11 June 2014 21St Mayor's Report to the Assembly

London Assembly MQT – 11 June 2014 21st Mayor’s Report to the Assembly

This is my twenty-first report to the Assembly, fulfilling my duty under Section 45 of the Greater London Authority Act 1999. It covers the period 6 March to 28 May 2014.

Executive Summary

£100 million ‘mini-Holland’ cycling revolution

On 10 March, I announced that all eight of the outer London boroughs shortlisted for the mini- Hollands programme will receive funding for substantial and transformative change to their cycling infrastructure.

Three boroughs, Enfield, RB Kingston and Waltham Forest, have been selected for full mini- Holland status, receiving up to £30 million each for improvements. Bexley, Ealing, Merton and Richmond also had exceptional proposals. Transport for London (TfL) will work with them to take forward substantial parts of their bids to improve cycle routes and facilities. The eighth finalist Newham has been invited to submit a bid for funding under TfL’s major schemes budget to go towards a plan to remove the Stratford gyratory and reshape Stratford town centre.

Culture Strategy Update: Cultural Metropolis

On March 26, I published an update to my Culture Strategy ‘Cultural Metropolis’. The update reviews the achievements of the past four years and outlines my vision to ‘redraw London’s cultural map’ by building cultural provision into new development areas from Olympicopolis in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to Crystal Palace.

The Strategy also outlines cultures role in making the river an exciting destination, including plans for a Lido on the River and artistic lighting installations for eight bridges across the Thames.

Housing Strategy

On 28 March, I published my draft Housing Strategy ‘Homes for London’, which provides an in depth overview of London’s complex housing needs and a range of pioneering solutions to increase supply, stimulate building and tackle demand.

The Strategy sets out a long-term ambition to increase supply to at least 42,000 new homes per annum, around double what has been achieved over the last 20 years. Of these, at least 17,000 should be affordable with 5,000 for purpose-built long-term market rent.

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park opens to the public

On 5 April, the south of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park opened to the public for the first time since the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. During the course of the weekend over 50,000 people visited the Park and took part in the festivities.

On 4 April, alongside His Royal Highness Prince Harry, I visited the Park to join local youngsters for a sneak preview ahead of the official opening.

Launch of MedCity

On 8 April, I launched MedCity, a major new initiative backed by some of the country’s senior academics and business people that will transform the London-Oxford-Cambridge life sciences sector into a world beating power-cluster.

The new organisation is tasked with attracting life sciences corporations large and small to the ‘golden triangle’ formed by the three UK cities, facilitating collaboration between them and the UK academic research base, and reinforcing specialist infrastructure, so that the region becomes one of the premier, interconnected clusters for life science research, development, manufacturing and commercialisation.

Launch of first London Rental Standard

On 28 May, I launched the capital’s first ever rental standard, a city-wide badge of accreditation to help millions of Londoners rent with confidence and to give the city’s 300,000 landlords peace of mind that they are complying with the law and doing the right thing.

In time, the London Rental Standard will become an instantly recognisable feature of London’s lettings industry, helping Londoners to pick between the huge array of landlords and agents on offer in the capital.

Policing, Crime and Community Safety

Providing burglary-busting ‘liquid’ to more than 440,000 homes

On 10 April, whilst visiting the London Borough of Harrow to observe Operation Bluebell, part of a Borough focus on burglary over the last two years, I heralded the success of an innovative crime-cutting tactic 'traceable liquids', which has the potential to deliver significant decreases in burglary if deployed across the capital.

Harrow has seen recent sharp falls in burglary and has invested in traceable liquids as part of its joint working with the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS). Traceable liquid is a pioneering property-marking technology containing a unique forensic code which can only be seen under ultraviolet light. Any marked item can be traced back to its owner, providing police with powerful forensic evidence to convict thieves and to identify the owner’s details.

A recent MPS pilot of this innovative technology saw 5000 homes in 5 boroughs being provided with the liquid free of charge. The trial targeted burglary hotspots and achieved an average 49 per cent reduction in burglaries over 6 months. The reduction delivered more than £500,000 in estimated cost savings and of more than 15,000 saved police hours.

I hope to introduce traceable liquids to at least 440,000 London homes and am calling for local authorities to jointly invest with the MPS and follow Harrow's lead. The MPS is currently conducting a London-wide procurement to identify a single supplier of traceable liquids for the capital which will be concluded later this year.

New policing ethics panel launches to examine key issues of concern to Londoners

On 11 April, Lord Carlile of Berriew QC, chair of my new London Policing Ethics Panel, announced the first set of issues that the Panel will be examined. The Panel will complement the existing structures in place in the capital to oversee the way London is policed and will provide in-depth consideration of ethical issues around current and future policing practice in London.

Following consultation with the MPS and I, Lord Carlile has confirmed that the panel’s first priorities for inquiry will be:

 ‘Use of force by the police’ – including use of tasers, public order tools including water cannon, and firearms;  ‘Surveillance by the police’ – covering undercover tactics, and use of surveillance technology;  ‘Public encounters’ – in particular looking at stop and search, including traffic stops.

Lord Carlile will be supported by a team of four experts:

 Grace Ononiwu OBE, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the East of England;  Professor Leif Wenar, academic and Chair of Ethics at King’s College London;  Baroness Elizabeth Berridge, barrister and life peer;  Meg Reiss, former criminal prosecutor from the US and expert in policing oversight.

Water Cannon

On 19 March, following a six week public consultation, I announced that I had agreed to support the MPS call to purchase water cannon to help enhance its response to riots or other serious and exceptional public disorder. The final decision on whether to license the water cannon for use on the UK mainland now rests with the Home Secretary.

I have taken into account evidence of broad support amongst Londoners for this measure. An independent poll conducted by TNS on behalf of the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC), found over two thirds of respondents were supportive of the use of water cannon in limited circumstances. In addition, over half of the respondents expressed that they would have greater confidence in the MPS’s ability to respond to serious public disorder if water cannon were available.

My decision comes after the MPS Commissioner, Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, asked my permission to purchase three existing water cannon from the German Federal Police. The Commissioner has assured me that these water cannon would be rarely seen and rarely used and not routinely used to respond to public protest.

Pioneering Tri-borough re-offending service

On 19 March, my Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Stephen Greenhalgh, visited a new service aimed at reducing re-offending rates across Westminster, Hammersmith and Fulham and RB Kensington and Chelsea.

The Starting Over programme aims to cut re-offending by 10 per cent in the central London Tri-borough area over the next four years by providing a package of support for male offenders who serve short prison sentences and do not currently receive formal post-release support.

Run by Turning Point and Catch 22, in collaboration with the MPS, Starting Over provides a custody referral team who will work with offenders at the point of arrest, identifying issues such as learning disabilities, mental health problems, and alcohol and drug misuse. Each offender will be assigned a key worker who will provide continuous support from sentencing through to release, including assistance with housing and employment. Starting Over began in 15 October 2013, funded with £2.7 million from MOPAC and local authority public health departments.

Transport

Industrial action over Tube Modernisation

On 17 April, the RMT Union announced their intention to take industrial action over London Underground’s (LU) plans to modernise the Tube.

The industrial action was planned to take place during two periods.

 48hr commencing 21:30hrs Monday 28 April to 20:59 on Wednesday 30 April  72hr commencing 21:00hrs Monday 5 May to 20:59 Thursday 8 May

In advance of the strike, TfL put in place a measures to ensure that the capital could keep moving during the industrial action, including the deployment of many thousands of staff and volunteer Travel Ambassadors drawn from TfL’s support functions who worked hard to help customers and road users make their journeys.

During the strike, TfL managed to operate 50 per cent of Tube services, and carried up to 57 per cent of its usual passenger numbers, a record high for a strike. In addition, up to 80 per cent of stations were in service and around 90 per cent of the usual numbers of Oystercards were in use across the overall TfL network. An increase of over 70 per cent in Barclays Cycle Hires was recorded, making the highest numbers of journeys taken since the 2012 Games. The highest number of buses deployed in London’s history carried out over a million extra passengers. I would like to thank the staff and volunteer Travel Ambassadors who kept London moving during the strike.

Following a resumption of talks at ACAS, the second strike was suspended and the RMT agreed continue to undertake station by station review in cooperation with other unions and LU.

Heathrow in the 21st century

On 31 March, I released a major new report that sets out several options for redevelopment of the Heathrow airport site if a new hub airport in the south east is eventually agreed by the Government and Heathrow airport relocates. The report concludes that redeveloping the site could potentially support 90,000 new jobs and provide homes for 190,000 people.

I want this report to kickstart an open, honest and evidence based debate on the potential of the Heathrow site to provide homes and jobs, in the face of the immense challenge posed by an increase in population for the capital. The London Borough of Hillingdon, the home of Heathrow Airport, has also released a report examining how the site might be used in the future.

The report projected that many of the jobs currently provided at Heathrow would move to the new airport and be easily accessible via the world class transport links proposed. Meanwhile, the options for the redevelopment of the Heathrow site would create thousands of new jobs and new homes for Londoners.

Urging Airports Commission not to miss the 'bigger picture'

On 23 May, I urged the Commission charged with refereeing the ongoing debate about where to provide new aviation capacity in the UK to take the bigger picture and long term view into account.

I have issued a new submission of evidence to the Airport’s Commission and key to nearly every page of the submission is the belief that airport policy has a huge impact on the entire fabric of society and that the decision on national aviation policy must be closely linked to the phenomenal rate of population growth in London. Were a decision made to build a new airport then redevelopment of the Heathrow site could provide 90,000 jobs and 80,000 homes, adding £7.5 billion a year to the UK economy.

The submission to the Airports Commission has been developed with the support of world leading consultancies with specialties covering a wide range of aviation and city planning skills. The evidence makes clear that a new airport in the inner estuary is technically, economically and environmentally feasible.

£100 million ‘mini-Holland’ cycling revolution announcement

On 10 March, I announced that all eight of the outer London boroughs shortlisted for the mini- Holland programme will receive funding for substantial and transformative change to their cycling infrastructure.

The eighth finalist Newham has been invited to submit a bid for funding under TfL’s major schemes budget to go towards a £16 million plan to remove the Stratford gyratory and reshape Stratford town centre.

Though the mini-Holland scheme focuses on improving conditions for cyclists, it will also transform significant parts of each winning borough’s public realm, cut overcrowding on public transport and reduce traffic congestion, pollution and parking pressures.

The winning bids include redesigns of key town centres, new suburban Cycle Superhighways, Dutch-style roundabouts and rail superhubs. The programme’s aim is to move significant numbers of suburban car journeys, which are often short and highly cyclable, on to the bike.

I also announced the first two new Quietway routes, direct and continuous routes on low- traffic back streets will open later this year. They are from Waterloo to Greenwich, serving a wide area of south-east London, and from Bloomsbury to Walthamstow. A further six routes covering all points of the compass have been selected for accelerated delivery next year.

Cycle Hire bikes go yellow as countdown to Tour de France begins

On 26 March, to mark 100 days until the Tour de France arrives in the UK, I released 101 special-edition yellow Barclays Cycle Hire bikes into general circulation across London. The 101 yellow bikes, which represent the 101st Tour de France to take place, will be available until the Tour arrives in London on the 7 July 2014.

Serious cyclist injuries fall by 28 per cent

On 27 May, the annual figures measuring death and serious injury to cyclists in London revealed a significant drop in the numbers killed or seriously injured (KSI) in 2013 compared to the previous year. The figures show there were 475 serious injuries to cyclists in 2013, the second-lowest rate ever recorded, compared with 657 in 2012.

Part of the reduction was due to the Metropolitan Police’s “Operation Safeway” which ran in November and December 2013. Hundreds of officers were placed on street corners, targeting dangerous and unlawful behaviour by lorry drivers, motorists and cyclists. Similar, but smaller- scale, police operations will be mounted across London for two days every month, running indefinitely, with up to 1,000 police officers and staff stationed simultaneously at around 100 junctions in inner London.

Landmark EU vote on lorry safety

On 18 March, I welcomed the result of a vote by the European Parliament to allow mandatory safety requirements for new lorries.

The European Parliament’s Transport Committee voted in favour of proposed changes to the vehicle Weights and Dimensions Directive. This means lorry cabs can be redesigned to reduce blind spots and thus improve the direct vision of the driver.

I have been pushing for amendments to the EU Directive for some time, and in January my Cycling Commissioner, Andrew Gilligan and Olympic gold medallist, Chris Boardman, joined forces with safety campaigners in Brussels to press the European Parliament on the issue.

The amendments would also enable lorries to be fitted with an energy absorbing crash system at the front of the cab and allow for a more rounded cab design in order to divert vulnerable road users to the side of the vehicle in case of collision.

Continuation of the Industrial HGV Task Force on London’s streets

Following the conclusion of a successful six-month trial, it was announced that the Industrial HGV Task Force (IHTF) is to be continued in the capital. Joint funded by TfL and the DfT, the Task Force aims to crackdown on non-compliant HGV operators and drivers, and is formed of officers from the MPS, City of London Police, and Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency.

In the past six months the partnership has worked successfully to target the most dangerous commercial vehicles, helping to improve the safety of everyone using London’s roads. The Task Force also acts as a deterrent against non-compliant companies that attempt to undercut those operating legitimately.

