London Assembly 25 May 2005

Fifty-First Mayor’s Report to the Assembly Author: The Mayor

This is my fifty-first report to the Assembly, fulfilling my duty under Section 45 of the Greater London Authority Act 1999. It covers the period from 3 March – 11 May 2005.

General Election

I thought it would be helpful to share with Assembly Members a brief report based on work from DMAG giving information concerning turnout, majorities, party votes and second places. The Assembly may find this of interest (Appendix B).

Also attached is a table listing the change in vote across London broken down by constituency for the three main parties (Appendix A).

A preliminary analysis of the General Election results in London shows the change in the percentage of votes for the parties in London from the last General Election was as follows:

Party Change in % of vote in London % of Vote in London Labour -8.4 38.9 Liberal Democrat +4.4 21.9 Conservative +1.4 31.9 Respect +1.4 1.4 Green +1.0 2.7 UKIP +0.5 1.5 BNP +0.2 0.7 NF +0.1 0.1 Veritas +0.1 0.1 Others -0.6 0.8

These results are distorted by the fact that Respect and the BNP stood in very few seats, and the Greens did not stand in all seats – in those that they contested the BNP averaged 4.8%, Respect 14.8% and the Greens 4.0%. Outside of the east London stronghold, in the three other London seats where candidates stood, Respect gained 1.7%, 6.4% and 4.5%.

Nationally the Conservative vote rose by 0.6% and in London by 1.4%. Labour lost as many votes to Respect in London as to the Conservatives, three times as many as to the Liberal Democrats as to the Conservatives and almost as many to the Greens as the Conservatives. The BNP was not a significant factor in London outside Barking and Dagenham.

The Liberal Democrats won twice as many votes as Respect and the Greens combined, three times as many as Respect by itself, and four times as many as the Greens by themselves.

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Transport

Congestion Charge

On 1 April I confirmed that there would be a number of major changes to the congestion charging scheme following public consultation, which will come into effect on 4 July 2005. Congestion charging has been in place for just over two years. It has achieved its key objective of reducing congestion and has also provided an additional stream of revenue to help the funding of other transport measures within my Transport Strategy.

The major changes to the current scheme will be to:

• Increase the congestion charge from £5 to £8; • Increase the congestion charge for vehicles on the fleet scheme from £5.50 to £7; • Introduce three charge-free days for a monthly payment and 40 charge-free days for an annual payment of the congestion charge.

The charge increase will maintain the benefits currently witnessed in the zone and build upon its success, cutting congestion even further, and raising more revenue to be invested in London's transport system. 90% of people entering the zone do so by public transport. This will build on what has already been achieved in terms of extended bus provision, and in due course by providing additional underground capacity. At the same time a number of measures will reduce the hassle of paying the charge.

In response to requests from business and fleet operators to make the charge easier to pay and to reduce the impact of the charge on business, the daily charge for vehicles on the fleet scheme will be set at £7. In addition, large discounts on monthly and annual payments will make the charge easier to pay for regular users and should lead to fewer penalty charge notices being incurred by drivers who forget to pay the charge.

On 6 May public consultation began on the detailed proposals to extend the congestion charge westward. In Spring 2004 public consultation took place on a revision to my Transport Strategy to allow a Western Extension of the Central London Congestion Charging Scheme. That consultation concentrated on the principle of a Western Extension. TfL has now made a detailed proposal for the scheme reflecting many of the comments previously received.

Changes made to the proposals from the original consultation include a modified boundary for the charging zone, the residents discount sector extended to include some particular areas that would otherwise experience parking and severance problems and a proposal that the charging hours will also end at 6pm instead of 6.30pm. This 10 week public consultation will end on 15 July.

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Penalty Fares

I have agreed that Penalty Fares on London Buses, London Underground and the Docklands Light Railway will increase from £10 to £20, and on Tramlink from £15 to £20 when paid within 21 days, or from £25 to £30 if paid after this period. These changes will come into effect from 12 June 2005.

The changes are intended to provide a more robust deterrent to fare avoidance and will also take account the increasing number of services operated by open boarding articulated buses. This will also restore the real value of the Underground Penalty fare that has been eroded by inflation. The amended charge will also preserve a co-ordinated approach to the control of fare evasion with a consistent message that travelling without a ticket on any TfL service involves the risk of a £20 Penalty Fare. This will be in line with National Rail once the changes approved by Government Ministers have been implemented.

Road Safety Poll

The results of a MORI survey I commissioned were released on 21 March showing that 60% of people supported the introduction of a 20mph speed limit on residential streets with just 27% opposed. 85% of people supported the introduction of a 20mph limit outside schools with just 10% opposed. The current maximum speed limit on many London streets is 30mph.

In terms of measures to reduce traffic speeds, speed cameras and speed bumps had roughly equal support with less support for chicanes.

This survey shows that most Londoners want to see 20mph speed limits on the capital’s residential streets making them safer for pedestrians, particularly children and young people walking to and from school. The support for 20 mph limits in the vicinity of schools is overwhelming.

The link between speed and deaths on our roads is clear: London boroughs that have adopted 20mph zones have seen a reduction in deaths and seriously injured casualties by 57%, with serious injuries to children falling by 61% in these areas.

Tour of Britain Cycle Race

The 2005 Tour of Britain professional cycle race was officially launched at London's City Hall on 12 April. The world-class sporting event, featuring many of the stars of the Tour de France and the 2004 Athens Olympics, will climax in central London on Sunday 4 September having first completed five stages around the country.

Large crowds are expected to watch the final stage of the race as the cyclists compete against a backdrop of iconic central London landmarks. The course will be 45 laps around a one-mile circuit starting and finishing in Whitehall, following a route through Trafalgar Square, Northumberland Avenue, Victoria Embankment and Parliament Square.

In the year that London bids to host the 2012 Olympic Games, we are delighted to once again welcome the final stage of the Tour of Britain. This important national event will further showcase London's ability to promote a world-class sporting fixture to a global audience.

The Tour of Britain will be a fantastic spectacle and a fun day out. It will help to highlight the health benefits and enjoyment that cycling can offer Londoners and will illustrate the first rate facilities and experiences that London has for all tourists and visitors.

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The race comes as Londoners are showing an increasing enthusiasm for cycling in the capital for recreation and transport. London-wide cycling increased 23% to May last year compared with 2003/4 and it has increased 62% on Transport for London's road network since 2001. This is the fastest growth in cycling of anywhere in the UK. To help achieve this, TfL's cycling budget is rising from £12 million in 2004 to £19.2 million in 2005/06.

With an estimated 100,000 people expected to watch the last stage of the tour, it is also a major boost for tourism in the capital. The thousands of spectators can also enjoy a host of cultural events also taking place. The activities will give an added economic boost to the capital. According to Visit London, in 2004 65% of spectators came from outside London and went on to visit other attractions spending around £30 per head.

Free Afternoon Newspaper

On 7 April I welcomed the agreement reached by the Office of Fair Trading (OfT) and Associated Newspapers to lift the exclusive rights of the Metro newspaper contract in the afternoon and evening.

This is great news for Londoners. I have always been confident that the OfT would share our view that the exclusive distribution of the Metro is uncompetitive and I am pleased that the investigation has reached a conclusion. Of course, the exclusivity for morning distribution has not been lifted and we will reserve our right to press for this to be removed.

For the past six years Associated Newspapers have distributed the Metro in the morning. It is a matter of public record that other newspaper businesses would be willing to distribute a free afternoon paper and might even pay more than we are getting for the Metro deal. All newspaper groups will now have a formal opportunity to let us know that they are interested.

Any additional money from a new deal would be invested in further improvements to the Tube. Transport for London has now published a notice inviting expressions of interest in distributing a free afternoon newspaper. We are now one step nearer to offering Londoners the choice of a free afternoon newspaper on the Tube.

Underground Extended Hours Consultation

The public consultation on extended running hours on the Underground finished at the end of April. TfL has received over 40,000 responses from individuals and businesse. While individuals were very much in favour, there were thoughtful and solid reservations from key groups worried about the impact on early morning workers. The next task is to analyse these responses before coming to a decision.

Parking Charges

I have agreed to the Association of London Government’s proposal for a change to the additional parking charges to implement band A charges on the north side of Harrow Road within the London Borough of Brent. The revised charges came into effect on 1 April 2005.

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London Development Agency

Diversity Works

Diversity Works, a four-year programme to help companies to develop and enjoy the benefits of having a diverse workforce, was launched at the beginning of March. The campaign, funded by up to £9.8 million over four years by the LDA, will provide excluded Londoners with a second chance to share in the city's opportunities and prosperity.

Diversity Works for London is about underpinning the capital's status as an economically dynamic world city. That dynamism is a direct result of the communities of people who live here. Diversity Works for London will be one of the biggest campaigns to promote diversity in any city to date.

The programme of work for the campaign will focus on three areas - engaging private, public and voluntary sectors in promoting equality; seeking and sharing business best practice, and; enabling businesses to ensure that all levels of their workforce reflect the diversity of London's population.

In addition to increasing the understanding in the private sector of developing a diverse workforce, the campaign will also organise a programme of practical measures to assist both large corporate and small businesses, including:

• high quality, subsidised consultancy services from workforce diversity specialists, including a one-stop advisory service on compliance with equality related legislation, and a telephone helpline • leadership programmes for Boards, Chief Executive Officers and senior managers that supports their role as the driving force for change • secondment schemes, training and development programmes • trainee and modern apprenticeship schemes

I am determined that we achieve measurable improvements in how organisations across London reflect the diversity of our great city but this cannot be done alone and business commitment is absolutely essential if Diversity Works is to achieve its goals.

The official 2005 launch of Diversity Works for London saw the signing of a bilateral accord between myself and the Reverend Jesse Jackson Snr, whose Wall Street Project pioneered innovative projects with the likes of Boeing, General Motors and the General Electric Company. This took place following a business breakfast organized by the London Development Agency and addressed by the Reverend Jackson Snr. of the United States, and DTI Minister Jacqui Smith. Attendees at the breakfast included Accenture, HSBC, Credit Suisse First Boston, KPMG, Canary Wharf Group, British Airways, Fujitsu, Royal Bank of Scotland and Pearson PLC.

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Crystal Palace National Sports Centre

On 18 March the LDA and its partners announced their commitment to funding Crystal Palace Park and its sports facilities. This funding will help the sports centre's economic security in the short-term, while the LDA continue to plan and consult on the park's long-term future.

