Andrew Dismore

Question No: 2014/1978

Andrew Dismore

Have you met with the Chief Executives of Councils affected by disruption to important postal services, such as council tax forms, where Dutch postal operator TNT has been operating?

Written response from the Mayor

No, and nor has my Office been approached requesting a meeting on this issue from Council Chief Executives.

Question No: 2014/1979

Andrew Dismore

Many of my constituents have contacted me with concerns about important and confidential items of post that have been either mis-delivered, or, more worryingly, dumped by TNT. Do you share these concerns?

Written response from the Mayor

I am sorry to hear of your constituents’ experiences. As an independent company, the day to day operations of its service is a matter for TNT.

Question No: 2014/1980

Andrew Dismore

You initially welcomed the arrival of TNT into London to compete with Royal Mail. Given recent press reports about problems with its service, do you still stand by that view?

Written response from the Mayor

It is not for me to comment on the day to day operations of an independent company. However, the arrival and expansion of TNT is creating much needed job opportunities for Londoners, which I of course welcome.

Question No: 2014/1981

Andrew Dismore

You seem to think that TNT expanding its workforce in London is creating real jobs. However TNT is clearly cherry picking people for these roles, and Royal Mail, which we all rely on, will suffer as a result. Do you really think that these part-time, zero-hour roles will not result in the loss of jobs for our proven, reliable Royal Mail posties?

Written response from the Mayor

The recruitment strategy of an independent company is not a matter for me to comment on or one which I have control over. I do however welcome TNT’s commitment to provide much needed jobs for Londoners.

Question No: 2014/1982

Andrew Dismore

TNT has expanded its operations in London, and as a result we have seen mis-delivered and dumped poll cards and council tax forms. Are you not worried that this selection of profitable  areas by TNT  who do not provide a universal service will undermine the affordable and reliable postal service that people across the UK depend on?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 1974/ 2014.

Question No: 2014/1983

Andrew Dismore

Which London Underground stations are you planning to make step-free, with work commencing to enable this before May 2016?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Question No: 2014/1984

Andrew Dismore

In light of Transport for London’s refusal to provide a bus service to Finchley Memorial Hospital – primarily on financial grounds – will you now consider supporting the much cheaper proposals from Barnet Community Transport to provide a minibus service to the hospital?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Question No: 2014/1985

Andrew Dismore

What regard are you paying to the representations you have received from residents concerning the planning application for a tower block at 100 Avenue Road, Swiss Cottage?

Written response from the Mayor

I issued my stage one report on the planning application on 24 April 2014.  At that time, I had not directly received any representations from residents, as the statutory consultation process carried out by the Council was still underway.  Since issuing my stage one report to Camden, I have directly received representations and these are being responded to.

All representations received are being carefully considered, and those sent directly to the Council will be forwarded to me as part of the stage two submission.  All representations will be taken into account and balanced against the strategic planning benefits of the scheme when I consider the application at stage two.

Question No: 2014/1986

Andrew Dismore

The word ‘archaeology’ does not appear anywhere in your new Cultural Strategy. Why?

Written response from the Mayor

This is not a new strategy but an update that builds on Cultural Metropolis which we published in 2010 and does not supersede it.  The Mayor’s Cultural Strategy acknowledges both the cultural and economic role archaeology plays (pages 80 and 131 of Cultural Metropolis 2010), and the vital supporting role boroughs need to play in supporting it e.g. in planning frameworks. Archaeology is covered by Policy 4.4 (5.4 in the update) which aims to ensure that “the capital’s heritage is understood, explored and celebrated by as many Londoners as possible” and includes examples of public archaeology projects in communities and on the Thames foreshore. The Mayor continues to fund the Museum of London to run the world’s largest archaeological archive, host the Portable Antiquities scheme and create a brand new archaeological space at London Wall to highlight developing archaeological stories in the capital.

Question No: 2014/1987

Andrew Dismore

Are you aware that the Museum of London is where all commercially funded archaeology archives generated in London are deposited, be they the records, artefacts or human remains used for research, learning activities and volunteer programmes both at the Museum and in outer Boroughs and that the Museum of London’s Archaeological Archive and Centre for Human Bioarchaeology is regarded as a role model for the rest of the country? If you are so aware, why was there not even a passing mention of this in your new Cultural Strategy?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 1986 / 2014.

Question No: 2014/1988

Andrew Dismore

Why is there no mention of community archaeology and the Thames Discovery Programme in your new Cultural Strategy?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 1986 / 2014.

Question No: 2014/1989

Andrew Dismore

Why is there no mention of the role of the churches in promoting music, art and architecture in your new Cultural Strategy?

Written response from the Mayor

This year’s updated strategy builds on Cultural Metropolis which we published in 2010, but does not supersede it.  My Cultural Strategy acknowledges the role of church halls as institutions that can – and do – deliver cultural activity (page 62) and states that “institutions, London boroughs and other agencies need to work together to see how they can derive more value from existing assets and projects.” In particular we highlight the excellent commissioning at St Paul’s Cathedral and religious-themed work by artists such as Bill Viola.

