Sections 77 to 79: Local Bills
150.Sections 77 to 79 along with section 167, Schedule 5, Schedule 13, paragraphs 16 and 21 of Schedule 25 provide that the GLA, TfL and the LDA have the power to promote local legislation. They provide that, before doing so, extensive consultation must take place. Where a local Bill affects the exercise of statutory functions of a London local authority, the consent of that authority must be obtained. Where more than one London local authority is affected, the consent of at least 90% of all London local authorities must be obtained.
151.Section 77 provides that the GLA, acting through the Mayor, may promote a local Bill for any purpose which is for the public benefit of the inhabitants of, or of any part of, Greater London. The Authority may also oppose local Bills. The section also provides that London local authorities may contribute to the cost of promoting such a Bill.
152.Section 78 enables the GLA to request provisions be included in a local Bill promoted by a London local authority and contribute to the cost of promoting the Bill. Section 79 provides that the consent of the GLA must be obtained before a London local authority may promote a local Bill affecting the exercise of statutory functions by the GLA or its functional bodies, other than provisions included at the request of the GLA under section 78.
153.Schedule 5 provides for the procedure to be followed by the GLA when promoting a local Bill. It sets out procedures for consultation and publicity in respect of the draft Bill and for publicity arrangements prior to its deposit. Paragraph 6 provides that where the Bill affects the statutory functions of a single London local authority, that authority must give its consent to the Bill prior to the Bill being deposited. Where the statutory functions of two or more London local authorities are affected, the Mayor will be required to obtain the consent of at least 90% of all London local authorities before depositing the Bill.
154.Section 167 provides that TfL shall be able to promote and oppose local Bills, subject to consent being obtained from the GLA. Schedule 13 provides for a similar procedure to apply in respect of Bills promoted by TfL to that required of the GLA in Schedule 5. Paragraphs 16 and 20 of Schedule 25 amend the Regional Development Agencies Act 1998 to provide that the LDA may promote Bills in Parliament, subject to a similar procedure to that required of the GLA and TfL.
