Evening Standard Comment: Struggling Londoners need a cost of living plan from the Prime Minister

Christian Adams
WEST END FINAL

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The cost of living crisis is affecting people across the UK but there is one part of the country conspicuous by its absence from the Government’s levelling up agenda — London.

Some 1.5 million British households are facing food and energy bills “greater than their disposable income”, according to the National Institute of Economic and Social Research, a think tank. In other words, they can’t afford both. The report goes on to point out that the highest incidence of this is in the capital.

London is the greatest city in the world, but there is no denying it is an expensive place to live. Salaries may be higher than average, but housing, transport and entertainment costs often outweigh this, and of course, tax is applied to gross wages.

Yesterday’s Queen’s Speech was therefore another disappointment for Londoners hoping the Government would take decisive and urgent action to address the soaring cost of living. The State Opening of Parliament may not be a fiscal event, but the Spring Statement is — and that came and went without substantial support.

In the debate following the Queen’s Speech, the Prime Minister appeared to suggest that his government would be coming back in days with a fresh economic package. This was near-instantaneously denied by the Treasury. Rather than sending cryptic signals, the Government must set out now how it plans to support ordinary people in the short term and boost consumer confidence needed to ward off recession.

Help for London is key. Due to relatively high levels of deprivation and an economy reliant on tourism, hospitality and offices, the capital was hit hardest by the pandemic and repeated lockdowns.

As we get back on our feet, we are ready to lead a long-term recovery. But we need a government that recognises our unique problems and is on hand to provide support.

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