Written Answers to Questions Not Answered at Mayor's Question Time on 18 November 2015
Increasing cycling in London Question No: 2015/3560 Caroline Pidgeon In addition to your current cycling strategy, what further measures are you planning to increase cycling in London?
Oral response
Junior Doctors' Contract Question No: 2015/3763 Onkar Sahota I have been asked to put the following question to you by a member of the public:
"I am a junior doctor living in London.
Like every junior doctor working in England, I face a great deal of uncertainty regarding what my salary will be from August 2016. This is due to the belligerent approach of Jeremy Hunt and the…Government.
"As London is an exceptionally expensive city to both live and work. I am concerned regarding whether or not I will be able to afford to remain as a junior doctor in this wonderful city.
"I am not alone. There is a very real danger that many junior doctors living and working in London will have to leave their posts and seek employment in other more affordable parts of the UK. I am sure you are well aware that many London hospitals are heavily reliant upon locum doctors to ensure safe staffing levels. A mass exodus of junior doctors from our Capital will worsen this. Unfortunately this will be compounded by the proposed cap on locum rates that your colleague, Jeremy Hunt, is pushing through."
Are you concerned about the impact of the proposed junior doctor's contract on the ability of London to attract essential medical professionals?
Oral response
Your message at the Paris Climate Change Summit Question No: 2015/3674 Darren Johnson What can you take to Paris to give confidence about London's commitment to tackling climate change?
Oral response Young people in London Question No: 2015/3764 Fiona Twycross Are young people aged under 25 at risk of being priced out of London?
Oral response
Fatal Fire, Camden Road Question No: 2015/3766 Andrew Dismore How long did it take for the first pump attendance to turn out to the fatal fire on Monday 26th October at a property in Camden Road?
Oral response
Starter Homes Question No: 2015/3765 Tom Copley What impact will the 'starter homes' policy included in the Housing and Planning Bill have on London boroughs' ability to secure suitable affordable housing that meets the needs of the local community?
Oral response
Divestment in fossil fuels Question No: 2015/3730 Gareth Bacon Will the Mayor renounce the calls from some in the Chamber and outside to divest GLA pension investments in fossil fuels?
Oral response
Flooding Action Plan Question No: 2015/3751 Steve O'Connell What changes do you anticipate to the London Plan or other planning guidance as a result of your new action plan to help tackle flooding risks in London?
Oral response London Ambulance Service Question No: 2015/3767 Onkar Sahota In 2013 when answering a question (0196/2013) on the London Ambulance Service cuts programme to Assembly Member Qureshi you said:
'the LAS reaches 75% of patients with life threatening conditions in eight minutes. They exceed their target every year. They are up to 79% in December 2012'.
How are the LAS doing now, after the large cuts and redundancies programme imposed by the last government and the closure of eight Accident and Emergency departments across London?
Oral response
Anonymous masked demonstrations Question No: 2015/3736 Kemi Badenoch How do we prevent anonymous masked demonstrations from happening in London, such as the November 5th "Million Mask March", especially when there is a clear intention to commit public disorder?
Oral response
Reducing carbon emissions from London's homes Question No: 2015/3627 Stephen Knight In the run-up to December's COP21 summit on Climate Change in Paris, will you instigate a massive expansion of domestic retrofit programmes in London with the target that every home in the capital is retrofitted to reduce energy consumption by 2025?
Oral response
MPS Capability Question No: 2015/3768 Joanne McCartney What types of work may the MPS stop performing if expected funding cuts are made?
Oral response Government Grant to TfL Question No: 2015/3769 Valerie Shawcross How will the £171m cut to the general government grant to TfL in 2015/16 affect the bus network in London?
Oral response
Co-responding Pilot in London Question No: 2015/3732 Gareth Bacon Have you had a chance to read the recent report 'Time Critical', and do you support its core recommendation that there should be a co-responding pilot in London that would see medically trained firefighters attending specific types of emergencies, such as cardiac arrests, alongside paramedics to improve response times?
Oral response
TfL and Motorcycling Question No: 2015/3740 Richard Tracey How much money has TfL set aside for specific motorcycling projects?
Oral response
Cuts to the Feed in Tariff Question No: 2015/3770 Murad Qureshi What assistance do you plan to offer to London's solar industry in the wake of the devastating changes to the FIT and particularly in light of the Paris Summit next month?
Oral response
How will you secure Zero Carbon Homes? Question No: 2015/3771 Nicky Gavron How will you secure Zero Carbon Homes?
Oral response Police use of video calling Question No: 2015/3745 Roger Evans It has been reported that Cambridgeshire Police will begin trialling a new system which enables the victims of crime to contact the police via video calling applications such as Skype. Does the Metropolitan Police Service intend to introduce similar such schemes, and what assessment has been made of their effectiveness?
Oral response
London & Partners Question No: 2015/3675 Jenny Jones At a time of intense pressure on the GLA's core budget, are you pressing London & Partners to increase its commercial income so it is no longer dependent on public subsidy?
Oral response
Homelessness and insecure tenancies Question No: 2015/3676 Darren Johnson Are you concerned at the rising number of people becoming homeless at the end of their assured shorthold tenancy?
Oral response
GLA Energy Supply Licence Question No: 2015/3733 James Cleverly How will your plans for the GLA to become a 'Licence Lite' energy supplier help to improve the energy market in London?
Oral response
Quietways Routes Consultation Question No: 2015/3721 Andrew Boff While residents along the Mayor's new Quietways routes will benefit from decreased pollution, noise, and improved cycle routes, is it not important that the residents impacted by the schemes are adequately consulted prior to implementation in order to ensure that local residents are not disproportionately affected by the changes?
Oral response
Archway gyratory (1) Question No: 2015/3561 Caroline Pidgeon Transport for London's plans for removing the Archway gyratory system require the placing of bus stands on Archway Road and mean 50 buses an hour will be doing U-turns on that road. What plans does Transport for London have to monitor the impact of these changes?
The Mayor
TfL has a robust strategy in place to monitor the effect of the Archway gyratory scheme on all user groups following implementation. This includes assessing the operation of the bus network and interchange to ensure it works as expected.
Archway gyratory (2) Question No: 2015/3562 Caroline Pidgeon What back up plan does Transport for London have if the placing of the bus stands on Archway Road, with the need for U-turning buses, fails to work as planned?
The Mayor
TfL and the London Borough of Islington have invested a huge amount of time and resources to ensure that an appropriate balance is struck between competing road user groups. I am confident that the scheme will operate as planned.
As per my answer to question MQ 2015 /3561, TfL will closely monitor the operation of the bus network after implementation of the scheme to ensure that it works effectively.
Intelligent Speed Adaptation trial (1) Question No: 2015/3563 Caroline Pidgeon What were the results of the Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA) trial on bus routes 19 and 486?
The Mayor
Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) is an innovative technology that ensures vehicles cannot exceed speed limits. This technology is currently being trialled on bus routes 19 (Battersea to Finsbury Park) and 486 (North Greenwich to Bexleyheath). Results from the trial are not yet available. Intelligent Speed Adaptation trial (2) Question No: 2015/3564 Caroline Pidgeon Are there plans for a wider roll out of the ISA technology?
The Mayor
The current trial of Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) will allow TfL to understand how the technology works in more detail, and the effectiveness of ISA in promoting speed compliance across the road network and improving safety.
TfL is also seeking to understand the attitudes of drivers and passengers to the technology. The trial is ongoing, and results will be reported in 2016. If the trial is successful, TfL has committed to rolling out this technology more widely across the bus fleet.
Simultaneous closure of Tufnell Park and Caledonian Road stations Question No: 2015/3565 Caroline Pidgeon Tufnell Park station closed in June this year so its lifts can be refurbished. It is not due to re- open until March 2016. One of the alternative stations customers have been using is Caledonian Road, but this station is also due to close for lift refurbishment from January to August 2016. This means that both stations will be closed for a period of three months, creating a very severe impact on available transport infrastructure in the area. In particular this will mean a very serious shortage of accessible tube stations in the area.
Will you instruct Transport for London to delay the works at Caledonian Road station until those at Tufnell Park station are complete?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Demand for taxi services Question No: 2015/3566 Caroline Pidgeon Is there a direct relationship between the demand for black taxis and the demand for private hire vehicles? Has Transport for London carried out any research in this area?
The Mayor
TfL has commissioned new research looking at supply, demand and market sizes for taxis and private hire vehicles in London. This research has different strands of activity including drivers keeping a record of the trips they undertake, on-street counts of taxis at various locations, mystery traveller surveys and interviews with members of the public. Private Hire operators outside of London (1) Question No: 2015/3567 Caroline Pidgeon Are PHV Operators licensed by Transport for London allowed to sub-contract out work to taxi firms outside of London?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
Private hire operators licensed in London are permitted to sub-contract private hire bookings to operators in London - or elsewhere in England and Wales - by way of Section 5 of the Private Hire Vehicle (London) Act 1998.
Operators licensed outside of London were not previously permitted to sub-contract bookings. However, the recently enacted Deregulation Act includes changes which allows private hire operators licensed outside of London to sub-contract bookings.
TfL is concerned that this will increase the number of licensed vehicles and drivers that TfL has no enforcement powers over operating within the Capital. TfL and I are raising our concerns with Government to ensure there are adequate controls in place to effectively regulate the industry.
Private Hire operators outside of London (2) Question No: 2015/3568 Caroline Pidgeon Would a Transport for London PHV Operator license allow a taxi firm to run its operations from another part of the country?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
All private hire operators licensed by TfL must have an operating centre in London to accept and discharge bookings. Loampit Vale TfL consultation and Cycling Level of Service (CLoS) failures Question No: 2015/3569 Caroline Pidgeon Transport for London is consulting on proposed changes at Loampit Vale, which include removing cycle lanes. TfL has the CLoS (Cycling Level of Service) scoring system in place to evaluate the existing environment, and plans for proposed schemes, but these proposals would score very poorly. Have designers behind the proposals used the CLoS assessment on the scheme? If so, what were the results of the assessment?
The Mayor
TfL's proposals at the A20 Loampit Hill seek to deliver better safety and improved journey times for all road users.
There is currently 110 metres of advisory cycle lane at this location which varies from 1.2 metres to 1.4 metres in width and therefore does not meet TfL's current design standards. TfL has considered whether to retain the sub-standard facilities or remove them, and concluded that removing these facilities and replacing them with a 4 metre traffic lane is preferable in this case. Hilton ferry crossing Oyster pricing (1) Question No: 2015/3570 Caroline Pidgeon Last month I asked about the Oyster pricing of the Hilton Ferry crossing. Your answer did not address the main point of the question - that the introduction of zoning has resulted in the price of a return on the ferry increasing by 31% and now stands at £7.80. Do you agree that this is a very high price for a short ferry crossing?
The Mayor
The RB4 river crossing between Doubletree Docklands and Canary Wharf is operated on a commercial basis by MBNA Thames Clippers, on behalf of the Doubletree London Docklands Hotel.
The move to a zone-based fare structure by MBNA Thames Clippers has led to some fares increasing. The fares changes have standardised fares and made all trips compatible with the Oyster readers that are now available for use at all River Bus piers, a significant improvement for customers.
The return crossing between Doubletree Docklands and Canary Wharf has seen the biggest of these increases. The change brings the fare for this crossing into line with other River Bus crossings in the area, such as the short trip from Greenwich Pier to Masthouse Terrace Pier.
The return ticket has been removed for this trip; it was anomalous within the old fare structure and would be even more so under the new standardised zone system. The majority of passengers use this crossing not for a return journey, but for a one-way trip. A single fare has increased by only 12 pence under the new structure. For those passengers that do wish to make this trip regularly in both directions, season tickets are available that will reduce their average daily return fare to as little as £3.00.
Many fares have been reduced under the new system, particularly in the eastern zone, where some single fares have fallen by almost 40 per cent. Within this context, I do not feel that the specific fare increase you mention is unduly high, and I am confident that the overall fare structure changes will provide a net benefit to River Bus passengers. Hilton ferry crossing Oyster pricing (2) Question No: 2015/3571 Caroline Pidgeon The answer to question 2015/3104 stated "the introduction of Oyster readers will provide a great overall benefit to users". However season tickets and hotel users' passes remain paper based, so require individual inspection and concession Oyster Cards (Freedom Pass etc) are not accepted at the Oyster readers because these cards can't be loaded with credit. Ferry staff must monitor the use of the Oyster readers in order to filter out non-Oyster users for individual inspection. This is labour intensive and can lead to friction between passengers and staff.
Will you agree to look into these issues so that the service actually offers the 'great overall benefits' you mentioned?
The Mayor
The introduction of Oyster touch-in and -out readers is no more labour intensive for River Bus crew than the previous system, and I am not aware of any reports of the changes leading to friction between passengers and staff. Crew members simply check all tickets - both Oyster and paper-based - as passengers board the vessel, a similar system as passengers find on London Buses. MBNA Thames Clippers crew are extremely well trained and proficient and this process overwhelmingly runs smoothly.
One of the reasons TfL and MBNA Thames Clippers decided to introduce the recent ticketing changes was that customer feedback clearly highlighted that many found the old system confusing. In particular, passengers were often unsure of where and when to buy tickets, and the new system, under which all passengers are required to have a valid tickets before boarding a River Bus vessel, seeks to resolve this problem.
Passengers can purchase paper and concessionary tickets online, via the Thames Clippers smartphone app, or at a ticket office or self-service machine before they travel. Passengers using Oyster pay-as-you-go can simply tap in and out as they board and disembark the vessel.
I am therefore satisfied that the changes have served not only to introduce a simpler payment system for many, but to clarify the ticketing system for all passengers. MBNA Thames Clippers and TfL will keep the operation of the new system under review and will consider whether improvements can be made. Uber as a private hire operator (1) Question No: 2015/3572 Caroline Pidgeon The contract Uber has with it drivers requires the drivers to agree that Uber does not provide 'transportation services, function as a transport carrier or agent for the transportation of passengers.' How can TfL license Uber as a private hire operator given this statement?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
Uber is licensed as a private hire operator as they meet the requirements set out in private hire legislation and supporting regulations. Action taken by TfL in respect of private hire licensees depends on compliance with private hire legislation and it will take appropriate action in the event of any breach.
Uber as a private hire operator (2) Question No: 2015/3573 Caroline Pidgeon TfL Operators' Regulations (11.d) states that the operator must record 'the main specified destination at the time of the booking'. However Uber's contract with its drivers states 'Driver will obtain the destination from the User, either in person upon pickup or from the Driver App if the User elects to enter such destination via Uber's mobile application'. How can Transport for London in its regulatory role reconcile these two contradictory statements?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
The Regulation 11(d) obligation is to record a journey destination specified at the time of a booking but only applies where the main destination is specified by a passenger. This obligation falls to the Operator. If no destination is specified at the time of booking, the obligation does not apply.
TfL is currently consulting on the terms of this obligation and whether it should be changed. Uber as a private hire operator (3) Question No: 2015/3574 Caroline Pidgeon TfL Operators' Regulations (14.1/14.2) require private hire operators to maintain a complaints log. Can Transport for London clarify that in the case of Uber whether it is Uber or its drivers that are responsible for maintaining this log?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
As with all private hire operators licensed in London, Uber London Ltd is responsible for maintaining a complaints register.
Uber as a private hire operator (4) Question No: 2015/3575 Caroline Pidgeon The addendum to the contract Uber has with its drivers states ''Uber and its Affiliates in the Territory do not, and shall not be deemed to, direct or control Driver generally or in Driver's performance of Transportation Services or maintenance of any Vehicles. Driver acknowledges that neither Uber nor any of its Affiliates in the Territory controls, or purports to control: (a) when or for how long Driver will utilize the Driver App or the Uber Services…'. In the view of Transport for London does this mean that Uber drivers are de facto a private hire operator, with the costs and responsibilities that follow?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
No, although there could be cases where private hire drivers working for Uber are also licensed as a private hire operator. If private hire drivers perform a function for which a private hire operator licence was required, and did not have one, then enforcement action would be instigated which could have implications for an individual's licence. Uber as a private hire operator (5) Question No: 2015/3576 Caroline Pidgeon The Uber driver contract states: 'Driver may be deactivated or otherwise restricted from accessing or using the Driver App or the Uber Services in the event of a violation of this Addendum or Transportation Company's violation of the Agreement, or Driver's or Transportation Company's disparagement of Uber or any of its Affiliates, or Driver's or Transportation Company's act or omission that causes harm to Uber's or any of its Affiliates' brand, reputation or business as determined by Uber in its sole discretion'.
Given that there is a possibility that a driver might correctly believe that Uber as an operator is not fulfilling its duties according to the law and that highlighting such breaches is in the public interest, would such communications be protected under public interest disclosure laws?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
Whether any such disclosure qualifies for protection under public interest disclosure legislation will depend on the facts of an individual case.
Uber as a private hire operator (6) Question No: 2015/3577 Caroline Pidgeon The new Uber driver contract says 'Uber and its Affiliates reserve the right to use, share and display Driver and User ratings and comments in any manner in connection with the business of Uber and its Affiliates without attribution to or approval of Driver. Driver acknowledges that Uber and its Affiliates are distributors (without any obligation to verify) and not publishers of Driver and User ratings and comments...'. This poses a potential risk to drivers in terms of privacy and personal safety. Does Transport for London have the power to require the operator to take responsibility for safeguarding driver data? If not, is there any legal requirement on operators to safeguard driver data?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
TfL does not have specific powers relating to the use and control of information other than what is prescribed in private hire legislation. TfL could report matters to the Information Commissioners Office and potentially take action if there was a breach and it considered that a licensee was no longer fit to hold a licence. Uber as a private hire operator (7) Question No: 2015/3578 Caroline Pidgeon The Uber driver contract says the driver is allowed to renegotiate the fare with the rider but only for a reduced fare but not an increased one. Is this permitted under TfL regulations?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Uber as a private hire operator (8) Question No: 2015/3579 Caroline Pidgeon The Uber driver contract requires that Uber is named as an additional insured party in the driver's insurance policy. What is Transport for London's view on this requirement for the drivers to be insuring the operator?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
It is the responsibility of licensees to ensure that they are appropriately insured in line with requirements in private hire regulation and road traffic law more generally. Insurance documentation is routinely checked by TfL as part of operator compliance inspections.
Olympic Park travel plan Question No: 2015/3580 Caroline Pidgeon The travel plan that formed part of the planning permission for the Olympic Park included a range of measures to encourage cycling. These included:
Cycle routes connecting to the Cycle Superhighway 2 and National Cycle Network routes. Extending Cycle Superhighway 2 to Romford Creating 478 cycle parking spaces for visitors, 200 of which secure spaces in close proximity to the stadium Extra cycle spaces for staff within the stadium at lower ground level in a lockable area, enough for 10% of the staff. Surveys to be carried out at main events Appointing a Travel Plan Co-ordinator
What parts of the travel plan have been implemented? Please answer with specific attention to the measures outlined above. The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
Implementation of Olympic Park travel plans is under way. An update on each measure is provided below:
Cycle Superhighway 2 (CS2) and National Cycle Network (NCN): The phased opening of the Olympic Park includes connections to NCN Route 1 at the River Lea and to CS2 via Warton Road, Carpenters Road and Marshgate Lane.
We are also installing a ramp at the H10 bridge to allow easy access from the west and to form part of a new cross-park Quietway.
Extending CS2 to Romford: CS2 has been delivered to Stratford and the route west of Bow to Aldgate is currently being upgraded. Any future extensions to Cycle Superhighways would be subject to consultation and funding.
Stadium cycle parking: There will be a minimum of 410 cycle parking spaces for public use, with 200 in close proximity, and 24 spaces for staff delivered prior to full re-opening next year. Temporary arrangements for cycle parking were in place during events this year. Further cycle parking and Santander Cycle Hire docking stations will be installed across Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Surveys: The events programme for the Rugby World Cup and associated events at the Stadium has a transport and travel monitoring programme in place. This will inform future event management plans at the Stadium.
Travel Plan Co-ordinator: The function of Travel Plan Co-ordinator, overseeing the implementation of travel plans for Park use and future development, is currently overseen in- house by the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC). However, it is anticipated that an external Travel Plan Co-ordinator may be appointed in due course as more sites are constructed and occupied. The LLDC is also in the process of establishing a Sustainable and Active Travel Group whose role will be, in part, to monitor the performance of more specific land-use travel plans as they are implemented. This Group will include a range of stakeholders including transport bodies, venues, developers, as well as walking and cycling groups. Taxis Question No: 2015/3581 Caroline Pidgeon Last month I asked (Question 2015/25240) who is responsible for taxi and private hire regulation in relation to touting at Heathrow Airport. The response said that the ultimate responsibility lies with HAL, but involves close working with Transport for London and other agencies.
However serious problems remain at Heathrow Airport with touting and congestion. The current approach by HAL, Transport for London and the other agencies is proving to be inadequate. What more will Transport for London do to ensure that regulations relating to private hire operators are enforced at Heathrow Airport and that the police take appropriate action against illegal touting?
The Mayor
TfL continues to work closely with the Metropolitan Police, Heathrow Airport Limited and the London Borough of Hillingdon to address the taxi and private hire issues both at the airport, and in the surrounding areas.
TfL is in the process of enhancing its intelligence and data sharing processes with the local authority so that TfL, as the licensing authority, can take appropriate action against drivers that continue to park illegally or commit anti-social behaviour. Action could include the suspension and revocation of licenses.
Uber Pool/Pop (1) Question No: 2015/3582 Caroline Pidgeon Is Transport for London aware of any plans by Uber to launch its Uber Pool/Pop ridesharing model in London?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
Uber made TfL aware of its plans to launch UberPool, a ride-sharing service in London using licensed private hire drivers and vehicles.
UberPOP, which exists in other European countries, operates as a ride-sharing platform. This service intends to let drivers without a professional licence transport customers, who hail them using a smartphone app, in their own cars. Uber has made TfL aware they have no plans to launch UberPOP in the UK. Uber Pool/Pop (2) Question No: 2015/3583 Caroline Pidgeon What view would Transport for London take as regulator of Uber Pool/Pop?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
TfL welcomes new services that widen choice and make life easier for Londoners. Ride-sharing services, using licensed private hire vehicles, do not require a separate operator's licence and TfL has not therefore licensed UberPOOL separately from Uber's main operating licence. TfL has made clear that, as with any new service, it expects Uber to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to ensure the safety of passengers, drivers and other road users at all times.
As previously mentioned, UberPOP, operates as a ride-sharing platform which lets drivers without a professional license transport customers, who hail them using a smartphone app, in their own cars. Please see my response to MQ 2015/3582.
Uber Pool/Pop (3) Question No: 2015/3584 Caroline Pidgeon Has Transport for London had any discussions with Uber about the operation of Uber Pool/Pop in London?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
The Transport Act 1985 extended the circumstances in which taxis and private hire vehicles may be used to provide shared services without coming under the regulatory regime set out in PSV legislation. Uber made TfL aware of plans to launch UberPool, a ride-sharing service in London using licensed private hire drivers and vehicles. TfL sought and received assurances from Uber on some important issues around strangers travelling together, data protection and insurance.
UberPOP, which exists in other European countries, operates as a ride-sharing platform. This service intends to let drivers without a professional licence transport customers, who hail them using a smartphone app, in their own cars. Uber has made TfL aware they have no plans to launch UberPOP in the UK. Driverless technology Question No: 2015/3585 Caroline Pidgeon The technology to enable driverless vehicles to operate safely is developing quickly. What work is Transport for London doing to investigate the potential impact of this technology on public transport, taxis and private hire in London?
The Mayor
Connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) are likely to have a profound impact on how Londoners, and other city-dwellers around the world, choose to travel.
TfL is working with key stakeholders across industry and government to make sure that London is at the forefront of the development of CAVs. This technology, while developing fast, is still in its infancy and the safety of transport users across the capital is a key priority.
TfL is a stakeholder of the CITYMOBIL2 European Project. Involvement in this ground-breaking EU-wide project - which is trialling automated transport systems in urban environments across Europe - will help TfL stay at the forefront of the development of emerging passenger transport automation.
CAV technology does not only affect public transport, taxis and private hire but also freight and passenger vehicles. TfL is playing an active role supporting research and trials in Greenwich, Milton Keynes and Bristol. TfL also contributed to the official code of practice for testing driverless cars on UK roads, published by the DfT in July 2015.
Harrow-on-the-Hill Question No: 2015/3586 Caroline Pidgeon Harrow-on-the-Hill is a major transfer station between the Metropolitan Line and Chiltern Railways, but it lacks modern information boards on platforms. As part of plans to upgrade both the station and the adjacent bus station, will Transport for London invest in modern information boards for passengers?
The Mayor
Yes.
The Four Line Modernisation programme will deliver significant service improvements on the Metropolitan line, as well as improved customer information to stations such as Harrow-on- the-Hill. As part of this programme TfL is actively investigating possibilities that will deliver improved information screens to Harrow-on-the-Hill in advance of the full upgrade. In the meantime, TfL ensures that stations are fully staffed during operating hours with staff on-hand to engage and assist customers with service information.
Plans for the modernisation of Harrow Bus Station are still at a very early, conceptual stage, but appropriate passenger information will most certainly be included as proposals are developed. Vauxhall Plans Question No: 2015/3587 Caroline Pidgeon In response to Lambeth Council and Transport for London's (TfL) plan to create a two-way version of Vauxhall's existing gyratory, Our Vauxhall has produced an ambitious community-led design which reduces traffic and pollution while creating a major new public space for central London. Will you agree to look at these proposals and instruct TfL to assess them as part of the ongoing consultation process?
The Mayor
TfL has already reviewed two alternative arrangements that were submitted by members of the public following last year's public consultation on TfL's proposals to transform Vauxhall gyratory.
Both alternatives seek to enhance the public realm and District Centre opportunities on South Lambeth Road by closing the eastern arm of Vauxhall Cross gyratory to general traffic. The 'Our Vauxhall' design is based on the same premise. TfL's position is set out on TfL's Consultation Hub website at https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/roads/vauxhall-cross.
Although TfL has not pursued the alternative arrangements, these proposals have proved to be a valuable source of information and have helped to stimulate discussion. As a result, TfL is placing a much stronger design emphasis on the eastern side of the viaduct, including a significant enhancement to South Lambeth Road with lane reduction, footway widening, new crossings and greening. Accessibility of public transport (1) Question No: 2015/3588 Caroline Pidgeon Although good work has been done on improving the accessibility of buses for disabled passengers, there is still much room for improvement. Examples include improving the quality of ramps for wheelchair users, installing hearing loops, better training for drivers about passengers with hidden disabilities and more space/better designs to improve space for wheelchairs and reduce conflict with buggies.
Will you commit to reviewing bus accessibility and include new requirements when renewing bus contracts?
The Mayor
TfL constantly strives to improve the accessibility of all aspects of the bus network.
All buses in the fleet became low-floor, wheelchair-accessible, at the end of 2005 - well ahead of legislative requirements - with the exception of classic Routemasters which were exempt.
TfL changed its standards 18 months ago to increase the size of the wheelchair space across the bus network for all buses entering the bus fleet. Additionally, TfL regularly reviews bus specifications and looks at the general layout, including the positioning of poles and bell pushes, to see how space can be used more effectively to improve manoeuvrability for wheelchair users. As newer buses replace older vehicles in the fleet, more accessible ramps are also being introduced. All newer vehicles additionally have induction loops fitted so hearing- impaired passengers can pick up announcements.
The proportion of London bus stops that meet rigorous accessibility standards is now at 84 per cent and is on target to rise to 95 per cent by the end of 2016.
TfL is also providing two additional days of training for all bus drivers from 2016 as part of its desire to deliver an ideal customer experience. On top of previous training initiatives, this will include a strong focus on accessibility awareness.
TfL works closely with key stakeholders to develop training content and review the accessibility of the network to track progress. Accessibility of public transport (2) Question No: 2015/3589 Caroline Pidgeon At present only 67 out of 270 London Underground stations are accessible. While it is recognised that making some stations accessible is very expensive there are others which could be made accessible much more easily, such as the district line platforms at Hammersmith. Will the Mayor commit to carrying out an accessibility audit of all London Underground stations, with a focus on what measures would be required to improve accessibility?
The Mayor
Improving the accessibility of London Underground (LU) is a priority for TfL, with a number of well-established projects already delivering significant improvements to the network. Hammersmith station already has step-free access to all platforms.
Around 40 more Tube and Overground stations will become step-free over the next ten years, including major stations such as Bond Street, Finsbury Park and Victoria. All 40 Crossrail stations will also provide step-free access.
In October 2014, TfL announced the creation of a £76m Step-Free Access Partnership Programme which will be used to match third-party contributions and fund around a dozen step-free stations. The programme focuses on schemes which are easier to build and more affordable. TfL officers are currently engaging with boroughs and identifying a number of priority stations that could benefit from the programme.
I am keen to increase the size of this fund and have asked TfL to consider this as part of preparing the 2015 business plan.
TfL has estimated that to make the entire LU network step free would cost several billion pounds. While a formal audit is not proposed, TfL will continue to explore the feasibility of making stations step-free and prioritising them as funding becomes available.
Accessibility of public transport (3) Question No: 2015/3590 Caroline Pidgeon The door-to-door transport service offers an essential lifeline to some of the most vulnerable people in society. What plans does Transport for London have to improve this important service?
The Mayor
TfL has been developing outline proposals for Social Needs Transport to deliver service improvements for customers. TfL has developed a roadmap which has been shared and discussed with London Councils and the boroughs. Work is also underway to develop detailed proposals designed to deliver greater integration of social needs transport services which will deliver improved services to vulnerable people across London. Key stakeholders will be briefed and customers kept updated about developments as this work progresses. Garden Bridge (1) Question No: 2015/3591 Caroline Pidgeon Please set out the exact terms and conditions on which TfL will lend money to the Garden Bridge Trust including details of (a) the length of the loan and (b) the rate of interest that will be charged.
The Mayor
Full details of TfL's financial contribution to the Garden Bridge project can be found in the Deed of Grant entered into between TfL and the Garden Bridge Trust. This Deed of Grant, its subsequent Deed of Variation (which puts into effect new arrangements agreed between TfL, the Garden Bridge Trust and the London Borough of Lambeth), and the associated loan agreement between TfL and the Garden Bridge Trust are available online at https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/publications-and-reports/temple-footbridge.
Garden Bridge (2) Question No: 2015/3592 Caroline Pidgeon What steps, if any, will TfL be able to take if the Garden Bridge Trust is unable to repay money that it is lent by TfL? Please set out the exact assurances that TfL has obtained from the Garden Bridge Trust in relation to the agreed loan.
The Mayor
Please see my answer to MQ 2015/3591.
Garden Bridge (3) Question No: 2015/3593 Caroline Pidgeon Please state when the following questions about the Garden Bridge, which were submitted to you on the 12th October will finally be answered: 2015/3118, 2015/3121, 2015/3122, 2015/3123, and 2015/3124.
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Garden Bridge (4) Question No: 2015/3594 Caroline Pidgeon Please state how many freedom of information requests relating to the Garden Bridge remain unanswered by (a) Transport for London, and (b) your office, despite being submitted more than 20 working days ago.
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015 a) As of 11 November, TfL had two FOI requests. b) As of 19 November, the GLA two FOI requests. often require collation of information from across teams which can lead to delays. Overdue FOIs are tracked to ensure further delays are minimised. Voter registration Question No: 2015/3595 Caroline Pidgeon Following the recent House of Lords vote on the Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 (Transitional Provisions) Order 2015 have you had any discussions with the Greater London Returning Officer to clarify what steps are being taken to ensure that Londoners are aware of the changes taking place to the electoral register and the steps people can take to ensure they are on the electoral register before the 1st December 2015?
The Mayor
The GLRO has circulated a memo to all Assembly Members on this subject. It explains that:
Responsibility for electoral registration rests with the Borough Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), not with the Greater London Returning Officer.
Government has made an additional £3 million available to EROs to encourage 'carry forward electors' to register via Individual Electoral Registration (IER) and remain on the electoral register. Boroughs are undertaking various initiatives, according to local circumstance, to encourage registration. By December, carry forward electors will have been contacted at least nine times to encourage them to register individually.
The Electoral Commission will run a national campaign starting in February 2016 to raise awareness that people need to register to vote by 18 April to take part in the May 2016 polls. The campaign will place particular emphasis on those groups who are more likely to have been removed from the register.
