Assembly 21 November 2001

Sixteenth Mayor’s Report to the Assembly

Author:The Mayor

This is my sixteenth report to the Assembly, fulfilling my duty under Section 45 of the Authority Act 1999. It covers the period from 3 October to 6 November 2001.

Safety in London

Since my last report, I have been appointed as a member of the London Resilience sub- committee of the Cabinet Office Civil Contingencies Committee. The Committee is chaired by Nick Raynsford, Minister for Local Government and it met for the first time on Friday 12 October and continues to meet regularly. I have also decided to establish an internal Mayor’s Civil Emergency Group.

I remain in regular contact with the Commissioner of the , Sir John Stevens concerning London's security arrangements following the beginning of military action against the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. Whilst there is no specific threat that London is a target, there is a general threat, and as a city we would be foolish not to take extra precautions. As the Commissioner emphasised to me, London is well prepared to deal with the threat posed by Irish republican splinter groups and similar forms of terrorism. We know now some terrorists are prepared to go to new lengths to further their aims and it is necessary to gear ourselves up to the new threat to Londoners. We also discussed the arrangements should London face an attack similar to that against New York.

I have joined other senior politicians in backing the Islamic Society of Britain's Islam Awareness Week. I signed a pledge to demonstrate commitment to improving relations between different communities, and enhancing mutual tolerance and understanding. London is proud of its diversity, and times of international tension demand that we stand together to resist the attempts of racists who are trying to use the current situation to spread fear and intolerance.

I also wrote to head-teachers in London at the end of October to praise their efforts in handling fears of bullying faced by Muslim and other Asian school children, and to urge them to work with the police to be vigilant during the current inter-racial tensions. Following a meeting with Muslim community leaders shortly after the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, I wrote to offer my support to the teaching staff, who are doing their best to encourage tolerance and understanding. I would particularly urge schools to emphasise the important contribution that Muslims make to our city, and ask them to assist myself and other agencies in discouraging any racism or intolerance towards Muslims.

London is home to a substantial number of Muslims and that around half of all Asians living in Britain are resident in the capital. All agencies to be involved in tackling the problem of racism and anti-Muslim feeling and educating children will be key to developing tolerance and understanding in a diverse city such as London. Whilst recognising the need to avoid exaggerating this problem, there is a need for every institution in the capital to take it

1 seriously and nowhere can this be more important than in our schools where the next generation is learning to live in this diverse city.

Tourism

As a consequence of the world events over the last few months combined with the effects of the foot and mouth crisis earlier in the year, London’s tourist industry has faced a sharp downturn. In reaction to this, I have convened the London Tourist Action Group (LTAG) to address the downturn affecting the main tourism, leisure, hospitality and cultural sectors. This Group brings together business support providers and key industry players to develop initiatives. LTAG, co-ordinated by the London Development Agency, will report back to me in early November with specific proposals for inclusion in a Tourism Action Plan which will form the basis for government support.

The tourist industry is vital to London's economy and it's facing a difficult time. I am asking Londoners to go out and support our visitor attractions, see shows and dine out. I have committed £500,000 to revive London's theatre audiences to go towards 100,000 free and discounted tickets. This will be supported by an offer of free bus travel, to highlight the message, 'London's Open for Business'. After meeting with leading West End figures on 29 October, I agreed this assistance in direct response to calls from the theatres for a drive to win-back audiences. I hope that the free and subsidised tickets plus the free bus tickets will attract people back to London's theatres.

I am also intending to work with bosses, including Sir Cameron Mackintosh, to approach government to try and secure greater financial support for the scheme. Further to this, I will also be talking to London's leading restaurant owners to co-ordinate an additional incentive scheme and asking government to at least match the amount I have already pledged.

Wembley

On 26 October I announced plans to remove one of the final obstacles to Wembley keeping the national football stadium. I have agreed to provide £17 million towards the infrastructure costs of the scheme. This will replace money that would otherwise have been paid by the Football Association as part of the stadium's costs.

I have been worked with a number of partners, including central government, the FA, Brent Council and the London Development Agency over the past month to look at funding options for the stadium's infrastructure. I have been keen to ensure that the finances for the surrounding infrastructure were fully in place. This has involved working with the LDA to support more of the infrastructure costs required for the scheme. This is a significant contribution to remove any remaining obstacles to going ahead with Wembley.

