Mayors Question Time

Report No: 5 Subject: Mayor’ s Question Time Report of: Executive Director Of Secretariat

Date: 18 June 2003

1074 / 2003 - The Londoner Andrew Pelling Please detail which politicians appear in your May edition of The Londoner.

Myself, Sally Hamwee, Samantha Heath, Nicky Gavron, Toby Harris, Diane Abbott.

1076 / 2003 - Croydon Police Andrew Pelling How much more difficulty do you feel that Croydon's Police will have in responding to calls when the number of their police cars is due cut from 60 to 44 under changes currently being considered by the MPS? What changes are being considered in other London Boroughs?

I have been informed by the MPA/MPS that Croydon police total available vehicle fleet has been reduced from 53 to 39 vehicles. This is an actual loss of 14 vehicles all of which are unmarked.

The MPS/MPA have also advised me that the ability of Croydon Police to respond to incidents has not suffered however they are experiencing difficulties in their proactive and support functions. With this in mind MPS managers are to meet in the near future to see if some additional support can be given.

Decisions on vehicle fleet are taken locally within each BOCU, so any changes in other areas will be as a result of a local rather than corporate decision. 1077 / 2003 - Change in wording of pillar box plates Andrew Pelling

As you will be aware, the plates on many pillar boxes across London have been changed. Instead of collection times, only a final collection time is listed. At the end of the notice, the Post Office advise that "additional collections will made throughout the day as required until the last time."

What is your view of these changed plates?

Many of my residents in Croydon and Sutton regard this change as likely to lead to a deterioration in the number of collections.

I am not in a position to affect this action by the Post Office. The day-to–day running of the Post Office, including their restructuring plans, falls under the responsibility of the Royal Mail Group plc. The Royal Mail Group is a public limited company wholly owned by the government. 18 June 2003 1 However, I am concerned about any deterioration in the standards of postal services – as you know I have written to the Post Office a number of times with regard to their restructuring plans - and if you would like to provide me with further information about the particular concerns of your constituents, I would be happy to pass them on to the Royal Mail requesting their comments. However, the final decision rests with the Post Office, not the GLA. 1078 / 2003 - Consultation with the deaf community Darren Johnson Will you appoint a Deaf Adviser for the GLA to consult with one million Deaf Londoners, particularly with regard to the relationship between deaf people and the GLA in the development of accessible services for deaf people?

I am fully committed to the promotion of disability and Deaf Equality and in February I announced "Disability Capital". This will include a major consultation exercise with disabled and Deaf Londoners and I will also be hosting a high-profile conference on December 13 to discuss the results of the consultation exercise and how to move forward towards accessible services for disabled and Deaf people. GLA officers will ensure that deaf people are fully engaged in the consultation process. I have no current plans to appoint a Deaf adviser. 1079 / 2003 - Tramlink Andrew Pelling

Please could you advise as to the current state of thinking on proposals to extend Tramlink.

I refer you to the answer that the Commissioner of TfL gave to your recent question at the Plenary Session of the GLA on 11 June 2003 (FBQT 134/2003).

1080 / 2003 - South Downs Andrew Pelling The South Downs countryside is enjoyed by many Londoners. What action do you feel can be taken to encourage the preservation of the little species-rich grassland which now represents only three per cent of the Downs?

I am very much in favour of the conservation and enhancement of the species-rich grasslands and other wild landscapes of the South Downs, and support the proposed National Park there. I hope that the Secretary of State will approve the proposal, so that it will become the nearest National Park to London. However, my first priority will be to encourage Londoners to visit our own species-rich grasslands, included in the Sites of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation that I adopted in November last year. Visiting places like Saltbox Hill in Bromley and Riddlesdown and Farthing Downs in Croydon provides the same experience whilst avoiding the unsustainable long journeys required to visit the South Downs.

1081 / 2003 - Bus routes 47, 185 and 188 Darren Johnson Are there any plans to increase the frequency of buses on the 47, 185 and 188 bus routes?

At present, there are no plans to increase the frequencies on any of these routes.

All three services were reviewed during the planning work on the service enhancements implemented to complement the introduction of Congestion Charging. At that time, routes 47 and 185 were found to have adequate capacity for the existing and forecast demand. On route 188, frequencies were increased by about 30% in January 2003. 18 June 2003 2

All routes entering the central area are being carefully monitored and will be reviewed this autumn as part of the overall monitoring of the Congestion Charging Scheme.

1082 / 2003 - Free Student Train Travel Andrew Pelling Thank you for your answer to question 894. Sutton and Croydon school students and schools will welcome the opportunity for free Student Train Travel Concessions for Educational Trips. How are the consultations between the SRA and Train operators progressing on this proposal? Will the concessions be in place for the start of the new academic year?

• I am still hoping to extend my free scheme for school party travel to include train services in London from the start of the autumn term.

• The SRA are currently consulting with the Operators, with a view to beginning operation in September.

• This has not yet been finally agreed. I will make a public announcement as soon as a final decision has been made.

1083 / 2003 - South Norwood Leisure Centre planning application Andrew Pelling

Has the Mayor exercised his power to issue a direction on the planning application for a Leisure Centre off Albert Road, South Norwood, where the local Council intend to introduce one-way working of residential roads supposedly to mitigate the very poor vehicular access there is to this site?

While the specific issues of the effect of traffic on local residents is not a strategic issue, and is a matter for the local planning authority, I commented on 9 October 2002, that whilst the proposed development potentially has many benefits, providing an accessible sports facility for all sections of the community and addressing issues of social exclusion, its location raises serious strategic issues with regard to the potential loss of Metropolitan Open Land and the location of intensive - use developments in an out-of-centre location. This is not to say that there are no circumstances in which such a development would be acceptable. However, the tests for out-of-centre developments and MOL need to be addressed in a clear and unambiguous manner, and the case made as to why the “inappropriateness… is clearly outweighed by other circumstances”, including full disclosure regarding the relative merits of alternative sites (particularly the economic case regarding South Norwood pool and details of other sites considered), details of the leisure deficiency in the area and any concrete plans for the regeneration of the adjacent athletics track. In addition, clarification is required as to whether this is a Croydon Borough–wide or a more local South Norwood facility. In these circumstances, on the evidence provided, the case has not been made with regard to national, regional and local policy and Croydon Council should submit further information to ensure national, regional and my draft London Plan policies and guidance are addressed in the interests of good strategic planning of London. Without this, I am minded to direct refusal.

The question of whether to direct Croydon Council to refuse planning permission has not arisen yet, however the application will be referred to me again should Croydon resolve to approve it.

18 June 2003 3 1084 / 2003 - Mollison Drive no right turn Andrew Pelling Oral answer I am very grateful to you for meeting with the London Borough of Sutton officers and a residents' representative from my constituency about the proposed no-right turn into Mollison Drive. What compromise was it that you proposed ? The London Borough of Sutton are now denying that they accepted your compromise at the meeting you chaired. 1085 / 2003 - Albert Road in South Norwood Andrew Pelling What direction have you given on Croydon Council’s application to build on Metropolitan open land next to the arena site in Albert Road in South Norwood?

The question of whether to direct Croydon Council to refuse planning permission has not arisen yet, however the application will be referred to me again should Croydon resolve to approve it.

1086 / 2003 - Police records on road traffic accidents Andrew Pelling

What can be done to expedite the timely passage of police records on road traffic accidents to Local Authorities who need to judge where to place their emphasis in road safety improvements?

The Metropolitan Police Authority has advised me that in the case of the most serious of traffic accidents (involving fatalities) Traffic Management Units of the Metropolitan Police Service commence engagement with local authorities within 24 hours of the accident occurring. Regular liaison also takes place between MPS Traffic Management Units and Local Authorities to discuss trends of serious accidents occurring in particular areas.

18 June 2003 4 All police officers receive training in the completion of accident report books, many of which will form part of legal proceedings and therefore have to meet exacting standards.

Many thousands of reports are submitted each month and without precise knowledge of any specific instances the Member refers to it is impossible to make any further comment. However the Commander of the Traffic Operational Command Unit would be happy to hear of any specific cause for concern and investigate further.

1087 / 2003 - Heathrow Jenny Jones How many motorised vehicles currently travel to Heathrow airport every day? Please provide a breakdown of this total figure, giving the number of staff who travel by car; the number of passenger who drive and park; and the number of freight and courier vehicles.

Based on traffic data provided by BAA, TfL estimate there are broadly 100,000 vehicles a day arriving in the Heathrow area.

The breakdown of this figure is estimated at:

one third employee cars, one third passenger related (park & ride and kiss & ride) and one third airport operational vehicles. 1088 / 2003 - Heathrow Jenny Jones

What proportion of the cars used by kiss and fly passengers will be exempt from a congestion charge at Heathrow, due to being blue badge holders, motorbikes, or low emission vehicles?

There is no short-term prospect of a congestion charging scheme at Heathrow. TfL’s first priority is to examine the technical feasibility if extending the present scheme to Kensington and Westminster. If feasible, such an extension could not be introduced before 2006. It is therefore impossible at this stage to foresee the details of any future scheme at Heathrow. 1089 / 2003 - Heathrow Jenny Jones Out of the total number of vehicles using Heathrow every day, what Oral answer proportion will be subject to a congestion charge of the type you have proposed and can you confirm that this excludes the people who pay the existing parking fees? 1090 / 2003 - Heathrow Jenny Jones How much money is a Heathrow congestion charge likely to raise once the associated administrative and enforcement costs have been taken into account?

18 June 2003 5 1091 / 2003 - Olympics 2012 and the environment Noel Lynch Can you confirm that none of London's Green Belt or Metropolitan Open Land will be used for development in relation to a successful bid to host the Olympics in 2012? If not, when will you be in a position to list the open space sites (including Green Belt and MOL) which are under consideration for such development?

The concerns you raise will be at the forefront of my mind in the Olympic bid process but as we have only just appointed a Chair I think it is far too early for all this doom and gloom. 1092 / 2003 - Improvement of completion of police road traffic accident record books Andrew Pelling Police road traffic accident records are important in helping local authorities plan for road safety improvements. What can be done to further improve completion of the accident record books and furthering attention to the exact location of incidents? The Metropolitan Police Authority have informed me that all police officers receive training in the completion of accident report books, many of which will form part of legal proceedings and therefore have to meet exacting standard. Regular liaison also takes place between Traffic Management Units of the Metropolitan Police Service and Local Authorities to discuss trends of serious accidents occurring in particular areas. In the case of the most serious of traffic accidents (involving fatalities) MPS Traffic Management Units commence engagement with local authorities within 24 hours of the accident occurring.

Many thousands of report books are completed each month and without precise knowledge of any specific instances the Member refers to, it is impossible to make any further comment. However the Commander of the Traffic Operational Command Unit would be happy to hear of any specific cause for concern and investigate further. 1093 / 2003 - Olympics and Car free developments Darren Johnson At the Sydney Olympics, in spite of new public transport infrastructure, Oral answer access for visitors still required parking for 10,000 cars. What steps will you be taking to ensure all new development proposals in relation to a London Olympics would be car-free? 1094 / 2003 - Green Credentials Darren Johnson Do you think you will be able to persuade green-minded Londoners to support you, given your enthusiasm for road building and airport expansion?

I do not accept the premise on which the question is based. 1095 / 2003 - Mandatory fitting of fire sprinkler systems in supermarkets Noel Lynch Following the huge fire at Waitrose in Finchley this week, would the Mayor lobby the Government to make sprinkler systems mandatory in all new supermarket developments?

LFEPA has for a number of years now been lobbying the Government to amend the Building Regulations to promote sprinklers in public and commercial buildings. It will, 18 June 2003 6 with my full support, continue to pursue this matter in its contribution to the review of the Building Regulations which is currently being undertaken by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and due for completion next year.

I also fully support the LFEPA policy on urging the installation of sprinklers especially in single storey buildings with storage facilities.

I will ask officers from my planning department to contact LFEPA to explore the possibility of joint action in this area. 1096 / 2003 - Trafalgar Square Pigeons Noel Lynch Does the Mayor still believe that paying a hawk handler to patrol Trafalgar Square at a rate of £55 per hour, dawn to dusk, is good value for money?

Pigeon infestation was a major problem on the Square and represented a health issue as well as a major deterrent to visitors. A significant reduction of the population on Trafalgar Square has been achieved through a package of methods including a controlled feeding program, public education, proactive action by the Heritage Wardens and the use of a hawk to act as a deterrent. This has allowed us to reduce numbers in the most humane manner possible.

These measures have been extremely successful resulting in the lunchtime pigeon population resident on the Square falling to their lowest recorded levels from an average of 2000 to less than 300, since the introduction of the Hawk in December 2002, in conjunction with other associated measures.

The effectiveness of all the pigeon reduction initiatives on the Square are constantly reviewed in order to determine effectiveness. The reduction in pigeon numbers demonstrates that the current use of a hawk in combination with other initiatives is having a significant impact and enabling Londoners and tourists to enjoy the Square in a manner that was not previously possible because of the numbers of pigeons congregating on the Square.

The GLA has been committed to working in close cooperation with the Save the Trafalgar Square Pigeon Alliance with a number of the pigeon reduction initiatives being undertaken in consultation and partnership with the alliance.

As a short-term measure our management agents of the Square originally provided the hawk service. The Authority subsequently carried out a procurement exercise for the service and the cost per hour has been reduced by over 20% to approximately £42 per hour. This is good value for money when compared to the significant damage caused by pigeons to the fabric of the Square and the increased costs associated with cleaning in order to maintain an hygienic environment on the Square. 1097 / 2003 - Justice for Christy McGrath Campaign Noel Lynch Would the Mayor join with Gareth Pierce, Gerry Conlon, Jeremy Corbyn MP and Peter Bottomley MP to call for the re-trial of Christy McGrath, a young Irishman convicted of murder on dubious evidence?

Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I am unable to comment at this stage. However please contact my office so that I or my policy directors can discuss the matter in more detail. 1098 / 2003 - Olympics Noel Lynch How do you propose to ensure that the transport needs will be met, of up to 18 June 2003 7 150,000 spectators and 30,000 athletes and support staff, whilst maximising the future social benefit of any transport infrastructure created and minimising pollution and other harmful environmental impacts?

The concerns you raise will be at the forefront of my mind in the Olympic bid process but as we have only just appointed a Chair I think it is far too early for all this doom and gloom.