It is right that EROs and the Commission take the lead on registration as the responsible bodies. Nevertheless, the GLRO is liaising with boroughs and he and the London Elects Team are taking steps to encourage registration, including: o all emails going out from the GLA will carry a 'footer' about the voter registration change o a GLRO blog on the London Elects and london.gov.uk websites, which will be highlighted via social media o running, in early 2016, a marketing campaign to increase awareness about the GLA Elections
Setting December as the deadline for moving to IER is the correct decision. Not only will it provided greater clarity for carry-forward electors, it is a significantly more robust system, militating against the sort of failings seen in Tower Hamlets. Unpaid Congestion Charge by embassies and diplomatic missions Question No: 2015/3596 Caroline Pidgeon Please state what was the level of unpaid Congestion Charge and Penalty Charge Notices by embassies and diplomatic missions that existed in May 2008 and what is its current level.
The Mayor
At 30 April 2008, the value of outstanding Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) issued to vehicles registered to embassies and diplomatic missions was £17,319,489. At 2 November 2015, the value of outstanding PCNs for this group is £95,293,691.
I have always been clear that the Congestion Charge is a charge for a service and not a tax. This means that diplomats are not exempt from paying it. This stance is shared by the UK Government.
Around two thirds of embassies in London do pay the charge, but there remains a stubborn minority who refuse to do so, despite our representations through diplomatic channels.
TfL continues to pursue all unpaid Congestion Charge fees and related PCNs and is pushing for the matter to be taken up at the International Court of Justice.
Faulty Oyster readers on London buses (1) Question No: 2015/3597 Caroline Pidgeon What estimate has TfL made of the loss in revenue in the last year from faulty Oyster readers on TfL's bus network.
The Mayor
The bus yellow card readers are very reliable. Across a fleet of over 9,000 buses, around 25 devices each day are reported as being faulty. These are then swiftly replaced or fixed.
As a result, there is no material loss of revenue. Faulty Oyster readers on London buses (2) Question No: 2015/3598 Caroline Pidgeon Are any steps being taken to improve the reliability of Oyster readers on TfL's bus network
The Mayor
Yes.
TfL has improved the availability of the bus yellow card readers by enabling each device to continue to operate even if the associated driver's ticket machine or printer is faulty.
Similarly, on buses with multiple yellow card readers, each device now continues to operate even if one of the other yellow card readers develops a fault.
Further software is currently being developed to improve remote monitoring of the devices to further enable any losses of service to be identified and corrected quickly.
Cost of MPS Cars for Senior Officers (1) Question No: 2015/3599 Caroline Pidgeon What is the forecast spend in 2015/16 on drivers for senior officers?
The Mayor
The forecast spend in 2015/16 on drivers for senior officers is £629k. This includes the cost of basic pay, allowances, pension and overtime.
Cost of MPS Cars for Senior Officers (2) Question No: 2015/3600 Caroline Pidgeon What is the forecast capital spend in 2015/16 on cars for senior officers? Does this figure include the purchase of new vehicles?
The Mayor
The capital spend in 2014/15 on cars for senior officers was £57,022 (including the purchase of new vehicles).
The forecast capital spend in 2015/16 on cars for senior officers is £237,268 (including the purchase of new vehicles) Cost of MPS Cars for Senior Officers (3) Question No: 2015/3601 Caroline Pidgeon What is the forecast spend in 2015/16 on maintenance of the vehicle fleet including fuelling?
The Mayor
Please see my response to MQ 3362 / 2015.
Cost of MPS Cars for Senior Officers (4) Question No: 2015/3602 Caroline Pidgeon What is the forecast cost in 2015/16 of insurance for the vehicle fleet?
The Mayor
Please see my response to MQ 3362 / 2015.
Cost of MPS Vehicle fleet (1) Question No: 2015/3603 Caroline Pidgeon What is the forecast spend in 2015/16 on maintenance of the entire MPS vehicle fleet including fuelling?
The Mayor
The actual spend for 2014/15 and forecast spend for 2015/16 on maintenance and fuel of the entire MPS vehicle fleet is:
2014/15 (£m) 2015/16 Forecast (£m) Fuel 12.2 11.0 Maintenance 22.4 20.3 Total (Maintenance and fuel) 34.6 31.3
Cost of MPS Vehicle fleet (2) Question No: 2015/3604 Caroline Pidgeon What is the forecast cost in 2015/16 of insurance for the entire MPS vehicle fleet?
The Mayor
The cost of insurance in 2014/15 and the forecast cost in 2015/16 of the entire MPS fleet is:
2014/15 2015/16 (forecast) Insurance £281,655 £272,897
Cost of MPS Vehicle fleet (3) Question No: 2015/3605 Caroline Pidgeon What is the forecast capital spend in 2015/16 on vehicles for the MPS fleet? Does this figure include the purchase of new vehicles?
The Mayor
The total 2015/16 capital forecast in September for the MPS fleet is £20.3m. This includes the purchase cost of new vehicles.
MPS use of taxis and private hire vehicles Question No: 2015/3606 Caroline Pidgeon What was the cost of the MPS's use of taxis and private hire vehicles in 2014/15 and what is the forecast cost in 2015/16?
The Mayor
Please see my response to MQ 3370 / 2015.
MPS Advertising (1) Question No: 2015/3607 Caroline Pidgeon How much did the MOPAC/MPS spend on advertising and public relations (excluding the cost of in-house staff) in 2014/15 and in 2015/16 to date?
The Mayor
Please see my response to MQ 3371 / 2015. MPS Advertising (2) Question No: 2015/3608 Caroline Pidgeon How much did the MOPAC/MPS spend on in-house press and public relations staff in 2014/15 and in 2015/16 to date?
The Mayor
Please see my response to MQ 3371 / 2015.
Cost of Consultants Question No: 2015/3609 Caroline Pidgeon Please provide a breakdown of the total spend by MOPAC/MPS on consultants in 2014/15 and in 2015/16 to date? Please also list the number of consultants who have been employed in each year.
The Mayor
In total £43.1m was spent on consultants in 2014/15.
94 different consultant vendors were employed in 2014/15
In total £16.3m has been spent on consultants in 2015/16 to 31 October 2015.
42 different consultant vendors have been employed in 2015/16 to 31 October 2015
The spend in 2015 to date is similar to the spend for the same period of time (7 months) as in 2014/15 (£16.3m).
Much of this is due to temporary staff working on transformation projects that are occurring within the Met, in order to drive through long term efficiencies. MPS - Cost of Agency Staff Question No: 2015/3610 Caroline Pidgeon Please provide a breakdown of the total spend by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) on agency staff for the previous financial year (2014/15) and in the current financial year to date? Please list the number of agency staff who have been employed in each year.
The Mayor
In total £42.3m was spent on agency staff in 2014/15.
The average number of agency staff employed each month in 2014/15 was 608.
In total £20.6m has been spent on agency staff in 2015/16 to 30 September 2015
The average number of agency staff employed each month from April to September 2015 was 657.
The six month cost in 2015/16 is in line with 50% of the costs in 2014/15 (£21.2m).
Much of this is due to temporary staff working on transformation projects that are occurring within the Met, in order to drive through long term efficiencies.
MPS residential properties for ACPO officers Question No: 2015/3611 Caroline Pidgeon How many properties does MOPAC currently own for the use of ACPO officers, and what is the annual cost of upkeep? Please also list the current valuation of these properties.
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
ACPO was replaced by the National Police Chief's Council (NPCC) in April 2015.
Details of properties used for NPCC officers and previously ACPO officers is set out in the table below.
2014/15 2015/16 No. of properties 8 7 Annual cost of upkeep £28,000 £20,274 Valuation £2,588,064 £3,023,298
MPS - Cost of Flights Question No: 2015/3612 Caroline Pidgeon How many police officers flew business classand/or first classto any destination (including within the UK) when conducting their official duties in 2014/15 and in the year to date? Please list the total cost of these flights.
The Mayor
Please see my response to MQ 3367 / 2015.
Human Trafficking and Kidnap Unit (1) Question No: 2015/3613 Caroline Pidgeon How many arrests have been made by the Human Trafficking and Kidnap Unit from 2014 to date? How many of these arrests have resulted in a conviction? Please break down by month and provide totals.
The Mayor
There have been 255 arrests made by the Human Trafficking and Kidnap Unit between 1st January 2014 and 30th September 2015.
From these arrests, 63 resulted in a sanctioned detection. In the majority of cases this will mean that a person has been charged and sent for trial.
The data on convictions is CPS data which cannot be accessed by the MPS/MOPAC in a searchable format.
[See Appendix C for a breakdown of arrests by month between January 2014 - September 2015]
Human Trafficking and Kidnap Unit (2) Question No: 2015/3614 Caroline Pidgeon How many permanent members of staff are employed within the MPS Human Trafficking and Kidnap Unit and what staffing changes are envisaged in the next year?
The Mayor
82 permanent members of staff are employed in the MPS Trafficking & Kidnap Unit (TaKU). There are no plans to change staff levels. Human Trafficking and Kidnap Unit (3) Question No: 2015/3615 Caroline Pidgeon How much funding was allocated to the MPS Human Trafficking and Kidnap Unit in (1) 2012/13, (2) 2013/14, and (3) 2014/15 and how much funding has been budgeted for this Unit for 2015/16?
The Mayor
2012/2013 2013/2014 2014/2015 2015/2016
Budget Budget Budget Budget Cost Category £ '000 £ '000 £ '000 £ '000 Total Annual estimated 5,943 6,024 5,493 5,755 Budget The Human Trafficking and Kidnap Unit form part of a larger budget containing other Organised Crime Command Units. Human Trafficking and Kidnap Unit (4) Question No: 2015/3616 Caroline Pidgeon How many cases of human trafficking were identified by MPS Borough Operational Command Units across London in 2014/15, broken down by (a) labour exploitation (b) sexual exploitation (c) domestic servitude (d) forced criminality (e) other?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
The table below shows the number of classified incidents of human trafficking/exploitation investigated by Borough Operational Command Units (BOCUs) and Specialist Units across the MPS between 1st April 2014 and 31st March 2015.
Offence Group Borough OCU's Specialist Units Total Kidnapping-Forced Marriages 10 10 20 Exploitation of Prostitution 29 2 31 Trafficking for Sexual Exploitation 40 17 57 Modern slavery 42 37 79 Total 121 66 187 There is no defined list of offences in the Home Office Counting Rules that is described as 'Human Trafficking' but there is a smaller subset classified as 'Modern Slavery'.
The definition of Modern Slavery includes the following offences under the Modern Slavery Act 2015: o Hold person in slavery or servitude. o Require person to perform forced or compulsory labour. o UK national arrange or facilitate the travel of another person with a view to exploitation. o Commit Offence other than kidnapping or false imprisonment with intention of arranging travel with intention of arranging travel with view to exploitation.
Modern Slavery covers a range of complex issues that are often hard to detect but professionals (including the police, social workers, immigration and relevant support organisations) are continuing to work together to identify and safeguard potential victims in line with the UK's legal framework. MPS public order policing Chelsea football club Question No: 2015/3617 Caroline Pidgeon Why is the unrecovered cost of MPS public order policing at Chelsea Football Club from 2014 to date 28% higher than any other London club?
The Mayor
Under present law, the MPS are only able to pass costs on to football clubs for policing the land owned, leased or under the control of the club. As the chargeable footprint is smaller at Chelsea than most other clubs, there is a higher percentage of unrecovered costs.
MPS ride-along schemes (1) Question No: 2015/3618 Caroline Pidgeon Further to your answer to MQ 2014/4189 have new procedures been introduced to give more people the opportunity to take part in the MPS ride-along scheme, as recommended by the London Policing Ethics Panel?
The Mayor
I fully support the ride-along scheme as it is a great way for members of the public to gain an insight into the work of the police. In June 2015 new guidance was introduced for ride-alongs which provides a central recording system so that take up can be assessed. Each Borough actively supports ride-alongs and focuses on inviting people who would not normally engage with the police, those who have lower levels of confidence as well as stakeholder or others interested in policing. MPS ride-along schemes (2) Question No: 2015/3619 Caroline Pidgeon How many people have taken part in the MPS ride-along scheme since it was introduced? Please break down this figure by month and provide yearly totals.
The Mayor
The new ride-along scheme commenced in June 2015, this introduced centralised recording of the take up. I am led to believe that all divisions are actively engaged in encouraging take up which, for me, remains disappointingly low and I will be asking my Office for Policing And Crime (MOPAC) to work with the MPS to identify the reasons for this.
June 2015 - 6
July 2015 - 6
Aug 2015 - 2
Sep 2015 - 8
Oct 2015 - 4
Nov 2015 - 1
Total = 27
Water Cannon value Question No: 2015/3620 Caroline Pidgeon What is the current estimated retail value of the Water Cannon the MPS purchased in 2014 for £218,000?
The Mayor
As there are no plans to sell the water cannon, no retail value has been estimated. MPS Knife Arches (1) Question No: 2015/3621 Caroline Pidgeon How many operational knife arches do the MPS currently have? How many does each borough have access to? What is the cost of these?
The Mayor
Knife crime is still an issue and therefore knife arches continue to be used across London.
Furthermore, a range of tactics are in place to drive knife and related crime down, including:
A Shield gang violence reduction pilot in three London boroughs. MOPAC has led on this new programme that targets violent gang offenders across Lambeth, Haringey and Westminster
A £600,000 youth intervention service for victims of violent crime in London's four major trauma centres.
Local problem solving meetings for violent crime in five boroughs, led by the DM for Policing and Crime
The MPS is leading on Operation Equinox, which tackles violent crime in locations with a busy nighttime economy
MOPAC is funding 25 gangs projects through the London Crime Prevention Fund, at a value of approximately £3m per year from April 2013-March 2017
There are 71 portable Archway Metal Detectors (AMD's) distributed across the boroughs and certain specialist units in the MPS. On average there are 2 AMD's issued to each borough. The majority of the arches were purchased back in 2008/9, and the cost of one of these units today would be £3,500.00
MPS Knife Arches operational use (2) Question No: 2015/3622 Caroline Pidgeon How many times have knife arches been used operationally by the MPS in the last three years? Please break down by month and by borough and provide totals for each year.
The Mayor
Please see my response to MQ 3621 / 2015. MOPAC funding (1) Question No: 2015/3623 Caroline Pidgeon What funding have MOPAC provided to organisations that specifically work on tackling London's knife crime problem? Please provide details of the organisations and how much funding they have received.
The Mayor
Since I took office in 2008, I have driven a comprehensive programme of action against knife crime in London. This has made a real difference, with knife crime falling by almost 29% since 2008. Our approach tackles the issue of knife crime from every angle - prevention, intervention and enforcement.
Between MOPAC and the police there is a huge amount of activity taking place, including:
Providing £6.8 million in funding to tackle violence in the capital;
Red-thread service in trauma centres -to provide youth intervention services when victims of serious youth violence present at A&E.
Kicks Programme - An intervention programme where football clubs work with young people to engage them in positive activities.
In partnership with London's 32 boroughs, MOPAC also continues to sustainably fund 34 gangs projects through the London Crime Prevention Fund (LCPF) at a value of approximately £12m over a four-year period. Information on projects funded via the London Crime Prevention Fund can be found on the MOPAC website here www.london.gov.uk/priorities/policing-crime/our- work/crime-prevention/london-crime-prevention-fund
In addition the Met has conducted:
Operation Equinox - an MPS operation to tackle violent crime, particularly nighttime activities with borough-led programmes including visible patrols and weapon sweeps.
10,000 weapons searches in the last 9 months. MOPAC funding (2) Question No: 2015/3624 Caroline Pidgeon What funding have MOPAC provided to organisations that provide treatment and support for mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder associated with being involved in or victims of gang or knife crime? Please provide details of the organisations and how much funding they have received.
The Mayor
One of my Strategic Ambitions for Gangs and Serious Youth Violence is to ensure that mental health/ emotional trauma in gang members is consistently identified and addressed. In partnership with the Home Office and the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), My Office for Policing And Crime (MOPAC) have invested , £1.4 M over 2 years to provide specialist training to 8,000 front line professionals across London, which is being delivered by Premier Partnership.
MOPAC also awarded a grant of £1,250,000 to a consortia lead by Safer London Foundation to deliver the London Gang Exit Programme which includes the provision of specialist mental health support for those who are victims of/or involved in gangs by allowing for spot purchase provision from MAC UK, The Anna Freud Centre & The Brandon Centre. MOPAC funding (3) Question No: 2015/3625 Caroline Pidgeon Please provide a breakdown of the total MOPAC funding allocated to both London's rape crisis centres and the havens. Please break this down by location and provide yearly totals. Please also provide forecasted funding for 2016/17.
The Mayor
The below table outlines funding for Rape Crisis Centres (RCCs) for 2014/15 and 2015/16 broken down by year and location:
2014/2015 2015/2016 Total North London RCC £339,250 £250,752 £590,000 South London RCC £554,250 £435,750 £990,000 East London RCC £339,250 £250,752 £590,000 West London RCC £316,250 £233,750 £550,000 Total £1,549,000 £1,171,004 £2,720,000 MOPAC has agreed to release a further £1,260,000 for the Rape Crisis Centres in 2016/17.
Havens
MOPAC allocated a total of £4,330,000 to NHS England in 2014/15 and 2015/16 (£2,165,000 per year) who commission the Havens via one provider that distributes funding across the three Havens sites.
MOPAC has agreed an allocation of up to £2,165,000 for the Havens in 2016/17.
Barking deaths Question No: 2015/3626 Caroline Pidgeon The MPS referred themselves to the IPCC having failed to make the link between the murder of four gay men found in and around the same area of Barking between June 2014 and September 2015. What internal investigations are being conducted to make sure similar failings will not happen again?
The Mayor
As this matter is with the IPCC it would not be appropriate to comment on this matter at this stage. Zero Carbon Homes Question No: 2015/3628 Stephen Knight Can you confirm that major residential developments in London will continue to meet the zero carbon target set out in your London Plan, regardless of changes to the national Building Regulations announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
I can confirm that the carbon reduction targets set out in policy 5.2 of my London Plan will continue to be applied to major developments across London.
Zero Carbon Homes - 'Allowable Solutions Question No: 2015/3629 Stephen Knight Can you confirm that the delivery of 'Allowable Solutions' within Greater London - aimed at minimising carbon dioxide emissions from major developments - will be retained in your London Plan?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
Yes, I can confirm that where the specific London Plan targets cannot be fully achieved on-site, I will seek any shortfall be provided off-site or through a cash in lieu contribution to the relevant borough to be ring fenced to secure delivery of carbon dioxide savings (akin to 'Allowable Solutions'). Licence Lite Question No: 2015/3630 Stephen Knight Further to the recent amendments made to the GLA's application to Ofgem for a junior electricity supply licence (known as 'licence lite'), when do you expect to begin selling electricity produced by London's boroughs and public bodies to other organisations?
The Mayor
The date when the GLA will begin supplying electricity is dependent upon the dates when the current arrangements of the electricity generators for the sale of their electricity expire or can be brought to an end, we expect the first tranche generation to be available by April 2016. Those dates (which will vary from one generator to another) will be known when offers are received from the generators and terms have been successfully negotiated with the GLA. Based on those timing considerations, the objective is to commence supplies as soon as generator commitments allow.
London Underground - 'on-the-go' recycling Question No: 2015/3631 Stephen Knight A constituent has recently contacted me informing me of his difficulty in finding recycling bins when travelling on the Underground. Will you examine whether more 'on-the-go' recycling bins could be provided at Tube stations?
The Mayor
TfL is committed to encouraging recycling on its network. At LU stations where litter-picking by staff takes place, including terminus stations, LU teams separate recyclable from non- recyclable material.
LU reintroduced general waste bins on the network in 2011 in order to reduce the incidence of litter causing Tube train door failures. General waste bins are in place at 207 Tube stations, with the aim to have bins at all stations as soon as possible. Since 2011, lost customer hours due to the obstruction of train doors by litter has reduced by 26 per cent.
A trial run by the Metro newspaper in 2008 placing recycling bins in six Tube stations for six months found that customers were placing non-recyclable materials in these bins. This caused the contamination of recyclable materials by non-recyclable materials, meaning that much of the former materials were not able to be recycled. 159 bus route - geofencing trials Question No: 2015/3632 Stephen Knight Can you provide an update on the geofencing trials undertaken on the 159 bus route under which buses have been run in zero-emissions mode in certain areas?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Oxford Street Question No: 2015/3633 Stephen Knight Further to the comments made by the outgoing Transport Commissioner, Sir Peter Hendy, in June 2015 that he was considering "taking all the buses out [of Oxford Street]", can you provide an update on the work TfL has undertaken to reduce the number of buses travelling along this street? Please also state what if any additional measures you have considered to improve the environment for pedestrians using this street?
The Mayor
TfL and Westminster City Council are, on behalf of the West End Partnership, examining a range of options for improving the environment for pedestrians on Oxford Street. The opening of Crossrail provides a unique opportunity to reconsider how transport serves Oxford Street and the wider West End.
A range of options are being considered to deliver additional and better quality space for pedestrians, from reducing the number of bus services and relocating bus stops through to full pedestrianisation. The work will consider the effectiveness of each option. This includes accessibility for workers and visitors to Oxford Street, the potential impact on residents and the impacts on businesses, for example ensuring that servicing vehicles are able to gain access.
The work will report to the West End Partnership Board. The West End Partnership Board, Westminster and TfL will review the analysis of options and take forward measures accordingly. Euro 6/VI vehicles (1) Question No: 2015/3634 Stephen Knight How many Euro 6/VI (diesel) standard vehicles do you estimate are currently being driven in central London on an average day? Please provide a breakdown by number of vehicles and type (i.e. car/small van, large van/minibus, bus/coach, HGV).
The Mayor
The current estimate for the number of unique Euro 6/VI diesel vehicles driven in Central London (Congestion Charging Zone) on an average weekday (24hrs) in 2015 is as follows:
Passenger car: 1,230
Bus and coach: 300
Light goods vehicle: 400
Heavy goods vehicle: 1,200
Euro VI has been mandatory for new heavy goods vehicles and buses since January 2014, passenger cars since September 2015 and it will be mandatory for new light goods vehicles from September 2016.
Euro 6/VI vehicles (2) Question No: 2015/3635 Stephen Knight How many Euro 6/VI (diesel) standard vehicles do you estimate will be driven in central London on an average day by the time your Ultra Low Emission Zone comes into force in 2020? Please provide a breakdown by number of vehicles and type (i.e. car/small van, large van/minibus, bus/coach, HGV).
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
The current estimates for the number of unique Euro 6/VI diesel vehicles and proportion of total vehicle kilometres that will be driven in the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) by vehicle type on an average weekday (24hrs) in 2020 are provided below. These estimates are based upon natural fleet replacement cycles and the impact of ULEZ. Diesel vehicles in London fitted with 'defeat devices' Question No: 2015/3636 Stephen Knight How many diesel vehicles, made by Volkswagen and related brands, with 'defeat devices' installed are registered to owners in Greater London?
The Mayor
Volkswagen has declared the list of makes and models of cars that they believe to be affected by 'defeat devices'. The Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) is undertaking its own investigation to verify this, so at the time of writing it is not yet clear exactly which vehicle models may be involved.
Transport for London is awaiting the outcome of the VCA investigation and will give full consideration to the findings.
Diesel PHVs in London fitted with 'defeat devices' Question No: 2015/3637 Stephen Knight How many diesel Private Hire Vehicles, made by Volkswagen and related brands, with 'defeat devices' installed are licensed by TfL?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
At the time of writing, it is not clear how many Private Hire Vehicles are affected.
Volkswagen has said that it will contact any customer who may be affected and will resolve the issue for them as soon as possible.
Diesel vehicles in GLA fleet fitted with 'defeat devices' Question No: 2015/3638 Stephen Knight How many diesel vehicles, made by Volkswagen and related brands, with 'defeat devices' installed are in use by each body within GLA Group?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Air quality near schools Question No: 2015/3639 Stephen Knight Further to the publication of a recent investigation by the Sunday Times - which confirmed that hundreds of London schools are sited in areas with dangerous levels of air pollution - will you agree to look again at strengthening the air quality provisions in the London Plan to actively discourage new schools, care homes or health clinics being located near existing air pollution hotspots, when less polluted sites are available?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
My London Plan policies and Sustainable Design and Construction Supplementary Planning Guidance are designed to ensure schools, hospitals and care homes are located in appropriate locations, and that any mitigation measures required with regards to air quality are incorporated into a development proposal. Section 4.3 of the Sustainable Design and Construction Supplementary Planning Guidance seeks to ensure the design of buildings minimises exposure to poor air quality. Paragraph 4.3.7 specifically notes the sensitivity of some uses including hospitals, schools, open spaces and playgrounds to air pollution. My air quality team are working with the London boroughs on various measures to reduce air quality across London, including preparing new guidance on Air Quality Management Plans. When the London Plan is reviewed health and air quality policies will reflect this work.
Breathe Better Together campaign Question No: 2015/3640 Stephen Knight How many schools have signed up to receive direct alerts when air pollution is moderate or high since the launch of your Breathe Better Together campaign?
The Mayor
We did not record where those that signed up were from, because many of the sign ups were by text message, and for those that signed up via the website we kept the web form as brief as possible to encourage uptake. Affordable Housing Grant, 2015-18 Question No: 2015/3641 Stephen Knight Based on the contracts currently in place, what is the average grant per unit under your 2015/18 affordable housing programmes? Please provide a breakdown by tenure.
The Mayor
Based on the contracts currently in place for the Mayor's 2015-18 affordable housing programmes, the average grant per unit is £29,090 for affordable rent product and £17,138 for affordable home ownership product.
London Rental Standard Question No: 2015/3642 Stephen Knight Given the aim of your London Rental Standard is to raise professional standards in the capital's private rented sector by providing "a consistent standard of accreditation to consumers", is it not also time to consider adopting a common procedure for dealing with complaints among the different accrediting bodies to provide a consistent standard for renters?
The Mayor
All accreditation schemes licensed by the Mayor to provide the London Rental Standard are already required to adhere to a common standard in relation to their complaints procedures. My officers review the LRS providers' processes regularly and recommend improvements where they are deemed necessary.
London Rental Standard - transparency and statistics Question No: 2015/3643 Stephen Knight Please provide a table showing the number of i) private landlords; and ii) letting agents that have been accredited to your London Rental Standard in each and every month since its launch? Will you agree to publish the data in this format from now on (as you do for the GLA affordable housing statistics) so that progress against your target can be more easily monitored?
The Mayor
The statistics showing the number of accredited landlords and agents are published monthly on the GLA website here, along with additional statistics on the number of properties covered by the LRS: http://www.london.gov.uk/priorities/housing-land/renting-home/london-rental- standard/for-landlords
We constantly review the appropriate format for this data. London Rental Standard Question No: 2015/3644 Stephen Knight What if any steps do you take to ensure that accredited landlords and lettings agents continue to comply with the requirements of your London Rental Standard?
The Mayor
Each London Rental Standard accreditation scheme has a process in place to ensure continued compliance. In some cases this is a process of risk-based auditing and/or a requirement to undertake Continuous Professional Development in order to demonstrate continued commitment to higher standards. In addition landlords and agents are required to renew their accreditation after a certain number of years in order to remain accredited.
London Rental Standard Question No: 2015/3645 Stephen Knight To what extent has your London Rental Standard helped to expose those rogue landlords and agents who neglect their responsibilities?
The Mayor
The London Rental Standard is a scheme designed to help landlords and letting agents better understand their responsibilities and offer renters a better service. It was not designed specifically to expose rogue landlords, but to help renters and local authorities identify landlords and agents who have committed to offering higher professional standards. There are separate measures targeted at rogue landlords Energy Efficiency in the Private Rented Sector Question No: 2015/3646 Stephen Knight Do you accept that the closure of the Green Deal Home Improvement Fund (GDHIF) will make it harder to improve the energy efficiency of privately rented properties in London at no upfront cost to the landlord, as required by the Private Rented Sector Energy Efficiency Regulations (Domestic)?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
The Green Deal Home Improvement Fund was only ever a temporary fund, so was not likely to be in place when the Private Rented Sector Energy Efficiency Regulations came into effect. The Government is aware that other arrangements may have to be made to ensure the Regulations are effective, although it is likely that the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) will be able to provide support in some circumstances. The next phase of ECO is likely to be focussed on fuel poor households, many of which are in PRS. The Government has made a commitment to have ECO in place till 2022. Twenty-six percent of London's homes are privately rented so it is important that the Regulations deliver here.
Garden Bridge Question No: 2015/3647 Stephen Knight Further to your answer to MQ2014/5117, can you confirm what legal agreements the GLA and/or TfL have entered into (or are in the process of negotiating) with Westminster City Council in relation to the ongoing maintenance costs of the Garden Bridge?
The Mayor
The GLA is in discussion with Westminster City Council to agree a guarantee that the Garden Bridge Trust shall observe and perform the section 106 planning obligation relating to ongoing maintenance of the bridge. This is in accordance with Mayoral Decision 1472, which can be found on the GLA website at https://london.gov.uk/mayor-assembly/mayor/mayoral- decisions/MD1472.
These discussions are ongoing and no documents or agreements have yet been finalised. When these negotiations have concluded I will ask that the documentation is made public. Office-to-residential change of use (1) Question No: 2015/3648 Stephen Knight Were you right to welcome the government's permanent relaxation of planning rules on the conversion of offices to residential properties, given the hugely negative impact this policy has had on the viability of local economic centres in outer London, with over 3,000 local jobs displaced from Richmond-upon-Thames alone since the introduction of the policy?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
I welcomed the changes announced on 13th October that will ensure we can continue to protect space in London's nationally and internationally important business districts in and around central London. The areas currently exempt from the rights will have until May 2019 to make an Article 4 direction and I am working with the relevant boroughs there to ensure a co- ordinated approach to help safeguard this strategically crucial part of London's office stock.
I am also concerned about the negative impact of the permitted development rights on occupied office space, business and employment in those areas not covered by the exemptions and I have raised these concerns with Government. A number of inner and outer London boroughs have responded by bringing forward Article 4 directions to remove these rights according to local circumstances.
Office-to-residential change of use (2) Question No: 2015/3649 Stephen Knight Do you dispute the figures collated by London Councils which indicate that over 7,000 new dwellings (in schemes of 10 units or more) have been granted prior approval for residential conversion which, had they been approved through the normal planning system, would have supported the delivery of around 1,000 new affordable homes?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
According to data supplied to the GLA by the London boroughs from 30 May 2013 up to the end of March 2015 there were approximately 17,500 residential units in approved office to residential permitted development schemes. It is an unsatisfactory consequence that the housing delivered as a result of these permitted development rights does not contribute towards affordable housing. Office-to-residential change of use (3) Question No: 2015/3650 Stephen Knight Do you accept that Article 4 directions - under which local planning authorities may seek to reimpose the requirement for planning permission for any proposed change of use from office to residential - are a cumbersome and costly tool for boroughs to use and will not be appropriate in all circumstances?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
Article 4 directions can be used by local planning authorities to remove the permitted development rights for a specified geographical area. I recognise that the introduction of Article 4s will have cost implications for the boroughs, including impact on fee income, and that their use will not be appropriate in all circumstances.
London Fire Brigade Museum - visitor numbers Question No: 2015/3651 Stephen Knight How many people visited the London Fire Brigade Museum in 2014/15?
The Mayor
11,114. Museum of London - 'blue light' collection Question No: 2015/3652 Stephen Knight Following the success of the new 'Crime Museum Uncovered' exhibition at the Museum of London, will you re-examine the case for bringing together the historic collections of the Metropolitan Police Service, London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service as part of a 'Blue Light' collection? Will you explore whether a permanent home could be found for this collection as part of the Museum of London's plans to move from the Barbican to Smithfield Market?
The Mayor
The 'Crime Museum Uncovered' has been part of collaboration efforts between the Museum of London, MPS and MOPAC.
I am delighted that the Museum of London and MPS have worked so well together and encourage them to continue to do so.
On 5 October, I announced my ambition for a permanent home for the MPS's historical collection in London.
Planning application for Norton Folgate, Spitalfields Question No: 2015/3653 Stephen Knight Further to your decision to call-in an application for the redevelopment of land at Norton Folgate, Spitalfields, will you undertake to visit the site and meet with representatives from the Spitalfields Trust and other interested parties before the public hearing on this planning application?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
I have already completed an initial unaccompanied site visit with my planning officers. I was given access to the site but was not accompanied by the developer and no representations were made to me on that visit. I can confirm that I will undertake a further site visit, accompanied by GLA planning officers and prior to the representation hearing date, where I will meet with the developer team and representatives from Tower Hamlets. A date for the site visit will be confirmed shortly.
My representations hearing protocol precludes meeting with local parties during my site visit as the latter is undertaken to familiarise me with the site, rather than to take representations from either the developer, the local authority or local groups. During the site visit I may ask the local authority or the developer to clarify facts about the development but they are not allowed to lobby me about the development. I will be accompanied by my legal and planning teams to ensure this protocol is strictly observed. Top level apprenticeships Question No: 2015/3654 Stephen Knight Following the report from the Sutton Trust showing that over a lifetime the highest skilled apprentices could earn £50,000 more than many graduates; what are you doing to ensure that a higher proportion of apprenticeships created in the City are above Level Two?