Crystal Palace National Sports Centre is set to benefit from over £1m of funding from Sport England, the LDA, the London Borough of Bromley (LBB) and operator Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL). The funding will be spent on general maintenance, improved disability access, resurfaced tennis courts and indoor five aside area and the instalment of GLL's new Wellness Gym. The funding demonstrates the ongoing commitment of the stakeholders to the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre.

The investment will benefit the local community as well as many high profile athletes who train at the site regularly. This includes Athens Paralympic Gold medallist Danny Crates and Team GB athletes Jo Fenn and Donna Fraser. It also builds on the detailed work that the London Development Agency is undertaking to plan the future of the National Sports Centre and Park.

Business Support in London

From 1 April 2005, the contract for business support in the capital will be managed by the London Development Agency and delivered by Business Link for London to serve the needs of London’s entrepreneurs more effectively. The decision to devolve Business Link Operator contracts to Regional Development Agencies across the country was made by the Chancellor in his 2004 budget statement to ensure a flexible service to support the government’s vision for a more entrepreneurial Britain tailored to the needs of local firms.

Business Link for London will continue to support the needs of the 330,000 businesses in the capital by providing an “Information, Diagnosis and Brokerage” (IDB) service for clients. Through this service, firms will be provided with the latest business information, and an analysis of their needs. They also be directed to additional sources of specialist support.

Under the new arrangements, Business Link for London will no longer directly advise businesses so as to avoid any conflict of interest with the brokerage role. However, it will continue to diagnose problems faced by businesses, plan effective solutions and draw on its wealth of knowledge about business support services across the capital to match the client with a quality- assured external provider.

Business Link for London will continue to manage and bid for a number of business support programmes. These include the Start Up service for pre start, start up and growth businesses; the Access to Finance programme which helps London’s businesses become ‘finance ready’ to ensure they are able to gain the appropriate funding for their business from the marketplace; the London Manufacturing Advisory Service to help boost the efficiency of the capital’s manufacturers; and the Employer Skills offer to ensure employers and employees have access to affordable training provision to improve skills in the capital.

Longer term changes to business support and any service improvements after 2005/6 will be driven by the needs of businesses and my wider economic development objectives. The LDA will lead stakeholder consultations on the longer-term options for business support over the next few months. These consultations will inform proposals for business support in London for 2006/7 and beyond.

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Sustainable Industrial Park in the Thames Gateway

In April the LDA’s ambitious plans to turn Dagenham Dock into a hi-tech, ‘green’ industrial park took a major step forward, with £18m for land, new roads and electricity.

The Agency has bought 6.5 acres on the estate to house the park’s flagship project – an Environmental Technology Resource Centre. The centre will be the nucleus for research on reclamation, recycling and waste reprocessing, coordinating the different elements of the industrial park for environmental and manufacturing companies. The new land – bought for £5m – brings the Agency’s total holdings on the estate to 20 acres. A further £10m will go into rebuilding and modernising roads, while £3m will pay for new electricity supplies, paving the way for future development.

Dagenham Dock’s prime location on the A13 and the river – close to Docklands and central London – makes it ideal for emerging technologies. The LDA’s sites will provide a balance for the warehouses being built by private developers Gazeley and Ravenbourne and ensure that Dagenham Dock offers a full range of jobs and business opportunities.

The three projects have been brought forward in conjunction with the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. They have also received considerable funding support from the European Regional Development Fund and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister’s Sustainable Communities Programme.

King’s Cross Working: building a career in construction

An intiative was launched on 4 March which aims to encourage the local community to find employment in the re-development work taking place in and around King’s Cross. The scheme has been set up by Camden Council and partners, partly funded by the LDA to provide much- needed construction skills training and recruitment services.

King’s Cross Working is based at the Construction Training and Recruitment Centre, a purpose- built facility on the King’s Cross site which provides a range of services for local job seekers, including practical training and career advice. The centre is equipped with computing facilities, painting and decorating rooms and carpentry workshops.

The scheme also offers recruitment support to employers, helping contractors moving to, or already operating in the area, tap in to a potentially skilled local workforce. Up and running since last summer, King’s Cross Working has already provided over 300 training places, 160 qualifications and 55 jobs.

King’s Cross Working is supported via a mix of funding from the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund (NRF), the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), the London Development Agency (LDA) and in- kind resources from London & Continental Railways (LCR) and Job Centre Plus.

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Basic Skills Pilot Conference

The Princess Royal chaired a conference at City Hall on 7 April looking at the success of an innovative scheme funded by the London Development Agency to give Londoners better numeracy, literacy and language skills in three London boroughs.

The Princess, who is Patron of the Basic Skills Agency, chaired the conference, which discussed the success of the pilot scheme to improve basic skills of low-level clerical staff and manual workers in Barking and Dagenham, Lambeth and Waltham Forest. Senior representatives from the LDA, the BSA, the TUC and several London boroughs also spoke at the event, which was held at City Hall.

Under the pilot, the LDA funded training courses targeted at local authority administration staff and manual workers such as cleaners, roadsweepers and porters to help them improve their literacy, numeracy and language skills. Through the scheme the LDA worked closely with trade unions and local authorities to run courses specifically aimed at those employees with the greatest basic skills needs. This was the first scheme of its sort and enabled 110 people to improve their basic skills across the three boroughs. The pilot involved working with trade unions TGWU, GMB, GMB Amex, Unison and the South East Regional TUC.

North London Tourism

The LDA launched a new strategy to boost the tourism industry in four north London boroughs on 28 April. The strategy, drafted jointly by the LDA and North London Ltd, seeks to harness the benefits of North London’s strengths, including:

• the 120 languages spoken amongst north London’s 1.2 million residents and the wide range of authentic cuisines including Turkish and kosher • the historical links of attractions such as Alexandra Palace from where the BBC first broadcast 70 years ago • the RAF Museum London in Hendon which attracts around 300,000 tourists a year and recently nominated for the European Museum of the Year Award • new venues such as The Arts Depot in Finchley, a vibrant performance arts centre. • Lee Valley Regional Park which boasts a wide range of boating, cycling and ice skating facilities • Walthamstow town centre, containing the longest street market in Europe

As part of the strategy, research will be carried out to enable better targeting of marketing campaigns to attract more visitors to North London. Research will also be conducted into how valuable tourism is to North London to encourage local authorities to actively promote its growth in each borough.

LDA Annual Report

I have directed that the LDA's Annual Report 2004/05 contain specified information with particular regard to equalities and on the cross-cutting issues of health and sustainability. I have issued guidance that the LDA, in preparing the Annual Report, shall have regard to the checklist I have determined. I have delegated publication of the LDA's 2004/05 Annual Report to the Agency. This information is in line with the detail expected of the Secretary of State for the other Regional Development Agencies.

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Policing and Community Safety

Safer Neighbourhoods Visits

On 29 and 30 March I visited a number of Safer Neighbourhood teams across London. I visited Croydon, Merton, Tower Hamlets, Wandsworth and Kensington and Chelsea where I met with Police Officers and Police and Community Support Officers to see their work and to congratulate them on their achievements working with local communities to tackle crime and the fear of crime in their neighbourhoods. I was pleased to see that through community co- operation the teams have already had a considerable effect in reducing anti-social behaviour, drug crime and graffiti.

Domestic Violence Strategy

Following a competitive tendering process, I have agreed to award the contract for the revision and delivery of my Domestic Violence Strategy to the London Action Trust for the period 1 April 2005 to 30 September 2008 at a total cost to the Authority of £411,176 over the three and a half year period.

Events

VE Day - 60th Anniversary Celebration

Over 15,000 people joined the celebrations in Trafalgar Square on Sunday 8 May to mark the 60th anniversary of VE Day, the day the Second World War ended in Europe and peace was declared. They were entertained by a host of performers, including Cliff Richard, Katie Melua and Will Young. Dame Vera Lynn also attended the event, standing alongside Welsh soprano Katherine Jenkins as she sang ‘We’ll meet again’. The free concert was staged by the GLA in conjunction with The Royal British Legion and the BBC.

The Trafalgar Square concert served as both a celebration of the day the Second World War ended in Europe and peace was declared, and as a thank you to the veterans who brought that peace to the nation. In 1945, 8 May saw a chain of spontaneous street parties throughout the United Kingdom, with the largest and most exuberant in London’s Trafalgar Square. Nowhere else could have been a more fitting place to celebrate the 60th anniversary of VE Day on 8 May this year than Trafalgar Square - London's stage and the scene of celebration past, present and future.

Hosted by Eamonn Holmes and Natasha Kaplinsky the concert featured live performances from a stunning line up of contemporary artists who performed a unique mixture of classics and contemporary tracks, accompanied by the quintessential war time fixture – the big band. The concert also included unique video footage of the original and very moving 1945 celebrations in Trafalgar Square and special readings throughout the day by celebrity guests such as Heather Mills McCartney and Christopher Eccleston.

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Rise: Anti-Racism Festival

I have again urged Londoners to stand firm against racism on 27 April, with the announcement of plans for Rise, (formerly respect) an anti-racist music and multicultural festival being organised by the GLA in conjunction with the trades unions and anti-racist movement.

Rise will take place in Burgess Park, south London, on Saturday 16 July. A free event with live music and other attractions, it is the fifth year that I have supported what has become the largest festival of its kind in Europe, in conjunction with the National Assembly Against Racism and TUC South East Region (SERTUC).

Chart topper Lemar is due to play a full set, with other performers, including The Mitchell Brothers, the first signing to Mike Skinner's The Beats label, London's rising MC star, Kano, acclaimed British soul-jazz artist Eska, and one of Jamaica's most distinguished and beloved vocalists Horace Andy.

The Rise festival is not only for music fans as new to this year’s event will be the Extreme Sports Zone, which will feature BMX and skateboarding displays, sports training, competitions and more. Comedy fans will not be disappointed as the Comedy Marquee will have a full line-up of performances. Also, the Family Area will provide entertainment for children and families, with rides workshops, children’s theatre and play areas.

London is one of the most diverse cities in the world and its different communities enjoy living side by side. Figures from the Metropolitan Police show that racist incidents in London have fallen by 35% in the last five years but there is no room for complacency. There are still 35 racist crimes in London every day.

Racially motivated crime is on the increase elsewhere in the UK and there is a growing threat of racism in other parts of Europe. With this year's anti-racism festival we are urging all communities to rise against racism. Whatever community we belong to, we should come together to send a clear signal that racism will not be tolerated in London, a city where diversity is celebrated as an asset.

