Item 3 London Assembly 24 June 2004
Forty-Second Mayor’s Report to the Assembly Author: The Mayor
This is my forty-second report to the Assembly, fulfilling my duty under Section 45 of the Greater London Authority Act 1999. It covers the period from 15 April – 11 June 2004.
Transport
Transport Operational Command Unit
On 21 April I was delighted to open the new south-east area base of London’s unique transport policing initiative, the Transport Operational Command Unit (TOCU) under the command of the Metropolitan Police.
TOCU remains the UK’s only dedicated unit that specialises in tackling crime and congestion on London’s bus network, as well as enforcing the law with regard to taxis and minicabs.
The unit’s new base near Brixton will support 154 police officers and Traffic Police Community Support Officers (TPCSOs) to tackle crime and congestion in south-east London and covers the London Boroughs of Lambeth, Southwark, Lewisham, Greenwich, Bexley, Bromley and Croydon.
Six months ago I announced an extra £25million funding for TOCU to recruit more officers and build on its successes. The unit now has more than 860 officers tackling crime on the bus network and cracking down on illegal minicab touts. It also has dedicated congestion teams in traffic hotspot areas keeping the buses and other traffic flowing freely.
Londoners need to feel safe travelling around the city, especially at night. It is clear that TOCU is achieving results and making bus and cab travel a safer and more reliable experience. In addition, the final stage of licensing the minicab industry has now begun to make minicab travel in London safer. It is vital that we rid the capital of illegal minicab touts and expand work to improve the safety of late night travel, which has included increasing night buses and black cabs and providing a police presence and CCTV on night buses.
Hundreds of arrests have been made already since TOCU was established in July 2002 and it has gone from strength to strength. The unit made 4,188 arrests between April 2003 and March 2004 - of these, 3,529 were for offences on buses and bus routes and 659 for offences related to taxis and minicabs. The arrests covered a wide range of offences, including assault, theft, drugs, disorderly behaviour, criminal damage and driving offences. In the same period, officers issued 104,284 tickets for parking and bus lane offences.
The number of TOCU officers has grown to 860 and area-based teams have been introduced to provide extra support across the bus network. The cab enforcement team has now been trebled to 21 officers and is successfully cracking down on illegal minicabs and minicab touts. Dedicated congestion teams, made up of police officers and traffic police community support officers, have been set up to tackle congestion at hotspot areas and keep traffic flowing.
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Bus Use Figures
London’s buses continue to reach new levels of passenger growth and reliability. Latest figures show that more passengers are taking the bus than at any time since the 1960s, with the total daily passenger number breaking six million for the first time on 23 April this year. In addition to this, passenger satisfaction is also showing an increase compared with 2002 data. I am delighted to report that London’s bus service is now the most reliable since performance figures were first collated in 1977.
Oyster Pre-Pay
Oyster pre-pay is now in operation on London’s buses and trams making Pre-Pay available across the whole network. The travelling public can now take advantage of the lower fares that pre-pay on Oyster brings. Passengers can now charge their Oyster card with up to £90 of Pre- Pay and instead of paying £1 cash fare, Pre- Pay users will pay 70p for each single adult journey on buses and trams. Two million cards are currently in use.
SR2004 Transport Summit
The future funding of the Capital’s transport system was debated at a summit held on 28 April, where the Transport Commissioner Bob Kiley led the discussion, which was attended by key figures representing London’s business, local government, and voluntary and community interest groups The summit was focussed around the challenges of providing a transport system that can cater for the extra 800,000 people expected to be living in the capital in the next decade.
Congestion Charge Annual Report
The first annual report on the congestion charge was published in late April and confirmed that central London has become a significantly better place to get around. Traffic congestion is now down by 30% within the charging zone, and the improved bus service is successfully accommodating the additional passenger demand. Accident levels are also showing a decline since the charge was introduced. People entering central London, whether they are residents, visitors, workers, shopping, sightseeing, or travelling through, are benefiting from the reduction in harmful traffic emissions due to the congestion charge reducing traffic and congestion.
London Road Safety 2003 Report
In May TfL published the latest 2003 Road Safety report for London. Its findings reveal that casualty levels within London have seen a marked decline in both numbers of fatalities and injuries and in numbers of accidents over the preceding year. The introduction of the congestion charge in February 2003 has seen lower levels of traffic using central London and early road casualty data for 2004 reflects this. Next year’s report is expected to show an even more marked reduction in casualty numbers with lower traffic levels using the central zone as a result of the charge.
Tube Pay Talks
London Underground continues to negotiate with the trade union over pay and conditions.
Dhaka Transport Engineers Visit
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On 15 April TfL and GLA officers met with engineers from Dhaka City Corporation in Bangladesh to discuss issues of strategic transport planning. London and Dhaka signed a Friendship Agreement in September 2003 and this was the latest in a number of meetings between representatives of the two cities.
As a result of our Friendship Agreement with Dhaka we are in a position to share best practice in areas such as transport policy. Tackling London’s traffic congestion and improving the provision of public transport have been among the biggest challenges I have faced as Mayor and I have no doubt that Dhaka can learn from our experience. I hope that there are many more opportunities for constructive discussion and the positive exchange of ideas.
Moving Traffic Contraventions charges
I have approved a penalty charge level of £100, discounted to £50 if paid within 14 days, for moving traffic contraventions on the Transport for London road network in accordance with section 74(5) of the Road Traffic Act 1991 as applied by section 4(12) of the London Local Authorities and Transport for London Act 2003.
The introduction of the new penalty charges for moving traffic contraventions commenced on 1 June 2004 and I made an application to the Secretary of State to allow a period of less than one month between notification to him of the approval of the penalty charges and their entry into force. The London Boroughs and TfL published the approved penalty charge levels in the Evening Standard and London Gazette.
London Lorry Control Scheme Charges
I have approved the levels of penalty charges for contraventions of the London Lorry Control Scheme charges on the TfL Road Network in accordance with section 74(5) of the Road Traffic Act 1991 as applied by section 4(12) of the London Local Authorities and Transport for London Act 2003 as follows: £100 for drivers and £500 for operators. This brings TfL roads into line with Borough roads for which these penalties have been in force since 1 April.
I approved the commencement date of 1 June 2004 for the introduction of the new enforcement procedures for the London Lorry Control Scheme on the TfL road network and agreed that the ALG acting on behalf of TfL would publish the approved penalty charge levels in the Evening Standard and London Gazette.
TfL Rail Plan
Our plans are a common sense approach to a complicated system and would see real benefits for passengers within two years. I continue to discuss these plans with the Government.
Policing and Community Safety
Metropolitan Police Crime Figures
On 28 April, I welcomed the year-end crime figures from the Metropolitan Police Service, which showed a 7.1% fall in burglary, a 7.1% fall in auto-crime and a 4.2% reduction in street crime offences.
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I passed on my congratulations to the Commissioner and the entire Metropolitan Police Service for these impressive results. They are particularly noteworthy given the extra pressures the Met have faced in recent times in protecting the capital against terrorism.
We now have more police in the capital than ever before and Londoners are starting to see the results. In a survey released shortly before these latest crime figures 45% of Londoners said that they have seen more police in the city over the last year.
I believe that the key to tackling crime and the fear of crime is a visible police presence on local streets. In the next few years, I would like to increase police numbers to 35,000 officers - enough to deploy a local police team in every neighbourhood in London.
London Development Agency
LDA Corporate Plan 2004/05
I have approved the LDA Corporate Plan 2004/05, which sets out the targets and priorities for the Agency in the forthcoming year. The Corporate Plan includes the LDA’s framework for delivery and the setting of performance targets and sets out the links between the London Plan, the draft Economic Development Strategy and the LDA’s objectives, investments and actions. It serves as an invaluable tool in explaining in simple terms what the Agency does, and in involving stakeholders and communities in its day-to-day work. The Plan is available on the LDA website.
Creative London
Creative London, a major package of support for London’s creative industries, was launched on 26 April. The aim of Creative London is to boost the capital’s reputation and performance as a leading world centre of creativity.
London’s creative industries currently employ 500,000 people and are responsible for one in five of all new jobs created in the capital. However, an investigation by my Commission for the Creative Industries found that London is failing to achieve the international recognition it deserves and that young entrepreneurs often struggle to secure financial and business support and experience difficulties accessing affordable premises and the means to successfully market their products.
The ten-year action plan includes:
• A £50 million seed fund to support business growth and provide venture capital. The first £10 million is already secured by the London Development Agency; • An initial ten Creative Hubs - creative industry centres to be set up across London providing flexible workspace, training, mentoring, exhibition, showcasing, marketing and networking facilities; • A London-wide Creative Property Advice service to provide advice on local authority policies and planning issues, and support to acquire and develop workspace opportunities; • Specialist legal support to advise on Intellectual Property rights; • Private sector investment to be attracted through an imaginative new marketing initiative; • A space brokering agency to access vacant space for exhibitions, marketing and showcasing, aimed at the arts world.
