The London Assembly convened for Mayor's Question Time, where Mayor Sadiq Khan addressed a range of issues including the London Fire Brigade's response to extreme weather, the proposed overnight visitor levy, and the ongoing pedestrianisation of Oxford Street. Key decisions included the Mayor's commitment to working with London Councils on the allocation of funds from the overnight visitor levy and his intention to continue lobbying the government for increased funding for the Metropolitan Police and the London Fire Brigade.

Heatwaves and the London Fire Brigade

The London Fire Brigade's response to this summer's unprecedented heatwaves and wildfires was discussed. The Brigade attended over 55,000 incidents, a 20% increase compared to the summer of 2022. The Mayor highlighted investments in training, equipment, and a new Burns Team to tackle climate-related incidents. He also praised the mutual aid provided by neighbouring brigades during the wildfires. Assembly Member Hina Bokhari OBE raised concerns about staff shortages within the LFB, to which the Mayor committed to providing further information. The Mayor also agreed with the call for the LFB to receive equivalent funding to the Metropolitan Police's National and International Capital City grant to reflect additional pressures.

The Overnight Visitor Levy (OVL)

Assembly Member Gareth Roberts AM questioned the Mayor on the proposed overnight visitor levy, with London Councils advocating for 50% of the levy to be retained by the levying borough. The Mayor agreed that some of the funds should be spent by councils in their boroughs, acknowledging their better understanding of local needs. He stated that London Councils would be involved in discussions regarding the design, collection, and expenditure of the levy.

Oxford Street Pedestrianisation

The ongoing transformation of Oxford Street into a traffic-free public space was a significant topic. The Mayor outlined that the first phase, a temporary transition scheme involving new seating, planting, and signage, would begin later this year, with permanent works commencing in mid-2027. Assembly Member James Small-Edwards AM raised concerns about Westminster City Council's draft licensing policy, which seeks to curb vertical drinking. The Mayor criticised this policy as nimby, small-minded and urged councillors to adopt a can-do attitude. Assembly Member Léonie Cooper AM questioned the definition and application of co-production in relation to disabled people's involvement in the Oxford Street project, to which the Mayor clarified his preference for working directly with disabled Londoners and groups.

Policing and Crime

Concerns were raised about police officer numbers and morale. Assembly Member Susan Hall AM highlighted a decline in officer numbers and recruitment figures, questioning the Mayor's discussions with the Home Office. The Mayor acknowledged the need for more resources and stated that while additional funding had been secured, it would not fully compensate for 14 years of cuts. He also defended the MPS's record on crime reduction.

The policing of Notting Hill Carnival was discussed, with the Mayor describing it as a success, noting the increased funding for safety measures, the proactive approach to reducing violence, and the seizure of over 100 weapons. He also highlighted the event's significant economic contribution to London. Assembly Member Alex Wilson AM raised concerns about officer safety during the event and the financial cost to taxpayers, questioning the consistency of funding.