The Mayor
I consider that given London's higher skills requirements, it is important to continue to encourage higher level Apprenticeships and I am pleased that the number of higher level Apprenticeships in London has steadily increased over my term in office. GLA initiatives that have contributed to this increase include;
In 2014/15, GLA Officers engaged with Higher Education Institutions, Further Education Institutions and independent training providers delivering Higher Apprenticeships to identify the demand for higher apprenticeships in key sectors. As a result of this engagement, the GLA were able to successfully build a case for additional SFA funding to support Higher Apprenticeship provision in London.
Furthermore, all GLA Apprenticeship marketing activity undertaking during my term in office has strived to raise awareness of the benefits of higher level apprenticeships.
Success of the London Living Wage Question No: 2015/3655 Stephen Knight Despite your efforts to push take up of the London Living Wage, figures from the ONS show that the proportion of jobs paid less than the living wage in London actually rose to 19% in April 2014. Does this not show that you are still failing to tackle the persistent problem of low wages?
The Mayor
The rise in the proportion of employee jobs earning below the LLW is partly a consequence of the LLW rising faster than both CPI inflation and average weekly earnings. London is leading the way in jobs growth - accounting for a fifth of the increase in the number of jobs in the UK during the past year to reach a record high of over 5.65 million jobs in the second quarter of 2015. Unemployment has fallen strongly between 2008 and 2014.
There are now 735 accredited Living Wage Employers in London, an increase of more than 300 additional employers signing up over the past year. This figure is far in excess my manifesto target of 250.
The Living Wage Foundation has calculated that accredited Living Wage employers have now provided over 30,000 workers in London with the benefits of the London Living Wage since 2011. These workers have been receiving above average pay increases, increases which are faster than the rate of inflation. Low pay in the accommodation and food services sector Question No: 2015/3656 Stephen Knight What steps are you taking to tackle employers in the accommodation and food services sector where, according to ONS figures, an estimated 65% of employee jobs were paid less than the London living wage in 2014?
The Mayor
I recently wrote to a number of employers in the accommodation and food services sector urging them to sign up to paying the London Living Wage and I will continue to work closely with the Living Wage Foundation to identify further target employers across the accommodation and food services sector, where I can add most value in writing to encourage them to sign up to the LLW.
| gave a keynote speech to 700 leaders of the UK hospitality and tourism industries at the British Hospitality Association Summit in London on 30th June this year and urged them to continue to commit to paying the LLW.
I will continue to appeal to employers across all sectors in the capital, including the accommodation and food services sector, to adopt the London Living Wage.
Corporation tax Question No: 2015/3657 Stephen Knight In light of reports that Facebook paid just £4,327 in corporation tax last year, what efforts have you made to urge global businesses with London offices to pay a reasonable level of tax?
The Mayor
I believe businesses should pay the tax that they owe in the UK and it is important that this is properly enforced for companies of all sizes.
Risk of EU exit Question No: 2015/3658 Stephen Knight Do you stand by your comment that "the price of getting out (of the EU) is lower than it's ever been" despite a letter in the Sunday Times from thirteen former ambassadors warning that billions in trade deals and millions of jobs are at risk if we leave?
The Mayor
I have made my own view on European Union quite clear. I believe that the UK remaining in a reformed EU is the best outcome. However, were those reforms not to transpire in the future, the UK has nothing to be afraid of in exiting the EU. Ofsted apprenticeships report Question No: 2015/3659 Stephen Knight Will you commit to ensuring that the LEP takes due notice of the Ofsted report regarding the need to ensure that the haste of apprenticeship creation doesn't serve to devalue them?
The Mayor
Yes, the report will be shared with the LEP's Skills and Employment Working Group (SWEG).
The apprenticeship roundtables planned for the New Year will be chaired by a SWEG Member and will explore approaches to creating high quality apprenticeships opportunities to meet the high skills requirements of the Capital
Funding for the further education sector (1) Question No: 2015/3660 Stephen Knight What assessment have you made of levels of funding in the FE sector and the subsequent impact this could have on London's ability to deliver the apprenticeships and skills needed for the future economy?
The Mayor
My office will be leading the London Area Review for post 16 education and skills to ensure London has a high quality and resilient FE sector capable of delivering the education and skills demanded by Londoners and its economy. The Area Review process includes an analysis of current demand and supply including the financial health of the institutions in scope. The Review is expected to start next year.
Funding for the further education sector (2) Question No: 2015/3661 Stephen Knight What representations have you made to government regarding the level of funding for the Further Education sector, given the vital role it plays in delivering the skills London needs and the estimated 24% cut in the adult skills budget since 2009-10?
The Mayor
I have written to the Chancellor requesting that as part of the Government's Spending Review that greater powers and funding over skills are devolved. I have requested that adult skills and 16-18 funding in London is protected, including ESOL in order to meet future skills demand. The outcome of these discussions with Government will not be known until after the Spending Review. Starting next year, I will be leading the London Area Review for post 16 education and skills to ensure London has a high quality and resilient FE sector capable of delivering the education and skills demanded by Londoners and its economy. Night economy champion Question No: 2015/3662 Stephen Knight Following your support for the report of the Music Venues Taskforce what progress have you made in appointing a 'night economy champion' and what powers would you envisage them having?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
I am exploring appointing a 'night economy champion' and consulting with key stakeholders on what the role's powers could be.
Agent of Change Principle- housing Question No: 2015/3663 Stephen Knight How will you ensure that the application of the Agent of Change principle will not deter developers from creating desperately needed housing, particularly on sites they already own but may envisage future problems?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
The application of this principle should not deter developers from delivering much needed housing but does mean they should, in justified circumstances, incorporate appropriate design mitigation measures such as soundproofing residential units to avoid noise complaints.
The broad principle of Agent of Change - mitigating potential noise impacts arising from new development adjacent to existing businesses - is already established in both the London Plan (Policy 7.15Bb) and the NPPF (para 123) and can, depending on the particular circumstances of a proposal, be a material planning consideration. Access to alternative lending forms Question No: 2015/3664 Stephen Knight Following a ruling forcing Dollar Financial UK to refund £15.4m after many customers were given loans they could not afford to repay, what recent efforts have you made to enable Londoners to access low interest finance solutions such as credit unions?
The Mayor
Since 2009, I have promoted free debt advice services, including credit unions, through my annual Know Your Rights marketing campaign and a dedicated presence on the GLA's website. The next campaign will commence in January 2016.
The London Schools Excellence Fund is funding the Personal Finance Education Group (PFEG) to support 102 teachers in 12 London secondary schools in delivering financial education. The teachers will also disseminate successful approaches to teaching financial education to other schools.
A higher statutory minimum wage rate for London Question No: 2015/3665 Stephen Knight Do you believe that a higher statutory minimum wage rate should apply within Greater London and, if so, what are you doing to lobby government for such a change? If not, why not?
The Mayor
I believe that the voluntary London Living Wage is the right way to increase wage rates within Greater London, reflecting the different financial pressures on many small firms, and I will continue to urge all employers across the capital who can afford to do so, to sign up to paying their employees the LLW. London Living Wage becoming the 'norm' by 2020(1) Question No: 2015/3666 Stephen Knight Given that London is still the region with the highest number of below-living-wage jobs, and the proportion of jobs paid less than the living wage in London rose to 19% in April 2014, are you on course to achieve your target of the London Living Wage being the 'norm' by 2020?
The Mayor
The rise in the proportion of employee jobs earning below the London Living Wage is partly a consequence of the LLW rising faster than both CPI inflation and median earnings.
There are now 735 accredited Living Wage Employers in London, an increase of more than 300 additional employers signing up over the past year. This figure is far in excess my manifesto target of 250, and an enormous increase on the 27 employers who publically backed the LLW when I was elected in 2008.
The Living Wage Foundation has calculated that accredited Living Wage employers have now provided over 30,000 workers in London with the benefits of the LLW since 2011. These workers have been receiving above average pay increases, increases which are faster than the rate of inflation.
I will continue to strongly urge all employers across the capital to sign up to paying their employees the LLW rate. London Living Wage becoming the 'norm' by 2020 (2) Question No: 2015/3667 Stephen Knight As recent figures have shown that the proportion of employees in London paid less than the London Living Wage has increased again, we are clearly some distance from achieving your target of it being the 'norm' by 2020. What further actions are needed to achieve your target?
The Mayor
The rise in the proportion of employee jobs earning below the London Living Wage is partly a consequence of the LLW rising faster than both CPI inflation and median earnings.
There are now 735 accredited Living Wage Employers in London, an increase of more than 300 additional employers signing up over the past year. This figure is far in excess my manifesto target of 250, and an enormous increase on the 27 employers who publically backed the LLW when I was elected in 2008.
The Living Wage Foundation has calculated that accredited Living Wage employers have now provided over 30,000 workers in London with the benefits of the LLW since 2011.
I have written to more than 140 chief executives since March 2015 urging them to sign up to LLW accreditation. I will continue to work closely with the Living Wage Foundation to identify target employers to write to encouraging them to sign up to the LLW.
I have publicly called on Government to commit to paying the London Living Wage across Whitehall, which some departments are now doing. In my foreword to the GLA Economics report 'A Fairer London: The 2015 Living Wage in London' I encouraged other Government departments to follow this example, as well as stating the need for more London boroughs to sign up.
I will continue to raise the LLW in speaking engagements with employers and meetings with individual business leaders or in Mayoral forums with businesses, such as my International Business Advisory Council. Low pay in part-time positions Question No: 2015/3668 Stephen Knight Given that almost half of part-time employee jobs in London do not receive the Living Wage what are you doing to tackle the persistence of low pay within part-time work, an issue which also disproportionately affects women and parents?
The Mayor
I am aware that the ONS report 'Estimates of employee jobs paid less than the living wage in London and other parts of the UK' published on 12th October identified a higher incidence of low pay in part-time work compared to full-time work in London. However, I continue to urge employers across the capital to sign up to paying the London Living Wage to all their employees and many of the beneficiaries of the LLW are part-time employees.
My office is also hosting three flexible working events to engage with hundreds of businesses, along with Timewise, an organisation dedicated to promoting flexible working.
As you will be aware, I also recently introduced the part -time travelcard. This produces a much fairer commuting cost for many part-time workers and means those with unpredictable working patterns pay no more in a day than one fifth of the cost of a 7 day Travelcard ticket.
Hourly pay for young people in London Question No: 2015/3669 Stephen Knight Will you provide figures showing the percentage of 18-20 yr olds in London paid: i) the 18-20 NMW of £5.30; ii) the NMW of £6.70; and iii) the LLW of £9.15?
The Mayor
Proportion of jobs of 18-20 year old employees resident in London that were paid at or below the specified rates in April 2014
Rate of pay Proportion of employee jobs at/below the rate £5.30 11 £6.70 39 £9.15 82 The table uses the latest available data, which is for 2014. The Office for National Statistics has provided a full explanation of the figures: www.ons.gov.uk/ons/about-ons/business-transparency/freedom-of-information/what-can-i- request/published-ad-hoc-data/labour/november-2015/index.html Future of apprenticeships roundtables Question No: 2015/3670 Stephen Knight Subsequent to question 2015/3189, when can we expect to see the outcome of these roundtables and will you ensure that organisations that deliver training, such as FE colleges, are included in these meetings?
The Mayor
The apprenticeship system is going through radical reform; changes such as the move to a more demand led system and the introduction of a levy on larger employers to pay for post 16 apprenticeships will pose new challenges and opportunities for the creation of apprenticeships in London.
It therefore makes sense to host the roundtables once the Government has published its response to the apprenticeship levy consultation which is expected late 2015 / early 2016.
The roundtables will be chaired by a Member of the London Enterprise Panel's Skills and Employment Working Group and a broad range of stakeholders involved in the Apprenticeship system (Including FE colleges) will be invited to participate.
Secondary school starts Question No: 2015/3672 Stephen Knight Will you provide figures showing the number of pupils across the city forecast to enter secondary school in year 7 in the 2016/17 academic year?
The Mayor
The GLA will shortly be releasing its Projected demand for school places report. This report will present a projected number of state school places needed at secondary phase in 2016/17. The report does not disaggregate by school year or child's age.
GLA published population projections provide population estimates by single year of age. The latest round estimates project 98,100 11 year olds living in London in 2016. However, it is important to note that not all of these children will require a state school place and that some children who live outside the GLA boundary will require a school place within London. School fires Question No: 2015/3673 Stephen Knight Will you provide figures detailing the number and estimated annual cost of fires within London schools?
The Mayor
LFB attended 669 fires in schools in the five years 2010/11 to 2014/15 (an average of some 134 a year).
The estimated annual cost of these fires in terms of reinstatement works and other disruptions is not held by LFB. However, as part of a campaign in 2011 about arson in schools, it was estimated that the cost of school fires nationally was around £65 million, with London accounting for over a third of that figure.
London Climate Change Partnership - funding Question No: 2015/3677 Jenny Jones Your London Climate Change Partnership has lost funding from the Environment Agency, is running down its reserves and could close in 2017. Will you underwrite their funding as you prepare next year's budget?
The Mayor
Please see my response to oral MQ 3674 / 2015.
Feed in Tariff consultation proposals - impact on RE:NEW Question No: 2015/3678 Jenny Jones In your response to the Government's Feed in Tariff (FIT) consultation, you reported that at the time of the FIT consultation being published, the RE:NEW solar pipeline contained £7.3million of projects. Since then £1.6 million worth of projects have been cancelled, £5.1 million remain in the pipeline but are at a high risk of either reduction or cancellation. Can you provide a breakdown of the projects cancelled or at risk?
The Mayor
Of the 18 projects in the RE:NEW solar pipeline before the FIT consultation, four have been cancelled and 14 are at risk. Feed in Tariff consultation proposals - impact on RE:FIT Question No: 2015/3679 Jenny Jones In your response to the Government's Feed in Tariff consultation, you reported that at the time the consultation was published, RE:FIT had one solar project well advanced and a £2 million PV project in the pipeline and as a result of the proposed Feed in Tariff changes, the project is now being reconsidered and depending upon payback period, may not include solar PV. Can you provide details of the project?
The Mayor
It is a health sector project involving buildings across multiple sites.
Feed in Tariff consultation proposals - impact on schools Question No: 2015/3680 Jenny Jones With reference to my question 2015/1672 you stated your intention of making solar PV one of the priories for schools in the new phase of your public sector retrofit programme RE:FIT. Should the Government enact their Feed in Tariff proposals, what is the likelihood of any school going ahead and fitting solar PV panels?
The Mayor
There will still be routes through which schools can install solar PV panels. Removal of tax relief for community energy projects Question No: 2015/3681 Jenny Jones Following on from your response to the Feed in Tariff consultation in which you warned the Government about the detrimental implications on London's solar PV jobs, deployment and on community energy, will you again lobby the Government and reflect the serious concerns expressed by a coalition of over 100 organisation regarding the Government's latest decision to deny community energy investors access to both Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) tax relief and Social Investment Tax Relief (SITR)? Many in this sector see this as the "final nail in the coffin" for future community energy projects.
The Mayor
On 4 November 2015, my Deputy Mayor wrote to the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, David Gauke MP, on my behalf, to express my concern about the decision to remove community-generated renewable energy from eligibility for investment tax relief.
I strongly support the rationale of effective targeting of tax relief, avoiding misuse and not doubling up on subsidy or incentives. However, I am concerned that the proposals may endanger the expansion of the sector given the investment required for the upfront capital costs of community-sized renewable energy generation schemes. The short notice, ending eligibility from 30 November, could bring an end to schemes which are in the development and fundraising phase, as well as those that are in the earlier stages.
Enderby Wharf emissions mitigation Question No: 2015/3682 Jenny Jones Constituents from Tower Hamlets have asked whether you will secure funding from the developers of the cruise terminal at Enderby Wharf to mitigate any air pollution issues that may arise on their side of the river, for example when a light easterly wind may blow fumes across?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
The London Borough of Tower Hamlets was formally consulted by Greenwich Council on the revised application and its representations were shared in full with the GLA. The Council did not seek financial compensation for additional air quality mitigation in the borough and on receipt of further information requested; it accepted that the detailed assessment of emissions from berthed cruise ships was not required as per DEFRA guidance.
Notwithstanding this, GLA planning officers have asked Greenwich Council officers to explore the opportunity for any joint air quality mitigation projects across the two boroughs which could be funded by the secured money and GLA Air Quality officers have requested a meeting with the Council's Environmental Health officers to discuss the expenditure of the money further. Surveillance and journalists (1) Question No: 2015/3683 Jenny Jones Thank you for your answers to my question 2015/3210 and 2015/3211. Can you clarify some points in your answer regarding how you identify whether a person is a journalist. First, I assume that if the police officer making the application fails to realise that the person subject to the request is in a privileged occupation and does not tick the required box, then no judicial order will be sought? Is there any database of people in privileged occupations available to officers, to check whether someone is in one? What is the process if an authorisation is given and it subsequently emerges that the person is in a privileged occupation?
The Mayor
There is no such database, but of course research across all our current crime recording and intelligence databases, and any open source research, would be undertaken before considering a RIPA or PACE application for communications data. Should the applicant identify that the subject of the data request occupies a privileged occupation on or after receipt of the data, they would need to review issues of collateral intrusion and take steps to minimise. This is paramount for communications data no matter whom the subject.
In cases involving those in privileged occupations, including journalists, acquisition would be made under Part 1 Chapter 2 RIPA. The only instance whereby data is acquired by a production order (PACE) is when the intent is to determine a journalistic source. This might include acquisition of data for a subject who is not a journalist, but the purpose is to determine who has been contacting a journalist.
Surveillance and journalists (2) Question No: 2015/3684 Jenny Jones Thank you for your answers to my question 2015/3210. Can you confirm that communications to and from suspects to people in privileged occupations, such as journalists, lawyers and Members of Parliament, would be recorded under a normal RIPA application for that suspect and would not be subject to a judicial order?
The Mayor
Please see my response to MQ 3683 / 2015. Surveillance and journalists (3) Question No: 2015/3685 Jenny Jones If the Met Police were pursuing a 'whistleblower', or someone who had obtained 'stolen' data, is there any process and criteria for establishing whether there could be a 'public interest' defence of the suspect's actions which requires a judicial order? APPROVED
The Mayor
1. "If the MPS are pursuing a whistle blower"
The circumstances as to whether a reporter of wrong doing can be classified as a whistleblower and the protection offered are now clearly laid down in the MPS' amended policy which has been agreed in line with MOPAC and the College of Policing. It also takes into account the disclosures which qualify for protection (qualifying disclosures) under the Public Interest Disclosure Act.
There are cases where someone who has been classified as a whistle blower/reporter of wrong doing will be assessed for misconduct or criminality for the offences which they have disclosed. If the reporter forms part of the actual wrong doing itself then he or she would be subject to the investigation and processes. The timing of their disclosure and the extent of their involvement in the wrong doing would all form part of the assessment process which would be explained to the reporter at the beginning of the process.
2. "or someone who had obtained stolen data"
This is technically a criminal offence and one which would be investigated. The extent of the knowledge of the status of the data, the intention of the person obtaining it and their actions would all form part of this process.
3. "process or criteria for establishing whether there could be a public interest defence of the suspects actions which require a judicial order"
In cases which involve the investigation of a criminal offence within this context, the early advice and views of DLS and CPS would be sought to ensure that due process and all legal considerations are assessed and considered.
Any "public interest" defence would be a matter for the courts. Pensions of Met Police officers guilty of criminal offences Question No: 2015/3686 Jenny Jones Thank you for your response to my question 2015/2697. How many of these officers were subsequently found guilty of criminal offences and how many had their pension withdrawn? Can you provide a breakdown of these figures by year from 2012 - 2015? Please could you provide an annual estimated cost of those pensions granted to this group of officers?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Community Roadwatch scheme Question No: 2015/3687 Jenny Jones Can you please publish the results of the pilot Community Roadwatch scheme in the Boroughs of Southwark, Islington and Lambeth in 2014?
The Mayor
Community Roadwatch was piloted by TfL funded MPS Safer Transport Teams in the boroughs of Southwark, Lambeth and Islington in 2014, with the aim to identify any operational issues with the scheme, test the speed detection equipment, and create a volunteer database. The trial focused on capturing information on the operational workings of Community Roadwatch.
In summer 2015 the MPS began the formal roll out of Community Roadwatch. The MPS will publish an evaluation covering both of these initiatives at the end of the financial year 2015/16. Met website Question No: 2015/3688 Jenny Jones Can you do a review of the number of calls to the Met Police which could be answered by use of a more accessible online presence?
The Mayor
Please see my response to MQ3745.
It is encouraging that public satisfaction with the ease of contacting the MPS is at an all time high at 93%.
MOPAC and I recognise the importance of ensuring that the police can be accessed in the best possible way for the public by making greater use of technology. We recognise that for some people this form of access, allowing people to contact the police at a time and from a location of their choosing is ideal; but that other people and other circumstances will require more conventional methods of contact.
The MPS Public Access Programme aims to provide a choice of channels for the public to contact the Police.
An example of how the MPS is leading in accessibility is the 'hate crime app' which aims to boost confidence in reporting and encouraging victims of hate crime to come forward.
However, as further transformation takes place in the MPS, this is maybe an area we review in the future
Met officers guilty of criminal offences Question No: 2015/3689 Jenny Jones Thank you for your response to my question 2015/2696. How many of the officers convicted of traffic offences categorised as: 1) disqualified, 2) drink drive and 3) fail to stop after an incident, continued to work in the force? Can you provide answers covering each year from 2012- 2015.
The Mayor
None of the officers who were convicted of the above offences between 2012 - 2015 remained working in the MPS. Sugar tax and tackling obesity Question No: 2015/3690 Jenny Jones It was recently reported that you are "seriously considering" supporting the introduction of a sugar tax with a GLA spokesperson saying "the Mayor is open-minded about exploring the case for a sugar tax as part of wider efforts to reduce obesity, particularly amongst children". While I welcome this move, will you put on record your firm support for this proposal?
The Mayor
As I said at the "Better Health for London: One Year On" conference, I am willing to explore the implications of introducing a sugar tax in London.
Coca-Cola Christmas Truck Tour Question No: 2015/3691 Jenny Jones On the main Coca-Cola Christmas Truck Tour webpage, there is a picture of a Coca Cola truck parked on the pavement area next to Potter's Fields with Tower Bridge in the background. Can you confirm if the Mayor's office is involved in any aspects of this Coca-Cola Christmas Truck Tour?
The Mayor
My office is not involved in any aspects of the Coca-Cola Christmas Truck Tour.
Empty properties Question No: 2015/3692 Darren Johnson In your answer to question 2015/3222 you referred me to your answer to question 2015/2787. However, that answer provides a single figure for the whole GLA Group. Please provide a breakdown by the GLA and functional body, as I requested in question 2015/3222.
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Right to Buy receipts Question No: 2015/3693 Darren Johnson How many Right to Buy sales are represented by the receipts received up to 2014-15, and in 2015-16 to date?
The Mayor
The GLA does not hold this data. Tour de France Grand Depart Question No: 2015/3694 Darren Johnson While I agree that it would not be appropriate to have eaten into the cycling budget to fund a Tour de France bid from London, given that there would have been wider economic, sporting and cultural benefits why were other sources of funding not investigated?
The Mayor
TfL were actively exploring alternative funding streams, however, it was very clear to me that if the Tour de France had come to London the bulk of the cost would have been borne by TfL.
Even if we had secured funding from elsewhere, I could not justify the still considerable cost to TfL at a time when the effects of the Spending Review are not fully known. This was a difficult choice to make, but ultimately the right one.
Feeder routes to cycle superhighways - further details Question No: 2015/3695 Darren Johnson Please provide further details - proposed routes, consultation dates and construction dates - of the feeder routes you referred to in your response to 2015/3255.
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Better Junctions Review Programme (1) Question No: 2015/3696 Darren Johnson In your response to 2014/3008 you stated that TfL had reviewed 70 locations from the Top 100 list of better junctions. The Better Junctions Summary dated 23rd September 2015 states that 86 reviews have now been completed. Why did TfL take a year to carry out just sixteen junction reviews?
The Mayor
The Better Junctions programme was refocused in 2014 to concentrate resources on the 33 worst performing junctions in London. These are some of the most complex and challenging locations in London and TfL is now focused on developing designs for them. Improvements are being constructed at sites including Elephant & Castle, Oval, Stockwell Cross and Parliament Square.
As part of the Better Junctions programme, TfL has completed an extensive series of successful off-street trials. These have included testing various innovative, cycle friendly junction layouts, low level bicycle signals, bus stop by-passes and different formats for segregating cyclists from other traffic. The results of these trials are being used to bring new features to London's roads through schemes delivered by the Better Junctions programme, on Cycle Superhighways, and through other schemes across London. This includes the Oval and Mile End Road, and the new roundabout design at Queen's Circus in Wandsworth.
All remaining locations on the original list of 100 junctions will be reviewed by the end of 2015. Better Junctions Review Programme (2) Question No: 2015/3697 Darren Johnson Please list the locations (including details of relevant London boroughs) for the fourteen junction reviews that will be completed between now and the end of 2015 and the order in which these reviews will take place.
The Mayor
Reviews of the following 14 junctions will be completed by the end of 2015. The order in which these reviews will be completed is subject to change. The junctions are:
1. Apex Corner / Hampton Road West - London Borough of Hounslow (Completed)
2. Bishopsgate / Camomile Street - City of London
3. Brixton Hill / Josephine Avenue - London Borough of Lambeth
4. Brixton Hill / Trent Road / Brixton Water Lane - London Borough of Lambeth
5. Cromwell Road / Gloucester Road - Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea (Completed)
6. Edgware Road / Praed Street - City of Westminster (Completed)
7. Great Cambridge Road / White Hart Lane - London Borough of Enfield
8. King William Street / Gracechurch Street - City of London
9. Kingsland Road / Middleton Road - London Borough of Hackney
10. Marylebone Road / Marylebone High Street - City of Westminster (Completed)
11. Seven Sisters / Blackstock Road - London Borough of Islington
12. Stamford Hill / Belfast Road / Manor Road - London Borough of Hackney
13. Streatham High Road / Strenhold Road - London Borough of Lambeth
14. Tibbets Corner - London Borough of Wandsworth Better Junctions Review Programme (3) Question No: 2015/3698 Darren Johnson How many of the top 100 junction review locations are to be found in a) outer London boroughs b) inner London boroughs ?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Better Junctions Review Programme (4) Question No: 2015/3699 Darren Johnson Whilst each junction is different, please provide the average cost for a junction review and provide the average amount of time that each review takes.
The Mayor
While time and costs vary according to the size and complexity of each location, a feasibility study can typically take between 6 to 12 months to complete, before detailed design starts on a preferred scheme option.
Junction review costs are typically a small proportion of the overall scheme costs, assisted by TfL having built up internal design expertise. As an example, feasibility work for the recent Oval Better Junction scheme cost around £80,000 compared with an overall scheme cost of approximately £6.6m.
Better junctions review programme (5) Question No: 2015/3700 Darren Johnson In the response to 2015/0737 that you provided in March 2015 you stated that 86 junction reviews had been completed. The Better Junctions Summary dated 23rd September states that 86 reviews have now been completed. Why did TfL make no progress in completing reviews of junctions on its top 100 list over these six months?
The Mayor
The junction reviews are part of an extensive programme of work being designed and delivered by TfL which includes the Cycle Superhighways and major schemes at Elephant & Castle, Oval, Stockwell and Vauxhall Cross to name but a few. As a result of this work we are now transforming London's roads to be fit for a 21st Century city.
All remaining locations on the original list of better junctions will be reviewed by the end of 2015. Fares policy (1) Question No: 2015/3701 Darren Johnson What would the cost be to TfL in (a) 2016/17 and (b) the period from January 2017 up to December 2020 of only increasing bus fares by CPI rather than the current plan of CPI+1?
The Mayor
Bus fares will increase by slightly less than RPI in January 2016 and the TfL Business Plan assumes increases of RPI+1 each January thereafter.
Removing this 1 per cent increment to RPI each January from 2017 to 2020 would reduce bus fares income by £2 million in the 2016/17 financial year and by £113 million overall from 2017 to 2020.
The relatively small loss in 2016/17 is because only the period between January 2017 until March 2017 would be affected since an 'RPI only' fares increase has already been announced for January 2016.
Fares policy (2) Question No: 2015/3702 Darren Johnson What would the cost be to TfL in (a) 2016/17 and (b) the period from January 2017 up to December 2020 of only increasing fares across all modes by CPI rather than the current plan of CPI+1?
The Mayor
Fares will increase by RPI only in January 2016 and the TfL Business Plan assumes increases of RPI+1 each January thereafter.
Removing this 1 per cent increment to RPI each January from 2017 to 2020 would reduce TfL fares income by £8 million in the 2016/17 financial year and £400 million overall from 2017 to 2020.
The relatively small loss in 2016/17 is because only the period between January 2017 until March 2017 would be affected since an 'RPI only' fares increase has already been announced for January 2016. Fares policy (3) Question No: 2015/3703 Darren Johnson What would the cost be to TfL in (a) 2016/17 and (b) the period from January 2017 up to December 2020 of freezing bus fares in cash terms rather than the current plan of increasing them by CPI+1?
The Mayor
Fares will increase by RPI only in January 2016 and the TfL Business Plan assumes increases of RPI+1 each January thereafter.
If fares were frozen at their current levels to the end of 2020, this would reduce TfL fares income by £19 million in the 2016/17 financial year and by £520 million from 2017 to 2020.
The relatively small loss in 2016/17 is because only the period between January 2017 until March 2017 would be affected since an 'RPI only' fares increase has already been announced for January 2016.
Fares policy (4) Question No: 2015/3704 Darren Johnson If TfL were to adjust the daily fares caps so that they were equivalent to the cost of an annual travelcard divided by the number of working days in the year, rather than one fifth of a weekly travelcard, then (a) how many passengers would this affect and (b) what would be the total cost to TfL in one year?
The Mayor
This proposal would reduce the daily cap by around 20 per cent.
In one year, the total cost to TfL of a 20 per cent reduction in the daily cap would roughly be equivalent to a 10 per cent fare cut.
As a rough estimate, a 10 per cent fare cut would cost TfL up to £400 million per annum in lost fares revenue, assuming National Rail services in south London were included and the operators of these services were compensated by TfL.
More than one million passengers per day would be affected by the change, including most weekly and monthly Travelcard users who would be likely to switch to 'pay as you go' in order to take advantage of the cheaper fares. Buses in congestion charge zone Question No: 2015/3705 Darren Johnson How many buses (i.e. vehicles, not routes) that operate in the congestion charge zone (a) currently fall below the Euro VI standard and (b) are expected to still fall below that standard in 2020?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
The below table provides a breakdown of Euro VI, non-Euro VI and zero emission buses operating in the Congestion Charge Zone (CCZ) currently and the estimates for 2020.
ULEZ Peak Vehicle Requirement Euro VI Non Euro VI Zero Year (Note: buses can enter more than one (%) (%) Emission zone) 2015 2936 18.5 80.5 1.0 2020 2936 84.5 9.0 6.5 In 2020, all buses entering the CCZ will meet or be close to meeting the Euro VI emission standard for oxides of nitrogen (NOx). The nine per cent that are expected to be slightly below this standard will be low emission New Routemasters with Euro V engines which emit four times less NOx than standard hybrids of the same engine generation. These engines are very close to Euro VI in their performance and it would not make commercial or environmental sense for TfL to upgrade these to Euro VI when the same level of investment would deliver far greater emissions reduction elsewhere on the bus network.
Currently, around 1,600 Euro III buses in the fleet are fitted with selective catalytic reduction equipment which cuts their tailpipe oxides of nitrogen emissions (NOx) to much better than Euro V and closer to Euro VI levels. So, more than a quarter of the fleet currently approaches Euro VI NOx levels compared to Euro V and earlier generation vehicles. Buses in inner London Question No: 2015/3706 Darren Johnson How many buses (i.e. vehicles, not routes) that operate in inner London boroughs (a) currently fall below the Euro VI standard and (b) are expected to still fall below that standard in 2020?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
TfL estimates that 600 of the fleet's 800 low-emission Euro VI buses (as defined by London Atmospheric Emissions Inventory, 2010) regularly pass through inner London boroughs.
Across the wider London area, these are complemented by around 300 New Routemasters with Euro V engines and 1,600 Euro III buses fitted with selective catalytic reduction equipment. These 1,900 vehicles have much lower oxides of nitrogen (NOx) than standard Euro V, IVs and IIIs, lifting them much closer to Euro VI levels. So, around 30 per cent of all buses are already at or close to the Euro VI standard for NOx compared with standard counterparts.
