Context
The current Mayor of London has increased council tax by 30%, pushed TfL to near bankruptcy with £12 billion in debt, and now proposes charging motorists entering London outskirts. These actions have raised concerns about the need for a fresh start.
Question
What recent discussions he has had with Transport for London on a future funding agreement. My right hon Friend will be well aware that the current Mayor has increased council tax by 30%, brought TfL to the brink of bankruptcy with £12 billion of debt, even before the pandemic struck, and now wants to charge motorists for coming into the outskirts of London. Does he agree that it is time for a fresh start?
Answer from Grant Shapps
The Government regularly engage with Transport for London on the impacts of covid-19, and—dare I say?—the Mayor's management of Transport for London. The hon Friend cannot be unfair to the London Mayor; we have to consider that covid has been a part of that. This Government have stumped up £3.4 billion to assist TfL so far, and we are talking to the Mayor and TfL again. But my hon Friend is absolutely right to say that there was already a £494 million on-year deficit. Now the Mayor, through not having collected or raised the price of fares over the years, is considering a boundary tax to tax people without representation to enter London. It is appalling mismanagement of our rail services.
Not addressed: The questioner asked for discussions on future funding agreements and whether it was time for a fresh start but the answer focused more on criticising the Mayor's management rather than addressing specific funding discussion points or providing concrete information about recent talks with TfL.
How: Dismissing Criticism As Unfair, Criticizing The Mayor'S Actions
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