Andrew Dismore

Question No: 2014/1261

Andrew Dismore

Further to your answer to  Question 2014/0280 and to Question 532 / 2013 on race claims against the police,  “how many  i) of the 34 internal cases  and ii) how many of 33 cases brought by members of the public referred to in the answer resulted in disciplinary action; iii) of those that resulted in  disciplinary action, how many led to the dismissal  of the officer or staff member concerned in each of the two types of case ; and iv) how many out of court settlements contained “no publicity” clauses in each of the two types of case?” your written response being “Please refer to the letter sent to you on 22 January 2014″. The text of the letter being “Dear Andrew Thank you for your letter dated November 28th 2013 with regard to the settling of complaints of racism made by the public against police officers and members of staff. I cannot comment on individual cases but can assure you that all cases of racism are investigated and disciplinary action taken where appropriate. MOPAC/MPS do regularly defend cases to trial, however as your letter acknowledges there are occasions where the cost of defending a claim would be disproportionate to the cost of offering an out of court settlement and in these circumstances we do look to settle out of court. However I can assure you this is to minimise the impact on the public purse. The MPS have confirmed that no non-disclosure agreements have been signed with regard the settlement of complaints of racism made by the public. Yours sincerely Stephen Greenhalgh Deputy Mayor for Policing And Crime” As this letter does not provide any statistical information whatsoever, will you now finally state how many  i) of the 34 internal cases  and ii) how many of 33 cases brought by members of the public referred to in your  previous answer on this subject  resulted in disciplinary action; iii) of those that resulted in  disciplinary action, how many led to the dismissal  of the officer or staff member concerned in each of the two types of case? or bearing in mind your answer to  Question 2014/0278 “Further to your answer to Question 532 / 2013 on race claims against the police, on what date did MOPAC receive my original  question in February 2013; on what date did  they pass the request for the information requested to the Metropolitan Police; and on what date did the Met give MOPAC the data provided  in  the response?” Your written response being “The question was received by MOPAC on 12 February 2013 and the data was requested from the MPS on the same day. An initial response from the MPS was received on 20 February 2013. There was then an ongoing dialogue between MOPAC and the MPS in order to ensure a full and comprehensive response was provided.  A final response was submitted by MOPAC on 9 October 2013.  MOPAC has new procedures and new arrangements with colleagues which are designed to ensure that a delay of this kind should not occur in future. Will I have to wait nearly another year to get closer to the bottom of the story?

Written response from the Mayor and the Commissioner

Please see my response to MQ 1020/ 2014.

Question No: 2014/1262

Andrew Dismore

Deputy Mayor Greenhalgh has recently written to borough leaders about  the two for one PCs special offer and about extending it to other ranks. Is this an attempt to shunt front line policing costs to boroughs that face massive cuts themselves?

Written response from the Mayor and the Commissioner

Please see my response to MQ 1027 / 2014.

Question No: 2014/1263

Andrew Dismore

Are you satisfied with the performance of the contact points in Barnet and in Camden?

Written response from the Mayor and the Commissioner

Yes. The Barnet and Camden Contact Points are open as advertised and their contact details are publicised.

The MPS is conducting a wide-ranging review of all contact points to further monitor the service provided.

The public are encouraged to contact the police using 999 or 101 and generally do so. I am satisfied that contact points are a suitable alternative to this.

Question No: 2014/1264

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question 2014/0289, which was itself further to question 2013/5231 “What is your policy towards police officers in uniform smoking on duty in public in the street?” And your response to that question being “The MPS should always uphold the law in relation to smoking in buildings.” Question 2014/0289 being,” Will you now answer the question as asked? Do you approve of police officers in uniform smoking on duty in public in the street? Does this project the image of the Met that you wish to see?” and your written response being “The Metropolitan Police Service should always uphold the law in relation to smoking in buildings.” This is not an answer to the question that was asked, why are you shy of answering the simple question that was asked? Do you or do you not approve of police officers in uniform smoking on duty in public in the street? Does this or does this not project the image of the Met that you wish to see?

Written response from the Mayor and the Commissioner

Please see my response to MQ 1026 / 2014.

Question No: 2014/1265

Andrew Dismore

As of 31st January 2014, how many full time sworn police officers were there in Camden; how many special constables; how many PCSOs; how many sergeants; how many non-PCSO civilian staff were there; what were the comparable figures for 1st May 2010, and 31st January 2013; and what do you expect the figures to be on 1st May 2015?

Written response from the Mayor and the Commissioner

Please see my response to MQ 1022 / 2014.

Question No: 2014/1266

Andrew Dismore

As of 31st January 2014, how many police officers and PCSOs in total were there in Barnet’s safer neighbourhood clusters, what were the comparable figures for the borough’s safer neighbourhood teams in total as at 1st May 2010, and 31st January   2013; and what do you expect the figures to be on 1st May 2015?