Question No: 2014/1990

Andrew Dismore

Why is there no acknowledgement of the importance of the relationship between archaeology and tourism, and therefore the importance of its consideration in planning, dissemination and curation in your new Cultural Strategy?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 1986 / 2014.

Question No: 2014/1991

Andrew Dismore

In the interests of community cohesion, do you oppose the attempts by some to outlaw or make more difficult the religious practices of Shechita and Halal in London?

Written response from the Mayor

I would oppose measures to outlaw established religious practices such as Shechitah or Halal food preparation, which are so important to our diverse faith communities in London.

It is important that all consumers are able to make informed choices about the food they buy and as such, I am in favour of clear labelling and information being a feature of food purchasing.

Question No: 2014/1992

Andrew Dismore

The University of Huddersfield and Battlefields Trust are considering a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund to carry out an archaeological excavation to determine the site of the Battle of Barnet. Will you support such a bid if it is made?

Written response from the Mayor

The Battle of Barnet is of national importance. We are in principle supportive of this project which could help celebrate and promote Barnet’s rich history.

Question No: 2014/1993

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question 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?”

Your response being:

“I have replied to Mr Matthews’ letter of 11 December and I have in recent days received his reply to that letter.  I am considering my response and I will be happy to publish the series of correspondence in due course.”

Will you now publish the correspondence?

Written response from the Mayor

I have published this correspondence and it can be found at the following link: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/publications-and-reports/aviation

Question No: 2014/1994

Andrew Dismore

The local community is the one stakeholder that has been consistently and systematically excluded from your discussions about the long-term development of their neighbourhood. It has also been said on your behalf that the Mayor is not permitted to meet with the applicant. Could you explain therefore why representatives of the Royal Mail Group (RMG) are allowed to join you for a site visit and the local community are not? When is your site visit scheduled?

Written response from the Mayor

The local community have not been systematically excluded from discussions about the long term future of their neighbourhood. Both my planning officers and the Deputy Mayor Sir Edward Lister have met with representatives of the local community in order to better understand their concerns with the Mount Pleasant proposals and to see if the scheme can be amended to address those concerns.

My site visit to Mount Pleasant was completed on 28 May 2014 in accordance with the procedures set out in my Representational Hearings Document. The purpose of the site visit is to allow me to see the setting of the development and to ask for clarifications and matters of fact if necessary. The visits are attended by my planning and legal officers as well as the local authority officers and the applicant. The applicant is not allowed to lobby me in any way, as set out in the Representational Hearings Document and that is made clear to the applicant before the site visit.

Question No: 2014/1995

Andrew Dismore

The Government has said it will establish a £150m fund to kick-start the regeneration of large housing estates through repayable loans, helping to boost housing supply, and that bids will shortly be invited from private sector developers, working with local authorities on estates that might be able to benefit. Following the Autumn Statement, expressions of interest have been made through the Greater London Authority, including for the Grahame Park and Brent Cross regeneration projects. The Government has said it will work with the Mayor of London, the Greater London Authority and the London Borough of Barnet to look at proposals for these regeneration schemes, subject to value for money and affordability.

What progress is being made with these bids; when will the outcome of the bids be known; and how many affordable homes, including social homes for rent, will result from this initiative?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Question No: 2014/1996

Andrew Dismore

I am sure you are aware of the plans for major changes at the RNOH Stanmore, which include a substantial housing development on the site. What assessment have you made of the impact of the plans on the strategic roads, in particular Canon’s Corner, also bearing in mind the London Academy expansion plan?

Written response from the Mayor

I considered the application at Stage II on 10 April 2013. In that report TfL notes that in relation to highway capacity, that following Stage one and at TfL’s request, further assessment has been undertaken regarding possible improvements to the Brockley Hill/Wood Lane junction in order to mitigate traffic arising from the development. Harrow Council has accepted the provision of a signalised junction as effective mitigation and the section 106 agreement will secure this through a section 278 agreement (Highways Act). As these works will also encompass new/improved crossings between the site and the bus stops on Brockley Hill, TfL welcomed the separate condition added which secures the delivery of such facilities prior to the commencement of the Central Development Zone (CDZ). In addition to this, a contribution of £20,000 has been secured towards upgrading the two bus stops on Brockley Hill, which TfL welcomes. As agreed with Harrow, TfL expects to be involved in all of the above section 278 discussions, given its responsibility for maintaining traffic signals and a reliable bus network.

Question No: 2014/1997

Andrew Dismore

The Edgware Town Team has been working on proposals for a street market. This will displace meter parking on market days. As the taxi ranks in Edgware Town centre are underused, will you consider their conversion (in whole or part) to meter parking to accommodate the displaced bays?

Written response from the Mayor

Taxi ranks are an essential part of our capital’s transport network, providing a dedicated space where the public can safely access taxi services.

The taxi rank in Edgware is a busy rank and it serves the station and surrounding area. As part of the Edgware Town Centre improvement project, TfL has reviewed the facility to consider potential improvements, but this does not include plans to reduce the number of taxi rank spaces or to convert some of these spaces to metered parking bays.

