The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has suggested another rise in council tax to pay for policing in London.
In response, Gareth Bacon AM, Chairman of the Budget & Performance Committee, said:
“Obviously this is yet another unwelcome Christmas present for Londoners – and the decision to raise council tax should not be taken lightly.
“Londoners understand the police service does an excellent job but to do this it needs to be funded adequately. When they hear of projects like Crossrail overrunning and overbudget it begs the question if the Mayor is on top of his finances.
“And yet again, the Mayor is not being entirely straight with Londoners. He has increased discretionary spending at City Hall in a range of areas. That money could have been spent on police officer numbers.
“The Mayor must look deep and hard at the way he is running this city. Robbing Peter to pay Paul is a sticking plaster policy and more long-term ways to get police the funding they need should be considered to ensure they are able to keep Londoners safe.”
Notes to editors
- Gareth Bacon AM, Chairman of the Budget & Performance Committee is available for interview.
- Budget & Performance 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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