Outer London Congestion Charge — [Ms Christina Rees in the Chair]

I am concerned about the Outer London Congestion Charge, which could exacerbate traffic issues in my constituency of Erith and Thamesmead. I mentioned that local businesses are worried about a decrease in customer visits due to higher costs. Mr. Holloway noted the inconvenience and cost imposed on his constituents who commute into London for work, particularly those working in hospitals and retail. He also highlighted concerns about families living across the Greater London boundary and urged the Minister to reconsider the charge.

Mr. Blackman criticised the proposed outer London tax, arguing it would harm businesses and exacerbate financial issues for Transport for London (TfL). He stated that businesses in outer London areas have already moved outside Greater London due to the tax proposal, which could further diminish business rates income and deter people from working in central London. Mr. Blackman also highlighted the impact on Stanmore station car park users who start their journeys there to travel into central London. He predicted that discouraging such practices would negatively affect TfL's finances post-pandemic, as more individuals might work remotely.

Mr. Blunt echoed the points made by his colleagues, emphasizing the divisive impact of the congestion charge on communities that look north towards Sutton and Croydon despite being outside the London boundary. He cited examples where daily commuting would incur significant costs for families and warned against long-term damage to local businesses and relationships.

Mr. Colburn expressed concerns about the Mayor of London's plans to introduce an outer London congestion charge, stating that it would negatively impact residents on both sides of the Greater London boundary. He highlighted issues such as family visits being affected by daily charges up to £5.50 and a potential annual cost of £1,000 for childcare support crossing the border. Mr. Colburn also noted the economic implications, including difficulties for health services with patients and staff facing daily charges to cross into outer London areas.

Gareth Bacon criticised the proposal by Sadiq Khan to impose an outer London congestion charge, describing it as a 'silly idea' with no real impact on air quality. He highlighted that 51% of Metropolitan police officers and 52% of London firefighters live outside Greater London, making them vulnerable to this tax. Bacon also shared concerns from headteachers about the negative effects on teacher recruitment and retention in schools within his constituency. Argued that people who use cars also pay into public transport through various means, and pointed out that Transport for London subsidises buses with more than £1 billion. He also stated that the Mayor of London's proposal is not an either/or situation as suggested by City Hall.

Mr Offord criticised the Mayor of London's proposal for an outer London congestion charge, arguing it is taxation without representation and discriminates against those living in outer boroughs. He mentioned that many people in his constituency who cannot afford to buy properties within the area return home or visit relatives and would face additional costs if such a tax were implemented.

The UK Government's lack of support for Transport for London has put the city's public transport at risk, with fare sales being the primary source of income. Mayor Sadiq Khan has reduced TfL's operating deficit by 71% despite no Government grant for daily operations. The pandemic further strained TfL finances while rail companies received financial support without conditions. A potential charge on non-resident vehicles entering London is proposed to address this funding gap, impacting about 25% of all journeys into the capital, mostly benefiting outer-London areas.

Mr Tarry criticised the Government's approach to TfL funding, arguing it was a political tactic ahead of the mayoral election. He urged for long-term funding commitments and highlighted that London pays £500 million in vehicle excise duty annually which could be used locally if retained.

Critiques the London Conservative MPs for taking a party-political stance, highlights Mayor Sadiq Khan's achievements in reducing air pollution and increasing council homes. Emphasizes that TfL's financial challenges are primarily due to the pandemic rather than the mayor's administration. Advocates for a more constructive conversation about the finances of Transport for London and the relationship between London and the south-east.