The Budget and Performance Committee of the Greater London Authority Council met on Monday 26 January 2026 to discuss the 2026-27 Greater London Authority Group Budget. Key discussions included the budget proposals for the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) and Transport for London (TfL), as well as the overall financial health and work programme of the committee. The committee also reviewed payments made over £250 and noted actions taken under delegated authority.

The 2026-27 Greater London Authority Group Budget

The committee engaged in a detailed discussion regarding the proposed 2026-27 Greater London Authority Group Budget, hearing from the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, his Chief of Staff, David Bellamy, and the GLA's Chief Finance Officer, Fay Hammond. The Mayor outlined his key objectives for the budget, focusing on making London safer, building more affordable homes, reducing street homelessness, improving transport, tackling the climate crisis, boosting economic growth, and supporting Londoners with the cost of living.

A significant portion of the discussion revolved around the budget for the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC). The committee noted the MPS's approach to operating within a balanced budget and welcomed the inclusion of a clear assumption on staff and police officer numbers. However, they expressed disappointment that the 2026-27 budget no longer referenced the ambition to grow the workforce to 38,000 officers and 19,000 staff, as stated in the Mayor's 2024 manifesto. The committee recommended that MOPAC should include a statement of the current resource need for police officers and support staff in future budget documents. Discussions also touched upon the cost of policing major events, with the committee supporting efforts to reduce these costs and encouraging MOPAC to ask the government to ensure football clubs have greater responsibility for policing costs.

Transport for London's (TfL) budget was also a major focus. The committee noted the projected fall in bus journeys and questioned how TfL intended to reverse this trend to achieve a 1.5 per cent increase in bus passenger journeys in 2026-27. Concerns were raised about the capital renewals budget, with the committee seeking clarification on the implications of spending £800 million per year on renewals versus the required £1.1 billion to £1.2 billion to maintain a steady state of repair. The DLR extension to Thamesmead was discussed, with the committee requesting confirmation of how it would be funded and its impact on GLA budgets. The committee also sought clarity on the funding for Hammersmith Bridge repairs, noting that the 2026-27 budget did not include any provision.

The committee also received updates on the London Fire Commissioner's (LFC) budget, the London Legacy Development Corporation's (LLDC) regeneration strategy, the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation's (OPDC) regeneration plans, and the newly established Oxford Street Development Corporation's (OSDC) objectives.

Payments Over £250

The committee received a report detailing payments over £250 made by the GLA and its subsidiaries, GLA Land & Property Ltd and London Power Corporation Ltd, between 14 September 2025 and 6 December 2025. These payments totalled £519 million. The committee was recommended to note this report.

Budget and Performance Committee Work Programme

The committee reviewed its proposed work programme for the remainder of the 2025/26 Assembly year. This programme includes scrutiny of the Mayor's 2026-27 Budget proposals for the GLA Group and examination of specific budget and performance issues. The next meeting is scheduled for 25 February 2026 to discuss the final draft consolidated budget.

Actions Taken Under Delegated Authority

The committee noted recent actions taken by the Chairman under delegated authority. These included agreeing letters to the Mayor of London concerning the 2026-27 Greater London Authority Group Budget for the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime and for Transport for London.

Declarations of Interests and Minutes

The committee noted the list of offices held by Assembly Members as disclosable pecuniary interests. They also confirmed the minutes of the previous meeting held on 16 December 2025.