Labour members of the London Assembly will today (Friday) present an amendment to the Mayor’s 2013/14 budget which they say would allow him to reverse planned cuts and reduce fares.
The amendment also includes proposals for a Jobs Guarantee for all 16-24 year olds who have been out of work for 1 year or more and a freeze in City Hall’s share of the council tax.
Labour say the Jobs Guarantee would provide participants with 21 hours work per week paid at the London Living Wage and generate up to £27 million for the Treasury through increased National Insurance payments.
London Assembly Labour Budget Spokesperson, John Biggs AM said: “As the economy stumbles and splutters towards a triple-dip recession the Mayor needs to help the economy and help ordinary Londoners.
“Cutting fares by 1% will put £34m into Londoners’ pockets and the Jobs Guarantee will put 7,500 long-term unemployed young Londoners into work. Reallocating business rates will help protect frontline police and fire services to help keep London safe and secure.
“Boris may shrug his shoulders and say he is doing all he can, but he is signed up to the government’s reckless economic plans. All he has done is said the ‘rhetoric should be toned down’, but that cuts and austerity should continue. At a time when ordinary Londoners are struggling and the economy is flat-lining he must do more, there is an alternative.”
The Assembly will question the Mayor on his budget from 10am on Friday 8th February. The meeting takes place at City Hall and is open to the public. A webcast will also be available.