We already have superior transport links in place with plans to improve them further including, among other things, a new £90 million state-of-the-art Wembley Park Station. The site already has planning permission and the scheme is ready to go. Further delay at this time would be the worst possible result for football at this time.

2 Transport

Buses

Three significant innovations were launched in October by .

Since 17 October, a new initiative to speed up the W7 service (Finsbury Park - Muswell Hill) has been in operation. Time at bus stops is being reduced by the one in five passengers who used cash to buy their tickets from the driver to 'Pay Before You Go' at local travel ticket outlets or ticket machines at stops. Early signs are encouraging, and boarding times at busy stops seem to have been reduced.

A second initiative to speed up bus services - the introduction of conductors on route 55 (Leyton - Oxford Circus) - is also in operation. Launched on 13 October, over 50 conductors are now working on low-floor double-deck buses for the first time to establish whether they speed up services and offer further benefits for passengers.

Six continental-style 'bendy' buses were introduced experimentally onto the 207 service (Shepherds Bush - Uxbridge) from 15 October. Operating alongside the existing low-floor double deck buses, the trial provides an opportunity for testing passengers' reactions and getting hands-on experience of operating articulated buses on a busy London route. The initial response has been positive with passengers commenting favourably on the space, speed of boarding and the advantages of not having to go upstairs.

All three initiatives will be monitored closely and I will ask TfL to report to me on the outcomes.

Free Transport for School Children

I have agreed to the payment of £64 000 to help support the initiative by TfL to provide free travel for school parties to cultural events and institutions, including London Zoo. The funds will assist in the set-up and administration of the scheme.

International links

Visit to Berlin

On 11 and 12 October, the Deputy Mayor, Nicky Gavron and I paid a visit to Berlin at the invitation of Klaus Wowereit, the Governing Mayor of the German capital. I met with Mayor Wowereit and we discussed a number of issues including transport, environmental policy and urban regeneration. On the evening of 11 October, we were joined by the Mayor of Moscow, Mr Yuri Luzkhov, who was visiting the city at the same time, for a joint dinner.

As my first official visit to Berlin, this signified the reaffirmation of both our cities’ commitment to the London-Berlin Partnership Agreement, which was signed in London in October 2000.

3 Housing

Empty Homes

On 8 October, I launched the Empty Homes Agency's London Week of Action on Wasted Homes and the Empty Homes Hotline, a dedicated telephone service for the public to report empty buildings across the capital.

The scale of the empty homes problem in London is immense. Over 104,000 existing homes stand empty while thousands of people are either homeless or housed in either substandard or temporary accommodation. It is estimated that around 66,000 homes could be created by bringing empty homes into use and converting empty shops, offices and other redundant buildings for residential use. Reporting empty properties to the Empty Homes Agency is something we can all do to help change the situation. I am also calling on local authorities and public and private sector landlords to play their part in reversing these statistics.

Homes for London's Women

I was joined by Diane Abbot MP and Dame Sally Powell in addressing women councillors from across London at the launch of the new report, Homes for London's Women on 15 October.

The report looks at housing problems facing women in the capital and sets out ways in which the boroughs, central government and the Housing Corporation can act alongside myself to ensure that all London's women have a decent, affordable home. I have pledged to make London a fairer city by tackling the housing problems facing thousands of women living in the capital, as the report revealed the difficulties many women have in securing a decent, affordable home.

Homes for London's Women shows that lower average earnings than men, domestic violence, and over-representation of women among refugees and pensioners are among the issues which cause housing problems for many women in London.

Already my rough sleepers strategy, launched by Glenda Jackson earlier this year, is addressing problems faced by rough sleepers including women, and a Mayoral surgery for street-homeless women will be held in later this month. The Domestic Violence Strategy contains proposals to tackle housing problems for women fleeing violence, while the Housing Forum for London and London Household survey will help to identify and address housing issues specific to women.

Every Londoner has the right to a decent, affordable home. This report shows that many women in our city face enormous difficulties in securing housing for a range of reasons. If these problems are to be addressed effectively there needs to be a co-ordinated approach across the GLA, the boroughs, central government and other statutory and voluntary bodies in London. Homes for London's Women sets out the action that needs to be taken at all levels to ensure that women in London have access to the housing they deserve.