Since the start of the trial in October 2013, this intelligence led enforcement has seen over 1,960 vehicles targeted and stopped, 24 vehicles seized, 15 prosecutions progressed through the Criminal Justice System and 519 fixed penalty notices issued for a variety of offences.

HGV blind spot technology tested to improve road safety

A new TfL funded project is being rolled out to independently test blind spot safety technology, which can be fitted to HGVs to help reduce the risk of collisions between HGVs, pedestrians and cyclists.

The new safety initiative, which builds on TfL’s work into Construction Logistics and Cyclists’ Safety, will be carried out by the independent Transport Research Laboratory. The project will evaluate the effectiveness of the full range of blind spot safety technology in spotting pedestrians and cyclists. This includes camera monitoring systems, optical and radar detection systems and other sensors fitted to HGVs.

The findings will then be used to create new and detailed performance criteria, such as the distance objects can be detected, how easily the equipment detects vulnerable road users, and how reliable the equipment is, to allow for independent testing and evaluation of products on the market today.

Cycle training for every child offered in latest TfL plan for young people in London

Every child is to be offered free cycling training as part of TfL’s new Delivery Plan for Young People, which for the first time brings together the wide range of projects and activities TfL offers to young Londoners.

A large part of Plan outlines the action being taken to prioritise the safety of the most vulnerable young road users, including pedestrians and cyclists, as well as making them aware of career opportunities in the transport industry.

Congestion Charge (CC) Scheme

On 28 May, TfL confirmed a number of changes to the Congestion Charging scheme designed to maintain its effectiveness at managing congestion and to improve customer service.

The first change, following a public consultation, will see the daily Congestion Charge price increased, for the first time since 2011, from £10 to £11.50 (or £10.50 if paid using CC Auto Pay). The change will come into effect on 16 June 2014. The increase will ensure the charge remains a relative deterrent to all but the most essential journeys into the centre of London,

contributing an income of £82.7 million over the course of the next five years which will be re- invested into London’s transport network, including modernising London’s roads infrastructure.

A range of changes to the Congestion Charge are being introduced in late 2015 that will provide benefits to customers. These include:

 CC Auto Pay users will be able to pay by Direct Debit;  Customers eligible for discounts, including blue badge holders, will be able to apply for these discounts online from 2015;  Certain journeys undertaken by NHS patients and staff within the Congestion Charge zone are entitled to reimbursement. Currently if they paid by CC Auto Pay they are not able to be reimbursed.

I have:

i. Considered the responses to the consultation on the Cogestion Charge Variation Order ii. Taken into account:  The Impact Assessment prepared in relation to the Variation Order; and  TfL’s Report, following consultation with the public and stakeholders on the Variation Order iii. Considered the content of, and advice given, in particular regarding the various matters for decision including:  Whether further information is required before making a decision  Whether further consultation, or the holding of any inquiry, public or otherwise, is necessary or appropriate before making a decision

Finally, I have agreed to confirm the Variation Order as made by TfL by signing and dating the form and the Instrument of Confirmation.

A smoother ride on the Metropolitan and Piccadilly lines

Customers using the Metropolitan and Piccadilly lines will soon be enjoying a smoother ride as LU announced measures to improve the reliability of its service and renew old infrastructure on the Uxbridge branch line.

Between 19 July and 10 August, LU will be replacing 6km of track, points and track drainage. The work to be carried out under this block closure marks the culmination of a major programme of improvements that have been carried out in recent years to replace life-expired track and drainage and modernise other infrastructure on this part of the network.

LU has planned this work to be carried out during a quieter period on the network, when the schools are on summer break. Doing the work as a block closure also reduces the number of weekend closures that would have been required.

Tube delays continue to fall year-on-year

Latest performance figures show that overall delays to Tube customers in 2013/14 have continued to decrease, with a ten per cent year-on-year decline.

Figures for Periods 9, 10 and 11 (10 November to 1 February), released on 7 April, showed that LU is on target to beat last year’s record year for reliability, despite carrying more passengers

than ever before, with a ten per cent fall in delays compared to the same periods last year. Across the three periods, LU carried 14.5 million more customers than in the corresponding periods in 2012/13, with the week ending 14 December setting a new record outside the 2012 Games period with 27.3 million journeys on the network.

The level of services operated rose to over 98 per cent by Period 11, the 20th period in the last two years in which LU has exceeded service targets. Stations closures and track-related delays also fell during Period 11.

London Underground’s £330 million stations programme

On 8 April, LU announced the selection of more than 20 contractors and three multi-discipline design firms who will bring a new innovative and collaborative approach to work which will see 70 Tube stations modernised. The modernisation of these stations should mean that no significant further work will be needed at these stations for ten further years. Stations that will benefit include Embankment, Paddington, Earls Court, South Kensington and Charing Cross.

The Programme will use LU’s Stake delivery model, designed to create greater efficiency by reducing sub-contractor layers in the supply chain. LU will be engaging directly with small to medium enterprises to employ the craftspeople who will deliver work on-site.

New energy efficient lifts to be installed at Gloucester Road station

Customers using Gloucester Road station are set to benefit from brand new lifts at the station which will mean a quicker, more reliable service.

The current lifts at Gloucester Road station were installed around 25 years ago and work to replace them simultaneously will begin towards the end of May, with the new lifts to be installed and operational by December 2014.

Capco and TfL establish Joint Venture to develop Earls Court 1 & 2

On 28 March, TfL and Capco announced the establishment of a joint venture, Earls Court Partnership Limited, which will enable the development of Earls Court 1 & 2 in line with the Earls Court Masterplan.

The Joint Venture has appointed a board of directors from Capco and TfL. Capco has also been appointed as the business and development manager to enable the development to be co- ordinated with the wider development of the Masterplan.

The Masterplan will include a new primary school, a new leisure centre, new health facilities, as well as community and cultural spaces. Thirty seven acres of green open space will be provided, including a new five acre park and there will also be significant improvements to the transport infrastructure, including increased capacity at Earls Court, West Kensington and West Brompton Underground stations.

Pop-up shops arrive at Old Street Tube station

On 22 April, Old Street station became the first innovative TfL retail destination with seven new pop-up shops opening. The pop-up shops will complement existing retailers at the station as TfL continues to broaden the retail offering available for customers using the transport network.

Over 11 million journeys take place on our public transport network every day and the pop up shops form part of our vision for the future of LU, which aims to modernise and improve stations to introduce new services that TfL customers want.

Contactless payment moves a step closer on London Underground and Rail

TfL’s pilot of contactless payment on the Tube and rail network is now underway, with the first customer volunteers now using this new way of touching in and out on the transport network.

In preparation for the launch of contactless payment card acceptance later this year, around 5,000 customers will participate in this phase of the project, which ensures that this payment option is introduced successfully. A similar process was followed when Oyster was first introduced eleven years ago.

Network Rail awards major Crossrail contract

On 10 March, Network Rail announced the award of a £150 million contract to Costain for Crossrail works planned on the north-east surface section of the Crossrail route, between Stratford in east London and Shenfield in Essex.

The contract covers the design and build of major station improvements at Romford and Ilford, as well as improvements at stations including Forest Gate, Goodmayes, Harold Wood, Gidea Park, Chadwell Heath and Brentwood.

Platform extensions will allow for longer, higher capacity trains to run and new lifts to enable step-free access will be installed at many stations along the route. The detailed design phase will now get underway and main works will take place between late 2014 and 2017.

Major infrastructure improvements will also be delivered, including the upgrade of existing tracks and overhead electrification equipment, as well as extra train stabling capacity and turn- back facilities that will improve the reliability of passenger services.

Crossrail’s train tunnels now three quarters complete

On 4 April, Crossrail announced that with the breakthrough of TBM Victoria into Whitechapel, tunnelling for the new rail tunnels was now three quarters complete

The 150 metre long machine is named after Queen Victoria and began her journey at Limmo Peninsula in east London at the end of 2012. She broke into the huge underground space at Whitechapel where work is taking place 35 metres below the surface to create over a kilometre of new platform and passenger tunnels for the new Crossrail station.

Crossrail route to Reading

On 27 March, it was announced that Crossrail will now be extended to Reading. The extension will see the east-west rail line serve two additional stations, Twyford and Reading, serving a total of 40 stations along the entire route when it fully opens in 2019.

Extending Crossrail to Reading will open up a wider network of destinations across and beyond central London. The extension will also help to meet the increase in passenger numbers by providing greater capacity than the previous plans. There will be two trains an hour from

Reading and passengers will be able to travel into, and beyond, central London without the need to change at Paddington. It will also provide greater flexibility for future timetabling of services.

London Overground’s Hampstead Heath station rebuilt

On 17 April, TfL announced that London Overground’s Hampstead Heath station new entrance building is complete, with the two new lifts now installed making it more accessible and more able to handle peak time passenger demand.

Alongside the new lifts is a new ticket office and a wider gateline, in addition to two entrance/exits, and with more windows there is increased natural lighting bringing a much improved ambience. Further improvements include permanent level access at new stations, permanent raised platform sections, low-floor trains and boarding ramps making getting around the network much easier.

Turn up and Go on London Overground

Paralympian gold medallist Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson has called on disabled Londoners to take advantage of TfL’s increasingly accessible network and to make the most of all the city has to offer.

The introduction of TfL’s ’Turn up and Go’ service on TfL’s London Overground rail network gives disabled people needing assistance the reassurance that they can simply arrive at stations and have staff help them without being asked to book in advance.

Transformation of Tottenham Hale station

I am pleased that the plan to transform Tottenham Hale into a landmark station, with greater capacity and step-free access for interchanging passengers, have been given the green light by Hackney Council.

Tottenham Hale is located within the Upper Lea Valley area, a key area for growth, with plans to create 15,000 new jobs and 20,100 new homes. At Tottenham Hale specifically there is the capacity for 5,000 new homes and 4,000 new jobs and the vision is to transform the area into a new district centre.

The station improvement plans are part of a committed package of transport developments, including a total TfL investment of £54 million. A total of £34 million has been invested in these improvement works, which will deliver significant benefits for all road users including pedestrians and cyclists, as well as deliver a new public square and a more accessible bus station at Tottenham Hale.

The proposed station improvements are being funded from a variety of sources, including £20 million from TfL’s Unlocking New Growth Areas fund, a contribution from my Regeneration Fund, as well as contributions from Network Rail and the Department for Transport.

The improved station will be a focal point of the new district centre and be an iconic gateway to Tottenham and the Upper Lea Valley.

Improved DLR station opens at Pudding Mill Lane

On 28 April, the new Docklands Light Railway station at Pudding Mill Lane, now the largest on the network, was opened to the public for the first time.

The station, along with ‘double-tracked’ rails that link it to the wider DLR network, will boost capacity to enable the railway to carry an extra 1,100 passengers per hour and deliver improved service reliability on the increasingly popular route between Stratford and Canary Wharf/Lewisham.

TfL launches world-leading trials of “intelligent” pedestrian technology

TfL has announced plans for trialling new pedestrian crossing sensors to help make it easier and safer for people to cross the road throughout the capital.

The completion of the first phase of the Pedestrian Countdown programme and the publication of ‘Safe London Streets – Our Six Road Safety Commitments’, set out how TfL, the boroughs and other partners will meet London’s target of reducing the number of people killed and seriously injured on London’s streets by 40 per cent by 2020.

The introduction of Pedestrian Split Cycle Offset Optimisation Technique, or ‘pedestrian SCOOT’, is the first of its kind in the world and uses state-of-the-art video camera technology to automatically detect how many pedestrians are waiting at crossings. It enables the adjustment of traffic signal timings automatically to extend the green pedestrian invitation to cross phase when large numbers of people are waiting, allowing more people to cross the road.

£1.8 million Future Streets Incubator Fund to transform London’s streets and public spaces

On 24 March, TfL and I announced that dozens of streets and underused public spaces across the capital are to be transformed as part of a new £1.8 million fund to invest in creative and original on-street projects.

The ‘Future Streets Incubator Fund’ will help convert more of London’s streets into spaces where people can socialise and interact. There will also be a focus on creating new, greener spaces, boosting sustainable transport, testing new street layouts and alternative ways that roads and streets can be used.

Restoration of Grade II listed Chiswick Bridge underway

Works are currently underway to strengthen and refurbish the 80 year old Grade II listed Chiswick Bridge in order to restore the structure for continued use by all road users. As part of the works, lighting across the bridge will also be upgraded with new energy efficient heritage lighting, which will replicate the design of the lighting on the bridge when it first opened.

The bridge was opened in July 1933 and carries around 40,000 vehicles, as well as hundreds of cyclists and pedestrians each day. Survey work by TfL found that some sections of the bridge parapet and internal structures have significantly deteriorated.

While it remains safe to use, some aspects need to be replaced to ensure that the structure can last for many more years to come. The project will be completed by spring 2015.

Lane Rental Scheme cuts roadwork disruption by almost 50 per cent

A new study into London’s Lane Rental scheme has showed that since its introduction, the amount of serious and severe disruption caused by planned roadworks has been cut by 46 per cent on the capitals busiest roads.

