Tag: Mayor of London

The press release issued by the Mayor of London on 14 April 2025.

The press release issued by the Mayor of London on 9 April 2025.

• Mayor’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) investing in a range of activities this Easter and over the next year
• Since the VRU was set up, it has delivered more than 400,000 diversionary activities for young people
• Funding for community-led projects to deliver physical activity and mentoring for up to 2,000 young people in areas of the capital most underrepresented by sport
• Compared to when the VRU was set up, there has been a 31 per cent reduction in homicides and a 28 per cent fall in hospital admissions for knife injuries of under-25s

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today announced his Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), the first in England and Wales, is investing a further £1m to deliver sports and physical activities for young people at greatest risk of being affected by violence.

Activities begin this Easter with up to 20 community-led projects across London getting a slice of the investment over the next year to deliver opportunities during all school holidays for almost 2,000 young people most underrepresented in sport.

Since the VRU was set up, it has delivered more than 400,000 diversionary activities for young people. During this time, there has been a 31 per cent reduction in homicides, a 28 per cent drop in hospital admissions of under-25s as a result of assault with a sharp object, and a 12 per cent reduction in robbery. Last year also saw the lowest number of homicides of under-25s in more than 20 years. However, the Mayor has always been clear that one death as a result of violence is one too many and is committed to working in partnership to drive down violence in London.

Funding will be used to deliver a variety of sports interventions for young people over the next year. There will be a strong emphasis on targeted provision and delivery during school holidays to provide safe spaces for young people and access to activities to benefit both their physical and mental health. Diversionary activities will work to support young people during the school break when evidence shows they are more vulnerable to exploitation and to violence.

It’s part of the VRU’s approach to prevent and tackle violence by providing opportunities for young people and access to youth work, youth clubs and community hubs. Research suggests that sports interventions can have an impact in tackling violence.

Alongside funding for holiday provision, investment in sport over the next year will support a further 1,000 young people as they prepare to transition from primary to secondary school. Access to a mentor and sports sessions will combine to support those at greatest risk of exclusion to engage in education and school life.

It will also provide sports internships for young people in major sport sector organisations and build on connections and careers already developed with the likes of the Lawn Tennis Association, GB Snowsport and Formula E.

Funding for sport builds on the Mayor’s investment in his VRU, which he set up and funds to lead on prevention and early intervention to drive down violence in the capital. VRU investment in sport and physical activity since 2023 has already delivered activities including sport sessions, mentoring and internship programmes, for more than 10,000 young people.

Sport plays a key part in the VRU’s approach to tackling violence, which includes interventions to tackle school exclusions and keep young people safe in and out of school, and funding youth work and access to positive opportunities.

Today, the Mayor and VRU director, Lib Peck, visited a youth club in Westminster. The youth club is funded by the VRU to deliver activities including multi-sport, music production, wellbeing sessions and healthy cooking for young people during the holiday period. Sadiq and Lib did some cooking with chef and influencer Nathaniel ‘Natty’ Mortley during the visit. Natty spent two years in prison and has turned his life around. He is passionate about young people accessing positive opportunities to help set them up for their futures.

Other activities funded by the VRU, City Hall and others can be found on the Local Village Network app and signposting website, which offers thousands for live youth services, activities and job opportunities for young Londoners.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “My top priority is to be tough on violence and tough on its complex causes to build a safer London for everyone.

“I have been clear that we can’t arrest our way out of this issue and that’s why a key part of my approach to tackling violence is investing in prevention and positive opportunities for young people, at the same time as providing record investment in policing for enforcement.

“My Violence Reduction Unit is investing a further £1 million for sports and physical activities during the holidays and beyond, delivering on my commitment to provide a further 250,000 positive opportunities for young people and access to youth clubs and hubs.”

Lib Peck, Director of London’s Violence Reduction Unit, said: “Sport and physical activity play hugely important roles in a young person’s life, providing opportunities to develop skills, teamwork and access to positive role models in coaches and youth workers.

