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It’s time for more devolution to London

Following up on her last question to the Mayor, Caroline Pidgeon has written an article for OnLondon, arguing for London to have more power over its own taxation, borrowing and public spending.

Caroline writes:

Giving London and other city regions greater power over their tax base and delivery of public services could be hugely beneficial all round, allowing those services to be reformed and giving everyone an incentive to see their local economy develop and grow.

3 April 2024 - 10:10am

Too many hate criminals are escaping justice

Caroline Pidgeon has expressed concern that too many hate crimes are not being properly dealt with.

The number of cases of hate crime that have resulted in a criminal charge in London has dropped over the last three years, new data uncovered by the Liberal Democrats shows. Across every single individual category of hate crime – including homophobia, transphobia, racism, disability hate crime, antisemitism and islamophobia – fewer incidents result in a charge.

20 March 2024 - 12:15pm

Worrying to see Police Community Support Officer numbers falling

Caroline Pidgeon has highlighted her concern at the ongoing shortage of Police Community Support Officers in London.

New data revealed by the Liberal Democrats has shown that London is still short of 416 PCSOs: a shortfall of 35% of the Met's target. In fact, the data shows that the Met has lost 36 officers since July.

Caroline said:

20 March 2024 - 12:08pm

The Mayor and government need to finally get Hammersmith Bridge repairs moving

The London Assembly has approved Caroline Pidgeon's motion calling for the Mayor to do everything possible to support Hammersmith & Fulham Council in repairing Hammersmith Bridge, and for the Government to accept its responsibility in the delays to date, and finally release the funding needed.

13 March 2024 - 3:43pm

Campaigning in East Dulwich

Caroline Pidgeon, Luisa Porritt, Rob Blackie, James Barber, Josh Matthews, Richard Wingfield and local Liberal Democrat members campaigning in East DulwichCaroline had a great afternoon campaigning in East Dulwich with Luisa Porritt, Rob Blackie, James Barber, Josh Matthews and Richard Wingfield.

21 February 2024 - 5:18pm

Campaigning in Blackheath

Caroline Pidgeon, Chris Maines, Rob Blackie and local Liberal Democrat members campaigning in BlackheathCaroline joined Chris Maines, Rob Blackie and the London Liberal Democrats Team for a morning campaigning in Blackheath. The team had a great response meeting voters on the doorstep.

21 February 2024 - 5:12pm

Mayor should focus on Tube funding, not pre-election gimmicks

As Transport for London admitted that daily disruption on the Central line is likely to continue until the summer, Caroline Pidgeon said:

"The Mayor of London needs to focus less on pre-election gimmicks and more on the day job. Funding the Tube network properly needs to be a priority.

"We have already seen warnings this sort of disruption could spread to the Northern, Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines if this issue is not gotten to grips with."

21 February 2024 - 5:08pm

Sutton needs a proper connection to the Tube and tram network

Following the disappointing news that the plan to extend the London Trams network to Sutton will not be progressed, Caroline Pidgeon said:

"Residents in Sutton have been waiting 20 years for this scheme, which would link them to the wider Tube network.

"With Labour having expanded ULEZ to outer London, it is now even more vital.

"London Liberal Democrats will continue to push for the project to go ahead."

21 February 2024 - 4:59pm

Fare evasion is costing honest commuters

Caroline Pidgeon has called for Transport for London to take firmer action against fare dodging, where enforcement currently remains weaker than it was before 2020.

Caroline said:

"While of course it is welcome news prosecutions for fare evasions are up on last year, it is deeply disappointing they still remain below the levels for 2019/20, especially with lower journeys now than before the pandemic.

14 February 2024 - 10:29am

ULEZ scrappage data shows that the scheme should have been extended wider, earlier

The latest data on the ULEZ scrappage scheme shows that only 40 per cent of applications have been accepted so far.

The Liberal Democrats have pointed out this is yet more evidence that the Mayor should have accepted their Budget amendment last year that would have opened the scheme to everyone from day one, without means testing – and furthermore, that the current scheme should be open to retrospective applications.

31 January 2024 - 12:53pm

ULEZ fine for EU visitors risk damaging London's reputation

After the Guardian revealed that TfL has been threatened with legal action over allegations of unlawfully obtaining the details of EU drivers in order to fine them for Ultra Low Emisson Zone "breaches" – which often simply means a failure to register a compliant vehicle before arriving – Caroline Pidgeon has called for an urgent investigation.

Caroline said:

“It is extremely worrying to hear that TfL could be collecting its data from drivers unlawfully.

31 January 2024 - 11:34am

London transport must be sustainably funded

Caroline Pidgeon has welcomed the freeze in London transport fares for 2024, but warned of the need to ensure that Transport for London has stable and sustainable funding.

Caroline said:

"Any fare freeze is obviously good news for those reliant on public transport in the midst of an inflationary crisis.

"However, many will be wondering why they had to wait until an election year to take place.

24 January 2024 - 3:23pm

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