London Assembly listens to Londoners in the cost-of-living crisis

With the cost-of-living crisis hitting the pockets of people across the country, what are the biggest challenges facing Londoners, and what are the Mayor and the Government doing to help?

The London Assembly Cost of Living Working Group is examining the biggest issues facing Londoners as costs rise, hearing directly from Londoners and policy makers about the impact this is having on the capital.

The Working Group – Len Duvall OBE AM (Labour), Lord Bailey of Paddington AM (Conservative), Zack Polanski AM (Green) and Hina Bokhari AM (Liberal Democrat) – was formed in 2022 when concerns were being raised nationally about the rising costs of energy, food prices and housing.

It has been out on visits across London to see what support Londoners are receiving to help alleviate the pressures of the rising cost of living. This includes to a food bank and debt advice centre, with an upcoming visit to a primary school to see the impact of the Universal Free School Meals programme.

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, 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 powerful and we will continue to stand up for those in need.”

Lord Bailey of Paddington AM, Conservative representative on the Cost of Living Working Group, said:

“Cost of living pressures can be a huge problem for families and individuals across London, so it is vital that the Mayor of London does all he can to support Londoners by making London a city of high wages, high growth and low costs.

“Having spoken to Londoners from a wide range of communities and income levels, it is clear that the cost of housing and travel has the biggest impact on the rising cost of living.

“I look forward to exploring ways in which the Mayor can reduce the cost of living in the capital, which will enable families not just to get by, but to have money to spend on leisure and fun.”

Zack Polanski AM, Green Party representative on the Cost of Living Working Group, said:

“At the heart of this cost of living crisis is actually an inequality crisis. We need a response that meets the scale of this crisis to protect the poorest Londoners.

“I've heard from many Londoners during this process who are struggling to get by. I look forward to exploring big, ambitious solutions and how the Mayor can demonstrate leadership to make sure no one is living in poverty.”

Hina Bokhari AM, Liberal Democrat representative on the Cost of Living Working Group, said:

“We have formed this group in order to investigate the largest issues from the cost-of-living facing people in our city and what support may be available to help Londoners deal with the challenges they are facing.

“We are determined to make sure we can hear from every voice in London and that we are engaging with as many people as possible so that we can come up with potential solutions to the cost-of-living crisis that will reach everyone in society.”