1099 / 2003 - Olympics Noel Lynch What affect do you think each of the following factors will have on trying to minimise the harmful impacts of the transport of so many people: the expected large increase in transport demand in the area by 2012; delays to Crossrail which mean it will not be completed in time for the Olympics; the threat by the SRA to cancel the East London Line Extension in the continuing legal appeals continue?

The concerns you raise will be at the forefront of my mind in the Olympic bid process but as we have only just appointed a Chair I think it is far too early for all this doom and gloom.

1100 / 2003 - Olympics Noel Lynch Will you further commit to ensure that the bid will result in no loss of green space and no net loss of open land?

The concerns you raise will be at the forefront of my mind in the Olympic bid process but as we have only just appointed a Chair I think it is far too early for all this doom and gloom. 1101 / 2003 - Olympics Noel Lynch Will you guarantee that designs for new facilities for the Olympics, including the Olympic village, will only be finalised once their permanent use has been decided? How else will you make sure that London will not be saddled with new developments that do not meet Londoners long-term needs?

The concerns you raise will be at the forefront of my mind in the Olympic bid process but as we have only just appointed a Chair I think it is far too early for all this doom and gloom. 1102 / 2003 - Olympics Noel Lynch What will be the financial implications for Londoners of the £17 million, plus any overspend, to be spent on the Olympic bid and what benefits will they see of that money if the bid is unsuccessful?

The concerns you raise will be at the forefront of my mind in the Olympic bid process but as we have only just appointed a Chair I think it is far too early for all this doom and gloom.

1103 / 2003 - Olympics Noel Lynch What will you do to minimise the harm that diverting funding from good causes, including sports, to the Olympics will do to Londoners, particularly considering Camelot’s current failure to maintain income from the lottery?

18 June 2003 8 The concerns you raise will be at the forefront of my mind in the Olympic bid process but as we have only just appointed a Chair I think it is far too early for all this doom and gloom. 1104 / 2003 - Olympics Noel Lynch Are you confident that the request for Expressions of Interest issued by the LDA for the Lower Lea Valley Regeneration and Olympic Games Masterplan is in line with your vision of a sustainable Olympics? Does it concern you that there is no requirement at this stage for any transport plan to minimise car use?

The concerns you raise will be at the forefront of my mind in the Olympic bid process but as we have only just appointed a Chair I think it is far too early for all this doom and gloom. 1105 / 2003 - Olympics Noel Lynch What kind of sustainability and environmental impact appraisals will there be of: 1) the Olympic bid of the January 2004 submission to the IOC in response to their bidding questionnaire and 2) the final bid submission in November 2004?

The concerns you raise will be at the forefront of my mind in the Olympic bid process but as we have only just appointed a Chair I think it is far too early for all this doom and gloom. 1106 / 2003 - Communities Plan Noel Lynch In its report (April 03) on the Government's Sustainable Communities Plan, the Select Committee for Housing, Planning, Local Government and the Regions recommends the Government to commission an independent comprehensive review of the environmental impact of the proposed housing development in the four Growth Areas (including Thames Gateway) which focuses on the impact on Sites of Special Scientific Interest and brownfield sites which have been colonised by wildlife and established semi-natural habitats. Are you willing to write to the Deputy Prime Minister backing this recommendation?

The draft London Plan provides the development framework for housing and other development in the London parts of the ODPM’s growth areas. The policy context for any development over and above draft London Plan (DLP) levels will have to comply with the policy directions set out in the DLP which includes Policy 3D.12. My Plan provides a robust framework for protecting London’s environment at the same time as maximising housing provision including affordable housing at sustainable locations. I therefore see no need at the present time to seek the Deputy Prime Minister’s backing to protect the environment in London. I cannot speak for those areas beyond London.

1107 / 2003 - Fluoridation Noel Lynch Given your existing commitment to use your office to oppose attempts by the Government to introduce fluoride to London's drinking water, what steps have your taken or will you take to deter the Government from suggested proposals to amend the Water Bill, which could mean that water companies would have a duty to fluoridate in certain situations?

As you are aware, I have in the past stated my personal views about the fluoridation of water and my opposition to it. To date I have not taken any steps to deter the

18 June 2003 9 Government from amending the Water Bill, and have no immediate plans to do so. If, however, I am advised that the proposed amendments raise significant issues of particular concern to Londoners, I will raise them with Government as appropriate. 1108 / 2003 - London's population Darren Johnson Why are you not able to prepare a computer model hypothesis on what London's population would be in 2016 if the current baseline population were projected using expected birth and death rates but omitting any population movements in or out of London?

In response to your last question on this matter, it was noted that:

‘A computer model of this hypothesis has not been prepared and it is not possible at short notice to project the precise population requested.’

The GLA model has not been designed to simulate hypothetical scenarios of zero migration into and out of London. However, given the necessary notice it has been possible to develop a suite of new input files to project the population as requested.

The results are much as outlined in the answer to the earlier question: births would decline from 104 thousand (2000-01) to 79 thousand, deaths would rise from 59 thousand to 67 thousand and the population would rise from 7.19 million at mid-2001 to 7.61 million at mid-2016. This compares to the migration–based projection used in the London Plan EiP of 7.90 million. 1109 / 2003 - Community Safety Action Zones Nicky Gavron How many CSAZs are there in each London borough? I have been informed by the MPA/MPS that the concept of a Community Safety Action Zone (CSAZ) is still in its early development stages. CSAZs are a Bexley initiative they are particular to that borough, however other London boroughs may have similar schemes operating under other names. Currently there are four zones within the London Borough of Bexley testing this model. Two zones have already been implemented they are Slade Green and Bexley Heath.

This is a CDRP activity, rather than an MPS-led activity, funded or supported through CDRP resources. 1110 / 2003 - Gang Violence Diana Johnson Will the Mayor’s Children and Young People’s Strategy ensure there is a coordinated London Wide strategy on gang violence?

Youth offending and victimization, including gang-related criminal activity, is a serious issue for the capital. A great deal of work is currently underway to prevent youth offending, particularly through GOL and their work with the London boroughs, the ALG and the MPS.

The MPS is reviewing its existing youth policy to ensure all boroughs can respond effectively to youth offending. It is working on a number of fronts to deal with criminally active gangs of young people although current research suggests that gang culture is not as prevalent here as in the US.

My draft Children and Young People’s Strategy, which is currently out to consultation, fully supports the various initiatives taking place at pan-London level. The consultation exercise includes a number of events on key policy areas, including one on creating 18 June 2003 10 safer and fairer communities. All London organisations with an interest in community safety have been invited to participate.

The event will be a forum to identify any gaps in the strategic thinking around youth offending and community safety, to develop detailed proposals for implementation with lead partners and internal teams, such as the GLA community safety team, and to build capacity across the GLA group. The consultation team will raise the issue of gang violence at this event.

My new Children and Young People’s Unit will be the key vehicle for taking forward the development of the draft strategy. A major focus of the Unit will be to coordinate action across the various policy arenas the strategy covers, including youth offending and victimization.

My Policy Director on Policing & Equalities, Lee Jasper also sits on a number of high- level strategic policy groups, including the Home Office’s London Youth Crime TaskForce and chairs the Crime & Disorder Plus group, where coordinated action on crime is discussed, developed and actioned.

1111 / 2003 - Cop Shops Nicky Gavron What assistance has the MPS had from the Home Office in finding resources to open police offices, shops or flats to augment police stations?

I have been informed by colleagues from the MPA that there are no specific bids to the Home Office in the capital programme for this particular activity.

It is possible that funds may have been sought by individual Borough Operational Command Units, e.g. particularly through Crime Disorder Reduction Partnership work, but the MPA are unable to provide this information.

1112 / 2003 - Local Police Presence Diana Johnson How many (non police station) premises such as police offices, shops or flats from which police or support officers base their activities, are there in each borough and how many have been funded by: a) Home Office grants b) MPA funds c) Local authorities d) Housing Associations?

I have been provided with a borough-by-borough list from the MPA that details the number of premises used for police and support activity, including headquarters offices, depots, flats and shops. These have all been provided through the MPA / MPS budget provided by the Home Office.

Although no specific funds have been sought for the purpose of providing police offices as such, local borough commanders may enter into arrangements with local authorities or private sponsors (such as housing associations) to provide additional premises in support of local activity, however no records are kept centrally to the number of these type of premises which are used as police offices.

The premises listed below 18 June 2003 11

Borough Number of Borough Number of premises premises

Barking and Dagenham 1 Hounslow 2

Barnet 6 Islington 2

Bexley 1 Kensington and Chelsea 3

Brent 4 Kingston- Upon-Thames 3

Bromley 6 Lambeth 14

Camden 6 Lewisham 5

Croydon 5 Merton 3

Ealing 2 Newham 2

Enfield 1 Redbridge 4

Greenwich 5 Richmond-Upon-Thames 2

Hackney 2 Southwark 9

Hammersmith and Fulham - Sutton 3

Haringey 5 Tower Hamlets 8

Harrow 2 Waltham Forest 2

Havering 3 Wandsworth 8

Hillingdon 2 Westminster 17

1113 / 2003 - Mayoral Pledge on Tube Policing Toby Harris In light of the transfer of London Underground to TfL when can Londoners expect to see the promised additional British Transport police on the Tube?

TfL is already working with LUL and the British Transport police to increase levels of visible policing on the Underground and to improve coordination with the Metropolitan Police Service.

As measure of my commitment, I have already set aside £2m in this year’s policing budget to provide for an extra 100 BTP officers to operate on the Underground. They will provide effective visible policing and will help to address a range of security issues.

TfL will be working with LUL and BTP to identify priority locations and times of day to which these additional resources can be targeted.

1114 / 2003 - Policing Tramlink Samantha Heath How many assaults occur annually on Croydon tramlink ? Is the Mayor satisfied with the level of policing currently being funded by the Concessionaire?

Transport for London have advised me that there were approximately 50 assaults on the Croydon Tramlink during 2002/3, according to the British Transport Police records. On average there are three assaults per month with a significant rise in assaults during 18 June 2003 12 the Christmas period.

I believe the level of policing currently being funded by the Concessionaire is adequate to deal with the levels of assaults. The BTP use an intelligence led policing style that I fully support and which will be helped by the introduction of CCTV on the Tramlink. Cameras are currently being installed in each tram and the rollout is programmed for completion by December 2003.

1115 / 2003 - Royal Parks Policing Toby Harris What discussions has the Mayor had over the future of the Royal Parks Police?

So far I have not had any discussions over the future of the Royal Parks Police although I would expect to be consulted by the MPA and MPS on any draft proposals.

1116 / 2003 - Murder Squads Valerie Shawcross How many officers were assigned to murder squads in May 2000 and how many are now assigned to investigating murders?

I have been informed by the MPA/MPS that in May 2000, the total number of Metropolitan Police Service officers deployed on the investigating murders was 990. This includes all ranks.

Currently the MPS has 3 murder commands: South with 290 officers, West with 311, and East with 286. In addition, Operation Trident, which deals with armed criminality in the Black community, has 128 officers deployed on murder investigations. Thus the total of officers currently engaged in the investigation of murder is 1,015.

1117 / 2003 - Special Constables Jennette Arnold What progress TfL has made on my suggestion that Special Constables travelling in uniform should receive free travel?

Since 20 June 2001, Metropolitan Police Service Special Constables have been allowed to travel free on London buses on production of their warrant card when on duty and in uniform.

1118 / 2003 - PCSOs John Biggs How many PCSOs will be deployed in each London borough in each of the next 12 months?

The numbers of PCSOs are detailed in the table below. I am advised by the MPS that 2003/04 PCSOs have yet to be recruited. Once they are recruited they will be allocated to boroughs on the basis of their borough of residence (as far as possible). Due to this it is not possible at this time to say in which month and borough and in what numbers PCSOs will be allocated.

Boroughs 2002/03 2003/04 Barking and Dagenham 0 15 Barnet 8 30 Bexley 0 20 Brent 10 25 18 June 20Bro03m ley 0 1328 Bromley 0 28 Camden 30 30 Croydon 10 31 Ealing 8 29 Enfield 9 26 Greenwich 10 20 Hackney 11 19 Hammersmith and Fulham 8 15 Haringey 11 20 Harrow 0 19 Havering 0 21 Hillingdon 0 33 Hounslow 0 30 Islington 10 16 Kensington and Chelsea 30 30 Kingston-Upon-Thames 0 13 Lambeth 21 30 Lewisham 10 23 Merton 0 17 Newham 40 43 Redbridge 0 22 Richmond-Upon-Thames 0 16 Southwark 14 23 Sutton 0 17 Tower Hamlets 20 38 Waltham Forest 0 20 Wandsworth 0 25 Westminster 200 217 Heathrow 40 40 Total 500 1001*

* This is a cumulative total including the 2002/03 allocation 1119 / 2003 - Police Havering Diana Johnson What representation has the Mayor made to the MPS about the level of policing in Romford Town Centre on Friday nights?

Last financial year I expressed my concern to the MPA that boroughs should not lose out on the extra police that they had been promised and that allocation of officers to boroughs should be a priority.

I have also urged MPA Members to make sure that the implementation of the new formula is such that no area misses out on their share of additional police.

I have been informed that Havering is to see a net increase of 15 police officers and 21 police community safety officers by the end of March 2004.

I have not made any specific representation to the MPS about the level of policing in Romford Town Centre. 1120 / 2003 - Opposition to Parks policing Diana Johnson Is the Mayor aware that Conservative and Lib Dem councillors in Bromley have constantly opposed consulting residents on converting the boroughs parks patrol into a full Parks Constabulary, as proposed by Labour?

I was not aware of this and clearly it is a local matter. However, it is my view that local government should make every effort to inform residents and consult on proposals that impact on local policing arrangements.

I welcome the Home Secretary’s recent announcement proposing greater

18 June 2003 14 accountability and opportunities for local residents to become involved in decisions about the way they are policed and to participate locally to tackle crime and disorder.

1121 / 2003 - Policing in Eltham Len Duvall What assurances can be given to residents in Eltham that promised additional policing will be deployed to the area?

