The government has confirmed plans to legislate on changes to local government, the setting-up of a new London authority and business rates in the next parliamentary session.
The Queen told the Commons this morning: “My government will introduce legislation to modernise local government in England and Wales and secure high-quality local services on a sound financial footing”.
She added: “Legislation will be introduced to create a new Greater London Authority made up of a directly elected mayor and a separately elected assembly. There will be a range of powers to help make London a world-class city, including new powers to tackle road congestion and improve public transport.”
Draft bills for further consultation will also be published on freedom of information, councils’ conduct of business and a strategic rail authority.
PLS News 24/11/98
