Tag: Mayor of London

PRESS RELEASE : Study shows impact of knife imagery not universal, but is more profound for some young people affected by violence [January 2023]

The press release issued by the Mayor of London on 25 January 2023.

Researchers suggest some young people may be ‘desensitised’ to seeing images of large knives posted on social media

Peer-led study shows knife imagery can make young people feel fearful and scared

Small number of young people admitted seeing images of large knives would make them more likely to carry a knife themselves

New research published by London’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) has found that there is a negligible effect on young people of seeing images of knives posted by police on social media – but the impact on a smaller group of young people could be profound.

Researchers also suggests that some children and young people have become desensitised to seeing images of large knives and machetes seized where they live.

In January last year, London’s VRU commissioned research on behalf of its Young People’s Action Group (YPAG) who were concerned that posting images of knives seized by the police on social media could contribute to a sense of fear in communities, particularly amongst young people.

It’s recognised that there is a strong debate around images of knives and dangerous weapons seized by the police being published online. Alongside creating a sense of fear for some, the VRU’s YPAG also raised concerns that seeing images of big knives seized on London’s streets by police can lead to some young people getting hold of more dangerous weapons and knives in order to protect themselves.

The VRU commissioned research, led by University College London, to examine the impact on young people of knife imagery posted by police on social media. The research, published today, found little to suggest that viewing social media posts of knives seized by police had an impact on young people’s attitudes towards knives and knife-carrying. Researchers suggested this may be due to young people having become desensitised to seeing images of knives. They recommended further qualitative research to capture the views of young people already affected by knife-carrying or harm.

To support the research, the YPAG carried out peer-led surveys and a series of workshops with a group of young people aged 12-25 who benefit from the VRU’s programmes aimed at tackling violence and exploitation. It gave them a safe platform to discuss their views of the impact of seeing images of knives online.

It found that seeing images of knives seized by police and posted on social media can lead to young people feeling fearful and unsafe about where they live.

The surveys and workshops found that:

The majority of young people (53 per cent – 18 young people) felt unsafe, scared and worried upon seeing images of knives posted on social media by police

55 per cent (17 young people) felt their family and communities would feel afraid and fearful upon seeing images of knives posted online
Three young people (8 per cent) even admitted they would be more likely to carry a knife after seeing images of what had been confiscated where they live

When asked how seeing an image of a confiscated knife on police social media accounts would make them feel, one young person said: “If I see someone is carrying something horrific in my area and all I’m carrying is a flick knife.. what do you think I’m gonna do?”

What was clear through the survey of young people and the workshops, was that for some young people seeing knives online does create a sense of fear and can also trigger knife-related trauma.

It also demonstrated that young people are supportive of the police tackling violence and removing dangerous weapons, but the overwhelming consensus was that instead of showing images of large knives, the Met should instead focus on the good work it is doing with communities and young people.

One young person said: “The Met constantly telling us there’s knives here just further normalises it as our reality.”

As a result of the evidence, and having listened to the concerns of young people, the VRU’s Young People’s Action Group recommends that the Met stop posting images of confiscated knives on social media because of the impact it has on some young people and communities, and in a very small number of cases, can lead to a young person choosing to pick up a knife to protect themselves.

The VRU and the YPAG are keen to work with the Met to support other ways of visually demonstrating its work with communities and young people have set out a series of recommendations, which includes interviews with officers and holding events with young people to focus on the work they are doing to make communities safer.

This approach would be similar to Thames Valley, South Yorkshire and the West Midlands, whose police forces have already taken a decision to stop posting images of knives seized on social media.

Jade Barnett, member of VRU’s Young People’s Action Group, said:

“The Young People’s Action Group wanted to examine the issue of knife imagery because we had heard from other young people and communities that posting images of knives on social media platforms creates a sense of fear.

“We know this impact is not universal – not all young people will be affected by seeing images of large knives online, but neither are all young people affected by violence.

“Whilst the research showed there was little effect, what it does suggest and was backed up by surveys and workshops directly with young people, is that some young people – including myself – have been desensitised in relation to seeing images of knives.

“It’s worrying to know that young people see this as a normality. What the sessions with young people did uncover is that there is a negative impact, based around fear and trauma, for a small group of young people who are already too close to violence. Why would be want to seek to subject these young people to further trauma?

“I hope that this research is an eye opener and that the posting of knife imagery isn’t positively impacting the police’s relationships with our communities.

“I have high hopes that with the support of the VRU, including members of the YPAG, we will build a strong relationship with the Met to move away from posting images of knives and find other ways of demonstrating the work they are doing.”

Lib Peck, Director of London’s Violence Reduction Unit, said:

“Listening to the voices of young people is an integral part of our approach to tackling violence, which is rooted in prevention and early intervention.

“That’s why we supported our Young People’s Action Group who felt very strongly about the complex issue of knife imagery.

“What is clear is that while, for the large majority of the young people we surveyed, there is little effect of seeing images of knives online, the impact for a smaller group of young people who may be affected by violence, is much more profound.

“Both the research and peer-led workshops and surveys demonstrated that our young people have become desensitised to seeing images on social media of large knives confiscated where they live. That really can’t be right or acceptable in society.

“We know that’s the exact opposite of what’s intended by the police who share our determination to tackle violence and make our communities safer for all Londoners. It’s important we listen to our young people and take action now to stop posting images.”

Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner, Louisa Rolfe, said:

“We value the involvement of young Londoners, on the important and ongoing debate around sharing images of knives on social media. We look forward to working with the Young People’s Action Group, to understand their recommendations and how it could affect our communications around knife-crime.

“Historically we have shared images to highlight the work of our officers and their successful results. This has helped to reassure communities that the Met is committed to targeting those carrying weapons and fuelling violence our streets. Other research has suggested this is important to communities.

“We are an evidence-driven organisation, and that extends to the way in which we communicate with Londoners. We look forward to reviewing the results of this research and engaging with our communities, which will inform our approach moving forward.”

