Mayor Ken Livingstone announced last week his idea to transform all 33 London boroughs into just five New York-style super districts.

The proposal is at an early stage, with completion expected in Autumn 2004, so it is unclear which borough would belong to each new Authority. Under the idea, Hammersmith and Fulham council could be axed.

The plan agreed at a meeting of the London Assembly's business managers and appointments committee will review the size and functions of the boroughs and propose new models for London government. The transformation aims at improving the delivery of local services and reducing costs.

Although the Mayor has no power to enforce such a massive reorganisation of London government, Whitehall is understood to be looking at reforming the borough structure.

The current structure of Local Authorities in London dates from the 60's and they were supposed to have a closer contact and understanding of the local community, but the committee report says that "local authorities have increasingly lost their ability to set their own policy priorities" because of government's increased regulation.

Mr Livingstone is known for implementing controversial policies despite opposition from the government. Is it a question of political authority or Authority size?

London Assembly's business managers and appointments committee report