Creative London has the backing of the CBI, Department for Culture, Media and Sport,
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Film London, London First, Visit London and leading creative industry figures including Michael Grade, Terence Conran, Alan Parker and David Puttnam.
London Thames Gateway Development and Investment Framework
The first practical framework for developing thriving, sustainable communities in the Thames Gateway area of East London was published on 27 April by the GLA, LDA and Thames Gateway London Partnership.
The report shows how with the right planning and investment, the Thames Gateway area of East London could accommodate at least 91,000 new homes. The report argues that whilst the Government’s target to deliver 60,000 new homes in the London Thames Gateway is appropriate in the medium-term, careful long-term planning and investment decisions could ultimately help the area to deliver far more towards meeting London’s housing demands and would also result in a higher quality and wider range of services for residents.
The London Thames Gateway Development & Investment Framework (LTGDIF) was developed by a partnership between myself, the LDA, the Thames Gateway London Partnership which is an alliance of East London boroughs and organisations, TfL, the Housing Corporation, English Partnerships and the NHS in London. The report outlines which areas will be the key locations for new housing and identifies the numbers of the new schools, hospitals and other essential infrastructure that will be needed to support existing and future communities in the area.
Fashion E-boutique
A seminar was held on 25 May introducing London’s fashion firms to a new online boutique. Designers of clothes, handbags, jewellery and a variety of other fashion items attended the free- of-charge seminars and learnt how to sell their goods online through an e-boutique on the FashionCapital website which receives around 61,000 hits per week. The e-boutique allows subscribers to showcase up to 32 items and will also give information about themselves and their firm for £100 a year.
Those attending the seminar, which was supported by the LDA, received a step-by-step demonstration on how easy it is to build a mini website as well as receiving advice from IT experts who specialise in online fashion commerce.
Speakers from the London Fashion Forum, which manages the FashionCapital website, provided information on ensuring secure internet business so that potential clients can be confident that payments will be safe.
As part of its comprehensive support for the fashion sector, the LDA is also supporting the FashionCapital website to allow emerging fashion designers to display their collections online at low cost and to promote better links between fashion designers, manufacturers and retailers.
London’s Economy
Women In The London Economy Research
I have approved the awarding of a contract to the Office of Public Management (OPM) to undertake qualitative analysis to document the Concerns of women in fulltime employment. This research will contribute to formal research report on the status of Women in the London economy that the GLA will publish later this year.
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The report will give an overview of London’s current and projected economic development as relevant to the project. Amongst other things, it will analyse women’s economic contribution, potential opportunities for women and barriers to women’s economic participation and equality, and the negative impact the latter have in terms of loss to the economy and to women.
The report will form part of a longer programme of research, which will take account of women in part-time employment and women not currently working.
London’s Economic Outlook
On 4 May, the latest forecast from the GLA’s Economic Unit was released, suggesting that London’s economic recovery will continue and strengthen over the next three years. The analysis predicts that the capital will see robust growth of around 3% through to 2006.
London has weathered one of its periodic downturns of the business in cycle in the last two years but is now beginning to see consistent signs of recovery and growth. However, it is essential that the work continues to create the most favourable economic climate in the capital to ensure that London maintains its position as world-class city in which to live and work. By securing our economic position we are also better placed to tackle London’s social and environmental problems that persist in affecting too many people in our city.
The report also highlighted other key indicators such as: - A continued rise in consumer spending although this is expected to fall slightly behind GDP growth; - Output growth is expected to be positive in all sectors, with Finance and Business and Transport and Communication particularly strong; with predictions that output will reach £172 billion in 2006 - At first job growth is expected to be broadly across all sectors, with strongest growth anticipated in Finance and Business Services, Public Services Construction and Distribution. It is predicted that there will be 4,700,000 jobs in London by 2006.
Regeneration Research Project
In order to investigate the impact of initiatives to address social and economic disadvantages faced by BME communities in London, I have approved the establishment of a research project in conjunction with and funded by the LDA and GOL to investigate regeneration and disproportionality in London’s black and minority ethnic communities. The successful achievement of equality and diversity in London is dependent on having a robust means of monitoring outcomes for each equality target group and therefore this research will contribute towards the understanding of the effectiveness of regeneration funding.
I have approved the awarding of a contract to undertake this proposed research to the preferred consultants following evaluation of proposals and quotes received and subject to confirmation of funding arrangements.
Olympics
Candidate City Announcement
I was delighted at the announcement on 18 May that London had been selected as one of the final five candidate cities for the 2012 Olympic Bid. Now that London is officially on the short
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Following this decision, the Chair of London 2012, Barbara Cassani announced her decision to resign from her position leading the bid. I believe that this firmly demonstrated that the success of the bid is her top priority. Barbara has unquestionably proved her commitment to the London 2012 Bid. I have no doubt that we would not have reached this stage without her formidable talents. She seized the initiative to build our bid from scratch and achieve London's position on the short-list.
The appointment of Sebastian Coe as the new Chair of London 2012, with his experience and reputation on the International Olympic stage, gives London the right person to lead the Bid as we seek to win the votes of the International Olympic Committee.
I am pleased that Barbara Cassani will continue to play an active role in ensuring the progress of the bid and I look forward to working with both Sebastian Coe and Barbara Cassani in the all- important coming months.
Aquatics Centre
The London Development Agency has launched a competition to design the Aquatics Centre for the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games bid. The flagship swimming facility is to be built on a disused site five minutes from Stratford Station in the Lower Lea Valley, East London.
National and international designers and architectural practices are expected to enter the competition to create the concept design for the prestigious project, and competition is expected to be fierce.
The Aquatics Centre is a key part of our plans and the innovative design will provide a state-of- the-art Olympic venue and a world class training facility for our elite swimmers. It will also serve as a lasting legacy for the local communities and enable people of all ages and abilities to achieve new levels of health and fitness. The Government is committed to an Aquatics Centre being built whatever the outcome of the bid and it will be in operation well before London 2012.
As part of the LDA’s commitment to the proposed Games, negotiations are taking place with landowners in the Lower Lea Valley and key sites have already been secured, including the site for the proposed Aquatics Centre.
London Leg of Torch Relay
London will welcome the Olympic Torch to the capital on Saturday 26 June 2004, as part of the global Olympic Torch Relay in the run up to the Athens Olympic Games. London's leg of the Relay will take a 48km route through the capital's diverse communities and iconic locations, creating the opportunity for a unique London celebration. The sponsors, including the GLA and BOA, have selected a variety of torchbearers.
I have agreed to the proposals for the daytime aspects of the Olympic Torch relay on Saturday 26 June 2004. The activities will include the welcoming ceremony at Heathrow Airport and there will be daytime community events at Windrush Square, Island Gardens and Cutty Sark Gardens. A reception for London's torchbearers will take place at City Hall on the evening of 25 June.
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One of the projects associated with the leg of the Olympic Torch relay is be the commissioning of the British Olympic Association to undertake the Olympians in Schools project at a cost of £37,500. I have agreed to waive the requirement of the Contracts Code to seek multiple quotes and to accept the single quote from the BOA.
I have agreed that the GLA will provide the torch relay services to the Organising Committee for the Olympic Games Athens 2004 S.A ("ATHOC") in Greater London and have entered into a contract with ATHOC in relation to those services. I have also approved the assignment of obligations in relation to the Celebration Event to Visit London and have agreed to enter into a contract with Visit London for that assignment.
I have approved arrangements for the procurement and rigging of materials for route decoration, the engagement of an external contractor to undertake a risk assessment for the arrangements for the day and procurement and distribution of publicity and marketing materials for the project.
I have approved the remaining programme budget allocation of £315,000 to the projects and have delegated the approval of specific arrangements for specific individual projects to the Executive Director of Policy and Partnerships subject to consultation with the appropriate Policy Director.
Olympic Truce
I have agreed to add my name to the Statement of World Personalities, in their individual capacities, in support of the Olympic Truce. The Greek Consulate General requested London’s support and the signing of the Truce represents a demonstrative act of co-operation with the Greek Olympic hosts.
The International Olympic Committee in conjunction with Greece inaugurated the Truce on 24 July 2000. More than 80 personalities have signed it to date including Heads of State, Speakers of Parliaments, Foreign Ministers, Religious Leaders and Heads of International Organisations.
Statutory Duties
The Mayor’s Annual Report 2004
On 19 April, I published my fourth Annual Report, as required by the GLA Act, which sets out my key actions and achievements over the last year, including how London has seen an expansion of the bus service, reduction in congestion in central London and an increase in police numbers. Transport and safety have remained a top priority for Londoners and has been firmly at the top of my agenda.