However, TfL will work with Barnet Council and the developers to support the regeneration aspirations for Edgware Town Centre.

Question No: 2014/1998

Andrew Dismore

What progress is being made towards establishing the 24/7 traffic lights permanently; the reduction in speed limit to 50mph; and improved pedestrian crossing facilities at Stirling Corner?

Written response from the Mayor

The trial period for the traffic lights currently in situ is complete. TfL is drafting its final report based on their observations and analysis of the data, and will be reporting on the findings later this summer.

Question No: 2014/1999

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question 2014/1459:

“Further to your answer to Question 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?”

Your response being:

“Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.”

Have you still not cycled round Stirling Corner, and if not, why not?

Written response from the Mayor

My response to MQ 2014/1459 was “I have not broken any pledge on this issue.”

Question No: 2014/2000

Andrew Dismore

What progress is being made in your plans for this junction; what discussions have you or your officers had with Barnet Council; and when will a public consultation be held?

Written response from the Mayor

TfL has instigated a design to improve capacity and resilience at Mill Hill Circus.  A design that increases the internal capacity by a combination of reducing the size of the central island and increasing the space available for traffic on the north eastern quadrant of the roundabout has been developed.

Initial contact has been made with LB Barnet and TfL are awaiting a response in order to ascertain the level of support for the Borough to make improvements at this location.

If a viable proposal for a scheme is identified, public consultation will be progressed.

Question No: 2014/2001

Andrew Dismore

Will you review the need for traffic lights at the Selvage Lane arm of the junction?

Written response from the Mayor

TfL is investigating the need for traffic lights at the Selvage Lane arm of the junction and confirm its findings in due course.

Question No: 2014/2002

Andrew Dismore

Will you review the need for traffic light enforcement cameras at Apex Corner?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Question No: 2014/2003

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question 2014/0968: “The junction of Queens Road and the A41 at Hendon Central is heavily congested at rush hours. It is also difficult to make a right turn at this junction as the filter system restricts the number of cars to a small number in each sequence. What will you do about this?”

Your response being:

“Thank you for highlighting your concern. A Traffic Signal Engineer will assess the A41/Queens Road junction and look into any possible signal improvements that can be made to the right turn.”

Has this work now been done, and if so, with what outcome? If not, when will it be done?

Written response from the Mayor

TfL is in the process of applying signal timing changes to the junction to provide more opportunity to southbound right turning traffic. This will be complete by the end of June.

Hendon Circus is also being considered as a possible location for longer term design and layout changes to further improve the junction.

Question No: 2014/2004

Andrew Dismore

As well as shuttle tube services, there are also buses between these stations with a quarter hour service interval. Currently, bus and underground timetables ignore one another. I quote from TfL’s Journey Planner for a weekday morning hour:

1010-1013, 1025-1028, 1040-1043, 1055-1058 (Tube)

1010-1014, 1024-1028, 1039-1043, 1054-1058 (Bus)

For a return journey, times are

1003-1005  1018-1020  1033-1035  1048-1050  Tube

1005-1011  1019-1025  1034-1040  1049-1055  Bus

Tube and bus times are closely aligned. Together they provide eight connections per hour, but the close alignment of services only provides 4 effective connections.

Is there not an advantage to passengers in moving tube or bus times by about 7 minutes, giving more options to travellers than having to wait up to 15 minutes, and if so will you review these timetables accordingly; and if not, why not?

Written response from the Mayor

I have asked TfL to look into this further. Once they have completed this work they will contact you directly.

Question No: 2014/2005

Andrew Dismore

Will you consider providing step-free access at Mill Hill East, given the growing population in light of your designation of the area as one for housing intensification?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Question No: 2014/2006

Andrew Dismore

A constituent has complained to me asking if is it appropriate, when customers give their email addresses to TfL in order to receive information about services and timetables during strike periods, that TfL uses these emails to circulate not just details of how the strike will affect services, but also propaganda about the current dispute, only stating TfL’s arguments as to why they are right and the union is wrong? Is this not a misuse of the email data of people who have not signed up for propaganda but only timetable information? Who vets these emails before they are sent?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Question No: 2014/2007

Andrew Dismore

A constituent has suggested to me that if a new station at Brent Cross is built, then the existing Hendon Thameslink Rail station would then be too near, meaning it would be rational to move it about 1000m north and at the same time provide a passenger interchange with the Northern Line at a new station between Hendon Central and Colindale on the Northern Line (just outside the tunnel). This new combined station, he says, would help alleviate the up-coming huge transport deficit at Grahame Park and ease congestion on both the rail and underground.  Will you look at this suggestion?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Question No: 2014/2008

Andrew Dismore

In view of the continuing  poor performance and poor customer satisfaction rate of FCC in running the Thameslink franchise, do you agree that the time has come for this part of the rail network to be brought within London Overground, whose performance and satisfaction rates are as high as FCC’s is low; and if not, why not?

Written response from the Mayor

I remain strongly in favour of TfL operating more rail services in London and will continue to make the case for greater devolution to deliver an integrated transport network fit for the 21^st century.

