What is the Greater London Authority (GLA)?
The GLA is a unique form of strategic citywide government for London. It is made up of a directly elected Mayor – the Mayor of London – and a separately elected Assembly – the London Assembly. There are around 600 staff to help the Mayor and Assembly in their duties. The Mayor is London’s spokesman. He leads the preparation of statutory strategies on transport, spatial development, economic development and the environment. He sets budgets for the GLA, Transport for London, the London Development Agency, the Metropolitan Police and London’s fire services. As Mayor, Ken Livingstone chairs Transport for London. The Assembly scrutinises the Mayor’s activities, questioning the Mayor about his decisions. The Assembly is also able to investigate other issues of importance to Londoners, publish its findings and recommendations, and make proposals to the Mayor. What responsibilities does the GLA have? The GLA’s main areas of responsibility are: Transport Policing Fire and emergency planning Eco