The scheme, which came into effect in 2012 on the busiest parts of London’s road network, was designed to encourage utility companies to avoid digging up the busiest roads at peak traffic times. Following the introduction of the scheme, around 90 per cent of utility works and 99 per cent of works carried out by TfL in the lane rental areas have avoided disrupting these busy roads at peak times.

All the main utility companies are also now signed up to the use of rapid drying materials, considerably reducing the amount of time required to reopen roads and helping to save approximately 2,700 days of disruption across London.

First Motorcycle Safety Action Plan launched

On 20 March, TfL published the capital's first Motorcycle Safety Action Plan designed to directly reduce the number of collisions involving motorcyclists and scooter riders.

The new Plan was compiled by TfL working with representatives from the motorcycle industry and is based on detailed analysis of the risks and challenges faced by riders in London. It outlines 29 key actions which will directly target the key factors in collisions, which will help to reduce motorcyclist casualties across London.

TfL confirms the end of cash fares on buses

TfL have announced that as of 6 July, cash fares will no longer be accepted on London buses

The decision to move to cash free bus travel follows a considerable drop in the number of people paying their bus fare in cash. In 2000, around 25 per cent of journeys were paid for with a cash fare, today that figure stands at around one per cent. With extensive use of Oyster and over 12 million journeys now made using contactless payment cards, cash usage is expected to fall even further as more customers take advantage of the convenience and cheaper fares these provide.

Removing cash fares will speed up boarding times; leading to faster journeys and will also ensure customers benefit from the best value fare for each journey they make.

Latest digital technology utilised to make bus journeys easier

TfL have announced a range of customer information improvements aimed at helping Londoners and visitors to get around the capital’s extensive bus network more easily.

The improvements are being made on board buses, at bus stops, bus stations and on-street and have been developed during the Year of the Bus, a series of events and activities to mark the vital contribution London’s bus network makes to the life and economy of the city.

These innovations include the trialling of large digital screens providing ‘Countdown’ real-time bus arrival information, which are being installed at three busy bus stations, Vauxhall,

Hammersmith and Harrow. If successful the screens could be installed at every one of London’s 50 bus stations.

Other improvements include the installation of state-of-the-art interactive digital screens on Regent Street and on Eden Street in Kingston, which provide live bus arrival information alongside real-time updates on other public transport options.

New TfL website launched

TfL’s newly improved website is now ‘live’ for all Londoners and visitors, making it easier than ever to plan journeys on the move and make the most of what London has to offer.

The new site is optimised for use on mobile, tablet, laptop or desktop and puts customers in control by providing more personalised, live travel information, including a new ‘Nearby’ function which shows all local travel options and real-time service information.

The way customers and road users want to receive information has changed dramatically in recent years. Seventy per cent of Londoners now use a smart phone and almost nine in ten use the internet for maps and directions. The TfL website now receives 250 million visits a year and TfL’s Twitter feeds and Facebook pages now have more than 1.5 million followers.

Global business leaders sign up to £31million plan to demonstrate viability of hydrogen vehicles

On 3 April, a pioneering £31 million deal was struck to make hydrogen vehicles a viable and environmentally friendly choice for motorists across Europe.

The GLA, leading motor manufacturers, hydrogen fuel suppliers and energy consultancies from around the globe have signed up to the HyFive project, the largest of its kind in Europe. Five different manufacturers have agreed to deploy a total of 110 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles at several European locations, including London, and develop new clusters of hydrogen refuelling stations.

The GLA is coordinating the multi million pound project, which has been signed up to by BMW, Daimler, Honda, Hyundai, Toyota and hydrogen fuel companies including Air Products, Copenhagen Hydrogen Network, ITM Power, Linde, OMV. Other signatories include Element Energy, PE INTERNATIONAL, the Institute for Innovative Technology and the European Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking. The motor manufacturers who are part of this project are working on developing and demonstrating hydrogen powered fuel cell cars.

Coordination of the Hydrogen for Innovative Vehicles Project

I approved the entry into a grant funding agreement with Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) and entry into a consortium agreement with the consortium project partners for the HyFIVE project. The GLA will act as coordinator, communicator and dissemination coordinator for the project and coordinator of London focused communications.

Finally, I agreed expenditure of up to a maximum of £486,000 in order to establish sufficient and appropriate resources, services and supplies, to be grant funded by the FCH JU (if funding application is successful).

Direction to TfL to undertake additional work in relation to aviation issues

I agreed to extend until 30 September 2015, the Direction given to TfL on 13 May 2011 under section 155(1)(c) of the Greater London Authority Act 1999. This Amended Direction will be reviewed on or around 30 September 2015.

I have authorise TfL under section 38(1) of the GLA Act, to exercise my powers under sections 30 and 34 of the Act to do all things necessary and expedient to undertake the works required by the Amended Direction, in accordance with the terms of the delegation.

Finally, I have authorised Daniel Moylan, as a member of the TfL Board, to oversee the work that TfL will undertake pursuant to the Amended Direction.

Donation towards memorial for 1943 Bethnal Green Tube Disaster

I have authorised TfL, under section 38(1) of the GLA Act, to exercise my powers under sections 30 and 34 of the Act, to donate £10,000 to the Stairway to Heaven Memorial Trust.

Transfer of small parcel of land containing Network Rail infrastructure to Network Rail

I have approved the freehold transfer to Network Rail of the cabinet and platform land on the Wembley Regeneration project site at a nominal consideration.

Lewisham Gateway Update

I approve entry into a deed of variation to the development agreement and other relevant scheme documentation, as well as a new deed of priority required as a result of the proposed new HCA funding to the Lewisham Gateway project.

I approve the proposed transfer of land held by GLA/GLAP at Lewisham Gateway to the London Borough of Lewisham to facilitate the development and entry into a land agreement and any related documents required in connection with such land transfer.

I authorise entry into a supplemental agreement/variation and other documents required to give effect to the proposed amendments to the development agreement and other scheme documentation resulting from the proposed land transfer and other supplemental requirements of the parties.

Finally, I agreed to delegate authority to the Executive Director of Housing and Land to finalise and agree the terms and forms of documents required to give effect to the variations and other matters referred to above.

Regeneration, Enterprise and the Economy

Launch of MedCity

Through MedCity, which is modelled on the immensely successful Tech City Investment Organisation, the life sciences sector in the south east will come to match the crucial position of financial services in the national economy.

I have invested £1.2 million in the project, alongside funding from the Higher Education Funding Council for England.

Welcoming plans to build pioneering biomedical engineering centre at Imperial

On 27 May, I welcomed the news that Imperial College London is to build a pioneering biomedical engineering centre which will cement London and the south east’s reputation as one of the leading regions in the world for game-changing science.

Imperial has received an unprecedented £40 million gift from former student Michael Uren OBE and the Michael Uren Foundation to allow construction of the centre at the College’s new 25- acre research and innovation campus in White City, west London. Known as the Michael Uren Biomedical Engineering Hub, the centre will help transform new life-changing research into new and affordable medical technology, helping people affected by a diverse range of medical conditions.

Vision to make London the tech capital of the world

On 13 March, I visited the TechHub accelerator at Old Street where I outlined my vision to make London the tech capital of the world and drive jobs and growth across the city. I was also joined by some of the world’s leading tech industry figures, including Mind Candy CEO Michael Acton Smith OBE, Facebook VP EMEA Nicola Mendelsohn and CEO of Framestore Sir William Sargent.

Tech City, the heart of London’s tech sector, has become the biggest cluster in Europe over the last three years, growing out of east London to span the entire capital. The sector currently reaches as far as the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, which has more than a million square feet of space and will be ripe both for new start-ups and more established corporations. I now want Tech City to inspire even more companies of all sizes to call London home.

I have brought together some of the biggest names in London’s tech industry to champion the sector around the globe. Kathryn Parsons, Co-CEO Decoded, a company which brings digital literacy to thousands, Gerard Grech, CEO of Tech City UK and the well-known entrepreneur and investor Sherry Coutu, are among nine tech leaders who will act as ambassadors for the capital as part of my new London Tech Ambassadors Group.

A key moment in the drive to position London as the tech capital of the world will be the city’s inaugural Technology Week taking place from June 16 to 20, drawing tens of thousands of people from across the globe and providing an unrivalled opportunity to showcase London’s technology credentials.

Deputy Mayor helps Camden’s creative entrepreneurs celebrate 1st year of success

On 20 March, my Deputy Mayor for Business and Enterprise, Kit Malthouse, met some of Camden’s finest new entrepreneurs when he joined celebrations to mark the first year of a pioneering creative industries hub in Camden.

Kit officially opened C/159 market place, the latest outpost of the Camden Collective initiative, to celebrate their role in making Camden one of the leading creative centres of the UK. C/159 was transformed from a once derelict pound shop into a bustling retail and business hub, utilising part of £700,000 of funding that was provided by the GLA, alongside match funding from Camden Council and Camden Town Unlimited. The project forms part of £2.2 million of funding that my Regeneration Fund has invested in Camden to help the area retain its title as one of the top creative economies in the country.

The Camden Collective is also helping to regenerate a neglected corner of Camden Town, improving the retail offering and encouraging other businesses to relocate to the area.

Find out more about the Camden Collective at www.camdencollective.co.uk

Summit supporting city’s diverse entrepreneurs

On 24 March, I spoken at a summit designed to help budding entrepreneurs from some of the capital’s diverse groups to overcome barriers and access support and finance to help them flourish in the capital. The Improving Access to Finance: Unlocking the Potential of Businesses Summit held at City Hall brought together 350 female and black and minority ethnic delegates with leaders from some of the UK’s biggest banks and financial institutions, in order to discuss how to unlock the true potential of London’s diverse businesses.

Following my opening address, the delegates heard professionals from some of the UKs top financial institutions discuss how to overcome barriers and meet challenges and how to access vital funding to grow their businesses. The afternoon saw panel discussions where both sides shared ideas about how they could work together more effectively.

£100,000 Investment to help East End Market

On 26 March, I announced that I had invested £100,000 in Chrisp Street Market in Poplar, alongside match funding from Tower Hamlets Council, to help run a series of events to capture and celebrate the history and culture of the market and boost trade by encouraging local residents to experience the resource on their doorsteps. Three weekends of events and celebrations took place at the Market, which included a weekend hosted by one of the area’s internationally famous ex-residents, Dame Angela Lansbury.

To find out more about my work to regenerate London’s high streets visit: http://www.london.gov.uk/priorities/regeneration/high-streets/rethinking-high-streets

Atlas uncovers hidden world of Park Royal

On 23 May, I launched a new ‘atlas’ that shines a light on the 2,000 businesses based at Park Royal and aims to ensure they can maximise the enormous benefits of one of the largest regeneration schemes in Europe.

I intend to create a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) to further unlock the enormous regeneration potential of Old Oak Common and Park Royal. The eastern corner of Park Royal, known as Old Oak Common, is set to be transformed when a ‘super hub’ High Speed 2 and Crossrail Station is built by 2026. Old Oak Common will become a new district with up to 24,000 new homes and more than 55,000 jobs. I am also working hard to strengthen and enhance the important industrial offer of the rest of Park Royal.

The Park Royal Atlas is the first ever detailed study of the capital’s largest industrial estate, often dubbed ‘London’s Kitchen’. The study will inform policies and strategies for intensification and economic growth, support inward investment and celebrate and market the diverse services of Park Royal and its contribution to London’s economy.

To view the Atlas visit: http://www.london.gov.uk/priorities/regeneration/publications- guidance

Super Connected Cities Voucher Scheme

On 27 March, I promoted the Super-Connected Cities Voucher Scheme for London. The scheme aims to maximise London’s digital infrastructure and promote the provision of ultrafast broadband and wireless connectivity across a number of areas in London. It is open to London SME’s until March 2015.

More information on the Voucher Scheme can be found at: https://www.london.gov.uk/priorities/business-economy/for-business/business- support/businesses-get-up-to-3000-for-high-speed-broadband

This follows my approval for the GLA’s entry into grant funding arrangements with DCMS, under which the latter will make up to £25 million of Urban Broadband funding available to the GLA to spend in its Super-Connected Cities Project. In addition, a £1 million allocation from the Growing Places Fund has been approved by the Local Enterprise Partnership for use to secure external expertise required for the delivery of the project, including specialist information technology and telecoms, project management support and legal services.

Outer London Fund - Regeneration works in Ruislip Manor reach completion

On 4 April, a commemorative plaque was unveiled in Ruislip Manor to mark the opening of the Ruislip Manor town centre improvement works, and the completion of the first big GLA High Street project of the year. The project has transformed the centre into a truly accessible and attractive high street and boosted local confidence.

My Outer London Fund has invested £1.4 million into the regeneration of the town centre which, with other funding from Hillingdon Council and TfL, has helped to ensure a bright future for Ruislip Manor, which was previously losing out in competition with other centres.

Launch of Architecture, Design and Urbanism Panel

On April 11, the GLA and TfL jointly launched the Architecture, Design and Urbanism Panel. It is a joint panel, open to use by the LLDC, London boroughs, housing associations and other public sector organisations involved with the built environment.

The Framework will support delivery of my vision, to secure London’s position as the best big city in the world, by helping to ensure excellence in urban design and architecture, the creation

of beautiful, vibrant and well-designed public spaces, high-quality housing and excellent developments.

