This week in Greater London Authority:

Grooming Gangs: Harrowing Testimonies Expose Deep-Rooted Failures

The Police and Crime Committee convened on Wednesday, 3 June 2026, to confront the devastating reality of grooming gangs operating in London. Journalists who have bravely investigated this issue shared harrowing accounts of child sexual exploitation, detailing how these criminal networks prey on the most vulnerable. The committee also reviewed the Metropolitan Police Service's (MPS) efforts to reform its culture, a process overseen by MOPAC (Metropolitan Police Authority).

The testimonies from journalists painted a grim picture of decades-long abuse, with perpetrators exploiting vulnerabilities such as neglect and a craving for attention. Children in care are particularly at risk due to fewer advocates and an overwhelmed system. The methods used by gangs are evolving, with an increasing reliance on social media platforms like Snapchat for initial contact. Crucially, the discussion stressed that this is not an issue confined to specific ethnic groups or demographics, reflecting London's diverse population, and that both boys and girls are victims.

One journalist highlighted a serious case review from 2012 involving a young woman in Finsbury Park who took her own life after serious failings in reporting her abuse. Letters detailing the abuse were reportedly lost by police officers. This lack of acknowledgement and action from institutions, including councils and the MPS, allows these gangs to persist.

The committee also scrutinised MOPAC's oversight of the MPS's cultural reform following the Baroness Casey Review. While new governance structures like the London Policing Board (LPB) have been introduced, concerns remain about their tangible impact. Evidence suggested MOPAC's oversight is sometimes too closely aligned with the MPS, potentially weakening its independent challenge. The LPB's influence on decision-making is yet to be clearly demonstrated, and there's a lack of clear, measurable indicators for cultural change.

The implications for vulnerable children are profound. The sheer number of children in care in London – between nine and ten thousand – makes them particularly susceptible. With a shortage of secure children's homes, many are moved out of the city, increasing their vulnerability to abusers who can contact them away from social workers and support networks.

The committee heard that while MOPAC's oversight is improving, it is not yet strong enough to ensure the necessary pace and depth of cultural change within the MPS. Recommendations were made to strengthen oversight, develop measurable indicators, and improve engagement with staff and community voices. The lack of transparency from public institutions was a recurring theme, with serious case reviews often only coming to light after a child's death.

• Police and Crime Committee meeting details

Greening London: Regional Parks and Climate Resilience Take Centre Stage

The Environment Committee met on Wednesday, 3 June 2026, to discuss the vital role of green spaces in London's future. The committee explored the expansion of regional parks, climate resilience strategies, and air quality initiatives, underscoring the interconnectedness of environmental health and the well-being of Londoners.

A key focus was the report London's 'Regional Parks': Connecting People and Nature? . This report highlighted the new 500-hectare 'West London Regional Park', announced in March 2026. The committee considered how these large green spaces and corridors, as defined in the London Plan, can be connected to enhance biodiversity and public access to nature. Crucially, the discussion addressed barriers and opportunities for improving access to nature, particularly for lower-income Londoners and those without private green spaces. This ensures that the benefits of green spaces are shared equitably across the city.

The committee also heard about actions taken under delegated authority, including a letter to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero urging price protection for heat network customers. This is vital for vulnerable households who can be disproportionately affected by rising energy costs. Concerns were also raised about the potential noise impacts of proposed airspace changes at London City Airport, which could affect residents in surrounding areas.

The committee noted its work programme for the 2026-27 Assembly year, signalling a continued focus on environmental issues. For Londoners, these discussions on green spaces and climate resilience are about ensuring a healthier, more sustainable, and more equitable city for everyone.

• Environment Committee meeting details

Oxford Street's Economic Future: Pedestrianisation and the Search for a Balanced Offer

The Economy, Culture and Skills Committee met on Tuesday, 2 June 2026, to delve into the complex economic landscape of Oxford Street. The committee heard from a range of experts about the challenges and opportunities presented by the street's planned pedestrianisation, with a particular focus on diversifying its offer beyond retail.

