Assembly Members on the Health and Public Services Committee have heard that uncertainties caused by the forthcoming Comprehensive Spending Review as well as a “lack of clarity” about the scope of events surrounding the Games is making it harder for the capital’s blue light services to adequately plan.
The Games are the largest peacetime operation to be overseen by the Metropolitan Police Service who warn they’ll be “very, very stretched” while the London Ambulance Service tole the Committee that the service will need 300 extra staff to meet expected demand.
Despite concerns over funding and clarity, Assembly Members say they recognise “the hard work that has gone into preparations so far” to ensure “business as usual” in the service received by Londoners.
Committee Chair James Cleverly says “on the current evidence it seems the capital should be able to deliver business as usual for Londoners during the Games” but notes AMs “have identified a number of areas where more work is needed over the next year and we will be keeping a close eye on preparations to ensure all remains on track.”
The full report can be downloaded from london.gov.uk