By 2020, the emission requirements for the Ultra Low Emission Zone, together with normal fleet replacement in the rest of London, will result in at least 5,300 buses meeting or exceeding the Euro VI engine standard. Additionally, there will be at least 300 zero-emission single-decks meaning that well over half the fleet will be at or above this standard, and operating in central London and neighbouring boroughs. The number of Euro VI buses (or better) will continue to increase into the next decade, contributing further to the downward trend in fleet emissions.
[See Appendix G] Cost of Euro VI buses Question No: 2015/3707 Darren Johnson What is the current additional cost to TfL of specifying Euro VI buses in contracts, per bus?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
All new buses must now be fitted with the ultra-low emission Euro VI engine to comply with European Union legislative requirements. TfL introduced these to London as soon as they became available from manufacturers and ahead of the deadline for introduction.
TfL has not asked for or received route tenders showing what the cost difference would be between Euro V and VI vehicles as it had no intention of awarding contracts with new buses based on Euro V.
TfL estimates that since Euro VI buses superseded Euro V double-deck buses, the average vehicle capital cost rose by around £15,000. However, this would include other price rises such as inflation.
Congestion charge income Question No: 2015/3708 Darren Johnson What is the forecast net income for the congestion charge in 2016-17?
The Mayor
TfL's budget submission to the GLA for the financial year ending 31 March 2017 makes provision for net congestion charging income to the value of £179.6 million.
This is all reinvested to deliver my transport strategy. COPERT 4 emissions functions Question No: 2015/3709 Darren Johnson Thank you for your answer to my question 215/3238 on 'dieselgate'. Your report into the testing of Euro 6 vehicles shows that those particular diesel vehicles are producing more emissions than are allowed for within the COPERT 4 modelling of air pollution. If the figures for these vehicles were replicated across the whole London diesel fleet, how far out would the COPERT 4 modelling be and is there a different model available which more accurately reflects the reality of London's roads?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
COPERT 4 is currently the most widely used set of emissions functions and is consistent with national inventory practice. However, we recognise that there are particular issues with their representation of emissions from diesel passenger cars and light vans.
Our modelling includes corrections at various levels to help ensure that modelled pollutant concentrations reflect real-world measurements.
We have observed that COPERT tends to over-state emissions from Euro 6/VI petrol cars and heavy vehicles (i.e. they tend to perform better than expected), and we have used London specific emissions factors for buses, where we currently have better data due to the extensive programme we operate.
The work to which the question refers is part of an effort to derive better, London-specific emissions factors which we intend to use, alongside COPERT4 in order to understand the potential sensitivities. Our data is part of a wider set of research and drawing this together and converting it into credible factors is a priority for the coming months. This work will be crucial in helping us understanding the potential impact of the issues of diesel car and van performance on our modelling. Risk of passengers being pushed on underground lines Question No: 2015/3710 Darren Johnson What is TfL doing to prevent passengers from being accidently pushed onto underground lines during peak times particularly as the number of passengers increases as London's population rises? At particularly congested stations and platforms is it time to consider installing platform screen doors similar to ones on the Jubilee line?
The Mayor
The safety of customers and staff is London Underground's (LU's) top priority, and LU does all it can to ensure that customers can travel safely at all times.
Every station has a crowd control plan to prevent the platforms from becoming overcrowded. Action is taken, often by reducing entry to the station, so that customers already inside the station are able to disperse before more enter.
In the longer term, LU is progressing enhancement works at a number of busy stations to provide more space for customers.
Installing Platform Edge Doors (PEDs) onto old Tube station platforms involves a number of engineering challenges. The curve of platforms and other physical constraints make the installation technically complex and costly. PEDs need to mirror the spacing of the train doors, meaning that introducing them in advance of the planned replacement of trains would not be value for money. For that reason, LU will introduce PEDs as part of the plans to modernise of a number of lines.
Electric minicab fleet Question No: 2015/3711 Darren Johnson In order to help roll out a new generation of electric minicabs that are affordable to operators will you ask Transport for London to produce a feasibility study on buying and leasing electric vehicles to minicab drivers and arranging an advertising contract across the fleet to bring down costs to drivers?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
There are many makes and models of electric and zero emissions capable vehicles available to purchase, hire or lease by London's private hire vehicle operators and drivers. Indeed, many of those types of vehicle are already being operated by the private hire industry.
The Office for Low Emission Vehicles offers grants for low or zero emission vehicles which make this type of vehicle more affordable. Caledonian Rd tube Question No: 2015/3712 Darren Johnson Will you ask TfL to look again at their plans to temporarily close Caledonian Rd tube station at the same time as Tufnell Park tube station remains closed and to consider the impact on users and investigate other options?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
TfL's use of digital cameras on the A2, A40, A316 and A406 (1) Question No: 2015/3713 Caroline Pidgeon Please set out the policies adopted by TfL for retaining and storing data collected by the digital cameras that have replaced wet film in the safety cameras on the A2, A40, A316 and A4016.
The Mayor
TfL does not store and retain any data captured by safety cameras on the road network.
The data is captured by our appointed contractor in accordance with a Home Office approved process. A snap shot of this data is then provided to the relevant policing agency (either the Metropolitan Police Service or the City of London Police), for enforcement purposes.
TfL's use of digital cameras on the A2, A40, A316 and A406 (2) Question No: 2015/3714 Caroline Pidgeon Please set out whether the data collected by the digital cameras is used for any activities involving the investigation of non-speeding related activities such as spotting stolen cars or uninsured cars, or gathering data on traffic flow statistics.
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Saving for TfL of not changing fares for 2016 Question No: 2015/3715 Caroline Pidgeon Please set out the estimated annual costs for implementing any changes in fares by TfL in terms of changes to computer software, ticketing machines and publicity work that are generated by any change in fares other than freezing them?
The Mayor
TfL's ticketing contractor is contractually obliged to carry out up to three fare revisions each year without charge to TfL.
Savings from a fares freeze would therefore be limited to TfL's current spend on any related customer information materials. TfL estimates this saving to be in the order of £78,000 based on the cost of similar previous customer information activities.
The new prices of Travelcards, daily caps and National Rail tickets, many of which are retailed by TfL but not all controlled by TfL, would continue to require adjustment and communication even if TfL froze all the fares it controls.
Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (1) Question No: 2015/3716 Andrew Boff How many Independent Sexual Violence Advisors are there currently operating in London?
The Mayor
Please see my response to MQ 3723 / 2015.
Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (2) Question No: 2015/3717 Andrew Boff You previously stated that MOPAC is working with NHS England (London region) to commission a sexual violence needs assessment which will inform future commissioning intentions. When will this assessment be completed?
The Mayor
This is due to be completed by the end of the 2015/16 financial year. Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (3) Question No: 2015/3718 Andrew Boff Following the Metropolitan Police Service's acknowledgment that there is a "great need for increased numbers of Independent Sexual Violence Advisors", when will they respond to the Government about the issues raised in Dame Elish Angiolini's Review into the investigation and prosecution of rape?
The Mayor
The Angiolini Review was commissioned by the MPS Commissioner and the Director of Public Prosecutions, who wrote a joint letter to the Home Secretary, the Attorney General and the Secretary of State for Justice on 10 November 2015 drawing their attention to this recommendation.
Sugar Tax Question No: 2015/3720 Andrew Boff Following the news that 90% of hospital chief executives in England support the launch of a 'sugar tax' and in line with your role to tackle health inequalities, what measures would you consider appropriate for London to tackle excess sugar consumption?
The Mayor
The GLA already delivers and supports a wide range of programmes across London to improve healthy eating including reducing excess sugar consumption:
Healthy Schools London supports and recognises schools doing good work to support the health and wellbeing of their pupils and was particularly designed to tackle obesity.
The GLA's Food Team is working with two Food Flagship Boroughs (Lambeth and Croydon) to transform the whole food environment in these boroughs in order to improve health and attainment in the long term.
The GLA's Food Team is a partner in both Capital Growth and Food Growing Schools London which aim to increase food growing in the capital.
The Double-Value Fruit and Veg Rose Vouchers scheme is supported by the GLA's Food Team. It doubles the value of Healthy Start vouchers for new and expectant mothers on low incomes when buying fruit and vegetables.
The GLA is a partner in the Good Food for London Report which highlights work being done by London boroughs on a range of health indicators including breastfeeding, food growing, school food and healthier catering. Transphobic hate crime Question No: 2015/3722 Andrew Boff Home Office Minister Karen Bradley stated that the police need better training on how to spots signs of transphobic hate crime. What measures have been put into place to ensure that Metropolitan Police Service officers are as fully prepared as possible to spot the signs of transphobic hate crime?
The Mayor
I recognise that all hate crime, including trans-phobic hate crime, is under-reported, so I am pleased to inform you that the MPS has been making good efforts in this particular area, and has increased the amount of trans-awareness training to all MPS staff in the past year.
The MPS Trans Staff Support Association (TSSA) has delivered awareness training to frontline staff, safer schools officers and police cadet co-ordinators. The service now has staff with specialist knowledge around trans matters, which includes spotting the signs of a transphobic incident and the use of correct terminology. A best practice trans advice leaflet is also being drafted for circulation to all MPS staff.
In addition, to responding to the training needs within the service, the MPS has formed an LGBT Hate Crime Working Group, which includes TSSA representation, and will be considering broader matters including the consistency of service, performance, and the operational effectiveness of front line response officers when dealing with LGBT hate crime, including trans victims. Independent Sexual Violence Advisors Question No: 2015/3723 Andrew Boff Following the news that the Metropolitan Police Service are to place 195 extra officers in the force's Sapphire rape investigation teams, what procedures will be put in place to ensure that they work closely with Independent Sexual Violence Advisors to help secure the best possible outcome for victims in London?
The Mayor
A number of procedures have been put in place to ensure effective joint working of the Sapphire unit and Independent Sexual Violence Advocates (ISVAs). In order to promote awareness of their role and facilitate engagement, ISVA input is included in Sexual Offences Investigative Techniques training and ISVAs are co-located on three of the Sapphire operational hubs.
Additionally, the Sexual Offences Exploitation and Child Abuse partnership team regularly visits the Sapphire hubs with ISVAs to develop communication links. The team maintains a directory of ISVA contacts and facilitates a quarterly ISVA Forum to identify and share best practice.
As mentioned in my response to MQ 2589, I am currently working with NHS England London Region to commission a Sexual Violence Needs Assessment. This work is absolutely essential in order to understand the full sexual violence picture in the capital and to establish a robust and accurate baseline for the current number of ISVAs.
Police use of Twitter Question No: 2015/3724 Andrew Boff Recently a member of police staff in Merseyside left the force "by mutual consent" following an ill-advised joke on its official Twitter account. What guidance is provided to Metropolitan Police Service staff and officers about the appropriate way to use social media accounts?
The Mayor
The MPS provides a range of resources to officers and staff to guide their use of social media accounts. This includes Borough social media policies, standard operating procedures for use of the internet and a checklist for the professional use of social media. In addition to training provided officers and staff are encouraged to contact the Directorate of Media and Communication's Social Media Team for advice and support when necessary. Sexual assaults during 'chemsex' Question No: 2015/3725 Andrew Boff What guidance does the Metropolitan Police Service issue to officers for dealing with victims of sexual assault who may have been engaging in 'chemsex' at the time of the incident?
The Mayor
Use of illegal drugs constitutes a criminal offence. Notwithstanding this, the MPS provides every victim of rape or serious sexual assault with the support and care that they need without making any judgement about behaviour. Dedicated Sapphire teams receive specific training in victim care and sexual offences. Sapphire teams deal with men, women, girls and boys, who have been sexually assaulted, regardless of age or sexual orientation and victims can choose to be helped by either male and female officers.
MPS officers currently have guidance available to them 24/7 from toolkits for professionals via the 'Antedote' website.
Officers will also be receiving specific training through 'Professional Development Days' in the near future around chemsex. GALOP has provided an extensive input to staff at the Havens and officers on the MPS Sexual Offences Investigative Techniques course.
Garden Bridge transparency Question No: 2015/3726 Andrew Boff As the Garden Bridge project is receiving a sufficient contribution from the London taxpayer, can you commit to releasing all the relevant commercial and accounts documentation to the Assembly so that adequate scrutiny can be conducted?
The Mayor
TfL has already published a wide range of documentation relating to the Garden Bridge project on its website at https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/publications-and-reports/temple-footbridge.
TfL will continue to publish information as it becomes available and I will be happy to provide any further information held by the GLA and members of the GLA Group on request, in line with the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Environment Information Regulations 2004.
This is in accordance with the GLA's continuing commitment to openness and transparency. Decriminalisation of drugs in Ireland Question No: 2015/3727 Andrew Boff What assessment has been made by the Metropolitan Police Service of the plan by Ireland to decriminalise some illegal drugs such as cannabis, heroin and cocaine on the availability of illicit substances in London?
The Mayor
The MPS will continue to enforce the law in accordance with current legislation. The law is clear in the Misuse of Drugs Act and the accompanying Misuse of Drugs Regulations on what is and is not lawful.
In London, MOPAC is funding Drug Intervention Projects across all areas that identify drug misusing offenders and offer them support to turn their lives around in order to reduce offending by those taking illicit substances.
Alternative routes for CS1 in Stamford Hill Question No: 2015/3728 Andrew Boff When can I expect to see a detailed analysis of the three alternate routes for the CS1 submitted by Stamford Hill residents?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Housing units Question No: 2015/3729 Andrew Boff How many housing units in London were granted planning permission in the year 2014/15 and how does this compare to the number of units built? Please specify by borough.
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
See table below showing net conventional residential units approved and completed.
Approvals Completions Barking and Dagenham 705 514 Barnet 1,686 1,324 Bexley 426 810 Brent 1,167 1,559 Bromley 1,203 411 Camden 2,966 439 City of London 190 226 Croydon 4,460 1,523 Ealing 1,979 897 Enfield 674 399 Greenwich 2,884 1,148 Hackney 2,999 1,258 Hammersmith and Fulham 4,875 1,360 Haringey 1,292 133 Harrow 1,269 410 Havering 952 642 Hillingdon 1,391 545 Hounslow 2,086 397 Islington 2,337 498 Kensington and Chelsea 1,306 984 Kingston upon Thames 1,005 526 Lambeth 5,097 1,411 Lewisham 1,911 1,468 Merton 447 425 Newham 2,390 2,050 Redbridge 932 257 Richmond upon Thames 882 241 Southwark 3,288 1,141 Sutton 1,292 427 Tower Hamlets 8,635 916 Waltham Forest 947 671 Wandsworth 5,304 1,084 Westminster 2,534 749 Total: 71,511 26,843
New Olympicopolis fundraising company Question No: 2015/3731 Gareth Bacon What will the transparency and Assembly scrutiny arrangements be for this new company? Will the new company, like L&P, submit its accounts to the relevant Assembly committees and appear before the full Assembly?
The Mayor
Foundation for FutureLondon (FFL), the Olympicopolis charity, is an independent body. As a registered charity, FFL is accountable to its trustees and The Charity Commission to whom it will report on an annual basis. FFL will also submit accounts to Companies House, in line with the regulations that apply to limited companies. These accounts will be readily available and accessible via The Charity Commission and Companies House.
Notting Hill Carnival Question No: 2015/3734 Kemi Badenoch What would the reduction in policing costs be if the Notting Hill carnival took place over Saturday and Sunday and not the Bank Holiday Monday?
The Mayor
Police Officers and other staff receive enhanced payments on bank holidays, and if there was no carnival activity on Monday this would not be payable. Carnival currently commences on Saturday, and extends over three days. It is a community event and to move it from the Monday would not be a decision for the police. No detailed costings been calculated.
GLA funding for male rape charities Question No: 2015/3735 Kemi Badenoch How much money has been given to male rape/sexual assault charities since the beginning of this mayoral term?
The Mayor
MOPAC is investing over £4.1million in specialist services for all victims of rape and sexual assault by 2016. I am determined to give victims of these awful crimes the best possible chance to cope and recover from their experiences.
In line with MOPAC's approach to victims' commissioning, which seeks to complement other funding streams and avoid duplication, this is in addition to £52,666 that has specifically been granted to male rape/sexual assault charities by MOPAC and more than £1m that has been granted by the Ministry of Justice nationally to charities who provide support to these victims. Youth gang-related violence Question No: 2015/3737 Kemi Badenoch What proactive measures is the Metropolitan Police Service taking to combat youth gang- related violence, given the recent spike in incidents?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
Knife crime, gangs and serious youth violence are key priorities for both the MPS and I. In June 2014, I launched my Strategic Ambitions for London: Gangs and Serious Youth
Violence which is available to view on the Greater London Authority website at: https://www.london.gov.uk/priorities/policing-crime/our-work/gangs-and-serious-youth- violence.
The MPS are a key partner in delivering and supporting the Strategic Ambitions and alongside myself have lobbied the government for changes to sentencing in order to ensure that any offender caught in possession of a knife for a second time will automatically face a prison sentence.
Trident, alongside other MPS units, offer a co-ordinated, multi-unit response to the rise in youth violence through
Operation Teal, launched June 2015 to offer a targeted coordinated response to fast time, developing, gang related violence. Since the launch of the operation in June 4,984 people have been arrested.
Operation Sceptre taking place in July and October to reduce all serious youth violence by directing and coordinating activity to: target those who habitually carry and use knives; tackle the importation, supply and access to weapons; and engage with the public to increase awareness and provide opportunities to surrender weapons.
The MPS are also currently undertaking a gun amnesty.
The Strategic Ambitions include a commitment to work with partners to address gangs and to create a pan-London gang exit service. In January 2016 MOPAC will be launching the pan- London gang exit service. This will provide young people affected by gangs with the opportunity to move away from gang lifestyles by providing support to exit, developing new skills and providing the opportunity for social reintegration into the community through receiving support, guidance and practical help, in a consistent way for London. Illegal raves Question No: 2015/3738 Kemi Badenoch Recently an illegal rave in Lambeth resulted in large-scale public disorder and a number of police officers being injured. How often has the Metropolitan Police Service been required to attend and stop illegal raves in the last three years, and what proactive measures are being taken to prevent such instances from occurring?
The Mayor
It is not possible to give an accurate figure in relation to unlicensed music events (UME) attended and stopped in the past 3 years as reports can be described and reported in a number of different ways, i.e. noise nuisance, loud party, ASB etc.
Due to the covert nature of many unlicensed music events, the exact details are often not available until the last minute or indeed once an event has started. Resources are then deployed in response to intelligence as required.
The MPS continues to conduct open source searching for possible unlicensed music events, and there is a structure and policy in place to deal with any unlicensed music events that are brought to the notice of the MPS.
Prevention is an ongoing process with local officers monitoring potential sites and seeking to secure them with the landlords.
Use of force in public order policing Question No: 2015/3739 Kemi Badenoch Former Metropolitan Police Service officer Chris Hobbs recently stated that public order officers are sometimes hesitant to use the "sufficient force" required to deal with violent crowds due to a fear of receiving complaints. What training is offered to officers to allow them to not only protect themselves and the public, but also prevent large scale public disorder from occurring?
The Mayor
The MPS has a long history of policing public order events. Hundreds of large scale events are policed every year and the vast majority are entirely peaceful.
All officers receive training in police powers and human rights in relation to the use of force. Training on public order is comprehensive covering both strategy for large scale events and spontaneous situations and tactics on the ground.
There are three levels of Public Order Training. Level 3 is provided to all officers and covers the facilitation of peaceful protest, cordon work and implementation of wider police tactics. Levels 2 and 3 are more specialised and include additional training in managing hostile crowds, dealing with violent people and shield tactics. TfL and Motorcycling 2 Question No: 2015/3741 Richard Tracey Why have TfL chosen to reject the formal recommendation from the Mayor's Roads Task Force to properly investigate the potential for modal shift from cars and vans to motorcycles and scooters?
The Mayor
My Roads Task Force recommended a pilot scheme to shift freight journeys from vans to bicycles and powered two-wheelers, such as motorcycles, as well as the development of a new strategic approach to freight.
TfL has been developing this new approach since 2013. It aims to ensure the right vehicle is being used to make the right delivery at the right time. This could see some deliveries shift from vans to powered two-wheelers. For others, it could see multiple deliveries consolidated into larger vehicles. TfL is also examining the potential for modal shift away from the road network entirely, making more use of London's river, canal and rail networks. Engagement is being undertaken on this and will continue over the next few months.
Taxi complaints (1) Question No: 2015/3742 Richard Tracey Can you let me know how many complaints TfL have received over the last two years on the performance of taxi drivers on the following: unnecessary delays to journeys, drivers getting lost, the choice of wrong route to the desired destination?
The Mayor
TfL records all complaints against licensed taxi drivers under specific categories. This includes complaints relating to unnecessary delays to journeys, drivers getting lost, and the choice of the wrong route to the desired destination are all recorded under the category of 'devious route'.
London's taxi drivers cater for around 70 million passenger journeys every year. Between 1 November 2013 and 31 October 2015, 464 complaints of this nature were received and, following an investigation into each complaint, 76 of these showed that the driver was at fault. Taxi complaints (2) Question No: 2015/3743 Richard Tracey Can you let me know how many complaints TfL have received over the last two years on the performance of taxi drivers on the following: the use of inappropriate language, threats of violence (either to the passenger or those outside the vehicle) and general rude behaviour?
The Mayor
TfL records all complaints against licensed taxi drivers under specific. Complaints relating to the use of inappropriate language, threats of violence (either to the passenger or those outside the vehicle) and general rude behaviour are recorded under the category 'driver behaviour'.
London's taxi drivers cater for around 70 million passenger journeys every year. Between 1 November 2013 and 31 October 2015 we received 4102 complaints of this nature. Following an investigation into each complaint, it was found that the driver was at fault in 729 cases.
Where TfL believes a criminal offence has been committed the complainant is advised that they can also report the matter to the police.
Bulk buying 'clean' taxis Question No: 2015/3744 Richard Tracey Could you further elaborate on potential plans to bulk-buy new 'clean' black cabs, which would then be leased back to taxi drivers? The numbers that TfL would look to purchase would be needed, as would the costs associated with the potential purchase.
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
I have requested that TfL look into this and I expect them to report to me soon.
I have already confirmed that grant funding will be available from TfL and from the Office for Low Emission Vehicles to assist with the purchase of new ZEC taxis from 2018. In addition, TfL will be implementing a decommissioning scheme for older taxis, where owners will be compensated for surrendering their taxis before they reach the 15 year age-limit. Boosting mobile connectivity in police vehicles Question No: 2015/3746 Roger Evans Staffordshire Police is trialling a product produced by EE which boosts mobile connectivity within vehicles, making it easier to access the internet on tablets, smartphones and laptops. Does the Metropolitan Police Service intend to introduce similar such tools, and what assessment has been made of their effectiveness?
The Mayor
The Mobility Programme is the key enabler to mobilise the MPS and drive the MPS to transform its way of operating to become a more agile modern police force.
This programme is focusing on Tablets, Body Worn Video, Automatic Number Plate Recognition and In Car Initiatives and will address the future of Mobile Data Terminals in conjunction with the Tablet and In Car initiatives.
Currently the MPS are working towards the roll out 20,000 tablets, 2,000 client thin devices, 22,000 Body Worn Video and an In Vehicle Mobile Application. Keyless car theft Question No: 2015/3747 Roger Evans Currently 95 per cent of major European car brands use keyless entry technology which automatically unlocks a vehicle when the person the owner is nearby with their remote. There are growing concerns about the ease in which such technology can be manipulated, making it easier for criminals to steal cars. What work has the Metropolitan Police Service undertaken to prevent keyless car theft, and what conversations has it held with manufactures about the tools available to prevent it?
The Mayor
The MPS has for the past five years been working with the major manufacturers and Thatcham (Insurance vehicle rating body) concerning the electronic compromise of vehicle security. This has allowed manufacturer to analyse and understand the method of attack and were then able to introduce new software to counteract this threat.
The MPS continues to work closely with manufacturers to identify the areas of attack to their security to assist in developing new solutions.
Theft from motor vehicle crime is down by 16.6% from 2012 but has increased by 1.1% in the last 12 months.
Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Stephen Greenhalgh, raised this issue with the MPS Commissioner through MOPAC Challenge. A large majority of the increase in theft of motor vehicle crime concerns two wheeled vehicles, and high valued vehicles being targeted.
In response, the MPS has a number of operations to track stolen vehicles and target those offenders, often linked to Organised Crime.
The Stolen Vehicle Squad is targeting hotspot areas where crime is occurring and targeting known offenders.
Operation Funnel Web uses ANPR on known routes to identify stolen vehicles or those on false plates.
Operation Endeavour has looked more at crime prevention by encouraging motorists to protect their vehicles in addition to the car security already provided by the manufacturers. Removal of ceremonial items from individuals in police custody Question No: 2015/3748 Roger Evans What guidance is available to Metropolitan Police Service officers about the removal of ceremonial items, such as kirpan knives, from individuals when they are placed into custody?
The Mayor
The Police & Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) governs the removal and retention of "personal effects" in police custody, which are defined as items the person 'may lawfully need, use or refer to while in detention' but does not include cash or items of value. A Kirpan would therefore be considered a personal effect under PACE. s.54(4) PACE allows that clothing or personal effects may only be seized if the custody officer-
(a) believes that the person from whom they are seized may use them-
(i) to cause physical injury to himself or any other person;
(ii) to damage property;
(iii) to interfere with evidence; or
(iv) to assist him to escape; or
(b) has reasonable grounds for believing that they may be evidence relating to an offence.
The decision on whether or not to remove such personal effects would be considered as part of the detainee risk assessment. Where such items are removed and retained this would be dealt with sensitively and respectfully. No offence is committed by the simple possession of a Kirpan and upon the detainee's release the item would be restored. If however the Kirpan had been used in the commission of a specific offence, such as in a public order incident or assault, then the item would be retained as evidence. Passwords for confiscated electronics Question No: 2015/3749 Roger Evans On how many instances in the last three years have individuals arrested by the Metropolitan Police Service refused to provide passwords for confiscated electronic equipment, and what options are available to officers when this happens?
The Mayor
There is no data available for the total number of devices confiscated or otherwise recovered by the police for which a password is needed as part of an investigation. Some devices will be opened using freely available software locally but about 15k other devices are submitted annually to Forensic Services; the vast majority of these require locks to be bypassed. It is not possible to identify how many requests for lock bypass are as a result of refusal to provide a code.
There are a number of options open to the police where a code is refused:
1. Submit the device to Forensic Services who will either: a. Attempt to bypass the code using commercial forensic examination equipment. b. Apply complex data recovery techniques to bypass the lock, however some methods carry a risk of damaging or erasing the data within the device
2. Apply to technology companies (often overseas) using provisions under the Mutual Legal Aid Treaty (MLAT). This process is however subject to long timescales Brighton Main Line 2 Question No: 2015/3750 Steve O'Connell Following on from the Chancellor's commitment to a feasibility study into the Brighton Main Line 2 proposals, can the Mayor give assurances that TfL will be feeding into this work, and will undertake to properly asses what impact the current plans would have on both issues of capacity, and the existing Croydon Tramlink?
The Mayor
I can confirm that TfL has been invited by the Department for Transport (DfT) to input into the Brighton Main Line 2 (BML2) feasibility study. TfL also worked closely with Network Rail on its recent Sussex Route Study process to identify the best possible capacity schemes to support London's growth over the next 30 years. This found a package of schemes on the existing Brighton Main Line in the Croydon area and elsewhere that offered good value for money.
To date, the promoter has only provided limited information on the impacts, route, costs or benefits of BML2. I therefore welcome the feasibility study, given that there are likely to be more credible and better value ways of expanding capacity on the current route via East Croydon.
I understand that the BML2 scheme as currently proposed would require the diversion of some Tramlink services from their current reserved alignment to street running. Recent high level analysis suggests the cost of re-alignment would be at least £160m. This is in addition to disruption caused to tram and road users during construction and permanently increased journey times for two thirds of all tram passengers (circa 40 million by 2031). Future expansion of Tramlink could also be jeopardised by the scheme.
It is understood that north of Croydon, the BML2 scheme proposes to use new tracks alongside the existing Hayes branch as far as Lewisham. This also looks challenging without having adverse consequences on existing services and adjacent properties.
TfL will continue to monitor developments and work closely with DfT, Network Rail and the promoter to ensure the impacts on London are being fully assessed.
City in the East masterplan Question No: 2015/3752 Steve O'Connell What will be the main benefits of this masterplan for East London and the wider London economy, and what are the next steps in the delivery of this plan?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
The main benefits will be to provide a clear direction of travel for the delivery of homes and jobs to accommodate London's continued growth within its own boundaries. The plan enables the public sector to ensure it is all pulling in the same direction and making the most of its land assets. At the same time the plan creates greater certainty for the private sector encouraging its investment.
The next steps in the delivery of the plan include the delivery of housing on publically owned land, such as is happening on the recently approved Greenwich Peninsula scheme and at Barking Riverside, the implementation of my Transport Strategy, including investment in the new Thames Crossings, the London Overground and potential Crossrail 1 extensions and investment in the undergrounding of the A13. The ongoing investment in my Housing Zones and reviews of the boroughs Local Plan policies will all contribute to the delivery of this plan.
Planning and Culture Question No: 2015/3753 Steve O'Connell What will be the benefits of your new 'A to Z of Planning and Culture' guide, and how will this be taken forward within London's planning system?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
The guide will help nurture culture in London by fostering more pro-cultural planning, including in the outer boroughs. Although the guide does not provide formal Mayoral planning policy or guidance, it sets out best practice advice aimed at a range of stakeholders, together with over a dozen useful case studies. Copies are being sent to every local authority. Officers will explore with each borough how the guide can inform planning policy and decision making in that area.
Islamphobia,anti Semitism and other forms of racism on TfL (1) Expanding the Fire Cadets Programme Question No: 2015/3754 Steve O'Connell Will the Mayor commit to writing to both London Councils, and the London Fire Brigade, to examine what more can be done to expand the incredibly successful Fire Cadets programme across all of London's boroughs?
The Mayor
LFEPA's Strategy Committee agreed in March 2015 for LFB to deliver a minimum of eight cadet units annually. In September 2015 ten cadet units were launched and negotiations to secure funding are ongoing with a further three London boroughs to investigate the potential of setting up new cadet units in 2016. LFB is keen to work in partnership with key agencies to establish a Fire Cadet unit in every London borough if further funding can be secured.
Metropolitan Police Service subscriptions to Evidence.com Question No: 2015/3755 Tony Arbour How much has the Metropolitan Police Service spent on subscriptions to Evidence.com, which is used to handle body worn video camera footage?
The Mayor
The MPS has, to date, spent no money on subscriptions or licences for evidence.com.
As part of the Body Worn Video pilot 1,000 cameras have been supplied to the MPS by TSR for a nominal fee. At the same time, an unlimited enterprise account for evidence.com was supplied at zero cost in order to support this pilot.
Mountings for body worn video cameras Question No: 2015/3756 Tony Arbour The Metropolitan Police Service is currently seeking to develop a bespoke mounting for the body worn video cameras used by armed police officers. How much has been spent on the process so far, and when is it expected that a finalised design will be produced and available?
The Mayor
This is subject to ongoing procurement discussions. Lifting fingerprints from smuggled elephant tusks Question No: 2015/3757 Tony Arbour It was recently reported that the Metropolitan Police Service is currently working with Kings College London to develop new ways of lifting fingerprints from smuggled elephant tusks. How much has been spent on this programme of work, and are there possibilities for the new techniques developed to be used for detecting other types of crime?
The Mayor
The MPS is at the forefront, alongside the National Crime Agency in confronting the organised crime threat in this country. I am keen for the MPS to research new and innovative investigation techniques that can be used to tackle this type of crime threat.
This project compared the use of various commercially available products to establish which was the most effective to develop latent fingermarks on ivory products. Ivory smuggling is associated with Organised Crime, and as such the use of this product may prove a valuable tool in the detection and disruption of activities within Organised Crime. Further work needs to be undertaken to establish if this powder is effective on other substrates.
The MPS has a strategic alliance with Kings College London (KCL) and this project formed part of the joint working with the use of MSc students to conduct research. The MPS is examining a range of different approaches to enhanced fingermark recovery and the use of nano-particles is part of this. There is no cost for the programme/research as this is part of the strategic alliance with KCL, however the nano-particle powder costs: £6.20 for 30millilitres.
Theft of fuel Question No: 2015/3758 Tony Arbour It has been reported that across the country the number of individuals filling their vehicles with fuel and leaving without paying is increasing, and police forces have been unable to investigate such instances. How many individuals have made off without paying for fuel in London over the last three years, and what steps has the Metropolitan Police Service taken to combat it?
