Sadiq Khan has warned the cost of living crisis could spark an uptick in violence in the capital this summer.
Ahead of the school holidays, the Mayor has warned spiralling costs for families across the capital could push more children into poverty, leaving them more vulnerable to exploitation.
Mr Khan has written to the Prime Minister to call for emergency funding for local authorities to deliver prevention and diversionary activities for young people in greatest need this summer.
Mr Khan said: “Tackling violence and building a safer city for all Londoners is my top priority, but despite the progress we have made in tackling violent crime, I have serious concerns that spiralling costs are going to push more and more people into poverty and leave young people unable to access activities and at greater risk of exploitation.
“Evidence clearly shows that these are drivers of violence, and with the cost of living continuing to hit Londoners hard it is so important that the Government urgently steps forward with emergency support for local authorities to provide positive and constructive opportunities for young people in greatest need this summer.
“I’m doing everything I can to support families and to provide access to food and to positive opportunities in the school holidays, but I can’t do it alone.
“Ministers must acknowledge the threat that the cost-of-living crisis is having and take action so that we can work together to tackle crime and its complex causes, and build a safer London for everyone.”
Earlier this year, Mr Khan announced a programme to provide 10 million free school meals during the school holidays. From September, up to 270,000 primary school children will also receive free school meals following £135million in funding from the Mayor.
According to YouGov polling, 23 per cent of Londoners are struggling financially amid the cost of living crisis while 31 per cent are “just about managing”.
A further 10 per cent said they were going without essentials including food.
Although figures from City Hall have shown burglary and robbery are down by 31 and 23 per cent in the 12 months up to June 2023, in comparison with the year to February 2020, the boss of John Lewis has said that shoplifting has increased over the last year.
“Shoplifting has gone up 26 per cent in the last year,” Sharon White said on Sunday.
“It’s a crisis that is hiding in plain sight.”