Conquering crime and the fear of crime has been a huge undertaking. After decades of under- investment, the Metropolitan Police Service has finally been able to increase police numbers to a level that London deserves. We now have more police in the capital than at any other time in history and the impact of this can now be seen in the falling crime in the capital.
Since the publication of the report, I have been involved in the launch of a revolutionary new policing scheme that will see even more police on the streets and into London’s local communities. Teams of officers will be dedicated to neighbourhoods throughout London, who will not be redeployed elsewhere.
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With regard to transport, particularly challenging this year was the transfer of the London Underground to TfL, which required ensuring that important safeguards were in place to protect the financial interests of Londoners.
The report highlights my achievements over the twelve-month period up to the 31 March 2004 in particular but also looks back the whole of my first term in office.
One key objective outlined in the report includes making London a safer city and we have now achieved an increase in police numbers so that there are now more police in London than at any other time in history as figures have risen from 25,403 to over 30,000 since 2000.
Another key objective is the improvement in transport in the capital and amongst the achievements here is the increase in bus occupancy in London, which is now twice the level of other English Metropolitan areas.
State Of London Debate
I spoke at this year’s State of London Debate which was held at the Institute of Education on 29 April and attracted an audience of 600 people. The broad focus for the debate was delivering policies and services for London. It was chaired by broadcaster Sheena McDonald, who invited panel members representing each of the functional bodies and the Metropolitan Police Service to respond to audience questions on topics including policing, security, the Tube, buses, the Olympics, housing and regeneration.
83% of people who gave feedback said that it was a useful opportunity to ask questions; 83% said that they enjoyed seeing myself and senior representatives from London agencies; 84% said that the questions and topics covered were interesting; and 84% said they would attend again.
Budget
Prudential Borrowing Framework and Treasury Management Strategy
I have noted the introduction of the prudential borrowing framework and the ODPM guidance on Local Government Investments that came into operation on 1 April 2004. I have also approved the 2004/05 Treasury Management Strategy.
Sustainable Development
London Sustainable Development Commission
On 21 April an event took place to celebrate the second year of the London Sustainable Development Commission. I called on representatives of business, the voluntary sector and government at the event to help to work towards a more sustainable London.
Several documents produced by the Commission were launched at the event, including a Guide to Sustainability, Quality of Life indicators and the Committee’s Annual Report. The Guide to Sustainability is a plain-speaking tool to assist organisations and businesses consider how their actions impact on other people and the environment. It is designed to help them to create projects and strategies that are both successful and sustainable.
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People often struggle with the concept of sustainable development, which is about improving quality of life for all of us, now and in the future. This is one of the challenges the Commission has been grappling with over the last two years. If it is to continue to prosper as a world city, London needs to address social inequality, improve the environment, create more jobs, improve housing standards and enable people to live healthy lives. The documents the Commission has produced are invaluable in finding practical ways to ensure our current and future plans create the capital we want to see in the future.
I have given my approval to the "Mainstreaming Sustainable Development" programme of work and will receive a further report on embedding sustainable development across the GLA group. The Sustainable Development Framework for London has now been adopted and it will be used in GLA strategy and policy development. I have also agreed that twenty headline Quality of Life indicators, developed by the London Sustainable Development Commission, will serve as my Quality of Life indicators, which will be collated by the GLA on an annual basis.
I am particularly determined that our bid for the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in 2012 should be truly sustainable in terms of its environmental impact and the opportunities that will be created for Londoners in terms of jobs, transport, and tackling social inequalities. Londoners should gain lasting benefits from our bid. The London Sustainable Development Commission will continue to work closely with the Lower Lea Valley Masterplanners and the London 2012 Bid Team on making sustainability a winning aspect of London’s bid.
Environment
London Schools Environment Awards
On 22 April, I attended the London Schools Environment Award ceremony where I presented sixty-four primary schools from across London with cash prizes to reward their work to improve the local environment. Wildlife presenter Bill Oddie hosted the awards ceremony and the winners were entertained with a performance by Eurovision and Fame academy star James Fox.
I firmly believe that encouraging children to protect and care for their environment at an early age moulds their attitude towards the environment in the future and I strongly commended the hard work of all the teachers and children involved in the Awards.
These awards have really put the environment on the agenda in London's schools and this is the first time for many years that London children are learning about the real problem of litter and about keeping their environment clean. Children have got involved in a whole manner of ways - by carrying out litter surveys and involving their parents by getting them to sign anti-litter pledges and by improving recycling rates in their schools by poster campaigns and recycling collections. They have been planning and building wildlife, vegetable and herb gardens to better understand ecosystems and different habitats and they have shown a sound knowledge of conservation and the problem of climate change.
In partnership with Capital Standards and sponsored by Cleanaway and EDF Energy, the awards have been developed to foster children’s sense of responsibility for their environment. The categories which the schools focused on were - litter, waste and recycling, energy, transport and biodiversity. The children have learned about the need to reduce, re-use and recycle waste and to save energy at home and at school and were taught about biodiversity and learnt about a variety of plants, animals and habitats.
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A distinction award of £2000 and a highly commended award of £1000 were presented to two schools in each of the participating London boroughs. 570 schools and 210,000 children in London took part in the scheme.
Energy Partnerships
On 27 April, I welcomed the announcement of £7.4 million extra funding to help west Londoners heat their homes through the Powergen HeatStreets scheme. The scheme was set up in conjunction with leading energy supplier Powergen to improve energy efficiency in homes, stamp out fuel poverty and ensure Londoners have warm, comfortable homes and cheaper fuel bills.
The Government Office for London and Powergen has each given £3.7 million to the project. Powergen has pledged £15 million for HeatStreets schemes in London, with that amount to be matched with funding from housing associations, local authorities and other organisations. West London HeatsStreets will improve 36,000 homes by 2006, which will mean savings of up to £8.6 million per year on energy bills.
Following this, on 28 April, EDF Energy pledged £9.5 million to eradicate fuel poverty in six London boroughs. EDF Energy are expanding their energy efficiency Warm Zone scheme which currently operates in Newham to a further six London boroughs. This involves offering energy efficiency assessments to homeowners and providing investment for energy saving measures such as cavity wall insulation and loft insulation. This scheme will also improve the living conditions for people in some of London’s poorest boroughs. It will enable them to save money through reduced energy costs and will play a vital part in improving energy efficiency in London’s homes.
One of the aims of my Energy Strategy for London is to set up partnerships to ensure that London gets its fair share of investment and expertise. I recently set up the London Energy Partnership to work towards the implementation of the Energy Strategy for London. These initiatives are exactly the kind of partnership we need to develop in order to eradicate fuel poverty, combat climate change and improve living conditions for Londoners.
Renewable Energy in London Project
The GLA is the lead partner in the programme, “Facilitating Renewable Energy in London” which was successfully awarded funding by the DTI to stimulate action to help meet the challenging renewable energy targets for London which were contained in my draft Energy Strategy. As part of the partnership, I have approved two recommendations of the London Renewable Steering Group.
I have agreed the commissioning of a consultant to prepare training materials and summary documents for planners, developers and elected members on renewable energy and how they need to contribute to delivering my CO2 reduction and renewable energy targets. I have also approved the commissioning of a consultant to carry out a study to identify the skills and jobs that will be needed to deliver my renewable energy targets. The total of the two projects is not to exceed £60,000.
Animal Welfare Framework
I have approved the GLA Animal Welfare Framework report which provides a strategic overview of animal welfare issues throughout London, improving the enforcement of existing legislation
11 Item 3 for animals and promoting best practise and high professional standards through education and co-operation. The aim is to guide the future animal welfare programme and to inform relevant stakeholders across the capital.
The adoption of the framework will assist the implementation of my Biodiversity Strategy and the promotion of social development and environmental improvement in London.
London Wetlands Centre
In line policies in my Biodiversity Strategy designed to facilitate opportunities for environmental education, especially at a local level, I agreed that the GLA be involved in a scheme to facilitate free visits to the London Wetlands Centre (LWC) for London Schools.
The Wetland Centre in Barnes is a state-of-the-art wetland creation scheme of international significance, situated where it can be enjoyed both by Londoners and visitors to the capital. It is an exemplary model of sustainable development, not just in terms of the technical aspects of habitat creation but also the recycling of soils and other materials within the site, and in providing habitats employing species native to London. The Centre was developed to deliver a vision of providing an experience of genuine British Wetlands into the capital and with a strong educational emphasis.
