Boris Johnson’s final City Hall budget has been published for public consultation ahead of its consideration by the London Assembly next month.
The budget, which covers spending by Transport for London, the London Legacy Development Corporation, the Metropolitan Police and the London Fire Brigade, includes a further cut in City Hall’s share of the council tax.
In the year ahead Band D households would see the amount of council tax collected by the Mayor fall £19 to £276 per year.
Mr Johnson’s office says that, subject to the budget being approved by Assembly Members, he’s on course to fulfil his manifesto commitment of cutting his share of council tax by 10% over his mayoralty.
Opponents have previously pointed out that the claimed saving includes changes in the amount collected to cover London’s contribution to the Olympics’ costs which, under a long-standing funding agreement with the Government, was always going to fall this year.
Under Mr Johnson’s draft budget police officer numbers would be maintained “at around 32,000” and £250m would be made available to make more Tube stations step free.
His spending plans also include continued investment in apprenticeships and £200m for bus priority schemes.
Mayor Johnson said: “This Budget drives down council tax while protecting key services for Londoners.
“It is a plan that continues to look after the poorest and neediest and which creates new jobs and builds new homes.
“Not a penny will be squandered as we deliver the services and the improvements needed. It is the right plan for London and the right plan for everyone with a stake in our great city.”
The consultation document is available on the Greater London Authority website.
Members of the public have until 12 January 2016 to comment and the London Assembly will consider the budget at two public meetings on 27 January and 22 February.