February 1, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Mayor announces funding for up to 800 new homes for rough sleepers as major businesses join his homelessness campaign [January 2023]
The press release issued by the Mayor of London on 24 January 2023.

Mayor announces funding for up to 800 new homes for rough sleepers as major businesses join his homelessness campaign
Mayor visits a Crisis at Christmas service – now extended into the new year for the second year running

The service provides people sleeping rough with accommodation during some of the coldest weeks of the year, along with wraparound support to end their homelessness for good

IKEA and Asda donating essential supplies for rough sleepers moving from the service into their own homes

Virgin Media O2, Vodafone and Good Things Foundation have donated smartphones and connectivity

Funding secured for up to 800 new homes to support young rough sleepers and those with complex needs

Mayor urges Londoners to donate what they can to his winter rough sleeping fundraising campaign

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan has today announced funding for up to 800 new homes for rough sleepers with complex needs and young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Sadiq announced the funding during a visit to a Crisis at Christmas service in Newham, where he met Crisis and St Mungo’s staff, people who have recently been sleeping rough and representatives from IKEA and Asda who have joined the Mayor in his fight against homelessness.

This is the second year City Hall has worked in partnership with Crisis and St Mungo’s to coordinate a successful extension of Crisis at Christmas. Typically, Crisis at Christmas comes to an end shortly after the new year. The extension means guests have had somewhere safe and warm to stay until mid-January during some of the coldest weeks of the year, while receiving support from Crisis and St Mungo’s to end their homelessness for good.

Last year 76 per cent of the people staying in the extension service did not immediately return to the street and City Hall has been working with London boroughs to ensure this year is equally successful. The City Hall Rough Sleeping team has secured a commitment from all London boroughs to maximise accommodation options for people following their stay at Crisis at Christmas.

The Mayor has been allocated around £75m of Government funding to deliver up to 800 homes for Londoners who have previously been sleeping rough. The funding was made available through the Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme (SHAP) and will deliver homes and support for young homeless people and rough sleepers with complex mental health or substance dependency issues – two groups of Londoners whose needs are currently not being fully met.

Housing associations, local authorities, charities and others who have an ambition to develop SHAP homes will be able to bid for the funding later this financial year. Individual funding allocations will be approved by Government and City Hall.

Londoners who have previously been sleeping rough, such as those supported by Crisis at Christmas this winter, will benefit directly from this programme.

This new accommodation will be supplied alongside the successful Rough Sleeping Accommodation and Move On programmes, which have already delivered more than 1,000 homes for rough sleepers in the capital.

The Mayor has brought together business partners to provide rough sleepers who are moving out of the service and into their own homes with the practical supplies they need. During the visit, he met with IKEA, Asda, and the Good Things Foundation, all of whom have donated supplies to ensure people get the best possible start as they move out of Crisis at Christmas and into long-term accommodation.

IKEA kindly donated kitchen supplies including pots and pans, cutlery, mugs and glasses, along with home furnishings such as duvets, towels and blankets. Asda donated toiletries and a range of food items, such as soup, pasta and noodles. The Good Things Foundation, Virgin Media O2, Vodafone donated sim cards and mobile phones.

Sadiq is also urging Londoners to donate whatever they can to his annual winter fundraising campaign and to help connect people they see sleeping rough with local support services using the Streetlink website or app.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Since becoming Mayor, I’ve made it a personal priority to tackle rough sleeping and we’ve helped a record 13,500 people off the streets through our support services as we work to build a fairer London for all. But the hard work doesn’t stop here and I’m pleased that City Hall has secured funding to deliver up to 800 homes for Londoners sleeping rough.

“I’m also delighted that IKEA, Asda and The Good Foundation have joined me in my fight against homelessness in the capital by donating essential supplies like bedding, crockery and food to give those people moving into long term accommodation the best possible chance at a fresh start. On behalf of all Londoners, I also want to thank Crisis and St Mungo’s for their tireless efforts supporting some of the most vulnerable in our city.

“We can’t do this alone, and to end rough sleeping in our capital, particularly amid the cost of living crisis, the Government must intervene to prevent the circumstances that lead to people sleeping rough before thousands more are forced to face a winter on the streets.”

Matt Downie, Crisis Chief Executive, said: “We know the life changing impact our services over Christmas, and all year round, can have on people experiencing homelessness, so it’s been fantastic to work alongside the GLA and the wider homelessness sector once again in extending our Christmas hotels through to the end of January.

“But our services are just the start of someone’s journey and to end their homelessness long-term we need accommodation that is safe and affordable. That’s why this funding for more homes for people to rebuild their lives in is hugely welcome. With rapidly rising rents and the cost of living crisis pushing more and more people into poverty and destitution there has never been a more pressing time to ensure that people are protected from life on the streets.”

Director of Rough Sleeping and Migrants at St Mungo’s, Petra Salva OBE said: “We are pleased to be working with Crisis once again to offer extra support for people who have been brought in from the streets over the Christmas period.

“The recent cold snap exemplifies why the extension of this project is needed, freezing temperatures can kill and this will ensure people have somewhere safe and warm to stay. It’s equally important that people can access the right support to help them move off the street for good, something we at St Mungo’s offer all year round.

We will continue working 365 days a year to bring people off the street, and work with our partners in local authorities and the GLA to make every night someone’s last on the streets.”

IKEA London Area Manager, Michael Hawkins, said: “At IKEA, we want to create a better everyday life for the many people. This ambition goes beyond just home furnishing: We want to have a positive impact on the world and take responsibility and contribute positively to the neighbourhoods we’re part of. That’s why we supported the Crisis at Christmas programme through donating kitchen supplies and home furnishings to give people sleeping rough the best possible start as they move into long-term accommodation.”

Jo Warner, Asda’s Senior Director for Community said “We were delighted to support the Crisis at Christmas campaign, helping people experiencing homelessness make the best possible start in the comfort and safety of a new home. We provided a number of cupboard staples such as pasta, cereals, tea, coffee and toiletries – basic essentials that we hope will ease the transition into more permanent accommodation.”