“Working with the Mayor, we’re funding a range of activities and opportunities for young people during the holidays when we know they are at greatest risk of exploitation and violence.

“Prevention and delivering thousands of positive activities for young people is critical to tackling violence and whilst our work is having impact, it’s clear there is more to do. We’re committed to working in partnership across London to keep young people safe because we believe violence is preventable, not inevitable.”

Chef Nathaniel ‘Natty’ Morley, aka @nattycancook_ on socials, said: “I know first-hand how important it is that young people are able to access positive opportunities and role models, and how proper support can be lifechanging. If I had been able to take up activities like these, I believe I would have been able to get my life on track much sooner, so I’m really pleased that the Mayor has announced this £1m investment. Everyone deserves the chance to succeed, and the VRU programmes are helping level the playing field.”

Marcus Leon, programme manager at the Avenues Youth Project, said: “As a former member and resident of this area, I experienced first-hand how transformational The Avenues Youth Project can be. Many of my first experiences happened during the school holidays in this youth club.

“Having a free service that provides such a wide range of activities and experiences is invaluable in Westminster. The funding we received from the VRU ensures that we can give the children and young people of this area experiences that are not normally afforded to them. It also allows us to provide sports coaching for activities such as judo, boxing, and football — which can be unaffordable at times for some families.

“We want to ensure that children and young people have equal opportunities, no matter their background or circumstances.”

Kyanne Auguste-Walker, a young person who uses the youth club, said: “Having The Avenues is like having a second family, that always has cool stuff happening and people that are there for you. Avenues is our safe space.”

Emily Robinson, London Sport CEO, said: “Sport has the power to change lives, and from our vital work across the capital, we know that access to physical activity and positive role models can play a vital role in supporting young people’s wellbeing and future opportunities.

“London Sport is proud to support the Mayor’s Violence Reduction Unit in investing in community-led sports initiatives that provide safe spaces, mentorship, and life-enhancing experiences for young Londoners. This funding will help ensure more young people, particularly those at risk of violence, have the opportunity to benefit from the positive impact of sport.”

The press release issued by the Mayor of London on 10 April 2025.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has announced the capital’s St George’s Day Festival will return to Trafalgar Square on Monday 21 April. Londoners and visitors can look forward to a free, family-friendly event celebrating England’s rich heritage through music, dance, and workshops.

Running from 12-6pm, this year’s festival promises an exciting main stage line up hosted by singer-songwriter Harley Moon Kemp, who returns after a fantastic event in 2024.

The festival features an eclectic programme of live music, dance, spoken word, and interactive workshops.

Main stage acts include The Nigel Grice Jazz Collective, the English Folk Dance and Song Society, singer-songwriter Matilda Garcia, South London-based dance company Bird and Gang, spoken word artist Palacio de Poetas, West End Kids who will perform musical theatre numbers and harmony group Vocal Shack.

Throughout the afternoon St George and his Dragon will be roaming across the Square, with traditional Morris dancing from the Belles of London City, and the chance to meet the famous Pearly Kings and Queens.

A wide variety of food and drink stalls will be available and the day will conclude with a ceilidh led by Cut A Shine, a troupe of traditional musicians and dancers.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I’m delighted that our St George’s Day celebrations return to Trafalgar Square this month. Londoners and visitors can enjoy an afternoon of free, family friendly entertainment in the heart of our capital. It’s an event that brings our communities together and showcases all that’s brilliant about England, as we build a better London for everyone.”

Presenter and singer Harley Moon Kemp said: “Can’t wait to be back this year, hosting and performing for London’s St George’s Day celebrations! Looking forward to a full day of entertainment, great food, and fun for all! See you there!”

The press release issued by the Mayor of London on 21 March 2023.

The press release issued by the Mayor of London on 20 March 2023.