St Patrick's Day

The fourth St Patrick's Day Parade and Festival took place on Sunday 13 March. The festival took place around Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden and Leicester Square. I addressed the festival following the parade. On Saturday 12 March I hosted the St Patrick's Day dinner at the Grosvenor House Hotel.

London's St Patrick's Day celebrations have proved to be a great day out for all the family and marks the enormous contribution Irish communities have made to the capital. I was again delighted to support this growing event.

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St George's Day

For the second year running the GLA supported a programme of events to mark St George's Day in the capital on 23 April.

The world-renowned Globe Theatre opened its doors for a free family event marking Shakespeare’s birthday, which is traditionally celebrated on the same day as St George’s. Celebrations took the form of a birthday party with a range of games, tours and performances. Visitors had the a chance to perform their favourite lines from Shakespeare on stage whilst professional actors were on hand to give expert advice and share insights into their experiences.

On Trafalgar Square a giant flag of St George was constructed out of the faces of ordinary Londoners and celebrities. Photographs were taken against a red or a white background to form the flag. The flag celebrated England’s contribution to sport, promoted the Olympic bid and took a stand against racism.

I also supported events organised by the Royal Society of St George including a short service, wreath laying and parade at the Cenotaph whilst at Covent Garden there was English music, song and dance.

I was pleased to be support for the second year, a range of events in London celebrating St George’s Day. Following the success of last year’s event at the Globe Theatre, Londoners again had the opportunity to mark St George’s Day in a fitting style by exploring the huge cultural influence that Shakespeare has had across the world. These events mean that St George’s Day can be enjoyed by thousands of people across the city.

Vaisakhi in the Square

On 24 April, I welcomed the third annual Vaisakhi festival celebrations to Trafalgar Square. Vaisakhi is the holiest day of the Sikh calendar and has particular significance for the Sikh community as a commemoration of the birth of the Sikh nation.

The free event commenced with a religious programme followed by an afternoon programme of traditional and modern Asian music, performance and food.

Nicky Gavron, Deputy Mayor, addressed the gathering during the welcoming speeches and take part in a presentation ceremony honouring former Sikh Olympic athletes. Kulbir Baura, Gold Medal winner in Hockey for Britain in 1988 and Avtar Singh Sohal, former Kenyan Hockey team captain (who participated in the Olympic Games of 1960 - 72) were amongst those making special guest appearances.

Capitalwoman 2005

On 5 March I addressed the fifth annual London conference for women, Capitalwoman, at the QEII centre. High-profile speakers addressed the conference, including Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell MP, Britain’s greatest Paralympian Dame Tanni Grey Thompson, Nicky Gavron AM the Deputy Mayor of London, Diane Abbott MP and journalist Fiona Millar.

A wide range of issues were discussed including the gender pay gap, safer and more accessible public transport geared towards women’s needs, women’s education and women standing together against racism.

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The highlight of this year’s conference was a keynote speech by Nigerian Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala is one of only two female Finance Ministers in the world, the equivalent of the UK’s Chancellor of the Exchequer, and controls the finances of a nation of over 130 million people in a country which is almost the size of Western Europe. In her current post Dr Okonjo-Iweala has re-negotiated Nigeria’s debt burden with the World Bank and implemented dramatic economic and social reforms which are already combating corruption, improving transparency, and turning the economy around.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala's speech at the conference was particularly timely and important in the context of Britain’s current Presidency of the G8 Group, the Government’s Commission for Africa and the Africa 2005 cultural festival. As a wealthy nation we have a key role to play in the drive to eradicate poverty and inequality around the world. I was delighted that Dr Okonjo- Iweala addressed this year’s conference.

Capitalwoman is about celebrating women, and is now one of the largest and most representative gatherings of women in London. Issues of concern to women are integral to the my policies and I have been listening to and delivering on women’s priorities and concerns since the first term, for example on childcare, domestic violence and safer travel on public transport. Peter Hendy and Tim O’Toole, who head London Buses and the London Underground at Transport for London (TfL) attended the conference to answer questions and listen to delegates' views and concerns about public transport.

For the first time ever, at this year's conference there was also a LDA Marketplace where delegates could get professional, expert advice on setting up and running a business. There was also an interactive surgery which offered practical information, help and support about domestic violence.

London Fairtrade Reception

On 4 March, City Hall hosted a reception to mark the progress made by London in its bid to become a Fairtrade city. The Deputy Mayor Nicky Gavron addressed the event, which was attended by 200 guests including council leaders and chief executives, London Assembly members, and representatives from London's business, higher and further education, trade union and voluntary sectors and was part of Fairtrade Fortnight, which ran from 1-13 March.

Five London Boroughs have now achieved Fairtrade Status, as Kingston and Lewisham announced that they have met the criteria set by the Fairtrade Foundation in addition to the three existing London Fairtrade Boroughs, Croydon, Lambeth and Camden.

I strongly support London's aim to achieve Fairtrade City status, and welcome the progress made in the campaign so far. London is doing well but we have a lot more to do in order to meet the criteria that will make us a Fairtrade City. I was pleased to offer the use of City Hall for this reception, and congratulate all those working hard across the capital to move the campaign forward. By choosing Fairtrade, London's consumers can have a real impact on the lives of many farmers and communities in the developing world.

New figures show the value of UK Fairtrade sales rose by 51% between 2003 and 2004 - up to £140m. The number of certified Fairtrade products has risen from 150 in 2003 to 834 today. Core Fairtrade products include coffee, tea, bananas and chocolate, and newer products include flowers, wines, oils and footballs.

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Disability Capital Conference

On 17 March the Disability Capital Conference took place at the Novotel West Conference Centre. This was my second disability equality conference and is the biggest conference for disabled people in the UK. The event builds on the success of Disability Capital 2003 and was part of a week of disability equality events organised by the Greater London Authority. Speakers at the conference included Maria Eagle MP, Minister for Disabled.

Disabled and Deaf Londoners make a vital contribution to London's diversity and I am committed to promoting equality for this key community. The conference will have the following aims: • To bring together Disabled and Deaf Londoners with key decision makers to debate the everyday issues of living in the capital as a disabled person and the barriers that lead to exclusion. • To promote what the GLA is doing to push forward disability issues in London and report on the progress of my disability equality scheme and action plan • To celebrate the contribution of Disabled and Deaf Londoners to the capital

Highlights of the disability equality week included ‘The Urban Eye’ exhibition at City Hall with work by street photographer Hugh Hill and other disabled photographers. The exhibition portrays stark images of London as seen through the eyes of an outsider.

Plans for the Liberty 2005 festival were also announced at the ‘Celebrating Mad Culture!' event at City Hall on Friday 18 March. The reception also include performances, films and debate celebrating madness and intellectual diversity.

London Mela 2005

I have approved the allocation of £100,000 from the 2005/06 Cultural Events programme budget towards the cost of the London Mela 2005 which is being organised by Ealing Council to take place in Gunnersbury Park on 14 August. The £100,000 will be used as a direct contribution of £89,000 to Ealing Council and for £11,000 to be used by the GLA for marketing and promotion. This will be the third time we have given our support to the event.

State of London Debate

The 2005 State of London Debate will take place on Saturday 25 June at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in central London. This one-day free conference gives Londoners a chance to talk to me and senior figures in London government.

I have authorised expenditure on State of London Debate 2005 estimated at £176,000 although the net cost will be £126,000. I have also agreed the virement of £31,000 from the Stakeholder Programme budget and £10,000 from the Marketing budget to the Project Development Fund.

UK Athletics LONDON Grand Prix

This year’s LONDON Grand Prix event takes place on 22 July, and will be an excellent ambassador for London and for the achievements of the UK’s athletes.

I have approved the funding of £80,000 a year with a 5% year on year increase net of £60,000 to a UK Athletics flagship event LONDON Grand Prix at Crystal Palace as part of a three year sponsorship contract.

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TUC and Party Conferences 2005

I have agreed that the GLA's activities and party conferences and TUC conference are underpinned by the intention to further the delivery of my objectives through discussions and meetings with key decision makers and policy makers in which the GLA can present my views and policies, discuss key current London issues and secure information.

I have agreed the GLA’s activities at the 2005 conferences which are to have an exhibition stand at the TUC, Liberal Democrat, Labour and Conservative annual conferences, to host a reception at the Labour Party conference (as the party of government) and at TUC conference and have approved the budget for the activities of £51,540.

Equalities

Asian Communities in London report

I have agreed to publish the Asian Communities in London Report 2005. The purpose of the report is to raise awareness of the position of Asians in London and provide a comprehensive reference tool to inform decision makers and service providers. I have agreed to spend £13,200 to fund the printing costs for this publication and cover the costs for a launch event, which will take place later this year. I have agreed to carry forward resources of £13,200 from 2004/05 to 2005/06 to fund this proposal

Anti-Homophobic Bullying Video

I have approved the development, production and distribution of my anti-homophobic bullying video resource at a cost of £40,000. I have also agreed to procure the services of a video production company to develop, produce and distribute my anti-homophobic bullying video. I have agreed to the engagement of Stonewall to manage the development and production of the video and I have agreed to carry forward resources totaling £40,000 from 2004/05 to 2005/06 to fund this work.

Equality and Diversity issues within Southwark Council

On 7 March an independent report was published by Sir Herman Ousley into Equality and Diversity issues within Southwark which suggest racial discrimination against black and ethnic minority people in employment and in delivery of services by the Council. It is my view that, on the basis of this damning report, the Commission for Race Equality should strongly consider a formal investigation into the alleged racism within Southwark Council.

I have asked my office to examine the issues raised within the report by black businesses with regard to assessing the impact this will have on them as a result of the proposed regeneration and re-development of the Elephant and Castle.

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London 2012 Bid

Nelson Mandela gives London Bid support

I was delighted that on 6 April Nelson Mandela's endorsed London's bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. In throwing his unrivalled international weight behind London, Nelson Mandela has summed up one of the main appeals of London’s bid – the openness and diversity of our city, which provides a home to people from all over the world. Praising the capital’s rich diversity he said “There is no city like London. It is a wonderfully diverse and open city providing a home to hundreds of different nationalities from all over the world. I can’t think of a better place than London to hold an event that unites the world.”