Helen Milner OBE, Group Chief Executive, Good Things Foundation, said: “We’re delighted to support the Mayor with this tailored homelessness initiative, joining this diverse collection of businesses supporting the poorest people in our society.

“Londoners experiencing homelessness – already facing multiple inequalities – deserve data and device access as an essential utility for everyday life. The ability to connect with family and friends, alongside access to basic services and employment opportunities should not be a luxury.

“We’re supporting those most in need by giving smartphones, SIM cards and data through the London Device Bank and National Databank, donated by our partners Virgin Media O2 and Vodafone. Together, along with our other partners and stakeholders, we’re scaling these new social infrastructures nationally to help fix the digital divide for good.”

Dana Haidan, Chief Sustainability Officer at Virgin Media O2, said: “As founders of the UK’s National Databank, we know how important it is for people to have access to devices and data so they can access vital online services, and stay in touch with loved ones.

“That’s why we’ve donated smartphones and free O2 mobile data from the National Databank to support these Londoners moving into long-term accommodation so they can stay connected and get online as they begin their new lives.”

Nicki Lyons, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Director, Vodafone UK, said: “I’m pleased we have been able to support the Mayor of London’s campaign to help those impacted or at risk of homelessness. As a business we have pledged to help four million people cross the digital divide by 2025 and will champion this cause until the issue no longer exists.”
February 1, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Night Czar calls for urgent Government support for the capital’s high streets after 6pm [January 2023]
The press release issued by the Mayor of London on 19 January 2023.

Night Czar calls for urgent Government support for the capital’s high streets after 6pm
London’s Night Czar unites leaders and decision makers from across the capital as she calls for more support for high streets after 6pm

These businesses were hit hardest by the impact of the pandemic, and are now suffering with the cost of living crisis

Research shows the number of people working evenings and nights was falling ahead of the impact of the cost of living crisis

London’s Night Czar, Amy Lamé, will today call for urgent support to help the capital’s high streets after 6pm as she brings together leaders and decision makers from across the city to help plan for the future of the capital’s life at night.

London’s 6pm – 6am industries suffered greatly from the impact of the pandemic and restrictions, and now the spiralling cost of living and business costs are putting more businesses under threat.

Today the Night Czar used a speech at the London At Night Conference to urge Government to support these vital businesses with cuts in VAT for hospitality businesses, extending the 50 per cent business rate relief for retail, culture, leisure, and hospitality sectors for a further year and greater support for SME’s with energy costs to enable them to help drive London’s economic recovery.

It comes following new research published in January 2023 showing that the number of Londoners working evenings and nights had fallen to 1.4m before the cost of living and energy bills crisis hit. The hospitality sector, where more than half of workers typically work evenings and nights, has seen a 27 per cent fall in those working during these hours in the last five years.*

The London at Night conference, at Woolwich Works and supported by the Royal Borough of Greenwich, will recognise recent challenges and change, plan to harness future opportunities and unlock the potential of London’s high streets at night, and draw on expert insights from the all aspects of life at night, from transport and infrastructure, to culture and communities, and safety and sustainability. The conference will see leaders and decision makers from across London look at all aspects of the capital at night and consider what more can be done to support businesses and create a fair, diverse and sustainable 24-hour city.

There will be keynote speeches from the Night Czar and Cllr Anthony Okereke, Leader of Greenwich Council. Panel discussions with feature contributions from Nick Bowes, Centre for London, Ojay McDonald, Association of Town and City Management, Victoria Hills, Royal Town Planning Institute, Charlie Dark, Run Dem Crew, Rosie Ferguson, House of St Barnabas, and Emily Robinson, London Sport.

The Mayor remains determined to do all he can to make London a fair, inclusive and sustainable 24-hour city. This includes creating three Night Time Enterprise Zones, a £500,000 programme helping to boost Bromley, Woolwich and Vauxhall after dark, introducing the first-of-its-kind Women’s Night Safety Charter, which has been signed by more than 1,000 councils, businesses and venues to prioritise women’s safety at night, producing world-leading guidance for councils to develop Night Time Strategies and offering evidence and insight through the Night Time Data Observatory to help decision making. The Culture and Community Spaces at Risk programme is also providing dedicated advice and guidance for the most at risk night time spaces, including grassroots live music and LGBTQI+ venues.

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Our night time businesses are hugely important to London’s economic recovery and have had an incredibly tough couple of years as a direct result of the pandemic and are now struggling with the cost of living crisis. It is vital that Government steps forward and provides the support needed to ensure that our high streets at night can help drive forward our economic recovery. I’m proud that London has taken the lead in creating opportunities for local businesses and high streets to flourish after 6pm with initiatives such as my Night Time Enterprise Zones and am committed to doing all I can to help all aspects of our nightlife flourish as we build a better and more prosperous London for everyone.

London Night Czar, Amy Lamé, said: “The prosperity of London’s night time businesses and industries has never been more crucial than right now. Our 6pm to 6am businesses face a monumental challenge and urgent Government support is essential to ensuring that these businesses can play the necessary key roles in driving forward London’s economic and social recovery. I am so proud to host the first London at Night Conference and to bring together leaders from the across the capital as we put life at night is at the heart of our all plans to build a fair, inclusive and sustainable 24-hour city.”
February 1, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Mayor to increase council tax to fund 500 additional PCSOs [January 2023]
The press release issued by the Mayor of London on 18 January 2023.

Mayor to increase council tax to fund 500 additional PCSOs
Insufficient Government funding for London’s frontline public services means the Mayor is having to increase council tax to fill the gap

Proposed council tax increase will help the police to continue reducing crime and ensure vital transport services are protected

Budget reflects the government’s funding conditions for Transport for London, including a proposed fare rise of 5.9 per cent on 5 March 2023 – the same as national rail fares

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today set out his plans to protect and improve London’s vital public services by increasing council tax to help fill the funding gap left by the Government for policing, transport and the London Fire Brigade.

