London councils are asking the government for a Covid-style emergency budget boost to see them through the cost-of-living crisis.
Cross-party group London Councils, which represents all 32 London boroughs, say boroughs could be forced to make £700m in savings by next year without an increase in funding closer to the rate of inflation.
It says an emergency financial package, like they received during the pandemic, would be a buffer against costs associated with rising homelessness, soaring rents and the energy crisis.
Cllr Georgia Gould, Chair of London Councils, said: “With thousands of Londoners already struggling to make ends meet, the government has a critical opportunity to announce further help for households and the services they rely on.
“Councils are already providing a safety net to communities and doing all they can to support people who are struggling. Financial support from the government for councils is crucial for continuing this work. Boroughs stand ready to work with the government to find long-term solutions to support our residents and businesses in the capital.”
The group says the money could also be spent on social care provision – a local authority responsibility – which is “essential” to maintaining London NHS performance.
MP for Dulwich and West Norwood Helen Hayes recently said increasing ambulance response times were creating “fear and anxiety” among constituents.
London Councils is also urging action on longer-term issues facing the capital and wider country, such as delivering net zero and securing greater devolution for local communities.