The Thameslink franchise has just been re-let by the Government to Govia which promises a range of enhancements, including a 50 per cent train service capacity increase at peak times and timetables designed to improve punctuality. The new franchise will expire in 2021.

Question No: 2014/2009

Andrew Dismore

In November last year a constituent witnessed an incident in which a black female 113 bus driver was the subject of an aggressive verbal assault, including racial abuse, from a would-be passenger. My constituent called the Police and the individual responsible was arrested. When he met the bus driver in the court witness room, he found she was not accompanied by any representative of her firm (Metroline); and on asking her if the firm had been supportive, he learned that they had shown no interest whatsoever and had, indeed, even attempted to get her to take annual leave to attend court.

Do you agree that this is unacceptable; and will you raise this with Metroline management, to ensure that staff in this position are given the appropriate support in future?

Written response from the Mayor

Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Metroline senior management were not aware of this case.

TfL has raised the matter with Metroline, who are extremely disappointed to learn that their driver was not given the necessary support that should be available to all employees.

Metroline have apologised to the driver concerned, and have confirmed that they will follow this up thoroughly; taking steps to ensure all managers understand, follow and support their company policy.

Question No: 2014/2010

Andrew Dismore

Do you agree that if the proposed HS2 route into Euston goes ahead, then construction contractors should transport the waste via the canal out to, for example Alperton or Greenford, where it could be easily loaded on to lorries from specially constructed narrow boats using the Western Avenue, and then on to the M4, rather than have excessive numbers of lorries clogging up central London, thus avoid the enormous damage, disruption and pollution to the streets and environment of Camden and beyond; and if so, what will you do about it?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Question No: 2014/2011

Andrew Dismore

Further to your answer to plenary Question 96 / 2013:

“The road markings on the A1 slip road off the A41 used to include four arrows which have been reduced to three. This is dangerous as it is now very difficult to cross this road even at the Traffic lights. There are 2000 school kids who attend Brookland Rise Infant and Junior and Christ College -all on the North side of the A1. There have been accidents with cars exiting Eastholm and Westholm (both cul de sacs) on to the A1. When will you put things back to how they were?”

Your written response being:

“The current layout on the A1 slip road off the A41 contains three arrows which is in accordance with national guidance on road markings.

Whilst TfL can vary the number and position of markings, they generally seek to apply standard road marking layouts which are well known and understood by users. TfL is not aware that the current marking arrangement is causing any safety issues, but a road safety auditor will visit the site in the coming weeks and assess whether there would be benefit in modifying the spacing of current markings and providing an additional arrow.”

What was the outcome of this audit?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Question No: 2014/2012

Andrew Dismore

I previously raised with you a website that was charging motorists to pay the London Congestion Charge when one can do it free on the official TfL site. The Government has now set up a website to which the public can post reports of any sites of this type. Is TfL aware of this and will they give this site appropriate publicity?

Written response from the Mayor

Yes. TfL is working with Trading Standards and the Government Digital Service in order to be involved in and support any cross-government action against these sorts of websites.

TfL has itself taken significant steps to combat this problem, including working successfully to raise the profile of this issue using publicity campaigns in press media, social media and direct mailings where possible to affected customers.

Following direct engagement with Google, TfL provided information and guidance to Google, including commentary on the “additional services” that these sites claim to offer but which are in fact non-existent, of little value, or already provided by TfL for free.  That prompted Google to implement their advertising policies and, as a consequence, since mid February 2014 Google has declined advertisements from these web sites on the basis that they breach its advertising policies, in particular its Sale of Free Items and Official Services policy.

These actions have significantly reduced the number of people being misled into using these sites. Further information is published on TfL’s website: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/congestion-charge/unofficial-selling-websites and they will continue to take all necessary steps to protect our customers.

Crossrail Tunnelling

Question No: 2014/2013

Andrew Dismore

Further to your answer to Question 2014/0245:

“Crossrail are tunnelling under Brooke’s Court EC1N 7RR but now refuse to accept responsibility for the difficulties that have arisen from the noise of trains going under the property at all hours of the night disturbing residents in the basement of this block of flats. Crossrail say that the train noise they have been experiencing is being caused by London Underground trains but the problem did not exist before the tunnelling. Will you urgently investigate the matter to find out who is responsible and what can be done to alleviate the problems these residents are experiencing?”

Your response being:

“Complaints about noise are taken very seriously by both Crossrail Ltd and London Underground and noise must be kept beneath a maximum level agreed with independent environmental health experts. I understand how disruptive construction noise can be to residents and indeed Crossrail always aims to be as considerate as possible to the people affected by its works and to mitigate any concerns as far as possible. For example, TfL proactively communicates forthcoming works to residents and, in some cases, offers respite in terms of alternative accommodation where appropriate.

A temporary railway is currently being used in the construction of Crossrail tunnels near one of the occupants of a basement flat at Brookes Court. Whilst this operates within the noise limit, some noise might be heard within the property. This temporary railway is due to be removed by the end of February and, as such, I would expect any disturbance that this is causing to come to an end.

In the course of our investigations, it was found that a number of Central Line trains could also be heard in the flat. I have asked London Underground to urgently examine the condition of the Central Line in this area and carry out any work necessary to minimise noise.”

