Written Answers to Questions Not Answered at Mayor's Question Time on 19 July 2018
Serious Youth Violence - Parents'/Carers' Advice Question No: 2018/1820 Joanne McCartney Parents/Carers often don't know where to go for advice when their child is at risk or involved in criminal activity. How are you ensuring that they have easy access to advice and guidance, and how are you ensuring that their experiences are taken into account in your youth violence prevention work?
Oral response
Commons vote on Heathrow third runway Question No: 2018/1746 Caroline Russell What actions will you take to stop the third runway at Heathrow?
Oral response
Police Clear Up Rates Question No: 2018/2037 Peter Whittle I am sure the Mayor will join me in congratulating the Durham Police Force on becoming the best police force in the country, when it comes to solving crime. They solve 18% of all crimes in the university city, while similar-sized police forces manage a score of just 5%. Mike Barton, Durham's chief constable attributed the force's success to good old-fashioned policing.1 What lessons do you think might the Metropolitan Police learn from the policing model operated by the Durham Force?
1 https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/sunday-times-crime-map-beat-bobbies-dazzle-in- durham-7jtx2dr8k
Oral response
Congestion Charge for PHVs Question No: 2018/1990 Gareth Bacon Is charging private hire vehicles to drive into the Congestion Charge Zone a fair and proportionate measure?
Oral response President Trump's visit to London Question No: 2018/1902 Andrew Dismore How much did the policing of President Trump's visit to London cost; and how many dedicated ward officers were taken off their wards to police the visit?
Oral response
London's Bus Mileage Question No: 2018/1965 Keith Prince What percentage reduction in London's total bus mileage has there been under your mayoralty?
Oral response
Public engagement Question No: 2018/1994 Steve O'Connell What are you doing to encourage residents of London to engage with the police?
Oral response
Oxford Street pedestrianisation Question No: 2018/1698 Caroline Pidgeon What is your plan B for Oxford Street?
Oral response
Brexit and Security Question No: 2018/1919 Unmesh Desai How are you and the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime working with the Met to prepare for the possibility of losing access to security arrangements such as the European Arrest Warrant and Europol after the UK leaves the European Union?
Oral response Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation Question No: 2018/1993 Shaun Bailey Do you agree that the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation represents a fantastic opportunity to build thousands of homes for London?
Oral response
EU Workers Question No: 2018/1844 Fiona Twycross The Office for National Statistics has found that there has been a 43 per cent drop of the number of EU citizens coming to work in the UK since the referendum. What is the impact of this in London?
Oral response
Uber Question No: 2018/1807 Florence Eshalomi Please update me on the current situation surrounding Uber and their Private Hire Operators Licence?
Oral response
Culture for All Londoners Question No: 2018/1829 Navin Shah Outer London is struggling to maintain and enhance the culture and creative industries due to austerity measures. How will your strategic vision for London's culture provide better access to those living in outer London, particularly young people?
Oral response
ULEZ Question No: 2018/1991 Gareth Bacon Are you satisfied that the impact of the expanded ULEZ has been fully assessed?
Oral question receiving a written response The Mayor Please see my answer to Mayor's Question 2018/1350 and the letter I sent to you in response to the issues raised. Homelessness Question No: 2018/1912 Tom Copley I welcome your announcement of an extra £3.3 million to tackle rough sleeping in London. However, how far will this go towards providing a long term, sustainable route off the streets for all rough sleepers without support from the Government?
Oral response
NHS@70 Parliamentary Awards Question No: 2018/1848 Fiona Twycross Will the Mayor join me in congratulating the nominees, from across London, for the NHS70 Parliamentary Awards? What challenges do you see for the NHS over the next 70 years and how can we make sure that we are united to have the best health service in London?
Oral response
Pride Parade (2) Question No: 2018/1979 Andrew Boff Why was Peter Tatchell not invited to your Pride reception?
Oral response Overcrowding Question No: 2018/1982 Andrew Boff Will you be monitoring progress in tackling overcrowding in London?
Oral question receiving a written response The Mayor My Housing Strategy includes for the first time a section dedicated to overcrowding, setting out the evidence around it and the range of actions we are taking. This includes a new policy in my draft London Plan that for the first time requires boroughs to set out the size mix of low- cost rent homes they want to see in their area. This is intended to make sure new social housing is targeted toward tackling overcrowding, by taking into account local evidence such as waiting lists.
Through this policy, boroughs can require more family-sized social housing. It also means they can require smaller homes for potential downsizers, whose moving will free up existing larger homes, and for 'concealed households' of people sharing with others because they can't afford a home of their own.
We will be able to monitor the impact of my size mix policies through the Annual Monitoring Report for my London Plan. This sets out the number of homes of each size and tenure built in London each year.
I have also published, for the first time, an implementation plan for my Housing Strategy that will monitor 11 key indicators - one of which is the overall rate of overcrowding in London - that have been chosen to assess the impact of my strategy over time. These indicators will be reported on an annual basis in my 'Housing in London' report.
We need the powers and resources to build more social housing, and it is also crucial Government take other steps, such as reversing welfare cuts which are leaving some tenants with no choice but to stay in overcrowded accommodation because they can't afford to move out into somewhere of the right size.
Car Free Day Question No: 2018/1879 Leonie Cooper Can the Mayor outline what steps he is taking to implement car-free days in London?
Oral response
Police raids and the Notting Hill Carnival Question No: 2018/1747 Sian Berry In addition to Notting Hill Carnival, when and for what other public order events have the Metropolitan Police conducted pre-event raids?
Oral response President Trump's Visit Question No: 2018/2038 David Kurten Why did you give permission for an obscene blimp of President Trump to fly over London during the President's visit to London?
Oral response
Toilet Charging at Transport for London Stations Question No: 2018/1819 Joanne McCartney Currently Transport for London (TfL) charges 20p for the use of toilet facilities at 15 tube stations, all others being free of charge. Network Rail has announced that they plan to scrap all toilet charges at all of its national rail toilets from 2019, stating that it is "quite wrong to penalise people when they are in discomfort". Will you ensure that TfL abolishes these charges?
Oral response
Garden Bridge Trust Question No: 2018/1918 Tom Copley What discussions has the Mayor had with the Garden Bridge Trust about how it spent the considerable amount of public money it received from Transport for London?
Oral response
Non-disclosure agreements (1) Question No: 2018/1699 Caroline Pidgeon Please state how many non-disclosure agreements with former staff at Transport for London have been signed as part of the process of their employment being terminated in the years 2016/17 and 2017/18.
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Non-disclosure agreements (2) Question No: 2018/1700 Caroline Pidgeon Please state how many non-disclosure agreements with former staff at the London Fire Brigade have been signed as part of the process of their employment being terminated in the years 2016/17 and 2017/18.
The Mayor
The number of non-disclosure agreements signed with former staff at London Fire Brigade was as follows:
2016/17 - 1
2017/18 - 3
Non-disclosure agreements (3) Question No: 2018/1701 Caroline Pidgeon Please state how many non-disclosure agreements with former staff at the Metropolitan Police Service have been signed as part of the process of their employment being terminated in the years 2016/17 and 2017/18.
The Mayor
When answering this question, we have interpreted it to mean:
How many employment tribunals (ET) cases in financial years 16/17 and 17/18 have resulted in cases reaching an agreement that has concluded with the Claimant (MPS 'employee') leaving the organisation and signing a legal document to that effect AND how many of these have signed such an agreement that contains a confidentiality clause.
On that basis, within the financial years 16/17 and 17/18, five ET Claimants were released from the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) as part of Settlement Compromise Agreements which included an Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) agreement form (commonly known as a COT3 form).
Of those five Claimants, three were Police Officers and two were Police Staff members. Of the five agreements produced to deal with the settlement conditions four contained confidentiality clauses. One agreement from a Police Staff member did not contain any confidentiality restrictions.
The terms of each Settlement Compromise Agreement, and whether it includes confidentiality restrictions, will depend on all the circumstances of the case. Non-disclosure agreements (4) Question No: 2018/1702 Caroline Pidgeon Please state how many non-disclosure agreements with former staff at the London Legacy Development Corporation have been signed as part of the process of their employment being terminated in the years 2016/17 and 2017/18.
The Mayor
All exit agreements that LLDC enters into with members of staff contain requirements as to the confidentiality of the exit arrangement and the disclosure of confidential information. These requirements do not apply to whistle blowing or where there is a legal obligation to disclose the information. There were three agreements entered into in 2016/17 and one in 2017/18.
Non-disclosure agreements
Non-disclosure agreements (5) Question No: 2018/1703 Caroline Pidgeon Please state how many non-disclosure agreements with former staff at the Greater London Authority have been signed as part of the process of their employment being terminated in the years 2016/17 and 2017/18.
The Mayor
In the periods requested, the following number of non-disclosure agreements were signed by former staff as part of the process of their employment being terminated
2016/17 6 2017/18 6
Taxi Engagement Group Question No: 2018/1704 Caroline Pidgeon What plans does Transport for London have to engage all road users, such as members of the Taxi Engagement Group, in consultations about new designs for junctions and roads in London?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Provision of body worn cameras for Taxi and Private Hire vehicle licence inspectors. Question No: 2018/1705 Caroline Pidgeon Will you consider introducing body worn cameras for Transport for London taxi and Private Hire vehicle licensing inspectors to ensure greater reliability of evidence collected and to reduce vexatious complaints?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Grass cutting by Transport for London (1) Question No: 2018/1706 Caroline Pidgeon Please confirm what TfL's policy is for cutting grass verges on the Transport for London Road Network?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Grass cutting by Transport for London (2) Question No: 2018/1707 Caroline Pidgeon Since May 2008, how many complaints has Transport for London received per calendar year from (a) councillors, MPs and London Assembly Members, (b) members of the public, relating to reductions in grass cutting along verges on the Transport for London Road Network?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Grass cutting by Transport for London (3) Question No: 2018/1708 Caroline Pidgeon Will Transport for London consider publishing its schedule for cutting grass verges on the TLRN?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Money left on Oyster cards which have not been used for at least one year (1) Question No: 2018/1709 Caroline Pidgeon Will you ensure Transport for London reduces the 48-hour threshold that exists before anyone can claim back the balance and deposit on an Oyster card?
The Mayor
The 48-hour threshold was introduced as a response to a significant risk of fraud. Transport for London (TfL) has upgraded its fraud prevention measures and recently reduced the threshold to 24 hours.
Any customers for whom it would be inconvenient to wait 24 hours (for example because they are leaving London) can obtain a refund more quickly by contacting the TfL customer team on 0343 222 1234.
Money left on Oyster cards which have not been used for at least one year (2) Question No: 2018/1710 Caroline Pidgeon Since media reports that the level of money left on Oyster cards not used for at least one year stands at over £231 million I have been contacted by a number of people who have indicated they would like to donate their remaining balance and deposit on disused Oyster cards to specific Transport for London (TfL)transport projects, such as cycling projects. Will TfL consider this suggestion?
The Mayor
I very much welcome the sentiment of contributing to further investment in transport. However, developing and maintaining the systems and processes to support the donation of remaining balances would be very complex, and therefore likely to have costs that would exceed the income received. This would result in less money being available for investing in transport projects.
TfL is committed to ensuring its customers can get back the credit on their Oyster cards if that is what they want. This is why we regularly publish the amount of unused credit on cards and information on how people can obtain a refund. Refunds can be obtained from any Tube station, ticket machine, our visitor information centres or by contacting our customer team on 0343 222 1234. Boxing Day service on the London Overground Question No: 2018/1711 Caroline Pidgeon Will you ensure that Transport for London finally provides a Boxing Day service on the London Overground this year?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Barking to Gospel Oak Overground service (1) Question No: 2018/1712 Caroline Pidgeon When does the lease that Arriva Rail London holds on eight Class172 diesel multiple units (172001 - 172008) owned by Angel Trains leasing expire?
The Mayor
Please see my answer to Mayor's Question 2018/1713.
Barking to Gospel Oak Overground service (2) Question No: 2018/1713 Caroline Pidgeon What contingency planning has Transport for London carried out to ensure that the eight Class172 diesel multiple units (172001 - 72008) will not be transferred to West Midlands Railway before eight New Class710 electric multiple units have entered service on the Barking to Gospel Oak Overground service?
The Mayor
A sublease arrangement for Class172 trains has been agreed until December 2018.
The Class710's manufacturer has assured Transport for London the new trains will be available for service by November. Central Line train service Question No: 2018/1714 Caroline Pidgeon Please set out when current investment plans will deliver improvements in the frequency of service of trains on the London Underground between West Ruislip and White City.
The Mayor
There are currently no plans to increase the frequency of trains between West Ruislip and White City. However, Transport for London's (TfL) passenger modelling shows that when Elizabeth line services start running from Ealing Broadway through Central London, 5,000 fewer passengers will use the Central line in the morning peak from the West. This means that there will be more space on the Central line for passengers travelling at the busiest times of the day.
There are other significant improvements to the Central line that will improve the quality and reliability of services. TfL is investing £356 million as part of the Central Line Improvement Programme that includes the replacement of old traction motors on the fleet, to help reduce delays on the line. The programme also includes accessibility enhancements for passengers, including more space for wheelchair users, audio and visual passenger information, and colour- contrasting features. These improvements will be complete by 2024. In the longer term, TfL will replace the current 92' Stock train fleet with the next generation of trains as part of the Deep Tube Upgrade Programme.
TfL will of course continue to seek opportunities to maximise the frequency of services within the capability of the current fleet size.
Blocking of pedestrian crossings by vehicles Question No: 2018/1715 Caroline Pidgeon A constituent has contacted me to ask whether Transport for London will consider extending the yellow box system used to keep free vehicle crossings to pedestrian crossings. They point out that if the traffic is congested, large vehicles such as lorries or buses, frequently stop across pedestrian crossings and block from view the 'green person' crossing sign. This means that pedestrians can neither safely cross when they are entitled to, nor, see when the symbol has changed from red to green.
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Monitoring of CO2 on the London Underground Question No: 2018/1716 Caroline Pidgeon Please set out the reasons why Transport for London does not routinely monitor levels of CO2 that can build up on London Underground trains?
The Mayor
It is essential that staff and passengers on Transport for London (TfL) services breathe the cleanest air possible.
TfL has taken measurements of the levels of CO2 on the network, most recently in winter 2017/18 as part of its work to evaluate the effect of ventilation systems. TfL took measurements inside passenger carriages on the Victoria line during rush hour periods. Given the high level of passenger usage and the fact that the Victoria Line is fully enclosed, this scenario is one in which the highest CO2 readings are likely to be encountered on the network.
The measurements have consistently shown that levels that accumulate in London Underground are far below the regulatory limits. For this reason, CO2 is not routinely monitored.
Crossrail HGV Safety Policy after February 2015 Question No: 2018/1717 Caroline Pidgeon In your response to Question 2018/3011 you stated: "there have been no further fatal incidents involving HGVs working on the Crossrail project since Mayor's Question 2016/0383 was asked in February 2016." Since Mayor's Question 2016/0383 showed the last fatality involving a Crossrail HGV was in February 2015, can you identify any working practices or policies put in place by Crossrail since that date which might have produced this better safety performance? Are there any lessons to be learnt that can be applied to other construction projects and, if so, will you ensure Crossrail publicise them?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Safety Performance Measures in FirstGroup Tram Operations Limited's Croydon Tram Contract Question No: 2018/1718 Caroline Pidgeon In your response to my Question 2017/3872 you stated: "there is currently no need to amend" Tram Operations Limited's 30-year contract with Transport for London to include safety provisions. Given the nine substantive safety issues revealed in Fatigue Audit IA 17 780 and your stated Vision Zero policy, have you now changed your initial position on this matter?
The Mayor
Transport for London (TfL) closely monitors the safety performance of all its contracted services, including those provided by Tram Operations Limited (TOL), to ensure that relevant industry safety standards are being met and that corrective actions are being implemented to address any identified shortcomings.
In addition to undertaking audits, such as that into TOL's fatigue management arrangements, TfL collects and monitors a considerable number of safety key performance indicators from TOL on a four-weekly basis. This is to ensure that underlying safety trends are identified and managed appropriately, as well as to highlight individual issues or incidents which may require specific or more urgent attention.
TfL continually reviews and adjusts the safety indicators that are included in this monitoring system. After the audit into TOL's fatigue management arrangements was concluded, TfL subsequently added a number of specific indicators of fatigue management performance. These continue to be monitored periodically.
This safety monitoring arrangement is not an explicit contractual requirement between TfL and TOL, but nevertheless is a key feature of both organisations' safety management systems, which are required to be adopted and verified to the safety regulator, Office of Rail and Road, under the Railways and Other Guided Transport Systems (Safety) Regulations 2006.
"Administrative Error" and Fatigue Audit Report IA 17 780 (1) Question No: 2018/1719 Caroline Pidgeon In your response to my Question 2018/1312 you stated: "TfL has strengthened its procedures to ensure more robust checks are undertaken on whether any internal reports could be of interest to external investigating bodies." Please provide me with a copy of the official communication which confirms how these procedures have been "strengthened" so an "administrative error" which you report to have occurred with IA 17 780 will not occur again.
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Data Sets used to produce graphic information on Page 10 of "Improving Cyclist Safety in London" Report Question No: 2018/1720 Caroline Pidgeon Page 10 of a Transport for London (TfL)report entitled "Improving Cyclist Safety in London" presented to the Safety Sustainability and Human Resources Panel on 20 June 2018 shows that buses and coaches are the most disproportionally involved in Killed or Seriously Injured incidents with cyclists. Can you provide me with the complete underlying data sets used by TfL to produce all the graphic information shown on that slide?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Improving Pedestrian Safety in London Question No: 2018/1721 Caroline Pidgeon Will you consider producing a report on "Improving Pedestrian Safety in London" using the same data-rich presentations that Transport for London provided in its recent "Improving Cyclist Safety in London" as presented to the Safety Sustainability and Human Resources Panel on 20 June 2018?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Absence of Bus Safety Incident Time-Series Data in Quarterly Health and Safety Report presented to Transport for London SSHR Panel on 20 June 2018 Question No: 2018/1722 Caroline Pidgeon This quarter's health and safety report submitted to Transport for London's Safety Sustainability and Human Resources Panel on 20 June 2018 contained no bus safety data. Does Transport for London have any plans to re-issue the quarterly Health and Safety Executive report with this data included?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Fatigue Audits of First Group Tram Operations Limited's Tram Drivers Question No: 2018/1723 Caroline Pidgeon Your response to Question 2018/1315 confirmed that only two such audits have taken place since Transport for London (TfL)acquired the Croydon Tram Operation from its Private Finance Initiative Partners in 2008. Why did TfL conduct so few audits of the fitness and competence of Tram Operations Limited's Tram drivers? How often does TfL intend to carry out such audits in the future?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
TfL Bus Garage Safety Question No: 2018/1724 Caroline Pidgeon In previous responses to Question 2014/1817 and Question 2014/1368 about bus garage safety, the previous Mayor of London stated: "TfL is also already exploring revised arrangements with bus operators that would give it greater visibility of RIDDOR [Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrence Regulations] notifications sent to the Health and Safety Executive, which would include incidents with one or two seriously injured people." Will you instruct Transport for London to finally publish detailed data about serious safety incidents at bus garages every quarter on its bus safety data page?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. 50 years of Victoria Line between Walthamstow and Highbury and Islington Question No: 2018/1725 Caroline Pidgeon Will you ensure Transport for London supports the 50-year celebrations of the Victoria Line between Walthamstow and Highbury, including the events being organised by the E17 Walthamstow Pumphouse Museum?
The Mayor
Yes. Transport for London (TfL) is rightly proud of its heritage and will be supporting the celebrations.
In September 2018, TfL is planning heritage displays at several of the Victoria line stations celebrating their 50th anniversary and will be offering pre-booked tours of these stations during Open House London.
TfL has had discussions with the Walthamstow Pumphouse Museum and station staff will be briefed on the events being organised there so they can direct people to the Museum.
Distraction by taxi and private hire drivers Question No: 2018/1726 Caroline Pidgeon In answer to Question 2018/0629 you stated that following the lack of steps being taken by the Department for Transport to research the issue of the distraction some taxi and private hire drivers might face with the use of Satnavs and Apps while driving that "TfL is now considering other potential avenues to better understand this issue". Please set out what progress Transport for London has made in its consideration of further action.
The Mayor
The issue of drivers and riders being distracted by mobile devices, apps and sat navs is one that affects all road users, including those who drive or ride for a living e.g. delivery drivers, couriers and taxi and private hire drivers.
I have asked Transport for London (TfL) to look into this issue and identify ways in which the level of distraction from these devices could be better understood. Workshops will be held with key stakeholders, from a number of industries, to understand the use of electronic devices whilst driving and explore solutions to the potential distraction these devices pose. Following these workshops, there may be a case for additional research to increase our understanding of the detriment to driver performance and increased collision risk when drivers use mobile / electronic devices.
TfL will continue to engage with the Department for Transport to request that legislation keeps pace with advances in technology and the ability to enforce against unsafe road user behaviour. Renewal of Taxicard contract Question No: 2018/1727 Caroline Pidgeon A number of people with disabilities have concerns with the re-awarding of the Taxicard contract to CityFleet. Will you ensure that the main conditions of the contract in terms of service delivery are made public and also set out where any improvements in service have been specified?
