Andrew Dismore

Stonegrove Regeneration Edgware

Question No: 2016/2098

Andrew Dismore

Earlier this year, after an intervention by your predecessor and a site visit with myself and a GLA officer to this part-GLA funded project, various promises were made by the developers, Baratts, and by the housing association Family Mosaic to us on behalf of the tenants, over poor management and maintenance  issues. I regret to say that those promises in large part have not been met, and in some respects maintenance has got worse, yet the service charges have been increased. Will you also intervene on behalf of these hard done by residents, to pressure Barratts and Family Mosaic to meet their responsibilities without further delay or prevarication?

Written response from the Mayor

I am sorry to hear that the situation on the Stonegrove Estate is still not satisfactory for some residents.

My officers have contacted Family Mosaic and Barratt again and understand that Family Mosaic is writing to update you on all the issues raised since February. There was a meeting with concerned residents to explain the new service charge structure on 25th May and follow up is planned, which my officers will closely monitor.

West Hampstead fire station

Question No: 2016/2099

Andrew Dismore

At West Hampstead fire station there are four unoccupied houses that need refurbishment. Do you agree that it would be a good idea to bring them back into use for key worker housing for firefighters at a London living rent?

Written response from the Mayor

A report was presented to LFEPA’s Resources Committee on 10 March 2016 setting out options for the future of the cottages at West Hampstead.  Members of the committee recognised that the shortage of affordable housing in London, especially for key workers, including firefighters, is an important consideration in the future of the cottages.

I have asked officers to follow up on whether this option may represent the best way forward

West Hendon regeneration

Question No: 2016/2100

Andrew Dismore

Will you review the GLA involvement and consents given to this scheme, to see if anything can be done better to respect the remaining residents’ rights, in line with your manifesto; and insofar as future consents are required, will you ensure that residents’ rights are fully recognised and protected?

Written response from the Mayor

I am clear that any new regeneration schemes brought forward in the future should only take place where certain standards are met, in particular in relation to residents’ involvement, engagement and rights.

I will be working with boroughs and others to develop these standards. In terms of this particular scheme, I will ask my team to discuss the GLA’s role directly with you.

Grahame Park regeneration

Question No: 2016/2101

Andrew Dismore

Will you review the GLA involvement and consents given to this scheme, to see if anything can be done better to respect the remaining residents’ rights, in line with your manifesto; and insofar as future consents are required, will you ensure that residents’ rights are fully recognised and protected?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 2016 /2100.

Barnet planning decisions and affordable homes

Question No: 2016/2102

Andrew Dismore

Will you hold an investigation into Barnet Council’s major planning decision making, which has underprovided affordable homes in a large number of major schemes, especially focussing on ‘viability’?

Written response from the Mayor

While there may well be instances across London, where boroughs have not negotiated hard enough for affordable housing, I would prefer to look forward rather than backwards and to that end have instructed my planning officers to produce new planning guidance to shine a light on the opaque world of viability assessments, strengthening my ability to deliver more affordable housing.

Barnet planning decisions and Mill Hill East

Question No: 2016/2103

Andrew Dismore

Will you hold an investigation into Barnet planning decisions at Mill Hill East, which has allowed implementation of planning consent to be spun out, so that it will be many years before the scheme is completed, with continuing rise in prices as a result?

Written response from the Mayor

As you will be aware, the grants of planning permission do not usually require schemes to be implemented within particular timeframes. However, s106 agreements can include a requirement to review affordable housing provision to ensure any rise in prices makes a contribution to additional affordable housing provision.

Mount Pleasant

Question No: 2016/2104

Andrew Dismore

Will you review the GLA involvement and consents given to this scheme, to see if anything can be done to improve the scheme, particularly with a view to increasing the number of affordable homes?

Written response from the Mayor

In relation to the approved scheme, I am not in a position to recover or review a previous Mayoral decision. Most pertinently, a judicial review against the previous decision was rejected by the Courts and the decision was found to be sound.

In relation to affordable housing, I note that application includes two review mechanisms that would revisit the viability of the scheme, to establish if there is scope to deliver more affordable housing.