Publishing his draft budget for the Greater London Authority Group, the Mayor will announce that, as expected by Government, he’s planning to increase council tax by £15 for an average ‘Band D’ property in 2023-24 to specifically invest more in policing. This will raise an additional £29.3 million, which will go directly to the Metropolitan Police Service to fund 500 additional Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) to work in local neighbourhoods disproportionately impacted by crime.

The additional police funding by the Mayor will increase the number of PCSOs in London by around 50 per cent – taking the total number of PCSOs in the capital to more than 1,500 and reversing a decade of falling PCSO numbers caused by Government austerity. These Sadiq-funded extra PCSOs will serve as a visible police presence to help reduce crime further, make London safer and rebuild community relations and public trust in the police.

The new Commissioner has set out how the Met needs an additional £827m a year to have the same real-terms per-head budget as in 2010-11. After a decade of austerity, Ministers are still refusing to provide the full investment in policing London desperately needs. According to the Home Office’s own review, Government funding for the Met’s capital city policing duties is currently short by £159m. Over the last six years, the Mayor has had to step in to fill the gap as much as possible by investing record amounts from City Hall to support the police. This has enabled the Met to put 1,300 more officers on the streets, expand neighbourhood policing and has helped elevate police officer numbers to the highest level in history. Overall, violent crime in London is now falling, bucking the national trend. But the level of violence remains too high and the Mayor is determined to use his budget to continue making progress by investing more in the police as well as programmes to tackle the complex causes of crime.

The Mayor has managed to protect transport services for Londoners by navigating TfL through the financial crisis caused by the pandemic. However, TfL has been left with a significant funding gap and, on top of further stretching savings targets, City Hall is required to raise over £500m a year from new sources as a condition of the emergency government funding deal – with Ministers explicitly proposing that the Mayor does so by raising council tax. This means that, as previously announced, the Mayor has been left with no viable alternative but to plan to increase council tax by £20 next year for transport, as approved by the Government, to ensure services are protected and that London can maintain a world-class transport network.

An additional £3.55 will also go to the London Fire Brigade to ensure it can continue to respond quickly to major fires and make the changes needed after the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

This means that the Mayor is proposing to increase his share of council tax bills for an average ‘Band D’ property by £3.21 a month (£38.55 a year) from April. An average household will pay £434.14 a year. Almost half of London households are in Bands A to C and will therefore pay a lower amount of council tax.

The Government set strict conditions in the recent emergency funding agreement with TfL so the Mayor is indicating the fares on TfL services will have to increase by 5.9 per cent on 5 March 2023 – in line with the Government’s increase to national rail fares.

The Mayor froze TfL fares for five years from 2016 to 2021, saving Londoners hundreds of pounds each year and helping to encourage public transport use. If the Mayor had chosen not to freeze fares set by TfL and instead increased them in line with inflation, they would have risen by 12 per cent between 2017 and 2020 inclusive. Had there been no fares freeze, this would have meant that a Pay As You Go bus fare in 2023 would be £1.90 (rather than £1.75) and a Zone 1-6 peak Tube fare would be £6.50 (rather than £5.60).

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “The last thing I want to do is increase council tax at a time when many household budgets are stretched, but the Government’s refusal to provide the funding our city needs means I’ve been left with no viable alternative but to help plug the gap by raising council tax by £3.21 a month. This will ensure we can protect and further improve our vital frontline public services, including the police, transport and the London Fire Brigade.

“Bearing down on violent crime and making our city safer for everyone remains my number one priority. The extra funding for the police will go directly towards putting an additional 500 Police Community Support Officers into neighbourhoods across London. This will help us to build on the progress we’re making to reduce violent crime in London.

“I froze TfL fares for five years from 2016 to make transport more affordable for millions of Londoners. But my hands have been tied since the pandemic by the strict conditions set by the Government in the recent emergency funding agreement for TfL, which means fares have to be increase in London by the same amount as national rail fares – 5.9 per cent.

“This is a challenging time for our city, with a Government that is not fully funding our public services, but I’m determined to step up so that we can continue building a greener, safer and fairer London for everyone.”

The overall level of fares set by TfL are proposed to increase by an average of 5.9 per cent, with a slightly larger rise for Tube Pay As You Go fares within Zone 1, which will increase by 30p. This is in order to keep costs as low as possible for Londoners travelling from outside Zone 1 into the centre for work, and for those using public transport in outer London – where car use tends to be higher – as journeys solely within Zone 1 are more likely to be made for tourism or leisure.

In addition, the Mayor has confirmed that the temporary travel time restrictions on 60+ Oyster and Older Person’s Freedom Passes, introduced due to Government conditions, will have to become permanent from today, Wednesday, 18 January. TfL were also having to consider a proposal to increase the age of eligibility for the 60+ concession on a phased basis so that the start date of eligibility would increase incrementally by around six months every year. Today the Mayor has confirmed funding from City Hall will be used prevent this change and protect the concession for Londoners over 60. These changes to the London concessions will still mean that the offering in London remains more generous than that available to older people across England, as well as for under 18’s.
February 1, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : More new homes completed per year under Sadiq Khan than under any previous Mayor of London [January 2023]

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

Sadiq Khan completes an average of 36,000 homes a year

·      New analysis shows overall housing completions under Sadiq Khan stand at over 36,000 homes a year on average, 10,000 more per year than his predecessor

·      The Mayor has also smashed records for council and affordable homebuilding, with 18,722 affordable homes started last year alone and more council homes than at any time since the 1970s

·      The percentage of affordable housing on the planning applications approved by Sadiq Khan has doubled, rising from 22 per cent during the last year of Boris Johnson’s term to 43 per cent this year

New City Hall analysis of official Government figures has revealed that more new homes have been delivered per year in London under Sadiq Khan than any previous Mayor of London. An average of more than 36,000 homes per year have been delivered since Sadiq became Mayor in 2016. This is more than 10,000 more than his predecessor, who averaged 26,000 a year.