Last year I provided funds for 1,000 police officers in London. The last tranche of these will be on the streets by the end of July this year. For 2003/04 I have provided funding for another 1,000 officers and 60% of these will be deployed direct to the boroughs. Of which I have been informed by the MPA/MPA that Greenwich are to see an increase in their budgeted workforce target from 576 to 580 police officers by the end of March 2004. The Metropolitan Police Authority have informed me that proposed changes to policing deployment in the Eltham area have had to be postponed due to the continuing need for the Borough - as for all other Borough Command Units in London - to supply officers to meet the heightened state of security necessary for the Capital. To alleviate the problems faced in Eltham, the Borough Commander has reviewed abstractions from the borough and introduced a new system, which should lead to less Sector officers being abstracted from Eltham.

It is anticipated that the Borough Operational Command Unit will receive a further 10 Police Community Support Officers during this financial year as part of the 500 jointly funded by myself and the Home Office. It is the intention of the Borough Commander that Eltham will benefit from these extra resources.

1122 / 2003 - Neighbourhood Warders in Croydon Nicky Gavron Is the Mayor aware that the claims made Andrew Pelling that Croydon Council’s neighbourhood wardens are poorly trained and had to be withdrawn were factually incorrect and that his comments have been condemned by Croydon Council?

I was not aware of this but as you know I am keen to encourage these schemes, and GLA officers are developing the use of wardens schemes and warden training across London in partnership with the London Warden Practitioners Forum. 1123 / 2003 - Police on Streets Nicky Gavron What percentage of the new police assigned to boroughs in the last year are now actually out on the streets? What are the restrictions stopping this figure from being higher?

Last year I provided funds for 1,000 police officers in London, the last tranche of which will be on the streets on 11 August this year. For 2003/04 I have provided funding for another 1,000 officers and 60% of these will be deployed direct to the boroughs

All the 2,385 probationers posted to boroughs in 2002/3 are assigned to street duty. The actual timing of this is dependant on the nature of the local Borough's Street Duties course. Nevertheless, it is expected that the greater part of that 10-week course will be spent on closely supervised street duties (either patrol or community type work). It is safe to say therefore that, all the new officers posted are on the streets.

18 June 2003 15 In addition to these officers, through my Transport budget, I have funded the recruitment of over 430 police officers for the Transport Operational Command Unit, which specifically on key bus routes across London. Since its establishment in June 2002 the unit has made more than 982 arrests for a variety of offences including robbery and procession of firearms.

1124 / 2003 - Street Wardens Valerie Shawcross Local residents and shopkeepers will be delighted that David Blunkett has announced that new street wardens will soon be working in Camberwell. Would you support plans to extend this initiative to Rotherhithe, where greater prime prevention is also urgently needed?

I am aware that on 5th June, Chief Superintendent Ian Thomas, the Borough Commander of Southwark, met with Valerie Shawcross, Simon Hughes MP, Cllr Richard Porter (lead in Southwark Council on Community Safety) and a number of community representatives to discuss issues relating to the Rotherhithe area.

I understand that at the meeting one of the topics raised was "street wardens", and that Cllr Porter suggested that consideration would be given in Southwark’s 2004/5 budget to implementing a street warden scheme in Rotherhithe.

There are now 2 Police Community Support Officers patrolling the Rotherhithe.

I fully support the extended police family and see street wardens as a valuable tool to aid the fight against crime and enhance the quality of life for local communities. I support Southwark’s plans to consider extending their existing initiative to Rotherhithe.

I have underlined my commitment to developing the use of wardens schemes across London by allocating GLA officers to work with the London Warden Practitioners Forum, to drive forward the use of wardens schemes across London. 1125 / 2003 - Neighbourhood Crime Data Valerie Shawcross Where a community focal point is split between two police divisions, such as Herne Hill, is crime data analysed coherently to get an accurate picture of crime in the neighbourhood? I have been advised by the MPS on the five methods they use to ensure that an accurate cross border picture of crime is available for areas such as the Herne Hill neighbourhood.

1. Borough analysts check Crime Reporting Information System reports in surrounding boroughs whenever they research or investigate crime types 2. Borough Intelligence units have monthly meetings held in four locations across London where they have the opportunity to discuss emerging trends with colleagues from other boroughs 3. Centrally the MPS Crime Command Intelligence Unit produces a monthly tactical assessment that looks at crime across borough commands in terms of Safer Streets offences also identifying hotspot areas in particular boroughs and across boroughs 4. Where analysis and intelligence suggest that concerted action between boroughs and the central Crime Command would be beneficial resources can be deployed in cross border operations – I understand from the MPS that a number of such operations are currently in progress and are proving successful 5. When resources for Safer Streets are allocated by the MPS Tasking and Coordination the details are published to all Borough Operational Command Units to ensure 18 June 2003 16 awareness of resources that will be deployed to their own or adjoining boroughs that might affect crime trends. 1126 / 2003 - Policing at Crystal Palace Valerie Shawcross What measures are being taken by the MPS to ensure a co-ordinated approach to policing in the area around Crystal Palace where five police divisions meet?

I have been informed by the MPS that a wide range of options to cover the policing of this particular community have been discussed as a result of some concerns raised by residents earlier this year to senior officers at Lambeth. Commander Broadhurst (who has responsibility for a large part of South East London) has already held a number of meetings with senior officers from the five Borough Operational Command Units, as well as Beat Sergeants and Sector Inspectors.

I understand that the options considered include providing a mini "Town Centre" patrol team comprising of officers from each of the Borough Operational Command Units, to improved liaison between Ward officers, sharing intelligence and perhaps backed by a dedicated team of PCSOs. Longer-term options have also been discussed.

Commander Broadhurst has now tasked the MPS Internal Consultancy Group to work in conjunction with senior officers from the five Borough Operational Command Units to look at the particular problems facing this location and propose the option or options best suited to serve the community.

1127 / 2003 - Volunteer Schemes Valerie Shawcross What innovative schemes are in place to train and enable volunteers to assist police?

There are three main schemes used by the MPS for this purpose: the Special Constabulary, police cadets and the Volunteers in Policing Programme (VIPP) each of these are described briefly below. The VIPP (established in 2001) is coordinated by the MPS Volunteers Unit. The majority of current volunteers provide front counter service within their local police stations, which had previously been closed. Other volunteers assist with data entry, administrative support, street duties, training courses and community liaison.

The Special Constabulary carry out a wide range of duties as a visible uniformed presence of volunteers. The MPS advise that although they work hard to recruit and retain Specials it is unlikely that the demand for them will be met.

The Metropolitan Police Volunteer Cadet Corps recruits young people in order to train them to become good citizens with partnership through the local community and also to assist the special constabulary at minor events.

1128 / 2003 - Transport Policing Initiative Valerie Shawcross How flexible is the enforcement of the Operational Command Unit? Can officers be moved around if a trouble spot occurs on a bus corridor that does not have the benefit of police presence?

The deployment of Transport Operational Command Unit (TOCU) officers is based on 18 June 2003 17 accurate and timely intelligence information, from a variety of sources. TOCU units work to best achieve the three objectives:

• Reducing crime, fear of crime and disorder on and around the key bus services • Ensuring the efficient movement of buses • Enforcing the law relating to taxi and private hire legislation.

The primary focus of the TOCU is on 20 key bus corridors across London. These corridors were chosen due to; the high number of bus routes operating on them (the selected routes account for 15% of all bus journeys made by passengers on London bus services) and the higher levels of crime, disorder and traffic problems experienced.

The TOCU continue to support TfL in responding to major issues affecting bus services, away from the key corridors. A good example of this is the Middle Park estate situation, which was resolved by TOCU officers in partnership with local police units and the bus operator.

In my 2003/4 budget I have provided additional funds, for ‘TOCU Phase 2’, which should, subject to final MPS approval, see the police numbers almost double throughout 2003/4. Over one hundred of these will work in teams that are deployed on an area-basis to respond to issues that occur away from the key corridors and provide a visible police presence. The deployments will continue to be intelligence led.

1129 / 2003 - Trams Valerie Shawcross What commitment will the Mayor give to expand London’s tram network to Streatham and Crystal Palace?

I undertook in my Transport Strategy to explore the potential for extending Tramlink. Three of the initial options for extension warrant being taken forward to the next stage. These include those to Streatham from Purley and Crystal Palace from Croydon and Beckenham.

The next stage of analysis will involve developing the feasibility of these alignments to a further level of detail. One of the most important aspects in this respect will be to fully understand the impact of the on-street sections running of the tram on other traffic.

When this work is completed, a more robust business case can be prepared. TfL will then be in a position to recommend to me which of the options are practical and should be implemented.

1130 / 2003 - Public Spending Plans and Transport John Biggs How would the Mayor achieve a 20% cut in the TfL budget if the Conservatives ever imposed their plans to reduce public spending by 20%?

If TfL’s grant were to be cut by 20% then the impacts on London would be considerable. Funding would have to be allocated to areas of highest priority, generally maintaining existing services, so that transport extensions and improvements might have to be deferred or abandoned. Achieving a key part of the draft London Plan (transport expansion) would be at risk.

Instead of cuts in TfL’s budget, I want to see London receive greater funds from central government for transport improvements and expansion, and will be bidding 18 June 2003 18 later this year for this as part of Spending Review 2004.

1131 / 2003 - Employment at the GLA Len Duvall Would the Mayor support an initiative to recruit more deaf people to the GLA?

As you know, I am firmly committed to ensuring that the GLA’s workforce is representative of all Londoners.

The GLA’s target is to have 10% of our workforce made up of disabled people. Although separate statistics are not collected for deaf people, the current figures show that disabled staff comprise only 5% of the workforce.

I want to see our targets reached as quickly as possible, and would therefore welcome initiatives to recruit more disabled staff, including deaf people, to the GLA.

The equalities policy team are developing a disability recruitment scheme to further boost applications from this important group of Londoners.

1132 / 2003 - Crystal Palace NSC Diana Johnson What plans does the Mayor and the LDA have to assist Sport England and Bromley Council upgrade the National Sports Centre at Crystal Palace as part of London’s Olympic bid?

I have called for Crystal Palace Stadium to be preserved and refurbished to the standard of a national stadium. The Director of the Government Office for London has convened a group of public sector stakeholders to look at the National Sports Centre and its future at Crystal Palace. To assist this work, the LDA agreed to fund a feasibility study, which is looking at all the potential options for the site on an exploratory basis. The GOL-led group is due to meet shortly to consider the results of the work and following that it will be up to the interested parties to see what is possible. This work is brought into sharp focus following the decision to bid for the 2012 Olympic Games. I am awaiting an outcome of the work.

1133 / 2003 - Dorset Road School, SE9 Diana Johnson In light of your answer to question 1026/2003, what enquiries have you made into the threatened closure of Dorset Road School, Mottingham and what representations have you made to the LEA?

As I explained in my answer to your question last month the GLA is involved in discussions on provision of schools at the strategic level. Ongoing work, looking at overall pupil projections and provision across London and at the sub regional level, is in line with the scope of the GLAs responsibilities for education at the present time.

Local Education Authorities are responsible for producing school management plans for their boroughs. These deal with the details of provision in their area and it is the Boroughs who are best placed to look at issues surrounding individual schools.

18 June 2003 19 1134 / 2003 - The Salisbury, Green Lanes, Haringey Nicky Gavron Will the Mayor join me in welcoming the restoration of the Salisbury public house in Green Lanes, N4 ? What plans does the Mayor have to support the efforts of heritage organisations and consumer groups to protect and restore other historically or architecturally important London pubs?

In my draft Culture Strategy which is out for public consultation, and in my Draft London Plan, I identify the importance of the built heritage for London. In particular the re-use of historical buildings for cultural purposes is a way of facilitating new life and vitality into run down areas. My Draft London Plan encourages the re-use of under-used buildings particularly where they contribute to regeneration and also recognises the importance of heritage in contributing to an area’s local distinctiveness.

I propose, in the draft strategy, to work with the LDA to develop regeneration strategies for long standing ‘difficult’ buildings and to develop a priority list of projects and guidance on the development of sustainable cultural uses.

1135 / 2003 - 734 Bus Withdrawn 1136 / 2003 - N52 and 52 buses Re-routing Toby Harris Will TfL consider consulting residents local to Staverton Road on the re- routing of bus number 52 and N52?

TfL has no plans to re-route buses on routes 52/N52 away from Staverton Road. Removing these, or other local services, from Staverton Road would disadvantage many passengers who travel to and from Willesden High Road each day and would substantially increase operational costs.

TfL is in discussion with LB Brent to explore local traffic management solutions that could help reduce the impact of buses in Staverton Road, whilst maintaining the vital local and more strategic bus links for the area. 1137 / 2003 - Routemasters John Biggs What progress have you or TfL made in the design of a successor to the Routemaster? Can you give hope to the many Londoners who regret the passing of ‘classic’ routemasters and which of their attributes would you like to make greater progress towards retaining in their successors?

The Routemaster has served London exceedingly well for over 40 years. However, I believe that Londoners recognise the benefits which modern fully accessible vehicles can bring to London.

The Routemasters greatest attribute is the speed of boarding and TfL have a number of initiatives to ensure that the modern wheelchair accessible buses which will replace Routemasters offer the same or better benefits. The two most significant initiatives include the open boarding arrangements on the four bendy bus routes already introduced and the "Pay before you Board" proposals for all the 300 bus stops in the West End from 23, August 2003.

I believe that these proposals along with the promotion of other fares initiatives to reduce the number of passengers paying cash on the buses will lead to a network which offers enhanced benefits compared with the remaining Routemaster routes.

18 June 2003 20 1138 / 2003 - Entertainment licensing John Biggs Do you believe that the laws on licensing of premises for entertainment are sufficiently sensitive to the extra policing and infrastructure demands that large venues place on particular areas of London? Should the licensing of such larger venues be subject to restrictions on number and location, recognising their sub regional roles, as compared to smaller ones serving a purely local role?

No, the Government’s licensing reform proposals will not allow local authorities or the police to recover the costs of inspection and enforcement adequately, let alone extra policing, cleansing or other infrastructure costs. Venue size cannot be the only issue. The combined effects of many small and medium-sized bars could be greater than one or two large entertainment venues. Licensing fees and any other charges should be related to what generates the real problems – and this tends to mean alcohol sales rather than entertainment provision. My proposals to address alcohol-related harm are currently out for consultation and reducing alcohol related crime, disorder, violence and nuisance in the public realm is identified as a top priority. 1139 / 2003 - Affordable housing targets John Biggs Do your targets for affordable housing numbers pay sufficient regard to the specific needs of particular areas and communities for fewer but larger dwellings, particularly where, as in Tower Hamlets, such properties are needed to address long-term over-crowding problems? And is there more that can be done to influence the Housing Corporation in prioritising its resources to meet these needs?

