London Assembly listens to Londoners on cost of living

The London Assembly Cost of Living Working Group has today published its findings following a year-long investigation into the impact of the cost of living in London.

As part of the investigation, the Working Group carried out a number of site visits, which informed the 12 recommendations to the Mayor and Government to tackle the cost of living crisis. These activities included:

• Visiting Highams Park Food Hub in north London to speak with volunteers and service users about the services provided by the food hub, and how the cost of living has impacted volunteers and service users.
• Visiting Debt Free Advice in east London, to hear how the number of people seeking help has increased in recent years, and how the staff are supporting Londoners with their debts.
• Visiting Sacred Heart RC Primary School south London to speak with teachers and pupils about the Universal Free School Meals programme, and how that has impacted children and parents.

The Working Group also held a ‘Cost of Living Conference’ at City Hall, bringing together over 80 individuals to discuss the cost of living in London, including organisations and those with lived experience.

The conference consisted of presentations and panels followed by discussions around tables, facilitated by an Assembly Member. Partner organisations included Centre for London, Thrive LDN, Citizens Advice and the Policy Institute, Kings College London.

The cost of living continues to be a key issue in London with a recent poll from the GLA finding that almost half (46%) of Londoners reported falling behind or struggling to pay bills the last six months.^[1]

Key recommendations include:

• The Government should lift the two-child benefit cap to support families in the longer term. At a London level, the cost of living should continue to be a focus of the London Partnership board.
• The Mayor should take steps to ensure that Londoners have the same access to mental health support across different boroughs, and should provide information for frontline organisations about support and funding in each borough.
• The Government should end section 21 evictions before the next election.
• The Mayor should publish the GLA’s evaluation of the Universal Free School Meals programme as soon as it is able, including analysis of the impact of the policy on pupil premium.

Len Duvall OBE AM, Chair of the Cost of Living Working Group, said:

“We took the decision to set up the Cost of Living Working Group because of the significant impact the cost-of-living has had, and continues to have, financially, physically and mentally on Londoners.

“We knew how important it would be to put Londoners at the very heart of this investigation. We have been speaking to those affected the most, and those helping them, on the challenges they face and what support is available to them, and how accessible that support is.

“Meeting with Londoners during this challenging period has been incredibly meaningful, and really helped to shape the recommendations in the report.

“The cost of living affects us all in one way or another, and we need a joined up approach, from all relevant bodies, to protect Londoners during this financially difficult time.

“We hope to see these recommendations implemented to improve the lives of millions, and to allow London and its people to thrive.”