With news of a vaccine coming soon, there is finally some light at the end of the tunnel after what has been a tough year for us all. It will be some time, however, before we can return to life as we knew it before the pandemic, and even then, there might be some changes to our society, such as more home working.
This is why my work at City Hall, and in the community, will continue to have a focus on London’s recovery from the pandemic. Small businesses and jobs in hospitality, catering and aviation are an important part of the East London economy and in my role on the London Assembly Economy Committee, I have concentrated on these areas over the last few months. I also recently seconded a London Assembly motion calling on the government to provide essential support to communities reliant on London’s airports, but I remain concerned about the Covid-19 crisis being used to lay off workers. I will do all I can, working with the unions, to stand up for local jobs.
Newham has spent £59m on Covid-19 work and it is essential that the government fully reimburses this. Cuts to local government budgets have made it even more difficult to rebuild our communities and the chancellor’s recent spending review did not offer enough for London. ‘Levelling up’ should not simply be about the north-south divide: East London has some of the worst pockets of deprivation in the country. Child, food and fuel poverty, and a lack of affordable housing, are major issues and the government needs to properly invest in our capital.
Next year, we must think big and be bold in our vision for East London’s future and I am keen to play a significant part in this. As just one example, the case for improved connectivity on our side of the capital, including a new river-crossing further east, should be made now.
I wish everyone a happy and peaceful Christmas. Enjoy the celebrations, but please keep yourselves safe.