The Wetland Centre already raises money to subsidise school visits, but have not been able to generate sufficient income to enable free visits. This has created a barrier for young people visiting the Centre and so I have agreed to enter into a four- year funding agreement with LWC subject to confirmation of arrangements by September 2004 and expenditure before that date not exceeding £8,000. In addition, there must be an annual review and adjustment of the GLA’s contribution to reflect grant income from other agencies, reduced attendance, the balance of attendance between London and non-London schools and mayoral priorities. I have also agreed to a cap on the GLA contribution of £270,116 (state schools £264,116 and independent schools £6000).
London Plan
Water Task Force
On 30 April a new Water Task Force for London was launched with an aim of meeting the growing demand for drinking water in London.
Incredibly, Londoners have less water per person than people in many Mediterranean countries but demand is steadily increasing with London’s predicted population growth by 800,000 by 2016. This is partly due to gallons of water going to waste through leakage, because one-third of the capital’s water pipes are more than 150 years old. In the Thames Water area figures show that in 2001- 2002, 250 litres of water leaked per property per day.
London’s dynamic growth will create 336,000 new households by 2020. All of us need to work together now to ensure that London has clean, constant, secure water supplies for this extra capacity.
The Water Resources Working Group has been set up in partnership with the Environment Agency to discover how best to manage the increasing demand for water and tackle the problem of leakage. It will look at ensuring that new buildings have the most efficient appliances and will work on promotion campaigns to encourage Londoners to conserve water
12 Item 3 and consider the amount of water they waste. It will also look into traffic management for major repair and replacement programmes in order to cause minimal disruption to local people.
My Environment Advisor, John Duffy will chair the group, which will include representatives from the Environment Agency, Thames Water, Three Valleys Water, WaterVoice, London First, the LDA and TfL. My Environment and London Plan teams will be working on this group along with TfL and the boroughs, bringing expertise to better co-ordinate necessary roadworks where water pipes are being repaired and replaced.
Supplementary Planning Guidance: Accessible London
I have approved the publication of the Supplementary Planning Guidance: “Accessible London: Achieving an Inclusive Environment”.
The Guidance provides detailed advice and guidance on the London Plan policies to promote an inclusive environment in London. The SPG contains 28 Implementation Points to assist boroughs when reviewing their Unitary Development Plans and when assessing planning applications. It explains the principles of inclusive design and provides details of where to get further information and is intended to help developers, architects, urban designers, facilities managers and others with responsibility for making improvements to London’s built environment. The aim is to achieve safe, easy and inclusive access for all people regardless of disability, age or gender.
I have approved expenditure of £4,589 for printing and distributing 1000 copies of the Supplementary Planning Guidance.
London Development Database
The London Development Database project is an initiative to implement a computer-based strategy for the purpose of monitoring progress against the London Plan. The system will operate by storing and analysing planning permissions data, gathered from the London Boroughs. The management information will allow the GLA to monitor progress against the London Plan.
Following an EU tender process, I have approved Creative Database Projects Ltd (CDP) to develop and implement the London Development Database and as a partner in the future development and market exploitation of the system.
In order to progress the project, I have approved the placement of a temporary project support contract to resource and support the London Development Database project (to be funded from within the existing project budget) through the resource intensive analysis, development and testing stages. I have approved a carry-forward of £208,813 from the 2003/04 IT Development Fund to 2004/05 to assist in the financing of this project.
Dalston Development Framework
Further to the agreement to GLA involvement in the Dalston Town Centre Framework Study, I have now approved the receipt of £75,000 from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and its transfer to Hackney Council for the commissioning of consultants for the Framework. I have authorised costs estimated at £20,000 to cover consultant fees and other service works in relation to Dalston Development framework, funded entirely by the LDA.
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Housing
NOTIFY - Helping Homeless Londoners
On 4 May, NOTIFY, a groundbreaking new web-based system designed to stop homeless households losing access to basic services when they change accommodation was launched.
The system will be used by council housing departments to inform the relevant services when anyone moves into and out of temporary accommodation provided by London Boroughs. By sharing information between housing, education, health and social services, NOTIFY will ensure that people will not suffer a loss of support because they have moved.
The pan-London system, developed by the GLA in partnership with London Boroughs and the Association of London Government, could also help save lives by improving the links between different local authorities and some of the key services involved in child protection.
The system is the first of its kind in the UK and was launched by Cllr Tony Newman, Chair of the ALG Housing Panel at Field Lane Homeless Families’ Centre in Camden.
NOTIFY is an essential tool in the continuing drive to protect vulnerable families and individuals in London. Designed primarily to ensure that homeless people do not fail to receive services when living in temporary accommodation, the system could ultimately save lives. Through NOTIFY, local services will have constant access to information about homeless families and single people moving in and out of their area. In particular, they will be able to ensure that - during this traumatic and unstable period in their lives - babies are immunised, children have school places and vulnerable children do not slip through the net.
Vital development funding for NOTIFY has come from the ODPM (over £160,000), the London boroughs (£148,500), the GLA (£88,000), the London Housing Unit/ALG (£13,000) and London Connects (£10,000).
This collaboration between the boroughs, the ALG and the GLA will help more than 150,000 people in homeless households and also deliver more efficient information-sharing, enabling local authorities to plan and target their services more effectively.
Sub-Regional Housing Needs Analyses
The GLA is nearing the completion of the Housing Requirements Study which analyses London’s overall need for affordable and market housing, in support of the London Plan. The study will also provide indicative sub-regional estimates of the need within each type of tenure and size of dwellings required. However, the current sample size of the GLA’s 2002 London Household Survey, which is the main data source for the Study, provides limited analysis at sub-regional level and not to the extent of assessing, for example, the housing needs of BME households within each sub-region.
Therefore I have approved the provision of £24,000 funding assistance for a set of sub-regional housing needs analyses. This will provide not only housing needs assessment in support of the London Plan at sub-regional level, but also specific needs analyses on the housing needs of BME communities, the Supporting People programme and other initiatives. I have agreed a carry forward of the £34,000 from the 2003/04 Housing programme budget to the 2004/05 Housing programme budget.
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This will allow a more detailed Analysis of sub-regional housing needs and support, not only effective housing and planning decision at sub-regional level, but also arguing the case for London’s share of housing resources both in overall terms and in terms of the needs of specific groups. The project will also provide key evidence to support development of the 2005 London Housing Strategy where the GLA is a partner with GoL, Housing Corporation, ALG and London Housing Federation.
I have approved the waiving of the requirement of the contracts Code to seek five quotes and to award the contract to undertake a set of sub-regional housing needs analyses to Fordham Research Ltd on the grounds of uniqueness of supplier.
Culture
Culture Strategy
On 30 April, I published the final version of London: Cultural Capital, my ten-year framework to develop London as a centre of cultural excellence and creativity. It is the first strategic and co- ordinated approach to arts, sport, heritage and creative industries in London and follows extensive consultation, encompassing the views of many individual Londoners as well as organisations.
London is known around the world for its breathtaking range of cultural activities and its creative energy, which has a global influence and is our second biggest earner. The research that has gone into the strategy and consultation underlines how significant the cultural and creative sectors are to the life of the capital. The aim is to sustain our great institutions, as well as developing cultural provision that reflects and is available to all Londoners. We want to enhance London's position as one of the greatest destinations for culture in the world. The strategy shows how Londonwide planning, transport and other strategic powers will be used to promote and develop established, as well as new, cultural provision and the creative sectors across the capital. The London Cultural Consortium will bring together funding bodies and decision makers to help take this process forward.
Work to develop the cultural energy of London has been well underway, including the transformation of Trafalgar Square, the establishment of my Commission on African and Asian Heritage and most recently the launch of Creative London, and the benefits that must arise from assisting the growth of the creative industries, currently supporting over half a million jobs. And of course, most recently, the news that London has been chosen as a Candidate City for the 2012 Olympic Games, the biggest cultural, sporting and regeneration opportunity of our time. The strategy strongly advocates the need to supports the capital's great museums and other institutions that are recognised around the world. It also seeks to ensure that newer cultural activity is able to develop, both in central London, and throughout and across the capital, and also that cultural activity can benefit and reflect the lives of all Londoners.
Through the LDA, initiatives include the establishment of Creative London, Film London and the annual music and fashion event City Showcase. The LDA has also provided funding for a range of projects, including the Unicorn Theatre for children (Southwark), the Laban Centre (Deptford), the Rich Mix Centre (Tower Hamlets), Westbourne Studios (Westminster) and the Chocolate Factory (Wood Green).
Other practical examples include free travel on public transport for children under 11, making it cheaper for families to travel to cultural institutions; involving different London boroughs in this year's Olympic Torch relay through the capital; the Kids Swim Free initiative; the Liberty
15 Item 3 disability arts festival. I have also lent my support to GAIN, which aims to increase the representation of Black and minority communities on the boards of arts institutions.