• 22 London projects, covering an area five times the size of St James’s Park, receive funding from the Rewild London Fund to return nature to the city
• Mayor’s London Rewilding Taskforce identifies 11 potential 100 hectare ‘rewilding opportunity zones’ to be explored as London’s first dedicated rewilding area on top of ‘on top of the £1.45m invested so far through the Rewild London Fund’
• Mayor commits another £1m this year to deliver more rewilding in London

On World Rewilding Day (Monday 20^th March), The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan has reiterated his support for restoring London’s natural biodiversity by committing a further £1m to rewilding the capital.

The new funding comes as the Mayor announces the 22 recipients of his Rewild London Fund. The £850,000 fund, delivered by the London Wildlife Trust with commitment from Amazon’s Right Now Climate Fund, will go to projects focusing in and around London’s Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs). These include:

• Bringing Beavers Back to Ealing: Citizen Zoo, alongside Ealing Wildlife Group, Ealing Council and Friends of Horsenden Hill is reintroducing beavers back to West London after a 400 year absence. The chosen site in Ealing will be transformed into a flourishing and immersive wetland, combatting the climate crisis and creating a biodiverse ecosystem for plant and animal diversity. Rewild Funding will help drive the project forward.
• Thamesmead Pollinator Corridor: a partnership project between North West Kent Countryside Partnership (NWKCP), The Ridgeway Users Group, University Of East London, Bow Arts and Bumblebee Conservation Trust (BBCT) working with communities to create a pollinator corridor through Thamesmead. The project aims to boost numbers of the rare Shrill Carder Bee and other pollinator species by increasing the amount  of forage plants and nesting sites needed by these species.
• Palewell Beverley Brook Restoration: Barnes Conservation, part of Barnes Common Limited, is improving 1.25km of the Beverley Brook to encourage natural processes along the waterway and improve habitat for insects, fish, bats and birds as well as increasing connectivity between Richmond Park National Nature Reserve and Barnes Common Local Nature Reserve.
• Yeading Brook Unbound: as part of the Crane Valley Partnership and in collaboration with local groups and volunteers, Harrow Council’s ambitious, large-scale Yeading Brook Unbound project will make lasting changes – both major and minor – to the brook, its margins and adjoining areas within SINCS, parks and neighbouring allotments along the watercourse.
• Beckton Park Meadows: This project is kick-starting delivery of opportunities to create more space for nature in Beckton Park that were identified through  feasibility and community design work funded by the Mayor’s Green and Resilient Spaces Fund. 3,000 square metres of wildflower meadow will be created. The improvements are part of a wider masterplan for Beckton Parks that will increase biodiversity and help to tackle climate change.

All together, these 22 projects will enable around 116 hectares of priority habitat to be restored or created, the equivalent to five St James’s Parks.

Today’s further £1m funding will build on this success by establishing a new competition for rewilding projects that restore habitats and support species reintroduction, as well as supporting the creation of a pilot large-scale rewilding scheme. This will be a site of at least 100 hectares (the equivalent of 140 football pitches) designated for the reintroduction and restoration of nature and wildlife.

Areas that could be suitable for the pilot rewilding scheme have been identified by Mayor’s London Rewilding Taskforce in their recommendations report, launched today. They include the Colne Valley and Ruislip Woods in the west, Enfield Chase in the north, the Thames Marshes in Bexley and Havering in the east and the Croydon and Bromley Downs in the south of the capital.

The recommendations of the Taskforce emphasise the role that rewilding can play to help reframe the relationship between people and the urban nature around them. The Taskforce emphasises that allowing nature to recover will bring positive outcomes to Londoners, ranging from health and well-being benefits, providing nature-based solutions to challenges like air pollution and flooding, and addressing the climate and ecological emergencies.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “We are now facing dual climate and ecological emergencies worldwide, which further threaten our ability to survive on our planet. Despite the harm inflicted on the natural world, we have the power to make amends, and I am committed to ensuring that London is at the vanguard of efforts to reverse the trends of declining biodiversity and the destruction of nature.