4 Carnival

An agreement has been reached between key players involved in discussions about the future of Notting Hill Carnival on route options aimed at increasing safety for next year’s event.

This follows evidence presented by Intelligent Space, the leading experts in pedestrian movement and safety, during two days of discussions and workshops about new route options that had been proposed to improve safety at next year's and future Carnivals.

This builds on the consensus reached between Sir John Stevens, Toby Harris and I that a route change is essential if a safer Carnival is to be achieved. Discussions with the boroughs, The Royal Parks and other agencies have been very constructive and the fact that all parties have had the opportunity to assess in such depth all the issues and practical considerations affecting Carnival has been highly productive.

The existing circular route has raised fears about crowd safety and out of a total of eleven options suggested by stakeholders, the conference came up with four, all non-circular. Intelligent Space, which studied crowd flows over Carnival weekend this year, will now conduct a thorough crowd safety assessment of each of the four route options.

The evidence presented by Intelligent Space has been absolutely invaluable, providing stakeholders with a clear focus for deciding upon a new route for Carnival. This information will be critical in enabling stakeholders to arrive at a final decision for a safer Carnival route.

Following the safety review of the four new route options by Intelligent Space, the Carnival Review Group will consider other elements affecting Carnival, such as the location of stages, sound systems, food vendors and exit and entry points for floats.

Intelligent Space will present their initial findings at a meeting of my Advisory Cabinet on Tuesday 13 November.

The Notting Hill Carnival Review Group's final report, to be published later in the year, will draw on the evidence provided by Intelligent Space as well as findings of an extensive consultation process.

Mayoral Strategies

Spatial Development Strategy

Tall buildings

I have launched my interim guidelines for tall buildings in the Capital. The vital role of Tall Buildings in supporting London's World City role is the central premise of the newly published interim guidance.

The guidelines highlight the positive benefits of tall buildings to maintain a supply of top quality floorspace, promote regeneration and 'landmark' important locations. The guidelines also identify the advantages of locating concentrations of new office floorspace close to existing public transport infrastructure. They also stress that the highest design quality is an essential requirement as are the need to achieve exemplary public environments at ground

5 level and the delivery of sustainable buildings which meet the most demanding 'green credentials.

There is a clear demand for office space of this kind, as demonstrated by the coming forward of new tall buildings with existing planning permission in and a handful in other areas across London. These guidelines will give all those involved or affected greater certainty of the criteria I will be applying to the applications that come before me for decision. By providing a range of office space solutions, at different locations and heights, architectural styles and rents, London can continue to attract investment over its European and international competitors. As well as displaying our confidence in our city's future, the right sort of interesting and beautiful tall buildings can add a value and dynamism to London's skyline that Londoners and visitors to our capital can enjoy.

Research on London's declining suburbs

The vital role of London's suburbs in making London a world class sustainable city is recognised in new research which I have commissioned.

The suburbs are home to three in every five Londoners. Changing retail, transport and social trends are creating problems in some of these suburbs and the research, to be carried out by urban regeneration specialists URBED, will look at developing a toolkit to address these problems as part of the , my vision for London over the next 15 years which will be published early next year.

URBED will be asking the for their views and experiences, examining why some suburbs thrive and others decline and what boroughs' responses have been. The questions will cover economic, social and environmental sustainability.

I am committed to tackling deprivation in London wherever it exists. Although much of is relatively wealthy, where suburbs are in decline people face the same problems as in inner city areas. This study will be important in identifying why some suburbs are booming while others face social and economic decline, and promoting measures which boroughs have found successful in addressing these problems.

Stakeholders

Children

On 30 October a new report was launched which pressed for the needs of London's children to be addressed. Nicky Gavron, Deputy Mayor attended on my behalf and addressed the launch of the report 'The State of London's Children'.

The report provides a benchmark from which all organisations can begin to work. The fact is that, in spite of London's significance as a global financial centre and a wealth creator, there are too many children being born into deprivation.

The State of London's Children report was written by Dr Suzanne Hood at the Office of the Children's Rights Commissioner for London and brings together all the existing statistical information about London children's lives. The GLA is in a unique position as the strategic

6 authority for London, to begin to bring together the different organisations that have an influence in the lives of children.