Diversity is our strength. In choosing to highlight London’s diversity as a major reason for backing our bid Nelson Mandela has shown a strong understanding of why London – a global city – should host the world’s greatest sporting occasion. We are honoured to have his support for our Bid.

Olympic Park Designer

With planning permission already secured, work on delivering London’s Olympic Park has moved into the next phase with the announcement on 20 April that a designer is being sought to draw up detailed plans.

The designer that wins the contract will develop detailed plans for the 500-acre Olympic Park in east London, including all the supporting infrastructure, bridges, roads and open space. The grounds of the Olympic Park are crucial to the delivery of a London 2012 Games and for securing a permanent regeneration legacy for the local community.

The plans envisage a spectacular setting for the Games within a new parkland laid out around the unique waterways which exist in the area. Once the Games are over, London will be left with one of Europe’s biggest and most accessible new parks and a host of new sporting venues and facilities.

The LDA is inviting expressions of interest from consultants before 9 May. The agency will then invite shortlisted firms to submit formal tenders in June and the appointment is expected to be made in early July 2005.

Public Support Poll

The results of the ICM poll for The Londoner show the highest level of support ever for London’s bid. 79% of Londoners support the capital’s bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games – up 12%since October last year.

This poll shows that backing for our bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games has soared - and gives us a real boost as we enter the home straight. It also shows an overwhelming majority of Londoners see the capital's diversity as one of its strengths. In London we literally have the world in one city.

The opinion poll shows that 87% of Londoners say that the capital’s mixture of cultures, languages and ethnicities is a good thing. Just nine per cent disagree.

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When asked why they support the bid, most people say that it will be good for London’s economy. Supporters also say that an Olympic Games in London will be good for Britain generally, will increase employment and tourism and be good for national pride.

National Sports Foundation

I welcomed the Department of Culture, Media and Sport’s plans, announced as part of the Chancellor’s Budget on 16 March, to bring the public and private sectors together, with an initial investment of £27 million, to establish a new National Sports Foundation. This is excellent news for the country’s aspiring sporting stars and will help to build a solid foundation for British sport before, during and after the 2012 Olympic Games.

Olympic Sports Reception

On 10 March I hosted a sports reception alongside Sebastian Coe, Chairman of London 2012 which was a unique gathering of Olympians and Paralympians at City Hall held in recognition of the contribution that the UK’s elite sports stars past and present are making to London's bid to host the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

I was pleased to welcome athletes who have competed in many of the Olympic and Paralympic Games from past decades going back to 1948 - when London last hosted the Games - to “Back the Bid” and show support across the sporting spectrum, celebrate the country's past and recent sporting success and build on the success of the recent visit by the International Olympic Committee’s Evaluation Commission.

Among the Olympian and Paralympian heroes attending were Dorothy Manley, 100 metre medal winner at the 1948 London Olympics; swimming medallists David Wilkie, Anita Lonsborough and Duncan Goodhew; Britain’s greatest Olympian, Sir Steve Redgrave; John Cavanagh who secured gold at Athens in Paralympic archery.

On 14 March I hosted an Olympics reception alongside Jonathan Edwards, an ambassador for London's bid, at London's European Office in Brussels. The event was part of London 2012's international promotion of the bid in the run up to the IOC's meeting in Singapore in July.

Kids Swim Free

The fifth Kids Swim Free programme ran throughout the London Boroughs of Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Newham and Waltham Forest between Sunday 20 March and Sunday 3 April as well as in Greenwich between Saturday 26 March and Sunday 10 April.

When the IOC Evaluation Commission visited in February it was clear throughout their stay that there is a real passion for sport in London and throughout the UK. This is no better demonstrated by the enthusiasm shown for our Kids Swim Free programme. So far many thousands of children in the participating boroughs have taken advantage of free swimming sessions, with many now swimming on a regular basis.

The scheme has been set up to encourage swimming and exercise amongst young Londoners and gives children aged between 5-16 from five London boroughs free swimming in their local authority pools. Prior to the Easter programme, young people in the Kids Swim Free participating boroughs have taken advantage of more than 310,000 free swims.

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Kids Swim Free is funded by the GLA and the five participating boroughs – Greenwich, Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest - which will play a major role in hosting the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games if London's bid is successful.

International Issues

Londoners and International Development

On 8 March I addressed the “Londoners and International Development” conference at City Hall, which I hosted with the Department for International Development (DfID). DfID is currently undertaking a programme of regional visits to discuss its work with a range of stakeholders and the International Development Secretary, Hilary Benn MP joined me in addressing the conference.

The UK Government has shown a real commitment to fighting global poverty but too often we take this work for granted so it is extremely helpful to see the work of the Department at first hand. In fact London out of all the UK cities plays a key but often underrated role in international development through its strong connections with many overseas countries and particularly those touched by recent disasters. In addition to the generosity of all Londoners to recent relief efforts, we know that Londoners make a significant contribution to developing countries through both the money sent home to family members and through the visits and ongoing contact with these countries.

London’s economic success, therefore, is potentially not only good for London and the UK but also for developing countries. The extent to which London’s black and minority ethnic communities share in London’s prosperity affects not only London but also some of the poorest countries and communities in the world. At the same time London, a major consumer of energy, has a responsibility to the world's poorest countries to develop energy strategies that ensure our energy consumption does not impact adversely on our climate and further contribute to the potentially disastrous effect of world climate change.

MIPIM conference 2005

I attended a series of events at the MIPIM property conference in Cannes on 8 and 9 March including various meetings with other stakeholders, investors and decision-makers. My Deputy Mayor, Nicky Gavron, also attended the conference to promote the GLA’s policy on Sustainable Design and Construction.

MIPIM is an annual gathering of international property developers seeking opportunities to invest around the world. The purpose of my visit, organised by the LDA, was to promote development opportunities in London, particularly in the Thames Gateway.

Declaration on Religious Rights in France and throughout the European Union

On 22 April I wrote to Members of the European Parliament urging their support for a Parliamentary 'Declaration on Religious Rights in France and throughout the European Union'. I believe that a ban on the display of religious symbols is an infringement of human rights, and support the Declaration's call on the French Government to reconsider its ban of conspicuous symbols in schools.

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Approach to Managing Economic Migration

I responded to the European Commission's Green Paper on an Approach to Managing Economic Migration making the case for a mobile, flexible labour market across the whole European Union, with consideration to the introduction of a 'Green Card' system.

Environment

Energy and Environment Ministers in London

My Deputy Mayor, Nicky Gavron, gave a keynote address on the role of cities and London’s response to the challenge of climate change, at a dinner, hosted by Government, in honour of twenty visiting Environment and Energy Ministers. Senior figures from business, NGOs and key multilateral organisations were also present at the Brewery on 15 March.

The dinner was part of a Ministerial Roundtable which was the first time these ministers have met to consider the challenge of creating lower carbon energy systems to combat climate change of the next 50 years.

Green Procurement Code

On 3 May, British Waterways became the 400th company to sign up to my Green Procurement Code run by London Remade. British Waterways has pledged to work with London Remade to increase their recycling rate and to build sustainability into their procurement procedures.

The Code was launched in June 2001 to ensure companies based in London had help in identifying best practice for the recycling of waste and buying products manufactured from recycled materials. Since then, it has gained international recognition and audited a £33 million spend on recycled products by its signatories. British Waterways joins all of the London boroughs plus organisations from the private sector including high street names in retail, construction, banking, the InformationTechnology/ telecommunications industry and the community sector as signatories of the code.

The Green Procurement Code has begun to change the way many companies think about the environment. London Remade has worked hard so that the 400 signatories are now looking at sustainability as the way forward. Reaching the 400 mark is a real achievement and shows that it is communicating the basic message that if you are not buying recycled goods you are not recycling.

As well as buying more recycled products, British Waterways is looking at opportunities to recycle more of the waste it removes from its waterways. For example, it is researching the potential to turn duckweed collected from the River Lee into compost. It is also working with Transport for London and other partners on plans to transport recyclable materials by barge, in a bid to reduce traffic congestion and pollution on London’s roads.

Climate Change in Urban Areas

My Deputy Mayor, Nicky Gavron, gave a keynote address at a UK – Germany bilateral conference on “Climate Change in Urban Areas” at University College London. This was a follow up to the Deputy Mayor’s participation in a Climate Change Seminar during the Queen’s State Visit to Germany last year.

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London Climate Change Agency

I have agreed an application from the GLA for funding from the Energy Saving Trust towards the Start Up costs of establishing the London Climate Change Agency. I have also agreed, in the event that the application is successful, the transfer of the received funding from the GLA to the LDA subject to the completion of a memorandum of understanding.

London Green Lifestyle Show

I have announced plans for the first London Green Lifestyle Show to celebrate world environment day on Sunday 5 June 2005. This will be the first event organised by the GLA focusing on work to make London a truly sustainable world city – it will be powered using renewable energy sources, waste will be minimised and recycled, food waste will be composted and noise and air pollution will be reduced.

Londoners will be able to pick up tips on how to make changes at home, work or in their leisure time to help improve their own standard of living and protect and enjoy the environment.

The London Green Lifestyle Show is the first London wide event celebrating the environment and showcasing how London will look in the future. There will be something for all the family at the London Green Lifestyle Show and lots of activities for children to get involved in and to learn from. I hope that as many Londoners as possible will go to Greenwich Park on Sunday 5 June and find out about how we can all make small changes to our lifestyles to help protect the environment.

London Schools Environment Award Scheme

On 17 March the Deputy Mayor joined local volunteers from Barclays who are giving up their time to help the children from St Charles Catholic Primary School to learn about the environment, as part of the London Schools Environment Awards Scheme. Children from St Charles School are learning about a variety of plants, animals and habitats through their school gardens. Barclays is giving their staff the opportunity to volunteer as part of their employee volunteering programme and local Barclays volunteers are helping the children to clear their school garden and plant appropriate plants to attract insects and butterflies.

I hope that this extra support and extra money will see a greater level of understanding among London school children about their environment.

The London Schools Environment Awards have been developed by the GLA to foster children's sense of responsibility for their environment. 640 schools and approximately 200,000 children across London are taking part in the scheme this year. The five categories, which the schools are focusing on as part of the London Schools Environment Awards are litter, waste and recycling, transport, how to save energy at home and at school and biodiversity - learning about a variety of plants, animals and habitats. London schools signed up to the initiative received a toolbox to assist teachers, which includes the Litter Detective book about the problem of litter. The book aims to encourage children not to drop litter and keep London clean. The schools are asked to submit their work in June 2005. A distinction award of £2000 and a highly commended award of £1000 will be presented to two schools in each of the participating London boroughs.