“Rewilding allows nature to take the lead and is an exciting way to create healthier ecosystems and allow humans and wildlife to live together more harmoniously. I’m proud that London is leading the way once again and excited to see what can be achieved with this further £1m of funding. We’re cleaning up our city, re-establishing lost species and reconnecting people and nature as we build a greener, fairer city for all Londoners.”

Mathew Frith, Director of Research and Policy at London Wildlife Trust, Rewild London Fund partner and Rewilding Taskforce member said:  

“This funding enables an exciting tranche of biodiversity projects to further progress nature’s recovery in the capital. They will help strengthen, enhance and extend the important network of over 1600 Wildlife Sites* that forms the foundations of nature conservation in London, and thereby contribute to a wilder, greener city.

“London Wildlife Trust is pleased to have partnered with the Mayor of London and Amazon to both set the ambitions of the Fund and select the successful projects. We look forward to overseeing the delivery of these which should raise the bar for the critical restoration of priority wildlife habitats and the recovery of populations of species, from harvest mouse to tawny owl, and bumblebees to beetles, to make London a better place for nature, which people can experience close to hand.”

Nick Swallow,  Citizen Zoo Fundraising Operations Officer said: “Across Europe and North America, beavers are known to thrive alongside urban communities. Bringing a range of benefits from increasing resilience to the challenges of climate breakdown to enriching people’s daily lives, as they encounter these magnificent mammals in their local greenspaces. With the GLA’s support and alongside our partners Ealing Wildlife Group, Ealing Council and Friends of Horsenden Hill, we hope to challenge the perceptions of Londoners and demonstrate how London too, can embrace these ecosystem engineers as we strive for a healthier, wilder future in which our Capital can become a leader in urban rewilding, which will greatly benefit not only wildlife populations but local communities too”

Nicky Gavron, co vice-chair of the London Rewilding Taskforce said: “This is such an exciting initiative. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to work with such an accomplished Taskforce and GLA team on this report. From the Green belt to our iconic parks, riverbanks, gardens, balconies and window boxes, there’s an opportunity to let nature lead and wildlife – from bumblebees to beavers, thrive in our city. Ensuring wild nature is at the centre of how we design, live, play, and work within cities is fundamental to improving our spaces, health, and quality of life for all London’s communities.”

Ben Goldsmith – co vice-chair of the Taskforce said: “There is no good reason why all people should not have ready access to nature, whether or not they live in our largest cities. Each one of us needs nature for our physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing. The Mayor has shown great leadership in launching our London Rewilding Taskforce, which seeks to weave nature back through the fabric of our city. I can’t wait to witness the recovery of an array of plants and wildlife across London!”

Zak Watts, Director, EU Sustainability, Amazon:  “These projects will provide a much-needed boost to biodiversity in the city, while new woodlands, wetlands, ponds and meadows aim to increase resilience to the effects of climate change. For Londoners, these projects offer a vital way to discover and reconnect with nature.”

“This is all part of a wider commitment through Amazon’s Right Now Climate Fund, as we invest in ways to accelerate nature’s recovery in communities where we live and work. We’re excited to see the positive results they bring.”

The press release issued by the Mayor of London on 17 March 2023.

• Mayor awards an additional £2 million to end rough sleeping for up to 500 people in London
• Extra support to help people sleeping on London’s transport network
• Latest CHAIN figures reveal that the number of people sleeping rough in the capital has increased by 21 per cent in the same period last year
• Announcement comes as Mayor visits pan-London Youth Hub in Islington

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has committed to helping a further 500 people off the streets by pledging an extra £2m to support charities and support services for rough sleeping Londoners.

Sadiq has made tackling rough sleeping a personal priority for his Mayoralty and since 2016, more than 13,500 people have been helped off the streets by City Hall commissioned services.