The panel represents the best of experienced and up-and-coming talent that have recognised and proven achievements in relevant fields and that are able to work collaboratively with complex stakeholder groups, poised to make a real difference to the future of London. It will support delivery of my regeneration programmes, as well as other public sector full and part- funded projects and initiatives.

LEP/ CITB Construction Growth Project (Greater London)

I approved the provision of £1 million grant funding from the Growing Places Funding to the Construction Industry Training Board to increase jobs and growth in the construction sector.

London Apprenticeships Campaign: Marketing and Communications

I approved expenditure of up to a maximum £1 million over the period 2013/14, 2014/15 and 2015/16, to deliver the London Apprenticeships Marketing Campaign.

City Skills Fund for London

I approved the expenditure of £372,500 on specialist services required for the delivery of phase 2 of the City Skills Fund for London Programme and relating to:

o Provision of Labour market statistics o Employability Performance Rating implementation support o Apprenticeship Guide research o National Careers Service website content enhancements and promotion o Apprenticeship Hub Support o Incentivised Funding Modelling o London ESF 2007-13 Programme Report o Employer Engagement research; and

I also agreed to delegate authority to the Executive Director of Development, Enterprise and Environment, to authorise further phase 3 expenditure and related activity in relation to the City Skills Fund for London Programme, falling within the remaining balance of City Skills Fund for London’s £1 million budget.

GLA Food Economy Programme 2014-15

I approved the expenditure of £400,000 towards the projects of the Food Programme for 2014/15 and expenditure of £1,200,000 on the Flagship Boroughs project in the financial years 14/15 and 15/16, comprising of £550,000 from the central programme budget (£250,000 in 14/15 and £300,000 in 15/16), £50,000 from the Food Programme base budget and £600,000 from the Department for Education.

Housing and Land

Updated Housing Strategy

I am aiming to undertake a strategic role on surplus public land, as part of an extension of my land responsibilities in the capital, which should help boost housing development and ease the unprecedented demand for homes.

Measures in the Strategy include:

 Promoting ‘lifetime neighbourhoods’ in town centre developments for older people who need easier access to facilities to enhance independent living;  Support for leaseholders facing rising service charges and lobbying for greater statutory protection;  Plans to create new high quality homes for long term private rent and improve standards for tenants;  New ‘graduate’ private rent housing schemes for young people;  Launching 10 Housing Zones to rapidly deliver new homes and promoting at least three new “garden suburbs” on brownfield land;  Increasing investment through seeking more flexibility in the rules governing GLA and borough borrowing for housing and also establishing a London Housing Bank to accelerate the pace of development; and  I will seeking a greater role in bringing forward surplus Government land and will lobby the Government for additional funding to acquire land to drive housing delivery.

I approved the content of the draft London Housing Strategy and the submission of the draft to the London Assembly for it to consider. I also agreed to submit the draft Strategy to the Secretary of State, together with a statement that I intend to publish the Strategy following the Secretary of State’s consideration of the document.

I approved (provided the Secretary of State does not direct that any changes be made to Strategy) the publication of the draft Strategy as the final statutory London Housing Strategy.

Finally, I have delegated authority to the Executive Director Housing and Land and my Deputy Mayor for Housing, Land and Property, to make any non-material changes to the draft Strategy as considered appropriate.

London Housing Bank to help deliver thousands more homes

On 9 April, I launched proposals for a new investment scheme designed to accelerate house building and help deliver thousands more low cost homes for Londoners.

The unique ‘London Housing Bank’ scheme would loan up to £200 million to development partners to help them speed up the building of around 3,000 homes on large scale ‘multi- phase’ schemes, which already have planning consent. These homes would then be let to Londoners at low cost rent, below the market rate, for a fixed period before being sold on, with the loan repaid to the GLA.

Through the proposed London Housing Bank, I would help to fast track these developments, completing them several years earlier than traditional house building methods allow and make thousands of additional new homes available for Londoners at low cost rent which would complement, rather than compete with, other homes being brought to market on the sites.

I am consulting agencies and organisations within the housing industry on the London Housing Bank proposals.

MIPIM Housing Concordat

On 11 March, I asked developers at the MIPIM Property Conference in Cannes to sign up to my Housing Concordat, which requests that developers market and sell London homes to Londoners first or first equal.

The Concordat was initially backed by the Major Developer Group, London First, London Chamber of Commerce and the Home Builders Federation, but subsequently it has been signed by 63 big and small developers in London.

I have written to key developers across the UK, asking them to sign up to commit to selling new homes on every development to Londoners before, or at the same time as they are available to overseas buyers. This will help ease the unprecedented demand for housing in the capital and help Londoners into home ownership.

New drive to release land for hundreds more homes to rent

On 12 March, I outlined plans to create more than 1,000 new high quality homes for long term private rent to help relieve pressure on the capital’s housing market, improve standards for tenants and boost the economy.

Over the last decade the number of households privately renting in London increased by 66 per cent, with over a quarter of Londoners now renting in the private sector. While visiting MIPIM, the world’s premier property conference, I outlined my desire to use land owned by the GLA and seek institutional investors, such as pension funds and insurance companies, to invest in the construction of long-term rental developments and help meet this need.

I announced that two new GLA owned sites in Newham, at Pontoon Dock and Silvertown Way, are now being fast tracked for the construction of approximately 700 homes, with around a third for private rent.

By targeting institutional investment in the private rented sector, I am aiming to encourage longer term leases and more stability for tenants, as well as top quality, well designed, new developments. Similar projects are already underway to provide 300 homes at Barking Riverside and 200 at Elephant & Castle on land owned by the GLA. More sites will follow later in the year.

Launch of first London Rental Standard

The London Rental Standard brings together seven landlord accreditation schemes, which will operate under a single framework. The badge will be awarded to all landlords and letting agents who meet a set of significant core commitments. These outline a minimum level of service that renters should expect, including transparent fees, better property conditions, better communication between landlords and tenants, improved response times for repairs and maintenance, and protected deposits.

A significant public awareness campaign has launched this week to encourage landlords and letting agents to sign up to the London Rental Standard and I have set a target to accredit 100,000 landlords and agents by 2016.

Veterans Aid Visit

On 12 May, my Deputy Mayor, Victoria Borwick, visited the Veterans Aid Centre in Victoria to see their work as part of my ‘No Second Night Out’ for the homeless on London’s streets.

Caritas Anchor House

On 1 May, my Deputy Mayor, Victoria Borwick, visited Caritas Anchor House in Canning Town to see their work with single homeless people in the capital.

Disposal of the View (Inward Investment Centre), 15th & 16th Floors, Payne Road, including disposal of the chattels

I approved the surrender of the View (Inward Investment Centre) lease to East Thames group in return for a premium.

I delegated authority to finalise the terms of the surrender of the lease to my Deputy Mayor for Housing Land and Property and the Executive Director for Housing & Land.

Finally, I approved the reallocation within the GLA, or the disposal at public auction, of residual items of fixtures and fittings in respect of The View with a current book value of £494,018.

Department of Health Care and Support Specialised Housing Fund – Update

I approved the GLA entering into a contract with Viridian Housing Association, in place of the London Borough of Wandsworth, for the scheme at Melody Road, as part of my Care and Support Specialist Housing Fund Programme.

White Hart Triangle: Completion of Joint Venture amendments & ancillary documents

I have approved the proposed variations to the Joint Venture Agreement with Tilfen Land Limited (Tilfen) and the execution of the Ancillary documents relating to the White Hart Triangle Business Park.

I have delegated authority to the Directors of GLA Land & Property, to take all steps to finalise, approve and enter into the agreements relating to the above and, to do all such other things as they consider necessary or desirable in connection therewith.

Barking Riverside Ltd

I approved GLA Land and Property Ltd’s continued support to Barking Riverside Limited for the period up to 31 July 2015.

Proposal to amend grant tranche payments for schemes within the Mayor’s Housing Covenant Programmes

I approved the variation of the profile of payments made to recipients of my Housing Covenant funding and agreed to delegate authority to the Executive Director Housing & Land, in consultation with the Executive Director for Resources and my Deputy Mayor for Housing, Land and Property, to adjust the tranche payments to investment partners within the Housing Covenant programmes as required in future, taking due regard of the financial implications, and impact on partners of such changes.

Lease to the Land Trust in relation to Southern Park, Greenwich Peninsula

I approved the grant of a 998 year lease of Southern Park, Greenwich Peninsula, to the Land Trust for a peppercorn rent and in doing so pass the annual maitenance costs onto the Leaseholder.

Environment

Mayor’s Low Carbon Entrepreneur 2014

On 27 May, I hosted my Low Carbon Entrepreneur 2014 competition at City Hall.

In front of a live audience, finalists pitched their green business ideas to the panel of judges including Deborah Meaden, Innocent Drinks founder Richard Reed, UK CEO of Siemens, Roland Aurich, politician and environmental journalist Zac Goldsmith MP, and my Environment and Energy Advisor Matthew Pencharz.

Ten ideas made it onto this year’s shortlist to win the £20,000 prize to help take their green idea to market. Ideas included a modular smart watch that can evolve and would never need to be replaced, a high tech urban food farm, carbon fighting super heroes, solar powered mobile phone charging phone boxes and a proposal to use commuters and Tube trains to transport goods.

I will announce the winning proposal at an awards ceremony at the Siemens Crystal on Wednesday 4 June.

£20,000 prize for bright business idea to help keep London's lights on

On 11 April, I challenging London’s small businesses to come up with innovative solutions to reduce London’s electricity use at peak times and reduce the likelihood of blackouts blighting the capital.

With a prize package of £20,000 supported by Citi, to help bring the new idea to market, I want London’s most enterprising small businesses to come up with 21st Century solutions to incentivise households to avoid the hours of peak demand and use domestic appliances at different times, reducing pressure on the National Grid and growing London’s sustainability sector. The winning idea will also help Londoners to save money on their fuel bills through smarter, more energy efficient use.

As part of my wider commitment to safeguard London’s energy supply and help grow London’s £25 billion low carbon sector, the winning idea will be presented with the £20,000 prize, contributed by supporter Citi, during a summit of world cities at City Hall in June. The deadline for applications was 17 April.

Capital Clean-up

On 3 May, this summer’s Capital Clean-up campaign got underway, with nearly 50 groups across London getting involved to spruce up their neighbourhoods. I have awarded 38 grants totalling £50,000 and 28 clean-up kits to community groups and charities to support a huge range of events taking place from May to August 2014. Volunteers will be able to join in with projects such as improving neglected footpaths and planting gardens, to picking litter from streets, green spaces and waterways.

I urge Londoners to take pride in their local area and get involved. Capital Clean-up is a partnership campaign, supported by McDonald’s, and this year’s clean-up has the potential to be the biggest yet, helping to make London an even better place to live, work and invest.

More information can be found at: http://www.london.gov.uk/priorities/environment/cleaning-london/get-involved

London Tree Week

Between 24 – 31 May, the capital is celebrating ‘London Tree Week’. London is hosting a number of activities to raise awareness of the important role trees play in our city and events include a photography exhibition, exploring the Woodland Trust's Ancient Tree Trail, the RE:LEAF awards, which acknowledge people and organisations in London who are working to improve our city scape with trees, guided tree walks and even two pop up forests.

Key organisations involved include Vauxhall and Ealing Business Improvement Districts, The Tree Council, Trees Design Action Groups and the Forestry Commission. For more information please visit: https://www.london.gov.uk/get-involved/events/london-tree-week-2014

My Street Tree Initiative has planted over 4,300 new street trees across 23 boroughs this year. When added to the previous round, we’ve planted over 6,300 street trees since 2012. Applications for the third round of street tree projects opened during London Tree Week. I am aiming to plant around 4,000 more street trees planted before March 2015 in order to meet my 10,000 tree target.

Climate Change Mitigation and Energy Strategy Annual Report

On 31 March, I published my Climate Change Mitigation and Energy Annual Report. The Report provides an update on the activity I undertook in the 2011-13 financial years to reduce London’s CO2 emissions and secure its energy supply. It also provides analysis and commentary on levels of CO2 emissions in London in 2011.

The Report showed that London’s CO2 emissions have fallen by eleven percent since 1990, 21 percent since their peak in 2000, and 14 percent since 2008. This is even more impressive in light of the rapid increase in London’s population, with CO2 emissions per capita reducing by nearly 30 percent from 1990 levels and by 19 percent since 2008. This means London continues to produce by far the lowest per capita emissions of any region in the UK at 4.89 tCO2 per annum, compared to the national average of 6.9 tCO2 per annum.

As London is also the wealthiest region, it shows how we can decouple CO2 emissions from economic and population growth, and shows how cities can lead the way in reducing CO2 emissions. The full report is available at: http://www.london.gov.uk/priorities/environment/publications/the-mayor-s-climate-change- mitigation-and-energy-annual-report.

GLA’s application for a junior electricity supply licence

On 15 March, I held an industry day for electricity suppliers and the London boroughs, as part of my procurement programme for securing the electricity market services required in order to be granted a ‘junior’ electricity supply licence (also known as ‘licence lite’).

Once granted, the licence will enable the GLA to facilitate better access to the electricity market for smaller scale low and zero carbon generators, enabling them to gain a better price for their power and support new investment in decentralised energy systems in London.