I also note that if a revised application were to be submitted in the future, then I would be consulted, depending on the scale of development.

Probate fees

Question No: 2016/2105

Andrew Dismore

The Government has been consulting on a rise in probate fees which would see an increase on estates worth £2million from £188 to £20,000. What do you consider the impact of this will be on Londoners, where the value of estates is much higher than in the rest of the country due to property values; and will you make representations about it to the Ministry of Justice?

Written response from the Mayor

In principle I support the government’s proposed reforms which would eliminate probate fees for many more estates by raising the value threshold to £50,000, while ensuring that higher fees are charged on more valuable estates but with the fee never exceeding 1% of the total value.

However, I also realise that because of London’s higher property values, the higher fees will disproportionately affect Londoners. I will monitor the situation closely and make representations to the Government at the appropriate time.

Non EU migrants living in London

Question No: 2016/2106

Andrew Dismore

The Government have moved the goalposts for non EU migrants living in the UK, which will disproportionally affect those living London. From this year , non-EEA workers will need to earn at least £35,000 to settle in the UK for longer than six years unless they are working in a PhD-level occupation or a job which is on the Shortage Occupation List. Will you make representations to both the Home Secretary and Immigration Minister over the new legislation, so that those who came to settle in London under the then rules are not disadvantaged by an ex post facto rule change?  http://news.sky.com/story/1698985/oz-anger-at-visa-changes-for-non-eu-workers   https://player.vimeo.com/video/162272132?autoplay=1

Written response from the Mayor

I value the important contribution of Alyson Frazierk and many others who have come to London to study and work. This is a great city for creative, talented people from around the world and they enrich the lives of all Londoners. It is important that Tier 2 supports the growth of London’s creative sector.

The settlement pay threshold changes were introduced in April 2016. I am unable to comment on individual cases but will ask my officers to review the impact of the changes on London.

Economy Committee High Streets report

Question No: 2016/2107

Andrew Dismore

Will you reconsider the recommendations of the Economy Committee High Streets report in the last Assembly term, to see which you can support and implement with particular reference to a level playing field for traders in competition with charity shops, controlling the number of gambling premises, and open and available lists of landlords?

Written response from the Mayor

Boroughs are now better able to control the number of gambling premises since the Government amended the Planning Use Classes Order and placed betting offices/shops in the ‘Sui Generis’ Use Class – a move which I fully support. This means that a change of use to a betting office/shop now needs formal planning approval by the local planning authority.

I will consider the Assembly’s other recommendations as part of the full review of the London Plan.

Bus stops near St. Pancras Hospital

Question No: 2016/2108

Andrew Dismore

The removal of the bus stops on either side of the road that were closest to St. Pancras Hospital (nos. 46 and 214 buses) means that a lot of sick people have to trudge half a mile or so from the next nearest bus stop especially as the hospital also now houses a general practice that has moved from Kings Cross Road.  Will you reinstate these bus stops, and if not why not?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Flooding, Courtland /A1 pedestrian subway

Question No: 2016/2109

Andrew Dismore

Since the tunnel was renovated it has never worked properly and it floods to at least 1 metre deep and by the marks on the floor, it must have risen to ceiling height at some point. The water has also begun to lift the tar from the surface and someone is likely to trip over it. This affects children attending the schools at Courtland Primary and Mill Hill Secondary and some have been seen jumping the A1 central barrier. What will you do to make this subway usable and to stop the flooding?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

A5 at Staples Corner Flyover

Question No: 2016/2110

Andrew Dismore

Will you look into the condition of the A5 at Staples Corner Flyover? A lot of vegetation is growing out of the side of the road (in both directions) which growth could cause serious damage to both the road surface and the concrete infrastructure.

