London’s Winter Plunge: Mayor Sadiq Khan’s Call for Action
As the first frosts of winter are setting in, the city’s top hat—yes, Sadiq Khan—has sounded the alarm about how the cost‑of‑living crisis is turning our streets into a Cold War budget battle. He’s asking the government to roll up its sleeves and help Londoners keep their lights on, their bellies full, and their spirits bright.
Half‑Million Free Meals – but the Numbers Don’t Lie
Thanks to a £3.5 million emergency fund, London will hand out around 10 million free meals over the next 12 months—about half a million meals this October half‑term alone. That’s a lot of sandwiches, but the raw data paints a picture of a city on the brink.
- Nearly 45 % of households earning under £20,000 are cutting water, energy or fuel usage.
- About 50 % of disabled Londoners are trimming their household bills.
- In total, 21 % of Londoners say they’re financially struggling, a number that swells to 39 % for low‑income families, 37 % for social renters, 36 % of Black Londoners, and 33 % of disabled residents.
Those in distress aren’t just saving a few pennies: 29 % are going without essentials, and two‑thirds are buying less food simply to make ends meet.
Behind the Numbers – A Real‑Life Story
One in four working parents in London have skipped dinner or left their plates empty so that their children can eat. Meanwhile, the Trussell Trust warns that over 600,000 people nationwide will need food banks from December through February.
Building a Fairer London – Beyond the Midnight Snack
Mayor Khan isn’t stopping at kitchens. He’s also:
- Investing £3.46 bn for genuinely affordable homes.
- Setting aside £400 m for skills and employment programs to help people secure stable work.
- Spending an extra £80 m tackling fuel poverty, supporting private renters, and connecting families to welfare advice.
During school term, 287,000 primary school children benefit from an unprecedented £135 m free school meals program—because hunger shouldn’t derail a child’s education.
Mayor Sadiq Khan’s Bottom Line
“I’m hugely concerned about the impact that winter will have on Londoners who are already struggling due to the ongoing cost‑of‑living crisis,” Khan says. “Charities are seeing huge demand on their services with families already worrying about how to both eat and heat their homes.” He adds, “I’m proud to be providing half a million free meals this October half‑term to lower income families and will continue to do all I can to support Londoners as we build a fairer London. But we urgently need the Government to do more.”
Call to action: the Mayor insists that ministers use their powers to ensure children aren’t going hungry and help those in need get through the winter.
