On the tenth anniversary of the cycle hire scheme, Caroline Pidgeon pointed to the gaps in its coverage - especially in south-east London, and especially at a time when so many people want to cycle rather than use buses or trains.
“The bold expansion of the scheme that took place in the early years of the scheme has halted. It is time that much more ambition was shown.
At the London Assembly Plenary session, Caroline asked questions on support for London’s market traders, sole traders and micro businesses. Market traders are a vital part of London’s economy and culture, especially in areas such as the East End, but also right across the capital.
Caroline Pidgeon has asked the Deputy Mayor for Business to urgently review the drastic impact that the pandemic has had on London's market traders, and the very limited support they have been able to access.
Caroline wrote:
Caroline Pidgeon has joined Liberal Democrats mayoral candidate Siobhan Benita, and Lib Dem councillors from around London, to ask the Chancellor to temporarily cut VAT on restaurant food to 10%, as restaurants deal with the huge damage the pandemic has done to their businesses.
In her letter to the Chancellor, Caroline says:
At a virtual London Assembly session, Caroline encouraged the mayor to consider creative proposals to use the transport network as efficiently as possible, especially at a time when social distancing is vital:
Caroline has written to the mayor to advocate for Sistah SPACE Against Domestic Abuse, a Hackney-based domestic violence charity focussed on supporting and helping women and girls of African heritage across London. They have been evicted from their offices, and Hackney Council has asked them to move to a wholly unsuitable premises.
Caroline has stressed to the mayor that it's essential for Sistah Space to remain in the premises they are in, or find alternative, appropriate accommodation so that they can carry on their essential work.
With the Congestion Charge about to increase in price and apply for extended hours, Caroline discussed the situation with BBC Radio London.
Caroline was proud to speak in support of the motion on Black Lives Matter and stamping out racism in the London Assembly.
Caroline stressed the need for all Assembly Members to work together and to focus on action:
Action is needed, not just reviews.
The last three months have been like no other period any of us can remember.
Caroline has continued to work hard as a London Assembly Member during this time. Here is an overview of some of the issues she has been raising since March.
Caroline has written to the Mayor of London asking him to support London's charity shops through the challenges they face as the lockdown is eased - an expected deluge of donations, and how to clean and "quarantine" them before they go on sale.
Caroline asked the Mayor:
- What thought has been given to how you, as Mayor, can support and help charity shops in London as we move out of this crisis?
