A significant shift in how major transport infrastructure projects are approved in London could be on the horizon, potentially granting Mayor Sadiq Khan the authority to green-light new Tube extensions and rail routes without requiring the traditional sign-off from the Transport Secretary. This change hinges on a proposed amendment to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill currently progressing through the House of Lords.
Current System Requires Central Government Approval
Under the existing framework established by the Transport and Works Act 1992, the Mayor of London and other regional leaders must apply to ministers for a specific legal order to obtain the powers necessary to construct major schemes. This centralised approval process has frequently been criticised for causing substantial delays. A recent example is the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) extension to Thamesmead, which, despite years of advocacy from the Mayor, only received permission to develop a formal business case in November of last year.
Proposed Amendment Aims to Accelerate Delivery
The amendment, championed by Lord Bassam of Brighton, seeks to devolve decision-making authority to elected Mayors for local transport projects. If successful, Transport for London (TfL) would submit business cases directly to Mayor Sadiq Khan instead of the Transport Secretary. This could dramatically speed up the approval process for long-discussed projects such as the Bakerloo Line extension into south-east London and the proposed West London Orbital railway line.
Advocating for the change in Parliament, Lord Bassam highlighted the inefficiencies of the current system. "The requirement to go to the Secretary of State can add significant time to projects," he stated, citing the example of a one-mile tram extension in Birmingham that took over three years to secure departmental approval. He argued that empowering Mayors aligns with broader devolution principles and would bring the UK closer to European norms, where projects can move from initiation to completion in four to five years.
Concerns Over Consistency and Planning Reforms
However, the proposal has not been universally welcomed. Lord Hendy, a former TfL Commissioner and current transport minister in the Lords, voiced opposition, warning that creating multiple decision-making bodies could lead to inconsistency, legal uncertainty, and further delays. He contended that the Secretary of State operates within a "well-established and legally robust framework" and suggested that new planning reforms are already improving efficiency.
"Any devolution could undermine any benefits realised" from these recent planning changes, Lord Hendy cautioned, indicating a preference for maintaining centralised oversight to ensure a uniform application of policy across England.
Support from Think Tanks and Political Figures
Despite the setback in the Lords—where the amendment was not accepted but ministers were urged to reconsider—the concept has garnered support from various quarters. Ben Hopkinson of the Centre for Policy Studies think tank told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that granting these powers would "usher in a new wave of regional transport construction." He emphasised that it would free the Mayor from constantly seeking permission and funding from Whitehall, enabling quicker progress on vital infrastructure.
Labour's Devolution spokesperson, Bassam Mahfouz AM, echoed this sentiment, stating that stronger mayoral powers would allow London to build the transport links and homes its economy needs without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles. Liberal Democrat Assembly Member Hina Bokhari also backed the move, arguing that Mayors "should not have to go cap in hand to Whitehall" for essential projects that unlock housing and growth.
Uncertain Future for the Proposal
While the Mayor's office has expressed general support for the English Devolution Bill, it declined to comment specifically on the amendment. A source close to the Mayor suggested the proposal was a "backbench amendment and unlikely to have implications," indicating scepticism about its immediate prospects. The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government was contacted for comment but did not provide a statement.
The debate underscores a broader tension between central government control and regional autonomy in infrastructure planning. As London continues to grapple with housing shortages and transport capacity challenges, the outcome of this legislative effort could significantly influence how quickly transformative projects like the Bakerloo Line extension move from the drawing board to reality.