Written response from the Mayor and the Commissioner

Please see my response to MQ 1023/ 2014.

Question No: 2014/1267

Andrew Dismore

As of 31st January 2014, how many full time sworn police officers were there in Barnet; how many special constables; how many PCSOs; how many sergeants; how many non PCSO civilian staff were there; what were the comparable figures for 1st May 2010, and 31st January 2013; and what do you expect the figures to be on 1st May 2015?

Written response from the Mayor and the Commissioner

Please see my response to MQ 1024 / 2014.

Question No: 2014/1268

Andrew Dismore

As of 31st January 2014, how many police officers and PCSOs in total were there in Barnet’s safer neighbourhood clusters, what were the comparable figures for the borough’s safer neighbourhood teams in total as at 1st May 2010, and 31st January 2013; and what do you expect the figures to be on 1st May 2015?

Written response from the Mayor and the Commissioner

Please see my response to MQ 1025 / 2014.

Question No: 2014/1269

Andrew Dismore

As of 31st January 2014, how many police officers were there deployed on traffic duties, what were the comparable figures as at 1st May 2010, and 31st January 2013; and what do you expect the figures to be on 1st May 2015?

Written response from the Mayor and the Commissioner

The Budgeted Workforce Target (BWT) of the Traffic Operational Command Unit (OCU) in May 2010 was 681.

The BWT of the Traffic OCU in Jan 2013 was 628

The BWT of the Traffic OCU in Jan 2014 was 592.5

Traffic as separate OCU will merge with TFL’s Safer Transport Command to create the new Roads & Transport Policing Command which will have a BWT of 1647.

Question No: 2014/1270

Andrew Dismore

Were any ill effects such as burns or other symptoms or damage to clothing suffered by those against whom tasers have been deployed by officers in Barnet and in Camden?

Written response from the Mayor and the Commissioner

Please see my response to MQ 5180 and 5184 / 2013.

Question No: 2014/1271

Andrew Dismore

On how many occasions in the last 6 months has the custody suite in Kentish Town been unable to accommodate due to capacity issues prisoners who would otherwise have been taken to Kentish Town; and where were those additional prisoners taken to be held in lieu of Kentish Town; how many prisoners were involved in total; and how much extra officer time was devoted to taking prisoners to the alternative location?

Written response from the Mayor and the Commissioner

There is no accurate way of measuring the number of occasions that the custody suite has been unable to accommodate prisoners due to capacity issues.

All arresting officers contact Central Cell Allocation on arrest and are directed to the nearest available one with space.

Records currently kept are of numbers of prisoners in custody and this accurately reflects how many detainees have been brought to custody suites.

The time for booking in a prisoner does not vary from borough to borough as the processes are governed by the Police and Criminal Evidence Act.

Question No: 2014/1272

Andrew Dismore

There are over 40 habitable houses in Rowan Drive, Colindale that have been left empty for months. I understand MOPAC plans to dispose of this area to Middlesex University. Why have not these houses been used as temporary accommodation for those in housing need in the meantime?

Written response from the Mayor and the Commissioner

A number of the houses are fundamentally not habitable due to subsidence issues. Of the remaining unoccupied properties, a major and potentially costly refurbishment programme, including reconnection of utilities, would be required to bring them up to standard. MOPAC disposals are based on what provides best value to the taxpayer.

Question No: 2014/1273

Andrew Dismore

Has the contract to administer Camden SNB been given to Camden Community Police and Police Consultative Group and, if so, was there a tendering process; and if not, why not?

Written response from the Mayor and the Commissioner

The decision about who administers the Safer Neighbourhood Board is a matter for local partners.

Question No: 2014/1274

Andrew Dismore

With SNT numbers reduced and many sergeants now covering two wards, is a Twitter presence a good use of sergeants’ time? Can the Met justify the withdrawal from the front line of these officers to attend ‘new media’ training?  Isn’t new technology supposed to free officers from paperwork so that they can spend more time on front-line policing, not give them an additional PR task to undertake?

Written response from the Mayor and the Commissioner

Local Sergeants use Twitter to support their daily policing activities and to act upon issues the public raise with them directly on Twitter. It also demonstrates the activities undertaken by the MPS and the value derived from it.

Training only takes one hour and is arranged to be as convenient as possible, tailored to locations and shift commitments of all attendees. The provision of training for officers using Twitter ensures effectiveness and promotes professional use of social media.

It is important that the MPS continues to develop and modernise its ability to communicate with Londoners. Through the use of Twitter an officer has the ability to reach hundreds of followers quickly and efficiently.

The Local Policing Model places more officers in neighbourhoods, an additional 2600 posts by 2015, and every ward has a dedicated PC and PCSO.

Question No: 2014/1495

Andrew Dismore

The bus stop in Torrington Park N12 going east from the High Road is too close to the junction. When buses stop, traffic cannot get either in or out of Torrington Road, causing a traffic jam, and pedestrians cannot cross safely at the corner either. Will you consider moving the bus stop a short distance further east in Torrington Road to resolve these problems?