It is now May and the problems with noise at Brookes Court are continuing. Furthermore, I have now received another complaint from a resident in Kingsway Mansions, 23a Red Lion Square, London WC1R 4SE, where the tunnel under his flat goes past the Piccadilly line. Crossrail argue that they think the tube noise is more likely due to some other unknown event.

Will you now investigate as matter of urgency what is going on in relation to these two buildings where the residents are suffering noise nuisance, and take action to stop it?

Written response from the Mayor

Crossrail Ltd continues to takes complaints about noise and other disruption due to construction activity very seriously, and seeks to investigate these reports and, where possible, takes action to mitigate them to minimise impact on local residents and businesses.

Since we responded on this matter in February 2014 the tunnelling works in the vicinity of Brookes Court have been completed.  Consequently, any continuing problems associated with ground-borne noise and vibration at Brookes Court could not be due to either the tunnelling operations or the supply of materials to the tunnelling machines. The last Crossrail-related train ran under these properties on 27/02/2014. Since then the construction railway tracks have been removed and the bottom section of the tunnel has been filled with concrete in preparation for laying the final railway track and systems installation. The works taking place now are of a much lower intensity in comparison to the main tunnelling works.

Crossrail will continue to work with London Underground and others to determine the source of the disturbance at Brookes Court. London Underground has already undertaken investigations in the area which show that the levels for the Central Line trains are well within the acceptable levels agreed with independent environmental health experts.

With regard to Kingsway Mansions, Crossrail will also investigate whether it is possible that disturbance may have been caused by underground construction activity in the vicinity of Fisher Street, to the south of Red Lion Square. Now that Crossrail are aware of this problem they will seek further details from the resident to allow investigations to establish the probable cause of any disturbance and possible mitigation measures if necessary.

Question No: 2014/2014

Andrew Dismore

How much have you spent to date on security at Belsize Fire Station?

Written response from the Mayor

The total cost of security at Belsize Fire Station between 9 January and 31 May 2014 has been £22,824.44.

Question No: 2014/2015

Andrew Dismore

How much are you spending on security at Belsize Fire Station per month?

Written response from the Mayor

The monthly cost of security at Belsize Fire Station is £4,625.

Question No: 2014/2016

Andrew Dismore

What security arrangements at Belsize Fire Station are you getting for the money you are spending on security?

Written response from the Mayor

The security at Belsize Fire Station consists of 2 permanent guards on duty at all times who carry out regular patrols of the premises to ensure that it remains secure at all times, prevent access by any unauthorised persons and report any maintenance issues that may arise.

Question No: 2014/2017

Andrew Dismore

What is the security company involved at Belsize Fire Station?

Written response from the Mayor

The company used is Vigilance Properties.

Question No: 2014/2018

Andrew Dismore

How much have you spent to date on security at Clerkenwell Fire Station?

Written response from the Mayor

The total cost of security at Clerkenwell Fire Station between 9 January and 31 May 2014 has been £34,229.23.

Question No: 2014/2019

Andrew Dismore

How much are you spending on security at Clerkenwell Fire Station per month?

Written response from the Mayor

The monthly cost of security at Clerkenwell Fire Station is £6,938.

Question No: 2014/2020

Andrew Dismore

What security arrangements at Clerkenwell Fire Station are you getting for the money you are spending on security?

Written response from the Mayor

Due to the size of the premises, the security at Clerkenwell Fire Station consists of 3 permanent guards on duty at all times who carry our regular patrols of the premises to ensure that it remains secure at all times, prevent access by unauthorised persons and report any maintenance issues that may arise.

Question No: 2014/2021

Andrew Dismore

What is the security company involved at Clerkenwell Fire Station?

Written response from the Mayor

The company used is Vigilance Properties.

Question No: 2014/2022

Andrew Dismore

In January the alarm for the building was accidently triggered. This resulted in 48 hours of hell for neighbours of the police station, as no one at the Met could find the keys or alarm code. Can you confirm that once the alarm siren was deactivated it was actually switched back on?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Question No: 2014/2023

Andrew Dismore

The squatters who have moved in have occupied buildings in Camden before, and they believe that they will be able to remain on the site for up to one year. For these squatters to gain access to the site they must have found a way in without force. What checks were made to ensure that the building was fully secure?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Question No: 2014/2024

Andrew Dismore

How has Hampstead Police Station been secured since its closure?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Question No: 2014/2025

Andrew Dismore

How many other closed police stations have been ‘secured’ in the same way as Hampstead Police Station?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Question No: 2014/2026

Andrew Dismore

How much have you spent to date on security at Hampstead Police Station?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Question No: 2014/2027

Andrew Dismore

How much are you spending on security at Hampstead Police Station per month?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Question No: 2014/2028

Andrew Dismore

What security arrangements at Hampstead Police Station are you getting for the money you are spending on security?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Question No: 2014/2029

Andrew Dismore

What is the security company involved at Hampstead Police Station? What is the expected cost and timetable for removing the squatters from Hampstead Police Station?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Question No: 2014/2030

Andrew Dismore

Will you recoup the cost of removing the squatters from Hampstead Police Station from the security company that has clearly failed in its job?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Question No: 2014/2031

Andrew Dismore

In light of the occupation of Hampstead Police Station by squatters, will you a) halt the sale of the site until the squatters are gone, and b) reopen the police station?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Question No: 2014/2032

Andrew Dismore

Comparing the current rolling 12 month performance with that of a year ago, how many Burglary (total) Offences were there in Barnet in that year, and are there in the rolling year now?

