Have your say on the proposed London Budget for 2021-2022
As much of the available funding as possible is allocated to supporting London's recovery from COVID-19. Have your say.
2020 was a tough year. The situation is still extremely serious, and our health service is under severe strain.
COVID-19 has had a profound impact on the lives of Londoners. Thousands of people in our city have died and many more have suffered from the effects of the virus. All Londoners have seen their way of life severely disrupted – often with dire consequences for their economic wellbeing and their physical and mental health.
We have difficult weeks ahead for our city. But with a vaccine now in place and beginning to roll out, we continue to plan for London’s recovery.
Since March 2020, Londoners have been telling us about their immediate and longer-term priorities for the capital and for recovery from the pandemic here on Talk London. These discussions, alongside representative polling and focus groups conducted in August, found that:
- Reducing the spread of coronavirus is Londoners main and immediate priority, followed by protecting and creating jobs.
- The largest proportion of Londoners see the economic impact of coronavirus as the main threat to the capital over the next year, whilst the second highest proportion say it is the health impact.
- Many of the issues that the city faced prior to coronavirus remain, and should be dealt with despite COVID-19, not because of it. Social issues, such as food poverty, are high on the agenda. Londoners note that coronavirus has exacerbated inequalities, increasing the importance of robust financial safety nets and digital access for all.
- A majority of Londoners think now is a good time to make improvements to the city. These changes are mostly related to equality or the environment and green transport.
The discussion ran from 06 January 2021 - 09 March 2021
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Log into your accountAnonymous - account deleted
Community Member 4 years agoThe resident's congestion discount scheme was suspended temporarily ast year with inadequate public consultantion (admitted to by the Mayors office). There was no indication of how or when the reinstatement was going assessed out happens...
Show full commentThe resident's congestion discount scheme was suspended temporarily ast year with inadequate public consultantion (admitted to by the Mayors office). There was no indication of how or when the reinstatement was going assessed out happens .... temporary clearly is a lot longer than most people would expect. The individuals managing this scheme are no doubt being paid and individuals that can ill afford £15 (some to drive 10 meters to get out of the zone to work through necessity) are being punished for what appears to be political gain. I was good to see the mayor on TV tonight after sch extended silence, albeit to score his political points) .... when is the scheme going to restarted and residence of london, quite a few who are very vulnerable and do not feel safe on public transport, able to travel safely and without the additional finically burden needlessly created by the Mayor Office?
Show less of commentPollutants
Community Member 4 years agoI agree, it is ludicrous. Sufficiently implement electric vehicle use, instead of using heavily financial schemes to create inequality in London, where only those that can afford to pay, can live a more flexible and accessible lifestyle....
Show full commentI agree, it is ludicrous. Sufficiently implement electric vehicle use, instead of using heavily financial schemes to create inequality in London, where only those that can afford to pay, can live a more flexible and accessible lifestyle. We all work hard enough to have a choice to drive.
Show less of commentJamesW
Community Member 4 years agoDon't mind the GLA council tax increases, as long as the money is spent wisely and benefits Londoners. Never remove the Freedom pass or the over 60s free travelcard. Don't waste money on "vanity" projects! Moving GLA to The Cyrstal is a...
Show full commentDon't mind the GLA council tax increases, as long as the money is spent wisely and benefits Londoners. Never remove the Freedom pass or the over 60s free travelcard. Don't waste money on "vanity" projects! Moving GLA to The Cyrstal is a good idea, just as long as the savings are true and accurate and NOT just "spin".
Show less of commentPollutants
Community Member 4 years agoThis should not be means tested and should always stay available to 60's and over, we can't assume everyone will retire at the latest retirement age, many die before this.
we pay taxes, we struggle, there is already a lot of take under...