The committee examined the current economic performance of Oxford Street, noting that while footfall and dwell time are increasing, overall spend is still down year-on-year. Concerns were raised about the street's over-reliance on retail and the need for diversification into leisure and hospitality. The planned pedestrianisation was seen as a significant opportunity to improve the public realm and enhance the visitor experience. However, challenges related to traffic displacement, accessibility for disabled individuals, and the cost of the project were highlighted.

Experts stressed the importance of a balanced mix of retail, hospitality, and leisure to create an attractive destination for both domestic and international visitors. The proliferation of American candy shops was discussed as an issue that requires collaborative working between authorities to control. The potential for a change of use towards leisure and hospitality was viewed as an opportunity to grow visitor numbers, provided the offer is balanced and the upper floors are also considered for use, such as office space.

For Londoners, the future of Oxford Street is about more than just shopping. It's about creating a vibrant, accessible, and economically sustainable heart for the West End that benefits residents, workers, and visitors alike. The committee's discussions underscore the need for careful planning and a holistic approach to ensure this transformation delivers genuine value for the entire city.

• Economy, Culture and Skills Committee meeting details

Budgetary Pressures: Met Police Funding and Oxford Street's Uncertain Future

The Budget and Performance Committee met on Monday, 1 June 2026, to scrutinise the Metropolitan Police Service's (MPS) funding and officer numbers, as well as the budget and performance of the Oxford Street Development Corporation (OSDC). The discussions revealed significant concerns about the sustainability of police funding and the financial viability of the Oxford Street regeneration project.

The committee heard that despite increased funding, MPS officer numbers have fallen from 34,523 in April 2023 to 31,181 in March 2026. While the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Kaya Comer-Schwartz, attributed this to a decade of underfunding, Assembly Members questioned how increased funding had not translated into more officers. Experts highlighted that inflation and rising costs are absorbing much of the increased funding, and that the MPS has depleted its reserves. Concerns were raised about the sustainability of the GLA precept funding a quarter of the Met's budget and the impact on other vital services like the Violence Reduction Unit and victim support. The potential for further reductions in officer numbers if funding levels do not improve was also discussed, with a projected budget gap of £125 million for 2027-28.

The Oxford Street regeneration project also faced scrutiny. Nabeel Khan, CEO of OSDC, outlined the £144 million capital programme for pedestrianising Oxford Street West, projecting significant annual increases in GVA and job creation. However, Assembly Members expressed skepticism about the lack of secured commercial sponsorship to date, despite the project's announcement. Khan acknowledged this as a risk but stated that serious commercialisation discussions would begin now that the OSDC is established. Concerns were also raised about the consultation process and the lack of detailed responses from local residents. Accessibility for disabled individuals remains a key issue, with high costs cited as a barrier to step-free access at key stations.

For Londoners, these discussions highlight critical challenges: ensuring adequate police resources to maintain safety amidst funding constraints, and the financial prudence of large-scale regeneration projects like Oxford Street. The committee's work underscores the need for transparency and robust financial planning to ensure public funds are used effectively and that essential services are protected.

• Budget and Performance Committee meeting details

This week in Greater London Authority:

Antisemitism and Policing: A City Under Threat

The Police and Crime Committee met on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, to confront the alarming rise in antisemitic hate crime and the Metropolitan Police Service's (MPS) response. The committee heard from Deputy Commissioner Matt Dukes and Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Kaya Comer-Schwartz, about the unprecedented threat facing London's Jewish community. Since October 2023, antisemitic hate crime has surged, marked by arson and stabbing incidents. Deputy Commissioner Dukes confirmed that counter-terrorism policing is leading investigations into potential state-sponsored activity, with 35 arrests made and 11 individuals charged.

The Deputy Mayor, who is herself Jewish, acknowledged the immense stress on the community, highlighting the deployment of over 1,000 additional officer shifts for protective security around synagogues and Jewish schools, particularly in northwest London. While these measures offer some reassurance, Assembly Member Ahmed raised concerns about reporting lower-level harassment, especially given the Met's decision not to investigate non-crime hate incidents. Deputy Commissioner Dukes clarified that while criminal acts are investigated, non-crime hate incidents below the criminal threshold will not be treated as crimes. However, he stressed that behaviours are being assessed in context, citing the chant Globalise the Intifada as an example now being treated as a crime, with arrests and charges already made. This nuanced approach aims to balance freedom of speech with the need to protect communities from intimidation.