This success on overall housebuilding has come alongside record-breaking delivery of council and other affordable homes. Affordable homebuilding is at the highest level since City Hall records began in 2002/3. Council home building is also at its highest level since the 1970s, with more than 5,000 new council homes started in London last year – more than the rest of the country combined.

Previous analysis of planning data has shown that the percentage of affordable housing has doubled on the planning applications approved by Sadiq, rising from 22 per cent during the last year of the previous Mayor’s term in 2016 to 43 per cent this year.

The Mayor announced the new findings at a “topping out” ceremony at Royal Albert Wharf in the Royal Docks this morning. Royal Albert Wharf will deliver more than 1,850 homes, of which over 40 per cent overall will be affordable, with the percentage of affordable housing increasing with each phase of development. The development hosting today’s ceremony has 50 per cent affordable housing, and the next phase of the development will deliver 76 per cent affordable housing. This major development is part of the wider regeneration of the Royal Docks area which is forecast to see over 30,000 new homes and 42,500 jobs created over the next 20 years.

Despite the huge progress being made on housing in London, the Mayor is pressing Ministers to back him to do even more to build the homes the capital needs. Recent research commissioned by City Hall revealed that London would require an additional £4.4bn annually to deliver the number of affordable homes that London needs – equivalent to more than six times the funding settlement London currently receives.

The spiralling cost of energy, wages, construction materials and financing, all threaten to make this gap even greater – the cost of construction materials increased by 17 per cent in the last year alone.

The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “Since I was elected Mayor we’ve made considerable progress in building the homes Londoners need. We have seen higher housing completions than any previous Mayor, record-breaking levels of affordable homebuilding and work started on more new council homes than at any time since the 1970s.

“Royal Albert Wharf in East London is a shining example of the scale of our ambition, with over 1,850 homes set to be built, and the most recent development phases at or above 50 per cent affordable housing. This project demonstrates the sort of action we are taking to help build a better, fairer London for everyone.

“The sheer scale of the housing crisis in London means it will still take time to turn around, but Brexit and the rising cost of construction are also threatening to hamper our progress on homebuilding. Ministers must now respond to the housing crisis with the urgency it deserves and provide the funding and investment necessary to build the volume and quality of homes our capital needs.”

Geeta Nanda OBE, G15 Chair and Chief Executive of MTVH, said: “Not-for-profit housing associations are working hard to build the affordable homes Londoners desperately need. In the first two quarters of this year, despite the unprecedented challenges facing the construction sector and providers, we started building 1,950 affordable homes in London, and completed a further 2,800 new genuinely affordable homes in the city. However, to continue delivering the homes that are needed, we need to see further action from government, in coordination with the Mayor and partners like the G15. Alongside increasing funding for the building of new affordable homes, we need to tackle the skills gap in the industry, and to ensure the planning system issupporting sustainable development.”

Rokhsana Fiaz OBE, Mayor of Newham and Co-chair of the Royal Docks Enterprise Zone Board, said: “I am delighted with the fantastic progress being made at Royal Albert Wharf, which is an exciting new community at the forefront of the transformation of the Royal Docks.

“The completion of this latest phase will provide much needed affordable homes for local residents, as well as new leisure facilities and green space. I remain committed to working hard with our development partners, like Notting Hill Genesis, to ensure more genuinely affordable homes are built in our borough, so the achievement of these latest milestones is very exciting!”

Ben Tucker, Senior Site Manager, Telford Homes, said: “The regeneration of the Royal Docks is transforming the area into a global hub for business and creativity. Alongside our joint ventures partners, we’re pleased to be contributing to this transformation with quality housing, alongside significant contributions to the public realm and green infrastructure, bringing a unique sense of community and fresh way of living to this vibrant area of London.

February 1, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Fresh investment by Mayor to tackle violent drug gangs and safeguard young Londoners vulnerable to exploitation [January 2023]
The press release issued by the Mayor of London on 15 January 2023.

Fresh investment by Mayor to tackle violent drug gangs and safeguard young Londoners vulnerable to exploitation
New funds to support the Met’s targeted policing action to tackle London drugs gangs inflicting misery and driving violence in communities

City Hall funding will help prevent the cycle of reoffending by supporting people into treatment and recovery

Analysis shows London is the highest exporter for County Lines in the UK with more than half of all teenage murders in capital linked to gangs

More than £7million will be spent tackling drugs supply lines that are inextricably linked to violence across the country under fresh proposals announced by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, today.

Despite progress being made, with numbers of homicides, teenage homicides, knife crimes with injury, gun crimes and burglaries in London all lower in 2022 than in 2016, the Mayor is clear that violence is still much too high and the loss of one young life to violence is always one too many. That is why Sadiq has renewed his commitment to tackling one of the major drivers of violence in cities nationwide – the prevalence of criminal drug gangs.

The new fund will see a new intensive and whole system approach to tackling drug misuse, with enhanced links into treatment and recovery services combined with funding to support the Met Commissioner’s drive to use precision and data to ensure targeted police operations against violent drug gangs.

The investment will bring together partners including the police, local councils and health services to improve communication between treatment providers and courts, prisons, and hospitals with the aim of cutting drug-related crime and breaking the cycle of misuse and reoffending.

The fresh approach comes amid rising concern and evidence that criminal gangs in London are exploiting the cost-of-living crisis to recruit young Londoners and expand their county lines networks across the UK.

Every week the Met arrests and charges around 11 suspects linked to drugs lines that run nationally and within London and analysis of the County Line Intelligence Collection Matrix (CLICM) data shows London as the highest exporter area for County Lines in the UK accounting for over 25% of the national total.¹

Research by the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime and the Met revealed that despite a reduction in homicides last year, gang-related violence still accounts for a significant proportion of the most serious violence in London, with more than half of shootings, and more than 50 per cent of all teenage homicides in London over the past three years linked to gangs.²

The funding, proposed in the Mayor’s draft budget for 2023/4, will enable the Met to precisely target the most dangerous criminals who cause the greatest harm while doing more to help those recover from drug addictions and misuse.

