Part 1 - General Functions of the Authority
3.Sections 1 to 16 amend the Greater London Authority Act 1999 (“the GLA Act 1999”) in relation to the general functions of the Greater London Authority (“the Authority”). Section 1 allows the Authority to establish and administer a severance pay scheme for the Mayor of London (“the Mayor”) and the members of the London Assembly (the “Assembly members”) on ceasing to hold office. Section 2 introduces additional procedures relating to consultation on Mayoral strategies. Section 3 brings forward the date by which the Mayor must make a report to the London Assembly (“the Assembly”) before each of the ten ‘monthly’ meetings the Assembly must hold every year. Section 4 (and Schedule 1) introduces provision for the Assembly to hold confirmation hearings for certain statutory appointments made by the Mayor. Section 5 extends the time limit for the Assembly to summon certain categories of people to attend an Assembly meeting for questioning and to produce documents. Section 6 requires the Assembly to prepare and publish an annual report. Sections 7 to 11 make amendments in relation to the appointment of certain members of staff of the Authority. Sections 12 to 15 provide for a separate budget for the Assembly (and consequently, for the remainder of the Authority). Section 16 requires the Deputy Mayor to exercise the responsibilities of the Mayor for setting the budget if he were temporarily unable to act.