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

night tube

Question No: 2016/2111

Andrew Dismore

I have received a number of representations from residents living near overground stretches of tube lines and near tube stations, about the noise impact once the night tube starts. What are you doing to reduce the impact on these residents, who were not consulted by the previous mayor about the night tube scheme?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Wandsworth Council’s proposals for a Nine Elms bridge

Question No: 2016/2112

Andrew Dismore

Are you aware of the opposition to this proposal from the residents of Pimlico on the Westminster side of the river and their Councillors, who do not see any need for a bridge and see it as a highly expensive vanity project as Chelsea Bridge and Vauxhall Bridge are nearby, and two new tube stations are being built. Will you indicate to Wandsworth Council that this proposal does not have your support?

Written response from the Mayor

I understand that residents in the Pimlico area have concerns about the proposal and the impact it could have on the local area. No further work is being undertaken by TfL at this time and it is clear that any scheme requires support from all affected authorities.

A TfL study completed in 2013 found that a pedestrian and cyclist bridge connecting Pimlico and Nine Elms was feasible and could have a strong transport case, but significant environmental and planning issues would first need to be resolved if the bridge was to progress.

Bus route 13

Question No: 2016/2113

Andrew Dismore

Following a consultation during March and April 2015, TfL decided not to progress any further with our proposals for changes to routes 13, 82, 113, 139 and 189 on Finchley Rd.  However, they are intending to launch a new consultation in June 2016 on different proposals which include routes 13, 82, 113, 139 and 189.  In view of the enormous opposition to the removal of route 13, will you confirm that route 13 is safe with you?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Pedestrianisation of Oxford Street

Question No: 2016/2114

Andrew Dismore

Plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street are contentious with residents north and south of Oxford Street who are concerned as to where the many buses will go and the risk of their displacement down smaller residential streets. Will you consider a range of other actions to improve air quality and increase safety such as phasing out diesel buses from routes that travel along Oxford Street, widening pavements and getting rid of street clutter, pedestrianising the side streets wherever practical and allowing cafes to set up and banning pedicabs?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Grafton Way air pollution

Question No: 2016/2115

Andrew Dismore

At the moment taxis have to drive below residential windows in Grafton Way, Euston because they cannot go straight ahead, unless they want to drive down the underpass onto the Westway. This means that taxis and other vehicles queue below residential windows throughout the day which is very bad for the health of those who live there, especially those who work from home.   Camden Council monitored NO2 here last year resulting in readings well over the EU legal limit. There are no residents on Euston Road where the bus lane is, only the hospital which has air filtration unlike Grafton Way residents. Will you allow taxis to drive on the (newish) bus lane on Euston Rd in front of UCH, to reduce the pollution experienced by these residents?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Westminster CCTV

Question No: 2016/2116

Andrew Dismore

What assessment of the impact have you made and what representations are you making to Westminster City Council, over their decision to switch off all their CCTV systems, including for the West End and central London?

The report can be found via the online agenda for Cabinet, item 6 (http://committees.westminster.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=130&MId=3943).

Written response from the Mayor

I am concerned over this issue and have discussed this at my regular meetings with the Commissioner.

I understand that the Westminster City Council decision was to end their contract with G4S who currently undertake the monitoring of the CCTV in the borough. The report helpfully references some capital funding which remains available to support innovative solutions.

The MPS were in touch with the City Council prior to the decision being taken and have offered to assist with relocation of where the feed from the CCTV is viewed and to work with Westminster on solutions which might allow for continued coverage on a basis which, whilst

recognising WCC cost pressures, did not significantly add to those of the MPS.  I am pleased that those discussions are continuing.

Police expenditure on a ‘guru’

Question No: 2016/2117

Andrew Dismore

At a time of pressure on the Metropolitan Police budget, was it a wise investment under the previous mayor to spend £40,000 on a ‘guru’ to promote their austerity to their own officers?

Written response from the Mayor

The MPS is having to change its culture and the way in which it works.  I understand that the engagement was part of a programme of communication and change intended to influence the thinking of all of the leaders in this organisation of some 40,000 people.

My role is to provide strategic oversight of the budget and whilst I require the MPS to use their funds efficiently and effectively, and will continue to reinforce this message; decisions about events of this sort are primarily a matter for the Commissioner.

Merging borough policing

Question No: 2016/2118

Andrew Dismore

Do you plan to go ahead with your predecessor’s scheme to merge Police Borough Command Units?