Policy 3A.4 in the draft London Plan on housing choice states that “ in reviewing their Unitary Development Plans boroughs should include policies to ensure that new developments offer a range of housing choices in terms of the mix of housing sizes and types, taking into account the requirements of different groups….”

The draft London Plan seeks to address the London-wide shortage of housing at prices that people can afford to buy or rent in order to alleviate problems of over crowding. In applying the housing targets in the draft London Plan, boroughs should take account of local housing needs assessments and promote inclusive communities. Boroughs should seek the provision of a range of housing types and sizes, including special needs housing.

It is my intention to include in Supplementary Planning Guidance, to be published following the adoption of the London Plan, more detailed guidance on appropriate housing mix for new development. This will be based on a new analysis of housing requirements being commissioned which will include use of the newly available data from the 2001 census and the London household survey. It is also proposed that guidance on appropriate housing mix at sub-regional level will also be included in sub- regional development frameworks.

In our contribution to the 2003 London Housing Strategy being prepared by the London Housing Board, my officers have drawn attention to the need to ensure that the mix of new provision is appropriate to the requirements of households in housing need, especially in relation to the unmet need for larger sized accommodation. In considering future provision, it is essential that we focus on the appropriateness of provision rather than solely on maximum unit output.

18 June 2003 21 This has also been a significant matter in my consideration of planning applications for strategic sites referred to me. Applicants and local authorities have in some cases been requested to justify the proposed housing mix in relation to information on housing needs, and in calculating affordable housing proportions, I have been prepared to consider output in terms of bedspaces rather than just units so as to avoid overprovision of smaller homes and underprovision of larger homes..

The 2003 London Housing Strategy will serve as the basis for Housing Corporation investment decisions for 2003/4 and my representatives on the London Housing Board will scrutinise the proposed investment allocations to ensure that proposed provision reflects the full range of housing needs, including the need for larger family accommodation. 1140 / 2003 - Tall Buildings Viewing Opportunities John Biggs Given the enduring popularity of high-level views in other world cities, should provision be made in any of London's tall buildings for viewing opportunities for the public, both Londoners and tourists? Does London suffer from the lack of an equivalent to the Eiffel Tower or Empire State Building and does not the enduring popularity of the London Eye, where customers pay a small fortune for a ten minute view, demonstrate great unmet demand? While it is understood that a number of tall buildings have received permission for high level restaurants, these uses tend to be exclusive, and so do not meet a wider need, and anyway are quite often deleted before the building is constructed.

I am pleased to say that I have always supported public access and viewing galleries to tall structures to enable Londoners and tourists to enjoy the skyline and outstanding views of the city. Obviously, there are already existing landmark buildings which allow for public access at high levels including the Dome of St Paul’s Cathedral, the Monument and London Eye. New large developments will be expected to make a contribution to public viewing areas on upper floors as set out in Policy 4B.8 in my draft London Plan on tall buildings. I have already been successful in negotiating and securing public facilities in recent tall building schemes including the Heron Tower in the City and most notably the proposed tallest building in Europe at London Bridge In these buildings the developers are required by planning conditions and legal agreements to include high level public viewing areas as separate facilities, in addition to restaurants and bars in the sky. Renzo Piano has designed a city in the sky within his London Bridge Tower at 1,000 feet high. The public will have access to magnificent views across London better than the London Eye and matching the marvel of views form the Eiffel Tower. As for the London Eye I believe the Eiffel Tower charges for public access although one may get more for your euros. However, I am encouraging developers to enable full and free public access in new tall buildings to ensure inclusive access. Where a planning permission requires public viewing areas in a new development I expect and strongly encourage the London Boroughs to enforce such provision under their planning powers.

1141 / 2003 - Congestion Charging John Biggs How much of the £100million fund for ameliorative measures in Boroughs affected by the congestion charge has been spent? How much is approved but not yet implemented? Do you intend, given the apparent success of the scheme with more limited side-effects than envisaged, to claw back any residual amount and if so how much?

Firstly, TfL allocated some £100m for all traffic management measures associated with the scheme, i.e. for the essential works such as signing, the establishment of real time traffic management system and associated works on local networks as well as CTMs. 18 June 2003 22 Up to £50m was provisionally set aside for borough schemes. Boroughs were invited to bid for this money in February 2001 and were advised that monies would be approved on a staged basis, subject to the schemes according with my Transport Strategy and being needed in light of the congestion charging scheme. Initially funding is approved for preliminary design and consultation. If the scheme is progressed beyond the consultation stage, the Borough can then apply for further funding for detailed design and implementation. All stages are approved separately with the proviso that further funding would not be guaranteed, especially if the scheme were deemed not needed in light of congestion charging.

Over the financial years 2001/02 and 2002/03, approximately £15.2million was applied for and spent by the Boroughs for the design, consultation and implementation of CTMs in association with congestion charging. For 2003/04, a total of £9.3million has been confirmed to date. A remaining £5.2million will be available for funding further schemes aimed at mitigating against any potential adverse impacts of congestion charging, such as inappropriate parking and ‘rat-running’ in residential streets in the immediate vicinity of the congestion charging zone boundary.

Prior to the start of congestion charging, the potential impacts of congestion charging, and therefore the subsequent funding decisions for borough schemes, were assessed based on modelling forecasts of the scheme’s likely impacts on traffic conditions. Now that congestion charging is operational, it is necessary to take into consideration the actual impacts of congestion charging, which appear to be very limited outside the congestion charging zone.

1142 / 2003 - Victoria and Bakerloo line Extensions John Biggs In your answer to a previous question about potential Victoria and Bakerloo Line extensions you suggested that the PPP prevented any such idea being examined. Could you clarify those comments and, expensive as they might be, do you recognise that with political will and leadership extensions could be developed, particularly where they unlocked great transport and regeneration benefits?

There is no provision for these extensions within the PPP contracts. Any new proposal for an extension would require money from government. With uncertainty already existing around funding for the maintenance and development of the existing network, I do not think it would be realistic to expect money for line extensions from government.

1143 / 2003 - Croxley Underground link John Biggs What progress has been made with the Croxley underground link?

The Croxley underground link represents a major opportunity to develop Watford Junction as a transport interchange for northwest London. As with any development of this nature, it is vital that a major commitment of public money is accompanied by appropriate scrutiny. London Underground have put considerable effort into the scheme and established a business case which is currently being analysed by the TfL business planning team. If approved, the DfT is ready to forward the scheme to the Treasury for ministerial approval of funding.

1144 / 2003 - District Line Extension John Biggs 18 June 2003 23 Do you see any logic in examining an extension of the District Line to Lakeside (and possibly Grays)? Is it worth conducting a high-level examination of such a proposal?

There is no provision for this extension within the PPP contracts. Any new proposal for an extension would require money from Government. With uncertainty already existing around funding for the maintenance and development of the existing network, I do not believe it would be worth a high-level examination of this proposal as there would be very little chance of it being funded. 1145 / 2003 - UDC Thurrock John Biggs Do you welcome the new Urban Development Corporation in Thurrock? How will London ensure that there is no risk that its work will not complement (and instead contradict or undercut) adjacent regeneration schemes in London?

The new Thurrock UDC is primarily a matter for local people and politicians rather than myself. However, Thurrock is also part of the Thames Gateway, and we should be supportive of initiatives that will help bring development forward in all parts of this crucial growth corridor. Overarching this, and other new delivery mechanisms such as the London UDC, will be the Thames Gateway Strategic Partnership, on which the GLA is represented, and this will continue to ensure complementary schemes, rather than conflict or competition.

In the short-term, even before the London UDC is established, there are a number of early opportunities within London Thames Gateway, and we are currently discussing funding for these with the Government, while the LDA works with GLA and Thames Gateway London Partnership officers to bring forward an agreed development and delivery strategy, so a London UDC can get off to a flying start, in partnership with others. 1146 / 2003 - Airport Expansion John Biggs Do you think that in the debate about airport expansion sufficient note has been given to the risk flowing from no expansion?

The Government consultation document on the future development of air transport in the United Kingdom has led to a wide-ranging debate about the relative advantages and disadvantages of expanding airport capacity in the south east of England. Much of the public debate has been focused on where capacity increases could be located, rather than the principle of whether there should be any expansion in the first place. This, I believe, is because it is generally accepted that capacity needs to be expanded. A GLA poll of 2,150 London residents confirmed this, showing that 47% were in favour of airport expansion in the south east whilst only 23% were against.

However, it is essential to continue to make the point that aviation is vital to the London economy and that adequate airport capacity serving a wide range of destinations is critical to the competitive position of London in the global economy. 1147 / 2003 - Congestion Charging John Biggs Would not the effect of parking charge reductions inside the Congestion Charge zone be merely to negate the traffic reductions caused by the charge? If so, what purpose other than redistributing money from the Boroughs to yourself will the charge serve?

The reduction of parking charges inside the congestion charging zone by central London boroughs could have a small impact on the level of traffic reduction achieved 18 June 2003 24 through congestion charging.

However, the net effect is likely to be very limited. Public on-street metered spaces represents only some 10 to 20% of the available parking supply within the charging zone, and so most of the terminating traffic, and none of the through traffic diverting around the zone, would be affected by a change in meter prices.

My Transport Strategy encourages Boroughs to review their parking charges to reflect as far as possible the overall objectives of the Transport Strategy.

1148 / 2003 - Appointment of Chair to LUL John Biggs Why did you decline to accept Tim O'Toole's appointment as Chair of LUL prior to transfer of the tube to TfL?

This issue was addressed fully by recent comments from Bob Kiley, Commissioner of TfL, before the Assembly on 11 June 2003. I refer you to his remarks.

1149 / 2003 - Tube Service Improvements John Biggs Could you describe the immediate improvements in tube services under your leadership, having swept away decades of apparently incompetent management?

TfL’s first priority will be to ensure that the Tube operates a safe, more reliable and clean service.

TfL will also be establishing the Programmes Office in order to properly manage the PPP contracts to ensure the private sector companies deliver on the promises they have made. 1150 / 2003 - Central Line Season Ticket Holders - Compensation John Biggs Under your leadership will outstanding claims for compensation to Central Line season ticket holders be expedited? What is your assessment of the problem and what targets have you set yourself to conclude this matter?

LUL is targeting 31 July to have Refund Form claims and Charter Form claims processed and letters and cheques issued to their customers in the first instance. Some appeals may have to be dealt with after this date though.

There has been a large volume of people registering for refunds. All of these registrations have to be filtered, cross-referenced on the various databases, assessed and validated. Thereafter, cheques have to be raised and letters issued. It takes time to process this information correctly and ensure that customers get the amount that they are entitled to. 1151 / 2003 - Tube Scrutiny John Biggs Under your leadership, will you be acting on any of the recommendations in Oral answer the excellent scrutiny report: 'An Accident Waiting to Happen'? 1152 / 2003 - Olympic bid Diana Johnson What role do you see the new Deputy Mayor playing in progressing your Oral answer Olympic Bid for London?

18 June 2003 25 1153 / 2003 - East London Crossing Diana Johnson What role do you see the new Deputy Mayor playing in progressing your Oral answer proposal for an East London Crossing?

1154 / 2003 - Trafalgar Square Meg Hillier When do you plan to officially re-open Trafalgar Square and how do you plan to mark the event?

It is planned to open the Square on 2 July followed by a programme of events through the summer. The details of the programme are still under discussion and I will inform the Assembly when they are are finalised. 1155 / 2003 - Tourism Meg Hillier Do you agree with the Chair of the London Tourist board that running London’s tourism is mostly about marketing?

The LDA are delivering my three-year Visit London strategy and have contracted with the London Tourist Board and Convention Bureau to be the main delivery partner for the marketing and promotion of the Capital and to become an effective representative of the tourism and hospitality sector. I agree with the interim Chair that marketing our city is very important and we have been working closely together on the Totally London Month. However my Visit London strategy covers a much broader range of issues around the tourism & hospitality sector. Important issues such as quality of accommodation, addressing value for money issues, gaining a skilled workforce and important business tourism issues such as a convention centre are all being delivered by the LDA and partners under my Visit London strategy. 1156 / 2003 - Totally London Meg Hillier What lessons have you learnt from the cheap theatre tickets offer which is part of the Totally London campaign?

The first Theatre Ticket Initiative following September 11th was a direct subsidy encouraging people to visit Central London and go to the theatre. There was some additional promotions involving hotels, restaurant and travel.

The Totally London Theatre Ticket Campaign was much more integrated with the ATOC Travel Campaign and a wide range of other offers. I have agreed with the Board of the London Development Agency and the LTB, that an evaluation of the effectiveness of the ticket campaign within the Totally London campaign will be undertaken. This evaluation is part of the whole campaign and will be considered by the appropriate LDA committee when completed.

1157 / 2003 - St Patricks Day Meg Hillier What stage are you at in preparing for St Patrick’s Day 2004?

The date has been set for the St Patrick’s Day parade and festival next year, and my officers are seeking preliminary agreements with the appropriate authorities regarding Parade route and festival venue. Meetings of the Irish community groups are continuing to ensure appropriate engagement.

Any tender or procurement issues for St Patrick’s Day 2004 are currently under

18 June 2003 26 discussion.

1158 / 2003 - Notting Hill Carnival 2003 Meg Hillier Given the ongoing concerns about the accounts for the stewarding of the 2002 Notting Hill Carnival what safeguards are attached to the Greater London Authority’s funding for stewarding for Carnival 2003?

Our stewarding grant was subject to a signed funding agreement between the Authority and the Notting Hill Carnival Trust and this agreement contained clear funding terms and conditions, therefore providing the appropriate safeguards for public monies. Our funding agreement made it clear that money would be made available for the 2002 stewarding operation up to a maximum limit that reflected the Trust’s own budget forecast.

GLA officers monitored the Trust’s actual expenditure in accordance with our funding agreement, so as to ensure compliance with our grant conditions. Approximately 70% of the available grant was paid to the Trust, reflecting the actual costs of the stewarding operation under our agreement. 1159 / 2003 - London Olympic Bid Board Meg Hillier Who do you propose as your nominee to the London Olympic bid board?

