Mayor Boris Johnson is demanding greater powers from Whitehall in a major power play for big budget pan-London bodies.

Johnson wants to take on the functions and resources of the Homes and Communities Agency in London, as well as those of the London Development Agency and bring the Olympic Park Legacy Company in as a mayoral development corporation

In a letter sent to Communities and Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles today he, London Councils chair Jules Pipe and London Assembly chair Dee Doocey – argue that their devolution package will result in streamlined and efficient government, saving taxpayer money.

Johnson said:

"Too much is controlled by Whitehall and measured by standards that don’t apply specifically to Londoners, meaning our devolution settlement has remained weak with much room for improvement, particularly where decisions should be take by those in the local communities they affect."

London Councils wants greater borough representation on the quangos. The London Assembly wants to strengthen its oversight powers into the mayor’s budget and strategies.

Pipe added:

"This agreement between the boroughs, the mayor and the assembly is a significant step towards shifting power and influence out to local communities. These devolutionary measures will result in decisions being made closer to the Londoners whose lives they affect."