The Greater London Authority Act 1999 (c. 29) is the Act of Parliament that established the Greater London Authority, the London Assembly and the Mayor of London.

Background

Before the creation of the Greater London Authority, there was no single entity managing the entirety of London. Governance of the city was fragmented, and responsibilities for planning, transport, and other city-wide matters were divided between local boroughs and national authorities. In 1965, the Greater London Council was established, covering a broader area. It managed transport, strategic planning, and services across Greater London. The Greater London Council, however, was dissolved in 1986 by the Local Government Act 1985 and its powers were devolved to the London boroughs and other entities. The Act was brought in after a referendum was held under the Greater London Authority (Referendum) Act 1998 (c. 3). The referendum question was: 'Are you in favour of the Government's proposals for a Greater London Authority, made up of an elected mayor and a separately elected assembly?' The Yes vote was 72.01%, the No vote was 27.99%.

Provisions

Apart from the main provisions creating the authority and transferring powers to it, the Act also created a Metropolitan Police Authority for the Metropolitan Police Service, and consequently altered the borders of the Metropolitan Police District to be coterminous with Greater London (excluding the City, which has its own police force). The Act comprises 425 Sections in 12 Parts including 22 named Chapters and 34 Schedules. It was the longest Act to be passed by Parliament since the Government of India Act 1935. Its 12 Parts were:

Amendments

The Act was amended by the Greater London Authority Act 2007 (2007 c. 24) entitled 'An Act to make further provision with respect to the Greater London Authority; to amend the Greater London Authority Act 1999; to make further provision with respect to the functional bodies, within the meaning of that Act, and the Museum of London; and for connected purposes.'