In addition, work with partners will continue to develop the programme of cultural events that includes: Trafalgar Square summer programme; the Silk Road Live at the British Library; David Gray in Trafalgar Square; Chinese New Year and other cultural festivals; and New Year's Eve celebrations.
London Mela 2004
On 22 April, I joined London politicians, community representatives and business leaders at City Hall, to launch plans for the London Mela 2004. The GLA’s support of the Mela follows the success of last year’s event and will again take place in Gunnersbury Park in Ealing.
The London Mela 2004 will take place on 15 August 2004 and is a major free festival, celebrating the creativity and culture of London's Asian communities. The event is produced by Ealing Council and has the support of the GLA.
Chart star Raghav, bhangra superstars Stereo Nation and Radio One's Bobby Friction and Nihal are amongst the performers being lined up for the event. Oranisers hope it will be even more successful than last year's event, which attracted over 50,000 people from across the capital and beyond.
This year's event will take forward cultural links being developed with cities that have signed Friendship Agreements with London, such as Delhi and Dhaka, and with festivals and arts projects around the world, such as Sri Lanka, Oslo and Edinburgh.
The London Mela is becoming firmly established as one of the capital's major cultural events. This year will build on last year's success, with live performance, contemporary and classical Asian music and many other cultural and children's activities for Londoners from all communities right across the capital to enjoy. I am pleased that links are developing between the London Mela and Asian festivals in other countries and hope that Londoners and tourists alike will join us for one of the highlights of the summer.
The London Mela is being produced by Ealing Council, with additional support from the London Borough of Hounslow. Other attractions include Mela Cabaret, specially commissioned street theatre, activities for children, funfair and a sports area. There will also be heritage and cultural exhibitions, community stalls and plenty of opportunities to sample Asian food.
Respect 2004
On 20 April, I underlined my commitment to anti-racism at the launch of respect 2004. This year's respect festival will take place on Saturday 17 July in Victoria Park in Hackney. It will follow a series of events taking place across London from 10-17 July as part of respect week. respect is a free music and entertainment festival, with live bands, dance, and comedy stages; sports activities; children's activities; food and bars. Previous performers at respect include Run DMC, De La Soul, Public Enemy, Panjabi MC, Blue and Mis-Teeq. This year's line up will be announced shortly.
Another activity in taking place for this year’s respect celebrations is a photography competition, which was launched in April. Londoners have been asked to capture images that represent and respect London’s diversity. This is a great opportunity for all Londoners, young or
16 Item 3 old, professional or amateur, to participate in the celebrations and to showcase their photography talent.
I was delighted to welcome Mr Amos Masondo, Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, to the launch event. The Mayor of Johannesburg was in London for the signing of the London- Johannesburg Friendship Agreement. The signing at City Hall commemorated the historic, political and financial links between the two cities and coincided with the celebrations of 10 years of democracy in South Africa.
Other guests included representatives of the trades union movement and politicians and organisations and individuals involved in the respect festival. The launch reception also provided the opportunity to celebrate the annual May Day activities.
The respect festival is a celebration of London's diversity, when Londoners come together to show that racism will not be tolerated in our great city. It is also a great free day out for people of all ages. London is a wonderful place to live and its diversity is the key to its vitality, but these are challenging times, so it is vital that we all work together to challenge racism. Each year up to 100,000 people have turned out to show their opposition to racism.
The National Assembly Against Racism and SERTUC are partners in the event and the anti-racist festival is now a permanent feature of London's calendar and an annual event of international significance.
Silk Road Events
On 4 May, I launched the Silk Road Live event at the British Library Piazza. The event was a unique one-day open-air festival offering an opportunity for people of all ages to experience one of the world's greatest journeys and the role it played over 2000 years in forging the enduring cultural and economic links between London and Asia. The event was aimed at Londoners, as well as visitors to the capital and coincided with a major exhibition about the Silk Road, which opened at the British Library on 7 May and continues through to September.
The piazza landscaping provided the setting in which London-based artists used music, storytelling, theatre and visual installations to develop four themes: silk; travel; trade and faith.
The Silk Road is a fascinating and complex network of trade routes that stretches 8,500km and one of the world's most legendary journeys. In celebration of this, my office worked with the British Library to develop an interactive event that maximises the great public piazza in front of this landmark building. London-based artists will use music, dance and live performance to present the sights, sounds and colours that linked Asian and Europe and in particular, the strong ties that continue to this very day in the capital.
Silk Road Live was organised in conjunction with Visit London and the British Library to highlight the importance of trade and exchange of ideas and culture between London and Asia over the 2000 years since the start of the Silk Road.
St George’s Day
I gave my support to a number of events around St George’s Day on 23 April to celebrate traditional English culture.
The theme of the day was to highlight some of the unique cultural gifts that England, and London in particular, have brought to the world. A key part of this is this was to recognise the
17 Item 3 contribution made by William Shakespeare, who is acclaimed by many as the world’s greatest playwright. Shakespeare’s birthday falls on St George’s Day and it was an opportunity to celebrate how his work has shaped the development of arts and culture, not just in Britain but also throughout the world. I also agreed, given the unique status of Shakespeare's Globe to an exemption of the Contracts Code, and for the provision of an event at Shakespeare's Globe to celebrate Shakespeare’s birthday, which coincides with St George’s Day.
In addition to this, the long history of traditional dancing was recognised with and English Folk and Dance music event on Covent Garden piazza. This event has developed over the last few years to mark St George’s Day and the GLA’s contribution allowed an extension to the event, and additional publicity.
There was also a ceremony at the Cenotaph, led by the Royal Society of St George, involving various cadet forces. This well-established ceremony was enhanced by the GLA’s contribution.
Liberty Festival
The free Liberty Disability Rights Festival for all Londoners will take place on 4 September 2004 in Trafalgar Square. Following on from last year’s success, the event returns to the heart of the capital, and will be one of the highlights of the 2004 Trafalgar Square summer programme.
The festival will feature a high profile and contemporary programme with disabled artists, musicians, dancers and performers from the UK and abroad. Additional attractions will include stalls and displays from a variety of organisations. The festival is organised by the Greater London Authority (GLA) in association with Greater London Action on Disability (GLAD).
Notting Hill Carnival Review
I have welcomed the publication on 27 April of the review into the Notting Hill Carnival. The report follows an eighteen-month investigation into the event, which is regarded to be the largest in Europe and globally second only to the Rio Carnival.
This report is a major evaluation of how the Carnival is managed, financed, supported and perceived. In addition to addressing the public safety issues posed as a result of the Carnival's growth, it also reveals its significant cultural, social and economic potential and contribution. I hope its recommendations will be used as a basis for further discussion and action by those who have a real interest in making the Notting Hill Carnival work – not just in the short term but in the future.
Key recommendations of the report include: • Calling for the use of Hyde Park, Bayswater Road and Harrow Road to form part of a new route for Carnival 2005. • Calling for greater involvement from the HSE in the Carnival planning process and the establishment of a high-level working group to examine public safety responsibility, accountability and decision-making issues relating to all major events in London that take place on the public highway. • Calling for the development of a multi-agency Carnival Community Safety Strategy. • Calling for the establishment of a long-term strategic funding programme to develop the Carnival's stewarding capacity with the overall aim of reducing policing levels. • Developing a long-term economic strategy to maximise Carnival's economic potential. • Calling for the establishment of a permanent home within Notting Hill for carnival arts and related activities. An £8.7 million capital investment package is already pledged.
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• Developing a waste management and recycling strategy to reduce the amount of waste resulting from the event.
The aim of the review process was to protect Carnival's long-term future. It brought together the police, carnival participants, community organisations, local authorities, residents and other stakeholders to thoroughly investigate a range of issues including public safety, management, funding and the route. Specific investigations included the award-winning Intelligent Space study into crowd safety at the event and the LDA report, which showed that Carnival is worth around £93 million to the economy.
A four-year London Carnival Development Programme, to take forward the report's recommendations, will bring together the GLA, the LDA, Visit London, London Recycling Fund, Arts Council and the carnival constituency.
Youth Culture Festival
As part of my commitment to foster the development of a high-profile youth culture festival for London and to support cultural initiatives with young people, I have agreed to the proposal to support the initiative of the London Youth Arts Network (LYAN), who are undertaking a major Festival of London Youth Arts.
The GLA support will add to other external funding to be raised by LYAN for the development of the Festival and will allow them to focus on the development of opportunities for engagement with young people from London’s diverse communities. It will also assist the development of the Festival’s links with the cultural and creative industry sector and enhance the scale and scope of the festival, including programme and performance development, educational and outreach activities and stakeholder involvement.