The Mayor
Yes, the main conditions of the new contract, in terms of service delivery, booking and provision of journeys for the Taxicard scheme are the same. They are included in the specification, which will be published by Transport for London (TfL) and London Councils with the contract at the following link: https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/publications-and-reports/contracts-greater-than-5000
Meetings with key stakeholders are being planned to discuss the new contract and the improvements it will bring for customers.
Individual Taxicard members will also receive detailed information in the autumn about the service improvements as a result of their feedback and the new contract.
Bricklayers Arms station Question No: 2018/1728 Caroline Pidgeon Transport for London (TfL) states it is currently looking at an option for an additional tube station on the Bakerloo Line Extension at the Bricklayers Arms. To help offset the costs of constructing an extra station will you instruct TfL to fully examine the option of a mixed use site at the Bricklayers Arms roundabout such as has been the case at Nine Elms station?
The Mayor
Following the public consultation on possible Bakerloo line extension stations and shafts last year, Transport for London continues to review options for the number and location of stations along the Old Kent Road as part of the proposed scheme. This work is considering a range of factors including the impact of any possible station on the delivery of new homes and jobs, both in the surrounding area and in an oversite development, such as has been the case at Nine Elms station on the Northern line extension. Restorative Justice (1) Question No: 2018/1729 Caroline Pidgeon Under the Victim Code of Practice, victims are entitled to be told about restorative justice. How many victims of crime in 2016/17 and in the first two quarters of 2017/18 were made aware of restorative justice? Please break this down by quarter.
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Restorative Justice (2) Question No: 2018/1730 Caroline Pidgeon Since awarding the pan-London restorative justice contract to Restore:London in August 2016, how many victims accessed restorative justice? How many restorative justice cases have been concluded and how many are underway?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Restorative Justice (3) Question No: 2018/1731 Caroline Pidgeon Until when does the current contract with Restore:London run and what are your plans for restorative justice provision in London after that?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Restorative Justice (4) Question No: 2018/1732 Caroline Pidgeon Will you make sure that information on making victims aware of restorative justice, and how many access it, are routinely published as new data is made available?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Merlin ACN reports Question No: 2018/1733 Caroline Pidgeon Is the Metropolitan Police Service actively working with the health and social care sector to encourage GPs and social workers to access and act upon Merlin ACN (Adult Come to Notice) reports?
The Mayor
The Metropolitan Police Service works with partners, including health and social care sector through the multi-agency safeguarding hub (MASH). All Merlin reports are risk rated according to MPS guidance developed from the London continuum of need and the Pan- London multi agency policy and procedures. Reports are referred to Local Authority social care through the MASH rated red, amber or green, to highlight vulnerability & for decisions to be made on onward dissemination of information. Health services are represented in almost all of London's MASHs. Most London boroughs have also established a Community Multi-agency Risk Assessment Conference (CMARAC) to manage risks identified for the most vulnerable adults coming to notice.
DBS checks (1) Question No: 2018/1734 Caroline Pidgeon What is the current average length of time for the Metropolitan Police Service to complete an Enhanced DBS Check?
The Mayor
Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) performance on Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks has improved immensely. The average length of time to complete an enhanced DBS check is, as of July 2018, less than 19 days.
The MPS deals with more than 6,000 enhanced applications each week. An enhanced Criminal Records check can include convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands as well as other incidents such as where the individual was never arrested, charged or prosecuted.
Basic DBS checks, consisting of convictions and conditional cautions that are not spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, are dealt with directly by the DBS. DBS checks (2) Question No: 2018/1735 Caroline Pidgeon In response to Question 2016/4867 you said the Metropolitan Police Service aimed to reduce the 'Work in Progress' for Enhanced DBS applications to the region of 30-35,000 applications. How many applications are currently in progress?
The Mayor
As of July 2018, the Work in Progress (WiP) is 17,970.
This is far below the original 30-35,000 target and a testament to MPS hard work to significantly and consistently improve its service provision around enhanced DBS checks.
SoundSkool Question No: 2018/1736 Caroline Pidgeon What are you doing to save the closure of SoundSkool in Enfield, which is thought to be helping children from falling into a path of violence?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Spending on promotional material Question No: 2018/1737 Caroline Pidgeon How much money has been spent on 'Mayor of London' online promotional material, such as Facebook and Twitter adverts? Please provide a breakdown per social media site for each month of the last year.
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. London Stadium staff Question No: 2018/1738 Caroline Pidgeon In response to Question 2017/0379 you said that some match day staff at the London Stadium who were employees of sub-contracting firms were not being paid the London Living Wage and that you would urgently seek to ensure this was put right. Are they now being paid the London Living Wage?
The Mayor
The London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) is a London Living Wage (LLW) employer, and ensures that all its direct employees, interns, and apprentices are paid at least the LLW. The LLDC has made it a contractual requirement for its main construction contractors and end-use contractors to pay the LLW to their directly-employed staff. The London Stadium is managed by such a main contractor and as a result their directly-employed staff have always have been paid at or above the LLW.
I have also required that match day staff who are employees of sub-contracting firms are paid the LLW. Stewarding and security contracts are in the final stages of being retendered, and the new agreements will include payment of the LLW. The catering contract is also being worked on, and LLDC officers will ensure that these remaining sub-contracted staff receive the LLW as soon as this process allows.
Construction licensing Question No: 2018/1739 Caroline Pidgeon The Federation of Master Builders recently launched a research report calling for a mandatory licensing scheme across the construction industry. Do you agree that this would ensure a minimum level of competence in London and reap health and safety benefits in the sector? Will you support this campaign?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Knife bins Question No: 2018/1740 Caroline Pidgeon In response to Question 2018/1330 you said the Metropolitan Police Service had set aside some money towards commissioning future provision of knife bins. How much money has been set aside?
The Mayor
The Mayor allocated an extra £15m of funding for the Met to tackle knife crime in this years funding, whilst the government has been cutting funding for policing in London. Within this funding, the Met has allocated a proportion for innovative and preventive resources, one of which is knife bins, and they are currently reviewing where these are and how many more will be purchased.
Cardiff Model Question No: 2018/1741 Caroline Pidgeon In response to Question 2018/1335 you said Chelsea and Westminster emergency department were now collecting assault data but this was not being shared. Why are they not sharing this data and what are you doing to persuade them of the importance of doing so?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Unstaffed London Underground stations (1) Question No: 2018/1742 Caroline Pidgeon What actions are Transport for London taking to address the rise in incidences of unstaffed stations, especially on the Central Line, as highlighted by the RMT Union on the 6 July 2018?
The Mayor
All London Underground (LU) stations are rostered to be staffed during operating hours. Stations located underground have specific staffing requirements and minimum staff numbers, which vary depending on the size of the station. This is a fire regulation requirement arising from King's Cross fire in 1987.
While there is no regulatory or legal requirement for LU's above ground stations to remain staffed when services are operating, TfL continues to plan to staff all stations at all such times. Sometimes operational requirements may mean that some above ground stations become unstaffed temporarily, for example when an incident occurs elsewhere on the line and the assistance of another member of staff is required. During these times the gates are temporarily left open, and the station remains safe to operate. This only ever relates to above ground stations.
TfL's system of prioritisation means it is generally the quietest stations that may temporarily unstaffed, as staff are moved to higher priority locations. The Central Line has a relatively high number of above ground stations, it will therefore always feature more highly than other lines. Instances of unstaffed stations on the Central Line are not, however, increasing.
TfL will continue to monitor the level of staffing across the network to ensure that customers are kept safe and receive the best possible level of service and assistance at all times.
Unstaffed London Underground stations (2) Question No: 2018/1743 Caroline Pidgeon In answer to Question 2017/4904 about unstaffed London Underground stations, you stated that by Spring 2018 Transport for London (TfL)will seek to publish information online about the incidents of unstaffed London Underground stations. Why has this information not yet been published by TfL?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Pausing of non-essential road improvements Question No: 2018/1744 Caroline Pidgeon Following the announcement on the 21 February 2018 that all 'non-essential' road improvements have been paused for two years, how is Transport for London (TfL) responding to calls for potholes to be repaired on TfL routes, especially in relation to potholes which could hinder safe cycling?
The Mayor
TfL's budget is £700m a year lower after the Government's decision in 2015 to remove the operating grant. The previous Mayor failed to defend London's transport subsidy when the Government decided to withdraw it, despite knowing how important the success of London is to the rest of the UK.
The two year pause of 'non-essential' works - a decision TfL was forced to make following the Government's decision in 2015 to remove £700m a year of operating grant - applies to road renewals, such as resurfacing lengths of carriageway. There is no pause to the repair of potholes or other safety defects because this work is essential.
Transport for London (TfL) will maintain safety for all road users, including cyclists, by continuing to carry out regular safety inspections on all of its roads. This will allow it to identify and repair potholes and other safety defects in accordance with industry guidance and good practice.
TfL will monitor the impact of the renewals pause on road condition and listens carefully to feedback from all road users. If there are any indications that the pause may compromise safety, it will take the necessary steps to address this, which may include essential repairs or enhanced inspection regimes.
Potholes and repairs on Transport for London Road Network Question No: 2018/1745 Caroline Pidgeon Please provide the current financial year list of potholes and road repairs Transport for London has assessed need to be fixed and the timescales for doing so. Please also provide the same list for the previous financial year.
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Heathrow noise insulation compensation scheme Question No: 2018/1748 Caroline Russell A third runway at Heathrow Airport would worsen Londoners' exposure to noise. An additional 300,000 people would be affected. To mitigate the impact on communities, the Secretary of State for Transport is proposing a noise insulation compensation scheme to help fund replacement windows, secondary glazing and other measures in homes, schools and community buildings. Do you agree that it will do nothing to compensate Londoners for the aircraft noise experienced outdoors in the street or a garden and lead to a deterioration of peoples' health and quality of life?
The Mayor
Analysis by the Civil Aviation Authority undertaken for Government - and released in a recent Freedom of Information request - found that 2.2 million people would experience a significant increase in aircraft noise as a result of a third runway at Heathrow.
The noise compensation measures being proposed are wholly inadequate to address these impacts. This is clearly unacceptable and I will continue to make the case for people's health and quality of life which cannot be sacrificed in this way.
Impact of keeping windows closed to block out Heathrow aircraft noise during heatwaves Question No: 2018/1749 Caroline Russell A third runway at Heathrow Airport would worsen Londoners' exposure to noise. An additional 300,000 people would be affected. To mitigate the impact on communities, the Secretary of State for Transport is proposing a noise insulation compensation scheme to help fund replacement windows, secondary glazing and other measures in homes, schools and community buildings. However, during warmer periods and heatwaves when Londoners particularly need the option of opening windows for their comfort and wellbeing, they face exposure to aircraft noise disturbance and being woken up by night or early morning flights. Will you examine the health impacts of this, particularly on vulnerable people, and consider them in your joint legal action against the third runway?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. London City Airport signals expansion Question No: 2018/1750 Caroline Russell The chief executive of London City Airport has said that he will be considering potential options to lift the airport's current cap of 6.5 million passengers and 111,000 flights a year. Given the health and environmental impacts on Londoners, will you make it clear that you oppose any further expansion of flights at City Airport?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Robin Hood energy Question No: 2018/1751 Caroline Russell Within three years of operation as a fully licensed energy supply company, Robin Hood Energy has acquired 115,000 customers and, according to company accounts, made an operating surplus of £202,000. In light of this success story, will you reconsider your decision to tender for the delivery of a white label energy supply company, and instead opt for the fully licensed supply company that your own feasibility report showed would supply a wider range of benefits?
The Mayor
I have previously set out (Mayor's Question 2017/3960) my reasons for tendering for a partner to deliver my Energy for Londoners Supply Company to bring fairer energy prices to Londoners, especially those living in fuel poverty, as well as other environmental outcomes. This tender is now underway, so I am unable to comment further due to the need to respect the confidentiality of the procurement process. As I have said, I will keep the option of moving to my own fully licensed company under review.
Higher levels of pollution on Brixton Road Question No: 2018/1752 Caroline Russell In 2017 the air pollution monitoring site on Brixton Road recorded 75 hours of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations above the 200 ug/m3 levels when the legal limit is 18 hours a year. Even with the implementation of your clean bus zone, to date (6 July 2018) 67 hourly exceedances have been recorded this year and, based on this, pollution at the site is on course to be significantly worse than 2017. Could you offer an explanation for this deterioration? What immediate steps will you take to rectify this unacceptable situation?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Inadequate national target to eliminate avoidable plastic waste Question No: 2018/1753 Caroline Russell The Government document, A Green Future: Our 25 Year Plan to Improve the Environment, published in January 2018, says it will be "working to a target of eliminating avoidable plastic waste by end of 2042." Given the urgency and scale of the problem highlighted in Blue Planet 2, and your policies to cut plastic waste, do you agree that this target is inadequate and needs to be brought forward by at least a decade?
The Mayor
My ambition is for London to send no biodegradable or recyclable waste to landfill by 2026, and by 2030, for 65 per cent of London's municipal waste to be recycled. Specifically, for packaging, I am calling on the Government to set minimum standards of design for reuse and recyclability, and strengthen Extended Producer Responsibility requirements. The Government should review the Packaging Recovery Note (PRN) system to require minimum levels of recycled content in plastic products and should at least match the ambition of the EU which is, for example, aiming for all plastic packaging to be reusable or recyclable by 2030.
Barnet Council proposal to stop separate household food waste collection (2) Question No: 2018/1754 Caroline Russell In answer to my question 2018/1463 you told me that in reference to the London Environment Strategy: "Barnet did not respond during the public consultation on the issue of food waste collection, which was included in the waste policies and proposals" and that "waste authorities have a duty under that Act to undertake their waste responsibilities in such a way as to be in general conformity with the strategy." According to an article in Material Recycling World on 3 July 2018, the leader of Barnet Council said that you: "will not be able to use executive powers to make the authority carry on with separate food waste collection." What is your response to this claim?
The Mayor
I have, under section 356 of the GLA Act, the power to direct a waste authority to take specified action if I consider it necessary for the implementation of the municipal waste provisions of my London Environment Strategy. However, I see this as an option of last resort and only to be used where no other option is available or reasonable.
I am currently in a six-week consultation period with Barnet Council on their plans and the authority is fully cooperating in providing a range of information and data. It would not be appropriate for me to say any more given this live process of dialogue and consultation. Barnet Council proposal to stop separate household food waste collection (3) Question No: 2018/1755 Caroline Russell The reason that Barnet Council had reportedly given for scrapping their separate household food waste collection is: "excessive additional costs." However, the additional cost of sending food waste to incinerators where the gate fees are significantly higher compared to anaerobic digestion, seems to suggest the savings are minimal. Will you ask Barnet Council for details of these alleged savings?
The Mayor
Following Barnet Council's decision on the 5th of June to withdraw the food waste collection service, I formally wrote to the leader of the council, on the 19th of June, and again on the 27th of June, expressing my profound concern at the decision and conveying my intention to direct the authority to stop the implementation of its decision for an initial six-week period. The purpose of this being to set aside a period within which we could seek additional information, data and evidence from the authority that it had used to support its decision and to see if a resolution can be found.
The Leader of the authority, Cllr Richard Cornelius, responded to that letter on the 28th of June and agreed voluntarily to set aside a six-week period to engage in dialogue and consultation.
We are currently within that six-week period and the authority is fully cooperating in providing a range of information and data. This includes all cost information including that of processing/disposal. It would not be appropriate for me to say any more given this live process of dialogue and consultation. Outer London car journeys set to increase by one million each week Question No: 2018/1756 Caroline Russell Research undertaken by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) has identified 450 proposed development sites in London's Green Belt, largely outside the Greater London boundary. The majority of these developments will be car dependent, which CPRE anticipates will add one million new car journeys a week in outer London. What are you doing to prevent this potential new source of air pollution?
The Mayor
I have no powers to prevent development on the Green Belt outside Greater London. I am constructively and collaboratively using my Duty to Cooperate in responding to Local Plans outside London on issues of strategic importance. My officers encourage boroughs outside of London to consider adopting some of the Mayor's strategic transport policy objectives, as set out in the Mayor's Transport Strategy, such as the promotion of the Healthy Streets Approach, rebalancing the transport system towards walking, cycling and public transport, improving air quality and reducing road danger. It is then for local planning authorities outside London to decide how to address their development, including car parking requirements, and I have no powers in this regard.
My strong approach towards protecting London's Green Belt, which is laid out in the draft London Plan, is complemented by the National Planning Policy Framework guidance on development in the Green Belt, which makes it difficult for any authority, including those outside the GLA boundary, to release Green Belt land for development.
Properly protected cycle lanes (1) Question No: 2018/1757 Caroline Russell In answer to my question 2018/1435 you told me that by 2020 you will have delivered more than 30 km of additional protected cycle space. Could you provide a breakdown of which routes this new 30 km will be on, including cycle superhighway routes, and when they will be completed?
The Mayor
I intend to publish a Cycling Delivery Plan in the autumn that will set out the actions that Transport for London, boroughs and other partners will take over the next five years to encourage more Londoners to cycle, and to continue the growth of cycling in London as part of achieving the Mayor's Transport Strategy. The Plan will include full details of my cycling programme, including timescales for new protected cycle routes. Properly protected cycle lanes (2) Question No: 2018/1758 Caroline Russell How many kilometres of properly protected cycle lane were in place when you took up your Mayoralty in 2016? How many of those kilometres were on cycle superhighway routes?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Six new cycle routes Question No: 2018/1759 Caroline Russell In answer to my question 2018/1435 you told me you had a detailed schedule of delivery for the six new cycle routes you announced in January 2018. Will you share this schedule?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Healthy Streets score for Highbury Corner Question No: 2018/1760 Caroline Russell In your answer to my question 2016/1983, you told me that once the Healthy Streets Check tool has been established it will be applied to all new schemes. What are the Healthy Streets scores for before and after the Transport for London (TfL) Highbury Corner scheme?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Highbury Corner scheme implementation Question No: 2018/1761 Caroline Russell Will you ensure that pedestrian and cyclist safety and convenience are prioritised during the implementation of the Highbury Corner scheme?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Highbury Corner pedestrian crossing Question No: 2018/1762 Caroline Russell The bridge works have been completed at Highbury Corner but the pedestrian crossing on Holloway Road has not been moved back to its location on the desire line to Highbury and Islington Underground Station. When will the crossing be returned to its original location?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Look Up campaign Question No: 2018/1763 Caroline Russell Will you ask Transport for London (TfL) to adopt the recommendations of the Look Up campaign, by introducing announcements that ask commuters to look up to check if any fellow passengers are wearing a "please offer me a seat" badge?
The Mayor
I wholeheartedly support the 'Look Up' campaign. Making transport accessible for everyone is extremely important to me and is one of the priorities in my Transport Strategy. TfL has made real progress in creating a more accessible public transport network in the capital, but we know there is much more we need to do. While we invest record amounts in step-free stations and extra capacity on the transport network, Londoners can help by looking up and seeing if there is someone in greater need of a seat. It can make someone's day.
Working with Corry, TfL is launching announcements to customers in London Underground station halls, on platforms and on trains straight away, building on the momentum her campaign has generated. TfL is also working with her to develop further creative activities and messaging and incorporate these into its existing 'Travel Kind' campaign, which asks customers to consider others when using priority seats.
Air conditioning on London buses (1) Question No: 2018/1764 Caroline Russell It has been brought to my attention that London bus drivers have expressed concerns on their Unite social media forums about bus companies failing to maintain air conditioning on buses. Will you ask Transport for London (TfL) to investigate this issue and ensure that bus companies operating in London have fully working air conditioning units on their buses?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Air conditioning on London buses (2) Question No: 2018/1765 Caroline Russell Will you ask Transport for London (TfL) to introduce a maximum working temperature policy for bus drivers?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Weekend opening hours at National Sport Centre Question No: 2018/1766 Caroline Russell I have been informed by a constituent that the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre (NSC) is open until 5 pm at the weekend. Whereas the Copper Box Arena with similar facilities at the Olympic Park is open until 10 pm. Given that both facilities are managed by the leisure contractors of the GLA, Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) and that there is a shortage of multi- use sports halls with public access, will you look at extending the weekend opening hours at the NSC?
The Mayor
I can confirm that the NSC at Crystal Palace is open until 5pm at weekends and that the current opening times are in accordance with existing contract terms with GLL. Although the cost of operating the NSC is considerable compared to the Copper Box Arena, I have asked GLA Officers to review weekend opening hours with GLL to determine if attendance numbers would increase enough to cover the cost of opening beyond 5pm.
Exhibition space and draft London Plan (2) Question No: 2018/1767 Caroline Russell In answer to my question 2018/0391 asking whether you had undertaken any specific assessments or audits of London's exhibition space as part of the evidence base for your draft Economic Development Strategy and draft new London Plan, you told me that none had been undertaken as the data available was limited. Since then, as part of your draft London Plan consultation, the Association of Exhibition Organisers (AEO) provided you with their assessment of the significant economic value of this sector. Will you reflect this assessment in your new London Plan and economic development policies?
