Liberal Democrat proposals for London

The assembly

The Lib Dems argue that the assembly should have committees to initiate policy and to scrutinise and amend the mayor's proposals.

Elections

Elections for the Greater London Authority would be conducted entirely by proportional representation. Under the Government's proposals the assembly would be elected by a combination of PR and the first past the post system used in parliamentary elections. Forty or 50 members would make up the assembly.

Finances

The Lib Dems believe the assembly would be able to raise its own revenue. Ideas on how to achieve this include a suggestion that a penny should be cut from their income tax for every penny a paid to fund the GLA. The mayor would not be able to override the assembly budget veto. Instead he would have to seek a fresh mandate through elections. Funds currently shared out by central government would be given to GLA to hand out.

Transport

Under the Lib Dems' proposals the London Transport Board would be headed by a member of the mayor's cabinet. It would be answerable to the assembly and responsible for implementing its policies.

Police

A Police Authority for London would be set up to which the Metropolitan police would answer. A majority of Police Authority members would be chosen from the assembly but not appointed by the mayor.

Health

The Lib Dems say that the GLA should take on the strategic functions of the existing regional health authorities covering London and should run the Ambulance Service. It should also have control over strategic issues like hospital closures and mergers.

Land-use and planning

The GLA should have a strategic overview but would not damage existing arrangements between Boroughs.

London Development Agency

Although the LDA pre-dates GLA, it should fall under the GLA's control much like the London Transport Authority according to the Lib Dems.