The GLA is the first public authority to apply for such a licence and is leading in its development with regulator Ofgem and the Department of Energy and Climate Change. Ed Davey MP, the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, is following the progress we are making in finding this new route to a market, which is currently dominated by a few large electricity supply companies.

CELSIUS - EU Funded Decentralised Energy Demonstrator

I have approved the involvement of the GLA in the CELSIUS project.

I have also delegated authority to the Director of Resources to execute (subject to the successful conclusion of such negotiations) a grant agreement with the European Commission (under which up to €495,419 will be made available to the GLA) and, a consortium agreement with Gothenburg and fellow consortium members, on behalf of the GLA and to approve the award of, entry into and also execute other contracts for services and supplies as required by the GLA for the delivery of the project.

Social Inclusion and Health

Championing healthier workplaces through City Hall get fit challenge

On 7 May, I called on workplaces to help employees get fitter and healthier by personally signing up to a new GLA health challenge.

The GLA is encouraging staff to get involved in an eight-week 'get fit for summer' promotion, which features a series of workplace events and activities aimed at improving health and wellbeing. This is part of an ongoing drive to encourage employees to take responsibility for their health as part of the London Healthy Workplace Charter. I have personally signed up to take part in the challenge.

Activities being offered include healthy eating cookery demonstrations, one by leading chef and food campaigner Jamie Oliver, and talks on healthy diets from Grayshott. There will be morning exercise sessions, Tai Chi, fitness sessions provided by The Train Station, Zumba classes, lunchtime walks, yoga and other activities.

Organisations interested in adopting the Healthy Workplace Charter should go to: www.london.gov.uk/healthyworkplace.

European Association for the Study of the Liver Conference

On 11 April, my Deputy Mayor, Victoria Borwick, co-chaired a symposium at the European Association for the Study of the Liver Conference (EASL) at ExCel. EASL was a major international gathering bringing together some 10,000 researchers and practitioners. The symposium itself focused on the issue of Hepatitis C in London and the opportunities offered by emerging treatments significantly to reduce the burden of ill health and mortality.

Independent London Health Commission

During May, the independent London Health Commission held community ‘hearing’ sessions across London to gather additional information, evidence and views from a wider range of people, including those working in organisations and sectors where gaps in the evidence have been identified. My Deputy Mayor attended these sessions:

 Friday 2 May, at the Earls Court Health and Wellbeing Centre chaired by Lord Ara Darzi;  Thursday 8 May, at St. Matthew’s Academy, Greenwich, chaired by Dr Andy Mitchell focused on children and young people;  Wednesday 14 May, at St. George's Hospital, Tooting, chaired by Peter Ellingworth focused on improving quality and of care; and  Thursday 15 May, at the Dellow Centre, Brick Lane, chaired by Dr Yvonne Doyle focused on healthy lives and disadvantaged groups including homeless people.

I have approved receipt of £0.25 million from Public Health England (London Office) and the expenditure of that £0.25 million to meet running costs of the London Health Commission. I have also approved expenditure of up to £0.995 million on activity required to facilitate the effective discharge by the London Health Commission of its functions.

International Women’s Day

On 7 March, my Deputy Mayor, Victoria Borwick, attended the International Women’s Day Breakfast held at the Guildhall in the City of London. Guest speakers at the event included the Lord Mayor, Fiona Woolf, and the broadcaster Fiona Bruce.

On 10 March, my Deputy Mayor, Victoria Borwick, hosted an event at City Hall for International Women’s Day. Entitled ‘Women Now and Then – How World War One Transformed Gender Roles’, the speakers on the panel included the broadcaster Kate Adie, Ms Helena Morrissey CBE and Izara B.

London Health and Care Leaders Forum

On 11 March, my Deputy Mayor, Victoria Borwick, attended the London Health and Care Leaders Forum at Tower Hill.

Debra Reception

On 25 March, my Deputy Mayor, Victoria Borwick, attended and spoke at the Debra Reception held at City Hall. Debra is a charity that raises funds for the support of those who suffer from the genetic skin condition Epidermolysis Bullosa.

Conference on next steps for healthcare in London

On 20 May, my Deputy Mayor, Victoria Borwick, attended the Policy Forum for London ‘Conference on next steps for healthcare in London’ in central London.

Marlborough Court Care Home

On 8 May, my Deputy Mayor, Victoria Borwick, visited the Marlborough Court Care Home in Thamesmead. Victoria had a tour of the home which included the new sensory dementia garden and also met residents of the Home.

Breast Cancer Campaign Reception

On 6 May my Deputy Mayor, Victoria Borwick, attended the Breast Cancer Campaign Reception at the House of Lords.

Commission on the Future of Health and Social Care in England – Interim Report Launch

On 3 April, my Deputy Mayor, Victoria Borwick, attended the Interim Report Launch of the Commission on the Future of Health and Social Care in England at the King’s Fund in Cavendish Square.

The Asian Awards

On 4 April, my Deputy Mayor, Victoria Borwick, attended on my behalf the Asian Awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel in Central London in order to help celebrate the achievements of all the Asian communities in the capital.

Education and Youth

Young Enterprise North Central London

On 2 April, my Deputy Mayor, Victoria Borwick, attended and presented awards at the Young Enterprise North Central London event at the University of East Anglia in the City of London, E1.

Debate Mate

On 1 May, my Deputy Mayor, Victoria Borwick, chaired the Debate Mate Competition Finals at City Hall. The Attorney General, The Rt Hon Dominic Grieve QC MP, also presented an award.

Langdon Park School - Spotlight Youth Space

I have agreed that a contribution of £482,000 to the Langdon Park School Spotlight Youth Space, which was not provided in 12-13, can still be provided in 2013-14.

Olympic and Paralympic Legacy and Sport

Royal visit to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

On 4 April, alongside His Royal Highness Prince Harry, I visited Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to join local youngsters for a sneak preview ahead of its official opening.

I had a tour of the re-developed south of the Park with designer James Corner, whose firm were responsible for the design, as well as meeting local construction apprentices, Park volunteers and cyclists from local mobility scheme Bikeworks. Bikeworks is helping people with disabilities to make the most of the Park on specially designed mobility cycles.

Pupils from Carpenters, Gainsborough and Colgrave junior schools, which border the Park, were also present to try out the brand new playground, including swings, a rope bridge and activity zones.

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park opens to the public

The Park opened with a bang, as drummers excited the crowds and beat a countdown before 250 children from local schools danced their way through the Park. At the ArcelorMittal Orbit, brave acrobats took part in an aerial performance from 80 metres in the air and throughout the Park there were pockets of activity to excite the whole family, from circus performers and sport sessions to poetry reading and music shows.

Over 500,000 visitors have now come to the Park since it opened and to ensure the crowds keep coming, LLDC will be running a full programme of activity, from community open air arts shows to large scale sporting events.

Mobile swimming pool scheme to visit three more boroughs

On 6 March, whilst visiting a mobile pool at Wanstead Leisure Centre in Redbridge, I announced that my flagship mobile swimming pool scheme will visit another three boroughs before the end of the year.

Over the last three years, ‘Make a Splash’ has brought temporary pools to 24 venues across London where there are currently barriers to participating in the sport. It has helped more than 21,500 Londoners of all ages learn to swim, with 70 per cent continuing to use another pool within six months of first taking up the sport.

Developer shortlist for East Wick and Sweetwater neighbourhoods announced

On 12 March, LLDC shortlisted 6 developers to go forward to the next stage of the bidding process for the delivery of new homes in East Wick and Sweetwater neighbourhoods of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The shortlisted developers are: Carillion Igloo and Genesis Housing Association, Grainger, Lend Lease, L&Q, Mace and Argent, Places for People and Balfour Beatty.

Sainsburys’ Sport Relief Games

On 23 March, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park hosted the flagship event of the Sainsbury's Sport Relief Games. Runners made their way around the 1 mile, 3 mile and 6 mile course in the south of the Park, whilst cyclists completed a 25 mile or 50 mile course from Lee Valley VeloPark and swimmers made a splash in the London Aquatics Centre to take part in the swimathon.

Lee Valley VeloPark opens to the public

On 31 March, Lee Valley VeloPark opened to the public. This means that for the first time in the world, four Olympic cycling disciplines are in one place: track cycling, road cycling, BMX and mountain biking.

Designed with legacy in mind, Lee Valley VeloPark now offers coaching sessions for first time riders, a fully accessible programme, local club activities and international competitions. Prices are affordable, starting from £4 a head. The VeloPark has become an instant success, with over 55,000 visitors to the venue in April.

FINA/NVC Diving World Series takes place in London Aquatics Centre

On 24-26 April, the FINA/NVC Diving World Series took place, the first international event to be hosted at the London Aquatics Centre since the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympic Games.

The event was a real success and the atmosphere grew throughout the competition. British Swimming, UK Sport, LLDC, London and Partners, the GLA and Greenwich Leisure Limited brought the competition to the capital and saw a total of 9,111 spectators watching the world class diving.

A Diving Legacy programmed linked to the competition also ran alongside the main event and saw more than 240 local school children take part.

Japanese Prime Minister Mr Shinzo Abe visits Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

On 2 May, the Japanese Prime Minister, Mr Shinzo Abe, visited Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to witness the signing of a Host to Host Memorandum of Understanding, promoting collaboration between the UK and Japan in the run up to the Tokyo 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Hugh Robertson MP, who served as Sports Minister during the London 2012 Games, signed the agreement on behalf of the UK, while the Japanese Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Hayashi, signed on behalf of Japan. They were joined for the signing by the Deputy Chair of LLDC, Neale Coleman, and Legacy Ambassador at the Cabinet Office Lord Coe.

Following the signing of the agreement, Mr Abe took in the sights from the viewing platform of the ArcelorMittal Orbit, went to view the impressive interior of the London Aquatics Centre and finally visited a newly refurbished four bedroom townhouse in the former Athletes' Village, now called East Village.

London Aquatics Centre wins prestigious RIBA London Award

On 6 May, LLDC received the Royal Institute of British Architects London Award for best new architecture for the Zaha Hadid-designed London Aquatics Centre.

Lease agreement completed for former Press and Broadcast Centre

On 14 May, Here East and LLDC completed the lease agreement to develop a world-leading creative and digital cluster in the former Press and Broadcast Centre on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. This follows the approval of Here East’s plans by LLDC’s planning committee in February.

The agreement represents a major milestone in securing an economic and social legacy from London 2012. Here East will be a significant generator of employment, training and education opportunities across the Park, creating over 7,500 jobs.

World Class Hockey Events 2016-2018

I have approved the allocation of £500,000 from my Sports Legacy Programme and £100,000 from the 2013/14 GLA Central Programme Budget, to be used as funding for England Hockey, should it win the right to host the 2016 Champions Trophy, 2017 World League and 2018 Women’s World Cup.

Culture and Events

Culture Strategy Update: Cultural Metropolis

On March 26, I published an update to my Culture Strategy ‘Cultural Metropolis’. The following day, my Deputy Mayor for Education and Culture, Munira Mirza, presented the update to the Strategy at the annual open meeting of the London Cultural Strategy Group, attended by over 150 representatives from the creative and cultural sector.

The update reviews the achievements of the past four years and outlines my vision to ‘redraw London’s cultural map’ by building cultural provision into new development areas from Olympicopolis in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to Crystal Palace.

The Strategy also outlines cultures role in making the river an exciting destination, including plans for a Lido on the River and artistic lighting installations for eight bridges across the Thames.

Cultural Metropolis can be found on the following link: www.london.gov.uk/culturalmetropolis.

The Culture Diary re-launches

On 28 April, my Culture Team re-launched The Culture Diary, a tool initiated in London during 2012. The diary has now been super-sized to help organisations across the UK plan, programme and promote their events. Culture plays a critical role in attracting tourists, students and business to London and this new website will ensure we maximise the rich and dynamic work that our organisations do here and overseas.

The Culture Diary has been brought to life through a unique collaboration between the GLA, Arts Council England, British Council, Department for Culture, Media & Sport, GREAT Britain campaign, Foreign & Commonwealth Office, VisitBritain and UK Trade & Investment.

More information can be found at: www.theculturediary.com

BP Big Screens

On 20 May, I was very pleased to have welcomed the Royal Opera House back to Trafalgar Square to present their BP Big Screens.

Having presented a live relay of the famous La Traviata, two further screenings are due to take place on 15 July with La Bohème, and 17 September with Rigoletto. These wonderful free-to- attend events provide a fantastic opportunity for people to engage with world class culture in such an iconic location.

Vaisakhi

On 4 May, 30,000 people came to Trafalgar Square to celebrate Vaisakhi, which symbolises the beginning of the Sikh New Year. Organised by the GLA and supported by Lebara Mobile, this event offered people of all backgrounds the opportunity to learn about the Sikh faith, try on a turban and enjoy music performances, including classical and Bhangra.

My Deputy Mayor, Victoria Borwick, attended on my behalf and sampled some of the fine vegetarian food and drink on offer. Children’s activities included Pungra keep fit, sporting activations, Bhangra dancing and the opportunity to have their pictures taken against a backdrop of the Golden Temple which was then displayed on the big screens for all to see.