The Mayor
My officers have analysed all the responses to the consultations on my draft London Plan and draft Economic Development Strategy, and they have reviewed the assessment submitted by the Association of Exhibition Organisers. To inform the London Plan Examination in Public I will be suggesting a number of minor changes to the draft Plan where I consider it to be appropriate. These suggested changes will be made public in the coming weeks. Spit hoods and body worn video Question No: 2018/1768 Sian Berry Are all Metropolitan Police officers required to have their body worn video cameras turned on when a spit hood is used on a detainee in a police cell or custody suite?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Legal basis for the use of automated facial recognition Question No: 2018/1769 Sian Berry The GLA Oversight Committee recommended that the Mayor: "consider suspending the use of [automated facial recognition] technology until a clear legal framework is in place and MOPAC has conducted a meaningful consultation process." With the Government's Biometrics Strategy only released on 28 June 2018 and a further 12 month process of consultation and policy development expected, when can we expect the Committee's recommendation to be adopted?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Knife crime toolkit Question No: 2018/1770 Sian Berry How will you track and monitor who and what organisations use your new knife crime toolkit, and how will you measure its effectiveness?
The Mayor
The #LNYA (London Needs You Alive) toolkit has been developed to allow audiences to amplify #LNYA and other broader preventive responses to knife crime and a grass roots level.
An online hub has been developed to host the toolkit. We will invite users of the toolkit to submit feedback via the hub, including specific questions with regards to recommended amendments to the toolkit and examples of how the toolkit has been used / proven to be most helpful. A feedback form will be included with the general dissemination of the toolkit.
Analytics tools will also be used to track online promotion and dissemination of the educational toolkit with community groups and educators. Integrated Gangs Strategy (1) Question No: 2018/1771 Sian Berry How long is the Integrated Gangs Strategy, which brings together multi-agencies including the Metropolitan Police together to address gangs in London, going to be piloted for?
The Mayor
This question appears to refer to a strategy, Strategic Ambitions for London - Gangs and Serious Youth Violence, that was completed under the last administration.
Distinct from above-mentioned previous strategy, some boroughs have created multi agency partnership teams to help them respond to youth violence holistically, from both a support and enforcement perspective. MOPAC contributes some funding, through London Crime Prevention Funding, towards these multi agency teams.
Integrated Gangs Strategy (2) Question No: 2018/1772 Sian Berry One of the tactics from the failed Metropolitan Police and MOPAC Shield pilot was to threaten the families of those allegedly involved in criminal activity with eviction. The Integrated Gangs Strategy has also adopted this approach.
How many households have been a) threatened with eviction, and b) evicted as a result of this tactic under each of these strategies? Could you also provide a breakdown of the boroughs in which the affected households are located and the total number of people living in these households affected, in addition to alleged gang members?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Response time when reporting online Question No: 2018/1773 Sian Berry On average, how long does it take for the Metropolitan Police Service to get back in touch with a victim or witness who has reported a crime online? Could you provide the average response time taken in each month, in 2016 and 2017?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Recording judicial outcomes of hit and run offences Question No: 2018/1774 Sian Berry Thank you for your response to my questions 2018/0986, 2017/2117 and 2016/4612. Could you now provide the collision judicial outcome data for hit and run offences that has been reported using the Case Overview and Preparation Application (COPA) to support traffic collision reporting for each month since June 2017?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Budget of the Serious Collision Investigation unit (2) Question No: 2018/1775 Sian Berry Thank you for your response to my question 2018/0981. What was the budget for the Serious Collision Investigation unit in the Metropolitan Police Service in 2015, 2016 and 2017? Could you provide the projected budget for future years?
The Mayor
The budget for the Serious Collision Investigation Unit was as follows:
2015/16 £8.40m
2016/17 £8.43m
2017/18 £8.51m
The MPS are currently business planning to set budgets for 2019/20 onwards; the SCIU budget will be part of this and will be confirmed once all budgets are agreed.
No Second Night Out access policies (1) Question No: 2018/1776 Sian Berry A constituent has contacted me concerned that problems with capacity at No Second Night Out hubs can mean a verified rough sleeper added to the Combined Homelessness and Information Network (CHAIN) database is denied subsequent access to the hubs even if they did not receive any support the first time they were referred due to a lack of vacancies. Your new Plan of Action to tackle rough sleeping says you will double the number of outreach workers and give further support to No Second Night Out hubs. This may help reduce the number of rough sleepers who are turned away, but will you also ensure the policy of refusing subsequent access to hubs is changed as well?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Specialist mental health workers to assess rough sleepers Question No: 2018/1777 Sian Berry Will the team of new specialist mental health workers you referred to in your press release dated 28 June 2018 operate pan-London or in specific boroughs?
The Mayor
It is envisaged that the team will work in specific boroughs with the highest need and no current specialist resource.
Delivering planned schemes as community-led Question No: 2018/1778 Sian Berry The Welsh Government has funded a pilot programme to turn planned housing association schemes into cooperatives. Have you approached any housing associations in London to suggest they deliver planned schemes as community-led housing and, if not, will you?
The Mayor
My London Housing Strategy sets out an ambitious agenda to support community-led housing to make a larger contribution to increasing the supply of new homes. To support this agenda, I am providing £250,000 of funding to support the new Community-Led Housing Hub for London.
I agree that housing associations can play a role in supporting community-led housing, and I have asked the hub to provide those housing associations who they are in contact with, with practical support and advice about how they can build their own homes.
Advice for organisations that bid to build affordable homes as part of the Small Sites, Small Builders programme Question No: 2018/1779 Sian Berry Were the 79 organisations that unsuccessfully bid to deliver homes at Cable Street and Christchurch Road be given feedback they can incorporate in any future bids they may make to this programme?
The Mayor
For clarification this referred to organisations that bid for one or more of the ten TfL sites the formed the pilot launch, including Cable Street and Christchurch Road. Where feedback has been asked for it has been provided. Responding to the Government consultation on longer tenancies Question No: 2018/1780 Sian Berry Will you be responding to the Government's consultation on the barriers to introducing longer tenancies in the private rented sector (https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/overcoming-the-barriers-to-longer- tenancies-in-the-private-rented-sector) setting out the principles for your forthcoming London Model of rights and obligations to be agreed by renters and landlords and will you publish your response when it is submitted?
The Mayor
Yes, please see my response to Mayor's Question 2018/1781.
The London Model of private sector tenancies Question No: 2018/1781 Sian Berry How will your London Model of 'a reformed tenancy model for the capital's private rented sector' go further than the Government's new proposals to make renting a more stable option for Londoners?
The Mayor
My London Model proposal makes clear that wholesale, strategic reform is required to address the structural inequalities in the private rented sector, and to make renting into a tenure that is fit for the 21st century. The Government has announced a short consultation, which does not commit to legislation, to consider an extension of the existing, flawed assured shorthold tenancy. While I welcome any focus from Government on security of tenure, a much more comprehensive approach along the lines of my London Model is needed.
Devolution of housing powers Question No: 2018/1782 Sian Berry Could you give an update on your lobbying work to win new powers from Government that would benefit private renters in London?
The Mayor
My team and I continue to lobby for new powers from Government to help private renters in London. My Deputy Mayor for Housing recently raised this with Rishi Sunak MP though given the recent turmoil in Government and, in particular, the rapid turnover of housing ministers, progress on devolution negotiations has been predictably slow. I look forward to restarting discussions on this issue with the new minister Kit Malthouse MP.
Burglaries in commercial properties in Camden (1) Question No: 2018/1783 Sian Berry How many commercial properties in Camden have been burgled in 2017 and 2018? Could you provide a breakdown of burglaries per month.
The Mayor
The table below gives a monthly breakdown of the number of commercial properties that have been burgled in Camden since January 2017, according to MPS recorded crime.
From April 2017 onwards, a new classification of police recorded burglary was introduced, dividing offences into two categories of "residential" and "business and community".
"Residential" burglary includes all buildings or parts of buildings that are within the boundary of, or form a part of, a dwelling. It also includes other premises used for residential purposes such as houseboats etc.
"Business and community" burglary includes all buildings or parts of buildings that are used solely for business purposes or are otherwise entirely outside the classification of residential burglary.
It is therefore impossible to compare figures for anything other than all Burglary before and after this point.
Month Total Jan-17 138 Feb-17 132 Mar-17 98 Apr-17 125 May-17 118 Jun-17 105 Jul-17 145 Aug-17 125 Sep-17 110 Oct-17 119 Nov-17 122 Dec-17 91 Jan-18 111 Feb-18 119 Mar-18 117 Apr-18 116 May-18 143 Jun-18 136
Burglaries in commercial properties in Camden (2) Question No: 2018/1784 Sian Berry What is the Metropolitan Police Service in Camden doing to proactively reduce commercial burglaries in the borough?
The Mayor
Additional research has been undertaken to identify hotspot locations for focussed activity. Extra patrols are being deployed to these areas, including throughout the night, to prevent further crimes and to hunt for suspects.
Linked crimes have been identified and detective officers will lead on the investigations to identify and arrest offenders.
All burglary venues are visited by Neighbourhood officers and crime prevention advice is given to victims. Surrounding venues are also visited and offered the same crime prevention advice.
Defibrillators in London Underground stations Question No: 2018/1785 Sian Berry In November 2016, there were 213 defibrillators situated across 146 London Underground stations. How many defibrillators are there now and where are they located? Are there plans to introduce anymore in the forthcoming months?
The Mayor
There are currently 214 defibrillators situated across 150 London Underground stations. These are located at the stations listed below.
In addition to these fixed points, London Underground's Network Incident Response Team and British Transport Police medical officers also carry defibrillators, and take these to incidents where customers have fallen ill.
Transport for London is currently investigating installing a further four defibrillators, and will work with the London Ambulance Service to determine the best locations.
Acton Town
Aldgate Aldgate East
Aldwych
Amersham
Angel
Arsenal
Baker Street (there are four defibrillators at the station)
Balham
Bank/Monument (eight)
Barbican
Blackfriars
Bond Street
Bow Road
Brixton
Camden Town
Canada Water
Canary Wharf
Canning Town
Cannon Street
Chalfont & Latimer
Chancery Lane
Charing Cross (five)
Clapham Common
Clapham South
Cockfosters Covent Garden
Earls Court (three)
East Finchley
Edgware
Edgware Road (Bakerloo)
Edgware Road (Circle & Hammersmith)
Elephant & Castle (two)
Embankment (two)
Epping
Euston (four)
Euston Square
Farringdon
Finchley Central
Finchley Road
Finsbury Park
Fulham Broadway
Gants Hill
Gloucester Road
Golders Green
Goodge Street
Great Portland Street
Green Park
Greenford
Hainault Hammersmith (District & Piccadilly)
Harrow & Wealdstone
Harrow on the Hill
Hatton Cross
Heathrow Terminals 123 (two)
Heathrow Terminal 4
Hendon Central
High Barnet
High St Kensington
Highbury & Islington
Holborn (two)
Holland Park
Holloway Road
Hornchurch
Hyde Park
Kennington (two)
Kentish Town
Kew Gardens
Kilburn
Kings Cross (six)
Knightsbridge
Lancaster Gate
Leicester Square
Leytonstone Liverpool Street (six)
London Bridge (five)
Loughton
Maida Vale
Manor House
Mansion House
Marble Arch
Marylebone
Mile End
Moor Park
Moorgate
Morden
Neasden
North Acton
North Greenwich (two)
Northfields
Notting Hill Gate
Old Street
Osterley
Oxford Circus (five)
Paddington (three)
Park Royal
Piccadilly Circus
Pinner Preston Road
Putney Bridge
Queens Park
Queensbury
Queensway
Ravenscourt Park
Rayners Lane
Regent's Park
Rickmansworth
Russel Square
Seven Sisters
Shepherds Bush
Shepherds Bush Market
Sloane Square
South Kensington
Southfields
Southwark
St James's Park (two)
St Johns Wood
St Pauls
Stanmore
Stockwell
Stratford (three)
Sudbury Hill Swiss Cottage
Temple
Tooting Broadway
Tottenham Court Road (two)
Tottenham Hale
Tower Hill
Tufnell Park
Turnham Green
Upney
Upton Park
Uxbridge
Victoria (six)
Walthamstow Central
Warren Street
Waterloo (ten)
Wembley Central
Wembley Park
West Finchley
West Ham
West Ruislip
Westbourne Park
Westminster (two)
White City
Whitechapel Willesden Green
Wood Green
Wood Lane
Woodford
Hampstead Heath Overground station Question No: 2018/1786 Andrew Dismore Part of Hampstead has been left with no ATM, after Barclays Bank's "lease" on their ATM position expired. A suitable replacement position would be the Hampstead Heath Overground station which is close by. There are staff on site most of the time and it is used throughout the day and night so it would be in a fairly well monitored area. Will Transport for London include this site in their review of siting ATMs in their premises?
The Mayor
Transport for London (TfL) is looking at how it can increase the number of ATMs on its network. Traditional hole in the wall ATMs require a large, dedicated secure space, which often limits where ATMs can be placed. TfL is therefore also reviewing the various designs of ATMs to see if there are any which require less space.
All ATMs on TfL's network are installed and managed by a contract provider, and any additional sites like the one suggested at Hampstead Heath would be subject to customer demand and agreement from the provider.
Parking bays at Market Place A1 Question No: 2018/1787 Andrew Dismore Recently there has been another parking suspension on the parking bays from 20 Market Place to 32 Market Place- even resulting in a car being forcibly removed/ lifted to a car pound- including days where no work has been going on but still the parking restriction remained. The reason for all these works was that they put the original box for the vehicle charging bay in the wrong place. Do you agree that this is a waste of public money and inconvenience causing additional loss of trade to local businesses?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. New York police 'Domain Awareness System' Question No: 2018/1788 Andrew Dismore New York police have a 'Domain Awareness System', combining real time information from CCTV cameras, automatic number plate readers (ANPR), chemical and radiation sensors, 911 calls, microphones that can "hear" gunshots, that is fed to all 35,000 NYPD officers who can access it through mobile smart devices. Has the Met considered this approach and do you support it?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
London's high streets Question No: 2018/1789 Andrew Dismore Are you concerned that London's high streets are at risk of disappearing?
The Mayor
Each high street in London has its own unique character and fulfils an important economic and social purpose. Beyond retail, high streets are places where Londoners meet, socialise, access services, exercise, eat and drink. That's why I am committed to supporting London's high streets to build resilience and adapt to change.
High streets have evolved to meet the needs of London's communities over generations and I am convinced that this resilience will help them respond to the structural changes that are taking place in the retail market. I am determined to support them as they do so.
In October, I published 'High Streets for All', which the GLA commissioned from We Made That and LSE Cities. This report explores the economic, social and environmental value of London's high streets, and seeks ways to promote their inclusive and diverse nature.
I am also supporting high streets directly through the Good Growth Fund and Crowdfund London, with a third of successful applications to these funds being related to the improvement of high streets and town centres. Through this investment we are bringing forward integrated strategies to support a range of high street uses across retail, leisure and employment.
To go even further, in the coming months I will be publishing an action plan to support the aims of my 'High Streets for All' report.
To ensure we continue to understand the problems that High Streets face, my Regeneration team has convened a High Streets Sounding Board, with representatives from a range of specialists in the sector, to advise me on how best to address some of the challenges the retail sector now faces. London Living Wage Question No: 2018/1790 Andrew Dismore Can you provide an update on your work to encourage businesses to pay the London Living Wage?
The Mayor
Over 1500 employers in the capital have signed up to pay their staff at least the London Living Wage of £10.20 per hour. London has already seen more than a 50 per cent increase in the number of London Living Wage accreditations since I took office. I will continue to promote the benefits of the London Living Wage and campaign for more employers to pay it, especially through my Good Work Standard. I want employers from all sectors - both big and small - and from across the capital - to engage with the principles of my Good Work Standard when it launches later this year.
I also urge business leaders directly to sign up to the Living Wage, for example when I meet with them or by letter. I was pleased to see recently Fulham FC's owner Shahid Khan announcing that the club would become Living Wage accredited following such an approach.
Businesses in London Question No: 2018/1791 Andrew Dismore What concerns are businesses in London raising with you?
The Mayor
I receive frequent feedback from businesses of all sizes and sectors, as well as key business groups and associations, via my Business Advisory Board, the London Business Board, and both mine and my Deputy Mayor for Business' frequent meetings with business leaders. The uncertainty created by the Brexit negotiations, both in terms of market access for trade in services and in goods, and access to talent, have featured most prominently among the concerns that have been raised. Many have also highlighted the need to create the right conditions for growth in London through transport and infrastructure, affordable housing and skills. The rising cost of Business Rates and shortage of affordable workspace continue to be major concerns for London's small business community in particular. My draft Economic Development Strategy sets out such challenges in more detail and my plans to address them. Social Value Act (1) Question No: 2018/1792 Andrew Dismore What are your views on the Government's proposed changes to the Social Value Act and how will this affect London's businesses?
The Mayor
The Minister for the Cabinet Office, David Lidington MP announced Government's intention to extend how the Social Value Act is applied across Central Government procurement. This is intended to encourage organisations that want to work with these public authorities to consider how to improve the social, economic and environmental impacts of their goods and services.
I welcome this move, but I understand Government has also said they have no plans for a minimum standard of social value in central government contracts, which feels like a missed opportunity. As part of my Responsible Procurement Policy, I have asked the GLA Group to routinely consider Social Value outcomes with our suppliers and encourage them to adopt best practice through my Good Work Standard and environmental policies.
Social Value Act (2) Question No: 2018/1793 Andrew Dismore What criteria do you believe that the Government should set for businesses in their changes to the Social Value Act?
The Mayor
I understand Government's plans do not include a minimum standard of social value in central government contracts. As part of the implementation of my Responsible Procurement Policy the GLA Group is exploring the possibility of setting a minimum threshold for social value as some other public authorities in the UK have done. Maternal employment Question No: 2018/1794 Andrew Dismore How are you helping women in London back into skilled employment after having a child?
The Mayor
The maternal employment rate in London is ten percentage points lower than the rest of the country. There are many factors influencing this, not least the cost and availability of flexible, high-quality childcare and we are actively looking at ways to support working parents with their childcare needs through the new Early Years Hubs. Through my Good Work Standard I also aim to influence London's employers to create more high-quality flexible work opportunities so that mothers can re-enter the workforce and progress in their chosen careers.
The ESF 2014-20 Adult Employment programme, currently in development, will have dedicated funding to support mothers to gain the skills they need to get back to work when the time is right for them. With the devolution of the Adult Education Budget to the GLA we expect to be able to do more to get the right learning and training to the Londoners who need it most, including mothers who want to return to the workplace.
London Living Wage (1) Question No: 2018/1795 Andrew Dismore Which sectors are you currently working with to increase the number of Londoners paid the London Living Wage and how are you doing this?
The Mayor
My Deputy Mayor for Business and I have met with hundreds of businesses and organisations spanning retail, hospitality, life sciences, higher education, tech, creative, banking, financial and professional services and more, and we will continue to promote the benefits of the London Living Wage and campaign for more employers to pay it, especially through my Good Work Standard. I want employers from all sectors - both big and small - and from across the capital - to engage with the principles of my Good Work Standard when it launches later this year.
London Living Wage (2) Question No: 2018/1796 Andrew Dismore How many businesses are currently London Living Wage accredited?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. London Living Wage and Premier League football clubs Question No: 2018/1797 Andrew Dismore Can you update me on your work to encourage the remaining Premier League football clubs in London to pay the London Living Wage?
The Mayor
I have been clear that I expect all Premier League Football clubs in London to pay the London Living Wage. In addition to having previously written to the non-accredited clubs, I most recently wrote to Shahid Khan, Chairman of Fulham FC, to congratulate him on his team's ascendance to the Premier League and press upon him the importance of high profile clubs doing the responsible thing and becoming London Living Wage accredited. I was therefore delighted when he recently announced that Fulham would work towards Living Wage accreditation. I intend to write again to those Premier League clubs that have not yet gained accreditation, or set out their intention to do so, ahead of the start of the new season.
Good Work Standard Question No: 2018/1798 Andrew Dismore What stakeholders have you consulted on the formation of the Good Work Standard?
The Mayor
My Good Work Standard was informed by a public call for evidence process. This initially ran from 4 July to 16 August 2017, and was extended to the 18 September to allow some organisations more time to respond. 72 responses were received to a set of consultation questions asking for views about the goals, criteria, opportunities and challenges for employers.
A further feedback session on 22 January 2018 with attendees representing approximately 55 business, public sector, civil society, and trade union organisations allowed officers to consider expert policy input alongside employers' views and address some of the outstanding questions.
My officers continue to engage and consult businesses of all sectors and sizes as we develop the Good Work Standard. London STEM Strategy Question No: 2018/1799 Andrew Dismore Can you provide an update on the progress of your London STEM Strategy?
The Mayor
In autumn 2016, I gathered together over 60 key stakeholder organisations to discuss a city- wide approach to STEM. The group's recommendations have now been embedded in my Skills for Londoners Strategy and draft Economic Development Strategy, and delivery is now taking place through new and existing programmes.
For example, I am on track to fund 5,000 young Londoners to achieve the CREST Award - the country's top accreditation scheme for STEM projects. My RE:CODE London events will also engage over 3,000 primary students with coding skills by the end of the year. RE:CODE recently achieved national recognition for our innovative partnership with the Institute of Imagination and LEGO, winning the Digital Leader's 'Cross-Sector Digital Collaboration of the Year'.
STEM skills Question No: 2018/1800 Andrew Dismore A parliamentary report found that the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and the Department for Education do not currently have sufficient understanding of what specific skills businesses really need or how Brexit will affect the already difficult task of ensuring the supply of STEM skills in the workforce. What can you do to ensure STEM shortages are addressed in London?