Written response from the Mayor

TfL will discuss this with the London Borough of Barnet and will look at an appropriate location for installing a substantive bus stop or relocating the existing hail and ride publicity point on this section of the Torrington Park.

Bus route 383 operates along Torrington Park on a “hail-and-ride” basis, that is, there are no fixed stops and buses can pick up passengers at any safe place. TfL does, however, provide publicity points along such routes and these tend to be in places where passengers congregate to wait for buses.

Question No: 2014/1496

Andrew Dismore

A constituent has complained to me about the 43 bus stop next to Martock Gardens, N11 where they live. Bus drivers are not turning off their engines, when buses are parked up at the end of the route at this stop, causing noise nuisance especially at night; passengers deposit litter in their front garden and cut across the front garden to catch the bus damaging their tree hedging in the process; and their wall was damaged by a bus for which they still await compensation. What will you do about these matters, and will you consider moving the terminus for the route for example to New Southgate station which would provide a link to the Overground and terminate the route in a non- residential area.

Written response from the Mayor

The bus operator, Metroline, has been asked to take whatever measures are necessary to ensure that bus drivers are switching their engines off when at the stand. In addition, covert observations have been arranged at the bus stand to ensure compliance.

TfL is unable to take any action regarding members of the public dropping litter; this is the responsibility of the council and this should be reported to the Borough.

It would not be appropriate for me to comment on any case where compensation is being sought, as this is a matter between the bus Operator Metroline and the local resident.

At the present time, TfL has no plans to move the terminating point of route 43 from Martock Gardens.

Question No: 2014/1497

Andrew Dismore

How long do you consider it reasonable for a constituent to wait for a refund on an Oyster card of a deceased child when the death certificate is provided ; and why is it taking so long to refund my constituent, details of whom TfL have?

Written response from the Mayor

TfL is very sorry that the delay in providing a refund has added further distress to your constituent at a very difficult time.

It appears that a letter from TfL replying to the request for a refund was not received by your constituent.

I understand that TfL has now been in touch with your constituent and that the matter has been resolved.

Question No: 2014/1498

Andrew Dismore

When will you sort out Edgware Bus Station?  The automatic doors of the seven exits at Edgware Bus Station have mostly been out of order, for as long as I can remember. There is no heating here either and the temperature is very cold, especially in the early mornings.

Written response from the Mayor

As a matter of urgency TfL will attend to any defects to the automatic doors at Edgware Bus Station.

TfL has considered installing heating at bus stations, but concluded that the cost would outweigh the benefit as passenger dwell time is relatively short.

Question No: 2014/1499

Andrew Dismore

The drain cover opposite 300 Finchley Road, southbound carriageway is seriously damaged and collapsing and is a serious hazard especially to cyclists. Why is it taking so long to fix?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Question No: 2014/1500

Andrew Dismore

Regarding the planned pelican crossing on Colindeep Lane, Barnet Council say that the TfL signal design is pending and it does not appear the timescales they have been given by TfL are compatible with Barnet’s aspirations. Without the TfL signal design, the pelican crossing cannot go ahead. As the proposal has become unexpectedly drawn out, it is now impinging on Barnet’s ability to put the scheme on programme as Barnet cannot do this until such a time DPR approval is gained. Further, as it is standard practice for all contractors to give 3 months notice to gain permits to commence the work on site, there is now a very slim chance that the crossing will be built before the end of the financial year.  What is the reason for the delay and will you get your finger out to make sure the work is done promptly to protect the many schoolchildren who are dependent on crossing this road safely?

Written response from the Mayor

TfL understands the importance the London Borough of Barnet places on this scheme and is continuing to work collaboratively with the Borough to ensure prompt delivery of this crossing.

Barnet’s completed scheme submission was received by TfL on 14 February 2014 and TfL has rapidly designed the signals specification on the Borough’s behalf and issued it for construction. A typical turnaround time for approving signal designs is three months but, in this case, TfL was aware of the urgency and fast tracked the application through the design stage in a matter of weeks.

Question No: 2014/1501

Andrew Dismore

Why are you apparently ignoring the victims of July 7th bombing by refusing to contribute a mere £5,000 for this year’s memorial service?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Question No: 2014/1502

Andrew Dismore

As of 28th February 2014, how many full time sworn police officers were there in Camden; how many special constables; how many PCSOs; how many sergeants; how many non PCSO civilian staff were there; what were the comparable figures for 1st May 2010, and 28th February 2013; and what do you expect the figures to be on 1st May 2015?

Written response from the Mayor

The strengths for the relevant dates are set out in the table below:

At present there are no confirmed target strengths for 2015. Borough policing is supported by a range of other specialists resources provided by the MPS overall, which are not captured in the above figures. Comparisons cannot be made between the Local Policing Model now in place and previous structures in place at borough or ward level.