The report highlights the inequalities that exist for London children and shows how they relate to the key issues of poverty and social exclusion. It also sets out policy recommendations for local, regional and national government.

In London some of the most deprived communities in are living next door to some of the wealthiest. Low birthweight, poor nutrition and low educational attainment show that the so-called trickledown effect is not working. London contributes so much to the economy of the country, so it is unacceptable that we are ignoring its children – its future citizens, it future contributors.

Budget and Finance

Budget update

During last few months there has been a continuous process of development of budget proposals within the GLA and the functional bodies. Their detailed budget submissions will be examined carefully during November and will include a review by my senior equalities advisor on how the equalities agenda is being taken forward in the budget development. The submissions will be developed to form my draft budget in time for the process of formal consultation starting in December.

At this stage there are a range of uncertainties, most notably the level of government grant. However the Government's proposed grant settlements for 2002-03 will not be known until the end of November. During my meetings with Ministers over the past month (listed later in this report) I have continued to press for a fair settlement for London, including specific additional funding for transport, policing and the cost of the new building, City Hall.

I am concerned that the Government still intends to use the latest earnings data to update the Area Cost Adjustment. This is despite an interim response from the Office for National Statistics to questions from both the ALG and GLA officers that supports our hypothesis that the London results are not due to reductions in earnings but to: (a) the greater turnover of staff relative to the rest of the country; and (b) smaller sample sizes than last year, in particular the resampling of employees between years relative to the rest of the country.

Strategic Review of the Single Regeneration Budget Programme

The LDA has requested all Single Regeneration Budget programmes (except those in their final year or those with exceptionally small budgets) to carry out a review of their programme activity against my Economic Development Strategy (EDS) for London. The current SRB budget accounts for some 85% of the LDA’s total expenditure for 2001/2. Although the SRB programme will have no further new funding rounds, and will be replaced by the new ‘Single Pot’ from April 2002, it remains as a substantial proportion of the LDA’s budget for several years to come and is therefore an important means of implementing the EDS.

The purpose of the review is to develop maximum alignment between the SRB programmes and the EDS, with particular emphasis on the four key objectives of economic growth; knowledge and learning; diversity, inclusion and renewal; and sustainable development. Initial indications form the review show that the majority of programmes are well aligned with the

7 broad aims of the strategy; and a willingness to develop projects in the future to continue to support relevant targets and objectives.

The first phase of this has just been concluded. The results are being evaluated and the LDA would expect to produce a report in the next month.

Organisation and Building

Black Prince Road

I have agreed to seek to terminate the lease of 81 Black Prince Road with effect from summer 2002 when the GLA will be moving to its new building, City Hall.

Parliamentary Monitoring Service

I have awarded a contract to the Parliamentary News Service to provide parliamentary monitoring services for a period of one year.

E-London

I have welcomed the conclusions of a new report ‘E-London: An outline of London's opportunities and challenges’. The report noted that the London's e-success can be maximised through my strategies for the capital, and by ensuring that the GLA plays a leading role in encouraging internet use.

London is better placed than any other city in Europe to capitalise on the growing use of the internet. The report, written by Energis secondee to the GLA, Colin Jenkins, sets out ways in which the GLA can lead the way.

The report identifies three key areas where action is required to sustain London's e-success: the development of mass broadband access, the development of e-skills and the delivery of e- government services. The GLA has a vital role to play in each of these areas.

The London Development Agency will be developing a series of projects to develop Londoners' e-skills. Many young people living in areas of high unemployment have 'hidden' ICT skills which are used in everyday tasks such as text messaging or programming a video recorder. Harnessing these skills would boost employment prospects.

The GLA is also working to deliver the government's target for e-delivery of all government services by 2005 in London. London Connects, a partnership between the GLA, Association of London Government, and the Government Office for London, will be publishing a draft e- government strategy this autumn setting out common objectives and priority projects to deliver joined-up, citizen-centred public services in London.

8 Appointments

Advisory Cabinet

I have appointed Victor Anderson, member of the Green Group of the , as my new Advisory Cabinet Member on the Environment. Victor replaces Darren Johnson, the Leader of the Green Group in the Assembly. Darren has stepped down from the role to concentrate on working with the wider London community.