I have approved the carry forward of £25,300, the unspent balance of the allocation of the 2003/04 budget for the Youth Culture Festival, and have agreed to allocate the sum as a funding contribution towards the costs of the development and preparation work for the Festival of London Youth Arts (FLYA) to be undertaken during summer and autumn of 2004 in advance of the final event which is planned to take place in April 2005.
Mayor’s Commission on African and Asian Heritage
My Commission on African and Asian Heritage (MCAAH) have completed a programme of inquiries that took place between August 2003 and March 2004. I have approved the consequent stages of the drafting of a report of the Commission’s findings and recommendations.
I have approved a £35,000 allocation for the further development of the MCAAH to assess commission inquiry evidence, research and documentation to develop and complete the MCAAH final report. I have also approved the development of initiatives to facilitate joined up thinking with key stakeholders to inform heritage sector strategies and programmes that will underpin the MCAAH final report and I have approved the publication, distribution and launch of the MCAAH final report. I have agreed that the GLA will provide the necessary assistance to implement the Commission processes.
E-Government
Practical E-Democracy in London Conference
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I have approved the purchase of hardware and software relating to the Practical e-democracy in London project (PEDiL). This expenditure is fully funded out of Treasury Invest to Save funding which is administered by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
The project is the result of a bid made jointly with LondonConnects, London Borough of Camden, Brixton On-Line and up-my-street.com Ltd. The project is being piloted at present by over 40 local community groups in Camden with a series of easy to use tools, free at the point of use.
This associated equipment will be hosted at the GLA and be accessed by partners to the PEDiL project. I have agreed a revised budget to reflect the revised purchase for the IT equipment.
Cultural Smartcards
I have approved a further contribution of £30,000 to London Connects, subject to London Connects using it for the initial development of the cultural applications of Smartcards in London.
The intention is to co-ordinate the wide number of discount cards and leisure schemes across London that provide individuals with reduced prices and membership to a wide range of cultural activities.
I have agreed that a carry forward of £30,000 from the 2003/04 Cultural Strategy Programme budget to 2004/05.
GLA Organisation
Project Management Methodology
I have agreed to the adoption of an amended project management methodology for the Authority, following a review of its progress since its creation in October 2002. The revised methodology is due to be considered by the London Assembly's Business Management and Appointments Committee in June 2004.
Internal Audit Report
I have noted the level of assurance given to the following internal audit reports: • Mayoral Strategies (Transport) – Substantial • IT Disaster Recovery - Substantial • The London Assembly’s Audit Panel will consider these reports on 13 July 2004.
Architecture and Urbanism Best Value Review
Following a review of the Architecture and Urbanism Unit, which took place between April 2003 and March 2004, I have agreed the conclusion and recommendations on the Architecture and Urbanism Unit Best Value Review and the Architecture And Urbanism Unit Service Improvement Plan.
Freedom of Information Compliance
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I have noted the progress being made towards and the implications of compliance with the Freedom of Information (FoI) legislation. I have agreed that the GLA’s decision-making processes, including the format of MAFs and DAFs be amended to reflect the requirements of the FoI legislation.
Black Prince Road
Following the reports of squatters in the building in April, I approved the commencement of legal proceedings to secure the eviction of squatters from 81 Black Prince Road. I also authorised the Head of Law to conduct any litigation on my behalf and to enter into any necessary arrangements with the London Borough of Islington in relation to such litigation.
IT Remote Access Contract
In accordance with the needs of IT users in the GLA to have secure remote electronic access to the IT information and systems when away from City Hall, I have approved the awarding of contract to Data Integration Ltd for the supply and installation of the Neoteris product. I have also approved the award of contract to Vodafone Ltd for the supply of Blackberry handheld devices, enabling mobile telephone communication and access to the users’ office electronic mail and calendar access from outside City Hall.
Finance System Contract
I have approved the extension of the project management contract for the Finance system for an additional 27 days to work in Phase II of the project at an estimated cost of £16,200 and to a maximum of £20,000.
This extension is partly due to a turnover in the Core Finance team. The contract will allow the project manager to transfer skills and knowledge to staff in the Finance team in order for them to implement and communicate the new processes through the organisation.
Internal Audit Contract
I have approved the taking up the option under the current contract to extend the Internal Audit contract with Deloitte and Touche LLP from 1 April 2005 to 31 March 2007 and the delegation of authority for the Executive Director of Finance and Performance to negotiate and agree on the contract price for the contract extension period.
Payroll Services Contract
I have approved the taking up of the option under the current contract to extend the Payroll Services contract with Northgate Information Systems for up to 2 years, from 1 April 2005 to 31 March 2007. I have agreed to delegate authority for the Executive Director of Finance and Performance to negotiate and agree on the contract price for the contract extension period.
AV Service Framework Arrangement
I have approved the proceeding with an EU complaint procurement process to establish a GLA framework arrangement for the award of contracts for AV services. An increasing number of GLA events require specialist AV services, including statutory events such as PQT and the State of London Debate. Therefore an AV roster will be established to enable swift responses to the AV needs of the GLA. A framework agreement will be an arrangement under which the GLA will
21 Item 3 establish with providers of AV services the terms under which contracts can subsequently be entered into when a particular need arises.
Mapping Dataset Agreement
The mapping datasets are an essential element in the development and monitoring of Mayoral strategies. Teams across the GLA with responsibility for strategies utilise a geographic base to underpin their work.
Therefore I have retrospectively approved an extension of the existing agreement with Ordnance Survey for the provision of their mapping datasets for a period of six months up to 30 September 2004 and granted an exemption to the Contracts Code in relation to this extension. I have approved EU procurement exercise to award a contract for the provision of mapping datasets to the GLA, TfL and LDA for a period of three years, with an option to extend for a further period of up to 2 years. I have approved the award of a contract to suitably qualified company or companies following the EU procurement procedures. Equalities
Disability Equality Scheme
My draft Disability Equality Scheme for consultation purposes has been agreed. The development of this Scheme is part of the commitment of the GLA Equality Strategy 2002/04 to address disability and disability equality. The consultation on this draft is taking place throughout May and June.
The Londoner
Advertising Sales for The Londoner
Due to constraints in the production timetable, I have agreed to reduce the number of editions of The Londoner published in 2004/05 from 8 editions/ 20 pages per edition, to 7 editions/ 16 pages per edition (expandable to 20 pages per edition dependent on the level of commercial advertising achieved per edition). I have agreed to award a contract to John Brown Citrus Publishing to sell limited advertising space in future editions of the Londoner and have agreed the revised 2004/05 Londoner budget.
International
'Mayors for Peace'
On 27-28 April, my Deputy Mayor, Jenny Jones, represented the GLA on the “Mayors for Peace” delegation to the United Nations in New York. The delegation, organised to coincide with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Preparatory Committee at the UN, used a series of meetings to make the case for the worldwide abolition of nuclear weapons.
The delegation was led by the Mayors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the only two cities in history to have experienced the devastating effects of nuclear weapons. It will meet UN staff working on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) as well as UN disarmament officials.
The work of Mayors for Peace in seeking the abolition of nuclear weapons is of great importance to out city and London is honoured to work with the Mayors of Hiroshima and
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Nagasaki in pursuit of this objective. The existence of nuclear weapons is a threat to health of the people of every city in the world, including London.
Mayors for Peace is campaigning for the abolition of all nuclear weapons by 2020 and will be lobbying the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference to be held in New York in May 2005. I joined Mayors for Peace following a meeting in London with the Mayor of Hiroshima in October 2001.
CND Conference
As noted above, as a major world city, London has a direct interest in peace and global stability. The work undertaken by GLA Economics in September 2002 concluded that a war with Iraq could cost London £1 billion in lost tourism alone, which translates in terms of employment to the loss of 46,000 jobs.
As a contribution towards the debate around issues of peace, I have approved the hosting of the National CND Annual Conference in City Hall on 11-12 September 2004 and have waived the standard hire fee for the Chamber and Conference Rooms 4 and 5, subject to the conditions set out in the specified legal requirements.
The negative economic impact of war, and the detrimental effect on community relations mean that the discussions taking place at CND annual conference would contribute to public engagement in policy development around the promotion of peace and the benefits to London.
I have approved a carry-forward of £10,000 from the 2003/04 International and European Relations programme budget for the "Mayors for Peace Initiatives" to be scheduled in 2004/05. I have approved expenditure of £5,000 from this carry-forward to cater for the associated costs of opening City Hall for the CND Conference in September 2004.
MIPIM
I have retrospectively approved expenditure of £9,000 for “Mayor of London” branded display materials for the East London stand at MIPIM international property market convention held in Cannes on 9-12 March 2004. The stand promoted current and proposed development work in east London and showcased the property development opportunities to a wide range of potential investors from around the world.