The Mayor
There appears to have been a downward trend in this offence:
2013 - 14597 offences
2014 - 12107 offences
2015 to End Oct only - 9042 offences
The MPS are working with the Home Office Tackling Crime Unit to design a package to ensure consistency in recording and investigation of fuel theft related crimes across all forces as well as a coordinated approach from Police, government and industry in producing measures to prevent and reduce crime on petrol forecourts. Use of UAVs Question No: 2015/3760 Tony Arbour Two more police forces are currently trialling the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in situations such as hunting for missing people and taking photographs of crime scenes. Does the Metropolitan Police Service currently use UAVs, if so - in what circumstances?
The Mayor
The MPS does not currently use UAVs operationally. The MPS is currently exploring the options relating to UAVs.
Trained UAV "pilots" Question No: 2015/3761 Tony Arbour Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations state that unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operators must pass a national CAA accredited qualification. How many trained "pilots" does the Metropolitan Police Service have, and are there plans to increase this?
The Mayor
The MPS states that it is fully aware of the CAA requirement, but this applies to commercial operations.
The MPS has 8 members of staff who have completed the initial ground school phase of the training. 3 of these members of staff are currently on the flight operations and assessment course in Wales. They hope to complete the training by December 2015. Street furniture and bus stop advertising income Question No: 2015/3762 Tony Arbour What is the total income for this year and the last that TfL receives from advertisements on street furniture, hoardings and billboards?
The Mayor
TfL received the following income from bus shelter and roadside advertising in 2014/15 and 2015/16:
Bus shelters
2014/15: £18,467m
2015/16 (year to September): £9,384m
Roadside advertising
2014/15: £7,685m
2015/16 (YTD): £3,707m
Pedestrian Bridge - Canary Wharf to Rotherhithe Question No: 2015/3772 John Biggs Can you provide an update on discussions surrounding a pedestrian bridge from Rotherhithe to Canary Wharf?
The Mayor
TfL is providing financial and other support to the work being undertaken by Sustrans to develop plans for a new pedestrian and cycle bridge between Canary Wharf and Rotherhithe.
The work suggests that there is a positive case for better crossings in this area. It has found that a bridge would deliver benefits by encouraging walking and cycling trips, and provide an alternative to the busy Jubilee line between Canada Water and Canary Wharf.
There are some significant challenges that a bridge here would need to overcome, including meeting the needs of shipping and connecting into the existing walking and cycling networks on either side. Further work will be required to investigate these issues.
TfL expects to receive the outputs of this work shortly. Next steps will be considered with key stakeholders, including the opportunities that exist for funding, construction and ongoing maintenance. Congestion in Wapping Question No: 2015/3773 John Biggs What steps can and will you take to tackle congestion in Wapping and Limehouse that arise when traffic diverts to the Rotherhithe Tunnel following incidents at the Blackwall Tunnel?
The Mayor
TfL's traffic signalling engineers are currently reviewing the operation and efficiency of all traffic signals between Blackwall Tunnel and Rotherhithe Tunnel via the A13 Commercial Road. This will include fine-tuning the signal timings used when Blackwall Tunnel is closed, seeking to improve vehicle flow by re-phasing traffic lights, and identifying any physical measures that could address congestion pinch points.
Of course, the Silvertown Tunnel will have a major impact in ameliorating this.
Cuts to Police Numbers (1) Question No: 2015/3774 John Biggs What assurances can you provide that cuts to police numbers will not result in a rise in crime in Tower Hamlets?
The Mayor
There have been no decisions to reduce police numbers.
We will not know the MPS budget until mid-December.
Cuts to Police Numbers (2) Question No: 2015/3775 John Biggs What assurances can you provide that cuts to police numbers will not result in a rise in crime in Newham?
The Mayor
Please see my response to MQ 3774/ 2015. Cuts to Police Numbers (3) Question No: 2015/3776 John Biggs What assurances can you provide that cuts to police numbers will not result in a rise in crime in Barking & Dagenham?
The Mayor
Please see my response to MQ 3774/ 2015.
Dieselgate Question No: 2015/3777 John Biggs How many MPS fleet vehicles will require alteration work following the dieselgate scandal?
The Mayor
Volkswagen have recently confirmed that the MPS has 94 operational vehicles that are fitted with the effected diesel engine variant EA189. Once a technical solution has been fully developed by Volkswagen the affected fleet will be rectified at no cost to MOPAC/MPS.
Food Banks Question No: 2015/3778 John Biggs What are you doing to support food banks in London and do you agree that many of those who need to use them are actually in employment and are being failed by the benefits system?
The Mayor
I know that food banks are doing a great deal of work serving people in their communities who are referred to their services, and I commend the people, often volunteers, who do that work.
Rosie Boycott advises me on food issues and I know that she is working on a number of interventions to improve access to affordable food for vulnerable Londoners, including the development of a network of social supermarkets in London.
As you know, I am working with employers across London to encourage as many of them as possible to pay their staff wages which make living in the capital affordable, such as by committing to pay the London Living Wage. Eastern Branch Crossrail Question No: 2015/3779 John Biggs I note that the current consultation remains at best tokenistic in its acknowledgment of the demand for an Eastern spur. Have you met with the East London advocates on this important matter, and will you guarantee that at minimum a passive provision is built into the plans?
The Mayor
TfL continues to lead a major study into transport options in East London that is identifying a range of potential transport solutions to facilitate growth in the sub region. This study, known as the East London Transport Options Study (ELTOS) is being developed specifically in partnership with the East London advocates, including the relevant London boroughs, with the aim to report in time to support the next revision to the Mayor's Transport Strategy.
A potential eastern branch of Crossrail 2 will be considered alongside other options that could unlock growth, as part of this wider sub-regional analysis work, which will produce its first outputs in early 2016, with a short list of potential schemes to be developed further. This revised timetable reflects the importance being placed on gaining significant input from the boroughs in East London, who have signed up to work with TfL on ELTOS.
The East and South East London sub-regional panel, comprising of borough officers from Barking & Dagenham, Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Hackney, Havering, Lewisham, Newham, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest, as well as the GLA and TfL are directly involved in this work. The group has agreed to the objectives for ELTOS and will input into shortlisting these options for further investigation. Should the outcome of this work indicate that an eastern branch of Crossrail 2 is an appropriate solution to the sub-region's needs, then a more comprehensive piece of analysis will be undertaken, looking at engineering feasibility and operational impact in the context of the Crossrail 2 scheme currently under consultation. This could lead to passive provision, building on the spur to Hackney that is currently safeguarded.
Any future branch would build on the significant quantum of transport improvements already taking place to unlock growth in East London, such as Crossrail and other committed and proposed schemes. DLR Extensions Question No: 2015/3780 John Biggs What future plans exist for DLR extensions? What priority do these currently attract?
The Mayor
TfL's Business Plan 2014 includes significant future enhancements to the frequency and capacity of DLR services.
Beyond the confirmed Business Plan, work is underway to consider what package of public transport improvements are needed to complement TfL's proposed river crossings in east London. One option could be to extend the DLR from Gallions Reach towards Barking Town Centre and/or across the river to Thamesmead. Other options include bus network enhancements, a tramway, or an extension of London Overground.
No view has yet been made on the priority of these proposals relative to any other unfunded schemes.
Estate Regeneration (1) Question No: 2015/3781 Tom Copley The HCA Tenancy Standard (2012) states that tenants moved to alternative accommodation should have no less security of tenure. What safeguards are in place if estate regeneration is approved to protect social rents for existing tenants in London?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Estate Regeneration (2) Question No: 2015/3782 Tom Copley What safeguards are in place if estate regeneration is approved to protect the square foot and bedroom sizes of units charging a social rent in London?
The Mayor
London Plan policy 3.14 B states that loss of housing should be resisted unless replaced with at least equivalent floorspace, and paragraph 3.82 reiterates this in relation to estate renewal. The Mayor's housing design guide and national and London space standards will then apply to all new homes individually to ensure that they are of a sufficient size. These are the largest space standards that have been applied in London. Estate Regeneration (3) Question No: 2015/3783 Tom Copley Would you support the right of housing association tenants in London to be balloted when an estate regeneration/demolition is proposed?
The Mayor
Resident consultation and involvement should be an integral part of any redevelopment, and the level of involvement was a key criterion for assessing bids in the recent estate regeneration fund. A ballot could be a useful part of this, but may not be needed where there are already strong communication structures in place
Estate Regeneration (4) Question No: 2015/3784 Tom Copley Do you think Councils in London should have the power to approve estate demolitions, rather than just be consulted?
The Mayor
Estate renewal programmes must go through the planning process and can only proceed if the relevant borough grants planning permission. I support this approach.
Estate Regeneration (5) Question No: 2015/3785 Tom Copley Do you think that when estate regeneration takes place there should be a requirement for proceeds to be reinvested in that London Borough?
The Mayor
Normally the purpose of estate regeneration is investment in new and better housing in that same location. Any proceeds are normally ploughed back into schemes to cross subsidise the reprovision of affordable housing. The decision on how and where any surplus should be spent is a matter for the relevant agency, whether housing association or borough. Tenancy Conditions Question No: 2015/3786 Tom Copley While the GLA does not have powers to set different tenancy standards, could it use funding and planning powers to influence tenancy conditions so long as they are in conformity with national planning policies and regulatory practices?
The Mayor
I already use my funding and land disposal powers to influence tenancy conditions by supporting the delivery of higher quality private rented sector homes. The new SPG will also result in covenanted long-term PRS developments, which can encourage longer term tenancies and greater security of tenure.
MOPAC residential properties Question No: 2015/3787 Tom Copley Residents in the properties formerly owned by MOPAC are now on assured shorthold tenancies generally for a twelve month period. While in your reply to my previous questions on this you state that the proper relationship is between Crown Simmons and the tenant your Deputy Mayor for Policing, Stephen Greenhalgh previously talked about a 'new approach so that eviction of long-standing tenants, some of whom are key workers, cannot arise in future. The Metropolitan Police is not a landlord, but it is right that we find new owners for sites like this that can give tenants the security they deserve'. Will you contact Crown Simmons to ensure the tenants are now provided with greater security of tenure?
The Mayor
The proper relationship is between the tenants and their landlord, Crown Simmons.
Please see Decision 2014-147 http://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/DMPCD%202014%20147%20Residential%20S trategy_0.pdf. Regeneration of Spur Road/Stonegrove estate Edgware Question No: 2015/3788 Andrew Dismore Further to Question No: 2015/3507
'One of your flagship projects Mayor of London's First Steps Project is part funding the 'regeneration' of Spur Road/Stonegrove estate Edgware. Are you aware that the construction standards are poor, and that repairs are not effected properly , and complaints to Barratts and Family Mosaic ignored or not satisfactorily dealt with, including frequently interrupted heating and hot water supply, poor noise insulation, badly built roofs ( one blew off entirely), and flooding in the car park likely to lead to damp problems. Residents have written to you about these issues. Do you think it right that GLA money should be used on substandard construction on homes for first time buyers and tenants; and if not what are you going to do about it?'
Your written response being:
'My team have contacted the developer and are investigating the claims. These issues are largely regulatory matters which sit with the Homes & Communities Agency.'
What has been the outcome of your team's investigations?
The Mayor
My officers have now consulted both Barratt Homes and Family Mosaic the development partners at Stonegrove. While they recognise there have been some difficulties in the scheme, the roof issues have been addressed and certified following independent assessments. The specific heating issues will be rectified once the plant room is transferred to its permanent location. The GLA is happy with the investment made into this development and indeed without our initial funding the development would have been unlikely to come forward during 2009/10 when the market was recovering. In order to address your concerns further, Barratt and Family Mosaic have offered to take you round the development to see the quality and delivery to date and my officers can accompany you as required. Zone 1-9 Travelcard Question No: 2015/3789 Andrew Dismore A constituent has written to me to complain that she has been unable to purchase a travelcard zones 1-9 from her local station, Oakleigh Park, which is operated by Thameslink and Great Northern. Neither is this ticket available from the station vending machines. The issue seems to be that this ticket type is not programmed into the rail computer system. Why, if we are supposed to have an integrated transport system, are Network Rail's systems not programmed to include a zone 1-9 travelcard; when this anomaly will be corrected; and how can she claim the difference in fare between what the journey actually cost on her oyster card and the right fare which she should have been able to pay with a discounted travelcard?
The Mayor
I'm sorry that your constituent had this experience. The failure to provide your constituent with a discounted zone 1-9 off-peak Travelcard when she presented her Network Railcard at Oakleigh Park ticket office was incorrect and appears to have been due to a staff training issue for the Train Operator at this location.
TfL has raised this with Thameslink Great Northern to prevent this from happening again.
TfL will also contact your constituent to determine the best way to provide her with a payment to reflect the excess fare paid and poor service that she received.
Finchley Memorial Hospital bus service Question No: 2015/3790 Andrew Dismore What is the present position concerning a bus service for Finchley Memorial Hospital?
The Mayor
TfL is consulting with Barnet council and the hospital to consider all future options at the site. This includes working in partnership with the hospital to carry out a travel survey during 2016. The timing of this survey is linked to the provision of additional healthcare services being introduced at the site. Train/bus coordination at Mill Hill East Question No: 2015/3791 Andrew Dismore Can I yet again bring to your attention that the train/bus coordination at Mill Hill East is unsatisfactory and unacceptable. The 240/221 bus is not waiting for the passengers at the station and drives off when the drivers know that people are disembarking from the station. Can you sort out the need for better co-ordination between the bus and tube?
The Mayor
I am sorry to hear about the problems passengers are experiencing.
Bus drivers are expected to keep an eye out for interchanging passengers at all times. Where it is clear that passengers require this service they would be expected to accommodate them.
On high frequency routes such as routes 240 and 221, passengers who have just disembarked from the station are unlikely to need to wait very long for the next bus. A long dwell time at this stop will impact on passengers already on that bus. Therefore drivers are expected to use their discretion.
However, I have asked TfL to raise this with the operator again.
Edgware and the night tube Question No: 2015/3792 Andrew Dismore When the night tube starts, it can be expected that many passengers will be using the Edgware Northern Line terminus after a journey from central London. It can also be expected that many will be in need of toilet facilities, to avoid abuse of neighbouring streets. Will you reopen the now closed public conveniences at Edgware Station for the period of the Night Tube?
The Mayor
I appreciate access to toilet facilities is an important issue for customers and TfL has published a map of all available public toilets on its network to help passengers find them. This map is available at https://tfl.gov.uk/maps/track/tube. The London Borough of Barnet has also published a list of all public toilets in LB Barnet at open.barnet.gov.uk/dataset/public-toilets- 2014-15. The toilets at Edgware station were demolished in the 1980s when the new bus station and Broadwalk Development were constructed, and TfL has no plans to build new ones. Crossrail 2 Question No: 2015/3793 Andrew Dismore Crossrail 2 are proposing a significant additional land take in Somers Town to create a new entrance to the proposed Euston-St Pancras underground station. Over 130+ homes will be demolished, and a range of local businesses. The new proposal involves loss of Camden council housing at Wellesley House, Churchway. Why is this station not being incorporated into the current Euston 'classic' Station to avoid yet further destruction of homes and businesses, beyond the devastation to be caused by HS2?
The Mayor
Crossrail 2 at Euston St Pancras would serve both Euston and Kings Cross St. Pancras stations, helping to reduce crowding on the Victoria and Northern lines. As part of comprehensive plans for the redevelopment of Euston Station, TfL identified an area of Network Rail land for the construction of Crossrail 2 that would minimise local residential and business impact. However, uncertainty over the redevelopment of the current Network Rail station as part of a comprehensive Euston Station Plan has led to TfL having to identify worksites outside of Network Rail land. These are shown in the latest consultation plans for Crossrail 2.
Nevertheless, TfL will press for the comprehensive redevelopment of Euston and work with Network Rail to agree a way forward that reduces Crossrail 2's impact on residential areas and also minimises the impact on the 42 million rail passengers a year that currently use Euston.
London Cycling Design Standards (1) Question No: 2015/3794 Andrew Dismore TfL has recently published an extensively revised and updated set of London Cycling Design Standards (LCDS, 2014). They represent a significant step towards the achievement of consistent highway designs offering safe and convenient cycling conditions on all London's roads. Included in the LCDS is a Cycling Level of Service (CLoS) assessment procedure and an associated Junction Assessment Tool (JAT), both of which offer scoring schemes that aid the assessment of cycling safety and convenience in new highway designs. However, neither the CLoS procedure nor the simpler JAT appears to be in regular use by TfL to evaluate the designs for proposed new and upgraded junctions. Will you ensure that an assessment based on one or both of these useful metrics is used by TfL for future highway designs and will you set minimum assessment scores that should normally be achieved in such designs?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. London Cycling Design Standards (2) Question No: 2015/3795 Andrew Dismore Will you ensure that highway schemes including features defined as 'critical fails' in the London Cycling Design Standards (LCDS, 2014) will not in future go forward?
The Mayor
Schemes are not fully compliant with the London Cycling Design Standards (LCDS) if they do not meet the stated critical factors in the Cycling Level of Service (CLoS) assessment.
All highway schemes developed by TfL have key outcomes identified at their inception. These will normally relate to a range of users and their relative priority will depend on the local and strategic needs of each location. CLoS helps designers to identify areas that may be of concern for cyclists and these will always be carefully considered and addressed within the constraints of the project.
London Cycling Design Standards (3) Question No: 2015/3796 Andrew Dismore Will you ensure that TfL's highway planners and engineers are able to keep their knowledge of best practice in cycling infrastructure design and assessment techniques up-to-date through an appropriate combination of training and on-the-road experience?
The Mayor
Ongoing professional development and training is a fundamental part of TfL's mandatory performance management process for its engineers, designers and planners. Training on cycle infrastructure design is identified on an individual basis and may include attending external courses, design discussions and peer reviews led by experienced staff, or participating in training and workshops organised through Urban Design London (UDL).
UDL, which is hosted and part-funded by TfL, offers a five-day intensive cycle infrastructure design course and a more condensed two-day version, as well as other workshops on specific design issues and site visits to cycle infrastructure. TfL staff often co-host these courses and share best practice with others in the industry, both across London and the rest of the UK. Since April 2015, there have been 382 individual bookings for cycle-specific training days and site visits with UDL, 164 of which have been from TfL employees.
TfL staff also regularly undertake site visits and away days to expand their knowledge and experience. Those designing cycle infrastructure seek to experience the places they are working on by all modes of transport to ensure a holistic approach to design.
TfL also participates in learning and knowledge-sharing at the national level, via regular engagement with the Department for Transport and site visits with officers working on Cycle City Ambition Grant projects elsewhere in the country. TfL also host and visit colleagues from other cities and other countries, to see and talk about new cycle infrastructure. Sound Absorbing Solar Panels Question No: 2015/3797 Andrew Dismore The programme to provide Sound Absorbing Solar Panels alongside the M40 at High Wycombe is making progress. Will you lobby the Highways Agency for similar devices along the section of the M1 between Scratchwood Services & Fiveways Corner, as the motorway closely dissects Mill Hill Town Centre with a high effect on noise and air pollution?
The Mayor
I have asked TfL to check with Highways England whether it has any plans to implement similar measures on the M1 between Scratchwood Services and Fiveways Corner and advise you directly.
Stirling Corner Question No: 2015/3798 Andrew Dismore Further to Question No: 2015/3530
'As it is now well over 3 years since you promised to cycle round Stirling Corner, and despite regular reminders of your promise you have failed to do so, do you intend to honour your promise before you leave office as Mayor next May?'
Your response being:
'It is now well over 3 years since you first asked a question about cycling round Stirling Corner. The answer I gave at the time was 'I cycle the whole of London. When I next do Stirling Corner I will give you a report.'
Have you cycled round Stirling Corner yet? If not have you a visit to the area in mind before the end of your term of office?
The Mayor
I cycle the whole of London. When I next do Stirling Corner I will give you a report. Dollis Valley Greenwalk Question No: 2015/3799 Andrew Dismore Further to Question No: 2015/3532
'Barnet Council have spent hundreds of thousands of pounds of Transport for London money on the "upgrade" of Dollis Valley Greenwalk from Dollis Road to Fursby Road. This was done without any public consultation, proper planning or consideration of the Health and Safety of users. Users were not informed of the works until the month before the project was scheduled and then with just basic information. The resulting path does not comply with the Department for Transport 'Shared Use Routes for Pedestrians and Cyclists (LTN 1/12)' or TfL's 'London Cycling Design Standards'. This is also an area for Nature Conservation and Green Chains but this was not considered with trees and vegetation removed, the contours changed, and, many plants, likely in seed form, foreign to the area brought in during the path construction and not monitored or eliminated when they later grew. In the process of building this path, the contractors raised it in some places by more than 40cm and it consisted of various layers - gravel, base layer asphalt and top layer. The majority of users are pedestrians where the interaction with the surface is with a foot strike. The harder the surface is, the greater the force back through the body. If you are jogging or running the force is even greater. The needs of pedestrians have been overlooked in the interest of cyclists: do you agree that pedestrians should be given proper priority in this Walk and what are you going to do to ensure TfL money is spent appropriately?'
Your response being
'Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.'
Will you now give a substantive reply?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Torriano Primary school pedestrian safety Question No: 2015/3800 Andrew Dismore Further to Question No: 2015/3534
'Are you aware of the concerns of Torriano Primary school over pedestrian safety at the junction for which TfL is responsible at Camden Road (A503) with Camden Park Road/Torriano Avenue (A5200); and what are you going to do about them ?'
Your response being:
'TfL was made aware of the pedestrian safety concerns raised by Torriano Primary School in September 2015. Possible alterations to the junction are being considered and I understand a meeting is being arranged with Torriano Primary school to discuss their concerns in detail.'
Have those discussions now taken place, and if so, with what outcome?
The Mayor
TfL officers met Torriano Primary School on 9 November 2015 to discuss the school's safety concerns and to present proposals to address the issues. These could include altering the carriageway and footway on the approach of Camden Park Road into the junction of Camden Road. TfL will also consult on extending the bus lane on Camden Road and investigate other changes to reduce the likelihood of traffic tailbacks at peak times, which can obstruct pedestrian crossing movements. Any changes will need to be agreed with the London Borough of Camden.
HS2 (1) Question No: 2015/3801 Andrew Dismore Further to Question No: 2015/3537
'Will you be petitioning against HS2's AP3 proposals and supplementary Environmental Statement; and if so what will your arguments be, in summary; and if not, why not?'
Your response being:
'Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.'
Will you now give a substantive reply, bearing in mind that the deadline for petitioning has expired: and what were the key issues raised in your petition if you did; and if not why not?
The Mayor
Please see my response to MQ 2015/3537. HS2 (2) Question No: 2015/3802 Andrew Dismore Further to Question No: 2015/3539
'Given the already dangerous levels of air pollution in Camden now, what additional measures is the Mayor and TfL going to take to make sure residents are not exposed to any increase in pollution as a consequence of HS2?'
Your response being:
'Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly'
Will you now give a substantive reply?
The Mayor
Please see my response to MQ 2015/3539.
Taxi Drivers Question No: 2015/3803 Andrew Dismore Further to Question No: 2015/3543
'Do you regret calling taxi drivers 'luddites'?'
Your response being:
'Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly'
Will you now give a substantive reply?
The Mayor
Please see my response to MQ 2015 /3543. Tour de France Question No: 2015/3804 Andrew Dismore Further to Question No: 2015/3544
'How much money and staff time was spent in the preparation of your bid to host the 2017 Tour de France grand depart which you withdrew at the last minute?'
Your response being:
'Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.'
Will you now give a substantive reply?
The Mayor
Please see my response to MQ 2015/3544.
Islamphobia,anti Semitism and other forms of racism on TfL (1) Islamphobia,anti Semitism and other forms of racism on TfL (1) Question No: 2015/3805 Andrew Dismore How many incidents of a) Islamphobia b) anti Semitism and c) other forms of racism have been reported as having occurred on TfL services or premises in the last 12 months?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
London's transport network is a safe, low crime environment and TfL works closely with its policing partners to improve customer safety and security. This includes taking action to combat all forms of racism.
The latest data from the MPS and the British Transport Police for the 12 month period to 31 August 2015 reports the following crimes on TfL services or premises:
139 Islamophobic incidents
45 anti-Semitic incidents; and
1,402 other racist hate crimes.
In the context of almost 4 billion passenger journeys each year, this equates to around one such crime for every 2.5 million passenger journeys.
TfL and the police take the issue of racist hate crime extremely seriously and push for the strongest penalties to be imposed for offences. No effort is spared to bring perpetrators to justice as can be seen by recent court cases and the decision of one offender to hand himself in at a police station. TfL can also provide CCTV footage and analysis of Oyster data to assist police with the identification of perpetrators. Islamphobia, anti Semitism and other forms of racism on TfL (2) Question No: 2015/3806 Andrew Dismore What instructions are given to bus drivers should they witness Islamophobia, anti Semitism and other forms of racism on their buses, as to the action they should take?
The Mayor
If a driver witnesses any form of hate abuse where they or a passenger feel threatened or in danger, they are advised to make a "code red'' call to London Buses' command and control centre. This approach is backed with guidance in the Big Red Book drivers' manual.
This means information can be passed to the Metropolitan Police Service without delay to enable officers to attend the scene where appropriate and for on-bus CCTV pictures to be downloaded as soon as the vehicle returns to its garage.
TfL continually refreshes guidance in light of incidents on the bus network and has been reminding bus staff to report any such cases to the central command and control centre as soon as they occur. It is also developing a poster to be sent and displayed at all bus garages and bus station mess rooms shortly.
From the confines of the cab, drivers cannot always be aware of everything happening around them. Their principal role must be to drive safely and remain in charge of the vehicle and its passengers, and not put themselves at potential risk by leaving the cab.
TfL and the police take the issue of hate crime extremely seriously and push for the strongest penalties to be imposed for offences. No effort is spared to bring perpetrators to justice as can be seen by recent court cases and the decision of one offender to hand himself in at a police station. TfL can also provide analysis of Oyster data to assist with identification.
Conditions can be placed on persistent offenders to prevent them using TfL services. TfL has imposed transport system bans for criminal behaviour through Anti-Social Behaviour Orders and, more recently, Criminal Behaviour Orders obtained with the police and Crown Prosecution Service. It is at the court's discretion to grant such orders and any related conditions.
Islamphobia, anti-Semitism and other forms of racism on TfL (3) Question No: 2015/3807 Andrew Dismore What instructions are given to TfL staff should they witness Islamophobia, anti Semitism and other forms of racism when on duty as to the action they should take?
The Mayor
Please see my answer to MQ 2015 /3806. Islamphobia,anti Semitism and other forms of racism on TfL (4) Question No: 2015/3808 Andrew Dismore Do you agree that in the event of a passenger being convicted of an Islamphobic, anti Semitic or other racist offence when travelling on TfL services, they should be banned from using such services in the future?
The Mayor
Please see my answer to MQ 2015 /3806.
Mayors' Statement Against Antisemitism Question No: 2015/3809 Andrew Dismore Have you signed the Mayors' Statement Against Antisemitism http://www.ajc.org/site/c.7oJILSPwFfJSG/b.9294845/k.C234/Statement_on_AntiSemitism_ by_Mayors_and_Municipal_Leaders.htm and if not will you now do so?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Synagogue security Question No: 2015/3810 Andrew Dismore The government has decided that synagogues need extra protection, and in Barnet nearly all of this is carried out by police community support officers, who visit synagogues once and sometimes twice a day at present. If they are cut, who is going to do this task; or will it be cut?
The Mayor
No decisions have been taken to cut PCSOs in the MPS.
Further to my response at Mayor's Question Time on 18 November, the safety of synagogues and other religious building is something I take very seriously. The provision of security to any venue is kept under constant review by the police to ensure that it is appropriate and reflects the most up to date intelligence available. Tasers in Barnet Question No: 2015/3811 Andrew Dismore Barnet has the highest rate of Taser deployment in London despite allegedly not being one of the higher crime boroughs. Barnet has a 54.5% deployment rate where Tasers are drawn on deployment of officers whereas Westminster has an 18% rate yet is by far the highest crime borough. What is the reason for this and is this due to decreasing officer numbers in the borough?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
The deployment rates quoted in the question relate only to one quarter of data (Jan - Mar 2015). The available data for the three quarters available for this year (Jan - Sep inclusive) show Barnet recording a 34% rate of Tasers being drawn, approximately twice a month, in comparison to four times per month on Lambeth, the borough with the highest number of deployments.
The deployment of Taser means that an officer has been tasked to an incident (by a supervisor trained in the use of the National Decision Model) where it is considered as one of a number of tactical options.
It is not possible to correlate any change in workforce numbers with the deployment of Taser.
'Thin blue line' police memorial badge Question No: 2015/3812 Andrew Dismore Why were officers instructed not to wear the 'thin blue line' police memorial badge?
The Mayor
Police uniform is an operational matter for the Commissioner and he has made it clear that he has no issue with this badge being worn. Hampstead policing Question No: 2015/3813 Andrew Dismore At last Mayor's Question Time you said you would look into the proposal from Hampstead residents for a 'crowd funding' police arrangement. What is the result of your consideration of this idea?
The Mayor
To date, no resident or community group has provided funding for additional officers neither has the MPS received a formal approach to fund additional officers from the Hampstead residents group.
Children under 18 in police cells Question No: 2015/3814 Andrew Dismore Further to Question No: 2015/3509
'Over the last 6 months, how many children under 18 have been held a) overnight and b) over a weekend in police cells?'
Your response being:
'Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.'
Will you now give a substantive reply?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
Please see my response to MQ 3509 / 2015. Dangerous Dogs (1) Question No: 2015/3815 Andrew Dismore Further to Question No: 2015/3514
'What was the cost of destroying and other vet fees relating to dogs held in kennels by the Met in the last 12 months?'
Your response being:
'Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.'
Will you now give a substantive reply?
The Mayor
Please see my response to MQ 3514 / 2015.
Dangerous Dogs (2) Question No: 2015/3816 Andrew Dismore Further to Question No: 2015/3515
'How much was recovered from owners of the dogs held in kennels by the Met in the last 12 months?'
Your response being
'Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.'
Will you now give a substantive reply?
The Mayor
Please see my response to MQ 3515 / 2015. Metropolitan Police privatized services Question No: 2015/3817 Andrew Dismore Further to part of your previous answer:
Corporate Real Estate - This is an outsourced service
Transport - This is an outsourced service
Business Support Services - payroll and pensions has previously been outsourced, and in October 2015 Finance, HR and Procurement transactional functions were outsourced to SSCL.
ICT Services - This is an outsourced service.
To which companies are the above Metropolitan Police services privatized; and what is the value and period of the contract; and from where are the services administered and delivered, geographically?
The Mayor
Details of all MOPAC contracts above £2,500 can be found using the attached link http://www.met.police.uk/foi/c_lists_and_registers.htm
Pay to stay [1] Question No: 2015/3818 Andrew Dismore In the DCLG consultation; 'Pay to stay: Fairer rents in social housing' the Government states that "tenants in social housing should not always benefit automatically from subsidised rents" and will therefore increase rents on households with incomes over £40,000 in London., How many Londoners will be at risk of higher rents or the loss of their homes as a result of this?
The Mayor
The details of the Pay to Stay policy are still to be determined following the consultation to which you refer. Pay to stay [2] Question No: 2015/3819 Andrew Dismore Given the revenue from the Government's 'pay to stay' rent hike will go straight to the Treasury, with only Housing Associations allowed to build new homes from the revenue, how many affordable homes that could otherwise have been built in London if such proceeds were retained in London would not be built?
The Mayor
Please see my answer to MQ 3818 / 2015.
Pay to stay [3] Question No: 2015/3820 Andrew Dismore Is it fair that as a consequence of the government's 'pay to stay' proposals social housing tenants in London will be priced out of their own homes for improving their incomes?
The Mayor
Please see my answer to MQ 3818 / 2015.
Police Information Notices Question No: 2015/3821 Andrew Dismore How many Police Information Notices in total and how many by borough have been issued for harassment or similar matters in the last 12 months?
The Mayor
The MPS does not use Police Information Notices - their equivalent within the MPS is the Prevention of Harassment warning letter - Form 9993.
The number of first instance Harassment Warnings issued for harassment between 01/11/2014 and 31/10/2015 across the London Boroughs is 5146 at an average of approximately 155 per borough (the numbers range from 256 in Waltham Forest to 30 issued in Southwark during this period). See the full table [at Appendix D].
CPS guidance states 'there are a number of benefits, including making sure people understand the law; preventing incidents from escalating and helping possible future prosecutions.'
The MPS only use these in approximately 12% of cases and there is clear policy and guidance in relation to the issuing of these warnings. ESOL cuts Question No: 2015/3822 Andrew Dismore A member of the public has asked me - via the 'ask a question' facility - to put the following question to you:
"What effect do you think the scrapping of the budget for mandated ESOL classes and the further and ongoing reduction in the SFA budget for ESOL have on adopted Londoners' ability to communicate in English?"
