No deal between TfL and Government
TRANSPORT for London still hasn’t agreed a new funding package with the Government as another deadline passes.
Discussions of a revised funding package for TfL remain ongoing as unions warn of the impact that further cuts could have on jobs or services.
This comes after the latest extension to the last funding deal ran out on Friday (May 28), with the expected announcement of an agreement still yet to be made.
TfL issued an update on Saturday over its funding discussions with the Department for Transport.
A TfL spokesman said: “We continue to discuss our funding requirements with the Government and hope these discussions can be concluded successfully soon, to enable a strong and robust recovery from the pandemic.”
A financial support package was announced last November after a forecast funding shortfall, arising from the loss of passenger revenue as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The new funding deal follows the £1.8 billion bailout agreed in November, as well as a £1.6 billion funding package which was negotiated back in May of 2020.
The package originally provided support from October to March 31, when another £260 million extension was announced to May 18. The funding arrangement was then extended again to May 28.
This means nearly £3.7 billion has been spent by central government bailing out TfL in the last year.
The three main rail unions and business leaders have been stressing the need for a longterm settlement as the capital returns from the devastating impact of the virus crisis.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union, Transport Salaried Staffs Association and Aslef have been warning against cuts to jobs and services as part of any financial package.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch told the PA news agency: “London’s transport services and the staff who deliver them deserve better than being caught in the crossfire of a row between the Mayor and the Government.
“We need a long-term financial package that secures the future of jobs and services rather than this endless game of cat and mouse.”
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said at the time of the March 31 extension: “This seven-week extension will enable TfL to carry on running the safe, reliable and frequent services that will be vital as lockdown restrictions begin to ease.”