London Mayor Sadiq Khan has expressed strong disapproval of Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s recent Autumn Statement, describing it as “another deeply anti-London budget.” The statement, which details the government’s financial plans, has fallen short of the Mayor’s expectations, particularly in the areas of transport, affordable housing, and policing funding.
Khan had been hoping for significant funding increases for Transport for London (TfL), the Metropolitan Police, and to boost affordable housing. However, he stated that the Chancellor’s announcements “fell woefully short” of these needs. He emphasized the crucial role that London plays in the UK’s job creation and economic growth, and how the statement failed to provide adequate support to Londoners amidst the cost of living crisis.
The Government, on the other hand, defends the Autumn Statement as a plan aimed at building a “stronger and more resilient economy.” They highlight a strategy to boost business investment by £20 billion a year, increase employment, and implement tax cuts for 29 million workers, which they claim is the biggest since the 1980s.
London’s Conservative politicians, including Minister for London Greg Hands MP and Harrow East MP Bob Blackman, have praised Hunt’s announcements. They pointed out the uprating of working age benefits and increased housing support for low-income renters, as well as the protection and rise of the Pensions Triple Lock and Pension Credit.
Khan, however, emphasized that proper investment in London is essential not only for the capital but for the entire nation’s recovery and prosperity. He lamented the missed opportunity to receive the £569m capital support he sought for TfL, which would contribute to significant network upgrades, including manufacturing new Piccadilly line trains. Additionally, the Mayor had requested £470m to develop new homes on brownfield land and a £159m per year commitment to fund the National and International Capital City Grant for policing.
Other political figures in the capital, including Liberal Democrat mayoral candidate Rob Blackie and Green London Assembly Member Siân Berry, also expressed their disappointment with the Autumn Statement. They criticized the lack of focus on London’s housing crisis, public services strain, and the absence of investment to improve public sector productivity.
The Autumn Statement has thus sparked a heated debate about the allocation of government resources and the need for fair treatment of London in the context of national financial planning. Mayor Khan’s criticism highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing regional needs within the broader framework of the UK’s economic policy.
