In response to the April 2020 National Minimum Wage Rates Consultation, the London Assembly Economy Committee has submitted the attached letter to the Low Pay Commission.
Commenting on the submission, Chair of the London Assembly Economy Committee, Léonie Cooper AM, said:
“We welcome the opportunity to respond to the Low Pay Commission on April 2020 National Minimum Wage Rates. The London Assembly Economy Committee agrees that the National Minimum Wage and the National Living Wage should be increased to keep up with the rising costs of living[1].
“The increase to the National Living Wage in April 2016 was a positive step in improving the lives of Londoners, however we, as a Committee, think that there is still more work to do. A recent Institute of Fiscal Studies report showed that London has a greater prevalence of severe poverty, up to 47 per cent higher than the rest of the UK and something needs to be done to address this.
“The Committee speaks on behalf of Londoners and believes that the National Living Wage must be raised to match the London Living Wage in order to meet the higher living costs across the capital and help improve the financial health of Londoners.”
Notes to editors
- DISSENTING NOTE: The GLA Conservative Group fundamentally disagree with the conclusion that the National Living Wage (NLW) should mirror the London Living Wage (LLW). Read the full note on page 14 of the submission.
- Léonie Cooper AM, Chair of the Economy Committee is available for interview.
- Find out more about the work of the Economy Committee.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
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