The committee also discussed the use of Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology. Deputy Commissioner Dukes welcomed the High Court's ruling on its lawfulness, stating it's a tool helping to safeguard London and leading to arrests that would not otherwise have been made. The Met plans to continue deploying LFR, subject to affordability, and is keen to explore officer-initiated LFR. While LFR was used adjacent to protests at the weekend, the Deputy Commissioner cautioned against expecting routine deployment, as operational requirements may not always be present. Safeguards include engagement with organisations like Big Brother Watch and Liberty, local community engagement, and testing for accuracy across gender and race. For Londoners, particularly those in targeted communities, these discussions highlight the ongoing efforts to balance security with civil liberties.

• Police and Crime Committee meeting details

GLA Savings Programme: Job Cuts and Reinstated Posts

The GLA Oversight Committee met on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, to discuss the GLA's savings and efficiencies programme, which aims to save approximately £10 million in staffing costs. A consultation on proposals to reduce staffing costs by £7 million concluded on 8 April 2026, with around 200 staff initially at risk of redundancy. Mary Harpley, Chief Officer of the GLA, and Dianne Tranmer, Executive Director for Corporate Resources and Business Improvement, explained that the consultation led to changes in the proposals. Six posts have been reinstated, and changes in the Civil Society and Sports Unit have been paused. These adjustments mean the initial savings target of £7.2 million from this phase is likely to be reduced to around £6.6 million. The remaining savings will be sought in a subsequent phase planned for the autumn.

Assembly Member Alessandro Georgiou questioned the revised net saving figures and the inclusion of implementation costs. Assembly Member Caroline Russell raised concerns about potential workload pressures on remaining staff. Assembly Member Elly Baker sought clarification on whether managers were required to demonstrate what work would not be done as a result of proposed post reductions. The committee was assured that efforts are being made to avoid compulsory redundancies and to mitigate any disproportionate impact on staff from protected groups. For GLA staff, this ongoing process brings uncertainty, but the committee's scrutiny aims to ensure fairness and transparency in how these difficult decisions are made.

• GLA Oversight Committee meeting details

Mayor's Question Time: Housing Targets and Transport Woes

The London Assembly (Plenary) convened for Mayor's Question Time on Thursday, 21 May 2026, tackling a wide array of issues from housing delivery to transport infrastructure. Mayor Sadiq Khan faced pointed questions regarding his decade-long record, particularly on housing targets and the management of major transport projects.

On housing, Assembly Member Lord Bailey questioned the Mayor's failure to meet his affordable housing targets for the 2021-26 programme, despite a £4 billion government grant. The Mayor attributed delays to a perfect storm of rising interest rates, construction inflation, and issues with the building safety regulator, leading to an extension of the deadline. He highlighted increases in social rent and council home starts but was pressed by Assembly members on the significant number of homes still uncompleted from previous programmes. Assembly Member Neil Garratt criticised the overall fall in London house building under the Mayor's tenure, pointing to inner London Labour councils as a source of failure. The Mayor, however, defended his record, citing overall increases in starts and completions since 2016 and blaming external factors for the delays. For Londoners struggling to find affordable housing, the ongoing debate underscores the persistent challenges in delivering homes at the scale and speed required.

Transport projects also came under fire. Assembly Member Thomas Turrell criticised the Mayor's handling of the Elizabeth Line, DLR, and Piccadilly Line trains, citing delays and budget overruns. The Mayor countered by highlighting the Elizabeth Line's success and on-time delivery under his direct leadership, alongside other projects like the Night Tube and Superloop. However, the reopening of Gallows Corner flyover remained a point of contention, with Assembly Member Keith Prince expressing frustration over delays caused by utility works and a perceived lack of transparency. The Mayor assured weekly updates and promised to investigate individual cases of concern. These discussions highlight the complex and often contentious nature of delivering large-scale infrastructure projects, with direct impacts on Londoners' daily commutes and the city's economic vitality.