London Symphony Orchestra

On 11 May, I was delighted that the London Symphony Orchestra returned to Trafalgar Square to present their third annual free BMW LSO Open Air Classics concert.

This year Valery Gergiev and this fine orchestra played out to 8,000 people amidst these incomparable surroundings. This free event was available to all and offered the unique chance to see this world-renowned orchestra and experience its music.

Peoples Question Time – Royal Borough of Kingston

On 26 March, I held a People’s Question Time at Richard Challoner School, New Malden, in the Royal Borough of Kingston.

These public consultation meetings help to increase the transparency and accountability of my work at City Hall by providing an opportunity for the public to pose questions to myself and the London Assembly.

St Patrick’s Day parade and Celebration

On 16 March, I hosted the 13th annual St Patrick’s Day Parade and celebration in central London, which attracted unprecedented numbers of over 125,000 people. Showcasing Irish culture, food, comedy, film, music and dance, the event was one not to be missed. My Deputy Mayor, Richard Blakeway attended the event on my behalf and welcomed the audience to this prestigious event in an iconic location.

I was delighted to once again support this event, which showcases annually the contribution of the Irish community to our city.

Feast of St George

On 21 April, inspired by its 13th century origins as a national day of feasting, I hosted the Feast of St George in celebration of St George’s Day. My Deputy Mayor, Victoria Borwick, welcomed the crowds to a sunny Trafalgar Square and a feast of traditional English fare and free entertainment.

An estimated 40,000 attendees throughout the day enjoyed the English food market, with stalls selling mouth-watering treats, including hog roast, eton mess and homemade pies, which was seated in a splendidly decorated banqueting area, featuring a magnificent, interactive dragon sculpture as its centrepiece.

Other highlights included live cookery demonstrations, pop-up entertainment, maypole dancing, children’s activities, traditional garden games and music from some of London’s best young musical talent from my GIGS busking competition.

Passion of Christ

On 18 April, Wintershall Charitable Trust (WCT) from Bramley in Surrey re-enacted the story of the Passion of Christ on Trafalgar Square. A cast of more than 100 actors from the WCT acted out the drama in this free, promenade style theatre piece, where spectators were offered the unique opportunity to experience the history of Good Friday and learn the origins of Christian faith.

Cityread launched at City Hall

On 31 March, I hosted Cityread, an annual celebration of literature that aims to bring reading to life for the whole capital. Libraries from across all of the boroughs took part in this month

long event, alongside TfL who promoted Cityread and are investigating an ebook club for commuters.

Busking

On 9 April, I launched Gigs, my annual young buskers’ competition. Gigs has gone on to become the biggest youth music competition in the UK. Gigs closes for entries on 8 June and live performances will then take place across the capital from 19 July to 9 August, before the Grand Final is hosted at Westfield Stratford on 7 September.

I also called on musicians and music lovers to support my new #BackBusking campaign. I want London to be the most busker friendly city in the world, but I am concerned that reams of red tape and a myriad of confusing rules could make London a no-go area for buskers.

On 14 May, my Deputy Mayor, Munira Mirza, and Paul Martin, CEO of the London Borough of Wandsworth, co-chaired a Busking Roundtable at City Hall. Local Authority officers attended from 25 boroughs and were extremely supportive of my plan to create single code of conduct for busking in London, plus a one-stop-shop website and app to cut through the red tape.

I also announced a new Busking Taskforce, involving the music industry and key agencies, to support and advise on my vision to make London the most busker friendly city in the world. They will work alongside my culture team to help simplify the rules and regulations around busking, create a single code of conduct, website and app, and increase high quality busking throughout London by raising awareness of busking best practice.

Fourth Plinth Schools Awards

On 1 May, students from all over London attended my Fourth Plinth Schools Awards ceremony at City Hall. Nearly 1,700 young Londoners entered the annual competition to produce works of art inspired by the contemporary art commissions for the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square.

The competition is a fantastic way to showcase the artistic talents of our young people and give them a chance to connect to the capital’s most iconic square. Award-winning artist Jeremy Deller selected the winning entries and presented prizes alongside my Deputy Mayor for Education and Culture, Munira Mirza. The exhibition of winning works can be seen at City Hall until 30 June.

Fourth Plinth 2013/14 - 14/15

I approved the allocation of £254,000 GLA funding for the Fourth Plinth Commissioning Programme in the financial years 2013-14 and 2014-15 and the award of grant funding to the 6 shortlisted and the 2 successful commissioned artists for the total amount of £236,000 in this period.

I also approved the procurement, award, entry into and execution of, any and all contracts up to an aggregated value, not exceeding £272,000, in relation to the delivery of the Fourth Plinth Commissioning Programme.

I agreed that the GLA can seek sponsorship and external income to assist in meeting the costs of delivering the Fourth Plinth Commissioning Programme and the entry into and execution of appropriate grant funding agreements for such funding.

Finally, I agreed to delegate authority to the Assistant Director, Health and Communities to approve the GLA’s entry into, and execution of, all funding agreements to assist with the delivery of the Fourth Plinth Commissioning Programme.

Film London celebrate 10 years

This month I was delighted to wish Film London a very happy 10th birthday. Over the past decade my agency for film has turned around the capital’s reputation as a place to make films.

Filming in the capital has doubled since 2003. London is now the third biggest city for filmmaking in the world after LA and New York. Film London also announced a new strategy and brand reflecting their new activities in TV, animation and games.

Commonwealth Day Ceremonies

On 10 March, my Deputy Mayor, Victoria Borwick, attended on my behalf the Commonwealth Day ceremony at the Memorial Gates on Constitution Hill. The Deputy Mayor laid a wreath of remembrance on behalf of all Londoners.

The Deputy Mayor then went onto attend the Annual Observance of Commonwealth Day at Westminster Abbey. Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh were in attendance at the Service.

Annual Mountbatten Festival of Music

On 13 March, my Deputy Mayor, Victoria Borwick, attended the Annual Mountbatten Festival of Music in aid of the Royal Navy at the Royal Albert Hall.

Queen’s Colour Squadron of the RAF

On 6 April, my Deputy Mayor, Victoria Borwick, attended a Dinner with the Queen’s Colour Squadron of the RAF at St James’s Palace in central London.

Worshipful Company of Glaziers Banquet

On 24 March, the Worshipful Company of Glaziers held their annual banquet at Mansion House in the City of London and my Deputy Mayor, Victoria Borwick, attended as the Guest of Honour. Victoria spoke briefly at the banquet. The Lord Mayor of London, Fiona Woolf, was also present at the banquet.

ICE London Civil Engineering Awards 2014

On 28 and 29 April, my Deputy Mayor, Victoria Borwick, visited the shortlisted submissions for the Institution of Civil Engineers London Civil Engineering Awards 2014, as a member of the judging panel.

Events for London Programme for 2013/14

I approved:

 The Events Programme and allocation of a net GLA funded Programme budget of £1,290,000;

 The seeking of additional sponsorship from suitable partners in order to raise additional revenue for the Programme, which will be used to enhance events within the Programme if forthcoming;  The awarding of grant funding to, entry into and execution of, funding agreements with various organisations, with a maximum aggregated value not exceeding £565,000;  The procurement, award of, entry into and execution of contracts for services required to facilitate Events Programme delivery, including event management, marketing, printing, photography, artistic, and market research services with a maximum aggregated value not exceeding £880,000;  Allocation of £50,000 from 2012/13 Events for London Programme budget towards the production costs for St Georges Day 2013, to be incurred in 2012/13; the total cost of the event being split across financial years 2012/13 and 2013/14;  To carry forward £250,000 from the 2012/13 events for London Programme for the funding for Triathlon 2013-15 (of which £125,000 for 2013-14);  The delegation of authority to the Director of Communications and External Affairs to approve all further arrangements for the delivery of the Events Programme and constituent events, including without limitation the procurement, award and execution of contracts for services, and/or supplies, sponsorship agreements and grant funding agreements irrespective of value.

Volunteering

Team London Young Ambassadors programme hits 400 schools target

More than 400 schools across the capital have signed up to my Team London Young Ambassadors programme, which was set up last September to get more young people volunteering and involved in social action in their communities. It means the scheme, which is being delivered in partnership with the youth charity Free The Children, has already exceeded its target for 2014. My ambition is to reach 1,000 schools by the end of 2015 and offer the programme to every state school in London and over one million young people by 2016.

On 7 March, the efforts of pupils from every London borough were recognised at We Day UK, a major event which was held at Wembley Arena by Free The Children, with the aim of educating, inspiring and empowering around 12,000 young people from across the UK.

Those attending the celebration included His Royal Highness Prince Harry, Nobel Peace Prize- nominated education activist Malala Yousafzai, singers Ellie Goulding and Jennifer Hudson and former US Vice President Al Gore. London born rapper Dizzee Rascal, actor Clive Owen and Team London Ambassador, the Paralympian Martine Wright, who lost her legs in the 7/7 bombings, also appeared on stage.

Team London Ambassadors

40 Team London Ambassadors were successfully deployed at Covent Garden over the Easter period, with 230 Team London volunteers also supporting spectators at the London Marathon. 100 new volunteers have now been recruited and trained to join the deployment of 550 Ambassadors over the summer.

The Team London knowledge quiz was launched to all London primary and secondary schools in March, with the final taking place on the 9 July. Team London also hosted a youth summit

at City Hall, which was attended by 150 Team London young ambassadors who were inspired by charity and younger speakers to deliver their own social action projects.

Team London Programme 2014-15

I agreed expenditure of up to a maximum of £580,000 programme budget and £100,000 from the central programme budget, to further support Team London volunteering activities.

I have approved, as part of the £100,000 small grants programme, entry into, and execution of, funding agreements between the GLA and between 10 and 20 volunteering organisations to a maximum of £10,000 each.

Finally, I agreed to delegate to the Executive Director of Communities and Intelligence the authority to approve all further arrangements for the delivery of the programme, including without limitation, the procurement and award of contracts for services, and/or supplies, sponsorship agreements and grant funding agreements as is necessary.

GLA Organisation

Delivery of the new London.gov.uk website

I have approved gross expenditure of up to £1.85 million, including the receipt of income of £0.3 million, for the construction and delivery of the new London.gov.uk website.

I have delegated to the Head of Technology and to the Assistant Director of External Relations, the authority to approve all decisions relating to expenditure of the budget, provided that all decisions relating to the GLA’s entry into contracts have first been ratified by the Digital Strategy Board.

Budget and Finance

Budget that sparks thousands of new jobs and homes in London

On 19 March, I welcomed commitments made by the Government in the 2014 Budget that have the potential to spark the construction of tens of thousands of new homes, help regenerate some of the capital’s most deprived housing estates and deliver thousands of new jobs.

I have persistently lobbied the Government for funding and commitments to the construction of infrastructure that could be used to help regenerate large swathes of London, and meet the immense demand for new housing in the capital. As a result, the Chancellor confirmed hundreds of millions of pounds of new funding for London including:

 Up to £150 million of funding to help kickstart the regeneration of deprived housing estates;  A commitment that the Government will work with me to extend the Gospel Oak to Barking Overground line to Barking Riverside, which will unlock development of the largest single site in London for new housing;

 Support for the delivery of transport improvements and regeneration in the Brent Cross Cricklewood area, that will contribute to the development of a new metropolitan town centre on a scale comparable with the Olympic Park;  A pledge to provide Section 33 VAT status for the Mayoral Development Corporation planned in the Old Oak Common area. That commitment will aid ambitious plans to transform one of the most deprived parts of London into a thriving new district with up to 24,000 new homes and more than 55,000 jobs; and  The Chancellor also announced that business rates discounts and enhanced capital allowances will be extended in enterprise zones for another three years, meaning that London’s Royal Docks Enterprise Zone will have business rates discounts and the ECA extended to March 2020.

The GLA Business Plan & key governance documents

I have approved:

 The GLA Business Plan for 2014-15 to 2015-16;  The GLA budget lines for 2014-15 contained within the directorate sections of the Business Plan;  My re-profiled Sports Legacy Programme and Youth ESF Programme budgets;  The technical accounting adjustment in GLA Land & Property to transfer the Development Stock budgets from capital to revenue in 2013-14 and 2014-15;  A delegation to the Executive Director of Resources to agree GLA budget carry forwards from 2013-14 to future years, on the basis that the agreed carry forwards will be reported to a future meeting of the Investment & Performance Board;  The schedule of GLA fees and charges for 2014-15;  The Mayoral Scheme of Delegation, the Financial Regulations and the Contracts & Funding Code;  Jointly with the Assembly, the Expenses & Benefits Framework as it applies to the Mayor, Assembly Members, the Authority’s statutory officers and members of staff appointed by the Mayor under Section 67(1) of the GLA Act 1999; and  A response to the Head of Paid Service on the Expenses & Benefits Framework indicating that I am content for it to be applied to staff appointed by the Head of Paid Service under Section 67(2) of the GLA Act 1999.

London & Partners 2014/15 Business Plan and Budget

I approved London & Partners’ 2014/15 Business Plan, incorporating an expenditure budget of £18.8 million and GLA grant funding of £11.65 million.

