Sadiq Khan Pushes for a Big Lift in the Spring Budget
London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan is on a crusade to make sure the next Spring Budget gives a real boost to those who hit hardest with the soaring cost of living. A fresh YouGov survey shows that more than 40 % of Londoners are cutting back on water, energy and fuel, and 47 % are saying they’re financially straining or barely getting by. That’s crystal evidence that the Chancellor has to act fast.
What the Mayor Wants the Budget to Cover
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Energy Relief
- Delay the planned April rise in the Energy Price Guarantee.
- Introduce an “energy lifeline tariff” that locks in a minimum payment for the most vulnerable households, including disabled Londoners.
- Move London’s pioneering plan to the rest of the UK and give every primary school child free meals for good.
- Big jump in central funding for supply of affordable homes.
- Grant the Mayor powers to freeze rents in the capital, similar to Scotland’s scheme.
- Boost the local housing allowance for those on housing benefit.
- Widen support so parents can afford childcare without breaking the bank.
- Extend scrappage schemes to London and the Home Counties, helping people ditch polluting cars before the Ultra‑Low Emission Zone expands.
- Restore tax‑free shopping for overseas visitors—this could bring in an extra £350 m for the Treasury each year.
Free School Meals
Housing Support
Childcare Cuts
Vehicle Scrappage
Tourism & Retail Boost
Why Is This a Must‑Do?
When the capital suffers, the rest of the country feels the pinch. London is the engine of the UK economy, and if the government can help Londoners survive the cost of living crisis, the whole nation stands to benefit.
Beyond the Budget – What Sadiq Is Already Doing
- Investing £3.46 bn in truly affordable homes.
- Spending > £80 m on the Warmer Homes programme, energy advice, security for private renters and support for the homeless.
- Allocating > £50 m to tackle fuel poverty.
- Writing £400 m towards skills and employment programmes.
- Funding > £5 m for welfare advice and £400 k for food insecurity.
Infrastructure & Transport in the Spotlight
The Mayor is demanding the Chancellor to plug gaps in gigabit broadband, revamp transport and restart gin‑and‑juice projects that were stalled by the pandemic. He wants:
- Transport for London’s DLR extension to Thamesmead and West London Orbital railway.
- Resumption of the Bakerloo line extension and Crossrail 2.
- Assurance that HS2 will deliver its promised benefits—hundreds of millions already poured into Euston regeneration.
Bottom Line
The cost of living crisis is a real, pressing nightmare for millions. Sadiq Khan is doing everything he can, but he’s urging the Chancellor to step up and give the city—and the country—a comprehensive, practical plan that turns “just about making ends meet” into “living with dignity.”
