The London Assembly has recognised constant
uncertainty on Government policy is having a damaging impact on
London, its economy and its investment prospects. Uncertainty on
tax policy and family finances is also impacting on Londoners
already worrying about the cost of living.
The Assembly notes 14 U-turns on government
policies in 19 months and has today called on
the Mayor to raise concerns with his counterparts in government,
so that Londoners can have certainty on decisions affecting their
everyday lives.
AM,
who proposed the motion, said:
"I am pleased the Assembly has supported my motion
recognising the many numerous u-turns that the Labour Government
has successfully completed - it is important to go beyond
partisanship in order to recognise the records which Governments
set.
“But we must also recognise the damage these u-turns are
having on London by leaving businesses, Londoners, and
authorities uncertain about how to plan
ahead.
The full text of the motion is:
This Assembly wishes to congratulate the Government on its
impressive commitment to policy flexibility, as demonstrated by
its notable string of U-turns since coming into office.
This Assembly notes these 14 U-turns in the space of just 19
months, including:
- axing the introducing of digital ID;
- removing business rates relief for pubs;
- introducing the family farms tax;
- lifting the two-child benefit cap;
- income tax hikes;
- national insurance hikes;
- abandoning welfare savings;
- axing winter fuel payments;
- employment rights;
- compensation for WASPI women;
- a national inquiry into grooming gangs;
- the proscription of the IRGC;
- comments surrounding the 'Island of Strangers';
- a ban on social media for under-16s.
This Assembly recognises, however, that this constant uncertainty
on Government policy is having a damaging impact on London, its
economy and its investment prospects, and uncertainty on tax
policy and family finances is having a damaging impact on
Londoners already worrying about the cost of living.
This Assembly, therefore, calls on the Mayor to raise these
concerns with his counterparts in Government, so that Londoners
can have certainty on decisions affecting their everyday lives.
Notes to editors:
- The Motion was agreed by 10 votes
for and 9 against.