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Student Recycling Scheme

On 9 March, a new student recycling scheme was launched run by the GLA in partnership with CRISP, a voluntary sector organization promoting the benefits of sustainable development, and funded by the London Recycling Fund. The scheme will pave the way for London’s 164 university halls of residence to improve their recycling services and will work closely with the London boroughs who will introduce the recycling facilities. It could lead to an estimated additional 4,000 tonnes per year of waste being recycled and will be a big bonus to recycling in the capital.

At a recent People’s Question Time meeting students from Goldsmiths College called on me to help improve recycling services in universities. I am pleased to be able to offer this service, which will look at the individual needs of each halls of residence and work with the boroughs, universities, students and reuse organizations, to make sure that the students can recycle more. London still has a way to go to improve the amount it recycles, but services are now improving making it easier for Londoners to recycle more. 78% of Londoners now have a kerbside collection and now students should start to see big improvements in recycling services at their halls.

The scheme will include visits to all of the halls of residence to meet with students and hall managers to develop specific implementation plans for each of the individual halls.

The project is based on trials started in 1999 at McLaren House – one of four halls of residence at London South Bank University, which is home to 614 students in the London Borough of Southwark. Recycling and reuse activities designed to fit in easily with the day-to-day running of the halls. In addition to Southwark Council providing recycling facilities, a re-use scheme for students to donate items to local community charities was also established.

Tree and Woodland Framework

I have published the London Tree and Woodland Framework, the purpose of which is to provide a strategic approach to trees and woodlands to deliver my vision for London and the relevant mayoral Strategies within the context of the England Forestry Strategy. The Forestry Commission and I are firmly committed to maintaining and enhancing London’s trees and woodland as a vital part of the environment of Greater London. The Framework was launched by Nicky Gavron, my Deputy Mayor at the House of Commons.

Trees and woodlands are an essential part of London’s character and identity. They help to breathe life into the capital, providing a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. They tell us of the seasons, and bring us into contact with nature. They remind us that where London now stands, a vast and ancient forest once existed. They provide shade on hot days, help to relieve us from stress and help clean our polluted air.

Trees and woodlands are good for Londoners, good for visitors to London, and good for business in London. The London Tree and Woodland Framework shows us why, and tells us what we should do to maximise their contribution to London’s quality of life.

Waste Watch staffing

I have approved the carry forward of resources into 2005/06 of up to £11,400 from the Waste Awareness Campaign budget to pay for the additional staff accommodation required for the two recycle for London staff members housed at the Waste Watch offices.

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Environmental Champions Programme

I have approved an environmental champions programme at the GLA to be supported by external contractors to the sum of £15,000 from the Sustainable Development Programme Budget. I have agreed to carry forward the resources totalling £15,000 from the 2004/05 Sustainable Development Programme budget to 2005/06 to meet the costs of the project.

Carterhatch Lane Reuse and Recycling site

In order to avoid a precedent being set for the disposal of assets in the light of my policy objective of creating a single waste authority for London, I have approved the issuing of a Direction, as necessary and after consultation, under Section 356 of the GLA Act 1999, requiring the Council of the London Borough of Enfield to defer the closure of the Carterhatch Lane Reuse and Recycling site until such time that appropriate compensatory provision has been made by the Council of the London Borough of Enfield and details of the compensatory provision have been submitted to and approved in writing by myself.

Ken Saro-Wiwa 'Living Memorial'

On 22 March I was joined by Ken Wiwa, the son of Ken Saro-Wiwa and Anita Roddick to launch a public art initiative outside City Hall. The project aims to ensure that the memory of environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and the issues he fought and died for are never forgotten.

Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight of his colleagues were executed on 10th November 1995 following their campaign against the environmental impacts of oil companies in the Niger Delta. Environment and human rights groups have come together with writers, artists and the Saro- Wiwa family to form Remember Saro-Wiwa in memory of his life and work.

The project, a ‘Living Memorial’ of Ken Saro-Wiwa will be Britain’s first deliberately mobile memorial and an international competition will invite inspiring ideas for the project. A shortlist of five proposals, selected by a panel, will be exhibited in the run-up to 10 November 2005.

Biodiversity Strategy – Annual Progress Report

I have agreed the publication of the Biodiversity Strategy annual progress report on the web. The Strategy will be kept under review and I have agreed that there is no need to begin work in 2005/06 on the production of a revised strategy, but have approved the revision of some targets in the Biodiversity Implementation Plan.

Ambient Noise Strategy – Annual Progress Report

I have agreed the publication of the Ambient Noise Strategy Annual Progress Report on the web. I have also agreed that that the strategy be kept under review and that is presently no need to begin work in 2005/06 on the production of a revised Ambient Noise Strategy.

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Sustainable Development

London Sustainability Week

In March the GLA became a supporting partner of London Sustainability Weeks 2005 for the first time. The London Sustainability Weeks have been running for two years to encourage Londoners to make London cleaner, greener and healthier for now and the future. There will be between 300- 500 events taking place across London over the two weeks from 5-19 June and people will be asked to pledge to do something to make their lives more sustainable as well as having a great day out. The events will start with my London Green Lifestyle Show on World Environment Day on June 5 2005 in Greenwich Park.

I am pleased to add my support to London Sustainability Weeks this year. London is a growing city, with a strong economy and a diverse population. These are strengths that we have to harness to ensure that our city develops in a sustainable way for future generations of Londoners to enjoy.

I am conscious of the Greater London Authority’s own impact on London’s sustainability and have made sustainable development a key part of everything we do. I am pleased that we have been able to jointly organise the first event of London Sustainability Weeks 2005. The London Green Lifestyle Show will be a new event in the summer festival calendar and will be a cross between a green fair and the Ideal Home Show, providing families with a fun day out full of organic food and live music, as well as ideas and advice on how we can all live our lives in a more sustainable way.

Sustainable Water Roundtable

My Deputy Mayor, Nicky Gavron, participated in a roundtable on “Ensuring water infrastructure for a sustainable London” organised by Water and Waste Treatment Magazine. Also participating were the Chief Executive of the Environment Agency, Chief Executive of London First, the regulator and relevant senior business Chief Executives. The role of the GLA in relation to water policy in London was a major theme of the discussion.

Trafalgar Square

Nelson's Column Restoration

I have approved an overnight inspection of the column to be undertaken by the Squares Managing Agent EC Harris under its Managing Agent Service contract by the end of March 2005 at an estimated cost of £7,000. I have approved a project for the cleaning and repair of Nelson's Column commencing in March 2006 up to an estimated cost of £380,000. I have noted that the cost of this work will be met from the Squares Reserve to the extent that the cost of the works is not recovered through sponsorship.

Peace Camp Application

I decided that the application by Stop the War Coalition to hold a Peace Camp on Trafalgar Square on Wednesday 16 - Sunday 19 March should be approved and agreed the restrictions and conditions which should be placed on the application.

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Events Organisation Contract

I have approved the retrospective extension of the Event Organisation Agreement for Events in Trafalgar Square with Greenwich and Docklands Festivals (GDF) to design, manage and deliver the agreed programme of events in Trafalgar Square for 2005. I have agreed to release £313,000 from the 2005/06 Cultural Events Programme budget for the Trafalgar Square summer programme (£223,000) and the Liberty Disability Rights Festival (£90,000).

Culture

Discover London Trails

The Campaign for Museums has launched ten new 'Discover London' trails across the capital. Discover London, which I am supporting, aims to provide a fun way for Londoners and the capital's visitors to enjoy and explore more of London's local history and heritage.

The trails cover all parts of London and are themed around specific areas of interest. Maps of each trail will be available to download from the Discover London website and participants can choose to visit any or all of the museums and galleries participating in each trail.

Discover London will be launched on Friday 27 May and be followed by a special May Bank Holiday weekend of activity by all the participating organisations, which will run from Friday 27 – Monday 30 May 2005.

Discover London focuses on promoting the wealth and diversity of the capital's museums and galleries. There are nearly 200 in London and they play a vital part in explaining and illustrating London's history and heritage. The Discover London trails include over 100 of these museums and galleries and have been themed to offer something of interest to everybody. We want as many people as possible – both Londoners and visitors – to get out and explore a part of London they might never have experienced before.

Jewish London Guide

In April, a twenty-six page booklet providing details of Jewish museums, synagogues, films, live music and theatrical performances was published. It also features book events and talks, walking tours and a variety of activities aimed at children.

Jewish Londoners have been a part of the capital's history for longer than almost any other community. The enormous contributions of generation after generation of Jewish people across all fields of social, political, cultural and economic life has been remarkable.

This is why we are so pleased to publish this guide to Jewish cultural events in collaboration with Jewish Culture UK. It will help all Londoners and visitors to discover and enjoy the fruits of Jewish culture in this city.

Forty-five thousand guides are being produced and will be distributed throughout London.

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Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Museum

I have approved the allocation of £24,000 towards a research study into whether it is feasible for London to develop a museum dedicated to lesbian and gay, bisexual and transgender communities and history and heritage. I have approved the procurement process leading to the engagement of consultants to undertake this work and to carry forward this amount to 2005/06.

Cultural Strategy Group

I have approved the appointment of Rt Hon Chris Smith MP to Chair the Cultural Strategy Group. I have also approved expenditure of £42,000 to the Cultural Strategy Group (CSG) (£12,000 from 04/05 and £30,000 from 05/06).

GLA Budget

Three Year revenue and capital settlements - ODPM consultation

I have noted the Government's proposals for moving to three-year settlements (and in particular the proposed requirement to publish forward projections of budgets and council tax). I have agreed the final response to the consultation be delegated to the Executive Director of Finance and Performance.

Treasury Management Strategy 2005/06

I have approved the 2005/06 Treasury Management Strategy for the Authority and have noted the strategy would be considered by the Assembly's Budget Committee at the next appropriate meeting.

LDA and TfL Grant

I have granted my consent to the LDA giving a capital grant of up to £35 million to TfL, and to TfL giving a revenue grant of the same amount to the LDA in 2004/05 thereby assisting the LDA in the implementation of its key priorities, including its creative industries programme, tourism programme, Wembley Park Royal redevelopment, business and skills support development and SR2004 transition support.

