Greater London Authority Bill

moved Amendment No. 23: 23: Clause 13, page 13, line 18, at end insert— ““( ) For sub-paragraph (4) of paragraph 8 substitute— ““(4) For the purposes of sub-paragraph (3) above, the only amendments which are to be made— (a) to the final draft component budgets for each constituent body except the Assembly are those agreed to by at least two-thirds of the Assembly members voting, and (b) to the final draft component budget for the Assembly are those agreed to by at least a simple majority of the Assembly members voting.””.”” The noble Baroness said: My Lords, I will also speak to Amendment No. 25, which would have the same effect but would apply at a different stage in budget-making procedure. The amendment relates only to the Assembly’s budget. The Government have proffered to the Assembly the ability to set its own budget, subject to certain provisions in the Bill. I have previously described them as being like a complicated knitting pattern, but the underlying intention is clear. The Government say that their objective is for the Assembly to be able to set its own budget. The current Mayor supports that position. My amendment would enable the Assembly to vote by way of a simple majority on its own budget, treating it differently in that respect from the other component budgets, thus setting it within what most people would understand to be a normal and straightforward procedure. The Minister has already confirmed how component budgets can be dealt with separately. I am grateful for that; that is now on the record for the Assembly to refer to. The Minister may feel that there is nothing more for the Government’s to say about the Assembly setting its own budget other than that as sensible, rational people the Assembly Members should be able to get together a two-thirds majority. We have heard about some of the realities from my noble friend. If that is her argument, so be it. She may have something more to add. I beg to move.