The GLA Oversight Committee met on Wednesday 20 May 2026 to discuss the GLA's savings and efficiencies programme, London's resilience, and the recruitment and retention of Metropolitan Police officers. The committee also reviewed the Secretariat's quarterly report and its work programme for the upcoming year.

GLA Savings and Efficiencies Programme Update

The committee received an update on the GLA's savings and efficiencies programme, which aims to save approximately £10 million through staffing reductions. Mary Harpley, Chief Officer of the GLA, and Dianne Tranmer, Executive Director for Corporate Resources and Business Improvement, explained that a consultation on proposals to reduce staffing costs by £7 million had concluded. This consultation involved 189 staff initially being at risk, with approximately 80 remaining at risk. Voluntary redundancies had been accepted from 39 staff, and 32 had been assimilated into new roles. The GLA has made changes to its proposals in response to staff feedback, including accepting GLA Unison's alternative proposal for ring-fencing arrangements and reinstating six posts that were initially planned for deletion. These changes mean that the full £7.2 million saving from this phase will not be achieved, with an estimated £6.6 million expected. The shortfall will be addressed in a further consultation planned for the autumn. Both Harpley and Tranmer emphasised their commitment to avoiding compulsory redundancies and ensuring that staff from protected groups are not disproportionately impacted. They also detailed the support packages available to staff, including emotional support, counselling, career coaching, and workshops on CV writing and interview skills.

London's Resilience

Katherine Richardson, Director of London Resilience, and Geethika Jayatilaka, Co-Chair of the London Communities Emergency Partnership (LCEP), provided an update on London's resilience efforts. Richardson highlighted progress in embedding a whole-of-society approach through initiatives like the New London Resilience Equalities Partnership and the first year of the Trailblazers programme, which received £670,000 in funding. Operationally, the unit has responded to incidents such as the Golders Green attack and supported partner coordination during a raised UK national threat level. They have also stood up the London coordination centre for major events like New Year's Eve and the London Marathon. Jayatilaka outlined the LCEP's work in unlocking the potential of charities and community groups to build a resilient London, including a conference that brought together around 90 community groups and statutory responders.

Assembly Member Keith Prince AM raised concerns about the fires at Launders Lane in Rainham, and Katherine Richardson agreed to provide a written update on the GLA's preparedness and position on the issue. Geethika Jayatilaka also agreed to share further details on the work of the Community Resilience Fund.

Rapporteurship: Recruitment and Retention of Metropolitan Police Officers

The committee agreed to appoint Emma Best AM as a rapporteur to lead an investigation into the recruitment and retention of Metropolitan Police officers on behalf of the Police and Crime Committee. The investigation will analyse trends, identify barriers, assess morale and wellbeing, explore MOPAC's monitoring and support, and consider good practice nationally and internationally. The terms of reference and methodology for the investigation were noted, with the report expected to be published in August or September 2026.

Secretariat Quarterly Report and Work Programme

The committee noted the Secretariat's quarterly report, which summarised the Assembly's committee and plenary work from February to April 2026. This included details of reports published, investigations underway, and guests heard from across various committees. The committee also noted its work programme and meeting dates for the 2026/27 Assembly year, as agreed by the London Assembly. The next meeting is scheduled for 18 June 2026.