With millions of Londoners impacted by the cost-of-living crisis and low-income families in the capital being hit hardest as food and energy bills soar, the Mayor is concerned that there is now a real risk of all these factors combining and contributing to the reduction of violent crime being reversed. Sadiq is determined to offer young Londoners at risk of being exploited by criminal gangs a way out.

Targeted support from the Mayor’s London Gang Exit programme is already helping hundreds of young people across all London boroughs leave or reduce their involvement in criminal gangs and City Hall’s Rescue and Response Programme has trained more than 1,000 social workers and other frontline organisations to spot the hidden signs of exploitation in vulnerable young women and girls involved in county lines activity and provide the support they need to escape exploitation.

But more action is needed and the Mayor’s new proposed £7million investment will strengthen the Met’s ability to go after the worst offenders whilst improving pathways into treatment and recovery services to reduce drug-related offending.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “There is an undeniable link between county lines drug gangs and violence and that’s why I’ve proposed additional funding that will enable the Met to accelerate its work targeting the most dangerous criminals while helping to break the cycle of reoffending and safeguarding our most vulnerable young Londoners from exploitation.

“This is not just a London problem. Without in any way excusing criminality, the cost-of-living crisis is engulfing the entire country. Food and energy bills continue to soar. Too many young people are seeing their opportunities diminish. Without strong leadership, action and intervention I’m concerned that we are now at real risk of seeing the reductions of violent crime we’ve achieved in London being reversed and the menace of County Lines gangs growing nationally.

“The Met and City Hall’s work to tackle county lines drugs gangs has already resulted in dangerous offenders being arrested and hundreds more vulnerable young Londoners being safeguarded, but we must do more. Violence, like poverty, is not inevitable and this new proposed investment will work to tackle the underlying drivers behind serious violence. This in turn will help us break the cycle of reoffending and build a better, safer London for all.”

Cllr Jas Athwal, London Councils’ Executive member for Community Safety and Violence Against Women and Girls, said: “The toxic impact of violent drug-related crime on London’s communities, and especially our youngest residents, is severe and long-lasting. London boroughs fully support this renewed effort to address this. We will be working alongside the Met Police, Mayor, treatment and recovery services, the voluntary sector and other partners, building on the success of borough work as part of the Rescue and Response Programme.

“Boroughs play a crucial role in safeguarding young people and their families, engaging communities and bringing together housing, employment and recovery support locally in a holistic way, and will continue to work collaboratively with local partners to engage and support young people at risk of exploitation.”
February 1, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Mayor calls for end of “vow of silence” on Brexit [January 2023]
The press release issued by the Mayor of London on 12 January 2023.
Sadiq delivers keynote speech at prestigious Mansion House London Government Dinner.

Mayor criticises the Government for taking a “vow of silence” on Brexit’s damaging effect and says “trying to will Brexit into a success, or simply ignoring its impact, is not a strategy that will deliver prosperity for London or a brighter future for Britain”.

Speech sets out a blueprint for how a stronger relationship with Europe can help boost the national economy, ease the cost-of-living crisis and increase investment in our public services.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, will argue in a speech at Mansion House in the City of London that a reformed relationship with Europe would significantly help to remedy the multitude of crises currently facing the capital and the country.

In a keynote address to London’s political and business leaders tonight, the Mayor is expected to say:

“No one wants to see a return to the division and deadlock that dominated our body politic for five long years. However, the inescapable truth is that this unnecessarily hard-line version of Brexit is having a detrimental effect on our capital and country – at a time when we can least afford it.

“We can’t – in all good conscience – pretend that it isn’t hurting our people and harming our businesses. As Mayor of this great city, choosing not to say anything would be a dereliction of duty.”

The Mayor will urge politicians to talk honestly and openly about Brexit so that the negative impacts can be addressed as much as possible:

“We’re gathered in one of the great financial districts in the world – supporting millions of jobs and generating billions in tax revenue – but the reality is that the City of London is being hit hard by the loss of trade and talent to our competitors because of Brexit. London cannot afford to fall behind any of our international competitors.

“I was elected on a pledge to stand up for all Londoners and for our business community. That’s why I simply can’t keep quiet about the immense damage Brexit is doing. Ministers seem to have developed selective amnesia when it comes to one of the root causes of our problems. Brexit can’t be airbrushed out of history or the consequences wished away.

“What I’m interested in is the future – doing what we all know is right for London and looking at how we can sensibly and maturely mitigate the damage that’s being inflicted.”

Sadiq will acknowledge that both the capital and country face a multitude of challenges from the prospect of a recession and soaring inflation to our public services – especially our NHS – that are being pushed to breaking point. He will set out how a closer relationship with Europe will help:

“Brexit has already reduced our GDP by 5.5 per cent, reduced investment by 11 per cent and reduced goods and services trade by 7 per cent. The hard and extreme Brexit we have is a drag on growth, investment, and trade. It’s holding Britain back. Fixing it would mean the recession would be less painful and less prolonged.

“All told, the estimated cost to the Treasury in lost tax revenues due to Brexit is £40bn. We simply cannot forgo £40 billion of potential investment in our health service. So, repairing our relationship with Europe would mean we can better support the NHS.”

“Britons are also paying an extra £6 billion to eat because of Brexit. That’s £210 added to the average household’s supermarket bill over a two-year period.”

The Mayor believes the UK’s relationship with Europe can be fixed and is now calling for greater alignment with our European neighbours. He is expected say:

“After two years of denial and avoidance, we must now confront the hard truth: Brexit isn’t working. It’s weakened our economy, fractured our Union and diminished our reputation. But, crucially, not beyond repair.

“We need greater alignment with our European neighbours – a shift from this extreme, hard Brexit we have now to a workable version that serves our economy and people. That includes having a pragmatic debate about the benefits of being a part of the Customs Union and the Single Market.”