The Mayor
In June, I published London's first ever skills and adult education strategy - Skills for Londoners. As part of the strategy, by the end of this year I will establish the London Occupational Skills Board, which will convene business and employer representatives to advise on how to improve and align skills provision, including specialist and higher-level skills provision, to meet skills needs in London. I will also commission analysis of how skills provision in London matches up to labour market need across London's sectors, to help identify the challenges that are facing London's economy. This will help to inform skills interventions in priority areas like STEM. STEM and equality Question No: 2018/1801 Andrew Dismore What progress is being made on your programmes to increase the number of female and BAME Londoners taking up STEM skills?
The Mayor
I have invested £7m in my Digital Talent Programme, which aims to support more young women and young Londoners from diverse ethnic and disadvantaged backgrounds to enter digital occupations. We are currently funding six new digital skills training courses for 1,000 Londoners, including 'digital bootcamp' courses across a range of digital specialisms. The higher-level digital skills training strand of this programme is currently going through procurement, and a comprehensive 'educator' continued professional development package is going out to tender.
I am also developing comprehensive European Social Fund skills programmes, targeted at 'at- risk' individuals, with a focus on digital and STEM skills. In addition, I have funded over 2,500 pupils from groups that are typically underrepresented in STEM to achieve the CREST Award - the country's top accreditation scheme for STEM projects. This number will double by 2019.
Universal Credit Question No: 2018/1802 Andrew Dismore Will you be responding to the Government's consultation which proposes to move all existing claimants of a working age income-related benefit to Universal Credit?
The Mayor
Universal Credit has the potential to improve and simplify work incentives. But as has been repeatedly demonstrated, most recently by the National Audit Office, the way in which it has been implemented has caused significant hardship to far too many claimants.
Until now, these problems have only affected new benefit claimants or those who have undergone a change of circumstance. The Government's proposed 'managed migration' of all remaining working-age benefit claimants next year poses a significant threat of harm being caused on a much larger scale.
As such, I will be responding to the Social Security Advisory Committee's consultation to ensure the Government approaches the migration in a way that protects the most vulnerable Londoners. Threat to Ancient Woodland Question No: 2018/1803 Len Duvall Is the Mayor aware, and is he concerned, of the potential loss of a large number of trees, Ancient Woodland/Site of Importance for Nature Conservation in an area known as Hillcrest Woods, Sydenham in the London Borough of Lewisham and what will the Mayor do about it??
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 25/07/2018
I am of course concerned if proposed development results in the loss of large numbers of trees or ancient woodland. The London Plan seeks to protect trees and woodland, and requires Local Plans to ‘protect veteran trees and ancient woodland where these are not already part of a protected site’. In the draft London Plan I have strengthened policy to require that any trees that are removed for development are adequately replaced to provide the same value to local people. I would expect London boroughs to make planning decisions that take due regard of these policy frameworks.
The potential loss of trees and ancient woodland in this case would result from a planning application that will be determined by the London Borough of Lewisham as the local planning authority. The planning application does not meet the thresholds that require it to be referred to me for comment. Protecting Useable Green Open Space Question No: 2018/1804 Len Duvall Given the limitations of the existing London Plan, in what circumstances will you, as Mayor, use existing powers or influence in protecting community useable Green Open Space?
The Mayor
I understand how important green and open spaces are to the wellbeing of Londoners.
Boroughs are required to refer applications for development of more than 1,000 sqm of floorspace on Green Belt or Metropolitan Open Land to me for consultation. Where these are not consistent with London Plan policy I can exercise my powers to call in the application or direct refusal. I do not have powers to intervene on proposals for development on open space that do not meet the criteria for referable applications. These applications are the responsibility of the local planning authority but must still be determined in line with the development plan, which for London boroughs includes the London Plan. My draft new London Plan sets out improved policies to protect and enhance open spaces and green infrastructure.
In addition, my recently-published London Environment Strategy sets out how I will support boroughs and local communities to improve and enhance local green spaces. This includes the establishment of a Green Spaces Commission to assist boroughs in identifying new ways to secure resources and investment in their parks and green spaces and my Greener City Fund, which is providing £12 million in grants to help local groups improve community green spaces and plant trees, and to support boroughs in the transformation of 6 major green spaces.
Transport for London Plans Question No: 2018/1805 Len Duvall Will Transport for London consider enhancing its current plans in mitigating potential disproportionate and adverse impact on residents in regard to the Silvertown Tunnel project?
The Mayor Failing Schools Question No: 2018/1806 Len Duvall Do the findings of the Annual London Education report support the notion that Local Authorities should have a greater role in improving all schools found to be inadequate whether maintained or Academy schools? Will you examine the recent research which showed that Councils are best placed when it comes to boosting the inspection grades of failing schools? Will you give an assurance that you will work with London Councils to inform Government that in order to achieve better results Local Authorities need to be properly resourced and supported in this work?
The Mayor
The recent School Performance in Academy Chains and Local Authorities report from the Education Policy Institute, which was released after the 2017 London Education Report, recognises that Local Authorities have a much-needed role to play in supporting failing schools.
This role will only be possible if Local Authorities are appropriately funded. I have called on the Government to reconsider making cuts to education that will unfairly penalise London schools, teachers and pupils, and instead do more to support the recruitment and retention of teachers if we are to avoid a future crisis in school leadership.
I will continue my collaboration with London Councils to ensure that this government understands the need for properly resourced Local Authorities to support valuable school improvement work, amongst their other multiple functions.
Kennington Police Station (1) Question No: 2018/1808 Florence Eshalomi Given the interest expressed by community groups in buying Kennington Police Station can the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime explain a) what the sale process is and whether community groups will be able to bid in a transparent manner alongside any other organisations or private developers? b) What is the proposed timeline for the sale and sale process?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Kennington Police Station (2) Question No: 2018/1809 Florence Eshalomi What does the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime mean by 'best value' in regard to the sale of Kennington Police Station? Does this include factors other than monetary value, such as community value and building use after sale?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Kennington Station Improvements Question No: 2018/1810 Florence Eshalomi Can the Mayor provide an update on the work at Kennington Station and whether or not this is still running to schedule?
The Mayor
The work to improve Kennington station will make it quicker and easier for passengers to change between different branches of the Northern line, and will be essential for those using the new Northern Line Extension from Kennington to Battersea Power Station, which is due for completion in 2020.
I can confirm that the work to improve the station is running to schedule and is due to be completed by mid-September 2018.
Lifts at Brixton Station Question No: 2018/1811 Florence Eshalomi Can the Mayor provide an update on the work to both lifts at Brixton tube station and an update on whether this is still running to schedule?
The Mayor
Lift replacement work at Brixton station started on 12 February 2018. Both lifts at the station are being replaced at the same time to reduce the time taken to complete the works, and minimise the inconvenience to customers.
The work is due to be complete on schedule in September 2018. Summer Holiday activities Question No: 2018/1812 Florence Eshalomi Will the Mayor be publicising on the London.gov.uk website a centralised list of summer holiday activities available to school children in different boroughs?
The Mayor
For a second year, I'm encouraging organisations to share the fantastic things they are doing for young Londoners across the capital by using the hashtag #OurLDNsummer.
This year we are also collecting information about summer holiday activities which will be hosted on the London.gov website and promoted to parents, young people, and youth workers.
Loughborough Junction Station Question No: 2018/1813 Florence Eshalomi What pressure is the Mayor and Transport for London putting on Network Rail to improve the much-needed accessibility at Loughborough Junction station?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Oxford Street Question No: 2018/1814 Florence Eshalomi Section 261 of the Greater London Authority Act states that the "Mayor of London shall keep under review the system of highways and proposed highways in Greater London and the allocation of responsibility for that system between the different local highway authorities. If the Mayor of London considers it expedient that any highway or proposed highway in Greater London, other than a trunk road, should become a GLA road the Greater London Authority may by order direct that that highway or proposed highway shall become a GLA road as from such date as may be specified in that behalf in the order". What consideration, if any, have you given to using Section 261 with regards to Oxford Street?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. presumption against development on back gardens Question No: 2018/1815 Nicky Gavron The previous London Plan Policy 3.5 includes provision for boroughs to introduce a presumption against development on back gardens or other private residential gardens where this can be locally justified. Which boroughs have introduced such a presumption and which have not?
The Mayor
My Planning Team comments on all boroughs' emerging local plans to ensure they are in general conformity with the London Plan. The adopted London Plan provides for boroughs to introduce a presumption against development on back gardens or other private residential gardens through their local plans, where locally justified. As this is not an issue of conformity with the London Plan, the Planning Team does not have a record of which boroughs' local plans include a presumption against development on back gardens or other private residential gardens.
Green Belt Housing Question No: 2018/1816 Nicky Gavron Land use change statistics released by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (published 31 May 2018) show that in Hillingdon twenty-six per cent of new residential addresses in 2016/17 were created in the green belt; 13% in Redbridge and 11% in Bromley. How concerned are you by this development?
The Mayor
I am very concerned with protecting London's Green Belt from inappropriate development, and have set out strong protection for Green Belt land in my draft London Plan.
The Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) for the London Plan shows that the vast majority of residential development in London is delivered on brownfield land. The AMR shows this stands at 98.7 per cent of residential units for 2015/16 and includes breakdowns for individual boroughs. My officers are currently producing the latest AMR, which will cover the period 2016/17.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) report covers the period 2013-2017 and does not provide detailed data behind the proportion of development in each borough that was on Green Belt land. Further analysis of these figures, allowing us to understand how they relate to those in the London Plan AMR, is therefore not possible. The report does indicate, however, that in 2016/17, 51 per cent of all new residential addresses created in the Green Belt were provided on previously developed land. Habitats Regulations Assessments Question No: 2018/1817 Nicky Gavron What effect, if any, will the recent judgement of the Court of Justice of the European Union related to habitats regulations assessments have on your Draft London Plan?
The Mayor
The full implications of the recent EU 'Sweetman ruling' is still being considered by Natural England, the Government's statutory advisors. Their initial advice suggests that this judgment has no implications for the draft London Plan.
The ruling requires a clear distinction in the Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) between mitigation measures specifically designed to avoid or reduce harmful impacts on European sites, and those which are not directly related to maintaining the integrity of the European site - such as measures to reduce air pollution to improve human health, for example.
As London Plan policies fall into the latter category, advice from Natural England suggests that the Sweetman ruling is not relevant.
Good Design Question No: 2018/1818 Nicky Gavron "Building More, Building Beautiful: how design and style can unlock the housing crisis" by the Policy Exchange think-tank, identifies high land prices paid by developers as a key factor in the number of poorly-designed developments. How concerned are you by this report given the Draft London Plan's focus on Good Design?
The Mayor
It is clear that over recent years some developers have overpaid for development sites and then sought to recover the excess at the expense of planning obligations, affordable housing or design quality.
Since I became Mayor, I have been very clear that this is unacceptable. One of my first actions as Mayor was to introduce detailed planning guidance setting out how the viability of a proposed development should be assessed. This confirms that the price paid for land is not a relevant consideration in assessing the viability of a scheme. Developers who overpay for land do so at their own risk - the costs cannot be recovered through compromised design, reduced planning contributions or reduced levels of affordable housing.
My draft London Plan emphasises the importance of good design for all new development. While national policy makes viability a consideration, it is not a free pass for poor development - national policy supports my position that planning permission should not be granted for unacceptable development. Breast Screening Services in London Question No: 2018/1821 Joanne McCartney Figures from the NHS show that take up of breast screening services in parts of London are as low as 50%. What actions can you take to encourage more Londoners to take up this service?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Noise Pollution on Great Cambridge Road Question No: 2018/1822 Joanne McCartney A resident has contacted me about the noise pollution at his property at the junction of Southbury Road and the A10 Great Cambridge Road. He has asked if Transport for London can look into measures to reduce the impact on the A10 of traffic noise for residents living along this section of road?
The Mayor
Transport for London (TfL) is working to reduce noise in this area. This includes speed monitoring and in February 2018, TfL installed three flexible deployment cameras along this stretch to monitor compliance with the 40 miles per hour speed limit. The data from these cameras helps to prioritise police speed enforcement deployments and lower speeds in the area will reduce noise from vehicles.
TfL also reviewed the traffic signals at this location in November 2017. On the Southbury Road junction, changes were made to improve the progression of vehicles through the traffic signals. This has reduced the number of vehicles waiting at the junction.
TfL will continue to monitor the above interventions to see if further measures are required to mitigate noise pollution.
Walking Children to School Question No: 2018/1823 Joanne McCartney Large numbers of parents feel unsafe allowing their children to make the journey to school on foot due to factors like road safety and 'stranger danger'. According to the Living Streets Report "Swap the School Run for a School Walk" some 60% of parents say speed of traffic outside the school gates was one of their biggest worries when walking and 30% of parents said volume of traffic was a concern. What are you doing to change this?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Cultural Activities for Elderly Londoners Question No: 2018/1824 Joanne McCartney According to a report by Age UK "Creative and Cultural Activities and Wellbeing in Later Life", creative and cultural participation is one of the most crucial factor in wellbeing in later life. What are you doing to:
(a) increase the number of creative and cultural activities for elderly people?
(b) make sure creative and cultural activities are accessible for elderly people?
The Mayor
Participation in culture and the arts has a positive impact on people's lives, makes people healthier and happier and brings different communities together. In particular, participation in cultural activities reduces isolation and can help improve older people's wellbeing.
This is why I have made culture a top priority. I am delivering bold new programmes to enable cultural participation for all Londoners, including older people.
For example, my new London Borough of Culture Award will create opportunities for older people to participate and volunteer in Waltham Forest and Brent, as well in six other boroughs through the Cultural Impact Awards; particularly Lewisham who will create the first ever Festival of Creative Ageing involving older people in creating a programme of films, exhibitions and performances by older artists such as Sadler's Wells' Company of Elders.
Older people are also benefiting from Culture Seeds funding. For example, 'Music for the Mind' in Redbridge will offer singing and music workshops in residential care homes, and 'Learning Through the Arts' in Brent will support creative workshops in Ashford Place community centre promoting friendships.
I am making the largest investment in culture than any other Mayor which will increase access to culture for older people. My support to relocate the Museum of London to West Smithfields will reach over 2m visitors and include dementia-friendly activities. And East Bank, the new culture and education district at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park will offer new cultural activities including for older Londoners.
Also, working with organisations including Age UK and Silverline, older people are encouraged to volunteer through Team London and all our events programme aim to achieve Bronze Charter standard so that they are accessible to all. Tottenham Lock 17 Development Question No: 2018/1825 Joanne McCartney Concerned residents have asked me to raise the issue of developers marketing homes oversees, such as those at the Lock17 Development in Tottenham Hale which are being marketed to investors in Hong Kong. Can you ensure that new homes built as part of the Hale Wharf development are offered to local people and Londoners first? What more can you do to ensure that these homes are offered to Londoners first and can you make this a requirement when granting permission for new homes?
The Mayor
I can confirm that Muse, who are developing Hale Wharf, are in the process of signing up to the industry's voluntary 'first dibs' offer, which restricts sales of homes under £350,000 to UK residents for the first 3 months of availability, and for some homes, for Londoners for up to the first month.
I have already signed up some of London's largest homebuilders to the pledge and will continue to encourage more to do so, whilst keeping its effectiveness under review.
Mental health support for military personnel and veterans Question No: 2018/1826 Onkar Sahota In light of World Armed Forces Day, and from what we know of the realities of the need for, and lack of, good mental health services for veterans and members of the armed forces, how will the Mayor ensure the work of Thrive LDN is reaching out to and supporting those who serve and have served?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Knife Crime Strategy Update Question No: 2018/1827 Onkar Sahota In light of the awful attack on at 18 year old in my constituency, who was found with multiple stab wounds in Coldharbour Lane in Hillingdon, how is the Mayor's work to tackle knife crime in the capital progressing, and what reassurances of progress can he offer to my constituents?
The Mayor
It is completely unacceptable that young people in our city continue to fall victim to serious violence and knife crime. This violence has no place on our streets. You have my full support.
I am delivering a strong knife crime strategy, backed up with significant funding to help the Met and preventative services address this issue. The delivery of the strategy is progressing well and I have invested a £110m increase in Met funding in 2018-19 compared to the previous year and £45m over 3 years to fund positive youth activities for young people at risk of getting caught up in crime. This is in addition to £1.15m to support grass-roots community groups.
The security and the safety of Londoners is my key priority. Since 2014 crime has been going up in London, and across England and wales. Whilst I fully appreciate it is not a consolation if you are the victim of crime or if you're a bereaved family, but the fact is, crime is going up less in London than the rest of the country.
I will continue to relentlessly focus on both enforcement and prevention - funding services for young people which give them a path away from crime. To support this and the delivery of my strategy, I convened a meeting in June with all Leaders and Chief Executives to share best practice and discuss how we can support boroughs better in their work to reduce violence. This will inform the local borough knife crime action plans, which are now in place for each London borough.
As specific reassurance for residents, I am also investing in enforcement activities and have allocated the Met an extra £15m to tackle knife crime through the Violent Crime Task Force. The Taskforce is working hard to proactively target offenders & remove weapons from our streets. Air quality in Hillingdon Question No: 2018/1828 Onkar Sahota With stats showing Hillingdon is one of the most polluted boroughs in London, how well does the Mayor believe the local council has been able to work with him to deliver a cleaner environment locally?
The Mayor
Hillingdon submitted a report to the GLA on progress with their Air Quality Action Plan in 2017. This showed good progress against many of the actions, most notably in Air Quality Focus Areas, where initiatives include no idling areas, a more stringent approach for new developments, and an electric vehicle trial with businesses.
However - as is the case across London - there is more that boroughs can do, such as expanding electric vehicle infrastructure and delivering more air quality schools audits using my new schools toolkit. I am supporting boroughs to take action through funding streams such as the Mayor's Air Quality Fund, schools audit funding, and the Greener City Fund.
My officers are revising the Cleaner Air Borough Criteria as part of a review of the London Local Air Quality Management (LLAQM) system. This review will highlight how boroughs are performing and what opportunities are available for them to deliver cleaner environments locally.
Section 60 - Brent Question No: 2018/1830 Navin Shah How many times has a Section 60 PACE order been issued by the Metropolitan Police Service in Brent? Please provide a breakdown by the years 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Section 60 - Harrow Question No: 2018/1831 Navin Shah How many times has a Section 60 PACE order been issued by the Metropolitan Police Service in Harrow? Please provide a breakdown by the years 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Dame Judith Hackitt's Review (1) Question No: 2018/1832 Navin Shah It's almost a month since 'The Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety' report was published. What is your overall view on the report and what action have you taken as Mayor to address the issues raised in her report?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Dame Judith Hackitt's Review (2) Question No: 2018/1833 Navin Shah I am concerned about desktop studies being used as an attempt to approve safety compliance. Will you lobby the Government against this, as this would provide the clarity for building owners and building industry who need to know what they can use to replace dangerous cladding and insulation and help keep buildings safer?
The Mayor
I share your concern at the use of desktop studies as a route to compliance for materials used in cladding systems. On 25 May 2018 I wrote to the Secretary of State James Brokenshire arguing that, in the absence of any strict parameters governing their use, a total ban on desktop studies should be implemented. I will continue to put pressure on the Government to implement this ban as part of wider reforms to building regulations.
Dame Judith Hackitt's Review (3) Question No: 2018/1834 Navin Shah Have you made recommendations to Government following Dame Judith Hackitt's review to ensure that new construction, refurbishment and ongoing management of buildings benefit from a robust and safe framework of regulations, site supervision and management by owners/applicants such as local authorities, housing associations and private sector?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Dame Judith Hackitt's Review - combustible materials (1) Question No: 2018/1835 Navin Shah Will you lobby Government for a temporary ban on the use of combustible materials on complex and high-rise buildings and until we have a regulatory and testing system which is fit for purpose?
The Mayor
Please see response to Mayor's Question 2018/1832
Dame Judith Hackitt's Review - combustible materials (2) Question No: 2018/1836 Navin Shah The Government has announced they will now consult on the use of combustible cladding in England and have made a £400m commitment to remove combustible cladding. Will you be responding to the consultation?
The Mayor
Yes. I have already called for a ban on the use of combustible materials on the external walls of high rise buildings in England and I will be reiterating this in my response to the consultation.
Harrow-on-the-Hill Station: Step-free Access update Question No: 2018/1837 Navin Shah I am happy that Harrow-on-the-Hill station was one of the first stations you committed to making step-free access under your £200m step-free accessibility programme. Can I have an update on what work has been done so far?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Stanmore Station: Step Free Access (1) Question No: 2018/1838 Navin Shah Thank you for your answer to Question 2018/1230. I strongly disagree that Stanmore Station does not meet the criteria for inclusion in the Transport for London (TfL) accessibility programme. This is not the view and experience of local residents, commuters, stakeholders such as Aspire, the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital and local resident associations. The former Deputy Mayor for Transport after her visit to the station agreed that the station was far from step-free. Your £200m accessibility fund is hugely welcomed but will you ask TfL to immediately reverse its position and include Stanmore station in the priority list of step-free stations?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Stanmore Station: Step Free Access (2) Question No: 2018/1839 Navin Shah Months ago, my residents and I were told there was a new feasibility study undertaken for step free access but there is no sign of this? May I have a copy of the report?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Smartwater (1) Question No: 2018/1840 Navin Shah Following the introduction of Smartwater/MetTrace has any attempt been made to its efficacy and whether it is providing value for money.