The concerns you raised will be at the forefront of my mind in the Olympic bid process but as we have only just appointed a bid Chair, I think it is far too early for all this doom and gloom. 1160 / 2003 - London Olympic Bid Meg Hillier What liaison will there be between the LDA and the Chair/ chief executive of the London Olympic bid over masterplanning for the lower Lee Valley?

The concerns you raised will be at the forefront of my mind in the Olympic bid process but as we have only just appointed a bid Chair, I think it is far too early for all this doom and gloom.

1161 / 2003 - 242 Bus Route Meg Hillier Has Transport for London given any further consideration to how to resolve the problems of the 242 bus on the parts of the route that go down narrow residential streets?

There is little that I can add to my previous response (question 671/03). The level of usage on this busy service requires double deck vehicles to be used. A route test, attended by representatives from the borough, police, operator and London Buses, confirmed the suitability of the roads. The buses in use on the route are the same as those in 1998, and the operator has not found any undue difficulty in operating a bus of the current dimensions over this route.

A new contract for this route started on 31 May 2003. Frequencies have been increased, and a new nightbus service introduced, to meet demand. Prior to tendering for the new contract route 242 was thoroughly reviewed, including use of Powerscroft Road to access the Clapton Park area. At this time no suitable alternative routeing was found.

Since then, London Buses has been in discussion with LB Hackney about possible 18 June 2003 27 further improvements to bus services in this area of low car ownership. TfL has programmed a review of local services for the end of 2003 and will again consider whether a cost-effective, suitable alternative to Powerscroft Road can be found. 1162 / 2003 - Green Gang books Meg Hillier How many schools have been supplied with Green Gang books? What feedback have you had about their use in London’s classrooms?

A total of 1583 primary schools were supplied with Green Gang book and CD. These schools were in boroughs which had subscribed to the Capital Standards Scheme. Those schools in boroughs which had not subscribed to the scheme were not included in the original mail out but were sent a separate letter inviting them to apply for free copies of the book. 13 schools responded to this offer. 24 schools who received the original book have also requested further packs and badges with the most recent request being 10th June.

We have had feedback through the Pick it Up song website, which was targeted at teachers, and has had 4210 visitors since the launch in December 2002.

I am also planning to make the book and song an important part of a new challenge for schools called the ‘London Schools Environment Award’ (LSEA), which will target litter, recycling, and other environmental issues. I am planning to launch this LSEA in September. 1163 / 2003 - Cultural Captial Live Meg Hillier How many organisations responded to the tender to run Cultural Capital Live? What were your objectives for Cultural Capital Live?

• 70 organisations asked for the tender pack • 9 made applications • 5 were interviewed

The objectives for the launch were:

• To create a high profile platform from which to launch my draft Culture Strategy and kick off a series of public consultation sessions across London; • Make an important public statement about my vision for culture, by using City Hall in a creative and engaging way; • Present an exciting visual and audio project to raise the profile of the draft strategy and maximise engagement from the cultural sector and wider public; • Involve established high calibre professionals as well as providing a platform for showcasing new and emerging talent; • Reflect the diversity, significance, vision and excitement of culture and creativity in London; and • Provide a legacy ensuring value for money.

1164 / 2003 - Tax Bob Neill What steps does the Mayor propose to take to reduce the tax burden upon Londoners?

I have no plans to reduce the council tax burden for Londoners since this would not be possible without making unacceptable cuts to services. My budget guidance for 2004- 05 though does include options for limiting the precept increase for individual

18 June 2003 28 functional bodies to the level of inflation or a standstill. 1165 / 2003 - Threats to Competitiveness Bob Neill Will the Mayor meet with representatives of small and medium sized enterprises in London to discuss perceived threats to their competitiveness?

I am deeply concerned about the competitiveness of small and medium sized enterprises in London. For this reason I meet regularly with the London Business Board of which the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry is a member. My staff also meets regularly with the Chamber to discuss their concerns and engage with them on my policies.

The London Development Agency handles support for small and medium sized enterprises on my behalf and I am very happy for them to meet representatives to listen to and understand any threats to their competitiveness, and to see whether there is anything that can be done to help.

1166 / 2003 - TfL Bob Neill What steps is the Mayor taking to bridge the funding gap caused by the reduction in central government grant to TfL for 2004/5/6?

As explained in my reports on the budget for 2003-04 TfL are examining a range of options in order to close the funding gap. These include a fundamental review of all aspects of its bus network, including a longer term fares strategy, identifying and achieving efficiency saving and looking at ways of increasing funding sources.

It is however a priority to seek a significant increase in transport grant for 2005-06 from the level announced in SR2002 and work is on-going in ensuring that the case we make for the next Comprehensive Spending Review is the best possible. 1167 / 2003 - Overcrowding at City Hall Bob Neill What steps does the Mayor intend to take to reduce staff over crowding at City Hall?

City Hall is not overcrowded. We have been advised by specialist space planning consultants on the layout at City Hall and they are completely satisfied that there is a high standard of accommodation for all staff groups. Just walking around the building shows this. We are, now that a year has passed since our move, putting in place a review of accommodation on each floor to check if any of the layouts need changing and to ensure we’re making best use of the space available.

1168 / 2003 - Additional Staff Bob Neill

How many additional staff have been recruited by the core GLA in the past 12 months and in what departments?

The following numbers of staff have been recruited in the twelve months ending May 2003:

Chief Executives 8 Corporate services 67 Finance and performance 21 Mayor’s office 22 18 June 2003 29 Mayor’s office 22 Policy and partnerships 32 Secretariat 23 Total 173 1169 / 2003 - Mayor's Planning and SDS meeting on 4 June 2003 Bob Neill What items of business were discussed at the Mayor's Planning and SDS meeting on 4th June and who was present?

The items I considered and, where appropriate, decided were: - Stage II statutory referrals, where I have 14 days to use my power to direct the council to refuse permission: Wandsworth Shopping Centre (LB Wandsworth) and Maryland Works (LB Newham). Stage I statutory referrals, where I offer my initial views: 39-42 Portman Square (City of Westminster), Faraday House (Corporation of London), Ford Estate Wind Turbines (LB Barking & Dagenham), and Weavers Field (LB Tower Hamlets). Decisions made before the 4 June 2003 and ratified at this meeting: Bromley UDP pre inquiry changes; St Andrew’s Hospital (LB Tower Hamlets); Leyton Orient FC (LB Waltham Forest); and Richmond UDP pre inquiry changes. A verbal update was provided on the Bromley Schools inquiry and the inspectorate report.

The following were in attendance: Simon Fletcher (Mayor’s Office), Garry Luttman (Legal), Anne Crane (LDA), Camilla Ween (TfL), Hasina Momtaz (Press Office), Kevin Reid (SDS) and for PDU - Giles Dolphin (Manager), Stewart Murray (Team Leader), Scott Bailey, Anthony Hollingsworth, Jonathan Clease, David Blankson Hemans, Christine McGoldrick, Tim Johnstone, and Matt Christie. 1170 / 2003 - London Plan Bob Neill Who is the real author of the London Plan?

The draft was prepared for my agreement by the London Plan (SDS) Team in Policy and Partnerships with contributions from a very wide range of individuals within the GLA group. I asked Nicky Gavron, my Cabinet adviser on strategic planning to shape the vision and policy directions at an early stage, which she did. Other individuals and organisations have contributed to the two rounds of consultation and Examination in Public into the draft London Plan.

The process was co-ordinated by the SDS Steering Group, chaired by Nicky Gavron and the technical content had many different authors, mostly from the London Plan team. The document was edited within my office and a draft was agreed by the SDS Steering Group for my approval. I approved all the final text after reading and making minor amendments. I will approve the final London Plan following receipt of the Panel’s report and further technical work by GLA officers. Acknowledgements are made on the frontispiece of the draft plan and a list of GLA contributors is set out on page 399. 1171 / 2003 - London House Brussels Bob Neill How much will be paid by Greater London Enterprise in respect of their sub- lease of office space at London House Brussels? What other rental or other income is received in respect of London House?

Greater London Enterprise will pay £32,974 in the current year for the use of office 18 June 2003 30 space at London House, Brussels. I have authorised a cost-sharing agreement with Greater London Enterprise and as a result the annual sum to be paid will be based on the actual cost of their percentage share of the office space and common areas within London House.

No additional rental income for office space is currently received although GLE have been given a price for additional office space as they may wish to extend their office suite.

The Greater London Authority, Transport for London, London Development Agency, London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority and the London Health Authorities have established London’s European Office as a joint venture. Total income to the GLA from the joint venture agreement will be £160,000 per annum for 2002/3 and 2003/4. 1172 / 2003 - Buses not stopping at compulsory stops Angie Bray Is it Transport for London policy that, in order to meet timetables, London buses decide not to stop at compulsory bus stops? I experienced such an incident in Westminster at 11.19am on 3 June 2003, when the No.9 bus going to Aldwych drove straight past the compulsory bus stop at which I was waiting, and I believe that this kind of behaviour is not that unusual.

No, this is not TfL policy.

Thank you for reporting the incident. Every complaint of this nature is thoroughly investigated and London Buses follows up each incident with the bus operator to ensure that appropriate action has been taken with the member of staff involved. Your report concerning route 9 is now being investigated.

In addition to the feedback received from the public, London Buses also monitors driver behaviour through its regular, network wide monitoring, such as Customer Satisfaction and Mystery Traveller surveys. In addition, the Driver Quality Monitoring (DQM) programme, carried out for TfL by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA), checks for safety and also assesses the overall quality of driving standards.

London Buses is very keen to ensure that bus drivers service our customers, drive safely and behave courteously – and the vast majority do a difficult job very well. There are disciplinary procedures in place that allow the operating companies to take prompt, fair and appropriate action in the few instances they do not.

1173 / 2003 - Bus Stops Angie Bray In the light of serious safety concerns about new bus stops in Sutherland Street SW1 – positioned dangerously close to central traffic islands - will TfL agree that an urgent review should take place about their position?

Stop locations are agreed following consultation with the highway/local authority and police, including a site meeting. Traffic management, passenger needs and safe operation of the buses are all considered at that meeting.

Local residents have raised their concerns about the location of the bus stops in Sutherland Street with London Buses and discussions are taking place with the highway authority, Westminster City Council, to ensure that the new stop locations are safe and suitable.

18 June 2003 31 1174 / 2003 - Bus Stops Angie Bray What is the consultation procedure which occurs prior to either the installation of a new bus stop or the removal / replacement of an existing bus stop?

Locations for new or re-sited bus stops are agreed following consultation with the highway/local authority and police, including a site meeting. Depending upon the borough, some may consult with residents or Ward Councillors before agreeing to a particular site. TfL does not notify or consult directly with frontagers.

At the site meeting ease of access to and from the stops, the security of waiting passengers and the distance between bus stops are considered. London Buses take safety seriously, hence other factors considered include: the width and surface of the pavement and road, the proximity of road junctions, crossings and buildings, sight- lines for vehicles and pedestrians, location of driveways. 1175 / 2003 - Safe Bus Driving Angie Bray What performance checks are in place to ensure bus drivers drive safely and that they ensure their buses are not overcrowded either with passengers or pushchairs/ luggage etc?

In addition to feedback received from the public, London Buses monitors driver behaviour through its regular, network wide monitoring, such as Customer Satisfaction and Mystery Traveller surveys. In addition, the Driver Quality Monitoring (DQM) programme, carried out for TfL by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA), checks for safety and also assesses the overall quality of driving standards.

As part of basic PCV training drivers and conductors are fully appraised of their responsibilities not to overload the bus and this is also covered in the new BTEC training. Safe driving is also, of course, a key theme of the new BTEC.

London Buses considers capacity requirements as part of the regular reviews of all routes in network. Bus services are planned so that sufficient capacity is provided at the busiest point in the busiest direction. This is a significant factor in determining the frequency and size of bus used on a route. In addition to passenger surveys, London Buses also investigates specific feedback from passengers. 1176 / 2003 - Bus Journey Length Angie Bray What is the average bus journey length (and the range – shortest to longest journey length) and what is the average number of bus stops per route?

In 2002/03 the average length of ride was 3.7 km. This represents a slight increase in journey length compared to previous years. In 1971, average journey length was 3.2 km. From 1993/94 through 1999/2000 it was 3.4 km and in 2001/02 it rose to 3.6 km.

The range is essentially: the shortest distance between two stops to the longest route on the network.

We do not have a system that can calculate the average number of stops per route. However, stops are generally spaced at approximately 300m-400m intervals.

18 June 2003 32

1177 / 2003 - Congestion Charge Angie Bray Oral answer Why does the Mayor listen to the evidence on the impact congestion charging has on businesses of London First, an organisation with 320 members while ignoring the evidence of the Federation of Small Business with a London membership of over 5000 and the London Chamber of Commerce with a London Membership of over 3500? 1178 / 2003 - A406 Brian Coleman I welcome very much your decision to reconsider your previous opposition to the three road-widening schemes for the A406 (North Circular) which you inherited from the Highways Agency, and your agreement to seek the funding for them from Government. However in your Mayoral report and in comments made by TfL since our meeting of the 22nd May, only the Bounds Green scheme is mentioned. At our meeting you clearly stated that progressing just one of the schemes without the others would not be worthwhile, and that the three schemes should be considered together. Will you confirm that your bid to Government will be for all three schemes, and that no property disposal will take place which would prejudice these plans?

My aim is to apply to government for additional funding to cover the substantial costs (likely to be in excess of £500 million) of all three “inherited schemes”, not just one of them. The Transport for London Board will be considering the options at its meeting on 29 July 2003.

No properties that might be required for the purpose of implementing the three inherited schemes will be disposed of prior to the further consideration by the TfL Board at the meeting on 29 July, which will consider this issue further.

1179 / 2003 - Grosvenor Road public inquiry Brian Coleman Could you provide an answer to question 996/2003 from last Mayor’s Question Time rather than simply quoting the GLA officer's report? To repeat, why specifically did you choose to disregard the advice that a Public Inquiry into the closure of Grosvenor Road might be appropriate?

