Mayor warns cost-of-living crisis could see rise in violence this summer

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has called on the Government to provide emergency funding for young people in London this summer to avoid a rise in violence.

With the school summer holidays just days away, the mayor warned there is a risk that crime and violence could rise, as the cost-of-living crisis increases poverty, deprivation and a lack of opportunities for young Londoners.

City Hall analysis on the causes of violence has highlighted correlations between deprivation, poverty and vulnerability to crime.

Oliur Rahman, lead for the Violence Reduction Unit’s MyEnds programme in Southwark, said: “It is undeniable that London is currently facing an unprecedented cost-of-living crisis.

“The impact of skyrocketing costs on families is evident through the work we do with young people and families across Southwark.

“To address this issue and provide relief, we are organising numerous free activities for young people throughout the summer with the help and funding from London’s Violence Reduction Unit. However, additional support would undoubtedly be beneficial in tackling this challenging situation right now.”

Barnardo’s, the national children’s charity, warned that children are at greater risk of exploitation this summer with parents and carers struggling to afford activities for young people during the holidays.

The latest polling from YouGov shows more than half of Londoners are “financially struggling” and around one in 10 Londoners say they are going without essentials, such as food, electricity or gas to help manage living costs.

Mr Khan said he believes the level of violent crime is still far too high and is increasingly concerned about the support for young people in light of the cost-of-living crisis.

He has written to the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to call for emergency funding for local authorities that is ringfenced, to deliver 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.”

Pictured top: Mayor of London Sadiq Khan (Picture: PA)