However, the latest figures from the Combined Homelessness and Information Network (CHAIN) show that rough sleeping in London has increased by a staggering 21 per cent year on year [1]. Charities and campaigners have attributed much of this rise to the current cost of living crisis, London’s housing crisis and a lack of Government support. Therefore, the Mayor is once again stepping up to increase the level of support available to those sleeping rough.

Charity partners, including St Mungo’s and Thames Reach will receive funding to deliver a range of support including:

• Ending rough sleeping for up to 500 people through the provision of urgent accommodation and dedicated support to find long-term routes out of homelessness.
• Expanding the Mayor’s efforts to support those sleeping rough on London’s transport network, with increased outreach on London’s night buses and the night tube.
• Extra funding for the StreetLink and Clearing House services to support their vital work identifying people sleeping rough and bringing them in to support services.

The announcement comes as the Mayor visits the pan-London Youth Homelessness Accommodation Hub in Islington, after securing up to three years of further funding for the service from the Department for Levelling Up, Homes and Communities (DLUHC).

The Hub accommodates up to 26 young people aged 18-24 in short-stay accommodation, during which time they will receive personalised, holistic support from charity partners Depaul and New Horizon Youth Centre to prepare them for independent living and to re-establish their lives away from homelessness.

The Mayor is doing all that he can to protect Londoners from the threat of homelessness, including spending more than £80m this year to help those struggling with the cost of living and using money raised through his 2022 Winter rough sleeping campaign to fund London youth rough sleeping services.

However, without urgent action from Government to address the root causes of homelessness, the huge progress City Hall has so far made helping people off the streets could be reversed.

The Mayor continues to call on Ministers to get a grip on the spiralling cost of living, restore the social security safety net which stops people becoming trapped in a cycle of homelessness, end no fault evictions for private renters and invest in new council and genuinely affordable homes to help prevent more Londoners from becoming homeless in the first place.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Whilst I’m extremely proud of the huge progress City Hall has made so far helping people sleeping rough off our streets, there is still a long way to go to end homelessness in the capital for good.

“This is a cause I strongly believe in, which is why I’m awarding a further £2m to continue the important and transformative work that St Mungo’s and Thames Reach provide on a daily basis.

“It’s imperative the Government does more to end the root causes of homelessness and I will continue to call for greater accountability from our leaders on this issue as I work to build a better, safer, more prosperous London for everyone.”

Emma Haddad, Chief Executive of St Mungo’s, says: “This funding will help us to continue our vital work, ensuring that people sleeping rough spend as little time as possible on the streets. We will be able to continue providing emergency accommodation as well as support, so that people in London don’t return to the streets. This funding from the London Mayor means that we can help more people on that journey into a place they can call home.”

Bill Tidnam, Chief Executive of Thames Reach, said: “This increase in funding for homelessness services is welcomed, as it will enable our services to continue our work to support people away from rough sleeping in London. At a time of significant financial pressure, the need for our services is greater than ever and this funding will enable us to ensure that people are located and supported into realistic and suitable routes out of street homelessness.”

Dan Dumoulin, Director of Rough Sleeping at Depaul UK, said: “I am delighted to hear that this additional funding will be directed to services supporting rough sleepers in the capital. We have seen a 12% increase in people using our specialist service for young rough sleepers in London over the past two years. This funding will help us move a step closer to ending youth homelessness.”

Phil Kerry, Chief Executive of New Horizon Youth Centre, said: “As we see by the huge number of young people coming through our doors every day, the cost-of-living crisis continues to push more Londoners into homelessness and onto the streets. We are pleased to see this additional funding from the Mayor and we’re joining his calls to general government to invest in proven solutions. The Youth Hub is a great example that can be rolled out further to make sure no young person faces a night on the streets.”

The press release issued by the Mayor of London on 10 March 2023.

