Act 1999; to make further provision with respect to the functional bodies, within the meaning of that Act, and the Museum of London; and for connected purposes.
Citation 2007 c 24
Introduced by Ruth Kelly
Territorial extent  England
Dates
Royal assent 23 October 2007
Other legislation
Amended by Localism Act 2011
Policing and Crime Act 2017
Status: Amended
History of passage through Parliament
Text of statute as originally enacted
Revised text of statute as amended


The Greater London Authority Act 2007 is an important law passed by the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It was created to give more powers to the Greater London Authority (GLA) and the Mayor of London. These bodies help run the city of London.

This Act built upon an earlier law, the Greater London Authority Act 1999. That first Act had set up the GLA and the Mayor's role. The 2007 Act updated and expanded what they could do for Londoners.

What is the Greater London Authority Act 2007?

The Greater London Authority Act 2007 is a special law, also known as an Act of Parliament. It was officially approved on 23 October 2007. This law changed how London's main government, the Greater London Authority, works.

Its main goal was to give more responsibilities and tools to the GLA. This included the Mayor of London and the London Assembly. The Act helped them manage different parts of London life better.

Understanding London's Government

To understand the 2007 Act, it helps to know about London's government. The Greater London Authority (GLA) is the main body that governs the entire city. It is made up of two key parts: the Mayor of London and the London Assembly.

What is the Greater London Authority?

The Greater London Authority (GLA) is London's city-wide government. It was set up to make big decisions for the whole of London. The GLA works on important issues like transport, policing, and the environment.

It aims to make London a better place to live, work, and visit. The GLA also helps to promote London on the world stage.

Who is the Mayor of London?

The Mayor of London is the elected leader of the city. This person is in charge of the Greater London Authority. The Mayor has many important jobs.

These jobs include setting budgets and making plans for London's future. The Mayor also oversees major projects and represents Londoners. They work on areas like public transport, housing, and economic development.

What is the London Assembly?

The London Assembly is a group of 25 elected members. Their main job is to keep an eye on the Mayor of London. They check the Mayor's plans and decisions.

The Assembly can also investigate issues important to Londoners. They hold public meetings and make recommendations. This helps to make sure the Mayor is doing a good job for the city.

Key Changes from the 2007 Act

The Greater London Authority Act 2007 brought several important changes. These changes gave the GLA and the Mayor more power. This helped them to manage London more effectively.

More Powers for the Mayor

The Act gave the Mayor of London new powers in several areas. For example, the Mayor gained more control over housing. This helped to address the need for more homes in London.

The Mayor also received more influence over planning decisions. This meant they could better shape how London grows and develops. These new powers allowed the Mayor to lead more strongly.

Changes to Functional Bodies

The Act also affected several "functional bodies." These are organisations that work under the GLA. They include Transport for London (TfL) and the London Development Agency.

The 2007 Act changed how these bodies worked with the Mayor. It made it easier for the Mayor to direct their activities. This helped to create a more joined-up approach to running London.

New Responsibilities

The Act gave the GLA new responsibilities in certain areas. For instance, it gave the Mayor more say in how London's fire and emergency services operate. This helped to improve public safety.

It also made changes related to the Museum of London. The Act updated how the museum is governed. This ensured it could continue to preserve London's history.

Why Was This Act Important?

The Greater London Authority Act 2007 was important for several reasons. It helped to strengthen London's local government. This allowed the city to better respond to its challenges.

The Act made the Mayor's role more powerful. This meant the Mayor could make bigger decisions for London. It also improved how different parts of London's government worked together.

Overall, the Act aimed to make London's government more efficient. It helped the GLA to deliver better services for the millions of people who live and work in the city.

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