Authorised Limits for External Debt

The borrowing limits for the GLA group were approved under the Prudential Code, following consultation with the Assembly and the functional bodies, on 31 March 2005. The prudential limits include plans for new borrowing in 2005-06 of £632.7m which is mainly due to TfL's investment plans, but also include £30.6m to fund the majority of the capital elements of the MPA's Step Change programme.

GLA budget for 2005/06 and Corporate Plan 2005/08

I have approved the GLA Budget for 2005/06 and Corporate Plan 2005/08 which are available in full on the GLA website.

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GLA Capital programme

I have approved the five-year capital programme for the GLA from 2005/6 to 2009/10. The programme takes into account the funding available and the needs of the Authority including the requirements to replace equipment as well as obligations set out under leases and the requirement to develop new IT systems.

Health

TB Screening Unit

On 24 March the first digital mobile X-Ray TB Screening Unit in the UK for London was launched by Jennette Arnold AM, Chair of the London Health Commission, at City Hall marking World TB day. At a time when London is experiencing increased numbers of people infected with TB and accounts for nearly half of all TB cases in England and Wales, the unit, which is funded by the Department of Health and operated by University College Hospital, will provide many benefits including on-the-spot detection and referral for diagnosis and treatment of cases among high-risk groups; faster processing, with the capacity to cover over people a day and a rapid response to TB outbreaks and potential outbreaks.

Children and Young People

State of London’s Children’s Report Seminar

Nearly 100 delegates from local, regional and national levels of government and children’s services met at City Hall on 11 March to debate the implications of my State of London’s Children Report.

The Report, which was published in December 2004, was introduced by the Deputy Mayor, Nicky Gavron and the author, Dr Suzanne Hood. Keynote speakers – including Dame Gillian Pugh (former Chief Executive, Coram Family), Dr Richard Bartholomew (Chief Research Officer, Department of Education & Skills) and Dr Barry Quirk (Chief Executive, Lewisham Council) – provided responses and reflections from local, regional and national government levels. Key themes and questions arising at the seminar included the impact of frequent moving (and mobility) on children’s education, social care and health; how to address the gaps in regional data collection, particularly in relation to BME children and inequalities; and where the leadership should reside in taking forward this research and the whole Change for Children programme agenda in London.

Conclusions from the seminar will inform further development of my Children and Young People’s Strategy alongside helping our partner agencies to make the case for London's children.

London Framework for Children and Young People’s Emotional Health and Wellbeing

The London Health Commission (LHC) has chosen to develop a framework for the emotional health and wellbeing of children and young people in the capital. The rationale is to take forward actions in the Children and Young People's Strategy and support and enhance the comprehensive strategies for children and adolescents' mental health services (CAMHS) currently being developed at borough level.

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An Issues Paper was widely disseminated during March-April 2005 for initial consultation with London NHS, children’s services and other organisations working with children and young people.

The desired outcome is that ‘London is a city that fosters good emotional health and wellbeing for all children and young people’. The issues paper proposes that the framework should focus on the wider determinants of emotional health and wellbeing; the specific needs of individual groups; and promote awareness across the widest community of professionals and workers in the statutory, voluntary and community sectors who work or interact with children and young people in London.

The Forum plans to have a draft framework available for consultation during autumn 2005.

Activ8: National Playday

This year the GLA, in partnership with the London Health Commission and London Food, will be holding a large-scale, free children and young people’s outdoor event in Hyde Park on National Playday on 3 August 2005.

The event will promote opportunities for improving children and young people’s play opportunities and physical and mental well being, by creating excitement around play, physical activity and healthy eating.

The event will be split into ‘zones’ of themed fun activities. There will be a Food Zone, a Body Zone and a Mind Zone. A dedicated under 5’s zone will also be created as well as teen zone. Activities will include football, dj-ing, dancing, art work, tennis, cooking and much more.

Guidance on involving children and young people in the GLA

Actively involving children and young people in a government organisation often requires a culture change. At a minimum it requires staff new to working with children and young people to be properly supported. For a strategic body like the GLA there can often be additional challenges for staff drawing out the relevance of our work to children and young people.

A key step towards mainstreaming children and young people’s active involvement across the GLA in line with commitments in my Children and Young People’s Strategy was a practical toolkit for staff launched at a seminar on 21 April at City Hall.

“Guidance on involving children and young people in the Greater London Authority” will help staff in City Hall and the functional bodies to identify possible approaches, partner agencies and sources of support. The toolkit covers basic policy context, age appropriate approaches and practical considerations, such as creating a safe environment.

Children's Play and Leisure Facilities

I have approved the commissioning of consultants to develop benchmark standards for children's play and leisure facilities in London. I have agreed a carry-forward of resources of £10,000 from the "Research and Consultancy" budget within the 2004/05 Children and Young People's programme budget to fund the element of the service that will fall into 2005/06

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Young Londoners Microsite

I have approved the development and launch of the Young Londoners Microsite at a cost of £43,000. This is a key action identified in my Children and Young People's Strategy to help young Londoners have a voice. I agreed to carry forward resources of £18,000 for the development of the website from the following budgets within the overall 2004/05 CYP programme budget to financial year 2005/06 - £15,000 from the "Children’s website "allocation and £3000 from the "Public Consultation - Children and Young people"

Young Londoners’ Network

Activities at all levels of government in London to provide opportunities for children and young people to influence services, organisations and decisions that affect them has grown significantly over the past four years in London. However, the infrastructure for children to have a say at a Londonwide level is missing and many young people are still not aware of how to get involved or have a say.

My Children’s and Young People’s Strategy contained the action point to consult further on the establishment of a ‘Young Londoners' Forum’. During 2004-05, consultation with children, young people and participation workers has produced the idea of a Young Londoners' Network.

This will bring together existing initiatives and organisations at borough level, to ensure maximum opportunities for children and young people to have their say about the capital. A key feature of this network will be the coordination of government consultation and engagement. A conference for participation workers will be held on 13 June at City Hall and will be jointly organised by the GLA and GOL. A steering group is working towards a launch of the Young Londoners' Network at an event with children and young people towards the end of 2005.

London Youth Arts Festival

I have given my support to the Festival of London Youth Arts, a week-long showcase of young talent, which was launched in Trafalgar Square on 16 April.

This year's Festival of London Youth Arts promises to be even bigger and better than the enormously successful 2002 event. I urged Londoners to support this major youth arts festival and our talented young people who may be the stars of tomorrow.

Organised by the London Youth Arts Network, the festival's Trafalgar Square launch involved some 500 performers and 70 arts organisations, as well as local authorities from across the capital. There was a huge stage at the free event featuring dance and music performances – including a unique collaboration between the classical music orchestra from the Newham Music Academy and street dancers from Blue Boy Entertainment. There were also large screens playing short films and animation, plus seminars and workshops. The Festival featured more than 100 events across the capital.

The festival will close with the London Youth Arts Awards ceremony at the Royal Festival Hall, a celebration of individual and group achievements.

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Childcare

London Childcare Affordability Programme

On 22 March announced details of the London Childcare Affordability Programme. The three- year programme will provide £33m to fund innovative methods, which will ensure access to high quality affordable childcare for more families in London.

Funding over the three years will be two-thirds LDA and one-third Sure Start Unit (DFES). In the first year, this will be £5m, which will be spent on two pilots. The first pilot will be to reduce the cost of full day-care and the other to encourage providers to offer more flexible and part- time care. Boroughs and providers will be invited to bid to the LDA for funding.

This is important for thousands of families across London. Funding is now in place that will ensure that more families will have access to fulltime day-care - this could be the equivalent of an extra £1500 a year for some families. There will also be much-needed flexible childcare for part-time workers.

Poverty

Budget 2005

I welcomed the Chancellor’s budget measures announced on 16 March that include a £200 Council Tax Rebate for people aged over 65 and an above inflation increase in child tax credits. I have long been concerned about those council tax payers on low or fixed income and the £200 rebate will target help to where it is most needed and will help reduce the concerns of many older people receiving this year’s Council Tax bills. The Government's commitment to increase the child element of the Child Tax Credit was also very good news particularly in London and should benefit over 200,000 of the capital’s working families.

GLA Organisation

Audit Commission’s Initial Performance Assessment (IPA

On 24 March the Audit Commission’s Initial Performance Assessment (IPA) of the Greater London Authority was published which stated that I have a ‘clear ambitious and stretching vision to improve the lives of Londoners’ and has ‘been effective in providing a voice for London and articulating and promoting an identity for it as a world city enriched by the diversity of its communities’.

The IPA also commends the Greater London Authority for having ‘clear long term policies’, for leading ‘by example with policies for its own operation that align with its wider strategies’ and for maintaining 'its focus on priorities and large-scale complex projects over time' and having 'good mechanisms in place to help it do this’.

The GLA recognises that delivery will be dependent on continuing to build relationships with stakeholders.

The IPA has examined the way that the GLA is run and how that has impacted on delivery of services and plans for future policy and developments. The report follows assessments of the four functional bodies in the GLA Group at the end of last year.

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The IPA also found that – · The GLA is a good organisation that that has worked effectively in the four years of its existence to establish an ambitious, credible and coherent long-term vision for London’s development underpinned by a comprehensive strategic planning framework · [The Mayor] provides strong leadership and direction and is active and effective in speaking for London and on equality and diversity issues. · The GLA has clear long-term priorities set out in its business plans with resources identified to deliver them.

In just short of five years we have achieved a great deal. London has record numbers of police, more buses on our streets and we have succeeded in reducing traffic congestion in the centre of London. In addition we have implemented strategic plans for the future development of the city, ensuring that the capital will continue to grow and prosper in a managed and environmentally sound way.

This assessment bears testament to the hard work of staff at the Greater London Authority and all our partnership bodies. I look forward to building on these successes and working with colleagues to address the areas of work identified for improvement.

The work of the London Assembly was not part of this performance review.

Annual Report 2004/05

I have approved the final text of the Annual Report 2004/05. The report sets out the GLA’s objectives and targets and reports on performance over the last year. It also shows how the GLA has communicated and engaged with Londoners and how we will our activity to ensure maximum benefit to Londoners.

GLA Annual Efficiency Statement

I have agreed the GLA’s 2005/06 Efficiency Statement for submission to the ODPM. I agreed that the Executive Director of Finance and Performance, following discussions with the relevant officers in my Office finalise the scope and timetable for the proposed efficiency reviews and noted the project management arrangements for the reviews.