I also agreed the issue of a Grant Award letter to London & Partners by the Executive Director of Resources, confirming the Grant Funding of up to £11.65 million for the financial year 2014/2015 and expenditure of up to £0.01 million by the GLA for the purposes of carrying out a London & Partners stakeholder satisfaction questionnaire, with any underspend from this amount being granted to London & Partners to be redeployed on promotional activities.

Treasury Management Strategy Statement, Policy and Minimum Revenue Provision Policy for 2014-15

I approved the Treasury Management Strategy for 2014-15, including the Treasury Management Policy and Minimum Revenue Provision Policy and, noted the Treasury Management mid-year review for 2013-14.

Approval of GLA Group Borrowing Limits and Prudential Indicators for 2014-15 to 2016-17 and Amendment of Borrowing Limit for TfL for 2013-14

I agreed the Authorised Borrowing Limits and Prudential Indicators for 2014-15 to 2016-17 for the GLA and for each functional body and also agreed the amendment to the Authorised Borrowing Limit for TfL for 2013-14.

Planning and Development Control

Plans to create new homes and jobs at Old Oak Common move closer

On 13 March, my Deputy Mayor for Planning, Sir Edward Lister, announced that my ambitious plans to transform one of the most deprived parts of London into a thriving new district with up to 24,000 new homes and more than 55,000 jobs have moved a step closer.

At the international MIPIM property conference, Sir Edward revealed that the GLA is about to enter detailed negotiations with three local authorities, Hammersmith & Fulham, Brent and Ealing councils, in order to create a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) that will drive the comprehensive regeneration of a 195 acre semi-industrial site at Old Oak Common, West London. I have now published draft key objectives and powers for the MDC, together with its proposed boundary.

Our research indicates that the regeneration scheme could be worth up to £6.2 billion for the London economy, with the potential for Old Oak to supply up to 2.5 per cent of the Greater London housing requirement and almost 14 per cent of Greater London’s employment need up to 2031.

The MDC can best maximise the enormous benefits that are linked to the construction of a ‘super hub’ HS2 and Crossrail Station that is due to be constructed by 2026. It will aim emulate the success of the LLDC that continues to lead the post-Olympic regeneration of Stratford and East London.

Proposals to create an MDC are also subject to public consultation and approval from the London Assembly and Secretary of State. It is hoped that the MDC will be established by early summer 2015.

Convoys Wharf Development

On 31 March, I approved plans, subject to a Section 106 agreement, to build up to 3,500 new homes and create over 2,000 new jobs on a site in Deptford that has been derelict for 14 years.

Convoys Wharf is one of the largest potential sites for much-needed new housing in the capital. Over the past decade a series of proposals to regenerate the site stalled before they could be considered.

An application was submitted to Lewisham Council in May 2013, but the local authority was unable to consider it before the statutory 16 week period to determine planning applications of this nature expired. At the request of developer Hutchison Whampoa, I chose to take on the role of planning authority in an attempt to bring the plans to fruition.

The developer will also build a community hub that will be linked to Sayes Court Garden, with an integrated new primary school included at the heart of the site. There will be shops, restaurants, 525 affordable homes and a new riverside jetty park, forming part of an increased area of public space.

City Forum development to build 1000 homes

On 1 April, I approved plans to build almost 1,000 homes in Islington at the City Forum development on City Road.

Since then, my planners have been working closely with developer Berkeley Homes and the council to bring forward a scheme that can alleviate some of London’s pressing housing needs and regenerate a part of London that is in need of improvement.

The scheme comprises a 42-storey tower block and a 36-storey tower block in an area already designated by Islington Council as suitable for locating a cluster of tall buildings. The development will include 995 homes, 30 per cent of which will be affordable. There will also be a 190-room hotel, a crèche and retail and office space. It is expected that the development will lead to the creation of more than 1,000 jobs.

I have negotiated with Berkeley Homes to ensure that the developer funds all of the affordable housing itself, with no taxpayer funding, which will result in the 144 affordable rented units on the site being provided at ‘target’ rents to make them even more affordable.

New Stand at Lord’s Cricket Ground

On 10 April, I approved plans to redevelop the Warner Stand at Lord’s Cricket Ground. The new stand will provide 2,922 seats with improved views of the ground and new catering facilities.

3,000 new homes in Hackney approved

On 16 May, I approved plans to comprehensively regenerate a housing estate in Hackney and build more than 3,000 new homes. Parts of the Woodberry Down Estate, comprising 1,980 properties, date back to the 1940s and have been in need of improvement for many years.

Developer Berkeley Homes began to regenerate the estate in 2005 and has already built 862 new homes. A further 180 homes are currently under construction. However, I have now given the green light for the next seven phases of the Woodberry Down ‘Masterplan’. This gives Berkeley Homes full permission to replace the estate’s remaining blocks and with an additional 3,242 new homes and 10,921 square metres of non-residential floorspace.

In total the Masterplan will deliver 4,284 homes and 2,214 of these properties will be affordable (60 per cent affordable rent and 40 per cent intermediate), which is a net gain of 776 properties. The remaining homes will be sold on the open market. A range of new facilities will also be built, including three new public parks, improvements to transport infrastructure, a

community centre and library, a new Academy, an extended primary school, a new children's centre and retail and commercial space.

Planning Decisions (Stage II referrals)

Land adjacent to Hillingdon Station, LB Hillingdon I have written to the London Borough of Hillingdon stating that I am content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

Former Master Brewer Hotel, LB Hillingdon I have written to the London Borough of Hillingdon stating that I am content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

Stanley Road Playing Fields, LB Barnet I have written to the London Borough of Barnet stating that I am content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

Site at Huntingdon Industrial Estate, LB Tower Hamlets I have written to the London Borough of Tower Hamlets stating that I am content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

Land adjacent to Former Pirelli Works, LB Bexley I have written to the London Borough of Bexley stating that I am content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

St Clement’s Hospital, LB Tower Hamlets I have written to the London Borough of Tower Hamlets stating that I am content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

Land at 2-6 Griffin Manor Way, RB Greenwich I have written to the Royal Borough of Greenwich stating that I am content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

Land bounded by King John Street, LB Hackney I have written to the London Borough of Hackney stating that I am content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

Former ACF Building Wandsworth Business Village, LB Wandsworth I have written to the London Borough of Wandsworth stating that I am content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

253-259 Kensal Row and 5-6 Middle Row, RB Kensington and Chelsea I have written to the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea stating that I am content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

Lancer Square, RB Kensington and Chelsea I have written to the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea stating that I am content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

Hurlingham, Retail Park, LB Hammersmith and Fulham I have written to the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham stating that I am content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

Clarendon Square Haringey Heartlands, LB Haringey I have written to the London Borough of Haringey stating that I am content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

Thames Side Wharf, RB Kingston upon Thames I have written to the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames stating that I am content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

Former BBC Television Centre, LB Hammersmith and Fulham I have written to the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham stating that I am content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

111 Uxbridge Road, LB Ealing I have written to the London Borough of Ealing stating that I am content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

Site of Building 717, T4 Hotel, Heathrow Airport, LB Hillingdon I have written to the London Borough of Hillingdon stating that I am content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

Former Arla Foods Depot, LB Hillingdon I have written to the London Borough of Hillingdon stating that I am content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

263-289 Holloway Road and 2-16 Eden Grove, LB Islington I have written to the London Borough of Islington stating that I am content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

Former St Andrew’s Hospital, LB Tower Hamlets I have written to the London Borough of Tower Hamlets stating that I am content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

Hanworth Park House, LB Hounslow I have written to the London Borough of Hounslow stating that I am content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

The Warner Stand, Lords Cricket Ground, City of Westminster I have written to the City of Westminster stating that I am content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

Ferry Lane Industrial Estate, LB Waltham Forest I have written to the London Borough of Waltham Forest stating that I am content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

Former Sainsbury’s and Comet Sites, RB Greenwich I have written to the Royal Borough of Greenwich stating that I am content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

Crossharbour ASDA Site, LB Tower Hamlets I have written to the London Borough of Tower Hamlets stating that I am content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

79 Camden Road, LB Camden I have written to the London Borough of Camden stating that I am content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

Former Anglers Retreat PH, LB Hillingdon I have written to the London Borough of Hillingdon stating that I am content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

Former Whitworth Centre, LB Havering I have written to the London Borough of Havering stating that I am content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

Callis Yard Depot Bunton Street, RB Greenwich I have written to the Royal Borough of Greenwich stating that I am content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

Car Park and adjoining Land Lion Green Road, LB Croydon I have written to the London Borough of Croydon stating that I am content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

Anmer Lodge, LB Harrow I have written to the London Borough of Harrow stating that I am content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

Alcatel-Lucent Christchurch Way, RB Greenwich I have written to the Royal Borough of Greenwich stating that I am content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

Empress State Building, LB Hammersmith and Fulham I have written to the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham stating that I am content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

Marine Wharf, LB Lewisham I have written to the London Borough of Lewisham stating that I am content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

Woodberry Down Masterplan, LB Haringey I have written to the London Borough of Haringey stating that I am content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

New Court 48 Carey Street, City of Westminster I have written to the City of Westminster stating that I am content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

Market Towers, LB Wandsworth I have written to the London Borough of Wandsworth stating that I am content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

Pumping House Tidal Basin Road, LB Newham I have written to the London Borough of Newham stating that I am content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

Delegated stage II decisions

The Deputy Mayor for Policy and Planning, under powers I delegated to him, has sent letters in response to the following statutory referrals:

Old Coal Depot, LB Hillingdon The Deputy Mayor has written to the London Borough of Hillingdon stating that he is content to allow the Council to determine the application itself. iCity Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London Legacy Development Corporation The Deputy Mayor has written to the London Legacy Development Corporation stating that he is content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

Land at Great Eastern Road, London Legacy Development Corporation The Deputy Mayor has written to the London Legacy Development Corporation stating that he is content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

Neptune Wharf, London Legacy Development Corporation The Deputy Mayor has written to the London Legacy Development Corporation stating that he is content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

Finchley Manor Garden Centre, LB Barnet The Deputy Mayor has written to the London Borough of Barnet stating that he is content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

118-120 Christchurch Road, LB Merton The Deputy Mayor has written to the London Borough of Merton stating that he is content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

26-34 Tidal Basin Road, LB Newham The Deputy Mayor has written to the London Borough of Newham stating that he is content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

Vauxhall Sky Gardens, LB Lambeth The Deputy Mayor has written to the London Borough of Lambeth stating that he is content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

Leadenhall Triangle, City of London The Deputy Mayor has written to the City of London stating that he is content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

Isis House Southwark Street, LB Southwark The Deputy Mayor has written to the London Borough of Southwark stating that he is content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

Wembley High School, LB Brent The Deputy Mayor has written to the London Borough of Brent stating that he is content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

Agar Grove Estate, LB Camden The Deputy Mayor has written to the London Borough of Camden stating that he is content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

51-57 Kingsland High Street, LB Hackney The Deputy Mayor has written to the London Borough of Hackney stating that he is content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

Battersea Power Station, LB Wandsworth The Deputy Mayor has written to the London Borough of Wandsworth stating that he is content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

Odeon and Rosenheim Building, LB Camden The Deputy Mayor has written to the London Borough of Camden stating that he is content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

Planning Decisions (Stage I referrals)

I have asked officers to send letters giving comments about the following stage one referrals:

 Hercules House, LB Lambeth  Former Kelvin Hughes Site, LB Redbridge  Public Car Park, Belvedere Road, LB Lambeth  5-6 Stanhope Gate and 18a Curzon Street, City of Westminster  Dawley House Uxbridge Road, LB Ealing  Brunel University, LB Hillingdon  Heliport House Battersea, LB Wandsworth  Building 63 Phase 500, Riverside Way, LB Hillingdon  Premier Place Edgware, LB Barnet  Battersea Power Station, LB Wandsworth  100 Whitechapel Road, LB Tower Hamlets  Athlone House Hampstead Heath, LB Camden  Agar Grove Estate, LB Camden  Park House Uxbridge Road, LB Ealing  Land north of Westfield Shopping Centre, LB Hammersmith and Fulham  40-42 Ponton Street, LB Wandsworth  Leven Wharf, LB Tower Hamlets  8-10 Grafton Street, City of Westminster  Anmer Lodge Stanmore, LB Harrow  30-40 Marsh Wall, LB Tower Hamlets  Marble Arch Tower, City of Westminster  Morris North and Morris South Estates, RB Greenwich  Connaught Estate, RB Greenwich  Maryon Grove and Grove Estates, RB Greenwich  Ethelred Nursery Site, LB Lambeth  69-71 Bondway, LB Lambeth  Alcatel-Lucent, RB Greenwich  Blackbrook Lane, LB Bromley  Cranford Community College, LB Hounslow

