Transport for London Funding 2021-03-11
2021-03-11
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
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.
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?
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.
▸
Assessment & feedback
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.
Dismissing Criticism As Unfair
Criticizing The Mayor'S Actions
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
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.
Does the hon Friend agree that it is time for a fresh start?
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.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked for acknowledgment on whether it was time for a fresh start but received criticism of the Mayor's management mixed with acknowledgment that discussions are ongoing.
Dismissing Criticism As Unfair
Response accuracy