The Mayor
English language ability is key to enabling individuals to achieve their full potential and contribute fully to the community in which they live. I do not currently have responsibility for skills budgets. I have written to the Chancellor requesting that as part of the Government's Spending Review that greater powers and funding over skills are devolved to me. I have requested that adult skills and 16-18 funding in London is protected, including ESOL in order to meet future skills demand. The outcome of these discussions with Government will not be known until after the Spending Review.
Called in applications 5 Question No: 2015/3823 Nicky Gavron Did Derwent London or its agent make any representations to you or to the GLA or any of its officers requesting you to take over the planning application for Monmouth House?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
I can confirm that no representations were made to me, or my officers requesting the take-over of the Monmouth House planning application. On 23 October 2015 Derwent London met with Sir Edward Lister to emphasise the benefits of the scheme. Strategically Important Development Zones Question No: 2015/3824 Nicky Gavron The Housing and Planning Bill will give the Mayor of London power to establish Strategically Important Development Zones. How will these operate?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
Clause 101 of the Housing and Planning Bill enables the Mayor's 'call-in' powers to cover a wider range of development by allowing the Secretary of State to identify schemes that should be referred to the Mayor in specific areas identified through the London Plan or a borough development plan document (eg Strategically Important Development Zones). This power will allow the Mayor to take a greater role in ensuring appropriate development is granted permission in key development areas, something he strongly supports.
Further details will be set out in secondary legislation and I will work with government to make sure they are effective.
Call in threshold 1 Question No: 2015/3825 Nicky Gavron At the Mayor's Question Time on 21 November 2015, you told me that "under the Housing Bill and the proposals now coming forward, thanks to the lobbying of this place, we will have the powers to call in schemes of more than 50 dwellings". What clause in the Bill gives you the power to call in schemes of more than 50 dwellings?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
Clause 101of the Bill enables the Secretary of State to prescribe applications of potential strategic importance by reference to the London Plan or local development plan. This could include a reduced housing. Alternatively the Secretary of State may simply amend the existing Mayor of London Order. Call in threshold 2 Question No: 2015/3826 Nicky Gavron At the Mayor's Question Time on 21 November 2015, you told me that "under the Housing Bill and the proposals now coming forward, thanks to the lobbying of this place, we will have the powers to call in schemes of more than 50 dwellings". Will the new 50 dwelling threshold apply across all of London, or only to specific areas?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
Clause 101of the Bill enables the Secretary of State to prescribe applications of potential strategic importance by reference to the London Plan or local development plan. This could include a reduced housing threshold, which could apply across London or to specific parts. Alternatively the Secretary of State may simply amend the existing Mayor of London Order, which again could be geographically limited.
Clean Air Routes to School 1 Question No: 2015/3827 Nicky Gavron In your 09 July 2015 letter to me, you noted that £200,000 in funding has been ring-fenced from the Air Quality Fund for schools activities in the next three years. Has this money since been allocated to specific projects? If so, what are those projects.
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
£200,000 has been ring fenced in my Air Quality Fund for a wider air quality programme with schools. Prior to committing the funding, the GLA has commissioned research which is gathering evidence from children and parents, at a number of schools, to assess the likely impact of any initiatives in schools. Clean Air Routes to School 2 Question No: 2015/3828 Nicky Gavron In your 09 July 2015 letter to me, you noted that you had undertaken pilots at six schools which combined citizen science to educate students about air pollution. What has been the outcome of these pilots? Have any of the programmes been extended?
The Mayor
The outcome of the pilots at six schools was positive. Interventions included a combination of physical and soft ones ranging from planting/conducting experiments to see which types of leaves are better at trapping particles through to walking maps, posters/ leaflets. The learning from the pilots shows schools have both an enthusiasm and appetite for the type of interventions described above. Any future air quality schools' programme will be determined by the outcome of research as indicated in response to MQ 2015/ 3827.
Development corporations Question No: 2015/3829 Nicky Gavron In response to 2015/3352 you noted that the "Mayor already has powers to designate Development Corporations." My question was in reference to the the Productivity Plan produced by the Government in July, which promised "the government will work with mayors in London and across the country to use new powers in the Devolution Bill to use development corporations to deliver higher-density development in designated areas."
Can you please explain what these "new powers" regarding development corporations will involve?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
We are involved in ongoing discussions with government on this proposed new power. Called in applications 1 Question No: 2015/3830 Nicky Gavron In each month from January 2015, how many requests have you received from developers asking you to take over planning applications?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
I have only had one formal request under Paragraph 7 (6) (b) of the Mayor of London Order 2008 to take over an application which has passed its statutory determination period since January 2015 (Bishopsgate Goodsyard).
Called in applications 2 Question No: 2015/3831 Nicky Gavron Did Coplan Estates (Barking) LTD or its agent make any representations to you or to the GLA or any of its officers requesting you to take over the planning application for Trocoll House?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
I can confirm that no representations were made to me, or my officers requesting the take-over of the Trocoll House planning application.
Called in applications 3 Question No: 2015/3832 Nicky Gavron Did British Land or its agent make any representations to you or to the GLA or any of its officers requesting you to take over the planning application for the Nicholls and Clarke urban block (land at Blossoms Street)?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
I can confirm that no representations were made to me, or my officers requesting the take-over of the Norton Folgate planning application. Called in applications 4 Question No: 2015/3833 Nicky Gavron Did The British Land Company PLC or its agent make any representations to you or to the GLA or any of its officers requesting you to take over the planning application for 56-70 Putney High Street?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
I can confirm that no representations were made to me, or my officers, requesting the take- over for 56-70 Putney High Street planning application.
Agent of Change principle 1 Question No: 2015/3834 Nicky Gavron I am pleased you intend to apply the Agent of Change principle to require developers to mitigate against future problems that might emerge between the development and existing nearby uses. Can you please explain how you intend to apply this principle to relevant future strategic applications?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
These principles are already established in London Plan policy. They would apply in robustly justified circumstances where an existing noise generating cultural venue could be compromised by a proposed adjacent development. In these circumstances the new development would need to ensure necessary mitigation measures are provided - eg. sound proofing - to ensure that an existing business can continue to be operated. The principle could also be applied the other way round - to ensure that new noise generating cultural venues provide sufficient soundproofing to mitigate potential impacts on surrounding land uses.
I have provided new draft guidance on this issue in Chapter 2 of the Draft CAZ SPG which outlines how these potential issues should be considered and effectively resolved. Agent of Change principle 2 Question No: 2015/3835 Nicky Gavron Must the London Plan be amended to apply the Agent of Change principle to future strategic planning applications?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
The broad principle of Agent of Change - mitigating potential noise impacts arising from new development adjacent to existing businesses - is already established in both the London Plan (Policy 7.15Bb) and the NPPF (para 123) and can, depending on the particular circumstances of a proposal, be a material planning consideration. Further guidance on managing potential noise impacts and ensuring appropriate acoustic design mitigation is provided in the Town Centres SPG and Draft CAZ SPG.
Agent of Change principle 3 Question No: 2015/3836 Nicky Gavron Must the London Plan be amended to encourage the application of the Agent of Change principle to future non-strategic planning applications?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
Policy 7.15Bb of the London Plan is part of the development plan for London and can be applied by boroughs to non-strategic planning applications along with paragraph 123 of the NPPF and guidance in the Town Centres SPG and Draft CAZ SPG.
Where new borough planning policies are being formulated these would also need to be in general conformity with London Plan and have regard to the NPPF. Recycled energy on Tube trains (1) Question No: 2015/3837 Joanne McCartney Following the successful trial on the Victoria line of collecting waste energy from Tube train brakes, will the new technology be rolled out permanently on the Victoria line? Are you looking to extend this technology to other London Underground lines?
The Mayor
TfL is currently developing and implementing a number of technical solutions to strategically improve its overall traction energy efficiency.
The installation of this technology - which is only beneficial when combined with modern rolling-stock which has regenerative braking capability - on the Victoria line is permanent.
TfL is looking into extend this technology to other London Underground lines where it adds the greatest value, primarily via the World Classand New Tube for London upgrade programmes. However this expansion is subject to funding.
Recycled energy on Tube trains (2) Question No: 2015/3838 Joanne McCartney How much does the new technology cost to implement and run? How much money will TfL save as a result of the recycled energy on each line, and in total if the technology was implemented throughout the London Underground network?
The Mayor
Inverters supply power obtained through regenerative breaking, which cannot be utilised by the train fleet, back into the Tube network's other high voltage power supplies for use elsewhere on the network. Each line requires a different number of inverters as the optimum level is dependent on variable factors such as inverter location, the regenerative braking capability of the fleet, proposed train service patterns, line voltage and power system efficiency.
The cost of supply and installation of this new inverter technology, similar to that in use on the Victoria line, depends on how it is installed. As the characteristics of each substation site and line differ, so too will the cost to implement and run each inverter. For the same reason the amount of recycled energy and the resultant savings will vary from line to line.
On average, each inverter is predicted to save around £100,000 per annum. It is not possible to advise on total savings at this stage, as the application of this technology is comparatively new and requires further development. In addition, those installed underground will contribute to a reduction in tunnel temperatures. Electric vehicle charging points, Arnos Grove LU station Question No: 2015/3839 Joanne McCartney A local resident has contacted me about the electric vehicle charging points in Arnos Grove station car park as follows: i) Out of the ten charging points, four are not working and have not been repaired despite being reported and informed they have been. Can you investigate why these electric vehicle charging points are not being fixed? ii) Regularly, the electric vehicle charging points are occupied by non-electric vehicles which mean they are unavailable to drivers of electric vehicles. The residents have been told by NCP who manage the car park that they are under instructions from TFL not to prevent non-electric vehicle cars parking in the charging bays. Can you tell me what the policy is surrounding this issue and if this will be reviewed?
The Mayor
TfL is aware of the ongoing issues with charge points in Arnos Grove station car park and has been in touch with UK Power Networks, which owns the units, to ensure that they are repaired as soon as possible.
The bays are currently designated for use by both electric vehicles (EVs) and non-electric vehicles. I have asked TfL to consider designating some of the bays as EV use only due to the increasing levels of EV ownership. Sapphire Unit Officers Question No: 2015/3840 Joanne McCartney Please provide the number of FTE officers within the Sapphire Unit of the MPS from October 2013 to October 2015?
The Mayor
The table below shows the numbers of FTE officers per year at October.
The MPS have also recently, following Dame Angiolini's Review, confirmed the addition of around 200 officers to the Sapphire Rape Investigation Teams.
October October October Rank 2013 2014 2015 Detective Chief Inspector 5 FTE* 4 FTE 3 FTE Detective Inspector 19 FTE 23 FTE 21 FTE Detective Sergeant 56 FTE 71 FTE 57 FTE Detective Constable 171 FTE 199 FTE 184 FTE Police Constable - Sexual Offences Investigative 145 FTE 139 FTE 131 FTE Techniques (SOIT) PC - Police and Criminal Investigation (PCI) - - 32 FTE Total 396 FTE 435 FTE 427 FTE
Cost of Hand Held Devices to the MPS Question No: 2015/3841 Joanne McCartney Please can you provide me with the following information: i) How many tablet or handheld devices did the MPS purchase? Please provide these broken down by make, model and cost. ii) The subsequent cost of integrating the tablet or handheld software with the Met software. iii) Have any of these devices been found to be unsuitable for purpose? If so please specify the quantity, the cost to the MPS and the reason for its unsuitability?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
The answers to your questions are:
(i) 600 Apple iPad Mini w/Retina 32GB at a cost of £200,400, and 100 Apple iPad Air 32GB at a cost of £38,700 were purchased in July 2014 to support a pilot in Hammersmith and Fulham;
Prior to July 2014, as part of an earlier trial, the following were purchased for users that include Management Board members - 20 iPad Mini 32GB at a cost of £7,000, 5 iPad 32GB at a cost of £2,255, and 5 iPad 32GB with Retina display at £2,255
(ii) Integrating the iPads with MPS software will cost £881,000; and
(iii) None of the devices have been found to be unsuitable BME Victims of Sexual Violence (1) Question No: 2015/3842 Joanne McCartney Please can you provide me with the number of sexual offences where the victim has been categorised as BAME in the years i) 2011/12 ii) 2012/13 iii) 2013/14 iv) 2014/15 to date?
The Mayor
Please find below the number of BAME victims of sexual offences for the last 4 financial years and the financial year to date (Apr-Oct 2015). Please note that the ethnicity of the victim is self-defined.
BAME victims of Sexual Offences No of victims FY 11/12 1877 FY 12/13 1557 FY 13/14 1725 FY 14/15 2172 FYTD (to Oct 15) 1391 Please be aware any increase may be due to increased confidence to report.
BME Victims of Sexual Violence (2) Question No: 2015/3843 Joanne McCartney How does the Mayor respond to a key finding from Imkaan's recent report regarding the support available to BME victims of sexual violence - that frontline specialists including rape crisis centres and BME women's organisations state themselves that they do not have the capacity, resources or support from local commissioners and policymakers to develop effective and specialist responses to sexual violence. What can you do as Mayor to ensure that these concerns are addressed?
The Mayor
Sexual violence services commissioned by Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) work to the direction of the refreshed VAWG strategy which was developed in partnership with the third sector, including key BME women's organisations. A key aim of the strategy is ensuring that BME victims journeys are part of the development of successful services in this area. As such, officers at MOPAC are seeking a response to the report from providers.
MOPAC are also conducting a Harmful Practices pilot that seeks to address sexual violence that affects BME women within the context of wider forms of abuse such as FGM, Force Marriage, 'honour' based violence and faith based abuse. This work is monitored through the Harmful Practices Taskforce that will take forward key findings and recommends of the pilot, embedding an appropriate BME response to work going forward. Homicide and Serious Crime Unit (1) Question No: 2015/3844 Joanne McCartney Please can you provide me with the i) number of dedicated officers ii) number of dedicated staff iii) the dedicated funding per year from the years 2011/12 to 2014/15 (to date as forecast) for the Homicide and Serious Crime Unit (SCO1)?
The Mayor
The workforce for this unit is as below:
609 officers
128 staff
Dedicated funding per year:
2011/12 - £68,330,932
2012/13 - £60,686,630
2013/14 - £47,575,465
2014/15 - £40,703,153
Homicide and Serious Crime Unit (2) Question No: 2015/3845 Joanne McCartney Please can you provide me with a breakdown of the current ratio of supervisory roles to officer roles within the Homicide and Serious Crime Unit (SCO1)?
The Mayor
The workforce allocation of supervisors to officers is approximately 3:1 although this includes all ranks. At Sergeant to Officer level this is 5:1 Counter Terrorism Command Question No: 2015/3846 Joanne McCartney Please can you provide me with the i) number of dedicated officers ii) number of dedicated staff iii) the dedicated funding per year from the years 2011/12 to 2014/15 (to date as forecast) for the Counter Terrorism Command?
The Mayor
For reasons of national security, the MPS do not publically provide the breakdown of police counter-terrorism spend by individual projects, capabilities, or work streams. Disclosure could identify areas where the threat to the national security of the UK is greatest or where there are vulnerabilities in different regions or capabilities. The level of CT grant funding provided to police forces is based on advice from the police on an assessment of what is needed to counter the threat.
MPS CTU Funding Question No: 2015/3847 Joanne McCartney Please can you provide me with the exact amount of CTU funding to date provided by the Government to the MPS in the financial years i) 2011/12 ii) 2012/13 iii) 2013/14 iv) 2014/15?
The Mayor
For reasons of national security, the MPS do not publically provide the breakdown of police counter-terrorism spend by individual projects, capabilities or work streams.
SO6 Diplomatic Protection Group Question No: 2015/3848 Joanne McCartney Please can you provide me with the i) number of dedicated officers ii) number of dedicated staff iii) the dedicated funding per year from the years 2011/12 to 2014/15 (to date as forecast) for the SO6 Diplomatic Protection Group?
The Mayor
The MPS do not provide details of protective security relating to officer numbers and costs for Diplomatic Protection, as the disclosure of such information may compromise the integrity and security of their operations. Specialist Firearms Command SCO19 Question No: 2015/3849 Joanne McCartney Please can you provide me with the i) number of dedicated officers ii) number of dedicated staff iii) the dedicated funding per year from the years 2011/12 to 2014/15 (to date as forecast) for the Specialist Firearms Command SCO19?
The Mayor
Dedicated officers within SC&O19
2015 (to date as forecast) - 679
Dedicated staff within SC&O19
2015 (to date as forecast) - 71
Dedicated funding for SC&O19 for years
2011/12 - £34.5m
2012/13 - £34.3m
2013/14 - £34.3m
2014/15 - £32.5m
2015 (as forecast) - £33.6m
Following recent events, the number of specialist firearms officers is being kept under review.
SNT Ward Buildings Question No: 2015/3850 Joanne McCartney How many of the former SNT Ward offices or stations remain in the possession of the MPS? Of these how many are being currently being utilised by the MPS and how many are vacant due to leases still being in force? Please provide this information by borough.
The Mayor
MOPAC retains 136 Safer Neighbourhood Bases. Of these, 116 remain in active use and 20 have been vacated. We are in active negotiation over 20 vacated property lease arrangements with 2 due for imminent release.
This information is summarised by borough in Appendix A. Baker Street, No Two Ways About It? Question No: 2015/3851 Murad Qureshi How can TfL justify spending £10 million on making Baker Street two-way when residents and small businesses don't want it?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
The consultation on the scheme produced a mixed response. Westminster City Council is currently making some changes to the scheme proposals and plans to re-consult in early 2016. Mayor's Frequent Flyer Points Question No: 2015/3852 Murad Qureshi What have you done with the frequent flyer points you have accumulated from business flights, paid for by tax payers, during your time as Mayor of London?
The Mayor
I do not have a personal frequent flyer account.
My Office is committed to use available resources responsibly. The BA On Business points accumulated from official overseas trips have been redeemed to cut the overall costs of these trips. Full transactions of flights redeemed in my Mayoralty are listed below.
Date Flight description Reason for travel Points One-Way Flight: TOKYO The Mayor and Private Secretary to the 26/08/15 HANEDA - LONDON Mayor, for the Mayor's official visit to -58,000 HEATHROW: Club: x2: Japan. FTA: BT113/15, BT115/15. One-Way Flight: NEW YORK-JOHN F KENNEDY 07/01/15 -18,900 - LONDON HEATHROW: The Mayor and Director of Club: x2: Communications, for the Mayor's official visit to US East Coast. FTA: BT216/14, One-Way Flight: LONDON BT221/14 07/01/15 HEATHROW - BOSTON: -18,900 Club: x2: Return Flight: LONDON Deputy Mayor for Transport, 01/02/13 HEATHROW - SAN accompanying the Mayor on official visit -7,920 FRANCISCO: Traveller: x1: to San Francisco. FTA: BT143/12. Return Flight: LONDON Senior International Relations Officer, 29/10/13 HEATHROW - KUWAIT: accompanying the Mayor on official visit -12,480 World Traveller Plus: x1: to Kuwait. FTA: BT113/13.
Impact of Funding Cuts to London's Further Education Colleges (1) Question No: 2015/3853 Murad Qureshi How will reduced funding from Central Government impact apprenticeships and vocational training provided by London's further education colleges?
The Mayor
I do not currently have responsibility for skills budgets. I have written to the Chancellor requesting that as part of the Government's Spending Review that greater powers and funding over skills are devolved to me. I have requested that adult skills and 16-18 funding in London is protected, including ESOL in order to meet future skills demand. The outcome of these discussions with Government will not be known until after the e Spending Review.
I welcome the Government's protection of apprenticeship funding and the increased resources that will follow the introduction of the apprenticeship levy. Starting next year I will lead the London Area Review for post 16 education and skills to ensure London has a high quality and resilient FE sector capable of delivering the education and skills demanded by Londoners and its economy.
Impact of Funding Cuts to London's Further Education Colleges (2) Question No: 2015/3854 Murad Qureshi What are you doing to assist further education colleges make up the funding gap left by reductions in funding from Central Government?
The Mayor
I have committed to leading the government's reform plan for post 16 education and training in London. Working with the skills sector, the process will be used to help deliver a post-16 skills and education landscape in London that is better integrated, resilient and meets business and local economic need.
I have also written to the Chancellor requesting that as part of the Government's Spending Review that greater powers and funding over skills are devolved to me. I have requested that adult skills and 16-18 funding in London is protected, including ESOL in order to meet future skills demand. The outcome of these discussions with Government will not be known until after the Spending Review. Canning Town Bus Station (1) Question No: 2015/3855 Murad Qureshi Why can't the number 474 bus start and stop at Canning Town bus station, where capacity clearly exists, to free up Trinity Gardens and Morgan Street for local car parking?
The Mayor
Route 474 runs beyond Canning Town bus station and terminates at Hermit Road in order to provide a direct service to the shops and other town centre facilities on Barking Road for passengers from the Royal Docks.
At present, over 450 trips unique to route 474 are made to or from Barking Road on a typical weekday and this is expected to grow with the ongoing redevelopment of Canning Town and the Royal Docks.
Canning Town Bus Station (2) Question No: 2015/3856 Murad Qureshi When will the Hermit Road bus shelter be moved to the where the bus stop is on the Barking Road?
The Mayor
The bus stop on Hermit Road was moved to its current position in Barking Road at the request of the London Borough of Newham, which wished to progress a road scheme that results in a reduced carriageway width at the original stop location. TfL was satisfied with the alternative site, which had the support of local businesses and users. TfL placed orders with its contractors to move the stop and its associated shelter to Barking Road.
While the stop was relocated in good time in June, regrettably a series of delays - notably in obtaining planning consent and in arranging disconnection of its power supply - has resulted in the shelter remaining in its old location. The shelter is due to be relocated in the middle of December. TfL apologise for the inconvenience caused to local people.
Canning Town Bus Station (3) Question No: 2015/3857 Murad Qureshi Please can you give us an update on the electrification of the number 69 bus?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Canning Town Bus Station (4) Question No: 2015/3858 Murad Qureshi Does the bus lane for the number 309 and 115 buses, adjacent to the A13, need to be in place for 24 hours, seven days a week?
The Mayor
It is necessary for the eastbound bus lane adjacent to the A13 to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This is for road safety purposes at the bus stop in order to prevent collisions with buses. Traffic speeds on the A13 are too high for a bus stop to operate in the carriageway open to general traffic, and it is not possible to inset the bus stop on the bridge structure. The bus stop is also served by night routes, requiring the current operating hours.
The westbound bus lane adjacent to the A13 also needs to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to protect bus journey times towards central London from Canning Town Bus Station. This stretch of road can experience severe delays round the clock as the A13 is a vital link subject to traffic impacts from central London, the Blackwall Tunnel and the Limehouse Link.
Energy Needs of Crossrail Question No: 2015/3859 Murad Qureshi What are the additional energy demands of Crossrail and how do you anticipate TfL will accommodate them when Crossrail becomes operational?
The Mayor
Crossrail's estimated peak demand to power the trains is projected to be 149 mega-volt amperes (MVA) when the full Crossrail services commence from 2019. A further 30 MVA will supply the central section stations, shafts and portals.
To accommodate these energy demands, TfL will purchase power for the trains from Network Rail. TfL will purchase power for the stations, shafts and portals directly from the energy suppliers. Baker Street Two-Way Proposal (1) Question No: 2015/3860 Murad Qureshi Under the proposed scheme will people be able to park on Gloucester Place for 20 minutes up until 4pm, as is currently the case?
The Mayor
To improve protection for cyclists, the Baker Street two-way proposals will include a mandatory cycle lane, operating 7am-7pm. This will replace a very small amount of existing short stay parking on Gloucester Place between Huntsworth Mews and Taunton Place. Westminster City Council is currently refining parking proposals in the area and will prioritise protecting resident's parking.
The proposals for Gloucester Place are likely to result in a reduction of only 8 short stay parking spaces. Short stay parking is also available in adjacent locations. There is generous parking provision in the area, including existing Pay & Display bays and also a National Car Park (NCP) on the corner of Gloucester Place and Marylebone Road.
Baker Street Two-Way Proposal (2) Question No: 2015/3861 Murad Qureshi If short term parking is removed from Gloucester Place, will similar parking be provided close by?
The Mayor
The proposals for Gloucester Place are likely to result in a reduction of only 8 short stay parking spaces. Short stay parking is also available in adjacent locations. There is generous parking provision in the area, including existing Pay & Display bays and also a National Car Park (NCP) on the corner of Gloucester Place and Marylebone Road.
Westminster City Council is investigating whether it is necessary and possible to accommodate further alternative short stay parking in the area. Baker Street Two-Way Proposal (3) Question No: 2015/3862 Murad Qureshi If no alternative short term parking is provided in the proposed scheme, what are people with no residents' parking permit to do along Gloucester Place?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
The area will continue to have short stay parking spaces in adjacent locations. In addition, with the arrival of Crossrail, a fleet of new buses and new trains serving Marylebone station, and a network of quality cycle and pedestrian routes, the offer of high quality alternatives to the private car will be available.
West London Line Group Calls for Westway Circus Question No: 2015/3863 Murad Qureshi The West London Line Group is calling for Westway Circus, a new West London-line station to be built underneath the roundabout at the junction of the A40M Westway and the A322 ( West Cross Route ). Are TfL prepared to undertake a feasibility study of this proposal?
The Mayor
Due to the site's close proximity to existing London Underground (LU) stations at White City, Latimer Road and Ladbroke Grove and the Overground station at Shepherd's Bush, the case for a station at Westway Circus is not likely to be viable. The site is also a short distance away from the proposed Overground station at Old Oak Common.
The benefits to people living and working in the area would be limited, as the additional call on West London line services would extend journey times to through passengers. This is unlikely to be justified by the additional demand generated by a new station.
TfL does not currently have plans to undertake a feasibility study on this proposal and has recently responded to the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea's St Quintin and Woodlands draft neighbourhood plan to that effect. Channel Referrals Question No: 2015/3864 Murad Qureshi Thank you for your answer to question 2015/2916. How many of those referred under Channel were later provided "supportive intervention" in the form of an action plan devised and implemented by a local safeguarding board?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
Almost all individuals accepted onto the Channel programme receive supportive interventions. The process involves a multi-agency panel, the outcome of which is the identification of the most appropriate support package. It is likely that in many cases, although we do not have precise proportions, individuals (especially those who are young and vulnaerable) will also be in receipt of safeguarding interventions. Local Safeguarding Boards take an oversight role in relation to the activity of relevant agencies but, unlike the Channel panels, do not, at the Board meetings, typically deal with individual cases. Signal Failures on Sub-Surface Tube Lines Question No: 2015/3865 Murad Qureshi Can you please give me figures for all signal failures on sub-surface tube lines (Hammersmith and City, Circle, District, and Metropolitan lines) annually for the past 5 years?
The Mayor
The below table provides the number of signal failure incidents by sub-surface rail Tube line for each of the past five years.
Metropolitan Total lost Hammersmith & City / District line Year line signal customer hours Circle line signal failures signal failures failures per year 2010/11 178 405 441 9.3 million 2011/12 184 458 435 6.6 million 2012/13 162 473 330 6.4 million 2013/14 197 504 283 5.8 million 2014/15 214 575 342 5.5 million While the number of incidents varies each year, the overall impact felt by customers has fallen in recent years due to London Underground's hard work to improve the reliability of the Tube.
The number of 'total lost customer hours' - how TfL measures the actual delays experienced by its customers - on the four lines fell by 41 per cent over this period, despite rapidly growing passenger numbers putting increased pressure on the Tube network. TfL has delivered this through a relentless focus on reliability by management, smarter approaches to maintenance and a better response to incidents such as signal failures to minimise their impact. The number of 'total lost customer hours' for these four lines combined is provided in the above table.
Delays will be reduced further by the Four Line Modernisation programme, which will introduce modern computerised signalling technology on these lines similar to that which has delivered vast improvements to the Victoria, Jubilee and Northern lines. This technology will also allow increases in the frequency of trains to carry more people, accommodating and enabling London's rapid growth. Appointment of Transport for London's Commissioner (1) Question No: 2015/3866 Murad Qureshi How much was spent on advertising the post of Transport Commissioner?
The Mayor
When searching for a new Commissioner, it was vital to attract and secure an individual with the necessary experience, skills and vision to lead TfL. In order to find and ensure the best possible candidate for the job, the position was advertised overseas as well as domestically.
£33,440.86 was spent on advertising in the printed press and their related websites, with advertisements appearing for approximately four weeks from mid-July until mid-August 2015 in the following publications:
Financial Times (UK version and all international editions)
Sunday Times
The Economist www.exec-appointments.com
Appointment of Transport for London's Commissioner (2) Question No: 2015/3867 Murad Qureshi How many applications did Transport for London get for the post of Transport Commissioner? How many were applicants were interviewed?
The Mayor
105 applications were received and 5 candidates were interviewed by TfL Board members.
Appointment of Transport for London's Commissioner (3) Question No: 2015/3868 Murad Qureshi How many applications came from aboard and how many of those were interviewed?
The Mayor
5 applications were received from abroad; 3 of these candidates were interviewed. Number of People Taking (and passing) the Knowledge Exam Question No: 2015/3869 Murad Qureshi How many prospective black cabbies sat The Knowledge exam over the past 8 years? How many of those who took in the test in the same period passed?
The Mayor
Over the last eight full financial years (2007/8 to 2014/15), 21,059 individuals were accepted onto the Knowledge of London (KOL) course following their successful application to become a licensed taxi driver. The year-by-year breakdown is outlined below;
Financial Year New KOL Candidates
2007/8 2737
2008/9 2685
2009/10 2451
2010/11 2546
2011/12 3484
2012/13 3131
2013/14 1799
2014/15 2226
Over the same eight financial years, 6,684 individuals passed the KOL to become licensed taxi drivers in London. The year-by-year breakdown is detailed below:
Financial Year New Licensed Taxi Drivers
2007/8 684
2008/9 735
2009/10 760
2010/11 763
2011/12 808
2012/13 1075
2013/14 936
2014/115 923
Please note that the individuals passing each year does not relate to those being accepted into the KOL course. It takes, on average, around four years to become an 'All London' Green Badge taxi driver and around 3 years to become a 'Suburban' Yellow Badge taxi driver. People Sleeping Rough in Edgware Road Subways Question No: 2015/3870 Murad Qureshi Is TfL taking any positive steps, such as working with homeless charities, to reduce the number of people sleeping rough in the Edgware Road subways under the Marylebone flyover?
The Mayor
TfL is aware of this issue and is currently working with Westminster City Council, the Metropolitan Police Service and other partners on the most effective ways to reduce rough sleeping in this area.
TfL has a strong track record of working with outreach teams and homeless charities to provide assistance to rough sleepers who seek refuge on the transport system, and will do so again in this situation.
Westminster Fire Station for School Conversion Question No: 2015/3871 Murad Qureshi Can you confirm whether any proposals have been made for a new school to be situated in the empty Westminster Fire Station site?
The Mayor
The Department for Education has confirmed to us that no proposals for new schools have been received for Westminster Fire Station.
Terrorism Related Arrests Question No: 2015/3872 Murad Qureshi Thank you for your response to question 2015/2904. Can you provide the numbers of people arrested on suspicions of all terrorism offences in London for the years 2012/13; 2013/14; 2014/15; and so far in 2015/16.
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
The following information is current as of 3rd Nov 2015.
2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 Total 140 120 134 70
Paddington Skyline Question No: 2015/3873 Murad Qureshi Beyond Renzo Piano's much publicised 65-storey tower proposal in Paddington, does the area not deserve a skyline policy? Particularly in regard to the unattractive skyline on either side of the Marylebone flyover.
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
The area has a tall building strategy that was adopted by Westminster City Council and which I endorsed.
Modern Day Slavery (1) Question No: 2015/3874 Murad Qureshi Thank you for your response to my questions 2015/1356 and 2015/1357. Your responses focus on the victims of abuse, what are you doing to prevent abuse happening in the first place?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Modern Day Slavery (2) Question No: 2015/3875 Murad Qureshi To date no conviction for trafficking an adult to the UK for domestic servitude has been upheld. What is preventing such convictions in London?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Fly-tipping (1) Question No: 2015/3876 Murad Qureshi How many incidents of fly-tipping have been recorded in London since 2008? (Please provide a breakdown by year and borough)
The Mayor
This information is available on the London Datastore.
Fly-tipping (2) Question No: 2015/3877 Murad Qureshi How many incidents have been recorded of fly tipping on TfL managed highways since 2008? (Please provide a breakdown by year and borough)
The Mayor
Occurrences of fly tipping (the illegal discharge of a vehicle load in a public place) on the Transport for London Road Network are extremely rare. TfL does not maintain a register of individual incidents.