Sean Baine, my Cabinet Advisor on voluntary and community organisations, has stepped down from the Cabinet. I am considering a replacement for him at present.

I would like to thank Darren and Sean for the work they have done as members of Advisory Cabinet and look forward to working with Victor in the future.

Culture and Events

Respect 2002

After the success of the Respect Festival in July, I have approved plans to begin the preparation and planning of next years events. I have agreed to extend the activities from a one-day Festival to a week of activities. The plans will involve a range of partners and culminate in the Festival at the end of the week. A tender for the contract to run the festival has been advertised. I look forward to the expansion of this major multi-cultural event which sends a strong anti-racist to all Londoners and celebrates the diversity of the city.

The Future of Public Service in London Conference

I am hosting a conference to be held on December 1 on the future of Public Services in London. There is now a national debate about the future of public services, and in particular the role of the private sector in their delivery. For the this is particularly important in relation to the future of the , but it also affects all aspects of public service provision.

Key speakers will include John Monks, General Secretary of TUC; Bob Kiley, Commissioner of Transport for London; John Cruddas MP; Susan Kramer; John Edmonds, General Secretary of GMB and Will Hutton of the Industrial Society amongst others.

High quality and consumer oriented public services are vital to London’s future as a world city and to raising the quality of life of its citizens.

We have put together an unrivalled platform of speakers to discuss these issues, bringing together key public services managers, politicians, leading trade unionists, experts and public service users.

St Patrick’s Day

I have approved a major event on for St Patrick’s Day for 17 March 2002. Over the past year, my representatives have been meeting with a range of Irish stakeholders discussing plans for St Patrick’s day 2002. These meetings have been organised and

9 facilitated by the Irish Post newspaper. The discussions have been framed by my manifesto commitment to an enhanced St Patrick’s day celebration as an event for all Londoners celebrating the contribution of London’s Irish community.

I have approved plans for a community festival on Trafalgar Square and the surrounding roadways organised jointly by the GLA and representatives of the Irish community. The festival will focus on a music and dance stage on the square, with community stalls and exhibition marquees on the surrounding roadways. Food outlets and a bar will also be placed on the Square.

People’s Question Time

On 30 October, People’s Question Time was held at Newham Town Hall East Ham. The event was chaired by the local Assembly Member, John Biggs. Over 400 people attended the event, which is the third such event held since the creation of the GLA. Representatives from the Newham Youth Parliament were present and a short video outlining issues affecting young people in London was screened. The next meeting will take place in West London on 19 March 2002.

Education Conference

I am planning to host a conference in March 2002 which will seek to set out the state of knowledge on inequalities in education and attainment and exclusions amongst African and African-Caribbean school children in London, and address the underlying causes of these inequalities.

Pupils from some minority ethnic communities are disproportionately underachieving in our schools. Such low educational attainment is seen a root cause of inequalities later in life and entails a loss of potential skills for London's labour market and its economy.

Engagement with the London-wide African and African-Caribbean community in this debate will be a primary consideration. It will also be essential to facilitate the Department for Education and Skills, London LEAs and the business community involvement in the search for solutions. Understanding the causes of underachievement will also help in making the case for London and developing a number of my strategies.

Party Conferences

I spoke at a fringe meeting on “Investing in the Capital – the Case for London” alongside Judith Mayhew and Lord Sheppard and I attended the London reception at the Conservative Party Conference on 9 October.

I also attended the London reception at the CBI Conference on the 5 November.

Planning and development control

Planning decisions (Stage two referrals)

I have sent letters in response to the following statutory referrals:

10 Bromyard House, Bromyard Avenue, Acton I have written to the stating that I would not direct refusal of this application for a mixed use development.

Five Oaks Lane, Chigwell I have written to the London Borough of Redbridge to state that I would not direct refusal of this application.

Pinnacle/ Citadel, junction of Gunnersbury Road, Chiswick Roundabout I have written to the London Borough of Hounslow stating that I would not direct refusal of this application.

Sainsbury’s HQ, Stamford Street I have written to the London Borough of Southwark stating that I would not direct refusal of this application.

Taylor Woodrow Site, Broadmead Road, Northolt I have written to the London Borough of Hillingdon stating that I would not direct refusal of this application.