Written response from the Mayor

I want to restore real neighbourhood policing for London.

Any substantial changes will be outlined as part of my Police and Crime Plan and will go through extensive consultation.

Detective shortage

Question No: 2016/2119

Andrew Dismore

What progress is being made in addressing the shortage of trained detectives?

Written response from the Mayor

Significant activity is underway to increase the number of trained detectives. This includes: external recruitment campaigns; detective recruitment open days; specialist crime trainee detective scheme; and mentoring schemes across territorial policing and specialist departments to identify and support detectives of the future.

The latest recruitment process selected 101 new trainee detectives. Furthermore an additional 225 officers have registered for the National investigator exam (NIE).

Water cannon

Question No: 2016/2120

Andrew Dismore

Will you now dispose of the useless water cannon?

Written response from the Mayor

I made a manifesto commitment to do this and I intend to deliver it.

Officers qualified for promotion 1

Question No: 2016/2121

Andrew Dismore

How many Met. constables have passed the necessary examinations and are qualified for promotion to sergeant?

Written response from the Mayor

2,007 Police Constables / Detective Constables currently hold valid Objective Structured Performance Related Examination (OSPRE) passes for sergeant.

Officers qualified for promotion 2

Question No: 2016/2122

Andrew Dismore

How many Met. sergeants have passed the necessary examinations and are qualified for promotion to inspector ?

Written response from the Mayor

793 substantive Police Sergeants / Detective Sergeants currently hold valid OSPRE passes.

Officer Vacancies 1

Question No: 2016/2123

Andrew Dismore

How many sergeant vacancies are you anticipating in the Met over the current year?

Written response from the Mayor

The MPS are anticipating approximately 450 sergeant vacancies over the coming year.

Officer Vacancies 2

Question No: 2016/2124

Andrew Dismore

How many inspector vacancies are you anticipating in the Met over the current year?

Written response from the Mayor

The MPS are anticipating approximately 200 inspector vacancies over the coming year.

Special constables

Question No: 2016/2125

Andrew Dismore

What plans do you have to increase the number of specials in the Met and how do you propose to achieve this?

Written response from the Mayor

The MPS completed a review of the MSC earlier in the year and I will be sure to reflect on its findings as I develop my Police and Crime Plan.

Police horses

Question No: 2016/2126

Andrew Dismore

How many police horses are there in the Met; how many officers are there qualified to be mounted officers; and what is the cost of keeping a police horse, per year?

Written response from the Mayor

The Mounted Branch operates at 110 horses across London. The MPS has a total of 142 riding police officers and a budget of £5,558 per horse per annum. This budget excludes stables which are part of the estates budget.

River police

Question No: 2016/2127

Andrew Dismore

How many police launches are there in the Met., and what is the annual cost of keeping a launch operational?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Senior officer residential accommodation

Question No: 2016/2128

Andrew Dismore

Does the Met still provide, pay for, or subsidise the cost of accommodation for senior officers; if so which officers benefit from this perk; and what does it cost per year?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Capital City Functions

Question No: 2016/2129

Andrew Dismore

What is the current estimate of the cost to the Met of the international and capital city functions it performs; how is this calculated; and how much is reimbursed by central government?

Written response from the Mayor

The National and International Capital City (NICC) functions cover a number of unique and additional demands.  These include the policing of national-scale protests, which are often focused on the capital as the seat of Government; protection for our national and international interests such as the financial centre, major tourist attractions, foreign embassies and  critical national infrastructure; and managing the impact of London as a draw for criminals from the UK and overseas.

Throughout 2015, the Home Office conducted a review of the NICC functions concluding with an independent panel to review the bid of MOPAC/MPS.  The independent panel concurred with MOPAC/MPS proposals which were costed at £281m.  However, the Government only allocated £174m, 62% of the panel’s assessment of need.

143 bus route

Question No: 2016/2130

Andrew Dismore

Are you aware of a petition to increase the frequency of 143 buses, and will you look to do so, on one of the few cross-Barnet bus routes?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.