1. Could you provide figures broken down appropriately for the smartwater/MetTrace scheme as a cost annually?
2. Could you supply figures broken down appropriately for:
A). How many items of stolen property and their value have been returned to their owners through Smartwater/MetTrace; and
B).What proportion of burgled properties had Smartwater/Met Trace stickers compared to properties without them.
The Mayor
I am unable to reveal the cost of MetTrace at this time. These figures are commercially sensitive and will also potentially disadvantage MPS should they procure again later this year.
Although there are many known cases where items are returned to their owners thanks to MetTrace, MPS do not routinely record this information so it is not possible to provide a figure. Work is underway to make sure this information is captured going forward.
Burglaries in MetTrace areas have reduced by 22.2% (5,775 offences), compared to an increase of 1.6% (2,055 offences) in non-MetTrace areas. Based on the Home Office Integrated Offender Management Value for Money Toolkit the wider cost to society saved is £26,220,134.
Smartwater (2) Question No: 2018/1841 Navin Shah Has any investigation been made to compare burglary rates for houses with Smartwater stickers and those without?
The Mayor
Every household that is given a MetTrace kit is encouraged to use the stickers included. MPS do not currently record how many households chose to display the stickers.
However, since the start of the initiative, burglaries in MetTrace areas have reduced by 22.2% (5,775 offences), compared to an increase of 1.6% (2,055 offences) in non-MetTrace areas. Factory Made Housing Question No: 2018/1842 Navin Shah 'New London Architecture' are investigating how far modern methods of construction can support improving the delivery, viability and quality of London's housing. I appreciate your support for such innovative and much needed methods and systems to rapidly address London's housing crisis. What support are you providing to the building industry and professions to escalate the production of modular units. How many schemes currently are under way or completed in London from 2017 to date using factory made system(s)?
The Mayor
I am supporting the market to grow in scale, by promoting standardisation and developing a toolkit to identify how different precision-manufactured housing systems could be used on specific sites.
It is difficult to say exactly how many schemes use precision manufacturing in London, as data on construction methods has not been routinely collected. To address this, we are looking at how we might collect data more systematically as part of the Affordable Homes Programme. The Innovation Fund provides funding for new ways of delivering more affordable homes. The Fund has already supported the delivery of 318 precision-manufactured units, with further schemes under discussion.
Double Decker Buses on Northwick Avenue Question No: 2018/1843 Navin Shah Thank you for your answer to Question 2018/1681. Can you please let me know when will the new operator be actually implementing the new scheme where double decker buses operate only during peak time?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Gig economy Question No: 2018/1845 Fiona Twycross Is time up on workers being exploited in the gig economy in London?
The Mayor
The nature of the 'gig economy' model raises a number of challenges for those it employs, and I have been clear that any exploitative practices are completely unacceptable. The Matthew Taylor review into modern employment practices proposed steps the Government could take to improve the rights of workers within the 'gig economy', as well as those working through agencies or on zero hours contracts.
I am frustrated by the Government's apparent lack of urgency in bringing forward solutions to these problems, and I am seeking a meeting with the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to push the case for the Government bringing concrete proposals forward quickly. Before the end of the year I will also have published my Good Work Standard that will outline measures all responsible employers should take up to ensure they meet their responsibilities to their employees.
Suicide rate Question No: 2018/1846 Fiona Twycross The suicide rate for young Londoners has risen four times as fast as England and Wales as a whole. How is your Thrive LDN campaign supporting young Londoners?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Childcare and Brexit Question No: 2018/1847 Fiona Twycross The number of au pairs has decreased by 75% since the EU referendum, which in turn is impacting on childcare arrangements for families in London. How are you working to address the childcare shortage that Brexit is exacerbating?
The Mayor
I am working with stakeholders to improve access to high quality early education in London.
My Early Years Hubs launched in January this year provide the opportunity for schools, childminders, Private Voluntary and Independent (PVI) nurseries, and others, to work together over a three-year period to promote early years as a career, improve take up of free early education and to improve quality of the early years provision.
I am planning a new programme, using European Social Funds, to help more Londoners who want to move into a career in the early years sector. Single-breadwinner families Question No: 2018/1849 Fiona Twycross The Joseph Rowntree Foundation recently reported that Government benefit cuts are hitting lower-earning households, with single-breadwinner families needing an income boost of 27% in order to meet rising living costs. What action are you taking to ensure lower-income households are protected against the rising costs for food, transport, childcare and energy? What action have you demanded from Government?
The Mayor
The rising cost of living is putting significant strain on Londoners, particularly those on lower incomes. To ensure they are protected I have frozen TfL fares until 2020 and introduced the 'hopper' fare. My Early Years Hubs will help to make childcare more affordable and accessible. Through my Good Work Standard I will be encouraging London's employers to do more to help their employees - for example, by paying the London Living Wage or offering interest free loans for season tickets or childcare deposits.
My Fuel Poverty Action Plan details the actions I am taking to reduce energy costs for low income Londoners, including my £2.5m Warmer Home fund. I am also establishing an energy supply company aiming to offer fairer energy bills to Londoners.
My draft London Food Strategy includes a focus on food insecurity. I will be undertaking research on the extent of household food insecurity in London to inform the development of initiatives to help those struggling to feed their families. This will build upon work my food programme has already done, such as supporting 10 London boroughs to develop their own food poverty action plans.
Earlier this year I wrote to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions asking her to address the flaws in Universal Credit which were causing financial hardship for low-income Londoners. I also asked that she work with me to reassess how the benefit cap, Local Housing Allowances and Discretionary Housing Payment budgets for London are set and distributed. Pride Question No: 2018/1850 Fiona Twycross Are you concerned that a London school had to hold a Pride celebration in private due to protests from parents? What actions are you taking, or will you take, to make sure children of LGBT families feel included?
The Mayor
Ensuring that the LGBT+ community feels truly valued, happy and safe is a key priority, and part of that is ensuring children of LGBT+ families in London feel included. Childhood experiences, particularly those relating to early learning, set the course of every Londoner's life, and tackling emerging inequalities early on is vital.
I have just published 'Inclusive London', my equality, diversity and inclusion strategy for London to help address these problems, to create a fairer and more inclusive city where all people feel welcome and able to fulfil their potential.
I welcome the Government's commitment to a LGBT-inclusive curriculum in both primary and secondary schools. This autumn I will publish a new London Curriculum citizenship resource, written by the Association for Citizenship Teaching, which will support teachers to deliver citizenship lessons around identity, including gender and sexuality.
Drinking water in London Question No: 2018/1851 Fiona Twycross How successful has the Refill scheme been in London? How are you supporting its promotion?
The Mayor
I am pleased to say that there are now some 1,900 locations in the London area signed up to the Refill scheme. We have been working with City to Sea, Thames Water and the Zoological Society of London to promote and monitor the initiative, and following my press release in March, there was a large increase in businesses joining the scheme. Transport for London have also been promoting Refill internally to their staff and, as part of their 'please carry water with you in hot weather' campaign, will shortly be including the Refill logo on customer information posters that passengers see when entering stations.
Safety of pets Question No: 2018/1852 Fiona Twycross With London's heatwave predicted to be prolonged and repeated throughout the summer, how will you ensure Londoners are aware of the risks to pets during the heat?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Housing market Question No: 2018/1853 Fiona Twycross With reports suggesting that over a quarter of estate agents are facing financial distress, are you concerned a) at whether this suggests underlying issues in the housing market b) whether online services are as transparent and accountable and c) what impact any closure of estate agencies could have on London's high streets?
The Mayor
Within London, according to UK Finance data, transaction levels have been subdued for a number of years, particularly among home movers. This, combined with the entrance of online agents into the sector, has put pressure on existing estate agents.
All estate agents, including online agents, are subject to the Estate Agency Act 1979, and required to be members of a government-approved independent consumer redress scheme. I am aware consumer redress for all types of housing is not working as well as it should, and I have made the case to Government in support of new single housing ombudsman to provide better access to redress for all housing consumers.
My officers have not assessed the impact of closure of estates agencies on London's high streets.
High-speed rail connections to Europe Question No: 2018/1854 Fiona Twycross Are you concerned that Germany's state rail operator has shelved plans for international high- speed services between London, Cologne and Frankfurt due to "changes in the economic environment"? How can we ensure that post-Brexit, investment in infrastructure to strengthen transport links to mainland Europe are maintained and improved?
The Mayor
Any post-Brexit investment in transport links to mainland Europe will depend on the trading relationship we hold with the EU, and on the continued international competitiveness of our key industries.
That is why I have written to the Prime Minister (13 July 2018), stating my concern that the Government's White Paper ignores the central importance of our services sectors to the UK's economy. The Government is misguided in its belief that solutions for our trade in goods alone are enough to protect the economy from serious harm. The proposals outlined in the Brexit White Paper are therefore dangerous, and I have asked the Prime Minister to change course and accept that staying within the Single Market and Customs Union is the only way to protect jobs and growth across the UK.
Whilst there appear to be multiple reasons for Deutsche Bahn's decision, the UK remaining in the Single Market and Customs Union would surely improve the economic environment that might permit investment in high-speed services between London, Cologne and Frankfurt. Buffer zones near abortion clinics Question No: 2018/1855 Fiona Twycross Now that a court ruling has upheld Ealing Council's decision on imposing a buffer zone near an abortion clinic, what action will you be taking to ensure the rights of women over their reproductive health are upheld both by the police and by other councils?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Brexit and legal services Question No: 2018/1856 Andrew Dismore Reports in the legal press suggest that Paris is setting up law courts applying English Law and undercutting fees in commercial cases, as a direct challenge to London's courts, post Brexit. Have you seen these reports and what representations have you made about it?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
A1000/A406 connecting bridge Question No: 2018/1857 Andrew Dismore Cyclists have complained about the state of the A1000 on the bridge over the A406: the poor state of the tarmac around drain covers and other iron work and the metal of the expansion strip on the bridge sits proud of tarmac road surface. This results in cyclists having to take evasive action to avoid damage to bike wheels and/or an accident. Given the volume (and at quieter periods, the speed) of traffic on this stretch, were a cyclist to come off their bike it could well be difficult for vehicles to avoid them. Will you ensure that these hazards are dealt with promptly?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Met Detectives Question No: 2018/1858 Andrew Dismore How many detectives short of the correct establishment is the Met?
The Mayor
As I set out in my response to Mayor's Question 2018/1566 the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) is reassessing the number of roles that need full detective skills.
Under the current establishment target, as of June 2018, there were 482 Detective Constable vacancies. The establishment target is likely to change in response to the MPS assessment.
In the meantime, the MPS continues its work to recruit more detectives. This month saw the passing out of the first cohort of direct entry detectives and further cohorts will follow later in the year.
ULEZ blue badge discounts Question No: 2018/1859 Andrew Dismore Vehicles registered for the Blue Badge Congestion Charge Discount will not receive a discount from the ULEZ but will continue to receive the 100% discount from the Congestion Charge; as the Blue Badge scheme is only for disabled Londoners, why cannot the exemption from the congestion charge also extend to the ULEZ?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Barking to Gospel Oak Line Question No: 2018/1860 Andrew Dismore In May, Transport for London promised users of the Barking to Gospel Oak line that there would be 5 extra peak time trains until the longer electric trains were introduced later in the summer. Now that extra service has been withdrawn; and the electric trains introduction has slipped to November: what has been going on? And is this acceptable?
The Mayor
Additional trains have been temporarily operating on the Gospel Oak to Barking route to manage congestion during the busiest times and ahead of new, longer Class710 trains being introduced in November.
Typically, Transport for London sees a drop-in demand during the summer months, but will continue to operate these services as often as it can.
As is standard practice with the introduction of any new trains, thorough testing, assurance, approvals and driver training must be carried out before the train can enter passenger service. The train manufacturer has also needed to do some further software development and testing on these high-tech trains, which has delayed their introduction to November.
The new Class710 trains will carry almost 700 people per train and feature a high capacity walk- through layout, doubling the capacity of the current diesel trains. Station safety Question No: 2018/1861 Andrew Dismore On Tuesday 3rd July a resident taking care of the Community Garden at East Finchley Station noticed smoke coming from the rear entrance. This seems to have been due to a smoker discarding their cigarette onto dry leaves. However, there were no station staff present at the time, and the resident put the fire out herself, using her gardening equipment. During events such as these, are stations safe with such few members of staff around? Do you have any plans to review station staffing to improve safety?
The Mayor
Transport for London (TfL) has been investigating this incident since you brought it to their attention on 4 July 2018, and will be in touch with your office once this has concluded. I can confirm that two staff were on duty at East Finchley station on the afternoon of Tuesday 3 July.
All London Underground (LU) stations are rostered to be staffed during operating hours. Stations located underground have specific staffing requirements and minimum staff numbers, which vary depending on the size of the station. This is a fire regulation requirement arising from King's Cross fire in 1987.
While there is no regulatory or legal requirement for LU's above ground stations to remain staffed when services are operating, TfL continues to plan to staff all stations at all such times. Sometimes operational requirements may mean that some above ground stations become unstaffed temporarily, for example when an incident occurs elsewhere on the line and the assistance of another member of staff is required. During these times the gates are temporarily left open, and the station remains safe to operate. This only ever relates to above ground stations.
TfL's system of prioritisation means it is generally the quietest stations that may be left unstaffed, as staff are moved to higher priority locations. TfL's internal processes ensure that, even without staffing available, these stations remain safe to operate.
TfL will continue to monitor the level of staffing across the network to ensure that customers are kept safe and receive the best possible level of service and assistance at all times. Mill Hill East Question No: 2018/1862 Andrew Dismore I have previously raised the problem of Mill Hill East shuttle tube trains setting off while passengers are still disembarking at Finchley Central, to transfer; I was previously given assurances that the shuttle would wait to allow passengers to transfer, but this arrangement has started to break down meaning passengers then have a 15minute wait; will you ensure that Mill Hill trains wait for the incoming trains before setting off. Also, the 382 bus leaves at the same time as the shuttle from Mill Hill East which doesn't even make using a bus an option when going from Mill Hill East in the direction of Finchley Central and beyond: can this be letter co-ordinated so that the buses go at the mid point of the shuttle timetable?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. BBC Maida Vale Studios Question No: 2018/1863 Andrew Dismore Do you support the campaign to save BBC Maida Vale Studios, (where arguably every significant pop artist has recorded there from the Beatles to Beyoncé as well as classical music, light entertainment and the pioneering Radiophonic Workshop) so as to safeguard this important part of London's heritage, under threat from the BBC of closure and at risk of demolition and redevelopment?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 25/07/2018
I recognise the contribution that music produced at Maida Vale Studios has made to popular culture over the years.
The BBC has made the decision to relocate Maida Vale Studios and create new state-of-the-art facilities, building on the legacy at Maida Vale to bring great benefits to East London.
The BBC will join the list of other prestigious institutions – including the V&A, Sadler's Wells, the Smithsonian, UCL and London College of Fashion – and be part of East Bank, a new cultural and education district at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. It will bring jobs, growth and new opportunities to East London and London as a whole.
The new studios will allow BBC Music to create a home fit for the 21st century, bringing new music opportunities to East London and nurturing the Beatles and Beyoncé’s of the future. The BBC will also work with local communities including choirs and ensembles and bring Proms performances to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
I’m sure the BBC will be mindful of the history of the Maida Vale building in considering the future of the site. Barnet food waste collection Question No: 2018/1864 Andrew Dismore Barnet Council took a decision on Tuesday 5 June to scrap food waste collection which is sent for Anaerobic Digestion. Instead, residents will be instructed to throw all food waste in to the general waste collection which will be sent for incineration. Given your Environment Strategies' ambition to cut food waste by 20% per person by 2025 and 50% by 2030, do you agree that this is an environmentally retrograde step with a negative impact on the environment?
The Mayor
Comprehensive modelling for my London Environment Strategy suggests that the separate collection of food waste with onward processing for example via Anaerobic digestion is, in general, the most environmentally beneficial and least cost solution. This is supported by Defra's Guidance on Applying the Waste Hierarchy, and is a position that has been supported by a range of research from the likes of WRAP and the Renewable Energy Association (REA)
For further details, please see response to Mayor's Question 2018/1755.
Tube noise [1] Question No: 2018/1865 Andrew Dismore Transport for London (TfL) has on a number of occasions now indicated that they are not able to do more to reduce disturbing tube noise affecting residents, effectively stating that they just have to put up with the increased noise levels. When this increased noise is caused by corrugated rail, will you instruct TfL to consider replacing the affected rails until a longer-term solution can be found?
The Mayor
Transport for London (TfL) will continue to examine all feasible means of minimising noise and limiting disruption to residents living close to the Tube.
In areas where noise cannot currently be further reduced, TfL will continue to work alongside industry and academia to further understand noise and vibration, and to trial new products and innovative solutions.
Rail corrugation can develop within months, and so replacing the affected rails would not be an effective long-term mitigation for residents. Tube noise [2] Question No: 2018/1866 Andrew Dismore Tube noise from the Victoria Line has been adversely affecting residents in Fitzrovia. Transport for London stopped remedial work, as they had complaints of increased noise from passengers for the stretch of track affected. Do you think it is fair to put the interests of passengers for a short period of time, above that of residents who face the noise nuisance all the time?
The Mayor
Transport for London (TfL) is required to balance the interests of all groups affected by Tube noise, including local residents, passengers and members of staff. However, it is not the case that TfL has stopped works in this area.
Resilient track fastenings were installed in this area in January and December 2017, following a number of noise complaints. Following further complaints in a nearby area, TfL engineers will visit the site by the end of July 2018 to determine what further noise mitigation measures can be carried out. I have asked that TfL officers update you following this visit.
Tube noise [3] Question No: 2018/1867 Andrew Dismore We are told by a Transport for London (TfL) press release that 'state-of-the-art technology' will increase the lifespan of the Elizabeth line with a rail milling train and two multi-purpose engineering trains, with delivery to London later this year. TfL says:
'The 48 metre long rail milling train is the first of its kind to be used in the UK rail industry. It is able to scan the rails using electromagnetic crack detection, looking for any defects. If it identifies any issues with the track, it can mill the surface of the rail to remove defects and cracks, reducing wear on the new Elizabeth line train wheels and the tracks'.
If this can be done for the Elizabeth Line, why cannot such a machine be purchased for the Northern Line, to reduce the noise from corrugated rails that is causing such misery to so many people living near the Northern Line: should they not have priority over a track that has not even been used yet?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. red routes Question No: 2018/1868 Andrew Dismore Why is Oxford Street not a red route while St John's Wood Road is?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Baker St and Gloucester Place Question No: 2018/1869 Andrew Dismore With the pedestrianisation of Oxford Street now not happening, is there any point in continuing with the conversion of Baker Street and Gloucester Place into a two way street?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
CS11 and the Royal Parks Question No: 2018/1870 Andrew Dismore What are the issues causing objections to CS11 from the Royal Parks; and what is the best estimate for when these issues can be resolved?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Camden Town and Mornington Crescent planned engineering work Question No: 2018/1871 Andrew Dismore A constituent, living in Woodside Park and using Camden Town Station to get to and from work has raised the timetabling of works on the Northern Line. Planned engineering work on the escalator at Camden Town means the station entrance is closed in the afternoon/evening until late July. Many who would normally use the station therefore detoured to Mornington Crescent to access the Northern Line. However, planned engineering work on one of the two lifts at Mornington Crescent lasting until late June meant there was only one lift in use. The result: crowds of frustrated and weary passengers at street level unable to get into the one lift. Why could this work not have been coordinated better, so that the works on these neighbouring stations was not done at the same time?
The Mayor
Transport for London (TfL) plans and coordinates lift closures carefully so as to minimise the impact on customers. Engineering works at Camden Town Station have been planned and will be completed by the end of July 2018. However the lift at Mornington Crescent developed an unforeseen fault and a plan is being put in place to get it back in operation. Mornington Crescent is, therefore, currently operating with just one lift.
TfL apologises for the inconvenience caused by this and is working to get the lift back into operation as quickly as possible. HS2 Question No: 2018/1872 Andrew Dismore As a consequence of HS2, Transport for London has introduced road restrictions and closures that have detrimentally affected traders in Drummond Street, already under pressure due to the impact on access to their businesses due to HS2 works. There is a lane running westbound in front of University College London Hospitals on the southern side of Euston Road. At present it is reserved for buses and black taxis.
There is space at the junction to allow a few cars wishing to U-turn to proceed forward into the junction and wait until the traffic coming eastbound along Euston Road and heading for Gower Street southbound has cleared the junction. Those cars could then U-turn onto Euston Road eastbound (the northern side of the carriageway) without any significant change needed in the phasing of the lights. It is highly unlikely that there would be more than one or two cars wanting to do so at each phase.
