The cost of Boris just got higher - Tuffrey
December 17, 2009 5:08 PM
Originally published by London Assembly Liberal Democrats
Originally published by London Assembly Liberal Democrats
Speaking at Mayor's question time this week, Mike Tuffrey, the leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group, revealed that Boris Johnson's mayoralty is costing Londoners far more than his predecessor. He was questioning the Mayor on the draft GLA budget for 2010/11, published on X date.
Contrasting Boris Johnson's pledge before the election to 'reduce the cost of Ken', Mike said:
"Boris Johnson was elected on a pledge to cut waste and expenditure on self promotion and to reduce the bills facing Londoners. Yet next year Boris Johnson's mayoralty will be costing Londoners a third of a billion pounds more than under the last year of Ken Livingstone's administration. (note1)
"From January the second serious hike in fares is being implemented by Boris Johnson. For some bus users there will be a staggering 20% rise in fares from the New Year. Tube and tram fares are also rising well above the rate of inflation.
"Boris Johnson has not even delivered on his promise to cut expenditure at City Hall, which rises to £134.7m next year compared to £125.6m under his predecessor. (note2) Furthermore, nearly one in five people in City Hall excluding Assembly staff now work on presenting a positive image of the Mayor. (note3) The promise to cut press officers has proved equally hollow: in 2008 there were 15 in the then mayor's media relations team; today 14.8." (note4)
ENDS
Notes to editors
1. Rising cost to Londoners
Council tax precept income:
2010 / 11 £922 million
2007 / 08 £882 million
Transport for London fare income:
2010 / 11 £3,013 million (revised Business Plan)
2007 / 08 £2,699 million
Total increase: £354m
2. City Hall spending
Figures from Mayor's draft consultation budget 2010/11 and final Budget 2007/08, including London Assembly
3. External relations staffing
Total City Hall staffing after Organisation for Delivery: 645 posts
Assembly Secretariat: 95
External Affairs directorate: 96 plus assistant director and temporary staffing
(Source: Bmac July 2009)
4. Media relations
2008 staffing in then mayor's media relations team: 15
Source: Mayor's question 1872/2009
October 2009 press staffing: 14.8 fte
Source: Mayor's question 2936/2009
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