Downturn 'hits public services'

London's public services have begun to feel the strain of the economic slowdown, say assembly members.

John Biggs, chair of the budget committee, said hard times meant police were anticipating an increase in thefts and burglaries in the coming months.

Transport for London (TfL) reported its passenger growth figures were less than half of what it had budgeted.

Mayor Boris Johnson's first budget since his election last May is due to be approved in the coming weeks.

'Sunny backdrop'

Mr Biggs, speaking on behalf of his committee, said: "London has been hit by the shock engulfing the world economy and many of the capital's priorities - set to the backdrop of a sunny future - will have to be revisited."

Mr Biggs said with less than a month remaining before the budget process needs to be completed there remains a large shortfall, including £1.3m in savings that the fire brigade and the Greater London Authority must find.

The announced freeze on the 2009-10 precept, the assembly's share of the council tax, can be achieved, Mr Biggs said.

But in the years to come it is unlikely that the fire service and the police will be able to do their jobs if their budgets are cut further, he added.

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