This week in Greater London Authority:

Oxford Street Regeneration: A £144 Million Gamble on London's Future

The Budget and Performance Committee met on Thursday, 19 March 2026, to scrutinise the £144 million budget for the first phase of the Oxford Street regeneration project. This ambitious plan aims to pedestrianise Oxford Street West, transforming it into a vibrant hub, but questions linger about its financial viability and the true impact on Londoners.

The project, spearheaded by the newly formed Oxford Street Development Corporation (OSDC), is projected to boost Gross Value Added (GVA) by £82 million annually and create 781 jobs. However, concerns were raised about a projected £8.1 million budget gap over 2027-29, primarily due to interest and financing costs. While the OSDC expects commercial income, including advertising revenue estimated to bring in up to £25 million per year, to bridge these gaps, the confidence in these projections was questioned.

Assembly Member Susan Hall voiced strong reservations, stating, I really expected something a little bit more boisterous and positive there, regarding the OSDC's financial outlook. The reliance on commercial income, which has yet to materialise, has led to anxieties about the project's long-term sustainability. The committee also heard that the OSDC is still in its infancy, with the Chief Executive only in post for three and a half weeks.

For Londoners, the immediate impact will be felt during the construction phase, which is expected to last up to two years for a transitional scheme before a permanent one is established. While the project aims for the road to be traffic-free by the end of August 2026, the potential for disruption and a dip in economic activity during works was acknowledged. The OSDC plans to mitigate these risks, but the possibility of short-term negative impacts remains.

Accessibility for disabled Londoners is a key consideration, with Transport for London (TfL) undertaking an equalities impact assessment. However, TfL has no current plans to provide step-free access at Marble Arch or Oxford Street stations due to exceptionally high capital costs, directing users to Bond Street and Tottenham Court Road stations instead. This decision has drawn criticism, with Assembly Member Hall noting the hell of a schlep for those needing step-free access.

The project's success hinges on attracting significant private investment, a prospect that has drawn parallels to past challenges faced by other Mayoral Development Corporations. Assembly Member Hall expressed concern, stating, We're going to get in even more debt over this. I can't comment on LLDC, but I think the benefits, the rationale for the OSDC being set up and the economic benefits of ensuring that Oxford Street is regenerated are quite clear. The committee's scrutiny highlights the delicate balance between ambitious regeneration goals and the need for robust financial planning and demonstrable public benefit.

• Budget and Performance Committee meeting details

Fire Safety: A Battle Against Emerging Threats and Cultural Hurdles

The Fire Committee met on Tuesday, 17 March 2026, to address critical issues facing the London Fire Brigade (LFB), from the escalating danger of lithium-ion battery fires to the ongoing efforts to reform the organisation's culture. The committee heard that while progress has been made, significant challenges remain, impacting the safety of both firefighters and Londoners.

A stark warning came regarding the surge in fires involving e-bikes and lithium-ion batteries. London Fire Commissioner Jonathan Smith reported a dramatic increase, from 20 such fires in 2020 to over 200 in the past year. This alarming trend has led the LFB to lobby the government for urgent secondary legislation to improve product safety, particularly for online sales. The tragic death of Sophia Durata from a converted e-bike fire in a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) on Old Kent Road serves as a grim reminder of the human cost of these fires. The LFB is also issuing operational guidance to crews on the specific risks associated with vapes and their lithium-ion batteries.

The committee also delved into the persistent issue of firefighter wellbeing, particularly mental health and exposure to fire contaminants. While Commissioner Smith noted a decrease in reported bullying, harassment, and discrimination, with staff survey results showing improvements, Assembly Member Bakari raised concerns about the lack of a dedicated, independent review of the 23 recommendations from the Nazir Afzal review into the LFB's culture. The committee's own report, Exposure to Fire Contaminants in London: A Hidden, Growing Risk? , highlights the link between firefighter exposure to combustion products and an increased risk of cancer. The report calls for a UK-wide firefighter exposure and health monitoring programme by 2027, a crucial step to protect those who protect us.

Concerns were also raised about the effectiveness of current health screening for firefighters, with the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council (IIAC) urged to review the evidence on cancer risks. The availability and management of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) were also discussed, with a recommendation for the LFB's next PPE contract to be future-proofed. For firefighters, this means ensuring they have the best possible protection against the evolving risks they face.