Written response from the Mayor

Please find below a table of recorded crime for Barnet borough. Across London, including Barnet, the MPS is making good progress against the challenge to reduce key victim-based neighbourhood crimes by 20 per cent by 2016. There are specific areas in every borough where performance can be improved and borough commanders, supported by an extra 2,600 officers in neighbourhoods are working to address these.

Question No: 2014/2033

Andrew Dismore

Comparing the current rolling 12 month performance with that of a year ago, how many Criminal Damage Offences were there in Barnet in that year, and are there in the rolling year now?

Written response from the Mayor

Please find below a table of recorded crime for Barnet borough. Across London, including Barnet, the MPS is making good progress against the challenge to reduce key victim-based neighbourhood crimes by 20 per cent by 2016. There are specific areas in every borough where performance can be improved and borough commanders, supported by an extra 2,600 officers in neighbourhoods are working to address these.

Question No: 2014/2034

Andrew Dismore

Comparing the current rolling 12 month performance with that of a year ago, how many Domestic Offences were there in Barnet in that year, and are there in the rolling year now?

Written response from the Mayor

Please find below a table of recorded crime for Barnet borough. MOPAC does not set any specific targets on Domestic Violence. Domestic Violence has historically been significantly under reported.

MOPAC is keen to see increased reporting across all forms of Violence against Women and Girls. Please be aware that increased reporting of domestic offences may reflect increased confidence, rather than an increase in incidents.

Question No: 2014/2035

Andrew Dismore

Comparing the current rolling 12 month performance with that of a year ago, how many Robbery Offences were there in Barnet in that year, and are there in the rolling year now?

Written response from the Mayor

Please find below a table of recorded crime for Barnet borough. Across London, including Barnet, the MPS is making good progress against the challenge to reduce key victim-based neighbourhood crimes by 20 per cent by 2016. There are specific areas in every borough where performance can be improved and borough commanders, supported by an extra 2,600 officers in neighbourhoods are working to address these.

Question No: 2014/2036

Andrew Dismore

Comparing the current rolling 12 month performance with that of a year ago, how many Theft from MV Offences were there in Barnet in that year, and are there in the rolling year now?

Written response from the Mayor

Please find below a table of recorded crime for Barnet borough. Across London, including Barnet, the MPS is making good progress against the challenge to reduce key victim-based neighbourhood crimes by 20 per cent by 2016. There are specific areas in every borough where performance can be improved and borough commanders, supported by an extra 2,600 officers in neighbourhoods are working to address these.

Question No: 2014/2037

Andrew Dismore

Comparing the current rolling 12 month performance with that of a year ago, how many Theft/Taking Of MV Offences were there in Barnet in that year, and are there in the rolling year now?

Written response from the Mayor

Please find below a table of recorded crime for Barnet borough. Across London, including Barnet, the MPS is making good progress against the challenge to reduce key victim-based neighbourhood crimes by 20 per cent by 2016. There are specific areas in every borough where performance can be improved and borough commanders, supported by an extra 2,600 officers in neighbourhoods are working to address these.

Question No: 2014/2038

Andrew Dismore

Comparing the current rolling 12 month performance with that of a year ago, how many Violence With Injury Offences were there in Barnet in that year, and are there in the rolling year now?

Written response from the Mayor

Please find below a table of recorded crime for Barnet borough. Across London, including Barnet, the MPS is making good progress against the challenge to reduce key victim-based neighbourhood crimes by 20 per cent by 2016. There are specific areas in every borough where performance can be improved and borough commanders, supported by an extra 2,600 officers in neighbourhoods are working to address these.

Question No: 2014/2039

Andrew Dismore

Comparing the current rolling 12 month performance with that of a year ago, how many Burglary (total) Offences were there in Camden in that year, and are there in the rolling year now?

Written response from the Mayor

Please find below a table of recorded crime for Camden borough. Across London, including Camden, the MPS is making good progress against the challenge to reduce key victim-based neighbourhood crimes by 20 per cent by 2016. There are specific areas in every borough where performance can be improved and borough commanders, supported by an extra 2,600 officers in neighbourhoods are working to address these.

Question No: 2014/2040

Andrew Dismore

Comparing the current rolling 12 month performance with that of a year ago, how many Criminal Damage Offences were there in Camden in that year, and are there in the rolling year now?

Written response from the Mayor

Please find below a table of recorded crime for Camden borough. Across London, including Camden, the MPS is making good progress against the challenge to reduce key victim-based neighbourhood crimes by 20 per cent by 2016. There are specific areas in every borough where performance can be improved and borough commanders, supported by an extra 2,600 officers in neighbourhoods are working to address these.