The Mayor will also suggest that ministers can start mitigating the impact of Brexit by helping him to tackle London’s labour shortage. He’s expected to say:

“The number of businesses in our city experiencing at least one skills shortage has now risen to almost 7 in 10. Meanwhile, the number of jobs in our city held by EU-born workers has fallen by over 80,000 – putting huge strain on crucial sectors such as hospitality and construction.

“Devolving powers to London and allowing us to create a regional shortage occupation list would be one way to give businesses the ability to attract and retain talent in the areas they need it most.”

Sadiq will conclude with a rallying cry to political leaders, urging them to rebuild our relationship with Europe:

“Securing a better Brexit would mean more trade, higher investment and stronger growth. It would mean a boost to both exports and living standards. More and more Londoners are worried about the impact of Brexit on our city. Our business community is increasingly speaking out and in growing numbers. It’s time the government caught up.

“Europe was, is and will remain our most important relationship, but it’s in desperate and urgent need of repair. So, let 2023 be the year we summon up the political courage to rebuild those essential bridges and tear down those needless walls standing in the way of our businesses and our people.”
February 1, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Mayors from around the world to meet for inaugural partnership for Healthy Cities Summit [January 2023]

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

Summit to take place on March 15 in London.

(LONDON) – Bloomberg Philanthropies, the World Health Organization (WHO), and Vital Strategies will co-host the inaugural Partnership for Healthy Cities Summit with London Mayor Sadiq Khan on March 15, 2023. The Summit will bring together mayors and other city leaders from the Partnership for Healthy Cities global network to discuss strategies to combat the global burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and injuries.

Founded in 2017, the Partnership for Healthy Cities is a prestigious global network of more than 70 cities working together to prevent NCDs and injuries. Supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies in partnership with the World Health Organization and Vital Strategies, this initiative enables cities around the world to deliver a high-impact policy or programmatic intervention to reduce NCDs and injuries in their communities. Through the Partnership for Healthy Cities, local leaders around the world have enacted policies that are improving the health and safety of millions of people.

“Noncommunicable diseases and injuries are leading causes of death around the world, but they are preventable, and the Partnership for Healthy Cities is tackling them with the kind of urgency we need more of,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, Founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies and Bloomberg LP, 108th Mayor of New York City, and WHO Global Ambassador for Noncommunicable Diseases and Injuries. “City leaders are the first line of defense in protecting public health, and our network’s first-ever summit is an opportunity for even more partners to join the fight, adopt effective interventions, and accelerate our lifesaving work together.”

As cities continue to grow, ensuring the health and wellbeing of residents in our world’s urban centers is crucial. NCDs – including heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases – and injuries are responsible for 80% of all deaths globally. With the majority of the world’s population now living in urban settings, cities are uniquely positioned to transform the fight against NCDs and injuries by implementing policies to significantly reduce exposure to risk factors. The Summit will highlight the best practices that are saving lives and creating healthier, more vibrant cities.

“I’m thrilled that London has been chosen to host the first Partnership for Healthy Cities Summit. Building a fairer, greener London for all is one of my top priorities as Mayor, and tackling air pollution is a huge part of that,” said Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London. “Toxic air makes us sick from the cradle to the grave, leading to asthma and stunted lung growth in the young and dementia in the elderly. This is why I decided to expand my world-leading Ultra Low Emission Zone London-wide, to reduce congestion, protect the health of Londoners and tackle the effects of climate change. Cities have the power to shape the health of their citizens and I look forward to learning from and sharing knowledge with other city leaders, and coming together to address the key health challenges of the future.”

“Human health can either flourish or perish in cities,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Through the Partnership for Healthy Cities, WHO and partners are working with mayors to create programmes and policies that place health at the centre of urban design, such as safe streets that promote active mobility, local sources of fresh and healthy food, and smoke free spaces. These are vital for building cities that foster good health and well-being by fighting noncommunicable diseases like heart and respiratory diseases, cancer and diabetes.”

“By 2050, more than 2 of every 3 people will be living in cities. The incredible work and commitment of today’s mayors and urban leaders in forging new ways to promote health is paving the way towards a healthier, more sustainable planet.” said José Luis Castro, President and CEO, Vital Strategies. ”Vital Strategies is proud to be an implementing partner of the Partnership for Healthy Cities, supporting the bold vision and exciting projects that are proving that rapid progress is possible everywhere in the world.”

February 1, 2023
PRESS RELEASE : Mayor appoints David Bryan CBE as new Chair of Arts Council England’s London Area Council [December 2022]

The press release issued by the Mayor of London on 22 December 2022.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today announced that he has appointed David Bryan CBE as the new Chair of the Arts Council England’s London Area Council.

David will be responsible for leading the Arts Council’s work across the capital, playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of arts and culture at a challenging time, following the impact of the pandemic.

A leading figure in the UK’s arts sector, David has vast experience of helping to drive change and improve diversity and representation.

He is the Chair of Brixton House the Battersea Arts Centre and Creative Lives (UK) and previously was Chair of the Arts and Creative Economy Advisory Group for the British Council. After studying for an MBA, David also became a management consultant, providing training and consultancy in the arts, not-for-profit and public sectors.

He is a member of the Mayor’s Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm and a trustee of Dunraven Educational Trust – roles that bring valuable knowledge of diversifying and expanding the sector to be more inclusive.

In this new role, David will work to increase the reach of arts and culture in the capital, improve diversity and support more young people to access the benefits of the arts.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “London is home to world-leading culture, arts and creative industries and David’s experience supporting artists and talent from all backgrounds will be key to this role.

“Culture is vital to the success of our city but the sector faces huge challenges following the impact of the pandemic and the rising cost of doing business. I look forward to working with David to continue championing and supporting arts and culture across the capital as we build a fairer and more inclusive city for all Londoners.”

Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, Justine Simons, OBE, said: “I am delighted that David Bryan will be the new Chair for the Arts Council’s London Area Council. David is a strong and experienced leader, bringing together a steadfast commitment to supporting established and emerging artists, and sound business acumen – exactly what is needed to drive forward the industry to continue to transform communities”

Tonya Nelson, Area Director, London, Arts Council England said: “We are delighted to welcome David as the new Chair for London Area Council. He brings a wealth of experience in the public, voluntary and arts sectors as well as an outstanding body of work surrounding diversity, inclusion and community development – all key priorities for the Arts Council as we move forward with our strategy, Let’s Create.”

David Bryan, CBE, said: “I am honoured to be able to work alongside the Mayor, Sadiq Khan, Deputy Mayor Justine Simons and the Arts Council to help drive forward London’s arts organisations for the benefit of all Londoners, and provide unique opportunities for artists and cultural institutions to develop.”

December 22, 2022
PRESS RELEASE : Mayor announces new measures to help migrant and refugee Londoners access support [December 2022]

The press release issued by the Mayor of London on 18 December 2022.

•   A new map will help Londoners with immigration needs to access information about their rights and entitlements, and find their nearest services and resources.
•   A new £300,000 Migrant Advice and Support Fund will help groups providing specialist advice and support to migrant Londoners.
•   On International Migrants Day, the Mayor pays tribute to the immense contribution that migrants, refugees and asylum seekers have made – and continue to make – to London as he criticises the government’s ‘inhumane’ new proposals for people seeking asylum.

To mark International Migrants Day (Sunday 18 December), the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has announced new measures to help support migrant, refugee and newly arrived Londoners, as he criticised the government’s ‘inhumane’ new proposals for people seeking asylum.

The Mayor has created a new map of services to help Londoners with immigration needs find the support that is available to them, and created a £300,000 fund for organisations that are providing specialist advice and support across the capital.

It comes as the Government this week announced plans for asylum seekers which the Mayor has warned will do nothing to deter people making perilous journeys to seek sanctuary, nor the traffickers profiting from people’s misery. The backlog in the asylum system has left thousands of people in immigration limbo unable to work and often living in unsuitable hotel accommodation for months or years while they await a decision on their asylum claim.

The Mayor’s new, interactive map has been added to his Migrant Londoners Hub, an online tool providing information to support migrant and refugee Londoners. The map provides details of services and organisations specialising in providing immigration advice, employment advice and employability support, welfare advice, healthcare and mental health support, and housing advice and support. This will help newly arrived Londoners with immigration needs to access information, and see what services are available in boroughs across the capital.

The new Migrant Advice and Support Fund will provide funding to frontline groups and organisations providing specialist advice and support to migrant Londoners. In the new year, £300,000 will be granted to organisations to help develop services for underserved groups, support collaborative working, and ultimately improve the resilience of the sector. Single organisations will be eligible to apply for £10,000 to £30,000, whilst organisations applying in partnership will be able to apply for up to £70,000.

Next month, a Young Londoners Participation Network event will also bring together people across the capital who are committed to supporting young migrants, refugees and asylum seekers from across a range of organisations and sectors.

These measures signal Sadiq’s commitment to championing London’s diversity and supporting the social integration of all Londoners, regardless of where they were born.

Since becoming Mayor, Sadiq has shown his strong support for migrants, refugees and people seeking asylum. In March, more than £1.1m in funding was announced to expand access to immigration advice, develop the Migrant Londoners Hub, and improve support for the capital’s migrant workers. He has also invested in a series of measures to support refugees from Ukraine, evacuees from Afghanistan, and new arrivals under the Hong Kong British National (Overseas) visa.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Migrants play an important role in our society and International Migrants Day provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the positive contributions that they make to London, as well as the challenges they face in achieving their full potential. This week we have seen the tragic deaths of more people in the English Channel, but the Government’s recently announcements do nothing to prevent people from making dangerous journeys to reach safety, nor traffickers from profiting off people’s misery. This is why it is crucial that we help migrants, refugees and people seeking asylum to access the services and resources that will enable them to thrive in our city. By ensuring that all Londoners have access to the support and representation they need, we will be able to build a better London for everyone – a safer, more prosperous city for all.”

Deputy Mayor for Communities and Social Justice, Dr Debbie Weekes-Bernard, said: “I am proud that City Hall not only recognises the value that migrants bring to the capital, but that we are actively taking steps to ensure new arrivals and longstanding communities with immigration needs have access to a broad range of services and resources to uphold their rights. Too many of the Government’s proposals designed to fix our broken asylum system are unworkable and inhumane, including regressive hostile environment policies that hurt Windrush communities who rightly call London home. Diversity is London’s strength and by embracing, celebrating and supporting our communities, we are sending a message to the world that London is open and a place where everyone is able to thrive.”

Chief Executive Officer of the East European Resource Centre (EERC), Barbara Drozdowicz, said: “London’s celebration of migration is a testament to the city’s strength. As migrants, we are your neighbours, colleagues, friends, family members, and fellow citizens; we bring new ideas, business connections, music and culture, let alone glorious food! Some of us come in search of opportunity, following our loved ones, or seeking sanctuary. Yet, migration always carries risk, and it’s so important that there are advice services available that help us find our feet in our new home. Everyone needs a safety net, and if there is no one to catch us then we cannot thrive – the richness of our diversity of skills, experiences and resources risks being lost”

Chief of Mission at the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in the UK, Christa Rottensteiner, said: “International Migrants Day marks a day every year to reflect on the role of migrants in our societies, their positive contributions and the challenges they face in achieving their full potential and capabilities. It is also a reminder that human rights are not ‘earned’ by virtue of being a hero or a victim, but are an entitlement of everyone, regardless of origin, age, gender and status. This year, we welcome the support from the Mayor of London that highlights the important role that cities play in shaping welcoming and inclusive communities”.

Co-Founder and Director of Hongkongers in Britain (HKB), Julian Chan, said: “Hongkongers in Britain (HKB) strongly believes in the vital role of migrants in enriching the culture and diversity of societies in London and the UK. It is important to aid and empower migrants by understanding and meeting their needs, including specialised advice and targeted support, in order for them to settle, integrate and contribute effectively towards wider communities.”

December 22, 2022