Show full commentThis should not be means tested and should always stay available to 60's and over, we can't assume everyone will retire at the latest retirement age, many die before this.
we pay taxes, we struggle, there is already a lot of take under government rule. TV licenses have already been taken away, free travel, encourages less polluting travel everyday and It's about the only thing people 'get back' !
take that away, for some it's a case of 'England' gives its people nothing back!
slowly turning into a country like America
Show less of commentScimitar55
Community Member 4 years agoI think the London Mayor and office should be scrapped and power returned to the councils. It is an expense that does not add value, it just costs money.
The funds could then be used better on a local basis to help the vulnerable and...
Show full commentI think the London Mayor and office should be scrapped and power returned to the councils. It is an expense that does not add value, it just costs money.
The funds could then be used better on a local basis to help the vulnerable and those in need.
The Mayor's plans to build on station and underground car parks is also ludicrous as it deny's use of TFL services to those that live a distance away from these transport links. It also denys TFL income from parking and the travellers.
Free travelcards should only be given to those over 65. Huge cost in giving it yo those 60 and over.
Show less of commentszkendler
Community Member 4 years agoThis is utter nonsense. The mayor/GLA should be properly devolved and given more powers. The Mayor is the weakest in comparison to opposite numbers in Paris, Madrid and Italian cities (for example) and the reason the position seems...
Show full commentThis is utter nonsense. The mayor/GLA should be properly devolved and given more powers. The Mayor is the weakest in comparison to opposite numbers in Paris, Madrid and Italian cities (for example) and the reason the position seems ineffective is because they have no tax/fund raising powers.
Spliting funds across the 32 boroughs is an even worse idea as that's why there's little coordination for regional issues since the GLC was broken up in the 1980s (don't believe, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_T_0FYHn0I0&list=PLfxy4_sBQdxwf909hUFsM…;
Building on TfL land (i.e. car parks) is actually a rather good idea. It raises shedloads of cash from otherwise useless land that brings in hardly any revenue (car parks make literally nothing or are contracted out). TfL, a public transport provider, should also be providing a public transport service which can be paid for by providing housing. Housing close to stations (known as Transit-orientated development) is smart as people living near transport nodes don't need cars. And we don't need more cars clogging up our roads, polluting our neighbourhoods and running over our children (hit by car is the way most 9-14 year olds in London die btw).
On your last point I agree, the 60+ card should be abolished and 65 freedom passes should be means tested as well.
Show less of commentChrisRobinson
Community Member 4 years agoScimitar is right though. And the authorities of Paris, Madrid and other Italian cities that you noted Szkendler are not suitable examples given their own challenges as well.
The office of the Mayor of London is supposed to support the...
Show full commentScimitar is right though. And the authorities of Paris, Madrid and other Italian cities that you noted Szkendler are not suitable examples given their own challenges as well.
The office of the Mayor of London is supposed to support the unitary authority but frankly makes matters worse for many with wide sweeping and draconian measures that are not supported in the 32 boroughs. No wonder we're seeing so many move out to the Home Counties. It is precisely because the office of Mayor is not working for them. Now sure, we can blame the incumbent (and do), but clearly the long term issue is that there is far too much authority consolidated into the one office. Rather devolve the power into the councils and boroughs and allow them to manage affairs with an eye to the residents in their area.
It's an obvious point that the requirements in Bexley/Bromley/Barnet are different from that in Camden. I'm sure a 20mph limit in Camden works but it's a nuisance for many others.
Not to mention the countless initiatives that the London Mayor's office has wasted money on in the attempt to push woke "socjus" movement iconoclast messages all whilst ignoring the voice of the citizens. If that's indicative of the role of the office of mayor then I support the move to reduce its power / scrap it and return both the authority and money to the councils and boroughs so they can serve the citizens who live there.
Show less of commentAnonymous - account deleted
Community Member 4 years agoSadik Khan's desire to have churches and mosques locked down is un reasonable. The major has completely lost it. Many people in London rely on their religious connections to be strengthened in these distressful times. This mayor has brought...
Show full commentSadik Khan's desire to have churches and mosques locked down is un reasonable. The major has completely lost it. Many people in London rely on their religious connections to be strengthened in these distressful times. This mayor has brought London to a standstill in many ways. For example, roads have been closed to drivers without public notice. Now he wants churches and mosques closed.
