The coalition government’s “localist” agenda could see London mayor Boris Johnson (pictured) take on a host of new housing powers.

Speaking today at the annual British Council of Offices conference Sir Simon Milton, deputy mayor responsible for policy and planning at the Greater London Authority, said possible changes could include devolving the Homes and Communities Agency’s housing role in the capital to Boris.

“The new Government has signalled it intends to be more ‘localist’ and to get rid of quangos. This will result in the mayor and the London boroughs having more powers and responsibilities,” said Milton.

“We could devolve major things like housing from the HCA, the London Development Agency could become more closely under the mayor’s control, and he may have more influence over the franchising agreements for commuter rail services into London. All of these things I can see happening,” he added.

• Boris reveals plans for London power grab
• Boris HCA plans breach mayoral role, councils warned
• New Boris development powers to be unveiled
• Councils stand in way of Boris LDA power grab
• Boris plans more housing powers for boroughs