Deputy Mayor Visit Highlights Ongoing Commitment to Safer, Stronger Local Communities

A recent visit by London’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Kaya Comer-Schwartz, has underscored the importance of collaboration between public authorities, local businesses, and community organisations in maintaining safe and thriving urban environments.

The Deputy Mayor was welcomed to the South Bank and Waterloo area by representatives from the South Bank Employers’ Group (SBEG), alongside key stakeholders including local councillors, business leaders, and community partners. The visit formed part of ongoing efforts to address safety, security, and community wellbeing across one of London’s most visited districts.

During the visit, the Deputy Mayor engaged directly with residents, frontline police teams, and local organisations, gaining first-hand insight into both the challenges and opportunities facing the area. A walkabout of the neighbourhood included key locations such as Waterloo Station and the IMAX, where discussions focused on partnership working and operational coordination between agencies and businesses.

Central to the visit was a roundtable discussion bringing together stakeholders from across the local business and community network. Conversations highlighted the scale of collaboration required to support a district that welcomes more than 38 million visitors annually, while also meeting the needs of residents and the local workforce.

SBEG and its partners outlined a wide-ranging safety and security programme currently in place, including dedicated patrol teams, outreach services supporting vulnerable individuals, and established business networks that facilitate close cooperation with the police and other agencies.

The Deputy Mayor’s visit was widely seen as an important opportunity to strengthen relationships and reinforce shared priorities. Stakeholders emphasised the value of continued engagement with City Hall and policing bodies to ensure that initiatives remain responsive to evolving local needs.

Speaking after the visit, organisers expressed their appreciation for the Deputy Mayor’s time and engagement, noting that such visits play a vital role in aligning strategic leadership with on-the-ground realities.

The event highlights a broader commitment across London to partnership-led approaches in tackling urban challenges—ensuring that high-footfall areas like South Bank and Waterloo remain safe, inclusive, and economically vibrant for all.

As collaboration between public and private sectors continues to deepen, visits of this nature are expected to play a key role in shaping future policy and delivering tangible improvements for businesses, residents, and visitors alike.