Planning Decisions Database

I have authorised tendering for consultants to deliver a Planning Decisions Database and in the event that an acceptable tender is received within the project budget have agreed to award the contract in compliance with the GLAs contracts code of practise. I have approved the receipt of £30,000 project funding from the LDA and the allocation of £30,000 from the Planning Delivery grant to the project.

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Salary Scheme: Terms and conditions

I have agreed that the following views are submitted to the Assembly's Business Management and Appointments Committee in respect of the salary package being considered for formal consultation with UNISON and staff:

• progression on incremental salaries should not be suspended pending the outcome of formal management action in respect of performance but should be taken into account considering penalties, as necessary; • marked time proposals - no comment; • salary on appointment should, in general, be at the lowest point on the scale; • market supplements - proposals supported in general; • In the event of no agreement with UNISON, action should be taken to implement an incremental scheme for all grades below director.

This report was be considered by the Authority's Business Management and Appointments Committee on 13 April 2005.

GLA Performance Indicators: 2004/05 Performance and 2005/06 Targets

I have noted the 2004/05 performance against Best Value Performance Indicators and local Performance Indicators. I have agreed the new and amended BVPIs and local PIs and the targets for 2005/06 including an alignment to 20 days for responses to complaints (85%), correspondence (85%) and Freedom of Information Requests (100%).

This report will be considered as part of the 4th Quarter GLA Performance Monitoring Report by the Assembly’s Budget Committee at the next appropriate meeting.

Functional Body Budget and Performance Monitoring Report for 1 April 2004 to 31 December 2004

I have noted the performance of the functional bodies for the nine months to 31 December 2004. I have agreed the Executive Director of Finance and Performance submit the monitoring report to the Assembly’s Budget Committee subject to agreeing the final version with appropriate officers in my Office.

This report was considered by the Assembly’s Budget Sub-Committee on 26 April 2005

Fees and Charges

I have approved the GLA's policy and schedule of fees and charges to be effective from 1 April 2005 including where indicated those services to be provided free of charge. I have approved delegated powers to the Executive Director of Finance and Performance to set interim fees and charges in line with the approved Fees and Charges Policy.

The fees and charges schedule will be considered by the Assembly’s Budget Committee at the next appropriate meeting.

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Internal Audit Reports

I have noted the action taken by management in response to audit recommendation and the assurance given to the following systems by the Authority's internal auditors:

• Business Continuity Planning - Limited • Equal Opportunities - Substantial • Installment Review - Substantial • Expenses - Substantial • Data Protection – Substantial • Squares – Substantial

These reports were considered by the Assembly's Audit Panel on 19 April 2005.

Annual Pay increase for Mayoral Appointees

I have agreed to increase mayoral appointees salaries by 2.95% for the calendar year 1 April 2005 to 31 March 2006 to bring them into line with staff appointed by the London Assembly.

Fraud and Corruption Policy and Framework

I have agreed the revised GLA Fraud and Corruption Policy and Response Plan. This report will be considered by the Assembly’s Business Management and Appointments Committee on 29 June 2005

GLA Research Library's Bibliographic Databases

I have approved the GLA Research Library's bibliographic databases to be made available on the internet using the Urbadoc web interface.

Freedom of Information

I have approved the publication of MAFs, DAFs and MMB papers, where decisions have been taken, through the GLA Freedom of Information Publication Scheme. From 29 April 2005 such MAFs, DAFs and MMB papers will be included in the GLA publication scheme with appropriate indications about availability and publication scheduling. All MAFs, DAFs and MMB papers produced before the current decision-making process was introduced are being reviewed with a view to the publication of their contents as appropriate.

Broadcasting Contract

I have approved the extension of the existing broadcasting contract with IVC for 12 months at an estimated cost of £220,000. I have also agreed the retendering of the broadcasting contract in accordance with GLA procurement code and EU directives prior to the expiry of the extension approved above. In the event that an acceptable tender is received within the project budget, award a new broadcasting contract in accordance with the GLA procurement code to the most economically and best advantageous valued contract.

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SMS Texting Contract

I have agreed a waiver to the Contracts Code of Practise and a three year contract with Incentivate for the provision of SMS services to the GLA.

GLA Economics

Following the renewal of GLA Economics membership of the International Benchmarking Club administered by BAK Basel Economics to provide data on regions and cities on a world wide basis until 2008, which I reported last September, I have now approved the expansion of the number of cities that data is collected for in order to enhance the research on measuring world cities.

City Hall

Pool of London Partnership

City Hall lies within the Pool of London Partnership, which was established in 1996 to administer a series of SRB regeneration schemes in the areas immediately North and South of the Thames, and the GLA participates as a Board member. I have therefore noted the proposals for the future development of the Pool of London site and to get approval to support the Business Improvement District (BIDs) process.

Power Supply

I have approved an exemption to the procurement code to engage Norland Managed Services Ltd for the installation of additional power supply outlets in the Main Computer Room at City Hall. I have also approved and exemption to the procurement code to engage Norland Managed Services for the installation of a backup air cooling system in the Main Computer Room at City Hall

I have approved for Arup to undertake an audit and provide recommendations on the potential use of a fire-suppression system in the main computer room and I have approved the variation in the Norland Managed Services Contract to include the maintenance of these items.

I have agreed to increase the capital programme by £89,265 and to approve the virement from the legal services external fees budget to the provision for revenue contributions to capital to fund the work identified above. This virement will be reported to the Assembly's Budget Committee.

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Use of City Hall

I have agreed the following requests to use City Hall free of charge, and to agree a waiver of the fees and charges policy for this purpose, for the following events:

• use of the Chamber for AEA (contractors with the Department of Constitutional Affairs) to train Borough staff with regard to the General Election; • a press launch in London’s Living Room (LLR) as one of my Mayoral allocations and I approved the entering into a Hire Agreement with Lea Valley Regional Park Authority; • the "Worldbench" launch in LLR on 19 April 2005; • the People's Party/ Shelter event in the café and LLR on a Saturday in June 2005; • the New Music awards ceremony in LLR on 12 July 2005; • the use of LLR for the British Lung Foundation to celebrate 20 years and launch a year- long healthy lungs campaign on 16 June 2005 (proposed date); • the Southern and Eastern Trades Union Council (SERTUC) and Construction Safety Campaign (CSC) to use London's Living Room to support the Workers Memorial Day reception on 28 April 2005; • Irish Youth Foundation use LLR to host a reception for its key funders and stakeholders on 21 April 2005; • Accenture to use London’s Living Room to hold a gala opening night reception on 21 June 2005 to launch the High Performance: Olympic Dreams exhibition at City Hall; • the Royal Society for the Arts use London's Living Room for launch of the WEEE Man on 29 April 2005; • the Tour of Britain could use London’s Living Room to launch the Tour of Britain 2005 route including the London section of the route.

The Londoner

Distribution Contract

I have approved a three-year business plan to cover the production and distribution of ten issues of the Londoner in 2005/06 and 2006/07 and up to ten issues in 2007/08, subject to publication schedules in the pre-election period and subject to funding arrangements with functional bodies. I have signed a Memoranda of Understanding with TfL, the LDA and the MPS to establish levels of funding for the Londoner over the next three years.

I have approved the awarding of a contract to distribute 10 editions of The Londoner starting with the May 2005 edition to Circular Distributors Ltd

Translation Contract

I have approved the awarding of a contract to "Wordtrans" to provide translation services for the Londoner in the 2005/06 financial year.

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Housing

"Setting the Standard"

I have approved a project to procure, develop and implement an electronic system known as "Setting the Standard" which will be a web-based system, administered by the GLA's Housing and Homelessness Unit (HHU) to register, record, track and report on information about standards of bed and breakfast and other private sector accommodation used to house households in London. This will replace the current manual system administered by the Housing and Homelessness unit. I have also agreed to the undertaking of a competitive procurement process using the web design and development framework to allow the project board to evaluate and select a suitable supplier (following the GLAs procurement process) and to place a contract to develop and deliver the required system

A gross and net capital project budget of £70,000 will be applied over the 2004/05 and 2005/06 financial years to develop the system. I have approved a virement from the 2005/06 Housing Programme budget of £20,000 to the revenue contributions to capital budget

London Plan

London View Management Framework SPG

My draft guidance on London View Management Framework has been published for consultation. The guidance provides additional clarity and detail to sections of the London Plan that deal with London’s designated views.

London’s landmarks are cherished by both Londoners and visitors to our city. The London Plan identifies 26 designated views of strategic importance and this document will provide the necessary degree of certainty to help guide the planning process in considering the impact of tall buildings and developments on London’s landmarks. It will also better define the protected views of those landmarks.

This draft SPG provides guidance on the policies in the London Plan with respect to the protection of strategic views and proposes to update the regional guidance in RPG3a, dated 1991. It explains the London View Management Framework promoted by the London Plan and how designated views and important landmarks within them are to be treated. It promotes a method of assessment that will assist with principles of good design, local urban design policies and the management of these views generally. It elaborates the management plans for 26 designated views in London and so will be of particular interest to boroughs that manage them and neighbouring boroughs that are affected by them, in addition to other key stakeholders who are concerned with the management of built environment issues.

Following this consultation, which ends on 15 July 2005, I will ask Government to revoke RPG3a to be replaced by the new guidance.

Sustainable Design and Construction SPG

My Draft Supplementary Planning Guidance on Sustainable Design and Construction adds detail to the policies in the London Plan and has been published for consultation. It advises on areas such as conserving energy and water, reducing noise and pollution, managing waste, conserving the natural environment and ensuring new developments are comfortable and secure for those who live or work in them.

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The draft guidance will inform architects, developers, planners and all other professionals involved in design and construction in the capital.

The London Plan’s policies are helping to make London a model for other world cities by guiding development in a truly sustainable way. With the capital anticipated to grow by 800,000 people by 2016 it is important that we create developments of lasting benefit. This guidance will help those involved in London’s development to make the most of our precious natural resources, minimise nuisances such as noise and pollution and meet the needs of London’s diverse population.

The draft guidance also provides examples of developments which are models of different aspects of sustainable design and construction, including:

· BedZed in Sutton, South London – carbon neutral development · Springbok Works, Dalston – effective use of roof space · Tate Modern – conversion of a major disused landmark for new cultural uses · Millennium Village, Greenwich – enhancing the natural environment through landmark development.

The draft guidance has been published for consultation and the deadline for responses is 3 June 2005. As a formal supplement to the London Plan the final supplementary planning guidance will carry weight in the planning process and influence planning decisions.