Show less of commentAtP
Community Member 4 years agoI have to disagree, I am afraid. At my church, although the main rules were being followed by those in charge, with all the official regulations being ostensibly observed (separate entrance and exit, congregants must wear masks...
Show full commentI have to disagree, I am afraid. At my church, although the main rules were being followed by those in charge, with all the official regulations being ostensibly observed (separate entrance and exit, congregants must wear masks, worshippers from different households being expected to keep suitable distance in the pews, sanitizer provided for hands on entry and exit and before communion, etc.), it was long clear to me that infection-control measures were not really working because of individual behaviour.
I regularly saw that some individuals spent the entire service without their mask covering their nose, one having the mask regularly under his chin (neither nose nor mouth covered - even while talking to a mother and child in the pew in front) and one Sunday he had no mask at all. Some people would gather and talk as they were leaving, both inside and outside the exit (yes, some even without a mask in place). Children (without masks in the main) were gambolling about in the gallery. When queuing for communion, there was no marshalling of the congregation. They all piled up at the back at once, when they should really be ‘let out’ of the pews and the gallery one or two rows at a time by sidesmen or wardens, so as to be able to queue with distancing. [Heavens, some churches do this all the time anyway – it’s very helpful. Why ours couldn’t, I’ve no idea.] I suspect that some people still fail to understand that a mask serves to protect others around the wearer, rather than the wearer.
Anyway, the ‘management’ have finally seen sense and closed the church to public worship for now, like many others that did so as long ago as mid-December. Ours has been live-streaming and recording services for some time anyway. It’s not the same, but we have to put health and lives first.
Show less of commentRedBug
Community Member 4 years agoI have to disagree as well.
My local church has been doing online services since the original lockdown. They have found they have more people following their services including people from different countries. I know from other churches...
Show full commentI have to disagree as well.
My local church has been doing online services since the original lockdown. They have found they have more people following their services including people from different countries. I know from other churches that people will come and visit the church from abroad.
Oh and you should check what roads you are talking about. Remember TFL doesn't run all the roads in London, many are run by local councils. Regardless due to utilities having to do emergency work they get dug up.
Show less of commentMarcoDuBow
Community Member 4 years agoMayor's NY fireworks and light display themes and images ref BLM and EU were wholly unacceptable and a criminal and corrupt waste of Council taxpayers money
Show full commentMayor's NY fireworks and light display themes and images ref BLM and EU were wholly unacceptable and a criminal and corrupt waste of Council taxpayers money
Show less of commentChrisRobinson
Community Member 4 years agoMarco is correct. The office of mayor being used to support a movement with a significant component of terrorists in their numbers is unacceptable (e.g. Susan Rosenberg) and this is a reprehensible display of supporting an inhuman...
Show full commentMarco is correct. The office of mayor being used to support a movement with a significant component of terrorists in their numbers is unacceptable (e.g. Susan Rosenberg) and this is a reprehensible display of supporting an inhuman organisation. Doubly so with council money that should be used for the residents.
Show less of commentAnonymous - account deleted
Community Member 4 years agoWhat display would you have liked?
Show full commentWhat display would you have liked?
Show less of commentMajuro
Community Member 4 years agoContinue to priortise roadspace to pedestrians, cyclists and public transport.
Look to introduce a road-pricing structure to help raise funds for TfL
Show full commentContinue to priortise roadspace to pedestrians, cyclists and public transport.
Look to introduce a road-pricing structure to help raise funds for TfL
Show less of commentusernameXYZ
Community Member 4 years agoFocusing on Covid-related initiatives is thinking in the very short term only. Instead London needs to think much longer term.
What matters most to every person in this city is their quality of life. London can contribute to it by...
Show full commentFocusing on Covid-related initiatives is thinking in the very short term only. Instead London needs to think much longer term.