• Deputy Mayor for Business Rajesh Agrawal joined by 10 London businesses on four day mission
• London attracts more investment projects from India over last decade than any other European or American city

London’s Deputy Mayor for Business, Rajesh Agrawal will visit New Delhi and Bengaluru next week (March 13^th – 16^th) as he leads a trade mission to promote stronger trade and investment links with India.

Rajesh will be joined by 10 London tech companies including Electric Miles, Guider, OneID and Softools (full list below). The trade mission will provide opportunities for these companies to create business partnerships and explore investment and growth opportunities in India. Delegates will meet with representatives from Indian tech companies including Wipro and HCLTech, as well as Indian industrial giant Tata. The Deputy Mayor will also meet Indian venture capitalists and investors with an interest in expanding to London. This is the first in-person trade mission run by the Mayor’s International Business Programme to India since 2019.

Indian companies continue to choose London as a top destination to expand their operations outside of India, with new data showing that London is the number one European city for Indian foreign direct investment. According to figures published by London’s business growth agency, London & Partners¹, the UK capital also ranked as the number two city globally for Indian companies looking to grow their footprint internationally.

The research revealed that in the past 10 years London has attracted 174 investment projects from India – significantly more than any other European city and the likes of Singapore (150) and New York (53). ²

Over the past 10 years, investment from Indian companies has provided a major boost to London’s economy, with the data showing that Indian foreign direct investment has led to the creation of 7,853 additional jobs in the UK capital.

A number of well-known Indian companies have expanded their operation in London in recent years, including Indian IT giants Wipro and Infosys, as well as Indian unicorns upGrad, Ola and Oyo. Between 2012-2022, Mumbai and Bengaluru were the top cities for business investment from India into London.

Rajesh Agrawal, London’s Deputy Mayor for Business said: “London and India have longstanding cultural and economic links and these latest figures offer further proof that business ties between our two regions continue to grow from strength-to-strength.

“Indian cities rightly look to London as the perfect launchpad to grow their business internationally. London and cities such as Mumbai and Bengaluru share mutual strengths in sectors such as finance, life sciences and technology – creating huge opportunities for business partnerships.

“As one of the world’s fastest growing economies, India is also a major market for ambitious London companies. I am delighted to be joined on my visit to India by some of London’s fastest growing businesses.

“Our trade mission will continue our work in helping London companies to maximise business and investment opportunities in India.”

Laura Citron, CEO of London & Partners added: “India is an important trade and investment market for London. It’s no surprise to see that London is one of the top global cities for Indian companies looking to expand outside of their home market.

“We continue to receive lots of enquiries from Indian companies looking to setup and expand in London. As India’s digital economy continues to grow, there is particularly strong interest in London from high growth Indian companies in sectors such as fintech, ecommerce and climate tech.

“This trade mission will further strengthen economic ties between London, New Delhi and Bengaluru. We look forward to continuing our support to help companies do business across both regions.”

Vipul Lakhani, Director of Softools, a London company joining the trade mission added: “I am excited that Softools has been chosen to be one of the participants of the Mayor’s International Business Programme trade mission to India.

“We see India as a thriving and exciting market with rich talent, amazing innovation and enormous potential. With the help and support of London & Partners we look forward to forging partnerships to help Indian companies benefit from the speed and simplicity of our zero code application platform.”

The press release issued by the Mayor of London on 10 March 2023.

The press release issued by the Mayor of London on 9 March 2023.

• Just under half of Londoners are now ‘financially struggling’ or ‘just about managing’
• 43 per cent are using less water, energy or fuel to help manage living costs 

• Mayor highlights package of measures Londoners need from Chancellor next week

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, is today demanding more help for those most in need in next week’s Spring Budget, as polling reveals that more than 40 per cent of Londoners are using less water, energy or fuel as a result of the cost of living crisis.

Sadiq argues that this is further evidence that next Wednesday’s Budget must be used by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, to tackle the cost of living crisis and address the issues holding Londoners back from reaching their full potential.