Question No: 2014/2041

Andrew Dismore

Comparing the current rolling 12 month performance with that of a year ago, how many Domestic Offences were there in Camden in that year, and are there in the rolling year now?

Written response from the Mayor

Please find below a table of recorded crime for Camden borough. MOPAC does not set any specific targets on Domestic Violence. Domestic Violence has historically been significantly under reported.

MOPAC is keen to see increased reporting across all forms of Violence against Women and Girls. Please be aware that increased reporting of domestic offences may reflect increased confidence, rather than an increase in incidents.

Question No: 2014/2042

Andrew Dismore

Comparing the current rolling 12 month performance with that of a year ago, how many Robbery Offences were there in Camden in that year and are there in the rolling year now?

Written response from the Mayor

Please find below a table of recorded crime for Camden borough. Across London, including Camden, the MPS is making good progress against the challenge to reduce key victim-based neighbourhood crimes by 20 per cent by 2016. There are specific areas in every borough where performance can be improved and borough commanders, supported by an extra 2,600 officers in neighbourhoods are working to address these.

Question No: 2014/2043

Andrew Dismore

Comparing the current rolling 12 month performance with that of a year ago, how many Theft From MV Offences were there in Camden in that year, and are there in the rolling year now?

Written response from the Mayor

Please find below a table of recorded crime for Camden borough. Across London, including Camden, the MPS is making good progress against the challenge to reduce key victim-based neighbourhood crimes by 20 per cent by 2016. There are specific areas in every borough where performance can be improved and borough commanders, supported by an extra 2,600 officers in neighbourhoods are working to address these.

Question No: 2014/2044

Andrew Dismore

Comparing the current rolling 12 month performance with that of a year ago, how many Theft/Taking Of MV Offences were there in Camden in that year, and are there in the rolling year now?

Written response from the Mayor

Please find below a table of recorded crime for Camden borough. Across London, including Camden, the MPS is making good progress against the challenge to reduce key victim-based neighbourhood crimes by 20 per cent by 2016. There are specific areas in every borough where performance can be improved and borough commanders, supported by an extra 2,600 officers in neighbourhoods are working to address these.

Question No: 2014/2045

Andrew Dismore

Comparing the current rolling 12 month performance with that of a year ago, how many Violence With Injury Offences were there in Camden in that year, and are there in the rolling year now?

Written response from the Mayor

Please find below a table of recorded crime for Camden borough. Across London, including Camden, the MPS is making good progress against the challenge to reduce key victim-based neighbourhood crimes by 20 per cent by 2016. There are specific areas in every borough where performance can be improved and borough commanders, supported by an extra 2,600 officers in neighbourhoods are working to address these.

Question No: 2014/2046

Andrew Dismore

As of 30th April 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 30th April 2013; and what do you expect the figures to be on 1st May 2015?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Question No: 2014/2047

Andrew Dismore

As of 30th April 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 30th April 2013; and what do you expect the figures to be on 1st May 2015?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Question No: 2014/2048

Andrew Dismore

As of 30th April  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 30th April  2013; and what do you expect the figures to be on 1st May 2015?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Question No: 2014/2049

Andrew Dismore

As of 30th April 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 30th April 2013; and what do you expect the figures to be on 1st May 2015?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Question No: 2014/2050

Andrew Dismore

What is the Sanction Detection rate achieved by Barnet borough police for each calendar   month in 2014 (not year on year, but for each of the months concerned)?

Written response from the Mayor

Please find the Sanction Detection rates in the Borough of Barnet in the table below.

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.

Please note that in the table above the Offences were run by a recorded date period of 1st January 2014 – 31st May 2014. The Sanction Detections were run by a detected date period of 1st January 2014 – 31st May 2014. Both the Offences and Sanction Detections in the table are for crimes Notifiable to the Home Office only.

Question No: 2014/2051

Andrew Dismore

What is the Sanctioned Detection rate achieved by Camden borough police for each calendar   month in 2014 (not year on year, but for each of the months concerned)?

Written response from the Mayor

Please find the Sanctioned Detection Rates in the Borough of Camden in the table below.

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.

Please note that in the table above the Offences were run by a recorded date period of 1st January 2014 – 31st May 2014. The Sanction Detections were run by a detected date period of 1st January 2014 – 31st May 2014. Both the Offences and Sanction Detections in the table are for crimes Notifiable to the Home Office only.

Question No: 2014/2052

Andrew Dismore

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

Written response from the Mayor

Question No: 2014/2053

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 three months?

Written response from the Mayor

I Call target is 15 mins

S Call target is 60 mins

Question No: 2014/2054

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 three months?

Written response from the Mayor

Question No: 2014/2055

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 three months’ performance (not year on year, but for each of the months concerned).

Written response from the Mayor

Attached is the performance table for the last three months in rank order for all Boroughs within the MPS. The MPS average, across all boroughs, for the year to date (i.e. April and May 2014) is as follows:

– I calls is 93.7%

– S calls is 91.4%

Question No: 2014/2056

Andrew Dismore

For each month this calendar year in Barnet, what was the longest wait for a response to an S call and longest wait for a response to an I call?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Question No: 2014/2057

Andrew Dismore

For each month this calendar year in Camden, what was the longest wait for a response to an S call and longest wait for a response to an I call?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Question No: 2014/2058

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question 2014/1020:

“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 has 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?”