Question No: 2014/1503

Andrew Dismore

As of 28th February 2014, how many police officers and PCSOs in total were there in Camden’s safer neighbourhood clusters, what were the comparable figures for the borough’s safer neighbourhood teams in total as at 1st May 2010, and 28th February 2013; and what do you expect the figures to be on 1st May 2015?

Written response from the Mayor

The strengths for the relevant dates are set out in the table below:

At present there are no confirmed target strengths for 2015. However, under the Local Policing Model, Camden will have 157 posts in Safer Neighbourhood teams and 36 PCSOs in Safer Neighbourhood teams.

Comparisons cannot be made between the Local Policing Model now in place and previous structures in place at borough or ward level.

Question No: 2014/1504

Andrew Dismore

As of 28th February 2014, how many full time sworn police officers were there in Barnet; how many special constables; how many PCSOs; how many sergeants; how many non PCSO civilian staff were there; what were the comparable figures for 1st May 2010, and 28th February 2013; and what do you expect the figures to be on 1st May 2015?

Written response from the Mayor

The strengths for the relevant dates are set out in the table below:

At present the MPS have no confirmed target strengths for 2015. Borough policing is supported by a range of other specialists resources provided by the MPS overall, which are not captured in the above figures. Comparisons cannot be made between the Local Policing Model now in place and previous structures in place at borough or ward level.

Question No: 2014/1505

Andrew Dismore

As of 28th February 2014, how many police officers and PCSOs in total were there in Barnet’s safer neighbourhood clusters, what were the comparable figures for the borough’s safer neighbourhood teams in total as at 1st May 2010, and 28th February 2013; and what do you expect the figures to be on 1st May 2015?

Written response from the Mayor

The strengths for the relevant dates are set out in the table below:

At present there are no confirmed target strengths for 2015. However, under the Local Policing Model, Barnet will have 135 police officers and 42 PCSOs in Safer Neighbourhood teams.
Comparisons cannot be made between the Local Policing Model now in place and previous structures in place at borough or ward level.

Question No: 2014/1506

Andrew Dismore

What is the Sanctioned Detection rate achieved by Barnet borough police for each of the last 12 months (not year on year but for each of the months concerned)?

Written response from the Mayor

The sanction detection rate in London is too low, but by making better use of technology and forensics and engaging more effectively with victims and witnesses I think we can make progress on meeting the Commissioner and my desire to make improvements.

The table below shows the Total Notifiable Offences Sanction Detection Rate in Barnet for the last 12 months.

The average over 12 months is 21.2% which is a 4.3 per cent improvement compared to the average for the same time period last year.

Question No: 2014/1507

Andrew Dismore

What is the Sanctioned Detection rate achieved by Camden borough police for each of the last 12 months (not year on year but for each of the months concerned)?

Written response from the Mayor

The sanction detection rate in London is too low, but by making better use of technology and forensics and engaging more effectively with victims and witnesses I think we can make progress on meeting the Commissioner and my desire to make improvements.

The table below shows the Total Notifiable Offences Sanction Detection Rate in Camden for the last 12 months.

Question No: 2014/1508

Andrew Dismore

Please provide a table or graph ranking each of the boroughs’ performance in Sanctioned Detection rates for each of the last 3 months performance (not year on year but for each of the months concerned)

Written response from the Mayor

The sanction detection rate in London is too low, but by making better use of technology and forensics and engaging more effectively with victims and witnesses I think we can make progress on meeting the Commissioner and my desire to make improvements.

Appendix 2 provides the TNO Sanction Detection rates by borough for the last 3 months.

Question No: 2014/1509

Andrew Dismore

What was the actual monthly performance (not year on year but for each of the months concerned) of Barnet borough in responding to emergency  I and S calls for each of the last 3 months?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Question No: 2014/1510

Andrew Dismore

What was the actual monthly performance ( not year on year but for each of the months concerned) of Camden borough in responding to emergency I and S calls for each of the last 3 months?

Written response from the Mayor

The table below shows I and S Call performance in Camden Borough for the last three months.  When a call is graded as immediate response (I Call), the MPS target is to arrive on scene within 15 minutes from when the call is received. For Significant grades (S Call) it is 60 minutes.

As can be seen in the table below, Camden is responding quicker to Immediate Calls – with the percentage of I Calls attended within 15 minutes increasing by 1.9 percentage points over the last three months. Camden is also responding quicker to Significant Priority Calls – with the percentage of S Calls attended within 1 hour increasing by 2 percentage points over the last three months.

Question No: 2014/1511

Andrew Dismore

Please provide a table or graph ranking each of the boroughs’ performance in responding to emergency I and S calls for each of the last 3 months performance (not year on year but for each of the months concerned)

Written response from the Mayor

The table below shows I and S Call performance for the last three months in rank order for all boroughs within the MPS.

When a call is graded as immediate response (I Call), the MPS target is to arrive on scene within 15 minutes from when the call is received. For Significant grades (S Call) it is 60 minutes.

