Assembly seeks explanations on changes to the Met estate

London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan is facing criticism from the London Assembly after the Met Police shared details of its estate strategy with his appointed board before the elected members had a chance to review them.

Marina Ahmad, chair of the Police and Crime Committee, expressed frustration that the long-awaited Estates Strategy was disclosed to the London Policing Boardwhose members are appointed by the mayorinstead of her committee, despite repeated requests for updates. She described the situation as "extremely disappointing" and has summoned the mayor to address the committee.

The mayor's office stated that the strategy is still being developed and that extensive professional consultation has been undertaken. The Met Police Estates Strategy will outline the future of all its properties, including several stations previously closed due to budget cuts. Originally expected this summer, the publication of the strategy has been delayed and is now promised before Christmas.

"For years, the Police and Crime Committee has sought updates on the Estates Strategy so it can be properly scrutinised," Ahmad said. "Despite repeated assurances that the document would be shared in due course, we have yet to see even a draft."

She added that it seems the committee has been kept in the dark about a critical strategic document, while the London Policing Board, which is unelected, has been given access.

The committee has exercised its powers to summon the mayor and his deputy for policing to a special meeting on 18 December, a move rarely used. Conservative deputy chair Susan Hall called the situation "beyond outraged," arguing that bypassing the elected committee undermines democratic accountability.

Liberal Democrat committee member Gareth Roberts supported these concerns. "The Assembly's Police and Crime Committee, representing Londoners, has been ignored while the mayors appointed board receives the draft we have been requesting for years," he said. "It is unacceptable that the mayor must explain, for the second time in six months, why Londoners have been left uninformed about police property plans."

A spokesperson for the mayor reiterated that the draft strategy is still in development and that professional guidance has been thoroughly sought. "The strategy will be shared with the London Assembly once finalised," the spokesperson said.

Author: Ethan Caldwell