Your response being:

“The MPS is currently in the process of collating the information and expect to be in a position to confirm whether disciplinary action was brought against MPS officers or staff involved in these particular cases by mid-April 2014.”

April 2014 has now come and gone, but this information has not been provided. When will it be provided, why is it taking so long, and is this a cover up operation by the police?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Question No: 2014/2059

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question 2014/1263:

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

Your response being:

“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.”

What progress is being made with the contact point review and when will its conclusions be published?

Written response from the Mayor

Work is ongoing on the review and it is expected to report later this year.

Question No: 2014/2060

Andrew Dismore

Will you be attending London Pride this year (28th June), and what steps are you taking to support and promote the work of London’s LGBT community groups including Pride in London?

Written response from the Mayor

Unfortunately, I am unable to attend Pride this year, and so my Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime will be attending and meeting groups on my behalf. I continue to support this great event through funding, marketing (tube poster circuit) and my Events team assist and advise the event organisers on all matters regarding the delivery of the event.

London Community Pride is a regular agenda item on my bi-annual LGBT, and separate annual trans stakeholder group meetings. The Director of Communications presented to London’s LGBT community groups in January 2014. A debrief presentation is planned for the July 2014 meeting.

Question No: 2014/2061

Andrew Dismore

Bisexual people often experience ridicule from both heterosexual people and lesbian and gay people, whether in the workplace, when using public services, or within LGBT community groups. It is therefore very important that efforts to promote LGBT equality represent and include the experiences of bisexual people. What steps have you specifically taken to tackle these problems in London?

Written response from the Mayor

My bi-annual LGBT, and separate trans stakeholder group meetings, represent and include the experiences of bisexual people, which in turn informs policy and strategy development. The experiences of bisexual people are mainstreamed, not separated out.

Question No: 2014/2062

Andrew Dismore

People who are black or minority ethnic and LGBT often face dual discrimination. They can find themselves ostracised from their families and excluded from the broader LGBT community. Healthcare providers often assume they are heterosexual and this means that they do not feel comfortable seeking out healthcare advice relevant to their sexual orientation. What steps have you taken to increase the visibility of black and minority ethnic LGBT people?

Written response from the Mayor

My bi-annual LGBT, and separate trans stakeholder group meetings, represent and include the experiences of BAME LGBT, which in turn informs policy and strategy development. The Runnymede Trust have presented to the group on the issue of intersectionality, and subsequently facilitated a lively debate. This presentation also covered issues relating to access to appropriate health care provision for BAME LGBT people. The LGBT community is not one homogenous group and the issue of dual discrimination arises frequently during the course of discussions.

Question No: 2014/2063

Andrew Dismore

LGBT people of faith often feel excluded from traditional religious communities and places of worship. As a result, LGBT-inclusive faith groups are crucial in providing an opening and welcome environment for all worshippers, regardless of their sexual orientation. Are such groups included your meetings with faith communities?

Written response from the Mayor

I meet with representatives from across faith communities and will continue to do so wherever the opportunity arises.

Question No: 2014/2064

Andrew Dismore

Research from Stonewall, De Montford University and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine shows that disabled lesbian, gay and bisexual people are more likely to suffer from domestic abuse, more likely to consider taking their own lives and are at a greater risk of a range of health problems when compared with their non-disabled counterparts. What steps can you take to make sure that disabled LGBT people can access the healthcare services they need?

Written response from the Mayor

My bi-annual LGBT, and separate trans stakeholder group meetings, regularly cover the topic of access to LGBT appropriate healthcare services. There was a presentation by Public Health England (PHE) at the June 2013 meeting; sexual health and domestic violence were also agenda items at this meeting.

There was a presentation on mental health issues in January 2014, and July 2014 will again see a presentation provided by PHE outlining the findings of their latest research. My officers have also met with PHE to discuss latest developments, and the Diversity and Social Policy and Health teams are working collaboratively on a relevant World AIDS Day initiative.

Question No: 2014/2065

Andrew Dismore

The signage by road and at Colindale tube station for the RAF museum is poor. With 400,000 visitors a year, will you improve signage to help people find it; and in particular to ensure that visitors use Colindale and not Hendon tube station for the museum?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Question No: 2014/2066

Andrew Dismore

Which Tube stations are you planning to make step free with work commencing before May 2016?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 1983/ 2014.

Question No: 2014/2067

Andrew Dismore

In view of TfL’s refusal to provide a bus service to Finchley Memorial Hospital primarily on finance grounds, will you now consider supporting the much cheaper proposals  from Barnet Community Transport to provide a minibus service to the hospital?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 1984 / 2014.

Question No: 2014/2068

Andrew Dismore

What regard are you paying to the representations you have received from residents concerning the Planning application for a tower block at 100 Avenue Road, Swiss Cottage?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 2014 /1985.