I approved an exception to the contracts code as this was a single tender action on the basis of a unique supplier for all stands and associated materials to the MIPIM conference
European Social Forum
I have agreed that the GLA be a funding partner for the European Social Forum in London in October 2004. This follows my decision in February to carry out a feasibility study covering the logistical, financial and legal issues of hosting the European Social Forum in London and the potential implications for the GLA.
The World Social Forum is an international association of civil organisations such as NGOs, trade unions, faith and community groups which organise a large annual conference providing a platform for diverse viewpoints to discuss the promotion of global social justice. The ESF brings together the European participants in the World Social Forum and has held two conferences to date in Florence in 2002 and Paris in 2003, with the support of municipal authorities in both
23 Item 3 those cities. It is hoped that the 3-day event will bring together 20,000 people from social movements all over Europe.
I have agreed that the GLA contribute £150,000 toward the cost of the ESF event which includes the costs of procuring an ESF-dedicated website with the website to be provided as a benefit in kind, subject to specified conditions. I have agreed that the GLA procure the ESF website up to a value of £40,000 and for the transfer of the website and related contract to ESF. I have consequently approved an increase of £110,000 to the Project Development Fund.
Trafalgar Square
Squares Annual Report 2004
I have approved the Annual Reports for Trafalgar and Parliament Squares. This is my second Squares Annual Report and provides a review of GLA activity on Trafalgar Square and Parliament Square Gardens, including the redevelopment of Trafalgar Square and the programme of cultural events organised on Trafalgar Square, from September 2002-March 2004.
Trafalgar Square and Parliament Square Gardens are two of the most celebrated and renowned Squares in the world, and consequently there is a high level of interest in how they are managed. Therefore, the aim of the report is to provide public information for Squares stakeholders on past activity and future development plans and to set out my vision for the Squares and outline improvement targets for achieving those visions.
Trafalgar Square Summer Programme
I have approved, following a full EU procurement process, to award a framework agreement has to GF Diversivents for the design, management and deliver of a programme of events in Trafalgar Square including the summer programme, Liberty disability rights festival and other small to mid-scale events. I have noted that as this is a framework agreement, a range of additional services for future events on Trafalgar Square may be delivered under the terms of the agreement if funding becomes available and that the agreement is renewable for up to three further years at the GLA’s absolute discretion.
I have also agreed that GDF Diversivents be engaged to deliver an event to celebrate Vaisakhi on 25 April 2004.
I have agreed that £328,000 be released from the 2004/05 Cultural Events Programme budget for the following Cultural Events: Trafalgar Square summer programme ((£223,000); Liberty Disability Rights Festival (£90,000); and Vaisakhi (£15,000)
Proposed North Westminster Street Drinking Control Area
I have given my in principle support for the inclusion of Trafalgar Square, and the public toilet facilities on the Square, in the proposed designation of the Central and North Westminster Street Drinking Control Area subject to the following conditions: that errors in the current order relating to the management of the public toilet facilities and comments responded to regarding the following being addressed:
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• That the street drinking control area is undertaken simultaneously with an integrated management response to the social impacts on individuals and groups in order to ensure that street drinkers are not marginalised • That access to appropriate services for those identifies as requiring assistance is made available • That appropriate enforcement activities are undertaken that take into account the individual nature of the incident, capacity for referring and supporting those that are in danger of being marginalised and collaboration with social/ health care providers
The designation represents an objective in the Squares Best Value Improvement Plan to improve and integrate management of the Squares by developing good working relations with Westminster City Council and the Metropolitan Police.
Café Contract
I have noted that Costa Ltd has given notice to withdraw from operating the Café on Trafalgar Square and have approved a process to award a new contract to a company in order to ensure the continuing operation of the Café on Trafalgar Square.
Refugees and Asylum Seekers
Media Images, Community Impact
In summer 2003, I commissioned the Information Centre about Asylum and Refugees in the UK, (ICAR) to explore the impact of negative reporting on refugee and asylum issues on community relations in London. The study was prompted by hostile public opinion, which has been demonstrated in the day-to-day harassment of refugee and asylum seekers. Refugee community groups and many agencies in the field consistently linked this with intensive and largely hostile reporting of asylum issues by the media.
The findings of the report illustrate that media coverage does have an impact at community level, and that unbalanced and inaccurate media images are frequent and powerful and have the potential to increase community tension. This small-scale monitoring, in two boroughs, gives preliminary evidence that asylum seekers and refugees were disproportionately likely to be victims of harassment, both verbal and physical.
I have agreed that the report be published and disseminated and have agreed that follow-up action be progressed including consideration of information needs, discussion with the press and further monitoring.
Human Rights
Human Rights Toolkits
I have approved the design, delivery and analysis of three differently focussed Human Rights toolkits. The toolkits will be concerned with human rights legislation in the UK and will be part of a wider programme of research into the way the Human Rights Act is used across London. The specific areas in focus would be community groups and individual, particularly focussing on marginalised communities; local authorities and public sector bodies; and private sector organisations, in particular the hospitality industry in London.
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This follows my existing commitment to a proposal to promote a culture of respect for Human Rights among London’s public authorities and within London as a whole. A seminar was held last July at City Hall for representatives of the human rights field within London. The Government’s intention to establish a single Commission for Equalities in London provides a good opportunity to raise the profile of Human Rights in London and to establish the need for further research into the impact of the human rights legislation across the diverse London communities. The toolkits would provide a major step towards the development of further understanding of human rights in London.
City Hall
London Day
I have confirmed that London Day 2004 will be held on Thursday 1 July. I have agreed that City Hall will be closed to the public in order to host the London Day celebrations. This year, there will be a seated awards ceremony in the Chamber to present the annual London Day awards. It is hoped that around 1000 Londoners will take part in the event, and will again represent a broad cross-section of Londoners.
Exhibition Space
I have approved the amended specification for the state of the art exhibition in the Visitors Centre at City Hall. This is the second phase of the project, with the initial work being undertaken to install aerial view floor tiles in the lower ground floor.
The work, to the value of £97,000 will be carried out by MICE International and due to a delay in the delivery of the project I have agreed that resources totalling £75,000 will be carried forward from the 2003/04 Budget earmarked for this project.
Loomba Trust
I have approved an ex gratia payment totalling £3,745.83 to the Loomba Trust to cover costs/ losses incurred as a result of the evacuation of City Hall in 12 May 2003.
Stakeholders
London Civic Forum
The London Civic Forum (LCF) has provided a key mechanism for Londoners and the organisations that represent them to have a voice on the issues that affect them. It serves to strengthen the role of civil society and encourages participation within the governance of London. The LCF forms a unique cross-sectoral framework to address policy issues relating to the whole of London. Its work is of particular significance at this stage of London’s governance and to regional bodies, such as the GLA. The London Civic Forum has over 950 member organizations and over 45 individual members, which represents a growth of around 30% since 2001.
The GLA entered into a funding agreement in the last financial year with the London Civic Forum in order to support the body in delivering its organisational aims and objectives. I have agreed to continue this relationship and have approved £98,000 funding for the London Civic Forum in the financial year 2004/05 and have authorised a funding agreement.
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Capital Age Festival
The Capital Age Festival, a free festival of music, entertainment and dance, for older people and their friends and relatives, will take place on 8 August.
The festival is organised by the London Older People’s Strategies Group, supported by the Greater London Authority and part of the Coin Street Festival.
This is the second year of the Capital Age Festival and programme highlights include the UK’s oldest established steel band Nostalgia, greatest hits from the tribute band Buddy Holly & The Cricketers, plus dance and movement from the Lilian Baylis over 60s Performance Group. I have agreed a net GLA contribution of £15,000 to the event and the 2004/05 contribution will be met from the Project Development Fund.
Irish Community Seminar
On 29 April the Irish in London Today seminar took place at City Hall. This seminar was designed to help the understanding of how to develop the contribution Irish people have always made to London in the context of the changing nature of London’s relation with Ireland and the parallel changes in London’s Irish communities.
At the event, the results of a recent MORI poll were launched. MORI’s results show that the Irish remain by far the largest ethnic minority in London with nearly one in five Londoners having one or more Irish grandparents and one in ten have at least one Irish parent. Britain’s relations with Ireland are changing. As a result of the peace in Northern Ireland and the booming economy of the Irish Republic today less Irish people than in the past are being forced to leave their homes to make a living overseas. At the same time more and more people are travelling as tourists and business people between our two countries and the millions of people in Britain of Irish heritage are increasingly confident about expressing their Irish culture and identity.
MORI also asked whether people of Irish parentage would classify themselves as Irish, English or British. Those who classified themselves as Irish were a distinct minority.
A draft report by the GLA’s Data Management and Analysis Group analysing the information collected in the 2001 Census on the Irish in London was also discussed at the seminar.