Energy Security Question No: 2015/3878 Murad Qureshi When did you last meet representatives from National Grid to discuss energy security in London?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
I have not met National Grid to discuss London's energy security; however my Deputy Mayor has discussed this issue with National Grid.
I have written to the DECC Energy Minister expressing my concern about London's energy security, a major concern I raise in my Climate Change Mitigation and Energy Strategy. My Cities Summit Challenge 2014 challenged SMEs to submit proposals to mobilise Londoners to beat the generation crunch. The event was won by Kiwi Power with their smart app.
My decentralised energy programme will relieve the pressure on grid as will the smart energy initiatives being carried out by City Hall. Hinkley Point (1) Question No: 2015/3879 Murad Qureshi What impact will new nuclear capacity at Hinkley Point have on London's energy security? Are you still against the development?
The Mayor
I am not opposed to new nuclear but do have concerns over the cost of the Hinkley project. Additional electricity generation capacity from low carbon sources will help decarbonise the national energy grid. This new generation will help increase London's long term energy security and reliability of electricity supply. Lower cost options must be pursued, including our work to increase decentralised energy in London.
Hinkley Point (2) Question No: 2015/3880 Murad Qureshi What steps will you take to ensure that the Hinkley C deal does not lock London homes and businesses to inflated electricity prices for the next 35 years?
The Mayor
We will continue to help London's homes and workplaces to save money on their electricity bills by encouraging greater energy efficiency, through programmes such as RE:NEW and RE:FIT. Continuing our development of decentralised energy in London will also reduce reliance upon electricity generated outside of the capital.
The Fifth UK Carbon Budget Question No: 2015/3881 Murad Qureshi Do you support the Committee on Climate Change's initial recommendations for the fifth carbon budget of a 54% cut in emissions by 2030 from the 1990 baseline?
The Mayor
I welcome the Committee on Climate Change's recommendations and hope that they are supported by government policy to ensure that all the actions required to achieve the 80% target for 2050 aren't left until the last decade (2040-50). It is important for investor confidence to have long term, ambitious yet achievable targets which are supported by policy. Dieselgate (1) Question No: 2015/3882 Murad Qureshi How many GLA fleet vehicles have you been notified about that require remedial action in light of the dieselgate scandal?
The Mayor
Please see my response to MQ 2015 /3638.
Dieselgate (2) Question No: 2015/3883 Murad Qureshi What do you anticipate the financial cost will be to the Authority of the depreciation in value of GLA fleet vehicles that have been affected?
The Mayor
Please see my response to MQ 2015 /3638.
This is not an issue as all known affected vehicles are leased.
Dieselgate (3) Question No: 2015/3884 Murad Qureshi How many TfL licenced taxis and private hire vehicles have been affected by this scandal?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
Volkswagen does not manufacture London taxis. At the time of writing, it is not clear how many vehicles are affected nationally or within London's private hire vehicle fleet.
Volkswagen has said that it will contact any customer who may be affected and will resolve the issue for them as soon as possible. Dieselgate (4) Question No: 2015/3885 Murad Qureshi How comfortable do you feel knowing that Vehicle Certification Agency, responsible for investigating the VW scandal, receives 70% of its cash from the motor industry?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
FIT Cuts Question No: 2015/3886 Murad Qureshi How many anaerobic digestion (AD) plants proposed - or with planning permission - in London are threatened not to go ahead as a result of the Government's recent FIT consultation changes?
The Mayor
I have approved planning permission for two AD plants - one in Sutton (Sita, Mitcham Park) and one in Barking and Dagenham (Re:Food, Sustainable Industries Park). It is too early to know the impact, if any, of the Government's FIT on the fate of these planned facilities. At this point both are still planned to be built over the next year.
The London Waste and Recycling Board have invested £2890,000 in an AD facility in Hertfordshire. Construction of the plant began in June 2014 and is still expected to be operational in spring 2016.
Food Waste (1) Question No: 2015/3887 Murad Qureshi How much of London's non-domestic food waste goes to anaerobic digestion (AD) plants to generate renewable energy?
The Mayor
GLA food modelling this data informed by the Defra Commercial and Industrial Waste survey 2009 estimates around 40,000 tonnes of London's non-domestic food waste per year is treated via AD or in in-vessel composting facilities.
Last year the Environment Agency introduced the Electronic Duty of Care (EDOC) system which should make it easier to report commercial waste movements more accurately. Food Waste (2) Question No: 2015/3888 Murad Qureshi What happens to City Hall's food waste?
The Mayor
All food waste at City Hall, including that from the kitchens, hospitality and the tea-points is collected and taken to an anaerobic digestion plant. Here it is turned into Biogas, which is converted into heat and energy and supplied to the grid. The remaining digestate is further treated and used as a soil improver in horticultural markets. Waste cooking oil is turned into biodiesel.
Fuel Cell Buses Question No: 2015/3889 Murad Qureshi How many fuel cell buses now operate in London and how many are planned to be operating between now and 2020?
The Mayor
There are currently eight hydrogen fuel-cell buses on route RV1 between Covent Garden and Tower Gateway. A further two are being procured for introduction in 2017.
By 2020, there will be a requirement to have at least 300 zero emission single-deck buses operating in central London. The technologies selected will be determined by their operational performance, reliability, cost efficiency and potential to transform the entire fleet to zero tailpipe emissions at the earliest opportunity. Gas Transport Question No: 2015/3890 Murad Qureshi As a result of the latest news around diesel vehicle pollution, is it not now time to learn from many other cities around the world who support the use of natural gas and biogas HGVs and buses to help improve air quality, and commission Transport for London to look at the opportunity to develop a gas transport plan for London?
The Mayor
As part of the Ultra Low Emission Zone proposals, TfL has ambitious plans to increase the number of Euro VI hybrid buses and zero tailpipe emission single decker buses in London. This approach is more effective at reducing CO2, NOx and PM emissions from the bus fleet than introducing natural gas powered buses.
In addition, TfL will be launching the Low Emission Commercial Vehicle programme in 2016 which will look at appropriate options for reducing emissions from freight and fleet vehicles. The potential benefits of encouraging the use of gas powered HGVs within London will be considered as part of this work.
Licence Lite (1) Question No: 2015/3891 Murad Qureshi Earlier this year Nottingham City Council launched a fully licensed electricity supply company, Robin Hood Energy, the UK's first local authority owned, not for profit, energy supply company, which can supply energy to the city's homes and businesses. When will your Licence Lite initiative be able to provide a similar service for Londoners?
The Mayor
Nottingham City Council's initiative is to supply homes as well as businesses, acting as a fully licensed electricity supplier. My Licence Lite initiative is different. Using for the first time a new regulatory framework and business model, Licence Lite will open up the market to generators of low and zero carbon electricity through a junior electricity supply Licence. It will not involve supplying homes, nor being in direct competition with mainstream electricity suppliers. Londoners will benefit through the enhanced growth of locally produced low and zero carbon heat. The objective is to begin supply operations early next year. Licence Lite (2) Question No: 2015/3892 Murad Qureshi The GLA website includes the following - "Licence Lite could help bring in more than £300 million of investment for 22 new heat and power projects in London" - what is the evidential basis for this estimate?
The Mayor
The potential of bringing in more than £300 million of investment for 22 new heat and power projects arises from the GLA's Decentralised Energy Project Delivery Unit programme. Licence Lite should enable more heat and power projects to become financially optimal and therefore will help to bring in that level of investment.
Licence Lite (3) Question No: 2015/3893 Murad Qureshi The GLA website includes the following in relation to your Licence Lite programme - "By 2025, it could create £8 billion of investment and around 850 jobs every year." What is the evidential basis for this estimate?
The Mayor
The figure of a potential of £8 billion of investment is derived from the GLA's Decentralised Energy Capacity Study (Phase 3) of October 2011 and is a prediction of the cost of providing a quarter of London's energy demand from renewable and low carbon sources. Licence lite can help towards attracting the level of investment involved.
The estimate of around 850 jobs is based on the estimated job creation from the number of decentralised energy projects already brought to market, when their construction is complete, together with other projects in an advance stage of development. The calculation of jobs arising from those projects is based on data from the Office of National Statistics which has determined a benchmark of 11.8 jobs per £1 million of spend. Licence Lite (4) Question No: 2015/3894 Murad Qureshi Please list all commissioned research work - and costs associated - relevant to your Licence Lite work. Please publish all commissioned research work for your Licence Lite programme on the GLA website as soon as possible.
The Mayor
All work commissioned was advisory work from expert advisers. The expenditure is as follows -
DEPDU (Arup) - spend to date - £192,393
Cornwall Energy (electricity market advisers) -spend to date- £30,500
Legal advice (Nabarro and then Temple Bright) - spend to date - £38,157.
There has been no research commissioned for Licence Lite. The advice that has been commissioned is commercially sensitive, it is not appropriate to publish it on the GLA website.
Prior to Oct 2012 some work was commissioned jointly with LB Haringey, financed by the Department of Energy and Climate Change.
Licence Lite (5) Question No: 2015/3895 Murad Qureshi DD640 highlights that the "Licence Lite project began in January 2011". Your response to MQ 2015/3395 states that you now "expect to make an announcement about Licence Lite by January 2016." Why have been the main contributing factors to this programme taking five years to deliver?
The Mayor
Preliminary work on Licence Lite started in January 2011 in conjunction with LB Haringey, but the GLA Licence Lite project effectively started at the time of the licence application in March 2013. The time taken since is attributable to two factors -
the need to construct the detailed regulatory framework with Ofgem and new market and contract relationships. This is the effect of the GLA being the lead in licence lite development;
the GLA has to procure through the full procurement procedure the market interface services required and the electricity generating capacity. Both procurements were entirely new to the market and took longer than anticipated. Licence Lite (6) Question No: 2015/3896 Murad Qureshi What proportion of Transport for London's electricity will be supplied through your new Licence Lite route by May 2016?
The Mayor
My objective is for the GLA to be supplying not less than 10 Megawatts of electricity to TfL by the end of its first year of operation. That will meet approximately 23 per cent of TfL's requirement for low voltage electricity for their traffic lights, offices and tube stations.
Electric Buses (1) Question No: 2015/3897 Murad Qureshi Following your Clean Bus Summit announcement earlier this year, how many double all-electric buses do you plan to be operating in London each year from 2016 to 2020?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Electric Buses (2) Question No: 2015/3898 Murad Qureshi What studies have been undertaken of any additional charging infrastructure that will need to be installed as a result of operating more electric buses in London? What studies have been undertaken of this addition infrastructure need - including costs requirements?
The Mayor
TfL continues to work with European Union transport partners and global manufacturers to understand how their strategies, product development and support needs can be integrated into large-scale electric vehicle deployment.
TfL is also liaising with UK Power Networks to understand the suitability of existing infrastructure where charging is likely to be needed the most and investigate if upgrades are required. The outcomes of this dialogue have been factored into forecasts for the Ultra Low Emission Zone as well as TfL's recent bid to the Office for Low Emission Vehicles to support the introduction of further single-deck electric buses.
An aim of the current range-extended hybrid bus trial on route 69 is to assess the operational performance and associated cost of wireless-recharging infrastructure at Canning Town and Walthamstow bus stations to support more conventional depot-based charging.
Monitoring of current all-electric vehicles on routes 507 and 521 additionally assists with appraising the charging infrastructure required at Waterloo Garage before a further 51 battery- powered join those services next autumn.
Decentralised Energy Question No: 2015/3899 Murad Qureshi What is the total operational decentralised energy capacity (heat and power) brought forward through your programmes over your Mayoralty?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
To date my decentralised energy delivery programmes have resulted in a total operating capacity of 23.5 MW of heat and 1.5 MW of electricity. I have significantly more capacity under development for my successor to help bring into operation. 'My Decentralised Energy Delivery Unit has brought to market over £100m of potential DE investment' Paris COP21 Question No: 2015/3900 Murad Qureshi What organisations and meetings and have you scheduled for your forthcoming visit to the Paris UNFCCC COP21 summit later this month?
The Mayor
I will be attending the C40 Summit and Steering Committee. My other meetings and events are to be confirmed.
Bus Costs Question No: 2015/3901 Murad Qureshi What is the cost of a standard hybrid diesel-electric double decker bus; the cost of your new Routemaster double decker diesel-electric double decker bus; and the cost of the new the all- electric double decker bus currently being trialled in London?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
Most buses in London are purchased by private bus operators and unit costs vary significantly with the number of vehicles purchased at commercial group level as well as with the type of ancillary equipment fitted to each bus.
TfL, however, estimates that a standard hybrid diesel-electric double-deck bus is in the region of £300,000. The latest New Routemaster with Euro VI engine costs £349,500.
There is no capital cost for London's first five pure-electric double deck buses on route 98 as these are being introduced as part of a lease agreement with the manufacturer BYD. High Level Electricity Working Group (1) Question No: 2015/3902 Murad Qureshi Please provide an update on all actions set out in the paper 'Technical Working Group - July 2104 - actions' of your High Level Electricity Working Group
The Mayor
The paper set out a detailed list of actions arising out of the Technical Working Group meeting of 22nd July 2014, all of which were directed towards identifying the need for a new regime for investment in electricity distribution infrastructure allowing for more forward investment. The actions contributed to the regulator Ofgem consulting on proposals for change in February 2015 and now calling for case studies to assess the extent that (inter alia) the regulations need to be changed. We are taking an active role in that process, including the introduction of case studies.
High Level Electricity Working Group (2) Question No: 2015/3903 Murad Qureshi Please publish on the GLA website Ramboll's Electricity Infrastructure Report, presented last year to your London Infrastructure Group
The Mayor
The Ramboll report was a very useful first step in identifying the investment issues associated with London's electricity distribution infrastructure, but was intended as a discussion document, on the basis that at that early stage and in the time available, it could not be expected to present the complete picture. Its publication would therefore be misleading.
Anaerobic Digestion Question No: 2015/3904 Murad Qureshi What has happened to the London Waste & Recycling Board's (LWaRB) £10m investment in the TEG anaerobic digestion plant in Dagenham, since it went financial administration earlier this year?
The Mayor
The TEG Group, who were the operator of the facility went into administration in December 2014. Operation of the facility was therefore taken over by the owners of TEG Biogas (London) Limited, Foresight. The project company's name was changed to East London Biogas Limited. The project continues to operate under these new arrangements. As LWARB's investments were in the project company (a ring-fenced entity) and not TEG Group, they were not affected by the administration of TEG Group. Energy Gasification Scheme Question No: 2015/3905 Murad Qureshi Please provide an update on the status of the Bioessence waste to energy gasification scheme in East London that you have previously provided a loan of £8.9m through the London Waste & Recycling Board (LWaRB).
The Mayor
The Biossence project went into administration in March 2014. £3.56 million of LWARB's loan to the project had been drawn down. LWARB's loan was secured against the site. The site was sold by the administrators on 31st July 2015. The administrator is now finalising tax and other administrative matters. LWARB will receive approximately £3 million (being the sale value of the land net of costs) once these matters have been concluded and the project company is wound up.
RE:NEW (1) Question No: 2015/3906 Murad Qureshi How many homes have been retrofitted through your RE:NEW programme over the last calendar year?
The Mayor
In the 12 months from October 2014 RE:NEW supported the retrofit of over 4,500 homes.
RE:NEW (2) Question No: 2015/3907 Murad Qureshi Why was there a £400,000 underspend in Phase 1 of your RE:NEW programme? How much of this money has been returned to the GLA?
The Mayor
The underspend was due to local issues that did not impact on the achievement of RE:NEW targets. The GLA is currently seeking to recover the underspend. RE:NEW (3) Question No: 2015/3908 Murad Qureshi Are you concerned that two of the businesses on your RE:NEW delivery framework have recently closed down as result of the government's changes to the Green Deal and Feed in Tariffs?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
RE:NEW (4) Question No: 2015/3909 Murad Qureshi What actions did the RE:NEW programme undertake during Big Energy Saving Week in October?
The Mayor
Big Energy Saving Week is a joint campaign between Energy Saving Trust, the Department of Energy and Climate Change and Citizens Advice which provides help to householders across the UK to reduce their energy bills by checking they are on the best deal, switching tariff or supplier and providing energy saving advice.
This phase of RE:NEW helps organisations such as London boroughs, housing associations, and universities to implement retrofit projects. It is doing this through a Support Team, an expert team providing the end to end support needed to get projects up, running and successfully implemented, and a framework of suppliers, which saves time and resources for organisations that are procuring retrofit services and works. Fuel Poverty Question No: 2015/3910 Murad Qureshi What plans do you have in place this winter to help fuel poor households?
The Mayor
I am fully committed to tackling fuel poverty in the capital. Despite having around 9.8% of England's total fuel poor, it is now the third lowest level out of all regions. The average depth of fuel poverty experienced by Londoners is now one of the lowest in the country and excess winter deaths have also fallen by over a 1,100 between 2011/12 and 2013/14 (latest published statistics). We need this downward trend to continue, so I am taking action through:
RE:NEW is supporting over 50 London boroughs, housing associations, and universities to implement retrofit projects and alleviate fuel poverty.
Introduction of a new London Rental Standard to ensure Landlords meet their energy efficiency obligations and address very cold homes;
Reducing my share of council tax for the 3rd consecutive year to help reduce the cost of living;
Boosting the income of Londoners by increasing the London Living Wage - over £60m into the pockets of Londoners;
Promoting uptake of benefits like free energy efficiency measures, through my 'Know Your Rights' campaign.
Energy Master Plan Advisory Group Question No: 2015/3911 Murad Qureshi Why have you removed details from the GLA website of the Energy Master Plan Advisory Group? The list of members and their terms of reference have now disappeared. Does the group still exist?
The Mayor
Details on the London Energy Plan Advisory Group have not been removed from our website and the Group does still exist. You can still find all these details near the bottom of the link below: https://www.london.gov.uk/priorities/business-economy/vision-and-strategy/infrastructure- plan-2050/progress/energy-infrastructure London Plan Energy Policies Question No: 2015/3912 Murad Qureshi When will you publish your latest update report on monitoring the implementation of London Plan energy policies?
The Mayor
I am pleased to report the latest Energy Planning Monitoring Report has recently been published. The report reveals that across planning applications I considered in 2014 the application of London Plan energy policies resulted in emission reductions of over 53,000 tonnes per annum; savings broadly equivalent to installing loft insulation in over 89,000 existing homes.
The 2014 monitoring report can be viewed at: https://www.london.gov.uk/priorities/environment/energy/building-better-new- developments-energy-planning
Nuclear Energy (1) Question No: 2015/3913 Murad Qureshi You have previously highlighted energy security of supply threats to London's homes and businesses. Are you concerned over the as yet unclear timetable for the delivery of the Hinkley C nuclear power plant, especially as similar plants being developed by EDF Energy in Finland (Okiluto) and France (Flamanville) are now years behind schedule, and are continuing to ask for construction-time extensions, and are also billions over budget?
The Mayor
London needs an affordable, secure, low carbon energy supply and anything that potentially jeopardises that is concerning. My immediate focus is on minimising the reliance on the grid by maximising energy efficiency, catalysing decentralised energy and exploring the opportunity to shift demand outside peak times. Nuclear Energy (2) Question No: 2015/3914 Murad Qureshi Do you agree with the Chief Executive of National Grid's recent comments that the "idea of large power stations for baseload is outdated" - and instead of building new baseload nuclear such as Hinkley C, the government should focus more on decentralised energy systems in cities, close to the place where energy is actually used?
The Mayor
I believe that generating energy as near to the point of utilisation as possible, and maximising the efficiency of that system through heat capture and storage, without impacting negatively on air quality, is the way forward. However such a transition for a city the size of London will take time. In the meantime we need the security of a centralised baseload.
Energy Efficiency Question No: 2015/3915 Murad Qureshi Will you write to the new National Infrastructure Commission to highlight that infrastructure doesn't solely consist of large construction projects, but also includes city-wide energy efficiency retrofit and the role out of decentralised energy systems?
The Mayor
Yes, I will. My officers are currently undertaking background research to inform my correspondence, and representations have also been made via the Department of Energy and Climate Change and the Bonfield Review. Closure of Westminster Fire Station Question No: 2015/3916 Murad Qureshi How has the closure of Westminster fire station impacted attendance times in the City of Westminster?
The Mayor
It is not possible to specifically isolate the impact of closing Westminster fire station on attendance times in Westminster.
Westminster fire station closed on 9 January 2014. First and second appliance attendance times in the City of Westminster for the three years between 2012/13 and 2014/15 are set out below. Although the performance in 2014/15 will reflect the impact of the station closures and fire engine removals as part of the implementation of the Fifth London Safety Plan (LSP5), there are other changes in both 2013/14 and 2014/15 which impact on attendance time performance, including the removal of second fire engines at some stations to provide a contingency resource in the event of strike action, as well as temporary station closure to allow the rebuilding of some fire stations.
In Westminster 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 First fire engine 05:02 05:08 05:22 Second fire engine 05:51 06:11 06:01
Closure of Knightsbridge Fire Station (1) Question No: 2015/3917 Murad Qureshi How has the closure of Knightsbridge fire station impacted attendance times in the City of Westminster?
The Mayor
It is not possible to specifically isolate the impact of the closure of Knightsbridge fire station on attendance times in the City of Westminster.
Knightsbridge fire station closed on 9 January 2014. Attendance times in Westminster are as outlined in the answer to MQ 2015 /3916. Closure of Knightsbridge Fire Station (2) Question No: 2015/3918 Murad Qureshi How has the closure of Knightsbridge fire station impacted attendance times in the borough of Kensington and Chelsea?
The Mayor
It is not possible to specifically isolate the impact of closing Knightsbridge fire station on attendance times in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
Knightsbridge fire station closed on 9 Janaury 2014. First and second appliance attendance times in Kensington and Chelsea for the three years between 2012/13 and 2014/15 are set out below. Although the performance in 2014/15 will reflect the impact of the station closures and fire engine removals as part of the implementation of the Fifth London Safety Plan (LSP5), there are other changes in both 2013/14 and 2014/15 which impact on attendance time performance, including the removal of second fire engines at some stations to provide a contingency resource in the event of strike action, as well as temporary station closure to allow the rebuilding of some fire stations.
In Kensington & Chelsea 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 First fire engine 04:29 04:38 04:44 Second fire engine 05:25 06:08 06:19
Question: Uxbridge Road & District Line Closure Question No: 2015/3919 Onkar Sahota Why was permission given by TfL for the closure of Uxbridge Road at the junction of Gunnersbury Lane during the week long planned District Line closure for engineering works, which disrupted journeys through to Ealing Broadway for many thousands of people during that period, and will the Mayor apologise to commuters whose journeys would have been less disrupted if one or the other closures had not been allowed to go ahead during the same period?
The Mayor
Uxbridge Road was closed by emergency sewer repair works by Thames Water. This was not a planned closure and it was unfortunate that this occurred at the same time the District line was closed for upgrade works. TfL and the London Borough of Ealing were in constant dialogue throughout to ensure the impacts on road users were mitigated as much as possible. TfL Group Travel 1 Question No: 2015/3920 Onkar Sahota Will the Mayor explain why, this year, the Group Day Ticket was replaced with the off-peak only Group Day Travelcard, resulting in at least double the cost for passengers, including a fourfold increase in cost for 16-17 year olds?
The Mayor
All day ticket prices were restructured in January 2015 in order to help fund the 20 per cent pay as you go (PAYG) caps for part-time commuters. The number of part-time workers benefiting from this approach has now reached 250,000 per day.
The Group Day Travelcard introduced in January 2015 provides a one third discount off the price of the off-peak Travelcard.
Given the level of congestion and crowding on the Tube in central London during the morning peak, TfL felt that a group discount in the morning peak was no longer appropriate. The school party travel scheme has similar restrictions.
Restricting child fares to the Under-16s brings the group offer in line with all of TfL's and the national railway's other printed tickets.
All 16 to 17 year olds are eligible for Zip photocards providing half price travel at all times. There are currently around 200,000 of these photocards in use.
The school party travel scheme also caters for 16-17 year olds and continues to thrive. In 2014/15, more than one million young people and more than 170,000 of their teachers travelled free of charge in the off-peak to London's museums and other cultural venues.
TfL Group Travel 2 Question No: 2015/3921 Onkar Sahota Will the Mayor explain why the discount offered to English UK member schools in 2015, and now again in 2016, to mitigate the impact of the loss of the Group Day Ticket, and the high cost of the replacement off-peak Group Day Travelcard, is not being offered to all groups?
The Mayor
Please see my answer to MQ 2015 /3920.
Most English UK affiliates are relatively small, independent companies who purchase large numbers of group tickets each year for young visitors from overseas attending language schools and short courses in London.
TfL believes that phasing in the new prices incrementally for these companies is a fair and reasonable way to minimise any potential impact of the new prices on their businesses. 266 Bus Route Question No: 2015/3922 Onkar Sahota Please provide all performance data relating to the running of the 266 bus route over the last 12 months including: scheduled distances and reasons for distance lost; scheduled waiting times, actual waiting times and chances of waiting for certain time periods; customer satisfaction data; and bus stop countdown accuracy.
The Mayor
The reliability of route 266 has recently suffered due to roadworks. TfL implemented changes to the schedule at the end of October 2015 and will continue to monitor this route.
Waiting time and mileage information is published on TfL's website at: www.tfl.gov.uk/forms/14144.aspx
TfL's customer satisfaction survey is designed to report results at a network level rather than at the individual route level.
TfL will write to your office with regard to the bus stop countdown information you have requested.
Healthy London Partnership Question No: 2015/3923 Onkar Sahota In your answer to my question 2015/3415, you said you were 'assured by NHS England (London) and London's clinical commissioning groups that good progress is being made within the Healthy London Partnership towards delivering the London Health Commission recommendations regarding access to GP services.' What progress has been made?
The Mayor
One of the London Health Commission's key recommendations was to promote and support GPs working in networks. I understand from the Healthy London Partnership that 57 'at scale' organisations, largely networks of practices, now provide coverage for 83% of the population of London. These 'at scale' providers are being supported to develop in maturity so that they can provide services at scale. A toolkit has been developed to support providers and commissioners, and a number of London wide events have been held to facilitate the sharing and spreading of innovation and best practice. Southall Gas Works Update Question No: 2015/3924 Onkar Sahota Further to my Question in June (MQ 2015/1892) will the Mayor now confirm that he has secured western access to the Southall Gas Works site from Hillingdon Council?
The Mayor
The CPO inquiry relating to the land at Southall gas works was closed in August 2015 and the GLA awaits the submission of the Inspector's report to the Planning Inspectorate.
Whilst the outcome of the CPO remains undetermined, the developer St James continues to conduct negotiations on a private treaty basis to secure the access from London Borough of Hillingdon to facilitate the comprehensive redevelopment of the former Southall gasworks site.
Pitshanger Lane Question No: 2015/3925 Onkar Sahota Will the Mayor join me in wishing Pitshanger Lane, Ealing good luck in their bid to win the London category of the best Great British High Street, given its local popularity, character and status as an independent trader dominated shopping district? Will he also confirm if he will commit to a new round of the High Street Fund programme?
The Mayor
Of course. I wish Pitshanger Lane the best of luck in their bid to become the Great British High Street winner. While I haven't been directly involved in Pitshanger Lane, my Regeneration Team has been working closely with Ealing since 2011 to boost its high streets in Greenford, Acton and Southall. In fact, I've already committed over £12m in high street regeneration funding to those places.
There is not currently another round of the High Street Fund scheduled. Through the London Enterprise Panel we are making £20m capital funding between April 2016 and April 2018 to continue the previous good work we've done to breathe new life into London's high streets. Applications to the LRF are currently being appraised prior to moderation, and we hope to make an announcement of which projects are successful in the New Year.
Furthermore, this £20 million will include two more rounds of the Mayor's Crowdfunding platform via Spacehive which will also support London's high streets. This is a scheme we piloted during the High Street Fund, and it was the first time the Mayor of a major European city has used a civic crowdfunding website to directly pledge money for community projects. Round one is currently in delivery, while the round two projects are currently entering into formal agreement with my Regeneration team. The fact that all of these programmes have been oversubscribed indicates a large pipeline of potential high street projects throughout London. Preventable Winter Death Question No: 2015/3926 Onkar Sahota Will the Mayor outline what discussions he has had with health partners in preparation for the winter months, in order to reduce London's high rate of excess winter mortality?
The Mayor
In October NHS England and Public Health England launched a national campaign, 'Stay Well This Winter'. At the same time Public Health England launched The Cold Weather Plan for England: Protecting health and reducing harm from cold weather. All health and social care providers, including local boroughs, will be playing a key role in reducing preventable winter deaths.
Additionally I meet with Dr Anne Rainsbury (NHSE) and Yvonne Doyle (PHE) to discuss health service performance to ensure there is adequate provisions at all times.
Please also see my response to MQ 2015 /3929.
Cost of Aviation Lobbying Question No: 2015/3927 Onkar Sahota Given that the Mayor has thus far spent £5.2m on lobbying the government over the Airport's Commission, including his Estuary Airport proposal, which the Commission found would necessitate the closure of Heathrow, why does he feel it is appropriate to spend an additional £1m of taxpayer money, given the decision now clearly rests with the Government?
The Mayor
I have been entirely consistent in my opposition to expansion at Heathrow throughout my time as Mayor and I make no apologies for championing the view of hundreds of thousands of Londoners who neither desire, nor deserve, the dire noise and air quality impacts that a third runway would bring.
The Airports Commission has itself painted a picture of a three-runway Heathrow which could lack the capacity to offer more than a handful of new long-haul routes, be unable to meet EU air quality limits and still expose hundreds of thousands of people to significant noise, more than its five main European rivals combined.
Before a decision is reached, I will continue to seek to influence Government, and draw attention to these and other findings that make clear the folly of an expanded Heathrow.
Whatever the ultimate decision, I have a responsibility to ensure that Londoners' interests are safeguarded whether that is the public health impacts, the additional flows on London's road and rail networks or the increased pressure for housing - and as such I have no intention of disengaging from the process. Old Oak Common Resident Engagement Question No: 2015/3928 Onkar Sahota Will the Mayor outline what support his Mayoral Development Corporation for Old Oak Common is providing to residents and residents groups in order that their interests are fully reflected in the policy and planning processes for the development?
The Mayor
Since its launch on 1 April 2015, Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) have been working closely with strategic partners and stakeholders, the London boroughs of Brent, Ealing, and Hammersmith & Fulham, local groups, businesses and residents, including a 'resident champion' from the OPDC Board, to develop a community engagement strategy. Over the next 12-months, OPDC will provide:
1. An open and interactive consultation process (8-week minimum starting January 2016), consisting of face-to-face, written and online feedback opportunities for all residents, community, business and stakeholder groups, to inform development of the Local Plan
2. Independent advice and support to help local people understand planning processes to be able to participate effectively in consultations
3. An annual engagement programme consisting of local meetings and events to generate discussion and develop a framework of community engagement across planning and regeneration policies and processes Winter A&E Pressures Question No: 2015/3929 Onkar Sahota Given your letter to the Secretary of State for Health this time last year outlining your concerns over the recruitment crisis at the London Ambulance Service ahead of the expected winter pressures, are you satisfied that the situation is resolved, or will you be writing once again to call for adequate resourcing for London's emergency services?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
I have spoken recently to Dr Fionna Moore, the new chief executive officer of the London Ambulance Service. I understand that commissioners and the LAS have already invested an additional £32 million in LAS this year to increase staffing and improve performance, including over the winter. I am encouraged to hear that LAS has made significant progress on recruitment with 207 additional staff recruited since April and a total of 846 new recruits expected by March 2016. I further understand that it expects to meet the national target for Category A (immediately life-threatening) call by spring next year.
I understand that following the Trust Development Authority's decision to place the LAS into special measures LAS will receive extra support to improve services more quickly and effectively. I am therefore not currently minded to seek additional resources for the Service at present.
I shall continue to receive regular briefings from Dr Moore and her new improvement director on LAS progress and performance.
Old Oak Common Planning Question No: 2015/3930 Onkar Sahota Will the Mayor detail the number of a) Planning applications submitted to the Old Oak Common MDC, and b) the number of requests for pre-planning advice from MDC planners?
The Mayor
OPDC was created on 1 April 2015. As of 10 November 2015, OPDC had received:
• 106 planning applications.
• 15 requests for pre-planning advice. Quietways consultation process Question No: 2015/3931 Valerie Shawcross What is TfL's understanding of the consultation process with residents living around the proposed cycling 'quietways' routes, both in general and with regard to experimental road closure 'trials'?
The Mayor
TfL has worked with the relevant London boroughs on extensive consultations for all the Quietway routes and will continue to do so for routes in the future. Appropriate and proportionate consultations with local residents are being carried out by TfL and the London Boroughs regarding the changes proposed.
All consultations are delivered by the relevant managing authority following their usual process for schemes involving highway changes.
