Setting the budget
Plenary session of the Assembly on the GLA's budget. Mayor Ken Livingstone made his report and is set to raise the precept on London by 7.5%. Maybe there will be a rabbit out of hat at last minute - otherwise London will be stung again.
The Lib Dems are proposing a precept of around 2.5%. We leave the budget for policing London untouched - but cut out the Mayor's proposals for extending the congestion charging zone westwards, the West London tram and his very expensive self promotion.
Everyone makes speeches as expected. Lots of bad temper from Toby Harris (Labour) and Eric Ollerenshaw (Tory). For once I don't speak - enough hot air in the chamber in my view!
No surprises. None of the political parties' budget amendments lowering the Mayor's precept get the two thirds majority needed. Needless to say, Labour support the Mayor and therefore his draft budget passes with the support of one third (Labour) of the Assembly. No other forum passes a budget on a minority vote!
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