The committee also discussed the introduction of Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) for disabled residents, welcoming it as a first step but expressing concerns about potential limitations and loopholes. The Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration and the Fire Service, Jules Pipe CBE, acknowledged these concerns, stating that while the legislation is a welcome first step, further improvements, such as including care homes in the legislation, are needed. The LFB's commitment to equity of rescue for all residents remains a key priority.

• Fire Committee meeting details

Audit Panel: Scrutinising Public Funds and Organisational Health

The Audit Panel met on Thursday, 19 March 2026, to review internal audit reports, the draft internal audit plan for 2026-27, and the corporate risk register. The panel's work is crucial for ensuring financial probity and effective governance across the Greater London Authority (GLA).

A key focus was the audit of the New Deal for Young People programme, which identified weaknesses in safeguarding assurance. The report noted that while organisations provided evidence of safeguarding procedures at the grant award stage, the LFB did not consistently request or review Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certification evidence throughout the life of the grant. This oversight could leave vulnerable young people at risk. Recommendations include strengthening assurance by requiring grantees to maintain and provide up-to-date DBS checks and aligning grant requirements with the GLA's internal policy of three-year DBS rechecks.

The audit of the London Resilience Unit highlighted a sound governance framework but identified areas for improvement. The GLA Corporate Business Continuity Plan had not been approved or communicated, a statutory duty under the Civil Contingencies Act, posing a risk to the GLA's operational resilience. Furthermore, public awareness and accessibility of London Resilience information on the GLA website were not clearly defined, potentially leaving Londoners less informed about emergency preparedness. Training for gold officers also needs improvement, with some new officers not having received core training, impacting their readiness during emergencies.

The panel also noted the corporate risk register, with an increase in the inherent and residual probability scores for Financial resilience due to the concentration of risk in regeneration schemes. Mitigations include a new reserve strategy and the appointment of commercial advisors for high-risk schemes. The panel's work ensures that the GLA is not only aware of its risks but is actively working to mitigate them, safeguarding public funds and ensuring the effective delivery of services.

• Audit Panel meeting details

Other Matters

• The Budget and Performance Committee also met on Thursday, 19 March 2026. In addition to the Oxford Street regeneration, the committee reviewed the GLA Group Budget and TfL's budget. The discussions highlighted the financial pressures facing the GLA and its subsidiaries, with a focus on ensuring efficient use of public funds.
  • Budget and Performance Committee meeting details

This week in Greater London Authority:

Measles Outbreak: Urgent Action Needed to Protect London's Children

The Health Committee met on Monday, 9 March 2026, to address the escalating measles outbreak in North London. With over 150 cases recorded since the start of 2026, primarily affecting children under 10, the committee heard stark warnings about the virus's highly infectious nature and its potential for serious complications. The outbreak, concentrated in areas like Enfield with low MMR vaccine uptake, has already led to one in five infected children requiring hospitalisation.

The committee heard from experts, including Nalini Iyanger from the UK Health Security Agency and Dudu Sher Arami, Director of Public Health for Enfield. They discussed the critical need for targeted interventions to boost vaccination rates. The implications for vulnerable groups are severe: unvaccinated children are at the highest risk of severe illness, hospitalisation, and potentially death. The outbreak also places immense strain on NHS services, diverting resources and potentially impacting other essential healthcare provisions.

The committee was presented with a series of critical questions:

• What measures are being implemented to contain the outbreak?
• How are local boroughs collaborating with each other and the GLA?
• What has been the impact on hospitals, schools, and public services?
• What actions are being taken to improve vaccination rates?

The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. Low vaccination rates not only endanger unvaccinated individuals but also threaten herd immunity, leaving the entire population more vulnerable. The committee's discussions highlighted the need for a coordinated, multi-agency response to ensure London's children are protected from this preventable disease.

• Health Committee meeting details

Rough Sleeping Crisis: A Systemic Failure Demanding Urgent Intervention

The Housing Committee met on Thursday, 12 March 2026, to confront the escalating crisis of rough sleeping in London. The committee heard that rough sleeping has reached record highs, with over 13,000 individuals identified in 2024-25 – a 10% increase from the previous year. This alarming trend is not merely a housing issue but a symptom of deeper systemic failures, exacerbated by the cost of living crisis and policy decisions impacting asylum seekers and welfare provisions.

The committee heard from organisations like the Museum of Homelessness and St Mungo's, who painted a grim picture of the lived reality. Rough sleeping is increasingly complex, with rising numbers of non-UK nationals, women, young people, and older individuals experiencing homelessness. A particularly concerning new cohort is individuals leaving the asylum system directly into rough sleeping, often lacking essential language and cultural support.