The option to do this U-turn was removed by the Euston Circus works some time ago, without any consideration of the damage that the construction of HS2 would do to access to the Drummond Street area. As an alternative, will you reinstate the right-hand turn from Hampstead Road northbound onto Drummond Street eastbound. Those lights have a very long dwell and without that right turn or the previous option, traffic coming from the east to Drummond Street will be forced to go Hampstead Road and do a loop via William Road and Stanhope Street in order to get onto Drummond Street eastbound (having already been forced to take a substantial detour via various traffic lights in order to be able to go north up Hampstead Road). Without either of these options the much-loved restaurants and shops of Drummond Street face a bleak future. Will you ask TfL to reinstate the possibility to U-turn from westbound to eastbound at Euston Circus?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Reduction in Police Numbers in Hackney Question No: 2018/1873 Jennette Arnold Government cuts to police funding have meant a reduction in officers across the capital. How many officers have been lost in Hackney?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Reduction in Police Numbers in Islington Question No: 2018/1874 Jennette Arnold Government cuts to police funding have meant a reduction in officers across the capital. I have an upcoming panel meeting in Islington and would like to know how many officers have been lost in Islington?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Reduction in Police numbers in Waltham Forest Question No: 2018/1875 Jennette Arnold Government cuts to police funding have meant a reduction in officers across the capital. How many officers have been lost in Waltham Forest?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
On-platform signage to the lifts at Blackhorse Road Station. Question No: 2018/1876 Jennette Arnold Transport for London (TfL) has still not installed on-platform signage to the lifts at Blackhorse Road Station, months after they started operating. As a result, people struggle up the stairs with buggies, luggage etc, because they don't realise there are lifts further along the platform. Questions and chasers to TfL about this have so far produced vague promises but no action - not even temporary signs. Does the Mayor share the despair of so many of my constituents who are regular users of this station, and what will the Mayor do about it?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Improved Platforms, Stairs, Access & Exit Routes at Blackhorse Road Station. Question No: 2018/1877 Jennette Arnold The extensive regeneration and building programme around Blackhorse Lane is bound to put increasing pressure on Blackhorse Road station, where the Overground platforms and the steps leading to them are very narrow and in need of widening, leading even now to congestion especially at peak times. What measures are planned by Transport for London to address this?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
New trains on Barking - Gospel Oak Line Question No: 2018/1878 Jennette Arnold Will the Mayor confirm whether new trains will be available for passenger service on the Barking - Gospel Oak by November 2018, given that the existing diesel fleet is being moved to enhance services in the West Midlands?
The Mayor
Please see my answer to Mayor's Question 2018/1713. Bottle Feeding Question No: 2018/1880 Leonie Cooper A constituent wants to know what arrangements are in place to ensure bottle-feeding parents have sufficient water when water supplies fail, as they did in many areas of London earlier this year?
The Mayor
Water companies are required to provide bottled water if supplies fail. However, as we saw during recent supply outages earlier this year, bottled water did not reach all those Londoners that needed it. There were problems with logistics and poor distribution.
I have no powers to direct water companies, but I have written to the water companies in London and Ofwat following this incident to ask them to do more to ensure all customers, particularly vulnerable customers and those least able to access distribution points, receive bottled water when supplies fail. I am pleased Ofwat have responded, making strong recommendations to require water companies to improve support for vulnerable customers during incidents.
I have asked water companies to work with local authorities and other utility companies to improve distribution logistics and their approach to identifying vulnerable customers, including those with infants. Good examples, such as Lambeth Council who supported vulnerable residents during the outages by ensuring bottled water reached sheltered housing schemes, could be more widely followed. Water companies are now updating their lists of priority customers who require water delivered to their homes. My officers will be meeting with the water companies over the summer to ensure this has happened.
London Living Wage (1) Question No: 2018/1881 Leonie Cooper How many London Boroughs are now publicly committed to paying the London Living Wage to all their directly employed staff?
The Mayor
There are currently 16 London Living Wage accredited boroughs in London.
Wimbledon Police Station (1) Question No: 2018/1883 Leonie Cooper Could you please update me on the latest position with the regard to the Judicial Review of the decision to close Wimbledon Police Station?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Wimbledon Police Station (2) Question No: 2018/1884 Leonie Cooper A constituent wants to know how many people came into Wimbledon Police Station each week, from 1st January - 30th June 2018. Please provide me with this information.
The Mayor
This information is not available.
A footfall survey was conducted prior to the publication of the Draft Public Access and Engagement Strategy. This showed that an average of 2.6 crimes were reported at Wimbledon each day.
Healthcare Devolution Question No: 2018/1885 Leonie Cooper Could you please outline what learning has been achieved during the recent health care devolution pilot, trialling work between 5 Boroughs?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Carbon Offset Fund (1) Question No: 2018/1886 Leonie Cooper How many London Boroughs now have set up Carbon offset funds?
The Mayor
As of today, there are 28 London boroughs with carbon offset funds. My officers are continuing to work closely with the remaining boroughs to ensure funds are set up as soon as possible. Carbon Offset Fund (2) Question No: 2018/1887 Leonie Cooper How much Carbon offset funding has been collected, by Borough?
The Mayor
London boroughs reported in July 2017 that over £9m of carbon offset funding had been collected, and an additional £20m had been secured and was awaiting collection through the planning process. We are undertaking more detailed monitoring which will be available later in the year. This will include a breakdown by borough.
Aquatic Life Protection Question No: 2018/1888 Leonie Cooper Recently, all the swans were removed from King George's Park in Putney, due to water quality issues. Noting your responsibilities in relation to protecting London’s Waterways and section 7 of the London Plan, what arrangements are in place to ensure London's aquatic wildlife is protected during spells of hot weather?
The Mayor
Management of individual water-bodies (and aquatic wildlife) is the responsibility of the land- owners and is regulated primarily by the Environment Agency, so is not within my responsibilities.
However, I want to do what I can within my powers to improve water quality in London. To ensure the quality of surface water run-off, which can pollute waterways, is improved I have included a policy on improving water quality in my London Environment Strategy and I have updated London Plan policy with an aim to increase sustainable drainage (SuDS). I am also part-funding a project on identifying road run-off pollution hotspots, to tackle the worst cases and my Water Advisory Group is looking at solutions to the causes of poor water quality, such as tackling misconnected plumbing.
The London Environment Strategy and London Plan also contain policies on water efficiency and water demand management to help reduce the amount of water abstracted from watercourses.
In combination, these policies will contribute to improving the amount and quality of water in rivers and water-bodies, especially during periods of prolonged dry weather and drought. Heathrow Expansion Question No: 2018/1889 Leonie Cooper Could you update me on what steps have been taken in the campaign to prevent further expansion at Heathrow airport, including meetings with the Councils opposing expansion, such as Wandsworth?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Corrosive substances (2) Question No: 2018/1898 Unmesh Desai How will Met officers be supported to implement changes to the law which make it an offence to carry a corrosive substance in public (for example, how will stop and search be conducted on items suspected to be corrosive substances)?
The Mayor
I take these attacks very seriously and have ensured a robust policing response. The Met is a key member of the national corrosive crime action group, led by the NPCC and Home Office, that is planning the implementation of the changes proposed by the Weapons Bill. This includes frontline Met officers working with government agencies to identify technological options that offer safe solutions for evidential testing on or off street. Once the new offences are passed by parliament, all Met officers will receive the training and equipment they need to tackle these crimes further through effective application of those laws.
President Trump visit and policing arrangements Question No: 2018/1899 Unmesh Desai Will the Met be receiving any outside assistance from other police forces in England and Wales for the visit of President Trump and if so how many officers from police forces outside of the Metropolitan Police Service will be assisting the policing operation?
The Mayor
The MPS requested 29 SEG (VIP Motorcycle Escort) officers from 12 forces. They were deployed between 12-14th July inclusive and were provided with overnight accommodation during this time President Trump visit and policing arrangements (2) Question No: 2018/1900 Unmesh Desai Will any Metropolitan Police Officers be abstracted to support the policing operation in other parts of the United Kingdom during the visit of President Trump (for example to support the efforts of Police Scotland)? If so, how many officers will be abstracted and what are the arrangements for such visits (e.g. does the Metropolitan Police Service reclaim officer costs)?
The Mayor
Other than a small number of specialist firearms officers being sent to support Police Scotland, the MPS did not provide any officers to forces nationally in support of the presidential visit.
Policing Wimbledon Question No: 2018/1901 Unmesh Desai What was the total cost of policing Wimbledon in 2018?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Rotherhithe - Canary Wharf crossing (1) Question No: 2018/1913 Tom Copley I fully support your manifesto commitment to deliver a crossing between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf. A number of logistical issues have been raised with me regarding placing a bridge in that location. Will Transport for London give full consideration to placing the crossing in a tunnel instead?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Rotherhithe - Canary Wharf crossing (2) Question No: 2018/1914 Tom Copley What assessment has Transport for London made of the disadvantages of an opening bridge, which would have to be closed to pedestrians and cyclists while it is open, vs a tunnel between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Rotherhithe - Canary Wharf crossing (3) Question No: 2018/1915 Tom Copley A study by Knight's found that a bascule bridge between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf would require ramps of 700-800m on either side of the river. Is this Transport for London's view, and if so is there enough vacant land to build on?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Rotherhithe - Canary Wharf crossing (4) Question No: 2018/1916 Tom Copley Has an assessment been made by Transport for London (TfL) comparing the capital cost of an opening bridge vs a tunnel between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf and if not will TfL conduct one?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Rotherhithe - Canary Wharf crossing (5) Question No: 2018/1917 Tom Copley Has an assessment been made by Transport for London (TfL) comparing the ongoing maintenance cost of an opening bridge vs a tunnel between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf and if not will TfL conduct one?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Updated CONTEST strategy (1) Question No: 2018/1920 Unmesh Desai What will the Government's updated CONTEST strategy mean for counter-terrorism in London?
The Mayor
Terrorist attacks are changing, with people increasingly being radicalised via the internet and using everyday objects as weapons. The time gap between radicalisation and attack has also grown shorter.
The updated CONTEST strategy looks to tackle this evolving threat utilising the existing framework of the four P's (Prevent, Pursue, Protect and Prepare). In practical terms, this will mean London piloting new ways of working, such as the Multi-Agency Centre collaboration between the security services and local government partners, increased cooperation with the private sector, and a continuing effort to engage technology companies to rid their platforms of extremist material.
Updated CONTEST strategy (2) Question No: 2018/1921 Unmesh Desai What input did you, the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, and the Metropolitan Police Service have in developing the updated CONTEST strategy?
The Mayor
The Home Office does not consult publicly on the CONTEST strategy, therefore there was no direct input into developing it. The Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime does, however, chair the London CONTEST Board which is attended at director level by the Home Office. Through this mechanism there are regular discussions on a wide range of counter terrorism policies and initiatives which affect London, and these are fed back to both the Home Office and myself through the London Crime Reduction Board. Updated CONTEST strategy (3) Question No: 2018/1922 Unmesh Desai The Government's updated CONTEST strategy commits to take forward a number of recommendations from MI5 and Counter Terror Policing's 'Operational Improvement Review' which was conducted after the Manchester and London terrorist attacks in 2017. This should improve our response to counter-terrorism and I welcome this. What indications have you had that the Home Office will also implement the findings of the Harris Review, some of which remain outstanding?
The Mayor
Last October, following the One Year On progress report on the Lord Harris Review, the Deputy Mayor wrote to former Home Secretary Amber Rudd MP setting out the recommendations which were outstanding with the Home Office.
More of these recommendations will be updated and resolved in due course, but there are still some sat with the Home Office which remain outstanding. This crucially will include fully funding the National and International Capital Cities Grant. By only partially compensating the Metropolitan Police for this, London Council Tax payers end up paying an extra £61 a year to subsidise national work.
Online Hate Crime Hub (1) Question No: 2018/1923 Unmesh Desai Thank you for delivering a London Online Hate Crime Hub. Could the Mayor kindly provide an update on progress based on the four elements of the Hub Programme:
1- Filtering and identification of online hate crimes
2- Training of police and VCSE organisations
3- Developing the intelligence base
4- and building community resilience
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Online Hate Crime Hub (2) Question No: 2018/1924 Unmesh Desai How many referrals of online crimes have been investigated in London, can you provide a breakdown of the type of hate crime, and how many successful prosecutions have there been to date?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Online Hate Crime Hub (3) Question No: 2018/1925 Unmesh Desai Does the London Online Hate Crime Hub programme have any ambitions to deliver community resilience workshops in schools?
The Mayor
In my Police and Crime Plan I committed to take a zero-tolerance approach to hate in all its forms and I recognise the importance of education in ensuring that we all have the resilience to do so. The Hub is focussed on operational delivery. However, as part of the legacy of the project, our community partner, Stop Hate UK, has been developing an educational resource that will support schools and those working with young people in building the awareness, understanding and resilience to use social media safely. In addition, my Office for Policing and Crime continue to work with the Metropolitan Police Service, drawing knowledge from the Hub to develop and deliver a broader range of services aiming to encourage people to report hate crimes and connecting them to appropriate support services in a timely manner. Online Hate Crime Hub (4) Question No: 2018/1926 Unmesh Desai Will the Mayor of London lobby Central Government to further invest in this Online Hate Crime Hub?
The Mayor
Government cuts to policing continue to provide challenges for our work across policing and crime. I make no apologies for relentlessly pushing the Government to understand that these cuts have had consequences across a broad range of issues. Fortunately, the Online Hate Crime Hub pilot has demonstrated its value and we have been able to achieve further efficiencies in the ways of working. The overall investment has therefore been reduced with no detriment to the level of service offered to victims.
The innovation and the hard work of the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) and the project team in my Office for Policing and Crime, has also inspired a national-level Online Hub run by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. We have, of course, worked with them to share learning and best practice to ensure the national-level Hub is of sound design and delivery.
Corrosive substances (1) Question No: 2018/1927 Unmesh Desai Please could you provide a breakdown of 'acid attack offences' identified on MOAPC's Weapons-Enabled Crime Dashboard from June 2017-May 2018 by type of offence (e.g. criminal damage and etc.)?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Corrosive substances (2) Question No: 2018/1928 Unmesh Desai In December 2017 you informed me that the trial in East London of acid testing kits had not been as successful as hoped.1 Can you provide me with the reasons why the pilot was not successful - were the encountered problems due to equipment and the testing of substances or due to the existing legislation and the ability of the police to confiscate substances?
1 http://questions.london.gov.uk/QuestionSearch/searchclient/questions/question_297158
The Mayor
The Met's pilot in East London has now concluded. Utilising litmus paper based tests did not bring additional evidential value, with items seized still requiring forensic laboratory analysis. Whilst officers do have existing powers to seize items that are Offensive Weapons, it was the challenge of immediate and legitimate testing that stopped the trial. Current plans to introduce new offences and equipment should make a real difference to the Met's capability to prosecute those carrying substances for unlawful reasons.
TfL use of glyphosate (1) Question No: 2018/1938 Leonie Cooper The Mayor's Environment Strategy commits the GLA Group to reduce 'the use of pesticides and peat-based products, such as compost'.1 What quantity of glyphosate is used on the Transport for London road network per year? Please provide figures back to 2010 in an Excel table.
1 P424
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
TfL use of glyphosate (3) Question No: 2018/1939 Leonie Cooper What proportion of glyphosate used on the Transport for London road network is general versus selective application? Please provide figures back to 2010 in an Excel table.
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. TfL use of glyphosate (4) Question No: 2018/1940 Leonie Cooper How much does application of glyphosate on the Transport for London road network cost for procurement and staff time for application? Please provide figures back to 2010 in a table.
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
TfL use of glyphosate (5) Question No: 2018/1941 Leonie Cooper How often is glyphosate applied across the Transport for London road network? Please provide figures back to 2010 in an Excel table.
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
TfL use of glyphosate (6) Question No: 2018/1942 Leonie Cooper What quantity of glyphosate is used on the Transport for London tube and rail network per year? Please provide figures back to 2010 in an Excel table.
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
TfL use of glyphosate (7) Question No: 2018/1943 Leonie Cooper What proportion of glyphosate applied on the Transport for London tube and rail network is general versus selective application? Please provide figures back to 2010 in an Excel table.
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. TfL use of glyphosate (8) Question No: 2018/1944 Leonie Cooper How much does application of glyphosate on the TfL tube and rail network cost for procurement and staff time for application? Please provide figures back to 2010 in an Excel table.
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
TfL use of glyphosate (9) Question No: 2018/1945 Leonie Cooper How often is glyphosate applied across the Transport for London tube and rail network? Please provide figures back to 2010 in an Excel table.
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
TfL use of glyphosate (10) Question No: 2018/1946 Leonie Cooper What action is being taken by Transport for London to reduce their use of glyphosate and lead by example on sustainable pest management?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
TfL Board Report on Human Error Question No: 2018/1966 Keith Prince In your response to my Question 2018/1358, you mention that "at the request of its board, TfL is preparing a report setting out the circumstances of the 'human error'. Will you provide me with a copy of this report?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Refusal to formally request Rail Accident Investigation Branch and SNC- Lavalin to re-issue their reports Question No: 2018/1967 Keith Prince In his formal 20 June response to a formal request from a blogger, the Chief Investigator of the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has confirmed RAIB's intention to issue an update to its final report which will include "reference to IA 17 780 and its key findings". Given that the RAIB has agreed to amend its report to include IA 17 780's key findings and to ensure all lessons from the Croydon Crash are learned and made public, will you reconsider your refusal to formally request SNC Lavalin to amend its report as RAIB has agreed to do?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Failure by Transport for London to provide Croydon Tram Fatigue Risk Management Investigation to British Transport Police Question No: 2018/1968 Keith Prince As you know, a First Group Tram Driver is being investigated for manslaughter by the British Transport Police for the 9 November 2016 crash. Do you think Transport for London's (TfL) failure to provide Internal Audit IA 17 780 - which reveals, inter alia, that
1. Tram Operations Limited's (TOL) Fatigue Risk Management System Guidance does not clearly detail the roles and responsibilities for those employees involved in managing fatigue;
2. TOL has no formal process for determining when fatigue risk analysis should be carried out;
3. TOL's fatigue risk awareness training does not include "Personal assessment of fatigue risk" or "training for Control room staff in recognising fatigue in drivers when booking on."
- from when it was issued on 15 September 2017 to when TfL sent it (12 February 2018) constitutes a manifest failure of disclosure of key evidence by TfL which might threaten both the objectivity and integrity of BTP's investigation?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Questions Raised by Mayor's Response to MQT about IA 17 780 and 23 May Transport for London Board meeting Question No: 2018/1969 Keith Prince Your response to Question 2018/1358 only raises more questions than answers. a) You allege that Transport for London (TfL) only "discovered" it had not sent IA 17 780 to the Rail Accident Investigation Branch, SNC-Lavalin, Office of Rail and Road, British Transport Police and the Coroner after the question was raised at the 22 January SSHR Meeting. A review of the 22 January 2018 meeting minutes does not capture the event you cite, so please provide me with all documentary evidence TfL might possess to confirm your statement. b) Seeing that over 3 working weeks transpired between 22 January and 12 February (when you indicate IA 17 780 was disclosed), what explains the three-week gap before meaningful action was taken? c) At the 23 May TfL Board Meeting, the Chair of the Safety, Sustainability and Human Resources (SSHR) Panel states that he asked TfL Bosses 3 times whether or not they had disclosed the document. Will you clarify with the SSHR Chair the exact dates to which he's referring and if 22 January 2018 is indeed one of them, and provide me with an update?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Bus KSI Risk for Cyclists and Pedestrians Question No: 2018/1970 Keith Prince A chart on page 10 of a recent Transport for London report entitled "Improving Cycling Safety in London" (http://content.tfl.gov.uk/sshrp-20180620-part-1-item-10-improving-cyclist- safety-in-london.pdf) shows that Bus and Coaches, based on 2014-2016 data and corrected for their share in traffic, have the highest KSI risk for Cyclists of any other vehicle mode in London, including taxis and HGVs. Furthermore, a bullet point on page 7 of a presentation TfL gave to the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety in June 2016 (http://www.pacts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/PACTS-Conference-Lilli-Matson- June-2016-FINALv1.pdf) states "Buses are four times more likely to be involved in a KSI collision with a pedestrian than would be expected for their share of traffic." Based on these two TfL-originated facts, would I be wrong to conclude that, compared to all other modes of surface transport and corrected for their presence in traffic, that Buses and Coaches hold the highest KSI risk for both Cyclists and Pedestrians?
The Mayor
Buses and coaches are disproportionately involved in collisions resulting in cyclists and pedestrians being killed or seriously injured, given their share of traffic. However, it is not true to say that they hold the highest risk, as the involvement of motorcyclists in collisions resulting in pedestrian deaths and serious injuries, given their share of traffic, is higher.
The disproportionate involvement of buses and coaches in pedestrian and cyclist injury is of real concern and Transport for London (TfL) has a comprehensive programme to improve the safety of those vehicles that pose the highest risk to cyclists and pedestrians, including buses and coaches. TfL is implementing the world-leading Bus Safety Programme, including the Bus Safety Standard aimed at improving safety through vehicle design and innovation, such as speed limiting technology known as Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA). The bus safety programme also includes improvements to existing safety processes and data collection.
