The Metropolitan Police Authority took over from the Home Secretary as police authority for the Metropolitan Police Service on 3 July, marking the most radical change in the policing arrangements in London, in 170 years.

The Metropolitan Police Authority's responsibilities will include:

• Securing the maintenance of an efficient and effective police force for the Metropolitan Police District;
• As Best Value authority, securing continuous improvement in the way policing is provided in the Metropolitan Police District;
• Publishing an annual policing plan after consulting the people who live and work in London about policing in their areas and taking account of their views;
• Setting policing targets and regularly monitoring performance against them;
• Co-operating with the partners in the Crime and Disorder Partnerships set up between each London borough and the Commissioner;
• Having a role in the appointment, discipline and removal of senior Metropolitan Police officers;
• In everything it does, seeking to promote equality of opportunity in a diverse community;
• Being accountable for the management of its budget.