What matters most to every person in this city is their quality of life. London can contribute to it by investing in more cycle ways, better public transport, and by closing roads. I also suggest you save a few hundreds millions by stopping the construction of the Silvertown Tunnel, and re-channel that money towards projects that will improve quality of life in this city instead of destroying it.
More police and security cameras would also help reduce crime and make people feel safer in this city.
Show less of commentAnon1234
Community Member 4 years agoHow can building sites remain open? It makes us feel expendable and weak. Like we have no voice and no thought is given to the families of construction workers.
This echos through the ages, more people die in construction each year than...
Show full commentHow can building sites remain open? It makes us feel expendable and weak. Like we have no voice and no thought is given to the families of construction workers.
This echos through the ages, more people die in construction each year than the armed forces, that’s without COVID in the mix.
Sites need to be shut to protect people no only from Covid but from them self. If site is open people are inclined to go to work and risk their life abs others around them.
Sites can not implement safety measures for Covid. The HSE and or WHO need to inspect sites to see how bad it actually is. This matter needs to be taken seriously to control the curb of Covid and the already high deaths in construction.
Show less of commentPollutants
Community Member 4 years agoresponsible construction workers/management are taking COVID precautions seriously and have very strict robust processes, and responses to anyone who has reported in as having COVID which they caught whilst not at work on site, definitely...
Show full commentresponsible construction workers/management are taking COVID precautions seriously and have very strict robust processes, and responses to anyone who has reported in as having COVID which they caught whilst not at work on site, definitely better than many businesses.
With lots of air flowing through walkways, and staff working isolated.
I have been really impressed with a few.
better than getting on public transport or going to the supermarket, where I have seen more risks, but they haven't closed.
If you work for an irresponsible employer then 'you' as an individual need to make a decision to maybe leave or report them anonymously
A lot of site environments are also very open
Show less of commentFieldmouse
Community Member 4 years agoPriorities should be :
1. AIR QUALITY: has breached max levels for years, so:
a. Stop infill in London: so much ugly building has been thrown up without adequate green space (look at Nine Elms). More commitment is required to develop...
Show full commentPriorities should be :
1. AIR QUALITY: has breached max levels for years, so:
a. Stop infill in London: so much ugly building has been thrown up without adequate green space (look at Nine Elms). More commitment is required to develop other areas of the country instead of expanding London all the time. A positive effect of Covid may be to enable people to exist London & cramped living space.
b. Make it safe & clean for cyclists, scooters etc -only really possible if they are separated from traffic so that it's safe enough even for children.
c. Prohobit new developments without infrastructure to support it. The Stag Brewery in SW14 should not go ahead without a new station, underpasses at Chalkers Corners, lifts & escalators at the local level crossings etc. The effects of Covid should also be assessed before any further development: (eg: shop premises could be converted to homes, people who can work from home move out of London).
Councils should charge homeowners who leave their properties empty (as they do in France).
d. Stop Heathrow growing: build a new airport where it does not adversely affect so many people & serves a wider community (towards Birmingham for example), with fast rail links to London. The HS2 funds would be better spent on that project. Why should Londoners have to put up with the worst aircraft noise in the world & bad air pollution?
2. EDUCATION:
The main driver to ensure equality. Are smaller classes necessary in difficult schools? Although an expensive option, teachers would be less stressed with smaller classes and would be better able to teach and mentor better. Money spent on anything other than smaller classes will not be as productive.
Show less of commentsnowball
Community Member 4 years agoThis mayor should not be in charge of a piggy bank-I have been so upset by his actions and the resultant impact on Londoners. I am not a tory but pray that Mr Bailey is successful in the election.
Show full commentThis mayor should not be in charge of a piggy bank-I have been so upset by his actions and the resultant impact on Londoners. I am not a tory but pray that Mr Bailey is successful in the election.
Show less of commentAnonymous - account deleted
Community Member 4 years agoI vote Labour all the time. I will never vote for Sadik Khan. He is the worst mayor in our times. He has brought London to a standstill with stupid road blocks. Please vote for someone else that can move London again.