Car Clubs Question No: 2018/1971 Keith Prince Proposal 17 of the Mayor's Transport Strategy states, "The Mayor, through TfL and the boroughs, will support the provision of car clubs for residents when paired with a reduction in the availability of private parking, to enable more Londoners to give up their cars while allowing for infrequent car travel in inner and outer London". What specific actions is the Mayor taking now to enable expansion of car clubs, in particular A to B models, to more Londoners?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Car Clubs (2) Question No: 2018/1972 Keith Prince Car clubs are increasing Londoners' familiarity with electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, they will be an important part of raising Londoners awareness of both. Why has the Mayor not included any representation for car clubs on his Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Taskforce?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Uber's Licence Question No: 2018/1973 Keith Prince After the granting of a 15 month licence, will Uber London Limited be required to conform to Transport for London's new operator licensing criteria which requires operators to demonstrate the overall booking process for all booking channels including apps is compliant with the Private Hire Vehicles act?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Plying for Hire Question No: 2018/1974 Keith Prince In response to my question 2018/1017, the Mayor states, "Whether a vehicle is plying for hire either on-street or via an app depends on the individual facts". Will the Mayor give an example where a vehicle is deemed plying for hire via an app?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Publishing Minutes of Meeting between TfL and Taxi and PH representatives Question No: 2018/1975 Keith Prince Will the Mayor consider publishing the full minutes of all meetings between Transport for London officials and Taxi and Private Hire representatives? If not, what would be the Mayor's objection to doing so?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Rank Allocation at Heathrow Question No: 2018/1976 Keith Prince Is it reasonable for some taxi drivers to have to wait up to 4 or 5 hours under the queuing system at Heathrow for a terminal rank allocation?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Advertising Code Question No: 2018/1977 Keith Prince In the light of the controversy over Transport for London's (TfL) partnership with Hachette Partworks and given the Mayor's commitment to an advertising code for products advertised on the TfL network, will he extend that commitment to adverts for products for all TfL licenses?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Pride Parade (1) Question No: 2018/1978 Andrew Boff Why did you cap the Pride parade at 30,000 people?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. India Visit Question No: 2018/1980 Andrew Boff Please could you report back on your visit to India and the outcomes from it.
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Criminalising people for possession Question No: 2018/1981 Andrew Boff Yes, or no, do you agree that criminalising people for possession of small amounts of cannabis is not a particularly good idea and does lead to great difficulties?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Silvertown (1) Question No: 2018/1983 Andrew Boff What steps and processes were followed in the procurement of Lend Lease as a development partner in Silvertown?
The Mayor
The GLA's development partner for the site is The Silvertown Partnership which was procured in 2011/12. Lendlease and Starwood acquired interests in The Silvertown Partnership as part of a corporate restructure this year. The Silvertown Partnership sought the GLA's consent to the transaction and following due diligence and a Mayoral Decision, this approval was given.
Silvertown (2) Question No: 2018/1984 Andrew Boff Will you provide the Assembly with access to all documents relating to the procurement of Lend Lease as a partner in Silvertown?
The Mayor
Lendlease acquired interests in The Silvertown Partnership as the result of a corporate restructure. Lendlease were not involved in the original procurement of The Silvertown Partnership which was undertaken in 2011/12 Silvertown (3) Question No: 2018/1985 Andrew Boff How many companies and/or other organisations bid for the Silvertown tender that was ultimately awarded to Lend Lease?
The Mayor
No tender was awarded to Lendlease they acquired interests in The Silvertown Partnership through a corporate restructure.
Silvertown (4) Question No: 2018/1986 Andrew Boff Please provide a list of all bidders for the Silvertown tender that was ultimately awarded to Lend Lease?
The Mayor
Please see my response to Mayor's Question 2018/1985
Broadwater Farm (1) Question No: 2018/1987 Andrew Boff Has there been any application for GLA funding in relation to the redevelopment of Tangmere and Northolt blocks on the Broadwater Farm estate in Haringey?
The Mayor
The GLA has not received an application for funding related to the redevelopment of Tangmere and Northolt blocks on the Broadwater Farm estate. Broadwater Farm (2) Question No: 2018/1988 Andrew Boff If there is an application for GLA funding in relation to the redevelopment of Tangmere and Northolt blocks on the Broadwater Farm estate in Haringey, will you require residents to be balloted before being decanted?
The Mayor
My new funding condition makes clear that I expect resident ballots to be held before a landlord relocates estate residents in order to carry out a regeneration project.
Landlords can apply for an exemption to the ballot requirement in certain circumstances, including where demolitions are required to address concerns about the safety of residents.
If the GLA received a funding application related to Tangmere and Northolt blocks, my officers would need to establish whether it would subject to the funding condition and whether it would be exempt on the grounds of safety.
Trump balloon Question No: 2018/1989 Andrew Boff Following the decision to allow a balloon of Donald Trump to be flown over London during the President's visit to London, who was responsible for making that decision and what was the decision-making process?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Violence with Injury (VWI) Question No: 2018/1992 Keith Prince Since May 2016, please can you provide a monthly breakdown of Violence with Injury (VWI) in Waltham Forest, Havering and Redbridge, along with the ethnicity and age of the victims?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Maintenance of red routes Question No: 2018/1995 Steve O'Connell Does the Mayor believe that the maintenance of red routes is happening with appropriate frequency?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Anti-Social Behaviour report Question No: 2018/1996 Steve O'Connell We waited some time for your response to the London Assembly Police and Crime Committee's report Respecting others: tackling anti-social behaviour in London, and when it came it did not address all the recommendations specifically, for example the proposal for a London Antisocial Behaviour Board. Can you explain why and what your views are on those recommendations?'
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Burglaries with weapons Question No: 2018/1997 Steve O'Connell From May 2016, please can you provide a monthly breakdown of the total number of burglaries in London when a weapon was used and the sanction detection rate?
The Mayor
The attached Appendix 2018/1997 covers the requested monthly breakdown weapon related burglaries for the time specified. This data was extracted for the MPS CRIS reporting system on 13th July 2018.
This data has been extracted even though the MPS do not have an official definition or pre- built product to answer the query. Considering this fact please be sure to read the notes the table to fully understand the data set included. World cup in Russia Question No: 2018/1998 Steve O'Connell Please can you provide the number of Metropolitan police officers and police staff who have been to Russia in relation to the world cup?
The Mayor
One Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) officer, a chief inspector attached to the UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU), has been deployed to Russia for the World Cup.
Place of safety 1 Question No: 2018/1999 Steve O'Connell From May 2016, please can you provide a monthly breakdown of the number of times the Met police have taken someone suffering a mental health crisis to a place of safety?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Place of safety 2 Question No: 2018/2000 Steve O'Connell From May 2016, please can you provide a monthly breakdown of the number of times the Met police have taken someone suffering a mental health crisis to a police cell?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Bleed control kits Question No: 2018/2001 Steve O'Connell In relation to the article in the Metro on 14 July, "Stabbing victim's mum wants bleed control kits introduced to stop knife deaths", have these been used in London? If so, how effective have they been and do you intend to continue or expand their use?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Police pursue 1 Question No: 2018/2002 Steve O'Connell From May 2016, please can you provide a monthly breakdown of the number of times the Met police pursued someone on a moped or motorbike?
The Mayor
The total number of mopeds / motorbikes pursued between May 2016 and the end of June 2018 within the MPS was 1,237. During the same period the total number of pursuits ceased due to a disproportionate danger posed by a moped or motorbike was 160 and the total number of mopeds, motorbikes discontinued and abandoned after a pursuit was authorised was 1,111.
Attached Appendix 2018/2002 shows the total number of these classifications split by month.
Police pursue 2 Question No: 2018/2003 Steve O'Connell From May 2016, please can you provide a monthly breakdown of the number of times the Met police have ceased pursuing someone on a moped or motorbike for safety reasons?
The Mayor
The total number of mopeds / motorbikes pursued between May 2016 and the end of June 2018 within the MPS was 1,237. During the same period the total number of pursuits ceased due to a disproportionate danger posed by a moped or motorbike was 160 and the total number of mopeds, motorbikes discontinued and abandoned after a pursuit was authorised was 1,111.
Attached Appendix 2018/2003 shows the total number of these classifications split by month.
Police pursue 3 Question No: 2018/2004 Steve O'Connell From May 2016, please can you provide a monthly breakdown of the number of times the Met police were pursuing someone on a moped or motorbike and they got away?
The Mayor
The total number of mopeds / motorbikes pursued between May 2016 and the end of June 2018 within the MPS was 1,237. During the same period the total number of pursuits ceased due to a disproportionate danger posed by a moped or motorbike was 160 and the total number of mopeds, motorbikes discontinued and abandoned after a pursuit was authorised was 1,111.
Attached Appendix 2018/2004 shows the total number of these classifications split by month. Public houses Question No: 2018/2005 Steve O'Connell Would policy HC2 of your London Plan restrict proposals to reduce the size of an existing public house? If not, would you consider making this provision in the London Plan or associating planning guidance?
The Mayor
Policy HC7 of the draft London Plan seeks to protect the operation of public houses. As my Plan sets out, pubs are unique and intrinsic part of British culture and should be protected where they have a heritage, economic, social or cultural value to local communities, and where they contribute to wider policy objectives. However, it is also important that in serving their communities, the role of pubs can evolve; for example, some pubs have started providing library services and parcel collection points.
As well as seeking to prevent the loss of public houses, the policy also sets out that development proposals for redevelopment of associated accommodation, facilities or development within the curtilage of the public house that would compromise its operation or viability as a public house should be resisted. In many circumstances, the policy would therefore protect against attempts to reduce the size of an existing pub.
Uber Question No: 2018/2006 Susan Hall Do you welcome an inquiry by the Economy Committee looking into the economic impact of Uber in London and the potential implications of Uber losing its licence to operate?
The Mayor
The safety of Londoners is my primary concern.
Following a hearing in the Westminster Magistrates' Court, ULL has been granted a 15-month licence to operate in London. Uber are on probation, with a clear set of conditions that Transport for London will closely monitor and enforce.
I fully supported TfL's decision to refuse Uber a private hire operating licence last September, and Uber have now accepted that TfL's decision was fully justified. This decision has also been vindicated by the court.
I would welcome any scrutiny of the private hire trade by the Assembly's Economy Committee. Britain's high streets Question No: 2018/2007 Susan Hall It has been revealed that 50,000 retail jobs in Britain were axed in the past six months. What are you doing to assist London's high streets?
The Mayor
Please see my response to Mayor's Question 2018/1789.
Draft Health Inequalities Strategy Question No: 2018/2008 Susan Hall The draft Health Inequalities Strategy contains no mention of hepatitis C. Will you ensure that hepatitis C is addressed in the final strategy?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Avoiding Financial mismanagement Question No: 2018/2009 Susan Hall How do you ensure the money spent by the Greater London Authority is spent as effectively as possible?
The Mayor
The GLA's budget is subject to a rigorous annual process that ensures resources are directed to priority areas and savings are identified. Furthermore, individual project spending proposals are then subject to a further check and approval through decision forms, which set out the case for investment and other pertinent factors. These proposals are reviewed by my Corporate Investment Board.
Delivery is managed robustly at directorate/team level, including by Deputy Mayors. In addition, portfolio and project performance is assessed by the Corporate Investment Board and also, starting shortly, a new Performance and Delivery Review Group chaired by the Chief of Staff. Transparency plays a part too; including through the quarterly reports made available to the Budget Monitoring Sub-Committee and other data published on the London Datastore.
Internal Audit plays an important role in the GLA's system of internal control, including ensuring value for money. An annual, risk-informed audit plan tests specified areas, resulting in an assurance rating and recommendations for each; the delivery of recommendations is checked through follow-up reviews. Ad hoc reviews take place where issues are identified in- year. In addition, External Audit tests and provides an annual value for money conclusion. External organisations Question No: 2018/2010 Susan Hall How do you ensure money distributed by the Greater London Authority to external organisations is spent in the way it is intended?
The Mayor
As you would expect, we take a risk based approach and therefore the measures are tailored according to the nature of the funding, the organisations involved and what is being delivered.
Speaking generally, however, we seek to have transparent and competitive bidding processes; use grant agreements with clear milestones and payment on delivery (where appropriate); and include clauses to reclaim grant if and when necessary. We adopt good practice on requesting and checking evidence and where necessary will, from time to time, use Internal Audit to support this.
Onsite User Research Question No: 2018/2011 Susan Hall The Mayor's Report to the Assembly, showing a list of decisions between 8 June 2018 and 5 July 2018, mentioned a contract with digital agency for onsite user research. Can you provide me further details on this? What is the job description for the researcher hired and from which agency was the researcher hired?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
City Hall Staff Question No: 2018/2012 Susan Hall How many staff have been employed by the GLA, excluding the Secretariat directorate, in the last 6 years, broken down by year?
The Mayor
Please refer to Mayoral Question 2018/2017, which shows in detail the headcount/staff numbers from 2013 through to 2018 broken down by year. Postage 1 Question No: 2018/2013 Susan Hall From May 2016, please provide the monthly total spent by the Met police on postage?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Postage 2 Question No: 2018/2014 Susan Hall What control measures do the Met use to ensure all outgoing mail is for work purposes?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Home schooling 1 Question No: 2018/2015 Susan Hall When speaking at the APPG for Policing before he left, former AC Mark Rowley indicated that many of the of the 23,000 who are considered to pose a terror threat to the UK have opted to home school their children. Please can you provide the percentage figure?
The Mayor
The proportion of Elective Home Education by those who are considered to pose a terror threat to the UK is higher than that of a general population. However, we are unable to provide a specific figure due to data limitations across the 23,000 and classification restrictions. Home schooling 2 Question No: 2018/2016 Susan Hall What can you do along with partners to ensure home schooled children are safe and learning?
The Mayor
Every child in London should benefit from the best education possible, in a safe and healthy environment. I do not have direct responsibility for schools or statutory services for young people but the police work very closely with schools, PRUs and children's services across London to keep young people safe.
I support the introduction of mandatory registration and monitoring for home schooled children, and recommend that this must be accompanied by the resources necessary for local authorities to implement the changes and to support and reassure parents. My Deputy Mayor for Policing Sophie Linden has written to the Department for Education in response to the call for evidence on Elective Home Education.
Staff costs Question No: 2018/2017 Susan Hall MQ 2018/1378 details an increase in staffing costs for City Hall. Can you provide a detailed year by year breakdown of directorates and functions, excluding the Secretariat directorate, that have seen an uplift in staffing by the number of staff that have increased?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Civic Innovation Challenge Pilot Question No: 2018/2018 Susan Hall Given the recent large increase in the budget for the Mayor's Civic Innovation Challenge Pilot, could you publish the cost benefit analysis of the pilot and do you think it represents value for money for the taxpayer?
The Mayor
The Civic Innovation Challenge will prevent the duplication of effort and create a cost saving by removing the administrative cost of running separate innovation programmes.
During project design, officers took advice from academics, experts in the tech sector, Innovate UK and others about mission-led innovation programmes, and the CIC has been designed in accordance with well-established best practice.
The impact of the business support and access to market on the companies involved will be assessed according to standard LEAP metrics, following the conclusion of the project and followed up over a number of years.
ULEZ Question No: 2018/2019 Tony Devenish Would the Mayor agree to modelling being undertaken on the effect an expanded Heathrow would have on the impact of the Ultra Low Emission Zone?
The Mayor
I am taking forward a number of measures to address our toxic air pollution and improve public health, including the Ultra Low Emission Zone. I have made clear to Government that it is unacceptable for it to seek to take advantage of such measures to allow an expanded Heathrow, which I oppose, to worsen air quality at the expense of Londoners' health.
As part of our assessment of an expanded Heathrow, we have been modelling the impacts on air quality and this takes account of unrelated schemes such as the Ultra Low Emissions Zone. This modelling is ongoing and is informing our engagement in the planning process. Council housebuilding Question No: 2018/2020 Tony Devenish In view of the Mayor’s best practice guidance on estate regeneration, does the Mayor share the Camden Housing Cabinet Member Meric Apak's view that the complex sub-contract arrangements for building work should be replaced by Councils in-house team? Does the Mayor agree with Councillor Apak that CDM contract management is "like putting the fox to guard the hen house"?
The Mayor
My Good Practice Guide to estate regeneration does not specify sub-contracting arrangements for building works.
London housing market Question No: 2018/2021 Tony Devenish The London Real Estate Forum heard from expert speakers who worried that major developers were "pulling out of the London market". Berkeley Group, Crest Nicholson, Galliford Try, and Redrow were all listed as examples.
Does the Mayor worry that he may have contributed to this trend? What research has his housing team undertaken regarding activity levels and departures from the London market?
The Mayor
My officers regularly monitor activity in the London housing market. They have found a healthy pipeline of new housing, with 63,700 homes granted planning approval in 2017 according to Home Builders Federation data, an increase of 18% on 2016, and more than in any single year since the financial crisis in 2007-09.
However, developers of new housing in London, be it volume housebuilders, housing associations, SMEs, or councils, need certainty to invest in turning these planning permissions into new homes. Tony Pidgley, Chairman of Berkeley Group, explicitly referenced the macroeconomic uncertainty generated by Brexit in Berkeley's end of year report, and given the current disarray within the Government, this uncertainty unfortunately looks set to continue over the coming months. Oxford Street (1) Question No: 2018/2022 Tony Devenish Can you confirm that, in the best interests of Londoners, you remain ready to work with Westminster Council on their plans to improve Oxford Street?
The Mayor
It is Westminster City Council who have unilaterally decided to abandon two years of joint work developing a project that would have been in the best interest of Londoners by addressing the issues facing Oxford Street and the West End. This is shown by the nearly three quarters majority support in the recent consultation.
I have stated that I will not walk away from Oxford Street, but have also set out the clear challenges that any alternative scheme must address, as the original proposal would have done. Transport for London will provide technical input, but Westminster must now show that they can address those challenges.
The council has now set out its intention to bring forward some initial pedestrian safety changes, to be delivered ahead of the opening of the Elizabeth line, followed by a wider piece of work on the Oxford Street district. This timetable indicated Westminster will provide information on the safety scheme next month. Given the urgency of the opening of the Elizabeth line, I expect them to stick to this timeline and have also requested an update on the district-wide scheme by September.
Oxford Street (2) Question No: 2018/2023 Tony Devenish Can you confirm that, in the best interests of Londoners, you are prepared for Transport to London to contribute financially to Westminster Council's plans to improve Oxford Street?
The Mayor
Transport for London has contributed around £8m over the last two years of joint working, including payments to Westminster and their contractors to develop the joint project that Westminster have now unilaterally decided to abandon, completely against the best interests of Londoners.
I have asked to see details of the alternative proposals that Westminster is developing, and future decisions will be taken on the basis of any scheme's ability to support the heart of London's West End by addressing the known challenges set out in my letter of 3 July. This includes tackling road safety concerns, poor air quality, pedestrian crowding and a low quality of public realm, as the original proposal would have done.
The public would expect me to take into account the significant level of public funding already expended on the jointly agreed approach, which Westminster abandoned without any discussion. Oxford Street (3) Question No: 2018/2024 Tony Devenish Do you accept that an Oxford Street plan which would have meant sending hundreds more buses a day down Wigmore Street would not have been in the interests of local residents or other Londoners?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Review of Embankment CSH Question No: 2018/2025 Tony Devenish Business is expressing real concern that while Cycle Superhighways are to be applauded, the embankment design is leading to significant increases in congestion, poor air quality and risks to the mobility of the emergency services and a hit to business in one of the main thorough ways in central London. Will you please review the Embankment Cycle Superhighway design as a priority?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Tube Footfall Comparison Question No: 2018/2026 Tony Devenish Has Transport for London produced an illustration comparing footfall on the tube network with vacant or underutilised assets which could drive retail use? Can you share this to encourage businesses to approach you to replicate the success of a certain pasty shop in SW1?
The Mayor
Yes. Transport for London (TfL) uses footfall data and travel patterns to help identify and support opportunities for new retail space. This information is also used when units are on the market, to inform potential tenants of the opportunities available.
This data is published on TfL's website: https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/publications-and- reports/underground-services-performance HS2 Budget Overruns Question No: 2018/2027 Tony Devenish Does the Mayor agree that the report in the New Civil Engineer (June 2018) that HS2 civil works are £1.2 billion over budget is bad news for future infrastructure projects being given the green light? Is there anything Transport for London can do to support a robust cost challenge to assist colleagues at HS2 and the taxpayer?
The Mayor
Transport for London (TfL) is already working closely with HS2 Ltd to improve efficiencies and help deliver value for the taxpayer.
TfL held a two-day cost engineering workshop with HS2 Ltd and its contractors to explore more efficient ways to deliver a new bridge over the rail lines at Hampstead Road, resulting in cost savings to one of the most complex parts of HS2 Ltd's work in London.
TfL will continue to manage the HS2 construction impacts on the TfL transport network while ensuring its benefits are unlocked for London.
Misuse of Public Highways Question No: 2018/2028 Tony Devenish What plans do you have to prevent misuse of public highways, for example from unwelcome washing of windscreens?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Traffic Flow Question No: 2018/2029 Tony Devenish What steps are being taken to improve flow of traffic in London particularly for cars and commercial vehicles?
The Mayor
My Transport Strategy aims to create a city where people can travel around London easily, reliably and safely, and receive the goods and services that we all rely on. For London's growing population to make these trips, we must make more efficient use of our limited street space. This will only be achieved by tackling car dependency and enabling people to make short, unnecessary car trips by other modes - walking, cycling and public transport. To achieve the goals set out in my Transport Strategy, by 2041, there will need to be at least 3 million fewer daily car trips and one quarter of a million fewer cars owned in London.
Some trips made in vehicles are essential, such as some deliveries and servicing, or by people who cannot walk, cycle or use public transport. But many car trips could be made using more sustainable modes of transport. We are investing to make these options more attractive for those who could switch from using the car. This will tackle congestion and improve journey times and reliability for everyone, including the freight and servicing trips that support London's economy.
Transport for London (TfL) already uses traffic signals controlled by sensor technology to manage delays. TfL is also reviewing the timing of 1200 sets of traffic signals each year to ensure they are balanced appropriately for everyone using them. I am also supporting investment in new technology to provide more sophisticated tools for managing the road network in future.