Other Key Issues

• Disability Action Plan: The Mayor announced the publication of London's first Action Plan for Deaf and Disabled Londoners, developed in partnership with Inclusion London and other organisations.
• Bus Driver Working Conditions: An agreement was reached with Unite the Union and bus operators to install air conditioning in all bus driver cabs by May 2027. The Mayor also acknowledged the ongoing work to improve access to toilet facilities for bus drivers.
• Maximum Working Temperatures: The Mayor supported the campaign for a maximum working temperature in workplaces, acknowledging the need for stronger national protections and stating that steps are being taken to ensure GLA and TfL staff are not forced to choose between their health and income.
• Data Centres and Clean Energy/Water: The Mayor affirmed that the Draft London Plan requires data centre proposals to be clean and sustainable, including heat recovery and water efficiency. He stated that proposals would be rejected if they did not secure clean water and energy supplies.
• Arnold's Field, Launders Lane: The Mayor confirmed he had written to the Secretary of State for Defra regarding the unacceptable situation at Arnold's Field, Launders Lane, and would continue to lobby the Government for a long-term solution.
• Creative Industries: The Mayor highlighted the significant economic contribution of London's creative industries and outlined investments in skills, talent development, and the creation and protection of creative spaces. He also addressed concerns about the impact of AI on creative jobs, stating a commitment to skilling up Londoners and shaping the future of AI.
• Train Information Displays: TfL has completed approvals for new information display technology, with installations beginning at Wembley Park Station. The Mayor acknowledged systemic issues with fault reporting and committed to improvements.
• Children and Prevent: The Mayor addressed concerns about referrals of very young children to the Prevent strategy, stating that such referrals are primarily due to safeguarding concerns about the child's environment rather than independent actions. He committed to passing on the exchange to the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime.
• Car Size and Safety: TfL is undertaking work to assess the safety risks and wider impacts of oversized cars, focusing on vehicles that pose a greater risk to pedestrians and cyclists.
• Drought Resilience and SuDS: The Mayor detailed investments in SuDS projects and green infrastructure, highlighting their importance in tackling both flooding and drought. He emphasised the overwhelming evidence of man-made climate change and the need for adaptation and resilience.
• Oxford Street Pedestrianisation: The Mayor confirmed the first phase of pedestrianisation would begin later this year, with permanent works starting mid-2027. He also addressed concerns about the OSDC's role and the need for a can-do attitude from councillors.
• London Buses: The Mayor outlined plans to protect and promote bus services, including fare freezes, the expansion of the Superloop, and the commitment to install air conditioning in all bus driver cabs by May 2027. He also addressed concerns about route cuts and the potential for a publicly owned bus company.
• Maximum Working Temperatures: The Mayor supported trade union campaigns for a maximum working temperature and highlighted efforts to improve conditions for bus drivers and staff in police and fire stations.
• Children and Prevent: The Mayor addressed concerns about the referral of very young children to the Prevent strategy, stating that such referrals are primarily due to safeguarding concerns about the child's environment.
• Car Size and Safety: TfL is undertaking work to assess the safety risks and wider impacts of oversized cars, with updates expected in the coming months.
• Drought Resilience and SuDS: The Mayor detailed investments in SuDS projects and green infrastructure, highlighting their importance in tackling both flooding and drought.
• Oxford Street Pedestrianisation: The Mayor confirmed the first phase of pedestrianisation would begin later this year, with permanent works starting mid-2027.
• London Buses: The Mayor outlined plans to protect and promote bus services, including fare freezes and the commitment to install air conditioning in all bus driver cabs by May 2027.
• Maximum Working Temperatures: The Mayor supported trade union campaigns for a maximum working temperature and highlighted efforts to improve conditions for bus drivers and staff in police and fire stations.
• Train Information Displays: TfL has completed approvals for new information display technology, with installations beginning at Wembley Park Station. The Mayor acknowledged systemic issues with fault reporting and committed to improvements.
• Supporting London's Creative Industries: The Mayor highlighted the economic contribution of the creative industries and outlined investments in skills, talent, and workspace. He also addressed concerns about AI's impact on jobs.
• Bus Driver Working Conditions: An agreement was reached to install air conditioning in all bus driver cabs by May 2027, and work is ongoing to improve access to toilet facilities.
• Oxford Street Pedestrianisation: The Mayor confirmed the first phase of pedestrianisation would begin later this year, with permanent works starting mid-2027. He also addressed concerns about the OSDC's role and the need for a can-do attitude from councillors.
• Maximum Working Temperatures: The Mayor supported trade union campaigns for a maximum working temperature and highlighted efforts to improve conditions for bus drivers and staff in police and fire stations.
• Train Information Displays: TfL has completed approvals for new information display technology, with installations beginning at Wembley Park Station. The Mayor acknowledged systemic issues with fault reporting and committed to improvements.
• Supporting London's Creative Industries: The Mayor highlighted the economic contribution of the creative industries and outlined investments in skills, talent, and workspace. He also addressed concerns about AI's impact on jobs.
• Bus Driver Working Conditions: An agreement was reached to install air conditioning in all bus driver cabs by May 2027, and work is ongoing to improve access to toilet facilities.

The meeting concluded with the Assembly noting the answers given by the Mayor. The next Mayor's Question Time meeting was scheduled for 15 October 2026.