The impact on vulnerable individuals is devastating. The committee heard about the deaths of despair – suicides and overdoses linked to the trauma of life on the streets. The lack of adequate support services and the dehumanising attitudes encountered by some professionals were highlighted as critical barriers to recovery. Jess from the Museum of Homelessness shared a harrowing account of an amputee left without a functioning toilet for eight months, illustrating the profound neglect some individuals face.

The committee discussed the reversal of the successful Everyone In campaign during COVID-19, contrasting it with the current situation where systemic failures leave people stuck on the streets. The effectiveness of the StreetLink referral system was debated, with some questioning its responsiveness and ability to connect individuals with immediate support.

Key recommendations emerging from the discussion included:

• A shift towards prevention: Moving away from a reactive system to one that identifies and supports individuals at risk of homelessness earlier.
• Improved data collection and sharing: Better understanding the demographics and needs of those rough sleeping to inform targeted interventions.
• Addressing systemic failures: Reforming asylum policies, welfare provisions, and supported housing funding to prevent people from falling into homelessness.
• Investing in community-led solutions: Supporting organisations that build trust and provide long-term, compassionate support.
• Recreating the spirit of Everyone In : Implementing low-threshold accommodation pathways that do not exclude individuals based on complex needs or immigration status.

The stark reality is that rough sleeping is not just a statistic; it represents individuals and families in crisis. The committee's findings underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive, compassionate, and effective response to end this crisis.

• Housing Committee meeting details

Tackling Online Fraud: A Growing Threat Demanding a Coordinated Response

The Police and Crime Committee met on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, to examine the Metropolitan Police Service's (MPS) efforts to combat the escalating threat of online fraud. The committee heard from experts from the MPS, City of London Police, The Cyber Helpline, and The Police Foundation about the scale of the problem, emerging typologies, and the challenges in protecting Londoners.

The scale of online fraud is immense, with an estimated 40% of national reports impacting London. The new Report Fraud system aims to centralise victim reporting and improve data collection, but a significant challenge remains: underreporting. Rory Inner, CEO of The Cyber Helpline, stated that only 36% of victims report to the police, meaning the true numbers are likely three times higher. This underreporting is driven by shame, a lack of understanding of what constitutes a crime, and a perception that reporting leads to no further action. The emotional and psychological toll on victims, beyond financial loss, was powerfully articulated, highlighting the need for more than just financial recovery.

Emerging threats, particularly AI-enabled scams and deepfake impersonation, were a major concern. While AI is not yet running end-to-end fraud operations, it is increasingly used to automate and enhance existing scams, making them more scalable and sophisticated. The ability to mimic human interaction and create convincing fake identities poses a significant risk, especially when combined with readily available personal data online. The committee heard that perpetrators are often more skilled in marketing and social engineering than in complex technology, exploiting human vulnerabilities.

The committee discussed the challenges in recruiting and retaining specialist cybercrime officers, as private sector salaries are often more attractive. While the Met and City of London Police are collaborating and investing in training, the arms race between law enforcement and sophisticated criminals is ongoing. The effectiveness of current legislation was questioned, with concerns that it struggles to keep pace with rapid technological advancements.

A critical takeaway was the need for a more victim-centric approach. The current system, where 87% of fraud reports receive no further action, erodes trust and discourages reporting. The committee heard that while the MPS is investing in economic crime units, the sheer volume of cases and the transnational nature of many online frauds present significant hurdles. The discussion underscored the urgent need for better public education, improved reporting mechanisms, and stronger collaboration between law enforcement, the private sector, and charities like The Cyber Helpline to protect Londoners from this pervasive threat.

• Police and Crime Committee meeting details

Other Matters

• The GLA Oversight Committee met on Friday, 13 March 2026. The committee reviewed proposed savings and efficiencies impacting staff, discussed the London Assembly's plenary ways of working, and considered the Assembly's budget for 2026-27. Key decisions included noting the report on proposed staffing changes and agreeing to respond to the consultation, noting the report on Plenary ways of working and delegating authority to the Chair to agree any output, and agreeing the proposed allocation of the Assembly and Secretariat budget for 2026-27.
  • GLA Oversight Committee meeting details

This week in Greater London Authority:

Assaults on Transport Workers: A Crisis Demanding Urgent Action

The Transport Committee met on Tuesday, 24 February 2026, to confront the alarming rise in assaults and abuse faced by London's transport workers. The committee heard harrowing testimonies from frontline staff detailing the daily reality of verbal abuse, intimidation, and physical violence they endure. This issue has profound implications for the safety and well-being of those who keep London moving, and for the public's trust in our transport system.