I had three legal options in relation to this application:

1. Consent to the permanent continuation of the road closures without a public inquiry;

2. Refuse consent for the permanent continuation of the road closures without a public inquiry; or

3. Cause a public inquiry to be held and make a decision on the application after considering the Inspector's report.

I decided that, on balance, the benefit of the road closures to residents in Grosvenor Road and Muswell Avenue outweighed the potential impact on surrounding roads. A public inquiry was not wanted by either Barnet or Haringey Councils as that would have continued the uncertainty for many months and incurred further expenditure for all concerned. I considered that I had sufficient information before me to make a decision

18 June 2003 33 on the application without calling for a public inquiry to be held.

1180 / 2003 - Road Humps Brian Coleman At the meeting with residents’ groups on 22nd May, you expressed the view that “road humps unfairly penalise law-abiding motorists”. Does this represent another U-turn in your transport policy, and can we look forward to additional TfL funding for Boroughs to remove them from London’s streets?

At some locations the traffic calming measures installed are not appropriate to the traffic of the area, and hence do not work effectively. A whole range of different measures could be appropriate and it is essential that due consideration is given to ensure that the most appropriate scheme is implemented.

TfL and the Boroughs are working to ensure that this happens.

1181 / 2003 - A1 - Stirling Corner Brian Coleman Do you regard TfL's consultation over the proposed changes to the A1 at Stirling Corner to have been a success, and if so, can you explain your definition of success in this regard?

There was an exhibition. No letters or pamphlets were sent out prior to it. 92 attended and 38 filled in questionnaires, with 89% in favour of our proposals. A further dozen letters of support have been sent through since the exhibition in favour and numerous phone calls asking when we are going to start work. 1182 / 2003 - LFEPA Brian Coleman Are you confident that LFEPA's budget is sufficiently robust to fund an above inflation pay increase for fire-fighters', along with interim costs associated with modernisation of the fire service and the integrated risk management plan which the authority is required to produce?

The LFEPA budget allowed for a 4% pay rise from November 2002, although it was not clear when the budget was agreed what the final figure would be. The 7% offer in November 2003 will cost an additional £2m in 2003/04.

As well as this, LFEPA will need to spend some £500,000 in 2003/04 to implement modernisation of the fire service. However this will be offset by some transitional grant from Government in 2003/04, though figures for this are not yet determined.

When I proposed my budget I said that “If the Government fails to fund adequately a settlement, the Fire Authority would have to provide additional financial resources from among those available to it during the year and the impact on the Authority’s finances would need to be re-addressed as part of the 2004-05 budget process” – in practice this could mean use of balances. I stand by that comment. 1183 / 2003 - Minicab licensing Brian Coleman In your scheme for licensing minicabs, do you agree that an important aspect is ensuring that they are accessible for passengers with guide-dogs?

I fully support the provisions of the Private Hire Vehicle (Carriage of Guide Dogs etc) Act 2002.

This amends section 15 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, making it an offence

18 June 2003 34 for the operator of a licensed private hire vehicle to refuse a booking requested by or on behalf of a disabled person. Refusing a booking because the disabled person is accompanied by an assistance dog or levying an additional charge for carrying an assistance dog is similarly an offence.

Furthermore, the Act makes it an offence for the driver of a private hire vehicle to refuse for those same reasons a booking taken by an operator. Exemptions may be granted to the driver if there are medical reasons for doing so. 1184 / 2003 - Bus Shelter Design in London Brian Coleman Would you agree that it would be a conflict of interest for a company of which your architectural advisor Lord Rogers is a design consultant to bid for the contract to design bus shelters in London?

1185 / 2003 - Closure of National Institute for Medical Research in Mill Hill Brian Coleman Do you agree with me that the closure of the National Institute for Medical Research in Mill Hill would be extremely damaging, hitting jobs and harming the economy of my constituency, as well as having a detrimental effect on the world-class research conducted there? Will you join with me in calling on the Medical Research Council to abandon their plan to close it, and to give a clear commitment to its future?

I have an ongoing commitment to health in London and a long-standing interest in the valuable contribution medical research can make. However, I have no direct responsibility for decisions about the resourcing or siting of individual health-related institutions. I understand the Medical Research Council is consulting on its proposals to relocate the National Institute for Medical Research at present, and would encourage those with concerns about this proposal to make them known to the MRC.

I recognise the importance of the NHS and other health organisations as major employers within the London area. I am continuing to work with a wide range of partners, including the NHS and Department of Health, to support recruitment and retention initiatives and this work includes a focus on maximising employment opportunities for local communities. 1186 / 2003 - Police Precept Richard Barnes What has been the police precept paid to the MPA from the GLA, per year, since 2000?

The amounts raised from the precept for the MPA are as follows:

2000-01 £248.2m 2001-02 £313.9m 2002-03 £361.4m 2003-04 £443.7m 1187 / 2003 - Bus Transport Modelling Richard Barnes What transport modelling has TfL undertaken for increased bus provision as opposed to the West London Tram, and will the Mayor make any such modelling results public?

The West London Tram Project team has included bus options in its assessment of the 18 June 2003 35 West London Tram. The analysis of these results will be provided by the WLT Project to the TfL Board in September / October 2003. These Board papers will be available to the public. 1188 / 2003 - London Mela Richard Barnes How exactly do you intend to support Ealing Council’s London Mela?

I am making a financial contribution of £85,000 directly to Ealing Council towards the cost of the London Mela 2003. Additionally up to £15,000 identified in the current budget for the London Mela will be contributed to the launch event, publicity and marketing and other support. In addition GLA officers are in regular contact with officers from Ealing Council to review progress and offer support as appropriate. The Mela will be publicised in the next edition of the Londoner. 1189 / 2003 - Borough Consultation Richard Barnes What checks does your office perform as to whether sufficient consultation has been undertaken by Borough councils with local residents and local police before announcing your personal support for major Borough events?

If I was approached by a Borough to give Mayoral support to a Borough event, if that event had the support of the Borough Council in question, it would be correct to assume that appropriate consultation had been carried out.

For a major outdoor event involving a Public Entertainments License, this consultation would be part of the licensing of the event.

With regard to the specific example of the London Mela being organised by Ealing Council, which I am supporting, part of the liaison of GLA officers with the Ealing officers organising the event has been to be kept informed of the consultations with local residents and the police.

1190 / 2003 - Consultation on West London Tram Richard Barnes You have agreed to delay the decision on the West London Tram from October 2003 to early 2004, to allow more time for consultation on the scheme, do you therefore accept that the consultation undertaken so far by TfL on the WLT has been limited and of a poor quality?

No.

The five consultation groups set up in Ealing are now looking at the options and their suggestions are being fed into the design process. A series of public exhibitions are being held along the line of route to ensure people now about the proposal and how to have their say.

In light of the positive results from the local involvement in the scheme development process I gave the extension to the current consultation period to allow for more time for local people to consider the tram proposals.

1191 / 2003 - Information presented by TfL on West London Tram Richard Barnes TfL Trams information sheet 31 entitled “TfL Board Meeting 20 March 2003” states that the capital cost of the project is £425 million with a benefit cost ratio as 1.7:1; however according to the TfL board meeting agenda papers the capital cost of the WLT project with a benefit cost ratio of 1.7 is £537million – 18 June 2003 36 what is the reason for this discrepancy between capital costs when the benefit cost ration is set at 1.7:1?

The West London Tram Information sheet 31 and the TfL Board papers state the same figures. The central estimate for the capital costs is £425m. In accordance with the Treasury Greenbook, the Project Team has chosen to quote the lower Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) of 1.7:1, which relates to the highest estimates of £537 million.

These have been factored to account for estimated risk, yielding a figure of £537 million.

1192 / 2003 - Benefit Cost Ratio of the West London Tram Richard Barnes Why has the benefit cost ratio of the West London Tram been reassessed to 1.7:1, 50% down on the May 2000 Feasibility Report?

Since May 2000 the scheme has undergone a number of changes and a considerable amount of additional engineering and transport modelling work has been undertaken.

For example, in May 2000 the tram design had 21 road closures, now the design has 4. The softening of the design means that benefits to users of the tram have declined. In addition, the detailed costing work undertaken over the past six months has resulted in an increased cost estimate from £200m to £425m. This reflects best practice from similar projects, new allowances for traffic management measures, land costs, inflation, and changes in legislation and Government policy.

1193 / 2003 - Review of WLT project Richard Barnes At the TfL Board meeting on the 20 March 2003 the TfL Commissioner, Bob Kiley, noted that the West London Tram project was costly given the financial exposure to TfL in 2005/06 and that the WLT would have to be reviewed in context with other major transport infrastructure projects including Crossrail – what plans do you to undertake such a review and when would you expect it to report?

During the next year, TfL will be considering a more detailed case for WLT and other major infrastructure projects under development. Under current funding levels TfL has limited resources to allocate to new infrastructure projects, given the immediate need to bring existing infrastructure to a state of good repair.

The number of new projects that TfL can deliver will depend on funding levels available. TfL’s submission to Government for the spending review 2004 will be critical in outlining the need for investment in London.

The exact priority for WLT will depend on the outcome of SR2004 and WLT’s business case relation to other projects. 1194 / 2003 - WLT comparison with other light rail Richard Barnes What capital costs figure was used to calculate the comparison of the West London Tram project with other light rail projects in Annex 5 of the WLT agenda papers presented to the TfL Board on 20 March 2003?

£425m, the central estimate.

18 June 2003 37 1195 / 2003 - Proposed Admission Charges to Hampton Court Gardens Tony Arbour What practical support can the Mayor give to the residents of Hounslow, Kingston & Richmond to help them oppose the proposal to impose admission charges to Hampton Court Gardens?

I understand that the option to charge admission to the Gardens is only a proposal that Hampton Court are reluctantly considering. Management are consulting local people and other stakeholders before making a final decision.

I support the principle of free admission where possible and would therefore urge Hampton Court not to charge unless absolutely necessary and to consider the option of reduced or free entry for residents. 1196 / 2003 - MPA RAF Formula Toby Harris Will you recommend to the MPA a revision of their Resource Allocation Formula to reflect the contribution each borough makes to the Police Authority Budget?

Decisions on the resource allocation formula are a matter for the MPA. 1197 / 2003 - Post Office Closures Tony Arbour Why has the Mayor failed to halt the programme of Post Office Closures across London?

I am not in a position to halt the programme of Post Office closures. The day-to–day running of the Post Office, including their restructuring plans, falls under the responsibility of the Royal Mail Group plc. The Royal Mail Group is a public limited company wholly owned by the government.

I, along with some Assembly members, have been campaigning to keep post offices open in London but the decision rests with the Post Office, not the GLA. 1198 / 2003 - Heathrow Congestion Charge Zone Tony Arbour When will the Mayor publish details of the Heathrow congestion charging area?

At a meeting between TfL and Richmond council on 17th May 2003 it was agreed that the bus lane in Kew Bridge should be "suspended" when the experimental traffic order expires in September 2003 to enable Richmond and TfL officers to monitor the impact on traffic in the area if a bus lane is not operational.

It was agreed TfL and Richmond Officers would work together to develop a monitoring framework - and, if appropriate, a joint scheme, which could benefit buses from congestion relief whilst having no negative impact on the local community. The 18 June 2003 38 meeting agreed a joint working party should be established to ensure both parties’ interests are satisfied.

1200 / 2003 - The Londoner Tony Arbour In view of the inaccurate numbers of letters & e-mails he quoted about street cleaning received by “The Londoner” at the last MQT. Could he publish the number of letters & E-mails for each of the 32 boroughs in response to this article?

Yes, Appendix A details the numbers of emails and letters received as of 16 June

1201 / 2003 - On Street Bus Ticket Machines Tony Arbour Could the Mayor please state how many tickets are purchased each day from on street bus ticket machines and what percentage of bus ticket sales in London on an average day are from these machines?

In a typical week, between 60,000 and 70,000 passengers purchase tickets from Roadside Ticket Machines (RTM). This is a very small proportion of the total tickets sold for bus travel on the network.

There are 5 services where passengers must now have a ticket or pass before boarding. Previously some 10-20% of passengers used cash to purchase tickets on-bus. However, not all have switched to using RTMs. Many will now buy Bus Passes or Savers. Currently, RTMs are only used by between 5 and 10% of passengers on these routes.

1202 / 2003 - Olympics Angie Bray The Government and you are now backing the London Olympic 2012 bid but how can you encourage one million deaf people to get involved in mainstream sports?

As I am sure you will be aware deaf sports are not part of the Para Olympics. They do however hold their own world championships – the Deaflympic. Deaf people, in common with every other section of society, have a right to participate in sports at all levels and this must be achieved through the promotion of activities and events, funding programmes and ensuring accessibility to all. 1203 / 2003 - Buses in Outer London Roger Evans Will the bus funding gap result in a cut in services in Outer London?

TfL is currently undertaking a strategic review of all aspects of London’s bus network. The continued expansion of the bus network is essential in order to meet the London Plan and deliver an improved public transport system in outer London.

I will be working to present a case to Government as part of their spending Review 2004 to ensure that a sufficient level of funding is given to provide a level of service capable of meeting demand. 1204 / 2003 - TfL Board Roger Evans Why are the black cab trade not represented on the TfL Board?

18 June 2003 39 Currently there are no vacancies on the TfL Board.

In general, vacancies on the Transport for London Board are normally filled in response to open advertisements placed in national newspapers and the TFL website. Applications would normally be invited from people with an interest in and a commitment to public transport services, London based experience, and users or those involved in providing transport services. I would then appoint the most appropriate candidate to the TFL board. Clearly, this would not preclude a member of the Black Cab Trade from applying and being considered to fill a vacancy should one arise in the future. 1205 / 2003 - Bob Kiley Roger Evans What compensation is Bob Kiley entitled to if he is dismissed before the end of his contract?

I do not anticipate Steve Norris winning next year’s election so this will not arise. 1206 / 2003 - The Londoner Roger Evans How many copies of 'The Londoner' are published? Would you consider asking local newspaper groups to print and distribute it in order to reduce production costs?

Just under 3 million copies of each edition of The Londoner are printed. Quotations for printing were received from national and local newspaper groups as part of the tender process. The most economically advantageous option was then selected.

Local newspaper groups are already involved in parts of the distribution package. 1207 / 2003 - Londoners interests Roger Evans Do you believe that Mike Brown and Bob Janowski have Londoners interests at heart?

Yes 1208 / 2003 - Tim O'Toole and the Tube Roger Evans What do you believe should be Tim O'Toole's first priority when he takes over the Tube?