Anne Frank Trust Exhibition
I have agreed that the GLA will support an Anne Frank Trust exhibition for children and young people to mark the 75th Anniversary of Anne Frank's birth, at City Hall on 13-14 July.
The aim of the exhibition is to inform young people about the life of Anne Frank and to educate children against racism and other forms of prejudice, and to promote positive attitudes in young people towards diversity and difference.
The GLA will make a contribution of £15,000 towards the exhibition and which includes a direct financial contribution to the Anne Frank Trust of £9240 and benefits in kind to the value of £5,760. I have agreed to vire contributions from the Children and Young Peoples programme, Mayor's Events and Human Rights budgets to the Stakeholders Engagement Programme budget for this purpose.
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Gypsy and Travellers seminar
On 26 April I addressed a seminar at City Hall which was organised jointly by the GLA and the London Traveller and Gypsy Law Reform Coalition and was chaired by my Policy Advisor for Planning.
Speakers included representatives of London TGLRC, the London Irish Travellers Movement, Meg Hillier AM and the Deputy Mayor of Hackney. The purpose of the seminar was to review the issue of site provision in London and I have written to the ODPM with the findings, which will feed into the ODPM policy review.
Consultation
CONSULT
The GLA undertakes a large amount of public consultation and research across the group, either independently or in partnership with other organisations. In order for this information to be disseminated as widely as possible within the GLA, across the GLA group and to the public, a project is taking place to capture, record and disseminate information on consultations and research. The application is to be called CONSULT.
I have approved the undertaking of competitive five quotes process to select a suitable software supplier to develop and deliver the required system and have agreed the projected budget for the initiative of £29,000 including a carry-forward of £10,000 from the 2003/04 Housing Programme budget.
Children and Young People’s Survey
Following a mini-tender exercise, which I approved in February, I have approved the awarding of a contract to Sherbert Research and ICM to conduct a Children and Young People’s Survey at a cost of £37,500. I have approved a budget carry-forward of £15,000 from the 2003/04 Public Consultation Budget to cover part of the contract costs in 2004/05. I have approved a budget carry-forward of £15,000 from the 2003/04 Children and Young People’s Programme budget to cover part of the contract costs on 2004/05.
Opinion Poll
The GLA and TfL have been invited by MORI to participate in a telephone poll that it is carrying out on behalf of a consortium of organisation, including ITN on 10 June. The poll presents an unrivalled opportunity to investigate issues such as factors driving political participation in London, factors inhibiting it and what Londoners see as the key issues for the city. As this poll is carried out on the day of the London and European Elections it will provide data that more accurately captures opinion on these matters than a poll carried out on a date before or after the elections.
I have agreed to an exemption of the financial limits in the GLA's procurement Code given the approach by MORI and to accept their offer to purchase questions in a MORI Survey being carried out on behalf of a consortium of organisations at a total cost of £75,000, of which the core GLA will pay £37,500.
Planning and Development Control
Planning Decisions (Stage Two Referrals)
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I have sent letters in response to the following statutory referrals:
Columbus Tower, Hertsmere House, Canary Wharf I have written to Tower Hamlets Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.
Fortress House, Savile Row I have written to Westminster Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.
Land bounded by Bream’s building, Fetter Lane and Rolls Building I have written to the Corporation of London stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.
Haddo Estate, Traves Way I have written to Greenwich Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.
35 Basinghall Street and 16 Coleman Street, EC2 I have written to the Corporation of London stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.
Photovoltaic Canopy, Mile End Park I have written to Tower Hamlets Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.
160-170 High Street, Stratford I have written to Newham Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.
Bromley College I have written to Bromley Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.
New Fetter Lane I have written to the Corporation of London stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.
109-111 Cecil Road, Enfield I have written to Enfield Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.
Bromyard House I have written to Ealing Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.
Land at Kynoch Road and Nobel Road I have written to Enfield Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.
West End Green, 285-329 Edgware Road
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I have written to Westminster Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.
Rodwell House I have written to Tower Hamlets Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.
Tabard Square, SE1 I have written to Southwark Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.
52-58 Commercial Road and land at Gowers Walk I have written to Tower Hamlets Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.
New Providence Wharf I have written to Tower Hamlets Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.
Wembley Central Square I have written to Brent Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.
RMC House I have written to Hammersmith & Fulham Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.
Planning Decisions (Stage One Applications)
I have asked officers to send letters giving my comments about the following stage one referrals:
• Morden Sports Park • Part A, Chequers Lane, Dagenham Dock • Former HMSO Print Works, Steedman Street • Victoria Deepwater Terminal • Three Quays, Lower Thames Street • Biro House • Land at Stonegrave, Edgware • Westminster Bridge Roundabout • Tripcock Point, Thamesmead • The Paragon (former Pilot Works) site, Brentford • Salamanca Place • Crown Wharf • Land adjoining Wembley Stadium • Stratford City • Purley Hospital • Mount Vernon Hospital, Eastern Corner • Mount Vernon Hospital Radiotherapy Unit • London Bridge Vaults • 82-93 York Way
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• 299-301 Burdett Road • Wyndham Garage • North London Business Park • Elizabeth House • Bermondsey Spa (sites E-U) • Old Oak Sidings • Pine Tavern • Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital • 13-16 Dingwall Road • Reuters, Blackwall Yard • 74-84 Long Lane • Chiswick West
Unitary Development Plans
I have asked my officers to send letters giving my comments about the following Unitary Development Plans representations:
• London Borough of Newham - Canning Town and Custom House Masterplan, Supplementary Planning Guidance • London Borough of Camden – Planning Guidance for Central London, Supplementary Planning Guidance • London Borough of Camden – Kings Cross Opportunity Framework - Revised Planning and Development Brief • London Borough of Camden – West Hampstead Interchange, Supplementary Planning Guidance
Special or Informal Reports
Stopping Up Orders
I have asked officers to send letters giving my comments about the following Stopping Up Orders: • Great Central Way, Brent • Part of Blackheath Vale, Lewisham
Informal Reports
I have asked officers to send letters giving my comments about the following informal reports:
• Brewery Wharf • Downings Road Moorings • Former LEB Building, Southern Grove Lodge and Cheviot House Draft Planning brief • Surbiton Railway Station, Planning brief and Pre-application
Government Consultation
I have approved responses to be sent to the following government consultations:
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• Response to consultation on PPS1- draft Planning Policy Statement 1: Creating Sustainable Communities • Response to consultation on PPS 6 - draft Planning Policy Statement 6: Planning for Town Centres
Copies of my planning decisions and background reports are available on the GLA website.
Key Engagements
I have also attended the following key engagements in the last two months:
• I met with David Begg to receive the Transport Personality of the Year Award on 14 April • I met with Doreen Lawrence on 14 April • I attended the opening of the Canary Wharf Tube East End Entrance on 19 April • I attended the launch of the Finsbury Park Interchange on 20 April • I met with Val Shawcross AM concerning Loughborough Junction on 20 April • I met with Charles Clarke MP to discuss the Case for London on 21 April • I met with Peter Hendy to discuss West End Green on 21 April • I attended the launch of Film London on 22 April • I attended the Vaisakhi Event on Trafalgar Square on 25 April • I met with Tony McNulty MP, Minister for Transport on 27 April • I attended a lunch for representatives of the Tour de France on 27 April • I addressed the Open Awareness Raising Seminar for Leaders of London Mosques on 27 April • I attended the South Africa celebration for 10 years of democracy on Trafalgar Square on 27 April • I addressed the Workers Memorial Day Event on 28 April • I addressed the LDA conference on my Economic Development Strategy • I attended the London Drug and Alcohol Summit alongside the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police on 29 April • I chaired the TfL Board meeting on 29 April • I attended the May Day rally in Trafalgar Square on 1 May • I met with Jenny Jones, Deputy Mayor on 4 May • I met with Andrew Dismore MP on 4 May • I attended the Olympic torch bearers announcement on 5 May • I met with Melvyn Bragg on 5 May • I met with John Biggs AM to discuss UDCs on 5 May • I attended a bilateral meeting with Keith Hill MP, Minister for London on 6 May • I met with Keith Hill MP and the leaders of the Olympic Boroughs on 6 May • I addressed the Parliamentary Transport Select Committee on 12 May • I attended the London 2012 reception at the London Eye on 18 May • I attended the TfL Remuneration Committee meeting on 24 May • I met with representatives of New International on 27 May • I attended the RNLI Lifeboat Naming Ceremony at Southwark Cathedral on 27 May • I met with local representatives concerning the Electric Ballroom on 27 May • I attended the Metropolitan Police Commissioner’s Review on 4 June
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Ken Livingstone 11 June 2004
Background Documents: Mayoral Decision List Director Decision List
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