The scale of the problem is significant. Workers shared experiences of being punched, spat at, and subjected to death threats. One bus driver recounted a brutal assault that left him with severe injuries and ongoing psychological trauma, impacting his personal life and ability to work. These are not isolated incidents; they represent a systemic failure to adequately protect transport staff.

A major theme was the inadequacy of current reporting mechanisms and support systems. Workers described laborious and time-consuming reporting forms, a lack of timely police response, and a perception that management is not fully supportive. One revenue control officer recounted an assault where the police took two hours to arrive, and the subsequent investigation was slow and lacked communication. This leaves staff feeling unsupported and disincentivised to report incidents, leading to underreporting and a distorted picture of the true scale of the problem.

The committee heard that while Transport for London (TfL) has a zero tolerance policy, the reality on the ground suggests a high tolerance for such behaviour. The effectiveness of training was also questioned, with some arguing that it often occurs in a studio environment and fails to prepare staff for the unpredictable and often violent reality they face. For privately employed drivers, the situation is even more precarious, with many feeling abandoned by both their employers and TfL.

The impact of these assaults extends beyond the immediate physical harm. Workers spoke of the psychological toll, the fear of returning to work, and the strain on their personal lives. The lack of consistent support, particularly from middle management, was a recurring complaint, with some staff feeling blamed for the incidents they experience.

The committee's discussions highlighted the urgent need for a cultural shift within TfL and its operating partners. This includes:

• Streamlining and improving reporting systems: Making it easier and quicker for staff to report all incidents, from verbal abuse to physical assaults.
• Enhancing support for victims: Providing more immediate and comprehensive support, including mental health services, and ensuring managers are trained to offer genuine assistance.
• Strengthening police response and investigation: Working with the Metropolitan Police and British Transport Police to ensure timely responses and effective investigations.
• Addressing systemic issues: Examining the root causes of aggression, including fare evasion, and ensuring that preventative measures are prioritised.
• Improving training: Developing more realistic and effective training programmes that equip staff with the skills to de-escalate and manage challenging situations.

The testimonies from frontline workers paint a stark picture of a system under immense pressure, where the safety of those providing essential services is not adequately guaranteed. The committee's findings will be crucial in pushing for the urgent changes needed to protect London's transport workers.

• Transport Committee meeting details

London's Budget: A Balancing Act Between Ambition and Reality

The Budget and Performance Committee met on Wednesday, 25 February 2026, to scrutinise the Mayor of London's proposed budget for the upcoming financial year. The committee heard that while the Mayor expressed satisfaction with certain aspects, significant frustrations remain regarding government funding and the timing of its allocation. This budget will shape the delivery of vital services across London, from policing to housing, and its implications will be felt by all residents.

The Mayor highlighted a key frustration with the lag between the draft, various budgets, local government, policing, and then the final settlement. This delay prevents detailed allocation of funds and hinders transparent scrutiny by the Assembly and Londoners. While the Mayor welcomed improved engagement with government officials and a long-term capital settlement for Transport for London (TfL), he expressed disappointment that the uplift in funding seen last year could not be matched for 2026-27.

Significant new allocations were announced, including £50 million for Young Londoners funding, described as the largest new GLA Mayor allocation. While the Mayor emphasised the positive impact of previous investments in youth services, the lack of immediate detail on how this substantial sum will be spent was a point of concern for the committee. Similarly, £20 million has been earmarked for an AI taskforce to address the impact of artificial intelligence on London's workforce, with plans to develop training programmes. However, the specific recommendations and their associated costs are yet to be finalised.

The budget also includes £5 million for further support to high streets and the hospitality sector, building on the success of previous initiatives. For residents, this could mean revitalised local centres and improved amenities. However, the committee pressed for more detail on how this funding will be allocated, with the Mayor indicating a preference for working with local authorities who best understand their communities.

The budget allocates £1.26 billion to the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), a significant increase since the Mayor took office. The focus is on neighbourhood policing, with an ambition to increase officer numbers in these vital community roles. However, the committee questioned the overall police officer numbers, with the Mayor stating a goal to stabilise current levels rather than achieve previous manifesto targets. This raises questions about the future of visible policing in London.

Funding for Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) services has also seen a substantial increase, with an additional £29 million allocated for victims' services, perpetrator programmes, and supported housing. This demonstrates a commitment to addressing critical safety issues affecting many Londoners.