TfL’s first priority will be to ensure that the Tube operates a safe, more reliable and clean service.

TfL will also be establishing the Programmes Office in order to properly manage the PPP contracts to ensure the private sector companies deliver on the promises they have made.

1209 / 2003 - Languages Roger Evans How many languages are your reports available in? Could you tell me how many copies have been requested in each language?

I am committed to leading the equalities agenda in London and an integral part of this is to ensure that as many of my reports as possible are accessible to all Londoners. The GLA offer translation or interpretation of short, summary documents and key reports to Londoners who do not read English, on request. 18 June 2003 40

Over the last year we have received 67 requests in 18 different languages. 1210 / 2003 - Capital Standards Campaign Roger Evans How much has each London borough contributed to the Capital Standards Campaign? What has the money been spent on?

The Capital Standards members only paid £10,000. The membership consists of 26 London Boroughs. The programme group are running a number of projects.

The main benefit from the scheme is a joint survey, which is being undertaken in the member Boroughs. This will independently assess the quality of the local street environment and also provide the results for the reporting of their Best Value Performance Indicator (BVPI 199). (The 7 boroughs outside the scheme will also have to survey their BVPI and will therefore not incur any savings).

Together with the Capital Standards members we have either started, or are soon to start a number of initiatives including: a primary school book about litter (‘Pick it up’), an ‘Enforcement Academy’ to train local authority officers on environmental enforcement, a London-wide graffiti campaign, a new schools award scheme, free litter bins for school initiatives, and a London-wide anti litter media campaign.

The saving made by the boroughs on the survey and officer training, even without the other initiatives, will save the member boroughs well in excess of their £10,000 membership. 1211 / 2003 - TfL and Speedline Cars Roger Evans It has recently been reported that TfL failed to remove a mini cab company, Speedline Cars, based in Stratford, from the list of registered companies, despite one of their drivers being convicted of raping a passenger. Can you provide me with an update of any action that has been taken against the company or its owner?

When the rape conviction came to the attention of the Public Carriage Office, PCO licensing officers made a compliance visit to Speedline Cars. They found deficiencies unrelated to the rape incident, including forged insurance certificates. As these deficiencies related to public safety, the operator’s licence was revoked with immediate effect on 3 April 2003.

The company ceased to trade at that time and its name was removed from the TfL website of licensed private hire operators. Subsequently the safety related deficiencies were remedied and the immediacy of the revocation was rescinded on 8 April 2003. The company then legitimately recommenced trading during the period available for appeal and subsequently lodged an appeal. Speedline Cars has now ceased to exist and their appeal was withdrawn on 12 June 2003.

An operator’s licence is suspended or revoked only if that operator fails to comply with the terms of the licence. In this instance this was found to be the case and immediate action was taken in order to protect the public. However, the PCO was not aware of any culpability on the part of the operator in respect of the rape.

The fact that one of an operator’s drivers has committed an offence is not necessarily a reason for depriving the operator of a licence. It is recognised that revoking an operator’s licence has an impact on all the drivers working for that operator and as long as public safety is being maintained the PCO would not wish to penalise innocent 18 June 2003 41 drivers or their operator for the actions of another driver.

A new company was licensed on 23 May 2003 and now operates out of the premises formerly used by Speedline.

1212 / 2003 - Receptions and costs at City Hall Withdrawn 1213 / 2003 - Central Government Funding Eric Ollerenshaw Oral answer Your long-term plans for improving London across the entire spectrum of your responsibilities seem to rely very heavily on central government funding.

What makes you think that you will be able to argue for this money from central government and what will happen to your plans if you are unable to persuade your friends in Whitehall to release extra money to London?

1214 / 2003 - BBC use of City Hall Tony Arbour In welcoming the use of City Hall by the BBC for its Sunday regional politics programme, which means the building is being used more fully at the weekend. Could the Mayor confirm that they are paying for this use of the building? Also how long the contract is for, and what financial contribution the BBC are making to the City Hall accounts?

The BBC pays for the direct costs associated with security and refreshments for their use of the building out of hours.

In lieu of rent the BBC allows the GLA free use of their technical equipment, such as lighting, for press conferences, functions, events and launches. The BBC has also given engineering support and equipment at very short notice, such as the official announcement that London would be bidding for the 2012 Olympic games to be staged in the capital.

The weekend the consultation of the cultural strategy was launched, the political programme made it the theme of the programme and helped publicise the consultation.

Close working with the BBC has benefited the GLA in the strategic objective of promoting and establishing City Hall as the home of London Government 1215 / 2003 - Reduction in Traffic Angie Bray From what calendar date has the 20% reduction in traffic occurred? Was it from the last working day before the introduction of the charge or is it a year on year comparison, or a set period of months?

Automatic traffic count data set up to assess the change in traffic levels immediately before and after congestion charging showed changes of up to 25% in the first few days, settling at 20% over the subsequent weeks/months.

This has been confirmed by manual classified count data comparing data collected during late February and March this year (2003) with comparable data from last year.

18 June 2003 42 1216 / 2003 - Olympic Games and transport Lynne Featherstone As Mayor of London what steps are you taking to ensure that London has the world class transport infrastructure it needs in order to win the 2012 Olympic Bid?

The concerns you raise will be at the forefront of my mind in the Olympic bid process but as we have only just appointed a Chair I think it is far too early for all this doom and gloom.

1217 / 2003 - Olympics Games and transport Lynne Featherstone Do you expect the London Olympic Bid to follow the example set by Sydney and to include no car access or parking facilities for spectators attending the Games (except essential personnel and the disabled)? How will this "car free zone" be achieved, particularly if Crossrail is not complete?

The concerns you raise will be at the forefront of my mind in the Olympic bid process but as we have only just appointed a Chair I think it is far too early for all this doom and gloom.

1218 / 2003 - Olympics Games and transport Lynne Featherstone If London succeeds in its bid to hold the 2012 Olympic Games will all ticket holders receive free transport passes, as they did in Sydney?

The concerns you raise will be at the forefront of my mind in the Olympic bid process but as we have only just appointed a Chair I think it is far too early for all this doom and gloom. 1219 / 2003 - Sponsorship Mike Tuffrey What sponsorship was sought and found for the Draft Culture Strategy Launch? How much did the entire launch and associated events cost?

There was no commercial sponsorship was secured for the launch of my draft Culture Strategy. As you will be aware, sponsorship is not easy to secure and GLA staff were already working to capacity on raising additional support for other projects.

Secondly, sponsorship can take some considerable time to secure and it was decided that this project should not be a priority in searching for additional funds as the likelihood of success was limited. However, in the tender packs organisations were invited to seek sponsorship themselves to augment the budget.

The entire cost of the launch was £100,000. 1220 / 2003 - Trafalgar Square reopening Mike Tuffrey When will the Trafalgar Square re-opening event take place, how much is it Oral answer expected to cost in total and how much sponsorship has been secured so far? 1221 / 2003 - Notting Hill Carnival Graham Tope Given the financial difficulties faced by the Notting Hill Carnival Trust, is this year’s event now in doubt? If it does go ahead how will the stewards be funded and can public safety at the event be guaranteed?

18 June 2003 43

Planning for the 2003 Notting Hill Carnival has involved all statutory agencies and plans are well advanced.

The MPS, local authorities, transport services and emergency services are all members of the Carnival Operations Planning and Safety Group (OSPG). This group meets regularly which ensures that there is a joined-up, multi-agency approach to public safety planning. Representatives of the various Carnival arenas also attend these meetings

Last year, the MPS increased the number of officers at Carnival 2002 in response to the change of route and in order to improve public safety. They have confirmed their intention to deploy a similar number of officers at this year’s event.

GLA officers are currently in discussion with the Notting Hill Mas Band Association to explore ways of expanding their stewarding capabilities through training and limited funding. This will strengthen the bands’ abilities to assist in policing the Carnival route and in ensuring the highest level of public safety possible at the event.

1222 / 2003 - Draft Cultural Strategy Launch Sally Hamwee How many people filled in and returned your Draft Cultural Strategy questionnaires at City Hall on the weekend of the launch? How many written and email responses have you received in total so far? How many copies of the full Draft Strategy have been distributed?

40 questionnaires have been returned so far. 5,500 came to City Hall over the weekend of the launch and as well as filling in the questionnaires, people also took part in workshops and other interactive activities designed to raise awareness.

No responses have so far been received in this format. However, it is very early days for responses. We expect a flow to build up gradually with the majority of feedback coming back towards the end of the consultation period in September, as has been the case with other Mayoral strategy consultations. The programme of consultation has just started. It will include presentations, workshops, on line questionnaires and focus groups and we are expecting written responses in the light of these activities. However, following the launch there has been a marked increase in the number of general enquiries regarding culture. There are currently 80 letters logged in the ‘Responding to Londoners’ system directly relating to culture.

Approximately 2,400 of the full draft culture strategy have been sent out so far (total print run 4,000). In addition 5,000 Broadsheets (Gateway documents) and 2,500 Executive Summaries have also been sent out. The above documents have been sent to the initial mailing list. Distribution will continue over the course of the 3 month consultation and documents will be given out to various groups during presentations, workshops and focus groups. The Executive Summary and Broadsheet will also be available at City Hall and will be sent out on request to members of the public. All documents are also available on the website.

1223 / 2003 - Olympic Games and Business Community Mike Tuffrey What work has been done to gauge the views of the business community about the London Olympic Bid? What work is being done to ensure that they provide financial support to a bid and to staging the event if London is the eventual host? 18 June 2003 44

The success of the 2012 Olympics Bid will be dependent on all major stakeholders in London being fully behind it. London’s business community is a real strength and has a great deal to contribute to the Bid - we have been very grateful for its support so far. Representatives from my office, as well as LDA staff, met with and was in regular contact with the London Business Board in the lead up to the Government’s decision and this positive dialogue will continue throughout the bidding process.

The London Business Board strongly support the bid and offers of support and sponsorship business are being received and these will reduce the cost of the Bid to the Government and LDA. In drawing up the Bid it will be a key task of the Bid Company to ensure that all necessary funding from the business community for the staging of the Games can be secured. 1224 / 2003 - Stakeholders Reception Sally Hamwee Who attended the reception for stakeholders in Trafalgar Square on 8th May and how much did the event cost the GLA?

Regular stakeholder receptions are organised as part of an overall squares communication strategy, to meet the requirements of the Squares’ service improvement plan. The receptions offer the Squares’ stakeholders an opportunity to meet and network with one another and for the GLA to provide an update on activities on the Squares and surrounding areas.

Over 100 people attended the reception on 8th May (see Appendix B). Invitees included neighbours and contractors and partners on Trafalgar Square and the World Squares for All project.

At this reception, representatives from English National Opera discussed their restoration project and Westminster City Council outlined improvements to Leicester Square.

Invitations for the event were designed and printed in-house by the design and publications team at no cost to the squares budget and “Yes dining” provided the catering at a total cost of £1,800.

1225 / 2003 - Conditions on the Tube Lynne Featherstone Oral answer As from July 15th when you take over control of the Tube, can Londoners expect to see an end to the cattle truck conditions they currently have to endure? 1226 / 2003 - Countdown Lynne Featherstone Reports I have had show that about a quarter of the buses running on routes with Countdown signs do not appear marked on the electronic display board, and a further one quarter of the buses shown as due to appear never in fact turn up. The C2, 214 and N124 routes are all particularly bad. What actions are being taken to improve on this?

In recent months the number of new, modern vehicles coming into London has been unprecedented. New routes and links, increased frequencies, bigger buses (including high capacity articulated vehicles) and replacement of older buses as new contracts are introduced have provided substantial and widespread benefits for London’s bus users. 18 June 2003 45

The volume of buses that needed to be fitted, in a short time period, with equipment to support Countdown could not be accommodated whilst at the same time maintaining progress on resolving hardware and software issues that have caused problems for Countdown across the system. Thus a decision was taken to implement the service enhancements and new vehicles without full fitment of the necessary equipment.

In order to address this, a “catch up” programme for fitting equipment has been developed and is underway. This will take some months to complete. A fault detection and resolution process in place to rectify problems with on board equipment that lead to Countdown faults.

In addition, issues surrounding driver log in errors, which can be attributed to the problems highlighted, are being tackled through improved driver training.

New technology for more reliable bus communications, vehicle location and Countdown provision is now being actively pursued. 1227 / 2003 - Accessing Sport Graham Tope One million deaf Londoners like to go to various sports events football matches golf tournaments squash matches etc. When deaf people make contact via a textphone they find that the venues do not have a service that they can access. They do not have a textphone or e-mail service for example deaf people cannot contact them by SMS so they have to use Typetalk and the venues are not aware of what the Typetalk service is about.

What is the Mayor going to do to establish guidelines for London Sport to make it accessible for one million deaf Londoners?

I will be working with the newly formed London Sports Board to ensure that all Londoners have the opportunity to watch and participate in sports activities. As Mayor I will continue to lead policy on major sporting issues through my responsibility for the Cultural Strategy. In this instance to Promote best standards of access to sport for disabled people in London.

Of course to successfully implement such guidelines can only be achieved by working collaboratively with the various voluntary and statutory organisations that make up sport in the capital. My Cultural Strategy consultation process will include meetings with representatives from disability and mainstream sports organisations to further such issues and outcomes.

1228 / 2003 - Use of the Contracts Code of Practice Sally Hamwee On what basis did you waive the contracts Code of Practice for the appointments of the Architecture Foundation and Allmapping.com Ltd for the work to be carried in the City Hall visitors center?

The decision to develop a state of the art permanent exhibition for City Hall’s Visitor Centre was the result of proposals presented to me by the Architecture Foundation and Hayes Davidson. After this presentation, I considered it appropriate and necessary for reasons of continuity to engage the same organisations to carry out a study to examine the feasibility of their original ideas. Therefore I waived the contracts code, which required three verbal quotes. 18 June 2003 46

The principle idea for the exhibition is to tile the Visitor Centre floor with an aerial view of Greater London, so that Londoners can see where they live, work and play and then use this flooring as a foundation for a state of the art exhibition to bring alive the work of the GLA.

Although the production of these tiles is a specialist service, in order to ensure value for money the GLA sought three quotes to produce them and Allmapping.com were the cheapest. As it was important that these tiles were in place for the summer period, when City Hall is at its busiest, I waived the Contracts Code which would require a mini tender, as I was confident that Allmapping.com were delivering value for money.

