The London Assembly convened for Mayor's Question Time on Thursday, 16 July 2026, addressing a wide array of issues concerning the capital. Key decisions included the approval to grant access to the Local Government Pension Scheme for GLA Members from 9 August 2026 and the cessation of contributions to the GLA Members' Pension Scheme on 7 May 2028. Additionally, a general delegation of authority was granted to the Chair of the Assembly for urgent matters until the next meeting.

Mayor's Oral Update and Key Discussions

The Mayor provided an oral update, highlighting the publication of the new draft London Plan, a blueprint for future development focused on affordable housing and economic growth. He also addressed recent incidents, including disorder following the France vs. Morocco match and a significant fire in Walthamstow.

Housing and Planning

A significant portion of the meeting focused on housing. The Mayor announced the publication of the new draft London Plan, which aims to increase affordable housing delivery and boost economic growth. He also discussed the perfect storm facing house building due to economic factors and outlined temporary measures, including a fast-track planning route with a 20% affordable housing requirement and temporary relief from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). This approach drew criticism from some Assembly Members, who argued it lowered targets and was a broken model for delivering affordable housing. The Mayor defended the measures as a necessary short-term response to exceptional circumstances, emphasizing his commitment to building more council and affordable homes than any previous Mayor.

Transport and Infrastructure

Discussions covered various transport-related issues. Assembly Member Elly Baker raised concerns about tube noise, with the Mayor outlining TfL's ongoing efforts to manage rail corrugation through track grinding and the investigation of alternative solutions. The Mayor committed to improving transparency regarding data shared with Assembly Members on this issue. The potential expansion of Heathrow Airport was also debated, with the Mayor reiterating his opposition to a third runway due to environmental and health impacts, and stressing the need for improved public transport connectivity funded by Heathrow itself. The closure of Broadmead Bridge in Redbridge was discussed, with the Mayor agreeing to write in support of Redbridge Council's bid for funding for its renewal and to lobby the Department for Transport. Hammersmith Bridge was also a topic, with discussions on extending the Structures Fund deadline for its full restoration.

Policing and Security

The use of technology in policing was a prominent theme. The Mayor expressed strong support for Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology, highlighting its contribution to over 2,000 arrests and its potential to deter crime. He confirmed that LFR would be rolled out in central London and discussed its use in high-crime hotspots and at events like Notting Hill Carnival. The Mayor also addressed concerns about the Metropolitan Police's resources, acknowledging a shortfall in funding for protecting Jewish communities and committing to lobby the incoming Prime Minister for the full amount. Discussions also touched upon the need for additional funding to keep Muslim communities safe, following recent threats.

Environment and Climate Change

The Mayor's commitment to tackling climate change and improving air quality was evident. He announced a further £6 million in funding for local projects to clean up London's air, highlighting a 40% reduction in deaths linked to toxic air since 2019. The Heat Ready London plan was presented as a strategy to adapt the city to increasing temperatures, with discussions on green roofs, cool roofs, and the retrofitting of homes. The Mayor also expressed support for a maximum workplace temperature and encouraged MPs to consider a private member's bill on the matter.

Other Key Topics

• Disability Action Plan: Assembly Member Hina Bokhari OBE raised concerns about the delayed launch of the Disability Action Plan, with the Mayor confirming it would be launched later in the summer.
• Black Cab Drivers: The Mayor indicated that TfL is reviewing the turning circle requirement for black taxis to reduce costs for drivers.
• Flags: The flying of the St George's flag was discussed, with the Mayor stating that City Hall follows government guidance on such matters.
• Pensions: A significant decision was made to grant GLA Members access to the Local Government Pension Scheme from 9 August 2026, with contributions to the existing GLA Members' Pension Scheme ceasing on 7 May 2028.
• Delegation of Authority: The Assembly agreed to delegate authority to the Chair for urgent matters between meetings.
• London Fire Brigade Funding: The Mayor confirmed £8.9 million in additional funding for the London Fire Brigade to address evolving risks, including terrorism and extreme weather events.
• Devolution: The Mayor discussed the importance of devolution and fiscal devolution, emphasizing London's contribution to the national economy and its role as a gateway for international investment.
• Youth Violence and Sport: The Mayor highlighted investments in sports-based interventions to prevent youth violence and improve young people's health and wellbeing.
• Heathrow Surface Access: The Mayor reiterated his opposition to a third runway at Heathrow Airport, emphasizing the need for public transport improvements funded by Heathrow itself.
• AI and Jobs Taskforce: Discussions touched upon the impact of AI on the labour market and the need for inclusive training and safeguards.
• Night-time Economy: The challenges of licensing in Soho were discussed, with the Mayor emphasizing his support for the night-time economy and investment in West End policing.
• Broadmead Bridge and Hammersmith Bridge: The need for funding and support for the repair and reopening of these vital transport links was highlighted.
• Emergency House-Building Measures: The Mayor defended the temporary measures to boost house-building, including a reduced affordable housing target, as a necessary response to market conditions.
• Heathrow Surface Access: Concerns were raised about the impact of Piccadilly line closures on Heathrow staff and the higher cost of using the Elizabeth Line.
• Policing and Technology: The Mayor affirmed his support for the use of technology in policing, including LFR and drones, and discussed the need for a legal framework for AI in policing.
• London Fire Brigade Funding: The Mayor confirmed additional funding for the LFB and stressed the need for continued investment to keep the capital safe.
• Broadmead Bridge and Hammersmith Bridge: The Mayor agreed to lobby the Department for Transport in support of bids for these bridges and to explore TfL taking over the management of Hammersmith Bridge.
• Emergency House-Building Measures: The Mayor defended the temporary measures to boost house-building, including a reduced affordable housing target, as a necessary response to market conditions.
• Heathrow Surface Access: Concerns were raised about the impact of Piccadilly line closures on Heathrow staff and the higher cost of using the Elizabeth Line.
• Policing and Technology: The Mayor affirmed his support for the use of technology in policing, including LFR and drones, and discussed the need for a legal framework for AI in policing.
• London Fire Brigade Funding: The Mayor confirmed additional funding for the LFB and stressed the need for continued investment to keep the capital safe.
• Broadmead Bridge and Hammersmith Bridge: The Mayor agreed to lobby the Department for Transport in support of bids for these bridges and to explore TfL taking over the management of Hammersmith Bridge.