The committee also discussed the delivery of affordable housing, with the Mayor acknowledging concerns about the hockey stick pattern of development starts concentrated in the final quarter of programmes. Measures are being introduced to encourage more even delivery, including government funding for stalled sites and streamlined approvals. The budget also includes an additional £8 million to tackle rough sleeping, with a focus on prevention and early intervention, aiming to support individuals before they lose their homes.

For TfL, £20 million is allocated for fares innovation, aimed at increasing ridership and revenue, particularly for buses. While the Mayor highlighted past innovations like free bus routes and the Hopper fare, the specifics of how this new fund will be used remain to be detailed. The ongoing challenge of bus subsidies, now exceeding £1.2 billion, was also a significant point of discussion, with TfL exploring cost-saving measures and potential insourcing of services.

The budget process highlights the ongoing tension between ambitious goals for London and the financial realities shaped by government funding and economic pressures. The lack of immediate detail on some key allocations means that the full impact of this budget on Londoners will become clearer in the coming months.

• Budget and Performance Committee meeting details
• London Assembly (Mayor's Question Time) meeting details

Police and Crime Committee: Scrutinising London's Safety and Justice

The Police and Crime Committee met on Wednesday, 25 February 2026, to review the work of the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) and the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS). The committee engaged in a crucial question and answer session with representatives from MOPAC and the MPS, covering a range of issues vital to London's safety and justice system.

A key agenda item was the review of declarations of interest by committee members, ensuring transparency and integrity in their deliberations. The committee also confirmed the minutes of its previous meeting, a standard procedural step to ensure accurate record-keeping.

The core of the meeting involved a detailed question and answer session with MOPAC and the MPS. This provided a platform for committee members to scrutinise the operational effectiveness and strategic direction of policing in London. Topics discussed included the MPS's Mounted Branch, workforce planning, and the handling of officer misconduct and dismissals. For Londoners, understanding how these critical areas are managed directly impacts their safety and confidence in the police.

The committee also received an update on actions taken under delegated authority, specifically the agreement of a report on Neighbourhood Policing: The experience of young Londoners. This report likely sheds light on the effectiveness of neighbourhood policing initiatives and their impact on young people, a demographic often disproportionately affected by crime and policing.

Furthermore, the committee reviewed its work programme, ensuring its future scrutiny activities align with the most pressing issues facing London's safety and justice landscape. The date of the next meeting was also confirmed, signalling the committee's ongoing commitment to holding the MPS and MOPAC to account.

The discussions at this meeting are vital for ensuring that policing in London is effective, fair, and responsive to the needs of all communities. The committee's oversight plays a crucial role in shaping the future of policing and fostering public trust.

• Police and Crime Committee meeting details

Other Matters

• The London Assembly (Mayor's Question Time) meeting on Thursday, 26 February 2026, was dominated by discussions on the Mayor of London's Final Draft Consolidated Budget for 2026-27. Assembly Members questioned the Mayor on various aspects of the budget, including allocations for AI taskforces, high street support, and young Londoners' funding. The budget's potential impact on services and the transparency of its proposals were key areas of focus.
  • London Assembly (Mayor's Question Time) meeting details

This week in Greater London Authority:

New Towns for London: A Bold Vision or a Risky Gamble?

The Planning and Regeneration Committee met on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, to delve into the ambitious proposals for New Towns for London. This initiative, part of a national programme to establish new settlements, has shortlisted two London sites: Thamesmead in Greenwich and Crews Hill and Chase Park in Enfield. The committee heard from representatives of Transport for London (TfL), Peabody, and the government's New Towns Task Force about the potential benefits and challenges of these developments.

A key point of discussion was the definition of new towns themselves. While the government's programme uses this term, the committee explored whether these proposals align with the historical understanding of new towns established under the New Towns Act 1946. Some members expressed concern that the term might be used loosely to describe urban extensions rather than entirely new, self-contained settlements. This distinction is important, as it can influence public perception and the level of infrastructure and governance required.

The potential impact on London's Green Belt was a significant concern. While the New Towns Task Force stated they followed government guidance on releasing Green Belt land, some committee members questioned the criteria used and whether environmental protections were sufficiently prioritised. The development at Crews Hill and Chase Park, in particular, was noted to potentially include parkland, raising questions about the balance between housing delivery and the preservation of green spaces.

