A debate of Transport for London’s (TfL) budget had to be postponed because its business plan was handed in 11 days late.

The plan arrived just four days before London Assembly members were due to discuss TfL’s proposed budget for next year.

With no time for members to prepare, the Assembly had to cancel this morning’s budget and performance committee meeting.

Chairman Gareth Bacon said: “Even in ordinary times, effectively scrutinising the TfL business plan in just four days would have been a big ask.

“But, with the Crossrail delay, these are clearly not ordinary times and being able to question officials with knowledge and rigour is more necessary than ever.

“That is why we simply have no option but to refuse to hold the scheduled meeting.”

Last week a £1.4 billion bailout was announced for the Elizabeth Line extension as the opening date was pushed back again.

Crossrail announced the extension’s opening date, originally due in July, had been pushed back again.

The extension between London Liverpool Street and Shenfield now may not be open for another two years.

The £1.4 billion loan, from the Department for Transport, is the third emergency cash injection into the project this year.

It received a £590 million cash injection in July, followed by an “interim” £350 million loan announced in October.

Mr Bacon added: “TfL’s finances are in dire straits and Londoners want to know if the Mayor and the organisation have got a proper grip on the scale of the financial crisis.

“That is why we will defer our scrutiny until January and use the time in between to get a clearer picture of TfL’s plans to fill the black hole in its financing. This is too important to rush.”