economy
Londoners can no longer afford the Notting Hill Carnival
I take great exception to the Notting Hill Carnival. Not because the event is associated with an orgy of violent crime and stabbing. Not because of the extent to which it inconveniences local residents. Not even because of the staggering number of police officers injured each year.
TL;DR
- The Notting Hill Carnival costs London taxpayers around £20 million per year, including clean-up, policing, and grants from City Hall.
- Despite a claimed economic benefit of £396 million, this revenue mainly goes to traders and vendors, not taxpayers.
- Suggestions to reduce costs include charging attendees a ticket fee, moving the event to avoid bank holiday overtime, and increasing corporate sponsorship.
- The GLA's contribution to the carnival has increased from £340,000 in 2016 to £5.6 million this year.