The London Assembly convened for Mayor's Question Time, where Mayor Sadiq Khan addressed a wide range of issues including devolution, policing, housing, and the creative industries. Key discussions focused on the need for greater fiscal devolution for London, the challenges facing the Metropolitan Police Service due to funding cuts, and the ongoing housing crisis. The Assembly also debated the impact of AI on jobs, the progress of the Clean Rivers and Waterways Plan, and the safety of London's transport network.

Policing and Public Safety

Mayor Khan reiterated his commitment to supporting the Metropolitan Police Service (Met) with a record £1.26 billion investment, highlighting reductions in theft and phone theft. However, Assembly Members raised concerns about the continued decline in officer numbers and the impact of 14 years of funding cuts. The use of Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology was discussed, with assurances that it is being used with proper checks and balances, and has led to the arrest of dangerous offenders. The policing of Notting Hill Carnival was also reviewed, with praise for increased safety measures and technology, though concerns were raised about the financial cost to taxpayers.

Housing and Development

The Mayor outlined his strategy for addressing the housing crisis, including the publication of a streamlined draft London Plan aimed at building more affordable homes and stimulating economic growth. He confirmed that £6 billion in funding has been secured for social and affordable housing, with bids now being processed. Discussions also touched upon the perfect storm facing housebuilding, including high construction costs and interest rates. The redevelopment of Oxford Street was a significant topic, with the Oxford Street Development Corporation (OSDC) now having planning powers and launching a Community Place Shaping Panel. Preparatory works for the pedestrianisation of Oxford Street are underway, with a focus on ensuring accessibility for disabled people.

Transport and Infrastructure

Significant updates were provided on transport infrastructure. The Silvertown Tunnel, opened in April 2025, has reportedly reduced congestion and increased cross-river bus journeys, with nitrogen dioxide concentrations decreasing. The expansion of the Lane Rental scheme to more boroughs aims to reduce road disruption from utility works. London's Cycleway network has grown to 450km, five times larger than a decade ago, encouraging more cycling journeys. Trials of Live Facial Recognition technology are underway at TfL stations to enhance safety, and major renewal works are set to begin at the A41 Brent Cross Flyover. Improvements to bus driver working conditions were also discussed, including the commitment to install modern air conditioning in all cabs by next summer and ongoing efforts to improve access to toilet facilities.

Environment and Energy

The Mayor highlighted efforts to tackle the climate crisis, including a £58.7 million fund to boost energy efficiency in homes and a commitment to securing 100% renewable electricity by 2030. The Clean Rivers and Waterways Plan aims to transform London's waterways by cutting pollution and reviving nature. Discussions also covered the challenges posed by data centres, with a commitment to ensuring they are clean and sustainable, and concerns were raised about the performance of Thames Water.

Economy, Skills and Culture

London's creative industries were celebrated as a significant contributor to the city's economy, with investments in fashion, film, and video games. The Mayor announced an £18 million investment to help young Londoners access careers support and training, alongside expanding AI training. The impact of AI on jobs was acknowledged, with a taskforce recommending early action to shape its adoption. The creative economy growth programme has unlocked billions in spending and investment.