 7 Limeharbour, LB Tower Hamlets  West Croydon Bus Station, LB Croydon  Lovell’s, Granite, Badcock and Pipers Wharves, RB Greenwich  Market Towers Nine Elms Road, LB Wandsworth  Telehouse Far East, LB Tower Hamlets  Land off East Hall Lane, LB Havering  Bedfont Lakes Estate, LB Hounslow  Sutcliffe Park, RB Greenwich  100 Avenue Road, LB Camden  Bank Station Over Station Development, City of London  Ebury Bridge Estate, City of Westminster  Railway Embankment adjacent to 351 Caledonian Road, LB Islington  Former Master Brewer Site, LB Hillingdon  Sparrows Lane Sports Centre, RB Greenwich  Former Beagle House (now Maersk House), LB Tower Hamlets  2 Trafalgar Way, LB Tower Hamlets  Bedfont Trading Estate, LB Hounslow  Land adjacent to Langdon Park Station, LB Tower Hamlets  First Bus Depot, LB Barking and Dagenham  Former Kingston Gas Works, RB Kingston upon Thames  Lymington Fields, LB Barking and Dagenham  Royal Albert Dock, LB Newham

Decisions made under delegation to Assistant Director - Planning

 Local Development Framework: Submission of the Local Plan, City of London  Land at Haringey Heartlands, LB Haringey  Hackney Council Supplementary Planning Document, LB Hackney  Dulwich College, LB Southwark  Thurston Road Industrial Estate, LB Lewisham  Land to the west of the Coal Jetty, RB Greenwich  Tottenham Area Action Plan and Site Allocations CPD, LB Haringey  Development Policies Local Plan, Local Development Framework, LB Lewisham  Royal Brompton Hospital, RB Kensington and Chelsea  Development Management Document, Local Development Framework, LB Enfield  Wandsworth Council Local Development Framework, LB Wandsworth  West London Waste Plan, LBs Brent, Ealing, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow and Richmond  Draft Old Town Masterplan, Supplementary Planning Documents, LB Croydon  Partial Review of the Core Strategy, Local Development Framework, RB Kensington and Chelsea  Bromley Development Plan Document Consultation, LB Bromley  Enfield Council Local Development Framework, Development Management Document, LB Enfield  Tottenham Hale Station, LB Haringey  10 Aldermanbury, City of London  245 Warwick Road, RB Kensington and Chelsea  Perks Field, RB Kensington and Chelsea

 11 Westferry Circus, LB Tower Hamlets  Park Café Regents Park, City of Westminster  Sites and Policies Plan, Local Development Framework, LB Merton  206-214 Stratford High Street, London Legacy Development Corporation  Core Strategy with Development Management Policies, Local Development Framework, RB Greenwich  Partial Review of Non-Statutory Guidance, S106 Planning Obligations, LB Croydon  Walthamstow Town Centre Area Action Plan, Local Development Framework, LB Waltham Forest  British Sky Broadcasting, LB Hounslow  Land within Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London Legacy Development Corporation  6-7 Park Lane, London Legacy Development Corporation  Land south of Coronation Road and west of Rainsford Road, LB Brent  Vauxhall Spring Mews, LB Lambeth  Felnex Trading Estate, LB Sutton  Tavern Quay Commercial Centre, LB Southwark  Royal Brompton Hospital, Supplementary Planning Documents, RB Kensington and Chelsea  Laboratory Square The Warren/Royal Arsenal, RB Greenwich  The Kodak Site, LB Harrow  79-85 Beddington Lane, LB Sutton  Armourers Court Arsenal Way, RB Greenwich  Archway House, LB Tower Hamlets  Local Plan Pre-Submission Publication, Local Development Framework, LB Lambeth  St Alphage House, City of London  Marble Hill House, RB Greenwich  Taberner House, LB Croydon  Village Centre, Ferrier Estate and Harrow Meadow, RB Greenwich  6 Hercules Road, LB Lambeth  4 Longwalk Stockley Park, LB Hillingdon

Key Engagements

Among my additional engagements since my last report were the following:

 I attended the launch of the Invictus Games at the Copper Box on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on 6 March  I visited the Make a Splash mobile pool at Wanstead Leisure Centre in Redbridge on 6 March  I met briefly with Christine de Veyrac MEP on 6 March to talk about London and Toulouse  I met with the Rt Hon George Osborne MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, on 6 March ahead of the budget  I attended the Classics for All Concert at Middle Temple Hall on 6 March

 I attended the Cycling Vision Event at City Hall on 10 March and announced which outer London boroughs were successful in winning funding from the mini-Hollands programme  I met with Sir Richard Ottaway MP and Sarah Wooton, Chief Executive of Dignity in Dying, on 10 March to hear their views on assisted dying  I met with Sir Paul Ruddock, Chairman of the V&A, and Martin Roth, Director of the V&A, on 10 March to discuss the Olympicopolis project  I attended the MIPIM Property Conference in Cannes on 10 and 11 March. The main aspects of the visit were as follows: o Touring the London Stand o Addressing the official opening of the London Stand o Addressing the main plenary session at the conference to promote housing in London and meeting the challenge of 21st century growth o Meeting with the C2C charity cyclists upon their arrival in Cannes  I met with the Hon Julie Bishop, Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs, on 12 March to discuss relations between our two countries  I attended the launch of the Tech Ambassador’s Group and the formal opening of the new Tech Hub offices at Old Street on 13 March  I met with Sir David Higgins, the Chairman of HS2, on 13 March to discuss HS2 and its impact on and interface with London  I had my regular discussion on Policing in London with Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, on 13 March  I chaired the London Enterprise Panel meeting on 13 March  I had my regular discussion on Policing in London with DC Craig Mackey on 17 March  I attended the International Business Advisory Council Dinner on 17 March  I addressed the International Business Advisory Council Annual Meeting on 18 March  I addressed the FGM Conference organised by the Evening Standard and Marina Yannakoudakis MEP at City Hall on 18 March  I had breakfast with Michael Bloomberg on 19 March  I attended Mayor's Question Time on 19 March  I chaired my regular planning decisions meeting 19 March  I visited the development site at the old St Clements Hospital in Mile End on 20 March  I had my photo taken with Sarah Hope and her sister Victoria, to show support for their London Marathon bid in support of ‘Elizabeth’s Legacy of Hope’ on 20 March  I had my regular meeting Transport for London on 20 March  I met with Navin Shah AM on 20 March to discuss constituency matters  I had dinner with Sir Peter Hendy, the Transport Commissioner, on 20 March  I addressed the Improving Access to Finance: Unlocking the Potential of Businesses Summit on 24 March  I chaired the London Crime Reduction Board meeting on 24 March  I had my regular meeting with Mayor Jules Pipe, Leader of London Councils, on 24 March to discuss areas of joint working  I met a selection of business leaders on 24 March to discuss Aviation  I had my regular discussion on Policing in London with Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, on 24 March  I met with Sir Peter Hendy, Transport Commissioner, on 24 March ahead of the Transport for London Board meeting  I hosted a community reception for Ealing and Hillingdon on 24 March  I visited the City Forum development site on 25 March

 I attended the Congress of Leaders Executive Committee on 25 March  I met with Jo Johnson MP, Head of the No 10 Policy Unit, on 25 March to discuss housing in London  I attended People’s Question Time in Kingston on 26 March  I chaired my regular planning decisions meeting on 26 March  I chaired the Transport for London Board meeting on 26 March  I attended an event at Trafalgar Square on 26 March to mark 100 days to go until the Tour de France arrives in the UK  I addressed the London First Infrastructure Conference on 27 March  I appeared before the Police and Crime Committee on 27 March  I held my regular “Ask Boris” Twitter session on 27 March  I chaired the Convoys Wharf Representation Hearing on 31 March  I visited LB Hillingdon on 31 March to attend a roundtable media briefing with Cllr Ray Puddifoot on the redevelopment potential of Heathrow.  I met with Lord Darzi and Dame Ruth Carnall on 31 March to discuss the London Health Commission  I attended the launch of London Live on 31 March  I hosted my regular monthly “Ask Boris” Phone in with Nick Ferrari on 1 April  I chaired the City Forum Representation Hearing on 1 April  I addressed a reception hosted by Matteo Renzi, Prime Minister of Italy, on 1 April to mark the 150th anniversary of Giuseppe Garibaldi’s visit to London  I attended the London Assembly Plenary on 2 April to answer questions on my Housing Strategy  I visited the new council homes in Alexandra Road, LB Barnet on 3 April  I had my regular meeting with Transport for London and Crossrail on 3 April  I chaired my regular planning decisions meeting on 3 April  I attended a reception to welcome the US Embassy to its new home at Nine Elms on 3 April  I visited Pentland Brands, a successful London business mainly producing sportswear and trainers, on 3 April  I visited the Tower Hamlets Youth Sport Foundation at Marion Richardson Primary School on 4 April  I attended the opening of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on 4 April  I chaired the Crystal Palace Advisory Board on 7 April  I met with Dr Eliot Forster, Chairman of MedCity, on 7 April to discuss MedCity  I met with Michael B. Hancock, the Mayor of Denver, and representatives from Denver International Airport on 7 April  I had my regular meeting with Gordon Innes, London & Partners, on 7 April  I had my regular meeting with LFEPA on 7 April  I had lunch with Paul Waugh and Sam Macrory, Politics Home, on 8 April  I attended the launch of MedCity on 8 April  I met with AC Cressida Dick on 8 April to discuss policing and security  I met representatives from the Jewish Community on 8 April  I met with Sir Peter Hendy, Transport Commissioner, on 8 April  I met with Sir Peter Rogers, New West End Company, on 8 April to discuss ways of supporting London’s West End  I attended the ABF Soldiers Charity event on Potters Field on 9 April  I attended the Gatehouse Bank Opening in Mayfair on 9 April

 I attended the event on 9 April to promote the launch of the Gigs 2014, the search for London’s best young busker  I met the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, when he visited City Hall on 9 April  I had lunch with Steve Auckland, Metro, on 9 April  I chaired my regular planning decisions meeting on 9 April  I visited LB Harrow on 10 April to see the success of Operation Bluebell which targets domestic burglary  I had my regular meeting with Transport for London on 10 April  I had my regular meeting with Dennis Hone and Neale Coleman, London Legacy Development Corporation, on 29 April  I chaired the London Legacy Development Corporation Board meeting on 30 April  I chaired my regular planning decisions meeting on 30 April  I hosted a conference call with Ron Dobson, London Fire Commissioner, and James Cleverly AM, on 1 May to discuss the FBU industrial action  I had drinks with Evgeny Lebedev, Evening Standard, on 1 May  I met with Darren Johnson AM and Roger Evans AM on 1 May to discuss pensions  I met with Martin Roth, Director of the V&A, (& Sir Paul Ruddock by telephone) on 1 May to discuss the Olympicopolis project  I had my regular discussion on Policing in London with Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, Metropolitan Police Commissioner, on 1 May  I had my regular meeting with Transport for London on 1 May  I visited the Chiswick RNLI Lifeboat Station on 2 May to meet crew and volunteers and celebrate the end of London Lifeboat Week.  I opened the Shangri-La Hotel at the Shard on 6 May  I hosted my regular monthly “Ask Boris” Phone in with Nick Ferrari on 6 May  I met with Cllr Claire Kober, Leader of LB Haringey, on 7 May to discuss borough issues  I met with Sir Robin Wales, Mayor of LB Newham, and Kim Bromley-Derry, Chief Executive, on 7 May to discuss borough issues  I hosted a meeting with the British Banking Association and CEOs of London's private banks on 7 May to discuss philanthropy and supporting mayoral projects  I supported the NHS Donor Card scheme on 7 May  I chaired my regular planning decisions meeting on 7 May  I took part in the City Hall personal health challenge on 7 May to promote health in the workplace  I took part in an event on 7 May to promote the Wheelchair Rugby World Cup in 2015  I met with Richard Parry Jones, Chairman, & Mark Carne, Chief Executive of Network Rail, on 8 May to discuss rail transport in London  I had my regular meeting with Transport for London on 8 May  I met with a delegation from the China Entrepreneur Club on 8 May  I attended the Mayor's Fund for London Fundraising Dinner on 12 May  I met with Ambassadors of Gulf Countries on 12 May to discuss security & policing in London  I had my regular discussion on policing in London with Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, the Metropolitan Commissioner, on 12 May  I attended the Sony Awards on 12 May  I visited the Google Campus and met with Matt Brittin, Vice President Google, on 14 May  I met with Tan Sri Quek Leng Chan, founder of Hong Leong Group, Malaysia, on 14 May to discuss investing and supporting growth in London.

 I hosted an Olympicopolis Dinner for key partners on 14 May  I had my regular meeting with Transport for London on 15 May  I attended the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association Reception on 15 May  I chaired my regular planning decisions meeting on 16 May  I had an introductory meeting with Nechirvan Idris Barzani, Prime Minister, Kurdistan Regional Government, on 20 May  I attended the D-Day 70th Anniversary Event on HMS Belfast on 20 May  I had my regular meeting with Dennis Hone and Neale Coleman, London Legacy Development Corporation, on 20 May  I chaired my regular planning decisions meeting on 20 May  I had my regular meeting with Transport for London on 22 May  I hosted a cycle safety event at City Hall on 27 May  I met with PWC Apprentices on 27 May  I met with Lord Foster on 27 May to talk about design and innovation in London  I had my regular discussion on Policing in London with DC Craig Mackey on 27 May  I met with Michael Gutman, Managing Director Westfield, on 27 May to discuss investment in London  I launched the London Rental Standard on 27 May  I visited the Mount Pleasant development site on 28 May  I visited the Kingsbury Temple on 28 May  During this period I also met a number of potential partners for the Olympicopolis project.

Ends