For residents, the prospect of new towns brings both opportunities and potential challenges. The promise of accelerated housing delivery and economic growth is appealing, especially given London's significant housing targets. However, concerns were raised about the potential for increased urban sprawl and the impact on existing communities. The committee heard that while the goal is to create thriving communities and good places, the specifics of how this will be achieved, particularly regarding affordability and community engagement, remain to be fully defined.

The committee also examined the proposed delivery models, with development corporations being a favoured option. While these bodies can offer strong powers for infrastructure investment and value recapture, questions were raised about local control and the potential for Mayoral Development Corporations to be overly centralised. The long-term stewardship of these new towns was also a key consideration, with a focus on ensuring they become sustainable, well-integrated communities rather than isolated developments.

• Planning and Regeneration Committee meeting details

Renters' Rights Act: A New Era for London's Tenants, But Will Enforcement Keep Pace?

The Housing Committee met on Monday, 9 February 2026, to examine the implementation of the Renters' Rights Act in London. This legislation, which aims to provide greater security and stability for private renters, introduces significant changes, including the abolition of Section 21 'no-fault' evictions and the establishment of a new periodic tenancy structure.

For London's renters, the Act promises a much-needed shift towards greater security. Dr. Jennifer Harris, Head of Policy Research at the TDS Group, highlighted that while the risk of eviction might be statistically low, the fear of eviction significantly impacts renters' well-being and their willingness to report issues to landlords. The Act's measures, such as banning rental bidding and limiting rent in advance, are particularly relevant in London, where affordability pressures are acute. A third of London renters struggle to pay rent each month, and nearly half cut back on essentials to do so.

However, significant concerns were raised about the practicalities of enforcement. Professor Christine Whitehead, Emeritus Professor of Housing Economics at LSE, pointed out that for the most vulnerable renters, the Act's provisions may be difficult to implement due to affordability constraints. She warned that in poor parts of London, many simply cannot afford the standards the Act aims to introduce, potentially leading to an unregulated market persisting for those most in need.

The capacity of local authorities to enforce the Act was a major theme. Dr. Harris noted that while the Act grants new powers, concerns remain about whether councils have sufficient resources, staff, and skills to effectively monitor and enforce the legislation. The variation in council approaches, from proactive to reactive, could lead to an inconsistent experience for renters across London. The committee also discussed the need for better data collection and measurement to understand the Act's true impact, moving beyond simply counting prosecutions to assessing actual improvements in compliance and standards.

The potential for landlords to switch properties to holiday lets or to become more risk-averse in who they rent to, particularly those on benefits or with disabilities, were also flagged as areas to monitor. The Act's success will ultimately depend on effective communication of renters' rights and responsibilities, alongside robust enforcement mechanisms, to ensure that the intended benefits reach all Londoners, not just those who are already well-informed and resourced.

• Housing Committee meeting details

Police and Crime Committee: Oversight of Met Police Culture Change

The Police and Crime Committee met on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, to examine how the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) is overseeing culture change within the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS). This follows Baroness Casey's independent review, which found the MPS to be institutionally racist, sexist, and homophobic, necessitating significant transformation.

The committee reviewed MOPAC's progress in implementing reforms under the New Met for London plan. A key focus was the effectiveness of MOPAC's oversight mechanisms in driving genuine change within the MPS. The committee heard that while MOPAC has a role in setting policing priorities and holding the Commissioner to account, questions remain about the depth and pace of cultural transformation.

The discussions highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability in this process. The committee noted the establishment of the London Policing Board (LPB) as a response to Baroness Casey's recommendations, aimed at improving oversight. However, the ongoing progress review, led by Dr. Gillian Fairfield, is crucial for assessing whether these reforms are translating into tangible improvements in the MPS's culture and practices. For Londoners, particularly those from communities that have historically faced discrimination, the effectiveness of this oversight is paramount to rebuilding trust and ensuring equitable policing.

The committee also reviewed its work programme, which includes ongoing scrutiny of MOPAC and the MPS, as well as specific investigations into issues like online fraud. The commitment to examining these critical areas demonstrates the committee's dedication to ensuring London's police force serves all communities effectively and ethically.

• Police and Crime Committee meeting details

Other Matters

• The GLA Oversight Committee met on Tuesday, 10 February 2026. The committee reviewed its work programme and draft timetable for the upcoming year, discussed the membership of the Chief Officer Performance Review Panel, and held a question and answer session with representatives from London & Partners. The focus was on ensuring the Assembly's operational efficiency and effective scrutiny of the GLA's activities.
  • GLA Oversight Committee meeting details