The Mayor has today published a new YouGov poll commissioned by City Hall that reveals that 47 per cent of Londoners are now either ‘financially struggling’ or ‘just about managing’.*

A huge 43 per cent are using less water, energy or fuel to help manage living costs. Half of those polled are currently spending less on non-essential items (50%).

Sadiq is doing all he can to support Londoners through the worst cost of living crisis in decades. Just last month he announced an historic £130m emergency scheme to provide every primary schoolchild in London with free school meals in the next academic year and will continue to call on the Government to provide this support permanently.

Sadiq has also highlighted findings that show that the total number of children living in poverty in just four of London’s boroughs: Newham, Tower Hamlets, Croydon and Brent (126,256) is similar to the total number in Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds combined (129,090).**

Now the Mayor is calling for the Chancellor to include the following measures in his Spring Budget:

• A delay to the planned April increase in the Energy Price Guarantee and an ‘energy lifeline tariff’ to provide the most vulnerable households including disabled Londoners with a basic amount of energy before charges begin.
• Following London’s lead and extending free school meals to all primary school children in the UK.
• A substantial increase in central government support for affordable housing supply in London, and granting the Mayor power to freeze rents in the capital , like has happened in Scotland
• An increase in the local housing allowance to support Londoners on housing benefit.
• Significant support for reducing the cost of childcare.
• Funding for scrappage schemes – While the Mayor is providing funding to help Londoners retrofit or replace highly polluting vehicles that are not compliant with the Ultra Low Emission Zone, ahead of the zone’s expansion in August, the scheme is not available for those outside London. The Government supported similar scrappage schemes in Bristol, Birmingham and Bradford, but has not extended the same support to Londoners or those in the Home Counties.

Sadiq has also repeated his call for the Government to reinstate tax-free shopping for overseas visitors to support the return of international tourists back to London as well as boost the retail and hospitality sectors, which have both been hard hit by both the pandemic and the rising cost of living. This would also raise an additional £350m for the Treasury each year.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “The cost of living crisis continues to bite and millions of Londoners are crying out for more support from the Government in the Spring Budget.

“The fact remains that the capital is home to some of the most deprived communities in the country, and it is deeply worrying that 47 per cent of Londoners are now either financially struggling or just about managing to make ends meet.

“The Chancellor needs to recognise the dreadful impact of the cost of living crisis next week, particularly those most in need.

“London is the engine of the UK economy, and when the capital succeeds, so does the rest of the country. So if the Government can deliver a package of support that properly helps Londoners with the cost of living crisis it would benefit the whole country.

“I am doing everything I can to help Londoners during these difficult times – but we need Government to step up to the mark too.”

As well as investing £3.46bn into building the genuinely affordable homes Londoners need, the Mayor is currently spending more than £80m to help those struggling with the rising cost of living, including more than £50m to tackle fuel poverty through the Mayor’s Warmer Homes programme and energy advice services, more than £20m to improve security for private renters and house Londoners who are rough sleeping or homeless, more than £5m to connect Londoners with welfare advice, and £400,000 to tackle food insecurity. He is spending £400m on skills and employment programmes to support Londoners to find more secure work.

The Mayor also wants the Chancellor to boost the capital’s infrastructure by ensuring widespread gigabit data capacity and further transport investment to enable new homes to support the growing economy, both in the capital and the wider South-East.

He also urges the Chancellor to support development work by Transport for London and partners on the DLR extension to Thamesmead and West London Orbital railway, and to re-start it’s joint work on the Bakerloo line extension and Crossrail 2. These were stopped at the onset of the pandemic, and the Mayor believes it would be a vote of confidence in London and Britain to re-start these critical projects that enable hundreds of thousands of new homes and substantial economic opportunity.

Given reports of delays and budget cuts to HS2, the Mayor also calls on Ministers to reassure Londoners that they will see the full benefits of this once-in-a-generation opportunity. Hundreds of millions of pounds has been spent regenerating the Euston area and many affordable family homes have been demolished to make way for HS2, and this work must not be vain.