As can be seen, the MPS is on average responding quicker to Immediate Calls – with 30 of the 32 boroughs achieving an I Call attendance of 90% or more within 15 minutes in the last month. The majority of boroughs are also responding quicker to Significant Priority Calls – with 29 of the 32 boroughs achieving an S Call attendance of 90% or more within 60 minutes in the last month.

Question No: 2014/1512

Andrew Dismore

For each month since 1/1/12 please indicate the number of a) residential and b) commercial burglaries in Barnet

Written response from the Mayor

When comparing the 12 months March 2013 – February 2014 to the period March 2012 – February 2013 , Residential Burglaries show a decrease of -21.4% and Non –Residential Burglaries a decrease of -5.63%.

Note: Non-Residential Burglary is the theft, or attempted theft, from a building where access is not authorised. The building is not fit or intended for habitation e.g. a commercial property. Be aware that the classification also includes burglaries of buildings such as sheds.

Question No: 2014/1513

Andrew Dismore

For each month since 1/1/12 please indicate the number of a) residential and b) commercial burglaries in Camden

Written response from the Mayor

When comparing the 12 months March 2013 – February 2014 to the period March 2012 – February 2013, Residential Burglaries show an increase of 0.33% and Non –Residential Burglaries an increase of 12.75%.

Note: Non-Residential Burglary is the theft, or attempted theft, from a building where access is not authorised. The building is not fit or intended for habitation e.g. a commercial property. Be aware that the classification also includes burglaries of buildings such as sheds.

Question No: 2014/1514

Andrew Dismore

What are you doing to facilitate broadband rollout in Camden?

Written response from the Mayor

Later this month I am rolling out, across London, the SME broadband voucher scheme. This will allow SME businesses, charities and non-profits to claim up to £3,000 for high speed broadband connections, usually of 30Mbit/s or more.

Taking advantage of this voucher scheme will give businesses improved reliability of service, better communication with customers and staff, reduced costs through more efficient working, improved data storage and accessibility and higher speed upload and download for large files.

Businesses wishing to claim these vouchers should visit http://www.london.gov.uk/broadband for more information.

Question No: 2014/1515

Andrew Dismore

What are you doing to facilitate broadband rollout in Barnet ?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 1514 /2014.

Question No: 2014/1516

Andrew Dismore

Are you able to tell me what percentage of properties in Barnet will be a) connected and b) connectable to broadband when the rollout is expected to be completed shortly?

Written response from the Mayor

This information is not currently held by the GLA. Please contact BT’s General Manager for London, Andrew Campling, to request this information.

Question No: 2014/1517

Andrew Dismore

Are you able to tell me what percentage of properties in Camden will be a) connected and b) connectable to broadband when the rollout is expected to be completed shortly?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 1516 / 2014.

Question No: 2014/1518

Andrew Dismore

Residents in Mill Hill have complained to me about the difficulty of getting answers from BT concerning broadband rollout in the Mill Hill Village area and off the Ridgeway. Will you intervene to put pressure on BT to respond to residents’ reasonable expectations of responses from BT?

Written response from the Mayor

I understand that all of the exchanges in the Mill Hill have now been upgraded to be able to provide superfast broadband speeds. However the residents in Mill Hill may be experiencing other problems specific to their situation that mean they are unable to receive superfast broadband.

Small businesses and charities based in the area will be able to apply for vouchers for high speed broadband connections under the SME broadband voucher scheme which I will be launching London wide later this month. More information can be found on London.gov.uk/broadband.

My team regularly meet with service providers, including BT, to discuss the future provision of superfast broadband and will be happy to raise this issue.

Question No: 2014/1519

Andrew Dismore

We know from research conducted by YouGov and Stonewall that seven in ten people believe Britain has a moral and social responsibility to challenge human rights abuses against lesbian, gay and bisexual people abroad. As a representative of what you have called ‘one of the most LGBT friendly cities on earth’, what conversations have you had overseas about defending the human rights of LGBT people?

Written response from the Mayor

I am proud that London is a fantastically diverse city, with all Londoners, regardless of their age, sexuality, religion, gender or race, able to benefit from the progress London has made over the past few years.

In December 2013 I provided a message in support of the Everyone Matters global diversity and dignity campaign, which is expected to reach 53 million people globally in its first year. The purpose of this high profile campaign, which culminates with the inaugural Everyone Matters Day on 2 April 2014, is to ensure that everyone has the right to be who they are, and every single human being is treated with dignity and respect.

In terms of my visits to promote London abroad, I believe that we can better challenge prejudice through engagement. Isolation will not achieve change.

Question No: 2014/1520

Andrew Dismore

Research from YouGov and Stonewall shows that half of people believe Britain has a responsibility to protect people who come to the UK fleeing persecution in their home countries because they are lesbian, gay or bisexual. What are you doing to make sure that LGBT people who come to London to escape violence and discrimination are treated with respect and compassion?