Show full commentI vote Labour all the time. I will never vote for Sadik Khan. He is the worst mayor in our times. He has brought London to a standstill with stupid road blocks. Please vote for someone else that can move London again.
Show less of commenternie19347
Community Member 4 years agoMake a real effort to get cyclists off pavements. The way to do this is to licence them all with a number plate. That way we can photograph them and send the pictures to the Police for further action to be taken. I can't understand why this...
Show full commentMake a real effort to get cyclists off pavements. The way to do this is to licence them all with a number plate. That way we can photograph them and send the pictures to the Police for further action to be taken. I can't understand why this isn't done.
Less money on Multicuturalism please.
Show less of commentPaul Bowers
Community Member 4 years agoYes to your cyclists idea
but all lives matter equally and until we accept and reflect that in society we are excluding people from seeing themselves reflected in society. if we reflect everyone in society then we aren't excluding any...
Show full commentYes to your cyclists idea
but all lives matter equally and until we accept and reflect that in society we are excluding people from seeing themselves reflected in society. if we reflect everyone in society then we aren't excluding any of our communities
Show less of commentbdrj
Community Member 4 years agoLondon's needs are many. Immediate priorities include making roads safer for all users, better equipping publicly-funded schools, lowering air pollution, and a more equitable provision of housing for low income earners.
Show full commentLondon's needs are many. Immediate priorities include making roads safer for all users, better equipping publicly-funded schools, lowering air pollution, and a more equitable provision of housing for low income earners.
Show less of commentAnonymous - account deleted
Community Member 4 years agoI do not believe the majority of Londoners support the budget priorities indicated. I certainly do not.
The budgets allocated to the various "missions" have no chance at all to deliver the objectives stated / implied.
I cannot see how the...
Show full commentI do not believe the majority of Londoners support the budget priorities indicated. I certainly do not.
The budgets allocated to the various "missions" have no chance at all to deliver the objectives stated / implied.
I cannot see how the Mayor and the GLA will provide "a personal mentor" to "all young people in need by 2024" - in need of what? and for 1 million?.
The match between aspirations and their delivery is inconceiveable and is a political disgrace to Londoners' intelligence.
Show less of commentChivite
Community Member 4 years agoInvest in people and not so much in buildings. We need more teachers, nurses, foot policemen, firefighters (all those Grenfell-like buildings are going to give us a lot of headaches), ...
Show full commentInvest in people and not so much in buildings. We need more teachers, nurses, foot policemen, firefighters (all those Grenfell-like buildings are going to give us a lot of headaches), ...
Show less of commentd Skingle
Community Member 4 years agoEnsure that COVID is never allowed to run out of control in London again.
Stop breaching air pollution limits
Tackle noise pollution by Heathrow; stop airport expansion
Make neighbourhoods proper community spaces; local councils to...
Show full commentEnsure that COVID is never allowed to run out of control in London again.
Stop breaching air pollution limits
Tackle noise pollution by Heathrow; stop airport expansion
Make neighbourhoods proper community spaces; local councils to include local residents in decision making bodies affecting their locality rather than circulating bogus consultations seeking views that are then ignored; no rat running through residential streets
Better spaces for safe walking: more parks; pavements for pedestrians only; pedestrianised high streets (bus only traffic); cyclists to be required to comply with 20mph limits as all other wheeled transport, and to be insured and display identification numbers/plates
Stop developers building tower blocks with inadequate support services and infrasructure : schools, doctors, hospitals, parking, community spaces etc
If London is to survive economically it needs to be a safe, environmentally friendly and healthy place for all its citzens to live and work. If not, many families will flee London.
Show less of commentAnonymous - account deleted
Community Member 4 years agoDear Sadiq,
Please scrap the idea of increasing the council tax. We are already struggling. Please look at other avenues and let the economy recover. We are in midst of the worst kind of pandemic the world has seen in generations.
This is...
Show full commentDear Sadiq,
Please scrap the idea of increasing the council tax. We are already struggling. Please look at other avenues and let the economy recover. We are in midst of the worst kind of pandemic the world has seen in generations.
