Mayor answers to London

Academy Schools

[Main question]

Question by Joanne McCartney

What legal basis do you have for investing in academy schools? How do you intend to circumvent the provisions of section 31 (3) (b) of the Greater London Authority Act 1999?

Answer by Boris Johnson

The GLA has powers under section 30 of the GLA Act to promote economic development, wealth creation and social development in Greater London. Under Section 31 of the Act, the GLA can incur expenditure on education (and a number of other services which can be provided by London boroughs or other public bodies), in cooperation with, or by facilitating or coordinating with the bodies that provide such services.