This year, London will see a fare freeze, another year of free school meals and more funding for our police force thanks to the Mayor’s final budget, which has now been agreed and approved at City Hall.
As your Assembly Member, I am particularly pleased to see the Mayor focus on policing in this budget, making it a priority for the year ahead.
Londoners will see 500 new police officers on their streets as well the 500 PCSOs, who will continue to receive funding after they were funded in last year’s budget.
He is also providing an additional £48.9 million to the Met Police, as well as £6.5 million towards the Violence Reduction Unit, which helps young people turn away from crime and gang violence.
This is more important than ever after years of Government cuts to policing.
Since 2010, more than a billion pounds has been taken out of our police force, which is having real-life consequences for many Londoners. We know that some criminals are not being caught before they escalate their offending, and not enough crimes are being solved. That’s why this funding is more crucial than ever.
A total investment of £1.148bn will mean that we have more police, better equipment and better care for victims. After years of the Government failing to support policing in London, I am glad to see City Hall step up in its place.
In addition to policing, I am thrilled to see the Mayor use this budget to recommit to universal free school meals for primary school children across the whole of London.
An additional £140 million has been assigned to this, saving families up to £1000 per child over the two years of the programme – giving almost 300,000 children a nutritious meal at a time when budgets are tight.
Southwark Council is doing great work feeding hungry kids and I’m pleased that the Mayor of London is continuing to do the same.
Those using the transport system will also get a support with the cost of living. The Mayor’s fare freeze means pay as you go prices will stay the same.
This is in sharp contrast to national rail fares which are going up by 4.9%. We know Londoners cannot be expected to keep on meeting rising costs now that the economy is in a recession – this scheme will help commuters save money on their regular expenses.
As your local Assembly Member, I will keep on fighting for projects like these – making London an easier and better city for us all.