Written response from the Mayor

I am proud that London is a fantastically diverse city, with all Londoners, regardless of their age, sexuality, religion, gender or race, able to benefit from the progress London has made over the past few years.

I agree that Britain has a responsibility to protect lesbian, gay and bisexual people who have a well-founded fear of persecution. Britain, and London in particular, already has a long and proud tradition of welcoming refugees, including many LGBT people, fleeing persecution in other parts of the world.

Since coming into office I have sponsored a Mayor’s Refugee Integration Strategy for London that aims to ensure that those who come to London as refugees are treated with respect and compassion.

Question No: 2014/1521

Andrew Dismore

British businesses have an important role to play in promoting human rights in the countries in which they operate. What representations have you made to multinational businesses in London about work they can do to promote human rights, including those of rights of LGBT people, worldwide?

Written response from the Mayor

I am proud that London is a fantastically diverse city, with all Londoners, regardless of their age, sexuality, religion, gender or race, able to benefit from the progress London has made over the past few years.

For the past two years I have welcomed international delegates attending the Out on the Street: Europe LGBT Leadership Summit to London.

The aim of the Out on the Street Summit is to engage international business leaders in discussions around attracting for top talent and enhancing the careers of LGBT leaders.

Members of Out on the Street realize that often corporations and their policies can lead to government and societal change, and can contribute to the bottom line by driving innovation and forward thinking ideas.

Question No: 2014/1442

Andrew Dismore

Further to your holding answer to Question No: 2014/0969, when was the last deep clean of the subway at Beaufort Gardens NW4? When is the next scheduled? Do you really believe that is sufficiently frequent given the mess that accrues there? Will you now give a substantive reply?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 969 / 2014.

Question No: 2014/1443

Andrew Dismore

Further to your holding answer to Question No: 2014/0970, when was the last deep clean of the subway at Hendon Central  NW4? When is the next scheduled? Do you really believe that is sufficiently frequent given the mess that accrues there? Will you now give a substantive reply?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 970 / 2014.

Question No: 2014/1444

Andrew Dismore

Further to your holding answer to Question No: 2014/0971, when was the last deep clean of the subway at Hendon War Memorial NW4? When is the next scheduled? Do you really believe that is sufficiently frequent given the mess that accrues there? Will you  now give a substantive reply?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 971 / 2014.

Question No: 2014/1445

Andrew Dismore

Further to your holding answer to Question No: 2014/0974, the Bishops Avenue in Barnet has become a stockpile of unused and empty mansions worth around £350m. Will you underwrite action by Barnet council to repossess one or more of the empty homes on the Bishops Avenue to help meet housing need? And will you lobby actively for a mansion tax on such empty homes to ensure the owners bring them back into use? Will you now give a substantive reply?

Written response from the Mayor

I have not been approached by Barnet Council on this matter.

I oppose a Mansion Tax, which would be yet another tax that hits London hardest, and some parts of the country not at all, and funnels all the revenues to the Treasury.

Instead, I encourage boroughs to make use of local solutions, such as the measures in the Local Government Finance Act 2012 to increase council tax on long-term empty properties.

Question No: 2014/1446

Andrew Dismore

Further to your holding answer to Question No: 2014/0975, do you think it is right to allow offices to be converted into homes without the need for planning permission where the boroughs concerned wish to be exempted from such permitted development rights? Will you now give a substantive reply?

Written answer from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 975 / 2014.

Question No: 2014/1447

Andrew Dismore

Further to your holding answer to Question No: 2014/0977, new and intrusive main street lighting over the northbound A41 bus-shelter lighting has been installed just outside  the London University Observatory premises and is causing serious  light pollution affecting their work. Will you ensure that action is taken as soon as possible to eliminate or ameliorate this new source of light pollution that affects the Observatory’s work? Will you now give a substantive reply?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 976 and 977 / 2014.

Question No: 2014/1448

Andrew Dismore

Further to your holding answer to Question No: 2014/0979, further to your answer to Question 2013/5161 “Can TfL arrange for the electronic signs on the A1/A41 on days when Saracens are playing at Allianz Park Copthall Stadium to display that fact, to help ease congestion and parking problems?” Your answer being “Yes, TfL can use electric signage on the A1/A41 when the Saracens are playing at Allianz Park Copthall Stadium.  TfL will also meet with the club, borough and traffic management company and suggest they use static signs or mobile electronic signs as well”; What progress has been made towards ensuring these various arrangements  start at least before the end of this season? Will you  now give a substantive reply?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 979 / 2014.