This is not the right time for such an increase.
Thanks
Show less of commentdanno
Community Member 4 years agoYou don't represent me as there is no #democracy in the uk. Every vote must count #PR now
Show full commentYou don't represent me as there is no #democracy in the uk. Every vote must count #PR now
Show less of commentLloyd
Community Member 4 years agoTo alleviate many problems theres one solution people refuse to mention. Stop having children. We are all severely over populated and because of this all our resources are depleted/ing. We dont need more houses we need less humans...
Show full commentTo alleviate many problems theres one solution people refuse to mention. Stop having children. We are all severely over populated and because of this all our resources are depleted/ing. We dont need more houses we need less humans. Everything suffers such as our impact on the environment and wildlife
Show less of commentchulot
Community Member 4 years agoAgree:-)
Show full commentAgree:-)
Show less of commentAnonymous - account deleted
Community Member 4 years agoBan all forms of motorised transport throughout Greater London including TFL. Walking, pedal power or horse and cart should be the only forms of travel around London.
Free housing for anyone under the age of 65 who earns less than £100k...
Show full commentBan all forms of motorised transport throughout Greater London including TFL. Walking, pedal power or horse and cart should be the only forms of travel around London.
Free housing for anyone under the age of 65 who earns less than £100k per annum. Free broadband for everyone.
Scrap the Metropolitan Police, they cost too much and they're all racists. Just have local warlords in each postcode district to keep law and order.
Scrap local councils. The local warlords can collect taxes in each postcode district.
Pull down every statue in London and sell the metal for scrap and use the money for next years New Year Fireworks display.
More investment in street art (everyone loves graffiti surely).
Get hamsters to power the London Eye (would probably turn faster)
And finally scrap Mayor of London and London Assembly the biggest waste of taxpayer money
Show less of commentJohnHonest
Community Member 4 years agoHear, hear!
Show full commentHear, hear!
Show less of commentAnonymous - account deleted
Community Member 4 years agoPlease migrate to the moon. Virgins have arranged flights from Heathrow
Show full commentPlease migrate to the moon. Virgins have arranged flights from Heathrow
Show less of commentHammer
Community Member 4 years agoDear Sadik Khan,
Good wishes for 2021. What a monumental task is awaiting you in 2021/22A couple of observations if you will - London is pricing itself out. Council Tax as well as Business Rates are extreme burdens to Londoners. On top of...
Show full commentDear Sadik Khan,
Good wishes for 2021. What a monumental task is awaiting you in 2021/22A couple of observations if you will - London is pricing itself out. Council Tax as well as Business Rates are extreme burdens to Londoners. On top of it in Waterloo there is additional levy imposed on businesses masquerading as WE ARE WATERLOO. A good for nothing outfit which litters the streets with totally unwanted oil drum planters, positioned frequently in front of fine green places e.g. Imperial War Museum entrance. Both council and Mayor indulges in very costly road restructuring schemes. Often a unique / non standard road surface and pavement materials are used. After a short period of time these materials are no longer available for repairs and are patched up in a totally unsightly manner. A good example - South Bank Belvedere Road, Weber St. intersection with Blackfriars Road, The Cut, Lower Marsh and more. The layout change of Blackfriars Rd is shocking. After dark and in the rain you just do not know where you are. Also, there is a total anarchy with a new one way or no entry road. The panners seem to have unrestricted powers on account of Covid one gathers. The residents can not access their neighbourhoods without going round and round in illogical traffic schemes. All of this costs huge amounts. Southwark Tube - an award winning station is now obscured , littered by a forest of posts belonging to different bodies, lighting, signaling and information. Can planners get a grip on this situation. Please, do not sanction ridiculous bumpsand crossovers. They deteriorate into an ugly mess and are costly to repair. Make our city cheaper and nicer to live in. Do not encourage whimsical solutions. Superficially 'better' is often an enemy of good. I love London but unless you address the costs of living in it will de-populate like it did in 1970-80s. Make it resident friendly!
Show less of comment