Planning and Development Control

Regional Assembly Consultation

I have written to the South East England Regional Assembly giving my comments on the draft South East Plan

Local Development Frameworks

I have asked officers to send letters giving my comments about the following draft Local Development Framework representations:

• Draft Local Development Scheme, LB Bromley • Draft Local Development Scheme, LB Newham • South Kilburn Supplementary Planning Document, LB Brent • South Shoreditch Area Action Plan, LB Hackney • Draft Local Development Scheme, LB Camden • Draft Local Development Scheme, LB Greenwich • Draft Local Development Scheme, LB Hounslow • Draft Local Development Scheme, LB Bexley • Draft Local Development Scheme, LB Kensington and Chelsea • Draft Local Development Scheme, LB Hackney • Draft Local Development Scheme, LB Croydon • Draft Local Development Scheme, LB Harrow • Draft Local Development Scheme, LB Hillingdon

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Unitary Development Plans

I have asked my officers to send letters giving my comments about the following Unitary Development Plan representations:

• Draft Supplementary Planning Guidance on Planning Obligations, LB Croydon • Lambeth UDP Pre-Inquiry changes, LB Lambeth • Further written representations to the UDP Public Inquiry, LB Lambeth • Further written representations to the UDP Public Inquiry, LB Greenwich • South Kilburn Supplementary Planning Document

Planning decisions (Stage II responses)

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

Royal Ballet School On 8 March I lifted my direction to refuse planning permission for the development of the Royal Ballet School in Richmond Park following agreement to enhance further the School's work on outreach and access. I had directed refusal because the Royal Ballet School had not demonstrated very special circumstances to outweigh the normal national and London Plan policy presumptions against inappropriate development on Metropolitan Open Land (MOL).

The Royal Ballet School has now put forward a package of new planning obligations for a comprehensive outreach programme to include Greater London which will meet the objectives of my London Plan in relation to the promotion of inclusiveness. This is also in accordance with my Economic Development and Cultural Strategies. In the light of these new obligations I consider that very special circumstances do exist to outweigh the normal presumptions and has therefore lifted my direction.

This decision will allow The Royal Ballet School to extend the valuable contribution it makes to communities throughout London and beyond and reach out to many Londoners who have not previously had access to classical dance. A decision to go against Metropolitan Open Land policy, especially where it means development in areas such as our historic parks, is not taken lightly. I am pleased that everyone involved has worked hard and quickly to ensure this development will bring the greatest benefit to London.

The Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel I have written to Tower Hamlets Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application. I approved the plans to redevelop the Royal London Hospital, following substantial improvements to the design. I had objected to the plans for the redevelopment of the hospital, located on the Whitechapel Road, East London, at an earlier stage. Consequently I have worked closely with the applicants and Tower Hamlets Council to ensure substantial improvements to create a design that will make a positive contribution to London.

My concerns included that the designs for the hospital would make it difficult for people to find their way around, that major entrances would not be sufficiently visible to promote the personal safety of people on the site, and that the overall design had too little variety and would make an unattractive addition to the area. Revised plans submitted to me have satisfactorily addressed all these concerns.

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I urged the applicants however to discuss the routing of the ambulances, construction traffic and operational traffic with Transport for London and Tower Hamlets Council, trying as far as possible to avoid residential areas.

The redevelopment of the Royal London will add significantly to the capacity and quality of healthcare facilities serving the City and East London. In a project of such a huge scale, that will impact on Londoners lives for a century and more, it is hugely important that we have got the plans right.

The redevelopment of the Royal London will make it the UK’s biggest hospital. It will involve the demolition of 21 existing buildings and the construction of five new buildings with a total proposed floor area of 225,229 square metres, including two towers 97 and 101 metres tall.

Citibank House, The Strand I have written to Westminster City Council stating that I have decided to not to direct refusal of this application.

1 Millharbour, Isle of Dogs I have written to Tower Hamlets Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.

Lower Lea Crossing, Leamouth Peninsula I have written to Newham Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.

Tarling Regeneration, site East of Watney Street I have written to Tower Hamlets Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.

Glasshouse Fields, Wapping I have written to Tower Hamlets Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.

North Cray Primary School, Bedens Road I have written to Bexley Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.

51 Lime Street I have written to the Corporation of London stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.

Croydon Arena (Arrowcroft) I have written to Croydon Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.

Royal Victoria Docks Site WE2 I have written to Newham Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application

112-122 Woodgrange Road I have written to Newham Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application

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Reuters, Blackwall Yard I have written to Tower Hamlets Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.

Burford Wharf, Stratford I have written to Newham Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.

Imperial College, Prince’s Garden I have written to Westminster City Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.

160-188 Stratford High Street I have written to Newham Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.

Mill Hill School I have written to Barnet Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.

13-16 Dingwall Road I have written to Croydon Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.

Smugglers’ Way I have written to Wandsworth Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.

Hillingdon Hospital I have written to Hillingdon Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.

Abford House I have written to Westminster City Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.

Victoria Stone Wharf I have written to Barking and Dagenham Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.

St Joseph’s Academy I have written to Lewisham Council stating that I have decided to direct refusal of this application.

Shandy Park, Bale Road I have written to Tower Hamlets Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.

Former Budget Rent-A-Car Heathrow I have written to Hillingdon Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.

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B&Q store, Shannon Corner I have written to Merton Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.

Kimpton Industrial Estate I have written to Sutton Council stating that I have decided to withdraw my direction to refuse this application.

Land at northeast junction of Duckett Street and Bale Street, Bale Road I have written to Tower Hamlets Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.

63-69 Manilla Street I have written to Tower Hamlets Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.

Grafton House, 2-3 Golden Square I have written to Westminster City Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.

Brunel University Campus Site 2, Kingston Lane I have written to Hillingdon Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.

Planning Decisions (Stage One Applications)

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

• Greenwich Millennium Village, Phases 3,4 and 5, LB Greenwich • The David Beckham Football Academy, Greenwich Peninsula, LB Greenwich • Prestolite Factory, Larden Road, LB Hammersmith and Fulham • Wilbury Primary School, Wilbury Way, LB Enfield • Fairfield Road, LB Croydon • Hillingdon Hospital, Pield Heath Road, LB Hillingdon • Crossharbour, London Arena Site, LB Tower Hamlets • Former Hawker Siddeley site, Walthamstow, LB Waltham Forest • Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel, LB Tower Hamlets • Ravensbourne College, LB Bromley • Bell Green Gas Works, LB Lewisham • Phase 3, Bell Green Gas Works, LB Lewisham • 725-733 Lordship Lane, LB Haringey • Land north of Cranford Lane, Harlington, LB Hillingdon • Rainham Autoclave Facility, LB Havering • Chelsea Bridge Wharf, LB Wandsworth • Southwark Bridge Road, LB Southwark • Lovell’s, Granite, Badcock’s and Piper’s Wharves, LB Greenwich • Tavy Bridge Estate, Thamesmead, LB Bexley

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Planning decisions made through Delegation of powers (Stage II responses)

Silvertown Quays, Royal Docks In exercise of the powers delegated to Chief Executive of the Greater London Authority by myself under section 38 of the GLA Act 1999, Anthony Mayer has written to Newham Council stating that he has decided not to direct refusal of this application.

Copies of my planning decisions and background reports are available on the GLA website.

Mayor’s Planning Awards

I have agreed the GLA’s involvement in the London Planning Awards 2005 and the entry form for distribution in April 2005. I have approved the waiver of the charge on London’s Living Room (LLR) and the application of any cash surplus towards the costs of LLR. I have agreed that the London Plan budget would bear the costs of any security and cleaning costs associated with the event if no cash surplus is achieved

Key Engagements

Among my engagements in the last two months were the following:

• I attended the London Resilience Forum on 3 March • I met with Tom Langton of Froglife on 3 March • I met with Chris Mclaughlin, editor of Tribune on 3 March • I addressed the Women’s Transport Network relaunch event on 3 March • I addressed the London NHS Chief Executive’s Conference on 7 March • I chaired my Management Board meeting on 7 March • I met with Anthony Mayer, Chief Executive of the GLA on 7 March • I attended the MIPIM conference on 8 and 9 March • I attended a lunch with Reverend Jesse Jackson on 10 March • I met with Bob Crow, RMT on 10 March • I met with Bob Kiley, Commissioner of Transport for London on 10 March • I met with Dr Richard Stone from Jewish Council of Racial Equality on 15 March • I chaired the GLA Integration Unit meeting on 21 March • I attended the Picketts Lock press launch at City Hall on 21 March • I addressed the Older People’s Assembly on 22 March • I met with Sir Ian Blair, Commissioner of the MPS on 22 March • I met with the representatives of the Hay Group on 22 March • I chaired the TfL Board meeting on 23 March • I met with Tony McNulty MP, Minister for Transport on 23 March • I met with DEFRA Ministers concerning Lower Emission Zones on 24 March • I chaired my Management Board meeting on 4 April • I met with Elliot Morley MP, Minister of State for Environment on 4 April • I met with Bob Kiley, Commissioner of Transport for London on 4 April • I opened the Islam Exhibition at City Hall on 6 April • I attended MQT on 6 April • I addressed the Russian Economic Forum on 11 April • I met with Bob Kiley, Commissioner of Transport for London on 11 April • I met with TfL concerning the Kings Cross Scheme on 14 April

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• I attended a presentation to the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations in Berlin on 17 April • I attended the Sport Accord reception and dinner on 17 April • I chaired my Management Board on 21 April • I met with Lord Rogers on 21 April • I met with Kelly McBride and Paul O’Connor on 21 April • I attended a dinner with Climate Change funders on 21 April • I addressed a meeting of GLA group Chief Finance Officers on 25 April • I hosted the May Day and Rise festival launch event on 27 April • I addressed a Workers Memorial day event on 28 April • I met with the LDA senior management on 28 April • I attended a reception to mark the 35th anniversary of the Irish Post on 28 April • I met with Bob Kiley, Commissoner of Transport for London on 9 May • I met with the winner of a Tsunami appeal auction on 10 May • I met with Paul Stephenson, Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police on 10 May • I attended a dinner with the Chinese Ambassador on 10 May • I met with the cast of the Anne Frank play staged at City Hall on 10 May • I met with Stirling Moss on 11 May • I attended Bureau of Leaders on 11 May • I met with Lord Rogers on 11 May

Ken Livingstone 11 May 2005

Background Documents: Mayoral Decision List Director Decision List

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