The Gauteng government is preparing to ask for its share of the budget allocation to be increased in line with the growth in the size of its population. Gauteng has experienced a surge in population numbers as more people come from other provinces to find greener pastures.Last year's mid-year statistics showed that Gauteng became home to 21.3% of the national population.Gauteng legislature Speaker Ntombi Mekgwe told The Times that the public service provided by the provincial government was feeling the pressure of the influx."The discussion in the corridors is, because of that situation, we need to increase the size of the legislature. We have not started a formal discussion, individuals are raising the issue."Professor Ann McLennan of the Wits University School of Governance said: "The request for a larger share of the budget is fair given the migration patterns into Gauteng."There is considerable stress on the school and health infrastructures. It seems just to assist the province to meet these needs."But McLennan warned that an increase in the number of members of the legislature would mean a heftier salary budget.If Gauteng received a bigger share of the budget, other provinces would receive less, she said.Treasury spokes man Phumza Macanda said a review was possible in the future ."Legislatures may approach the National Council of Provinces on this matter," she said...