TfL is also consulting on making changes to the Congestion Charge to reduce traffic and congestion as well as improve air quality in central London. The new proposals would see the exemption from the Congestion Charge for private hire vehicles (PHVs) removed and the introduction of a new Cleaner Vehicle Discount to replace the Ultra Low Emission Discount. More information on this can be found on TfL's consultation portal: tfl.gov.uk/ccyourviews
Piccadilly Line Performance (1) Question No: 2018/2030 Tony Devenish Do you think the performance of the Piccadilly Line over the last three months has been acceptable?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Piccadilly Line Performance (2) Question No: 2018/2031 Tony Devenish How many Piccadilly Line trains are delayed per week, in both percentage and numerical terms? Please answer for the last 6 months.
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Pop-up brothels Question No: 2018/2032 Tony Devenish What can you do to clamp down on pop-up brothels in London?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Two for the price of one police officers Question No: 2018/2033 Tony Devenish A group of my residents has asked for details re the possibility of funding a Police officer(s) to be based in their geographic vicinity rather than private security after a spate of nasty crimes. Following the "two for the price of one police officers " policy some London Boroughs have had in the past would a proposal (cost and conditions) be able to be worked up for consideration by my residents?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Central West BCU Question No: 2018/2034 Tony Devenish Why are you implementing the biggest cuts to police numbers (compared to April 2016) in the Central West BCU and how do you expect to cut crime in these areas with such big reductions?
The Mayor
As you know full well it is the Government's responsibility to properly fund police forces. Since 2010/11, the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) general grant funding from the Government has fallen by more than £700 million, or nearly 40 per cent in real terms.
I have done all that I can to mitigate these cuts - investing an additional £110million into the MPS through a combination of increased council tax and business rates. It is this investment that has enabled the MPS to support an additional 1,000 officers than would otherwise have been affordable.
City Hall is now paying a greater percentage of the overall police budget in the capital than ever before. But officer numbers remain under severe pressure and it is the Government that must act to address this.
The allocation of officers to Basic Command Units (BCUs) is based on a 'bottom up' resource modelling approach. This takes account of the capacity of individual officers to manage a workload in each of the major operational strands (response, safeguarding, neighbourhoods and investigation).
This is a more rigorous approach than that previously used, reflecting a more challenging operational and financial climate, and allowing a more accurate assessment of the impact of changes in demand.
The allocation for Central West BCU includes an additional 200 officers over and above the results of this process in recognition of the unique demands of policing this area - notably the West End.
This approach will be periodically reviewed so that changes in the policing demand across London can be assessed and the allocation adjusted when necessary. Ward Panels Question No: 2018/2035 Tony Devenish At a time of worrying levels of violent crime, muggings, moped enabled crime, and knife crime, community-police relations are crucial. The Met works closely with local communities at a ward level across London through local Police Ward Panels, overseen by the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC). Does the Mayor agree that political interference with these ward panels by local authorities to dilute their focus away from crime, and to disband currently well functioning ward panels and borough safer neighbourhood boards, is a mistake? Will the Mayor instruct MOPAC to robustly defend local Police Ward Panels, to protect this vital community- police link?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Hammersmith Bridge Question No: 2018/2036 Tony Devenish As a crucial crossing of the River Thames in West London, Hammersmith Bridge is an important link between the Boroughs of Hammersmith & Fulham and Richmond upon Thames, that residents rely on. Will the Mayor provide an update on the condition of Hammersmith Bridge and Transport for London's efforts to maintain this route?
The Mayor
Hammersmith & Fulham (H&F) Council is the highway authority for Hammersmith Bridge and is responsible for its maintenance and repair. Transport for London (TfL) is supporting the council with the assessment and repair of the bridge.
Detailed analysis will be carried out by H&F Council's specialist contractors over the coming months. This will determine the full scope of the required work and whether more extensive structural works are required. This will allow the best course of action for the bridge to be determined.
In the meantime, there is a two to three-day closure planned in August 2018 to replace some defective deck panels.
Hammersmith Bridge - and the route it supports - is a high priority for TfL. Hammersmith Bridge is currently operating under severe weight restrictions with one bus permitted to travel in either direction at any one time. Staff will remain on site to manage the bus restrictions until permanent repair works are done. Westminster Council CCTV Question No: 2018/2039 Peter Whittle To ask the Mayor what has been the impact, if any, on criminal activity of Westminster Council's 2016 decision to scrap its entire network of 75 CCTV cameras?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Met Police Training Courses Question No: 2018/2040 Peter Whittle I note the report about the Metropolitan Police in the Daily Telegraph on 3 June 2018, which stated: 'More than 10,000 officers and staff will attend five days' worth of training courses before the end of the year, as well as taking personality tests to tell them what 'colour' they are.'1 How much is this going to cost and given that you have repeatedly made the point that the Met is short of funds, how can you justify this expenditure?
1 https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/06/03/met-police-accused-wasting-10m- leadership-training-programme/?WT.mc_id=tmg_share_tw
The Mayor
It is absolutely right that the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) invests in the development and skills of its people.
The 'Leading for London' programme is a comprehensive training package involving facilitated workshops, coaching, 360 feedback, psychometric tests, access to a digital learning system and, for Superintendents and above, detailed simulation exercises.
This training is being delivered to over 10,300 officers and staff over the year. The figure of £10million quoted in the press is for the programme in its entirety and represents less than £1,000 per officer trained.
The officers and staff of the MPS make difficult decisions in a busy and stressful environment. Good training requires investment and the MPS must support and develop its staff to be the best they can be. Effective leadership and training are vital to ensure Londoners get the best service possible. Police Rest Days Question No: 2018/2041 Peter Whittle To ask the Mayor how many rest days are currently owed to officers serving with the Metropolitan Police?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Police and Intelligence Question No: 2018/2042 Peter Whittle To ask the Mayor what assessment the Metropolitan Police has made of the possibility that any officer serving with the force with joint nationality may be an active asset of foreign intelligence services?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Operation Midland Question No: 2018/2043 Peter Whittle To ask the Mayor whether Operation Midland is complete and if so, what was the total cost of that investigation?
The Mayor
The MPS investigation, under the name Operation Midland, was closed on 21st March 2016.
The MPS issued costs for Operation Midland periodically through the duration of the inquiry, and concluded the total cost of the inquiry was approximately £2.5 million based on staffing costs and overtime expenditure.
This figure can only be an approximation as on occasion, officers working on Operation Midland may have had to undertake other duties, for example attend court on unrelated cases. Underground noise levels Question No: 2018/2044 David Kurten What assessment has Transport for London made of the noise levels on the Central line between Holland Park and Notting Hill?
The Mayor
Transport for London (TfL) has measured noise levels, both in local residents' homes and on board trains. TfL is aware noise levels coming from the eastbound Central line track in this area are high and has been engaging with the local community to keep them informed about plans to resolve this.
In August 2016 and May 2018 TfL fitted resilient track fastenings, which reduce ground vibrations caused by trains, to a 165m section of eastbound track located 215m away from Holland Park station. This reduced noise levels significantly, as corroborated by local residents at a recent community meeting.
TfL plans to install more resilient track fastenings over a 100m section of eastbound track. However, TfL has received reports of increased noise from passengers on board trains as they pass through tunnels where track fastenings have been installed. In response to this, TfL is procuring new softer rail pads to be fitted to this section. These softer pads will still reduce noise levels within residents' homes while also maintaining a lower level of in-train noise.
In addition, TfL is conducting a joint research project with Cambridge University to understand the impact of property development on residential noise levels coming from TfL's infrastructure.
Underground overcrowding Question No: 2018/2045 David Kurten How many times over the last 2 years has the London Underground Paddington Station via stairs entrance been temporarily shut because of overcrowding?
The Mayor
In the last two years, there have been no full station closures due to congestion.
As a major station, the number of commuters travelling through Paddington Underground Station has increased over the past few years. In response to this, passenger access to the platform via the staircases is temporarily closed between 07:30hrs - 10:00hrs and sometimes in the evening between 17:00hrs - 19:00, Monday to Friday, to manage the flow of customers and maintain a safe and comfortable station environment. As a crowd control and safety measure, this is only for customers entering the station. Passengers leaving the station have full access to all exits.
As the station still remains open, TfL does not hold data for the partial closures to manage congestion. Any temporary closures are also only in place for a few minutes. Policing Question No: 2018/2046 Peter Whittle What has been the cost so far to the Metropolitan Police Service for policing the anti-Brexit daily demonstration on Old Palace Yard?
The Mayor
The daily Anti-Brexit demonstration in Old Palace Yard has been peaceful with relatively small numbers attending.
It has not required a policing presence and there has been no cost to the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) for policing this demonstration.
Sexual Offences Question No: 2018/2047 Peter Whittle What assessments have the Metropolitan Police made over the last ten years of the 193% rise in reports to the police of rape
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Hate Crimes Question No: 2018/2048 Peter Whittle Why does the MPS report Islamophobic and anti-Semitic crimes specifically but not Christianophobic crimes?
The Mayor
The Metropolitan Police Service adheres to the crime recording guidelines set by the Home Office and this is reflected in the way hate crime levels are reported. Offences against anyone on the basis of their faith will be recorded whether they be Christian, Jewish, Muslim or any other faith.
Islamophobic and anti-Semitic hate crimes, which constitute 87% of all faith hate crimes, differ from other hate crimes in that levels can be influenced by national or international events. Grooming Gang Scandal Question No: 2018/2049 Peter Whittle Operation Grandbye has now been in operation for 6 months (see Question 2018/0858) What has been its preliminary report on the situation?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Uber Judgment Question No: 2018/2050 David Kurten Has Transport for London accepted any money from Uber for their court costs and has this influenced the decision on whether to take the dispute with Uber to the Supreme Court?
The Mayor
Electric Vehicle Charging (1) Question No: 2018/2051 David Kurten How many electric vehicles do you anticipate being registered in London by the year 2040?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Electric Vehicle Charging (2) Question No: 2018/2052 David Kurten How much electricity (in GWh) do you anticipate being needed to charge all the electric vehicles registered in London by 2040?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Uber (1) Question No: 2018/2053 David Kurten Uber has apparently revised its booking process to be compliant to the 1998 Private Hire Vehicles Act. Do they now sub-contract bookings between the operator licences they hold with different authorities?
The Mayor
Uber London Limited has made changes to its booking process which Transport for London considers to be compliant with private hire legislation.
It is legal for London licensed private hire operators to sub-contract bookings to operators licensed by another authority.
Uber (2) Question No: 2018/2054 David Kurten What forensic, physical checks has Transport for London (TfL) done to ensure that all bookings are now compliant? Has TfL made the same mistakes as before and just taken assurances, from Uber or a third party such as Deloitte?
The Mayor
TfL commissioned an independent review of Uber London Limited's booking processes and is satisfied that these processes are now compliant with private hire legislation. Uber (4) Question No: 2018/2056 David Kurten What message does giving Uber a new Licence send out, given the high number of sexual assaults recorded as being committed by Uber drivers? What are you going to do to ensure that the public, particularly vulnerable women, are safe if they use an Uber vehicle?
The Mayor
Any offence committed against a passenger in a taxi or private hire vehicle is one offence too many. Thousands of people use these services every day, and public safety is my top priority.
The Metropolitan Police Service's (MPS) dedicated Taxi and Private Hire Policing Team is at the forefront of tackling illegal taxi and private hire activity and carries out regular operational night time deployments to target offenders. The team, in partnership with TfL, also runs a number of weekly high-visibility stop sites, where officers undertake roadside checks of taxi and private hire vehicles and drivers.
On 26 June, the Chief Magistrate at Westminster Magistrates' Court granted Uber London Limited a private hire operator's licence for 15 months - but with a clear set of conditions that TfL will closely monitor and enforce. These conditions include arrangements with the MPS for reporting passenger complaints as well as other requirements relating to complaint handling and reporting.
More information on these conditions can be found at: www.tfl.gov.uk/tph-news
Uber (5) Question No: 2018/2057 David Kurten Would you agree that having given Uber a new licence, if it is found that Uber's Modus Operandi has not changed one iota and the new version is just smoke and mirrors in front of the old 'Driver Accepting' business model, this would be extremely irresponsible and a matter worth resigning over?
The Mayor
Transport for London (TfL) refused Uber London Limited (ULL) an operating licence in September 2017. This is a decision that has been found by the court to be the right one at that time and has been accepted by ULL.
ULL was granted a 15 month licence, subject to a number of conditions, by the Chief Magistrate at its appeal hearing on 26 June. TfL will closely monitor ULL's adherence to these stringent conditions for the duration of the licence. More information can be found at www.tfl.gov.uk/tph-news. Uber (6) Question No: 2018/2058 David Kurten If Uber's claims to have changed are proved to be false and more vulnerable woman are put at risk, would you consider this a matter requiring your resignation from office?
The Mayor
Please see my response to Mayor's Question 2018/2057.
Uber (7) Question No: 2018/2059 David Kurten When was Uber's new Modus Operandi checked and by whom?
The Mayor
Uber London Limited (ULL) has made a number of changes and commitments to change in relation to its corporate structure and working practices.
ULL was granted a 15 month licence, subject to a number of conditions, by the Chief Magistrate at its appeal hearing on 26 June. TfL will closely monitor ULL's adherence to these stringent conditions for the duration of the licence.
Further information on these changes and the Magistrate's judgment can be found here: www.tfl.gov.uk/tph-news
TfL commissioned an independent review of ULL's booking processes and is satisfied that these processes are now compliant with private hire legislation.
Uber (8) Question No: 2018/2060 David Kurten Did Transport for London carry out an independent, impartial investigation into Uber's new Booking Process inside London?
The Mayor
Yes. Transport for London (TfL) commissioned an independent review of Uber London Limited booking processes and is satisfied that these processes are now compliant with private hire legislation. Uber (9) Question No: 2018/2061 David Kurten Is the Mayor aware that Uber classes the airports at Stansted, Gatwick, and Luton as London Airports and put them in their 'London' region so that they can use Transport for London Licensed Drivers, despite the fact that the airports are all well outside the Greater London Area?
The Mayor
Transport for London (TfL) and I share your concerns about what has become known as cross border hiring. This practice, that can see private hire services operating exclusively outside the area in which they are licensed, as long as the driver, vehicle and operator are all licensed in one area, is legal. That is why I continue to lobby Government for measures to address this.
TfL published a paper 'Cross Border Hiring - Proposals for Legislative Change (http://content.tfl.gov.uk/cross-border-hiring-proposals.pdf) earlier this year - and we await the outcome of the Department for Transport Task and Finish Group on Taxi and Private Hire, which considered a number of issues including cross border hiring.
I remain firmly of the view that licensing authorities should be able to set and enforce standards within their local area - something which this regionalisation fails to deliver.
My Deputy Mayor, Heidi Alexander, recently met with Nusrat Ghani MP, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Transport, to press the case for urgent legislative change to restrict cross border hiring.
Uber (10) Question No: 2018/2062 David Kurten What action will be taken against Uber drivers following the revelation in court that drivers were, and may still be, accepting trips directly from customers?
The Mayor
TfL is satisfied that the way in which Uber London Limited (ULL) accepts bookings is compliant with private hire legislation. As confirmed in TfL's evidence at the appeal hearing, since TfL's decision in September last year ULL have made changes to the way the app booking process works to remove any room for doubt about that. Transport for London Compliance Officers (1) Question No: 2018/2063 David Kurten How often are Transport for London Compliance Operations carried out at airports outside London?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Transport for London Compliance Officers (2) Question No: 2018/2064 David Kurten What is the cost of a Compliance Operation carried out by Transport for London at an airport outside London?
The Mayor
On average, anything between two and twelve Taxi and Private Hire Compliance officers can be deployed to undertake operations at an airport, depending on the size of the operation and the scale of the issues identified.
The average salary of a compliance officer equates to about £130 per day. All compliance operations are covered within existing staff pay budgets, and there is no additional cost for these to take place.
London Living Wage (2) Question No: 2018/2065 Leonie Cooper How many London Boroughs are now publicly committed to paying the London Living Wage not only to their directly employed staff, but also to any staff fulfilling outsourced contract arrangements?
The Mayor
There are currently 16 London Living Wage accredited boroughs in London. Under the terms of this accreditation, the London Living Wage must apply to all directly employed staff, as well as regularly contracted staff. The exact definition is those contracted staff who work 2 or more hours a day, in any day of the week, for 8 or more consecutive weeks of the year.
Oral Update to the Mayor's Report Question No: 2018/2066 Tony Arbour Tony Arbour AM (Chairman): The Mayor will now provide an oral update of up to five minutes in length on matters occurring since the publication of his report. Assembly Members have submitted two requests for topics for inclusion within the update.
The Mayor
Sadiq Khan (Mayor of London): Good morning. This week the news has been dominated by Brexit yet again, an issue that could have profound consequences for the lives of millions of Londoners. Since the day after the European Union (EU) referendum, I have been working to ensure that London’s voice is heard and to fight for a Brexit deal that is in the best interests of all Londoners, and that is what I will continue to do.
Last week I wrote to the Prime Minister [the Rt. Hon Theresa May MP] to warn her that the Government’s White Paper completely fails to meet the needs of our leading service sectors, which represent 92% of our economy in London, a concern shared by many business leaders in London and across our country. There is no doubt that the kind of hard Brexit the Government is now proposing would throw up new regulatory barriers that will damage the ability of our world-leading creative, tech and financial services to do business across the EU. This would cause huge economic harm, with repercussions felt not just here in London but across the country. Worse still, with the division and disarray within the Government and the Prime Minister capitulating once again to the hard Brexiteers in her party, it is clearer than ever before there is a grave risk that we could crash out of the EU with no deal at all. This is the worst possible scenario, one that independent experts predict could lead to nearly 90,000 fewer jobs in our city. That is why I have instructed officials here at City Hall to step up preparations for such a devastating no-deal situation. I urge the Prime Minister to start putting the national interest ahead of her own interests, and her country ahead of her party. We are now running out of time. The Government needs to change course and quickly, and accept that staying within the single market and the customs union is the best way to protect jobs and growth across the United Kingdom (UK).
Since we last met, I have also been working on a number of strategies and initiatives to improve the lives of Londoners. This includes continuing to do everything possible to tackle violent crime, not only by cracking down on violent crime but the root causes of violent crime, too. I have also continued to lobby Ministers for the extra resources we need to help keep our city safe.
Chairman, I have been asked for two oral updates. The first one is on the Brexit White Paper from Assembly Member [Andrew] Dismore. I wrote to the Prime Minister last week warning that her White Paper completely fails to meet the needs of our leading service sectors, a concern shared by many London and UK business leaders. This kind of hard Brexit will throw up new regulatory barriers which will damage the ability of our world-leading creative, tech, professional and financial services to do business across the EU, putting jobs at risk across the country. 92% of London’s economy is service-based, and the strength of these businesses is seen beyond the capital. The financial and professional services industries alone employ over 2.2 million people across the country, only a third of whom are based in London. Trading services accounts for roughly 40% of UK exports to the EU and includes our world-leading financial services, accountants and lawyers.
It was my intention to respond more fully to the White Paper, taking on board the advice of my Brexit Advisory Panel. However, given the Prime Minister’s capitulation to her hard Brexiteers, it is looking increasingly unclear whether there will be a White Paper to respond to. It is already clear that the kind of Brexit that the Government is currently offering is untested, complex, expensive, and will take years to fully implement. Even if the EU were to agree with the deal being proposed, due to the exclusion of services there is a very real risk that jobs and investment that could have been ours might go elsewhere in Europe. Now, with the Prime Minister having accepted amendments to the Customs Bill proposed by hard-line Brexiteers, it is clearer than ever that we are at grave risk of crashing out of the EU with no deal, a situation that would cost nearly 90,000 jobs in London and nearly 500,000 across the UK according to independent analysis we commissioned from Cambridge Econometrics. This is now a risk. That is why in my letter to the Prime Minister last Friday I urged her, for the good of the economy and thousands of people’s jobs, to change course and seek a deal that keeps us in the Single Market and Customs Union.
The second request, Chairman, for an urgent oral update was from Assembly Member [Caroline] Pidgeon MBE. It is on Oxford Street. I wrote to the Leader of Westminster [Council] on 3 July [2018] and stated my disappointment at Westminster’s unilateral decision to walk away from two years of joint work to transform Oxford Street and the surrounding district. Westminster is the highway and planning authority for Oxford Street, and it is now incumbent on it to prepare an alternative plan that adequately addresses the known challenges to the area, including poor air quality, road safety, pedestrian crowding and a poor public realm. Failure to address these issues comprehensively and holistically will undermine the future economic success of London’s West End offer. The success of Oxford Street is important not only to the economic prosperity of London but also to the UK economy as a whole. The Council has now set out its intention to bring forward some initial pedestrianisation and safety changes to be delivered later this year, followed by a wider piece of work on the Oxford Street district. This timetable indicated Westminster will provide information on the safety scheme next month. I expect it to stick to this timeline, and I have also requested an update on the district-wide scheme by September [2018].
When I have seen these proposals and assessed how they address the challenges in the area, I will make a decision on Transport for London’s (TfL) and the GLA’s next steps for this project. We are doing our part and have already reduced the number of buses that use Oxford Street by 40%, and we continue to do what we can to reduce this further. Now it is up to the Council to step up and tell us how it proposes to make Oxford Street fit for a world-leading 21st-century city. It is worth reminding Assembly Members that pedestrianised Oxford Street was a manifesto commitment also made by the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives.
Thank you. I look forward to answering questions during the course of this morning.
Tony Arbour AM (Chairman): Thank you very much.