With regard to experimental road closures, it is the responsibility of the local managing authority to define and carry out an appropriate form of consultation. TfL can provide boroughs with community engagement support for experimental road closures through its Delivery Agent for Quietways, Sustrans.
Lambeth Hallowe'en Riot 1 Question No: 2015/3932 Valerie Shawcross How many police officers were on duty in Lambeth on the night of 31st October 2015?
The Mayor
There were 206 officers on duty. Lambeth Hallowe'en Riot 2 Question No: 2015/3933 Valerie Shawcross How many additional police officers were deployed to the scene of the riot/rave incident which took place over the night /morning of 31st October/1st November 2015 in Whitgift Street? Which teams/boroughs were these officers from?
The Mayor
There were 378 additional officers called to the scene of the disturbance at the rave as part of the mobilisation, including City of London as part of our reciprocal arrangements.
They were from the following Units/Boroughs, with the number of officers in brackets: Lambeth (24 - assigned elsewhere in Aid but returned to Lambeth), Bromley (11), Southwark (22), Greenwich (18), Sutton (10), Kingston (6), Merton (2), Wandsworth (14), Hounslow (13), Twickenham (4), Ealing (25), Barnet (25), Waltham Forest (16), Redbridge (9), Barking & Dagenham (16), Havering (24), Islington (7), Tower Hamlets (15), Hackney (9), Dog Section (8), Territorial Support Group (75), City of London Police (25).
Lambeth Hallowe'en Riot 3 Question No: 2015/3934 Valerie Shawcross What steps have been taken by the police to a) reassure local residents following the events of 31st October/1st November in the Whitgift Street area and b) prevent further occurrences?
The Mayor
Neighbourhood officers have been in frequent contact with community members, Ward Panel representatives and councillors since October 31. On the day after the event, senior officers conducted a walking tour of the area and spoke with residents and the community, accompanied by key representatives from Lambeth Council's Community Safety Team and the chairman of the local Ward Panel.
I understand that the council logged and followed up requests for repairs or the removal of debris. Officers have also fielded a number of direct queries from members of the public and a letter from the borough commander, Ch Supt Richard Wood, was circulated to those most severely affected.
The feedback regarding police action, both at the incident and thereafter, has been almost universally positive. All vacant premises across Lambeth are now being audited and visited by a combination of council and police staff.
Corporately, the MPS continue to conduct open source searching for possible unlicensed music events and there is a structure and policy in place to deal with any UME that are brought to the notice of the MPS. Cycle Parking in Kennington Question No: 2015/3935 Valerie Shawcross What plans do TfL have to install cycle parking in the red route section of Kennington Road - a request has been passed to me from a new local business who feel this would be helpful for their customers and support theirs and other local businesses.
The Mayor
Following a request submitted by a shopkeeper in Kennington, TfL intends to install two new cycle racks in the red route section of Kennington Road in the next financial year (2016/17).
Permanent staff at TfL 1 Question No: 2015/3936 Valerie Shawcross What was the total annual pay bill for permanent staff (broken down by grade or as follows: Bands 1-3, Bands 4-5, and above Band 5) for the last year, and in the previous two years?
The Mayor
[Appendix E contains] the requested information. The total pay bill is based on amounts paid during the year and includes gross salary, allowances, overtime, and Employer NI and Pension contributions. The totals do not include Crossrail employees.
The amounts presented below differ slightly from those disclosed in TfL's Annual Statement of Accounts, published with their Annual Report each year, due to a number of year end accounting entries, such as pension adjustments, timing differences and voluntary severance provision. These entries are made following the publication deadline for the Annual Statement of Accounts each year.
Increases to the total pay bill between 2013 and 2015 relate to permanent headcount increases over the period, including the integration of more than 250 Powerlink employees in July/August 2013, and annual pay award increases. Permanent staff at TfL 2 Question No: 2015/3937 Valerie Shawcross What is the total bill for performance awards (bonus payments) for permanent staff (broken down by grade or as follows: Bands 1-3, Bands 4-5, and above Band 5) for the last year, and in the previous two years?
The Mayor
[Appendix F contains] the requested information. The information provided shows a summary of the annual performance award payments made in the financial years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16 in respect of targets and deliverables for the previous performance year which runs from April to March.
The increase in 2015, compared with 2014, is mainly due to an increase in the total value of the Customer Satisfaction Survey (CSS) bonus paid to London Underground (LU) operational staff. The CSS bonus payment paid to eligible staff increased from £300 in 2013/14 to £500 in 2014/15 due to TfL's improved performance in the CSS in 2014/15, compared with 2013/14.
The improved CSS result was largely driven by increases in Tube reliability. This meant that, in 2014/15, eligible employees received the maximum allowed bonus scheme payment. In 2013/14, the scheme had paid out only a partial amount of the total. The total difference in these CSS bonus payments equates to about £3m between the two reporting years. Outsourcing Question No: 2015/3938 Valerie Shawcross Give details of the amount spent by TfL on the procurement of outsourced contracts in the last year, and for the previous two years?
The Mayor
TfL's expenditure on outsourced contracts for 2015/16 year to date and the previous two financial years is provided below.
FY YTD (to 17 Category 2014/15 2013/14 October 2015) Transport Operations and 1,216,362,028 2,608,825,257 2,608,420,722 Support Facilities and property 190,859,286 416,038,354 384,535,705 management Professional Services 217,320,160 385,662,397 333,072,065 ICT 138,557,807 300,887,970 296,199,305 Finance and insurance 31,413,842 44,814,626 47,842,868 services Marketing, Advertising & 7,618,769 27,714,617 48,084,240 Public Relations Services Total 1,802,131,892 3,783,943,224 3,718,154,907 Transport Operations and Support includes TfL's contracts with bus companies, LOROL and the operators of the DLR and Tramlink.
Professional Services includes spend on agency staff, legal advice, audit, management consultancy and treasury advice. Cycle Parking Question No: 2015/3939 Valerie Shawcross Thank you for your response to MQT 2015/3463 & MQT 2015/3464. A constituent asks the following, "Please could you dig further into the cycle parking and find out how many spaces there are for disabled cyclists, i.e. ones that are accessible, and not double decker with sliding racks. What plans are there for accessible cycle parking and people who use larger cycles, tricycles and cargo cycles? Can TFL use a symbol to denote cycle parking reserved for disabled people as per car parking?'
The Mayor
I understand that cycle parking spaces are not formally recorded as to whether they are accessible. However, the London Cycle Design Standards (Sections 8.1.2 and 8.2.1) recommend the provision of parking spaces for larger bicycles and reserving allocated spaces for disabled cyclists. As a result, double tier cycle parking is normally only installed by TfL at interchanges, although some developers and employers also use double tier cycle parking within their sites.
My Cycling Vision contains a cycle hubs programme, with my first two hubs to be installed at North Greenwich and Hounslow West in spring 2016. At these, and all future hub sites, TfL will be specifying a maximum of 80 per cent double tier cycle parking with the remainder to be at ground level and arranged to allow for the parking of cargo bikes, larger cycles, tricycles and disabled people's bicycles. TfL will consider a symbol to reserve some spaces for disabled people as part of these schemes. Digital Businesses Question No: 2015/3940 Fiona Twycross Following the recent report produced by Oxford Economics and Virgin Media Business that found that the UK economy could be boosted by more than £90bn if firms fully develop their digital potential, what steps will you take to help London firms to make this a reality?
The Mayor
I am committed to supporting Londoners to get the digital skills they need to access the growth in digital jobs in capital and therefore benefit from economic growth in London.
The London Enterprise Panel funded £5million Digital Talent programme will be commissioned and launched in 2016 to upskill young Londoners aged 14-24 years old. The programme will create a business-led pipeline of talent through the further and higher education system in London to plug digital job vacancies and ensure growth can continue.
Links will be facilitated between schools, colleges and industry to inspire the next generation of digital workers as part of the London Ambitions Careers Offer. Sustainable networks with business, including SMEs, will be established to innovate the education and skills system and ensure young people leave the pipeline work-ready and can contribute to the booming digital economy. This will ensure London's digital businesses can reap the benefits of highly skilled and innovative young Londoners joining their workforce.
Additionally, my Connectivity Advisory Group is taking forward a range of activity to help ensure that every business and resident in London has access to affordable high speed internet connectivity. The connection voucher scheme in London is one example of this commitment - over 12,500 SMEs in London have received funding in excess of £18m to provide a step change in their business connectivity. The Creative Economy Question No: 2015/3941 Fiona Twycross Following the recent study by GLA Economics which found that the capital's creative industries provide more jobs than the financial services sector, what steps are you taking to support these industries, particularly in light of the negative impact of the changes to PD rights?
The Mayor
Creative Industries play a significant role in London's economy and employment. To that effect I am supporting and funding a range of projects. Below some examples:
I am providing over £2.1 million this year to support Film London, British Fashion Council and the London Design Festival.
Through the LEP I have provided £100,000 to two pilot projects (i)aimed at supporting small TV companies and (ii) developing better pathways between JobCentres and the creative sectors.
I am also exploring ways of supporting the capital's video games industry. A Games Plan for London will be announced in the new year.
Through the High Streets Fund I am also funding a range of projects in a variety of locations. (1) the Old Manor park library is being converted in a hub for artists; (2) SPACE studios headquartes in Mare Street has received funding for remodelling its venue to be used for events, exhibitions and workspace; (3) the Turf-fit in Croydon has transformed an empty shop into an artist-run space with gallery and affordable workspace; (4) In Richmond I am providing funding for an empty shop to be transformed into a space for creative skills-sharing for the local community.
In summer I launched the London Regeneration Fund. Workspace, including creative and cultural spaces, is one of the key objectives of the fund. Community and Renewable Energy Investments Question No: 2015/3942 Fiona Twycross How many investments and of what value has the LPFA made into community energy and large scale renewable energy schemes?
The Mayor
At the end of September 2015, 2.1% of LPFA's assets (c. £92.5m) were invested across 14 clean tech/renewable funds.
Additionally, in the past few weeks LPFA announced the latest investment, a £60m commitment to fund the development and operation of new renewable energy generation via bioenergy plants.
As I made clear in MQT on 18th November, I have no powers of direction over the LPFA and investment decisions are made by the LPFA Board.
Coal Losses Question No: 2015/3943 Fiona Twycross A recent study revealed that local government pension funds across the UK have lost hundreds of millions of pounds in the past 18 months due to rapid depreciation in the value of coal. How much have LPFA investments lost due to this?
The Mayor
The LPFA have no direct holdings in coal related assets.
Divestment Question No: 2015/3944 Fiona Twycross The Environment Agency's Pension Fund recently announced its intention to divest 90% of its coal assets and 50% of its oil and gas stocks by 2020, while HRH The Prince of Wales noted that charities investing in fossil fuels "represent a significant conflict to their overall mission". Given your role in appointing the Chair of the LPFA, have you discussed with the Authority the potential for fossil fuel divestment?
The Mayor
Please see my response to oral MQ 3730 / 2015. Digital Skills Question No: 2015/3945 Fiona Twycross How will the Digital Careers Roadshow (outlined in DD1370) help young people access jobs in Tech City?
The Mayor
The Digital Careers Roadshow is a cross-digital-sector careers fair for young adult learners and their educators that will provide opportunities for young Londoners to gain insight into careers in the digital sector. It will also promote learning and work experience opportunities.
The GLA is partnering with TechCity UK, the Digital Business Academy and WeAreDotDotDot to deliver a series of five events across London in 2016, including a major event in the Olympic Park Copperbox. A cross-London working group has already been established with the Digital Skills Agency and the Department for Work and Pensions to ensure adult Case Workers and 18- 24 year old JobCentre customers have access to the employment and skills opportunities at the events. We are also offering local Further and Higher Education institutions stand space to promote their learning pathways. For the event in east London, we expect to connect 5,000 young people to 200+ employees.
Smart London Question No: 2015/3946 Fiona Twycross Please provide an update on the Smart London programme, as outlined in ADD348?
The Mayor
These are all competitive tenders to help us deliver the Smart London programme.
We have invited potential delivery partners to tender for our Smart London Challenge Day and our Investor Showcase and are awaiting their competitive bid.
We have appointed Arup as our research delivery partner to produce a market report on the size of London's smart cities sector. We have also appointed a digital agency to produce content including new videos and infographics to be featured on london.gov.uk. Both projects have hit interim milestones to promote Smart London at the Barcelona Smart City Expo from 17-19 November. Credit Unions Question No: 2015/3947 Fiona Twycross How will you use this year's Know Your Rights Campaign focus on money advice services to promote credit unions?
The Mayor
The next campaign will encourage older Londoners to contact their local Age UK to find out if they or someone they know is eligible for Pension Credit, or other financial help, including raising awareness of credit unions.
Solar Jobs Question No: 2015/3948 Fiona Twycross How many jobs do you anticipate London will lose as a consequence of the government's disastrous changes to the FIT regime?
The Mayor
The Government has only recently finished consulting on its proposed changes so we do not yet know what form the changes will take.
Apprenticeship levels Question No: 2015/3949 Fiona Twycross Your response to MQ 2015/3497 does not provide me with the information that I require. Can you provide, or obtain if you do not already have this, a spreadsheet containing a breakdown of apprenticeships in London by level, which is then further broken down into age, gender, ethnicity and disability?
The Mayor
The data provided in Appendix B has been extracted from the SFA LEP Operational Data cube which does not include disability data. Fair pay for under 25s (1) Question No: 2015/3950 Fiona Twycross Further to your response to MQ 2015/3501 can you list what action you take before the introduction of the new National Living Wage in April to ensure that young Londoners under the age of 25 are being paid a fair wage for the work they do in London?
The Mayor
Encouraging employers to sign up voluntarily to LLW accreditation is the right way to increase wage rates for those under the age of 25 across the capital, as it applies to all employees aged 18 and over, and ensures that these hard-working young Londoners are fairly rewarded through their pay.
I will continue to champion the LLW, and urge all employers in London who can afford to do so, to sign up to accreditation.
Fair pay for under 25s (2) Question No: 2015/3951 Fiona Twycross Have you made representations to the Chancellor of the Exchequer as Mayor of London to advocate for fair pay to under 25 year olds with regards to the new National Living Wage?
The Mayor
I believe that encouraging employers to sign up voluntarily to the London Living Wage is the right way to ensure that hard-working young Londoners under the age of 25 are fairly rewarded through their pay.
Internships Question No: 2015/3952 Fiona Twycross Further to your response to MQ 2015/3502, can you provide me with more details about the launch of the activity as part of the ESF programme that will promote quality paid employment and internships to young Londoners? When is it going to be launched? What does this involve? Can you detail the funding arrangements for this? Have you set any targets to measure its success?
The Mayor
Further details on the project will not be available until it is formally launched. The GLA is in discussion on the timetable for procurement with the Skills Funding Agency who will procure, manage and co-fund this project on the London Enterprise Panel's behalf. London Ambitions Careers Offer Question No: 2015/3953 Fiona Twycross Can you provide me with an update of the work that has been carried out on the London Ambitions Careers Offer to provide young people with good quality careers advice, since the launch in June 2015? Where changes were introduced in schools from September 2015?
The Mayor
My team has been working with the London Enterprise Panel and London Councils to develop a five year implementation plan to support schools, colleges and employers in meeting the objectives of the London Ambitions Careers Offer.
My team are also working with schools, colleges and employers to develop the London Ambitions Portal, and the Skills Funding Agency to finalise the commissioning of the Careers Clusters programme. Both make up key strands of the London Ambitions Careers Offer.
TfL apprenticeship gender balance Question No: 2015/3954 Fiona Twycross Your response to MQ 3498 highlights that double the number of males are starting apprenticeships with TfL compared to females since 2012, of particular concern is this year where only 25 females have started an apprenticeship with TfL compared to 131 males. What action are you taking to ensure there is an equal gender balance with apprenticeships in TfL?
The Mayor
Since 2009, TfL has created more than 5,700 apprenticeship opportunities, both directly and through its suppliers. TfL is committed to increasing the number and quality of apprenticeships to develop the skills needed to keep London moving. Through being involved in eleven government 'Apprenticeship Trailblazers', more than any other organisation, TfL is leading the way in designing apprenticeship standards for the transport industry.
TfL's continued investment in new entrant apprenticeships has seen its largest intake of new entrant apprentices to date of 156 in 2015. TfL continues to actively reach out to under- represented groups through a number of activities including: school skills programmes encouraging under-represented groups to study STEM subjects and consider careers within engineering/transport; 100 Years of Women in Transport's legacy showcasing and encouraging promotion of women in the transport sector; and signing-up to the Government-backed "Your Life" campaign.
In addition TfL continually reviews apprenticeship recruitment practices to ensure no adverse impacts exist for any groups and that opportunities appeal to under-represented groups, such as females. Continuous improvement measures have included; creation of a new apprenticeship brand for 2016, which has been proven to appeal to females; female role models in attraction campaigns; introduction of strength based selection processes in place of traditional selection processes shown to be bias to males; and increased media packages targeting female groups. Team London jobs listing service (1) Question No: 2015/3955 Fiona Twycross Can you detail how much funding has gone towards the Team London jobs listing service?
The Mayor
The Team London jobs listing service is hosted on the wider Team London Speed Volunteering website (https://speedvolunteer.london.gov.uk). Team London worked with and funded the national volunteering body 'Do-it Trust' to build this website.
The funding enabled the Do-it Trust to enhance the national volunteering platform 'Do-it.org'. The funding also enabled Do-It to build the Team London Speed Volunteering site which had several enhancements, including: more granular scheduling systems for speed volunteering and the opportunity for the same volunteering opportunity to be available at different timing slots.Through the partnership with Do-It, Team London was provided with a white-label version of the Do-it platform. Part of the Speed Volunteering website that was provided to Team London included a basic jobs listing service. The total funding provided to Do-It was £101,306.38.
In addition to this Team London has also commissioned some work to enable the jobs to pull through from the youth employability charity PLOTR (www.plotr.com.uk) onto the Speed Volunteering website. This will give the Speed Volunteering website access to a large number of relevant apprenticeship and entry level roles for young Londoners. This work is still ongoing and will cost £7,000.
Team London jobs listing service (2) Question No: 2015/3956 Fiona Twycross Further to your response to MQ 2015/3088, do you think the Team London jobs listing service would be a good opportunity to increase the number of jobs paying the London Living Wage (LLW) by restricting the opportunities LLW opportunities?
The Mayor
Wherever possible, Team London will use their job listing service to increase the number of London jobs offering the London Living Wage. As such, Team London encourages all employers to offer London Living Wage to employees as a minimum. However, the job listing site will accept roles that pay less than the LLW, if they provide valuable experience for young Londoners, for example through accredited training or pathways to employment that do pay LLW. Team London jobs listing service (3) Question No: 2015/3957 Fiona Twycross Your response to MQ 2015/3088 states "as many of the roles posted on the website will be entry level roles which offer enhanced benefits beyond salary - for example, structured training programmes - we will not restrict the opportunities to purely London-Living-Wage opportunities." However, in your response to MQ 2015/3500, you state "I continue to advocate that all employers pay their apprentices the London Living Wage (LLW) which is more than the NLW, as I believe it is right that all hard working Londoners, should be rewarded with fair pay." Which of these statements is the correct one? Do people on entry level and structured training programmes deserve a LLW?
The Mayor
Team London advocates that all employers offer the London Living Wage to apprentices. However, Team London is keen to enable young Londoners to build their work experience, and therefore will allow opportunities which offer enhanced benefits including structured training programmes to be posted on the site.
Team London jobs listing service (4) Question No: 2015/3958 Fiona Twycross In MQ 2015/3091 I asked whether you will be accepting adverts that contain zero-hour contracts in the Team London jobs listing and you referred me to MQ2015/3088. As you can see, the response to MQ 2015/3088 does not contain any reference to zero-hour contracts. Can you please tell me whether you will be accepting adverts that contain zero-hour contracts in the Team London jobs listing Service?
The Mayor
The jobs listing service will not actively promote zero-hour contracts.
The roles on the site will be a mixture of permanent, short term and temporary contracts. Flexibility in contracting does suit a minority of people to coincide with their life styles. For example, students are a main user group for the site and the relative freedom temporary contracts offer them, support to balance work with their studies. Work Experience Week Question No: 2015/3959 Fiona Twycross What action did you take to promote Work Experience Week in London, which took place between 12th-16th October?
The Mayor
In June 2015 I launched the London Ambitions Careers Offer which encourages schools and colleges to provide young people with a minimum of 100 hours careers education. This includes work experience and other experiences of the work place. My team has been working with the London Enterprise Panel and London Councils to promote the 100hrs during Work Experience Week.
Beddington Incinerator Question No: 2015/3960 Fiona Twycross Why did the Deputy Mayor not call in the decision by Sutton Council about the Beddington Incinerator?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Written response from the Mayor received 07/12/2015
Having considered the scheme against the Mayor of London Order 2008 (Article 6), the Deputy Mayor concluded that there were no sound reasons to direct Sutton Council to refuse the application. It was concluded that with conditions and planning obligations in place, the scheme accorded with the London Plan and the very special circumstances needed to outweigh the harm caused by inappropriate development on MOL had been demonstrated to allow development to proceed. London Living Wage (1) Question No: 2015/3961 Fiona Twycross Please provide the most recent data for both the total number and proportion of jobs in Greater London paying less than the London Living Wage in each year since 2004.
The Mayor
The GLA first set the London Living Wage in 2005.
Number and Proportion of Jobs paying less than the London Living Wage
proportion numbers living wage 2005 13 446,000 £6.70 2006 12 407,000 £6.70 2007 13 446,000 £7.05 2008 13 469,000 £7.20 2009 13 454,000 £7.45 2010 13 471,000 £7.60 2011 15 542,000 £7.85 2012 17 611,000 £8.30 2013 17 669,000 £8.55 2014 19 752,000 £8.80 The source data is collected in April each year, and the analysis uses the latest announced living wage at that point in time. As the 2005 London Living Wage report was published in March, and the 2006 report came out in May 2006, the 2005 and 2006 wage rates are the rate announced in the 2005 report.
The Office for National Statistics has provided a full explanation of the figures at www.ons.gov.uk/ons/about-ons/business-transparency/freedom-of-information/what-can-i- request/published-ad-hoc-data/labour/november-2015/index.html London Living Wage (2) Question No: 2015/3962 Fiona Twycross Please provide an updated list of the number of businesses that the Mayor has written to in regards to the London Living Wage over the course of this mayoral term, and the number that have (i) responded and (ii) become accredited.
The Mayor
Over the course of this mayoral term I have written to 385 employers in London regarding the London Living Wage, and from those 385 employers, 71 have responded and 66 have become accredited.
London Living Wage (3) Question No: 2015/3963 Fiona Twycross What is the Mayor doing to encourage those Whitehall Departments that are not yet Living Wage accredited to gain accreditation?
The Mayor
I am leading by example, as the GLA and functional bodies are paying the London Living Wage.
I stated in my foreword to the GLA Economics report 'A Fairer London: The 2015 Living Wage in London' that it is time the rest of the public sector did more. I also stated that I have publicly called on Government to commit to paying the LLW across Whitehall, which some departments are now doing, and I am encouraging other departments to follow this example.
Earlier this year I wrote to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, urging them to do all they can to promote the LLW.
I will be writing to all non-accredited Whitehall Departments to urge them to pay the LLW and continue to use my influence during the rest of my mayoral term to push for all Whitehall departments to pay the LLW. London Living Wage (4) Question No: 2015/3964 Fiona Twycross What is the Mayor doing to encourage those London boroughs that are not yet Living Wage accredited to gain accreditation?
The Mayor
I am leading by example, as the GLA and functional bodies are paying the London Living Wage.
I stated in my foreword to the GLA Economics report 'A Fairer London: The 2015 Living Wage in London' that it is time the rest of the public sector did more and I will focus on increasing the number of boroughs paying the LLW this year.
London Living Wage (5) Question No: 2015/3965 Fiona Twycross How many FTSE 100 companies has the Mayor written to in regards to the London Living Wage over the course of this mayoral term, outlining the number that have (i) responded and (ii) become accredited?
The Mayor
Over the course of this mayoral term I have written to 58 FTSE 100 companies in regards to the London Living Wage, and from those 58 FTSE 100 companies, 15 have responded and 14 have become accredited. London Living Wage (6) Question No: 2015/3966 Fiona Twycross With nearly 50% of part-time jobs in London paid less than the London Living Wage, what are you doing to specifically target those sectors with high numbers of part-time workers?
The Mayor
In addition to Living Wage Employer accreditation, The Living Wage Foundation also manages the 'Recognised Living Wage Service Provider' accreditation scheme. Service Providers who employ contract staff across London in cleaning and catering roles, who sign up as Recognised Living Wage Service Providers, commit to paying all their head office staff the London Living Wage as well as committing to always supply a Living Wage rate bid alongside every market rate submittal to all of their prospective and current clients. This means that their clients always have the choice to implement the Living Wage at the point of tender.
In this way the Recognised Living Wage Service Providers accreditation scheme promotes the London Living Wage and makes it easier for companies to choose to pay their subcontracted staff the London Living Wage.
To support the Recognised Living Wage Service Provider scheme, since July this year, I have written to 28 large service provider companies in London to urge them to sign up with The Living Wage Foundation.
I continue to work closely with The Living Wage Foundation on the campaign to encourage businesses in the retail and hospitality sectors to become accredited Living Wage Employers. The Living Wage Foundation has identified target retail and hospitality sector employers for me to write to because they employ many part time workers and because I can add most value in encouraging them to become accredited Living Wage Employers. I have written to a number of such companies since March this year. I will continue to write to companies in the retail and hospitality sectors who are identified as target employers for me to write to in liaison with The Living Wage Foundation.
Pregnancy discrimination (1) Question No: 2015/3967 Fiona Twycross Maternity Action highlights that, nationally, only 3% of women who have experienced tangible pregnancy discrimination took their claims to the employment tribunal. Given that Greater London has the lowest rate of parental employment in the country, and noting your role in exercising the principle duty of the Greater London Authority to promote economic development and wealth creation in Greater London, will you look into the extent of this problem in Greater London and set out some policy measures to tackle it?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly. Pregnancy discrimination (2) Question No: 2015/3968 Fiona Twycross Given your role in exercising the principle duty of the Greater London Authority to promote economic development and wealth creation in Greater London, and the impact that low female labour market participation has on London's economy, are you concerned about the fact that the introduction of fees for accessing employment tribunals, including an upfront fee of £1,200, is disproportionately impacting upon vulnerable groups such as pregnant women?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Number of senior fire officers Question No: 2015/3969 Andrew Dismore How many senior officers of Group manager rank and above does the London Fire Brigade have; and how many fire stations?
The Mayor
As at 31 October 2015 there were 83 operational staff of Group Manager rank and above. LFB has 102 fire stations, plus one river station.
Front line fire brigade cuts Question No: 2015/3970 Andrew Dismore When you promised no more front line fire brigade cuts, what did you mean?
The Mayor
My commitment is to fund the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority (LFEPA) so as to avoid any further major frontline realignment over the lifetime of the Fifth London Safety Plan (LSP5). I look forward to seeing the outcome of the consultation exercise which LFEPA will shortly be conducting on its budget options for 2016-17. Co-Responding Question No: 2015/3971 Onkar Sahota Have you examined co-responding in the London Emergency Services and if you have how will you guarantee that co-responding schemes are supplementary to core cover and not as a replacement for trained ambulance staff in the correct numbers, funded through the NHS?
The Mayor
Please see my response to oral MQs 3767 and 3732.
Food poverty Question No: 2015/3972 Fiona Twycross What progress is being made towards delivering on your commitment to make London a Zero Hunger City by 2020?
The Mayor
I stand by the aim of making London a Zero Hunger City by 2020. London is a city of great riches and abundance and it is unacceptable that any Londoner should go hungry. I am working through my Food Board and in partnership with the Mayor's Fund to develop innovative approaches to this complex problem, such as piloting projects to stop children going hungry during school holidays.
One intervention which I fully support is the provision of more social supermarkets in London, which will help many Londoners to access affordable food and provide them with a wide range of support services tailored to their individual needs. We will soon announce the location of three new social supermarkets.
Work is also being undertaken in the two Flagship Food boroughs, Croydon and Lambeth, to provide a healthy food environment for everyone who lives and works in those boroughs. Each of those boroughs has a local school food plan to ensure, for example, that as many schoolchildren as possible are able to access healthy, nutritious school food.
Low pay in Outer London Question No: 2015/3973 Joanne McCartney What have you done to promote the London Living Wage in Outer London?
The Mayor
I continue to urge employers across all parts of the capital to sign up to paying the London Living Wage as it is my hope that the LLW will be the norm throughout all parts of this city by the end of the decade. Poverty Question No: 2015/3974 Fiona Twycross Is the rising level of poverty in London's private rented sector a concern for this mayoral administration?
The Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Housing Question No: 2015/3975 Tom Copley What are the economic consequences of failing to address London's housing crisis?
The Mayor
There are no official estimates of the economic impact of London's housing shortage, but a recent report by the Centre for Economic and Business Research for the campaign group Fifty Thousand Homes sets out a range of estimated impacts, including an annual loss of around £1 billion in terms of London's Gross Value Added.
Mental Health Support Question No: 2015/3976 Navin Shah Further to MQ2014/3427, what improvement has there been to promote self-maintenance of positive mental health though digital solution?
The Mayor
In February of this year, NHS Tower Hamlets Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) was appointed as the lead commissioner for the digital mental wellbeing service, which is being funded by all of London's CCGs and over half of London boroughs. An invitation to tender will soon be published to design further the digital platform, and the expectation is that the service will be available to Londoners in the summer of next year. First Time buyers Question No: 2015/3977 Navin Shah London Poverty Profile has reported that in London the average housing price has increased by 51% in the past five years compared to the national average of 31%. Though some may see this as beneficial what impact has this had on the amount of first time buyers purchasing property in London since 2006?
The Mayor
A wide range of factors including deposit requirements and income trends affect the number of first time buyers entering the market.
Hate Crime Question No: 2015/3978 Navin Shah What is the current statistic on hate crimes committed against transgender individuals within London? And how has it changed over the past in the past 3 years?
The Mayor
As a key action arising from my Hate Crime Reduction Strategy I launched a new Hate Crime Dashboard on 15 October 2015. The dashboard provides a range of useful information, including hate crime, victim and offender data back to June 2006.
The information you have requested is therefore publicly available within the dashboard, which can be found at this address: http://www.london.gov.uk/priorities/policing-crime/data-information/hate-crime-dashboard
Prostitution in Hackney Question No: 2015/3979 Jennette Arnold How many incidents of prostitution and trafficking-related anti-social behaviour were were recorded by Police in Hackney between 2011- 2015?
The Mayor
Anti-Social Behaviour records are coded as 'Personal', 'Nuisance' and 'Environmental' and are not broken down further to include incidents such as prostitution and/or trafficking. As a result, MOPAC does not hold the data available to answer this question. Oral Update on the Report of the Mayor Question No: 2015/3987 Jennette Arnold Jenette Arnold OBE AM (Chair): It is over to you, Mayor, for your report.
The Mayor
Boris Johnson MP (Mayor of London): I have a few things to update you on.
First of all, Dick [Richard Tracey AM] has asked for an update on the fares announcement. Members will know that we have put a real-terms freeze on Transport for London’s (TfL) services and we are extending free travel for children on National Rail services in the capital. TfL fares are set to rise by about 1% in line with the July retail price index (RPI). Single bus fares and all but two of the pay-as-you-go single Tube fares are going to be frozen. Travelcards and season tickets will increase by slightly less than 1%. This is the third year in a row that we have been able to provide a real-terms fares freeze whilst balancing the need to keep investing in and modernising our network. The gist of the change for kids under 11 is that they now will be able to use their Zip photocards when they are travelling on all National Rail services in London, which is something that people will appreciate. It does not seem to be getting a deafening round of applause but, anyway, there you go. It is progress, folks.
There are various other things. Stratford, West Ham and Canning Town are coming into the Zone 2/3 boundary rather than Zone 3, which is very important. We have done a huge amount to regenerate that area. This is a big step forward. This is in tune and in line with what we are doing with the enormous post-Olympic regeneration that is going on.
You will have seen, obviously, that, we are doing a lot to help young people get into the tech world. We have put some more money into training for 14-to-24-year-olds. It is all very well having one of the most dynamic tech sectors anywhere in the world - and there are about half a million people in London now employed in tech and it is going to grow massively by 30% - but I want to see young Londoners getting those skills. We have launched a tech nurturing and digital talent programme that I hope will be successful.
We have launched a new police research institute at University College London (UCL) in order to have a better understanding of efficient, modern policing and how to help bring crime down ever further. There are many other things, but I sense that we should probably move on to questions.