All future procurement exercises to deliver this project will be within the Contracts Code. 1229 / 2003 - Weakness in GLA procedures Mike Tuffrey Do you not agree that current GLA procurement procedures are weak, as they Oral answer allow you to waive tests for value for money and the other controls normally in place on your personal say so?

1230 / 2003 - Use of Opinion Polls Mike Tuffrey Pursuant to your answer to my question 2003/959 at the last Mayor’s Question Time when you said that you would not publish the results you obtain from opinion polling paid for by the GLA as some of the answers are used in giving advice to the Mayor, would you now publish all the answers that are or were not used in providing you with advice?

Yes 1231 / 2003 - Number and Cost of Opinion Polls Mike Tuffrey How much do you plan to spend on opinion polls in the next 12 months, and on what topics do you plan to poll on?

In addition to the Annual London Survey I plan to carry out a number of regular surveys on a range of subjects as part of consultation on development and implementation of strategies and policies. I would expect the cost for these to be approximately £120k. The total cost represents 0.16 per cent of the core GLA’s budget.

The Assembly plans to spend £91,000 on polling this year: 1.5 per cent of its total budget. 1232/2003 – Solar water heating panels Darren Johnson Would the Mayor consider encouraging a pilot project to test the results of putting solar water heating panels (passive solar) on the rooves of swimming pools, which would contribute to heating the pools and showers?

Yes, I would be very happy to encourage such a project. It would contribute to meeting the target that I propose in my draft Energy Strategy of 2,000 solar water heating schemes associated with swimming pools. 1233/2003 - Thames Gateway

Darren Johnson In a recent response on the residential densities being achieved in new 18 June 2003 47 housing development in the Thames Gateway, you said, "Discussions with government about this work are ongoing and I hope to produce more accurate figures in the near future". What discussions have you had and when will the information be available?

As I said in my previous response, GLA officers are currently working closely with a range of partners to set a development strategy for bringing forward sustainable communities. These will need to comprise more than housing. They need access to good public transport, employment opportunities, green space, and health and education facilities.

Developing sustainable communities in London Thames Gateway will require significant investment in transport and other infrastructure problems. These will ultimately dictate the extent and density of development that London Thames Gateway can sustainably accommodate. Government’s MISC 22 Cabinet Committee is currently considering these issues. We hope that this committee will report its findings prior to the summer recess.

In the meantime, the GLA’s Architecture and Urbanism Unit and the LDA are continuing their work looking at how to bring forward quality communities on brownfield sites and at existing centres in the Thames Gateway.

We plan to publish a draft strategy for this work later this year. In the meantime, discussions with Government are continuing positively, and I look forward to the inaugural meeting of the London Thames Gateway Partnership Board, which will coordinate investment in Thames Gateway and will be chaired by me and the Minister for London 1234/2003 - Riverboat Services

Darren Johnson Following the long expected opening of the new Millennium Pier to take tourists between the Tate Galleries, are there plans to improve this service from the limited service between 10am and 5pm? Could the Riverboat commuter services be extended to use this pier to serve the City? The licence to operate the new Bankside-Waterloo-Millbank riverboat service was awarded to Collins River Enterprises trading as Thames Clippers following a competitive tendering process carried out by London River Services (LRS). The service is operated commercially without subsidy from the public purse. There are currently no plans to extend the hours of operation.

Should any operator or potential operator put forward proposals to serve Millbank Millennium pier with a commuter service, then the proposals would be carefully considered by LRS. 1235/2003 - Religious exemption for Homophobic employers Darren Johnson Have you made representations to the Government about their proposals to allow religious employers to discriminate against their employees because of their sexuality? Do you agree that such a move would institutionalise homophobic employment practices?

I am strongly opposed to the proposed exemptions for organised religions and potentially faith-based employers and I will be making this known to the Government. I have already stated my concerns regarding this issue in responding to earlier

18 June 2003 48 Government consultation. I agree that Regulation 7(3) of the draft Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003 may institutionalise homophobic employment practices and encourage discrimination against lesbian and gay employees within organised religions and potentially faith-based organisations. The Regulations were intended to protect all lesbian and gay employees, irrespective of the field of employment and the current proposals are unacceptable. 1236/2003 - Ethnicity of GLA workers Andrew Pelling Please set out a summary of our GLA records of the ethnicity of GLA core officers earning more than £33,000 a year.

Statistics are currently complied for staff earning over £30,000 and over £40,000.

Of the 295 staff earning over £30,000, 58 (20%) are from black and minority ethnic groups. Of the 105 staff earning more than £40,000, 21 (20%) are from black and minority ethnic groups.

I want all levels of our workforce to be representative of London’s population, and therefore want these percentages to reach our target of 25% as quickly as possible.

The equalities policy team have been developing positive action and recruitment schemes to improve levels of representation for black and minority ethnic staff in higher pay bands. 1237/2003 - Community Vision Noel Lynch Has the Mayor read the "Community Vision" for Convoys Wharf in Deptford? What is his response to the proposal therein that the whole protected wharf should continue to be safeguarded, given its potential as London's cruiseliner terminal, a destination for Tall Ships and a range of marine uses, all of which will bring life back to the Thames?

My officers have been working with News International and Lewisham Council to find a scheme that maximizes use of the safeguarded wharf and reconnects Deptford and Lewisham with its riverfront. London needs new facilities to process different parts of the waste stream into new materials/ products, including glass, paper, plastic, tyres, electrics and electronic equipment, and organics (composting). These types of operation would mix well with the sensitivities of the site in terms of adjacent properties and redevelopment of the wider site. My draft London Plan indicates that if a wharf is no longer viable, or if the amount of land safeguarded is capable of being rationalised, redevelopment proposals must incorporate water based passenger transport, leisure and recreation facilities and water transport support facilities first, before non-river related uses that do not require a riverside location.

The current proposal includes provision for a river bus stop and boat repair facilities. As a result of my officers collaborating with partners to bring forward the opportunity at Convoys, we have secured a feasibility study from the Port of London Authority into the potential for Convoys as a cruise liner terminal. We are currently working with News International and Lewisham Council to see if the current application for Convoys Wharf can be modified to include a cruise liner terminal.

18 June 2003 49 1238/2003 - Thames Gateway Darren Johnson Are you satisfied that people living in Brockley, Honour Oak, New Cross & other parts of non-central Lewisham will have suitable access to the expanding Thames Gateway without resorting to their cars?

On the bus network provision of more frequent and reliable services to a variety of destinations (including major transport interchanges) and using fully accessible vehicles continues to encourage more people away from their cars. Honor Oak, Brockley and New Cross all have bus links into Lewisham, connecting into DLR and National Rail.

Brockley, Honor Oak and New Cross are locations intended to be served by the extended East London Line. Apart from serving the inner most areas of Thames Gateway directly, interchange with the Jubilee Line at Canada Water and the District Line, and I anticipate Crossrail, at Whitechapel will enable the faster journeys via the East London Line to Thames Gateway. TfL are also looking at opportunities to enhance National Rail services to Thames Gateway south of the river through the development of the South London Metro and franchise enhancement.

Recent frequency enhancements and introduction of new vehicles on the 21, 321 and P4, and the introduction of new route 436 using ‘bendi-buses’ has significantly improved links into Lewisham Town centre from other parts of the borough. A number of other routes serving Lewisham are due to be reviewed during the summer.

1239/2003 - Tube redevelopment and planning powers Noel Lynch

When you gain control of the tube how will you ensure that your interest in maximising revenue from redevelopment on and over tube stations does not conflict with the proper and disinterested discharge of your powers over referable planning applications when they relate to such tube station developments?

TfL’s priority is to deliver transport improvements and any decisions made will be in accordance with this.

Any development of over Underground stations will be subject to the same considerations as any other development, including polices in the draft London Plan on design, sustainability, height, mixed use, capacity and heritage (etc.).

In addition, the provisions of the local borough's development plan will apply. I am obliged to consider all referred strategic planning applications in the context of established national, regional and local planning policies, and have always done so with regard to applications by TfL and the LDA.

1240/2003 - Congestion charging and leased vehicles Jenny Jones Is it possible to adapt the processing of congestion charge fines for lease vehicles, to allow direct communication between Capita and the driver?

Unfortunately the Road User Charging (Charges and Penalty Charges) (London) Regulations 2001, as set out by central Government, do not allow leasing companies (for vehicles leased for over 6 months) to transfer liability for any Penalty Charges to the driver. This means that TfL is not entitled to pursue payment of a Congestion Charge Penalty Charge Notice directly with the person who leased the vehicle.

18 June 2003 50 I recognise that this has resulted in difficulties for leasing companies, and that is why TfL are currently working with the Department for Transport on proposed amendments to the Regulations. These amendments would allow leasing companies to transfer liability for congestion charging Penalty Charges to their customers. 1241/2003 - Qualified drivers of Panda Cars and instant response vehicles Andrew Pelling With the move away from Panda cars to instant response vehicles in the Police service please can you advise of the difference between the number of police officers qualified to drive panda cars and the number qualified to drive instant response vehicles?

The MPA/MPS have informed me that details of driver classification are held at local personnel unit level and the information requested is not held centrally.

I have also been advised by the MPA/MPS that they plan to recruit additional drivers to meet the demands of both changes in the MPS vehicle fleet deployment and overall growth in the number of police officers. 1242/2003 - Number of civilian staff in each borough command

Andrew Pelling Please detail the change in the number of civilian staff in each Borough police command since April 2002.

Borough Mar 02 Mar 03 Difference Barking & Dagenham 62.18 65.71 3.53 Barnet 112.09 118.53 6.44 Bexley 60.71 61.70 0.99 Bromley 110.21 114.13 3.92 Camden 128.97 130.11 1.14 Croydon 124.9 135.30 10.40 Ealing 111.46 118.18 6.72 Enfield 101.37 101.93 0.56 Greenwich 113 102.20 -10.80 Hackney 133.92 128.90 -5.02 Hammersmith 103.49 103.44 -0.05 Haringey 123.25 125.61 2.36 Harrow 58.39 63.34 4.95 Havering 73.77 75.26 1.49 Hillingdon 75.26 76.75 1.49 Hounslow 86.31 84.39 -1.92 Islington 107.98 97.61 -10.37 Kensington &Chelsea 92.62 90.89 -1.73 Kingston upon 57.28 55.35 -1.95 Lambeth 172.72 165.46 -7.26 Lewisham 121.28 116.84 -4.44 Merton 66.06 64.09 -1.16 Newham 94.35 104.81 10.46 Redbridge 85.27 84.45 -0.82 Richmond upon 55.79 59.58 3.79 Southwark 178.02 162.35 -15.67 Sutton 58.7 66.09 7.39 Tower Hamlets 97.66 100.74 3.08

18 June 2003 51 Tower Hamlets 97.66 100.74 3.08 Waltham Forest 88.23 93.24 5.01 Wandsworth 117.36 122.04 4.68 Westminster 283.04 269.64 -13.40 1243/2003 - Croydon’s Police Service

Andrew Pelling I am grateful for the interest of the Chair of the MPA on the impact of the new formula on the allocation of police cars to Borough commands on Croydon's provision of police cars. What impact do you feel that the reduction from 60 to 44 cars will have on Croydon's police service?

I have been informed by the MPS/MPA that application of the vehicle allocation formula (VAF) to the terroritorial policing vehicle fleet in the MPS is designed to allocate the existing resource with the intention of balancing the fleet against the requirements of individual Borough Operational Command units.

At the request of Borough Commanders, Borough Operational Command Units were given a nominal budget allowing the local commanders flexibility to choose the make up of their own vehicle fleets to meet demands.

I have been informed by the MPA/MPS that Croydon opted for a vehicle fleet make- up aimed at increasing marked visibility in order to reduce the fear of crime and respond to a growing demand. This has increased the marked fleet from 68% to 92% but has resulted in a reduction of the total available fleet from 53 to 39 vehicles, which is a loss of 14 vehicles, all of which are unmarked.

The MPA/MPS inform me that the ability of Croydon Police to respond to incidents has not suffered however they are experiencing difficulties in their proactive and support functions with this in mind MPS managers are to meet in the near future to see if some additional support can be given. 1244/ 2003

Withdrawn – repeat of earlier question. 1245/2003 - Walden Gardens, Thornton Heath Andrew Pelling Walden Gardens is an unadopted road which is currently the responsibility of private frontagers. Walden Gardens has seen an increase in traffic usage as a result of traffic calming in neighbouring publicly adopted roads. The road is dangerous for pedestrians as there is no footpaths and the road is also subject to a great deal of illegal dumping even though it is a well-used highway. How benignly would TfL look upon a bid from Croydon Council for monies to adopt the road as a safe public highway?

This is a matter for the local authority to decide if they want the responsibility transferred to them as the highway authority.

TfL does not provide funding for maintenance of local roads. This comes directly from the Government. If, for example, there is an accident problem and it meets the criteria in the road safety programme, there may be scope to fund a road safety scheme when it becomes a public highway. There would not, though, be funding available to just for the adoption of the road.

18 June 2003 52 1246/2003 - London Buses in Croydon Andrew Pelling

How many items of correspondence were received following London Buses’ consultation on bus route changes in Croydon? a) supporting the introduction of the new 434 bus route b) opposing the introduction of the new 434 bus route c) otherwise commenting on the new 434 bus route d) supporting the retention of a direct bus link from northern and eastern New Addington to Croydon e) supporting the re-direction of the 130 bus to Norwood Junction?

There is nothing that I can add to the response provided by Bob Kiley to this question last week.

London Buses has received a number of items of correspondence with regard to both these routes, and they are currently collating results along with other comments received during consultation.

I will ensure that London Buses provides you with the figures in due course. 1247/ 2003 - Taxis Was your conditions of fitness decision, as some think, a cop out? John Biggs

London has the best taxi service in the world and having looked carefully at the Conditions of Fitness I've decided to go for useful improvements rather than a major change. This will safeguard service quality, especially for disabled people, and the investment that thousands of taxi drivers have made in their vehicles. I am already looking forward to the next generation of taxis which I expect to build on the current features to provide better comfort for both drivers and passengers including better suspension, better accessibility for wheelchair users and people who are disabled, and improved environmental performance.

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