Question No: 2014/1449

Andrew Dismore

Further to your holding answer to Question No: 2014/0984, do you agree  that the proposed use of the North London line for the HS2 /HS1 link is misconceived and that this stretch of the route should be tunnelled? Will you now give a substantive reply?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Question No: 2014/1450

Andrew Dismore

Further to your holding answer to Question No: 2014/0985, what representations have you made to a) the Government b) HS2 about the proposed HS2/ HS1 link? Will you now give a substantive reply?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Question No: 2014/1451

Andrew Dismore

Further to your holding answer to Question No: 2014/0986, will you join with The Commons Transport Committee in asking Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin  to make public the information and report gleaned by the Major Projects Authority on the HS2 rail project? Will you  now give a substantive reply?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 986 / 2014.

Question No: 2014/1452

Andrew Dismore

Further to your holding answer to Question No: 2014/1006, further to your answer of 18-Dec-2013 “Yes. I received a reply from Colin Matthews on 11 December. Both he and National Air Traffic Services (NATS) report that there have been no flightpath or airspace changes in the vicinity of Barnet. This reinforces my view that Heathrow’s negative effects are felt far and wide across London, and many miles outside the 57dB noise contour the airport claims best represents those affected. I was concerned to read Mr Matthews’ statement that ‘Heathrow impacts far fewer London residents than has been the case in the past’. While this may be true in the longer term, the Government’s own figures show that the number affected has increased in the last 10 years. I intend to respond to Mr Matthews to make these matters clear, and am more than happy to publish in full any correspondence I have with the airport and NATS on this vital matter.” Have you now responded to Mr Matthews, has he now replied and will you now make public your correspondence? Will you now give a substantive reply?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 1006 / 2014.

Question No: 2014/1453

Andrew Dismore

Further to your holding answer to Question No: 2014/1007, further to your holding answer to Question 2014/0240, Will you now give a substantive reply to “In view of the importance to London’s economy of the higher education sector, what do you consider the consequences for the success of that sector to be, of the growing trend for student unions to pass anti-Israel academic and/or economic boycott motions?” Will you now give a substantive reply?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 1007 / 2014. 

Question No: 2014/1454

Andrew Dismore

Further to your holding answer to Question No: 2014/1007, further to your holding answer to Question 2014/0240, Will you now give a substantive reply to “In view of the importance to London’s economy of the higher education sector, what do you consider the consequences for the success of that sector to be, of the growing trend for student unions to pass anti-Israel academic and/or economic boycott motions?” Will you now give a substantive reply?

Written response from the Mayor

This question is a duplicate to MQ 1453 / 2014.

Question No: 2014/1455

Andrew Dismore

Further to your holding answer to Question No: 2014/1008,  further to your holding answer to Question 2014/0241, Will you now give a substantive reply to “In view of the importance to London’s economy of the higher education sector, what representations have you made to university authorities and to student unions about the growing trend for student unions to pass anti Israel academic and/or economic boycott motions?” Will you  now give a substantive reply?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 1007 / 2014. 

Question No: 2014/1456

Andrew Dismore

Further to your holding answer to Question No: 2014/1009, further to your holding answer to Question 2014/0242, Will you now give a substantive reply to “In view of the importance to London’s economy of the higher education sector, what do you consider the consequences for the success of that sector to be, of anti Semitism on campus?” Will you  now give a substantive reply?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 1007 / 2014. 

Question No: 2014/1457

Andrew Dismore

Further to your holding answer to Question No: 2014/1010, further to your holding answer to Question 2014/0243, Will you now give a substantive reply to “In view of the importance to London’s economy of the higher education sector, what representations have you made to university authorities and to student unions  about  anti Semitism on campus?” Will you  now give a substantive reply?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 1007 / 2014. 

Question No: 2014/1458

Andrew Dismore

Further to your holding answer to Question No: 2014/1014, further to your holding answer to Question 2014/0251, will you now give a substantive reply to “Further to Question 2013/5120 “How many cyclists and how many pedestrians have been killed and how many seriously injured in London, in Barnet, and in Camden this calendar year to date?” Will you now provide a substantive response for the last calendar year, 2013? Will you now give a substantive reply?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 5120/ 2013.