The press release issued by the Mayor of London on 7 March 2023.

• The Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) is activated when temperatures fall below 0°C and ensures councils open additional emergency accommodation for people sleeping rough
• It comes as the UK Health Security Agency yesterday issued a level three cold alert, which will remain in place until Thursday night
• SWEP was activated for the first time this winter in December and remained in place for 12 days, the longest continuous period since 2017

• Mayor’s rough sleeping services are helping more people than ever before, with more than 13,500 rough sleepers supported off the streets since 2016.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today activated the pan-London Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) to protect homeless people as temperatures are forecast to fall below 0°C tonight.

It comes as the UK Health Security Agency yesterday issued a level three cold alert which will remain in place until Thursday night, with freezing weather set to continue throughout the week.

The activation of SWEP ensures that councils across London, alongside homelessness charities, open additional emergency accommodation for people who are sleeping rough during weather conditions that could pose a threat to life. All boroughs in London have committed to the Mayor’s ‘In for Good’ principle, which means no one will be asked to leave accommodation until a support plan is in place to end their rough sleeping, regardless of an increase in temperature.

The Mayor activated SWEP for the first time this winter on December 7, when overnight temperatures in the capital dipped below freezing. As London was blasted by snow and endured icy conditions, SWEP was in action for 12 days – the longest continuous period since 2017.

During this 12-day period, councils and charities helped more than 600 Londoners off the streets and into emergency accommodation. This is almost five times the number of people accommodated during any of the periods of SWEP last year. It’s also more than three quarters of the total accommodated across all the SWEP periods in the whole of last winter.

In total, SWEP was active for 26 days this winter.

Sadiq is warning that rising bills and housing costs are forcing growing numbers of people to sleep rough on London’s streets. Recently released Government figures showed rough sleeping has increased in every region of England year-on-year, with the biggest rise in London (34 per cent). There were 858 people in 2022 estimated to be sleeping rough in the capital on a single night compared with 640 people in 2021, an increase of 218 people. The Mayor’s rough sleeping services are helping more people than ever before, with more than 13,500 rough sleepers supported off the streets since 2016.

In response to the housing crisis and the soaring cost of living the Mayor has repeatedly called on Ministers to immediately freeze private sector rents and reinstate the social security net which prevents people becoming homeless. This would include lifting the benefit cap and unfreezing Local Housing Allowance. He’s also calling on Government to deliver the promised reforms to the Private Rented Sector, including ending Section 21 evictions and to suspend the No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) condition, which puts many people with NRPF status at serious risk of destitution and homelessness.

In December, the Mayor launched his annual winter rough sleeping fundraising campaign, working with charity partner TAP London to raise money for four charities that work with young homeless Londoners: akt, Centrepoint, Depaul UK, and New Horizon Youth Centre. The donations help to support the Youth Homelessness Hub, which recently reopened at a new location in north London.

Londoners can donate to the campaign in a number of ways, including at one of the TAP points or using this link. There are 35 TAP points across London, including at Waterloo, Victoria, London Bridge and Liverpool Street stations. Londoners can also use the StreetLink app or website to connect people they see sleeping rough with local support services.

Sadiq’s winter rough sleeping campaign has raised more than £600,000 since 2017.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said:  “With freezing conditions expected in London through this week, I’ve activated my severe weather emergency protocol which will ensure anyone seen sleeping rough across the capital is offered a place in emergency accommodation. I am also encouraging Londoners to download the Streetlink app or use the Streetlink website to connect people they see sleeping rough with local support services.

“Since 2016, we’ve quadrupled funding and support to tackle homelessness, helping over 13,500 rough sleepers off the streets, but there’s much more to do. Too many people are facing freezing temperatures on the streets of the capital without the safe, secure accommodation they need.

“London’s councils and charities will be working even harder this week to support some of the most vulnerable people in our city. On behalf of all Londoners I thank them for their tireless efforts.”