Dolphin Site, Romford I have written to the London Borough of Havering stating that I would not direct refusal of this application.

David Lloyd Club Site, Raynes Park I have written to the stating that I would not direct refusal of this application.

Planning decisions (Stage one referrals)

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

• David Lloyd Club, Raynes Park • West Drayton Cricket Club, Cricketfield Road • Harold wood Hospital, Gubbins Lane and part of Harold Wood Hospital Site • Surbiton Water Works, Portsmouth Road • Lovell House, Chiswck High Road • Tower Point, Sydney Road, Enfield • 4-8 Emerson Street, Southwark • Arsenal Football Club for Ashburton Grove, Lough Road and Highbury Stadium • Former Normansfield Hospital, Kingston Road and the Land between 42-56 Holmesdale Road, Teddington • Land adjacent to Roding Hospital • Britannia House, Glenthorne Road, Hammersmith • Centreway, Ilford Town Centre • 57 Waterden Road • Former Powergen Site, Bulls Bridge, Hayes • Imperial Wharf, • The Arcade, Walthamstow

11 Unitary Development Plans

London Borough of Lewisham

I have written to the London Borough of Lewisham with my response to the revised deposit draft UDP.

Aylesbury Estate, Walworth

I have written to the London Borough of Southwark expressing my views about development framework proposed to underpin a masterplan for the Aylesbury Estate New Deal for Communities regeneration programme.

Park Place, Croydon I have written to Lord Falconer to outline why I think there should be a public inquiry into examine the strategic issues around this application.

Any Assembly members seeking a copy of a planning report should contact Hannah Elliott on x 4265

Health

I have granted my approval for a series of health projects including health impact assessments of my strategies and health promotion initiatives. I continue to be committed to improving health in the capital and reducing the inequalities in health that currently exist. I hope that this work in partnership with other organisations will contribute to improving the health of Londoners.

Key Engagements

Other key engagements over the past month have included:

• I met with representatives of the London Emergency Services Liaison Panel and others to discuss emergency planning on 3 October • I met with Sir Alistair Morton Chief Executive of the SRA, John Spellar MP, Minister for Transport, and Bob Kiley Commissioner of Transport for London on 4 October • I took part in an “Ask Ken” programme for Carlton television on 8 October • I met with Stephen Byers MP, Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions on 10 October • I attended a dinner hosted by the LCCI on 10 October • I attended a meeting of the Cabinet Office Civil Contingencies Sub-group on 12 October • I attended the LCCI/ London First Transport event on 17 October • I met with the South African High Commissioner on 18 October • I met with the London NHS Region representatives on 18 October • I met with Sir John Stevens, the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police and Lord Harris, Chair of the MPA on 18 October • I attended the Assembly Waste Strategy Evidentiary Hearing on 18 October • I paid a site visit to City Hall on 19 October • I attended a meeting of the Cabinet Office Civil Contingencies Sub-group on 19 October

12 • I met the cast and crew of Kiss Me Kate at the Victoria Palace Theatre on 22 October • I met with the Mayor of Hiroshima on 23 October • I met with Simon Milton, Leader of Council on 24 October • I went to the farewell reception for Cheryl Carolus, South African High Commissioner on 24 October • I met with the London Civic Forum on 25 October • I attended the dedication of the Metropolitan Police memorial stone and book of condolences on 25 October • I attended the Asian Who’s Who reception on 25 October • I attended a meeting with representatives from London’s theatre sector on 26 October • I met with Nick Raynsford MP, Minister for Local Government on 29 October • I met with John Spellar MP, Minister for Transport on 30 October • I attended a meeting of the Cabinet Office Civil Contingencies Sub-group on 30 October • I attended an LTUC meeting on 31 October • I met David Blunkett MP, Home Secretary on 31 October • I met with Sigurd Reinton, Chair of LAS on 1 November • I attended the London First, Diwali Dinner on 1 November • I met with John O’Donnell MP and Mike Ward, Chief Executive of the LDA on 2 November • I attended a lunch for the Council of Arab Ambassadors on 2 November • I hosted a reception and attended the CBI gala dinner in Birmingham on 5 November

Ken Livingstone 6 November 2001

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