Question No: 2014/1459

Andrew Dismore

Further to your answer to Question No: 2014/1015, further to your answer to Question 2014/0258 and further to your answer to Question 4161/2012 “I cycle the whole of London. When I next do Stirling Corner I will give you a report” ; And your answers to questions 261/2013, 522/2013, 1041/2013, 1464/2013 and Question 2039/2013 and Question 2497 / 2013  referring back to your non- answers to my invitation to you to attempt to go round Stirling Corner on your bike, and your repeated answer “I have nothing to add to MQ 4161/2012.”, and your answer to Question 3083 / 2013, “I cycle the whole of London and when I next pass through Stirling Corner I will be sure to give you a report”; and your answer to Question 2013/3698-  “Since my last response to you on this matter “I cycle the whole of London and when I next pass through Stirling Corner I will be sure to give you a report”, I have not cycled through Stirling Corner. However, when I next pass through Stirling Corner, I will be sure to give you a report.” And further to Question 2013/5236-  “Have you ever cycled round Stirling Corner? Have you cycled round Stirling Corner since you promised to do so; if not why not; and if not when do you expect to cycle round Stirling Corner? Or is it that you have no intention of doing so in the foreseeable future and just want to pretend you are a keen cyclist with cyclists’ concerns at heart and have no intention of honouring your commitment to do so, so that your original answer can be seen as nothing more than a fobbing off exercise? Or are you frightened of doing so, as it is too dangerous? Why do you have nothing to add? Aren’t you embarrassed by your non responses when reminded of your promise? And to Question 2013/4184 “I have nothing further to add to my previous answers to this question. It costs around £70 to respond to each Mayor’s Question and this question has now been asked 10 times.” “Why have you nothing to add? Are you not ashamed of your continual failure to honour this commitment? Why are you trying to avoid legitimate scrutiny of your work by suggesting that questions such as this that you find difficult and embarrassing should not be repeatedly asked until you provide a proper reply?” Your answer being- “This is the 11th time you have asked this question. I have not cycled through Stirling Corner. However, when I next cycle through Stirling Corner, I will be sure to give you a report.” Did you pass by Sterling Corner on your recent visit to Hendon?  Have you cycled round the roundabout yet? If not, why not? Your written response being “This is the 12th time you have asked this question. Please see my response to MQ5236 / 2013″ Isn’t  it about time you honoured  your commitment to ride round the junction on your bike, assuming you have yet to do so, so you don’t have to keep answering this question which reveals your failure to honour your pledge? Your answer being: Your question could have simply read “Have you cycled around Stirling Corner?” and my response to that question is “Please see my response to MQ 4161/2012″. Have you ridden round String corner yet on your bike; if not why not; and is your answer above an indication of  the embarrassment you feel about being reminded about yet another broken pledge?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Question No: 2014/1460

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question No: 2014/1026, further to Question 2014/0289, which was further to question 2013/5231 “What is your policy towards police officers in uniform smoking on duty in public in the street?” And your response to that question being  “The MPS should always uphold the law in relation to smoking in buildings.” Question  2014/0289 being, ” Will you now answer the question as asked? Do you approve of police officers in uniform smoking on duty in public in the street? Does this project the image of the Met that you wish to see?” and your written response being “The Metropolitan Police Service should always uphold the law in relation to smoking in buildings.” which is not an answer to the question that was asked, why are you shy of answering the simple question that was asked? Do you or do you not approve of police officers in uniform smoking on duty in public in the street? Does this or does this not project the image of the Met that you wish to see? Your answer being: “The MPS always uphold the law in relation to smoking in buildings.  Police Officers are actively discouraged from smoking at work whilst in uniform.” How are officers discouraged and do you  agree with me that it presents a poor image and role model of police officers if they are seen smoking in the street when on duty in uniform?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 1026 / 2014.

Question No: 2014/1461

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question No: 2014/0983, the Post Office has just officially announced that Swiss Cottage Crown Post Office will be transferred to WH Smith on Thursday, 27th February; the Crown Office will close at the end of business on Wednesday, 26th February at 5.30 p.m. Do you feel this decision of the post office to close this important crown post office will adversely impact on postal services for Londoners? Your answer being: “Please see my response to MQs 1495 and 2109/ 2013. I have corresponded with the Government on this issue and I will continue to monitor that the Post Office reforms are being developed in a way that preserves reasonable access to these services for Londoners.” Will you publish your correspondence with the Government  about Swiss Cottage Crown Post Office and if not, why not?

Written response from the Mayor

On 5 August 2013 I wrote to Jo Swinson MP, Under-Secretary of State at BIS with responsibility for postal reforms, regarding the postal reforms and also the London Living Wage. My correspondence did not specifically refer to Swiss Cottage, nor to any other specific post office. As I have made clear, my officers have been monitoring the proposed changes to the postal service in London and I am satisfied that Londoners will continue to receive a good postal service.

Question No: 2014/1462

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question No: 2014/1025, as of 31st December 2013 , how many police officers and PCSOs in total were there in Barnet’s safer neighbourhood clusters, what were the comparable figures for  the borough’s safer neighbourhood teams in total as at 1st May 2010, and 31st  December  2012; and what do you expect the figures to be on 1st May 2015? Your response being: “The strengths for the relevant dates are set out in the table below:

Under the Local Policing Model, Barnet is currently scheduled to have 149 police officers and 42 PCSOs in Safer Neighbourhood teams. The growth in officer numbers in the MPS to accommodate the Local Policing Model overall should be in place by March 2015.” How do you explain the discrepancy between your answer and the figures given at the MOPAC roadshow in February 2014, which stated that currently there were 124 neighbourhood officers and the target for 2015 was 135 neighbourhood officers? Who is telling the truth, you or your deputy mayor for policing?

Written response from the Mayor

As stated in the Police and Crime Plan, Barnet will have 135 officers in safer neighbourhoods. These figures are correct.