• London Assembly (Plenary) meeting details

Other Matters

• The GLA Oversight Committee also met on Wednesday, 20 May 2026. In addition to the savings programme, the committee discussed London's resilience, hearing from Katherine Richardson, Director of London Resilience, and Geethika Jayatilaka, Co-Chair of the London Communities Emergency Partnership. They covered strategic achievements, operational responses to incidents, and the role of community groups in building a resilient London. Assembly Member Hina Bokhari OBE questioned the effectiveness of the current structure, while Assembly Member Caroline Russell raised concerns about social division and racism impacting resilience. The committee also noted the Secretariat's Quarterly Report and work programme for the upcoming year.
  • GLA Oversight Committee meeting details
• The Police and Crime Committee also met on Wednesday, 20 May 2026. Beyond the discussions on antisemitism and LFR, the committee addressed the planned withdrawal of Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) from red route enforcement and their potential transfer to a private company. Assembly Members expressed concern about the lack of transparency and the impact on community policing. The committee also received updates on the MPS's Cyber Crime Unit, fraud prevention, and the challenges in recruiting specialist cybercrime officers.
  • Police and Crime Committee meeting details

This week in Greater London Authority:

Setting the Agenda: London Assembly Gears Up for the Year Ahead

The London Assembly (Plenary) met on Monday, 11 May 2026, to formally establish its structure and committees for the upcoming year. This foundational meeting is crucial for ensuring the Assembly can effectively scrutinise the Mayor and hold him to account on behalf of Londoners. Key decisions included the election of the Chair and Deputy Chair, the formation of various committees, and the appointment of members to these vital scrutiny bodies.

The election of the Chair and Deputy Chair is a statutory requirement, setting the tone for the Assembly's leadership. These individuals will preside over proceedings and guide the Assembly's work throughout the year. Following this, the Assembly agreed on the committees that will undertake detailed scrutiny of the Mayor's work. These include the Police and Crime Committee, the Fire Committee, and the GLA Oversight Committee, among others. The membership of these committees was then confirmed, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives will be brought to bear on critical issues.

A significant part of the meeting involved agreeing the timetable for Assembly and committee meetings for the 2026/27 year. This ensures that scrutiny can take place at regular intervals, allowing for timely examination of the Mayor's actions and policies. The Assembly also noted key corporate governance documents, including the Scheme of Delegation and the Mayoral Scheme of Delegation, which outline how decisions are made and responsibilities are assigned within the Greater London Authority.

For Londoners, these procedural steps are the bedrock of effective governance. They ensure that the Assembly has the necessary structures in place to question the Mayor, investigate issues that matter to residents, and ultimately hold the Mayor accountable for his decisions. The smooth functioning of these processes is essential for transparency and public trust.

• London Assembly (Plenary) meeting details

This week in Greater London Authority:

Transport Accessibility: A Push for Universal Access Amidst Funding Challenges

The Transport Committee met on Wednesday, 25 March 2026, to scrutinise Transport for London's (TfL) progress on making the network accessible to all Londoners. While significant strides have been made, particularly in step-free access, the committee heard that the journey towards a truly inclusive transport system is far from over, with funding and the sheer age of some infrastructure presenting ongoing hurdles.

Sev Dance, Deputy Mayor for Transport, and Andy Lord, TfL Commissioner, faced questions on TfL's response to the committee's report on accessibility and inclusion. The Deputy Mayor acknowledged the vital importance of an accessible network, stating, It is, of course, essential that the public transport system be exactly that available to as many people as possible. TfL is embedding accessibility into project design and increasing co-production with disabled individuals and groups. Progress includes new self-reporting lifts and step-free access at stations like Colindale and Knightsbridge, with further improvements planned.

