Explanatory note

This Order modifies the Regional Development Agencies Act 1998 (“the Act”) for transitional purposes relating to the London Development Agency.

Under the Act, as amended in relation to the agency by Part V of the Greater London Authority Act 1999 (sections 304 to 309 and Schedule 25), the Mayor is empowered to appoint the members of the agency instead of the Secretary of State. (The agency shall consist of not less than 8 nor more than 15 members.) The main effect of the Order is to empower the Secretary of State to appoint members of the agency to hold office from 3rd July, when the agency is established^f1, until a time specified by the Mayor (in a notice to the Secretary of State) on the day on which the Mayor’s own appointments are due to take effect.

The Order also makes consequential modifications relating to Schedule 2 to the Act (constitution of agencies). In particular, the effect of the modifications is that members appointed by the Secretary of State are not to receive remuneration as members of the agency; that the Secretary of State may remove those members from office; and that if the Mayor wishes to appoint a chief executive before his own appointments of members of the agency take effect, he will do so after consulting the person, if any, he proposes will be the chairman.

The Order also removes the requirement to obtain the agency’s agreement to any delegation of functions made under section 6(1) before at least 8 members of the agency appointed by the Mayor take office (such a delegation will still need the consent of the Mayor).