Other Key Issues

• Rough Sleeping: The Mayor reported on efforts to tackle rough sleeping, with a record number of individuals being helped off the streets.
• Children and Prevent Strategy: Concerns were raised about the referral of very young children to the Prevent strategy, with the Mayor stating that referrals are primarily due to safeguarding concerns within their environment rather than independent actions.
• Oversized Cars: The growing size and weight of vehicles on London's roads were discussed, with TfL undertaking work to assess the safety risks.
• Youth Employment: Several youth employment events were held, highlighting efforts to improve pathways into education, skills, and employment for young Londoners.
• Notting Hill Carnival: The 60th anniversary of Notting Hill Carnival was celebrated, with praise for the event's organisers and emergency services.
• Oxford Street: The Oxford Street Development Corporation's planning service has gone live, and plans for pedestrianisation are progressing.
• Crystal Palace National Sports Centre: Planning permission was approved for the transformative renovation of the centre.
• Creative Industries: The Mayor detailed investments in supporting London's creative industries, including fashion, film, and gaming.
• Train Information Displays: TfL is working to improve the reliability of train information displays at London Underground and Overground stations, with new technology being installed.
• Bus Driver Working Conditions: The Mayor committed to installing modern air conditioning in all bus driver cabs by next summer and improving access to toilet facilities.
• Arnold's Fields: The Mayor has written to the DEFRA Secretary of State regarding the ongoing issues at Arnold's Fields, Launders Lane, which residents have been affected by recurring fires and smoke.
• LatinoLife in the Park: The Mayor expressed pride in supporting this event, which celebrates Latin American culture in London.
• WorldPride 2032 Bid: London's bid to host WorldPride in 2032 was launched.
• Grenfell Tower Fire: Legal costs related to the Grenfell Tower fire were ratified.
• London Climate Action Week: Funding was approved to support London Climate Action Week 2026.
• GLA Elections 2028: A decision was made to use an e-count for the 2028 Mayor of London and London Assembly elections, with a contract awarded to CGI IT UK LIMITED.
• Youth Clubs: A £32 million investment in youth clubs was announced to provide safe spaces and specialist support for young people.
• Volunteering: The London Volunteering Strategy Group met to progress recommendations from the London Vision for Volunteering.
• Muslim Women's Roundtable: A roundtable was convened to discuss community cohesion and the needs of Muslim women.
• Remark! Deaf Club: The Deputy Mayor for Communities and Social Justice visited Remark!, a Deaf-led organisation, to celebrate the GLA meeting BSL Charter recommendations.
• Children's Health Study: The findings of the Children's Health in London and Luton (CHILL) Study were welcomed, showing the positive impact of the ULEZ on children's lung health.
• Brocklebank Health Centre: A new state-of-the-art health centre was opened in Wandsworth.
• Basketball Facilities: Investment in improving basketball facilities and creating more opportunities for young Londoners was highlighted.
• Noah's Ark Children's Hospice: A visit was made to Noah's Ark Hospice to mark its 20th anniversary.
• Prospex at The Underground Youth Centre: The impact of investment in free holiday activities for children and young people was observed.
• Go! London: The impact of organisations supported through Go! London, the capital's largest community sport fund, was showcased.
• Danish Board Study Visit: A visit from the Danish Centre for Childhood Health was hosted to exchange ideas on supporting children and families.
• London Zoo: A visit was made to London Zoo to see the impact of investment in free holiday activities.
• Age of Enlightenment Orchestra: An interactive concert for young children and families was attended.
• Inclusive Talent Brokerage: The impact of the Inclusive Talent Brokerage programme in supporting young Londoners from underrepresented backgrounds was highlighted.
• Boroughs of Sanctuary Tour: Visits were made to Kingston and Richmond as part of the Boroughs of Sanctuary tour.
• Pride: The Mayor joined Pride in London, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.
• London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC): Updates were provided on various LLDC projects, including the Post Occupancy Evaluation Report for Chobham Manor, East Summer School, Green Flag Award for Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and progress at Pudding Mill Lane.
• Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC): OPDC has partnered with Construction Youth Trust to provide construction career pathways for young people and hosted a celebration event for its Small Grants Programme.
• Planning Decisions: Several planning decisions were noted, with comments issued on various development proposals across London.
• Major Sports Events: Support for the Women's GB Basketball game and a review of London's New Year's Eve celebrations were approved.
• Strengthening Climate Resilience of Trees: Expenditure was approved to improve species guidance and strengthen the supply chain for climate-resilient trees.
• Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil: The procurement of hydrotreated vegetable oil for fire appliances was authorised.
• Cyber Security Services: Expenditure was authorised for cyber security penetration testing and consultancy services.
• Fuel Cards: A new contract for fuel cards was approved.
• Contingent Labour: A five-year contract for contingent labour was authorised.
• GLA Elections 2028: A decision was made to use an e-count for the 2028 Mayor of London and London Assembly elections, and expenditure for a marketing campaign was approved.
• Workforce Integration Network Programme: Funding was approved for the Workforce Integration Network Programme 2026-27.
• London Land Board: Expenditure was approved for the recruitment of a working chair for the London Land Board.

The meeting concluded with the Assembly noting the answers given by the Mayor. The next meeting is scheduled for 15 October 2026.