However, concerns were raised about the perceived resistance to appointing a dedicated disability champion, a proposal that had cross-party support. The Deputy Mayor stated that while the idea is welcome, TfL already has several forums dedicated to improving accessibility. Assembly Member Hina Bokhari OBE AM voiced frustration, noting that the feedback that we're getting from disabled Londoners at all suggests that co-production isn't always effective.

The reality for many disabled Londoners remains challenging. The committee heard that while the ambition is to make half the Tube network step-free by 2030, achieving 100% is highly unlikely due to the physical constraints of older stations. This means that for some, planning journeys remains a complex and often frustrating exercise, with the risk of being stranded or facing significant detours. The availability of accessible toilets across the network is also a focus, with a target of having facilities available within 20 minutes across the network.

The discussion also touched upon the broader implications of TfL's data collection methods and their translation into decision-making. Commissioner Lord acknowledged critiques and stated that TfL would review its data collection to ensure it is representative of all communities.

For vulnerable groups, particularly disabled Londoners, these decisions have a direct impact on their ability to navigate the city, access employment, and participate fully in public life. The ongoing commitment to improving accessibility is crucial, but the committee's scrutiny highlights the need for continued pressure to ensure that the needs of all Londoners are truly met.

• Transport Committee meeting details

Police Recruitment and Retention: A Growing Concern for London's Safety

The Police and Crime Committee met on Tuesday, 24 March 2026, to address critical issues surrounding the recruitment and retention of Metropolitan Police officers. The committee heard that falling officer numbers, coupled with factors like real-terms pay cuts and a decline in public confidence, are creating significant challenges for the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS).

A supplementary agenda item proposed appointing Emma Best AM as a rapporteur to investigate these trends. The report highlighted that officer numbers have decreased in recent years, impacting the MPS's ability to effectively police London. This has direct implications for public safety, potentially leading to longer response times and a reduced police presence in communities.

The investigation aims to identify barriers to recruitment and retention, assess officer morale and wellbeing, and explore potential solutions. This includes examining MOPAC's monitoring role and considering good practices from other police services. For Londoners, particularly those in areas with higher crime rates, the effectiveness of policing is directly linked to the number of officers available to respond to their needs and maintain community safety.

The committee also engaged in a question and answer session with the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) and the MPS. While the transcript for this session was not available, the agenda indicated discussions would cover operational and financial performance, the transfer of Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) involved in Transport for London red route enforcement, the policing of protests, the active bystander campaign, and stop and search practices. These are all areas that directly affect the daily lives and safety of Londoners.

The committee's work programme also included an informal meeting with deaf and disabled organisations to understand their experiences as victims of hate crime. This focus on vulnerable groups underscores the committee's commitment to ensuring that policing is equitable and responsive to the needs of all London communities.

• Police and Crime Committee meeting details

Mayor's Question Time: Budgetary Concerns and Public Petitions

The London Assembly convened for Mayor's Question Time on Thursday, 26 March 2026, a session that typically brings key issues facing the capital to the forefront. While the full details of the Mayor's report and the subsequent questions remain to be published, the agenda indicated a focus on the Mayor's activities and decisions, as well as the consideration of public petitions.

A significant item was the Mayor's Report covering the period from 13 February to 12 March 2026. This report would have detailed the Mayor's engagements, policy initiatives, and decisions taken during that time. The Assembly's scrutiny of this report is vital for holding the Mayor accountable for his actions and ensuring transparency in governance.

The Assembly was also scheduled to consider a petition concerning the Thames View Playing Fields and the Ripple Greenway. This petition highlights the importance of these green spaces for recreation and community well-being, and the concerns raised by residents about potential development. The Assembly's decision on whether to refer this petition and seek a response will directly impact the future of these valued local amenities. For residents in the affected areas, this represents an opportunity to have their voices heard on issues that directly shape their local environment.

The agenda also included a proposed delegation of authority to the Chair of the Assembly for urgent matters between meetings. This is a standard procedure to ensure the Assembly can respond effectively to unforeseen issues, but it underscores the ongoing need for robust oversight and accountability in the GLA's operations.

• London Assembly (Mayor's Question Time) meeting details