The London Assembly Budget and Performance Committee has published its ‘Response to the Mayor’s draft consultation budget 2018-19’. The report presents the Committee’s findings on the Mayor’s draft budget for London.
The Committee supports the Mayor’s decision to raise council tax in the context of rising crime and the increased risk from terrorism. It also welcomes indications that the Government will provide additional funding to support the Met’s work in dealing with the 2017 terror attacks and the Grenfell Tower investigation. Some of the report’s other findings include:
• The increase in council tax means the Met can afford 30,000 police officers in 2018-19, but this won’t be possible in future years unless it makes more savings or receives more funding
• Falling passenger numbers means that TfL is not generating the income it needs – it has had to cut funding to boroughs, reduce investment in roads and cancel the purchase of new tube trains as its finances tighten
• There is a big funding gap between what the Mayor can deliver and what London needs in terms of affordable housing
• The ongoing financial woes at the London Legacy Development Corporation continue to cause problems for the GLA Group
Gareth Bacon AM, Chairman of the Budget and Performance Committee said: “After the terror attacks and Grenfell Tower fire of 2017, the Mayor’s decision to increase council tax to help the Met is understandable. But, unless the Met finds extra savings from somewhere, we could see another big council tax increase next year or fewer officers on London’s streets.
TfL’s finances are a cause for concern as passenger numbers fall. The Mayor has decided to spend less on London’s roads to help balance the books – things could get bumpy for bus passengers, cyclists and motorists in the next few years.”
