Andrew Dismore

Question No: 2016/2551

Andrew Dismore

Have you had discussions with the EU Commission over the future of London’s interests, as a result of Brexit?

Written response from the Mayor

It is for the Government to discuss the UK’s arrangements for leaving the EU. The European Commission has made clear that it will not enter into discussion of Brexit until a formal notification of the UK’s leaving is received. This is understandable. Nevertheless, I am planning to visit Brussels in the coming months to discuss London’s EU interests with the relevant Commissioners. Whatever the arrangements for the future EU-UK relationship, London will still need to maintain a dialogue with the EU institutions.

Question No: 2016/2552

Andrew Dismore

What discussions have you had with the Scottish Government’s First Minister over the consequences of Brexit?

Written response from the Mayor

I have spoken with the first minister to Scotland and we are both in agreement that we need a seat at the negotiating table to ensure that the views of the Scottish people and Londoners form part of those discussions. We both believe that in the best interest of jobs and the economy, the United Kingdom must seek to retain access to the single market.

Question No: 2016/2553

Andrew Dismore

The London Chamber of Commerce and Industry recently published its latest report Living on the Edge: Housing London’s Blue Light Emergency Services which highlights the potential impact of housing undersupply on London resilience by exploring the issue of housing affordability for the three ‘blue light’ emergency services that would respond to a major incident in the Capital: what is your response their conclusions and recommendations?

Written response from the Mayor

I want to build more homes that Londoners on low and middle incomes can afford to rent, including for those who work in the emergency services.

My team will be discussing our plans with the emergency services, for instance by discussing with the NHS whether a proportion of homes on NHS land can be reserved for health service workers.

Question No: 2016/2616

Andrew Dismore

NHS England intends to close the Kentish Town Urgent Dental service by April 2017, without public notice or consultation, and against the wishes of Whittington Health. It has been open since 2009 and thousands of patients from across London have benefited from the excellent treatment provided and is essential for those who cannot afford even NHS dentistry. Local dentists also refer patients to this service. As this closure will impact on the dental health of Londoners, especially in Camden, will you raise this with NHS England with a view to lobbying to keep the service open?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Question No: 2016/2617

Andrew Dismore

Further to your answer to Question No: 2016/2098,  things do not seem to be getting any better; what progress has been made with the planned follow up and  what has been the conclusions  of your  officers’ close monitoring?

Written response from the Mayor

Family Mosaic wrote to the assembly member on 20 June 2016 setting out the action that they and Barratt have taken to resolve the issues raised.

The GLA will continue to monitor progress at the regular meetings with Family Mosaic.

Question No: 2016/2618

Andrew Dismore

Further to your answer to Question No: 2016/1791, what are ‘the changes to the Hybrid Bill on which TfL, the GLA and local authorities are already working with HS2 Ltd’?

Written response from the Mayor

TfL, the GLA and local authorities were given a range of assurances by the DfT in 2015 as a result of petitions made to the High Speed 2 Hybrid Bill. A number of these assurances relate to areas where studies are underway to consider changes to the Hybrid Bill.

The main issues under consideration are the viability of HS2 introducing a construction railhead at Euston to reduce the number of heavy goods vehicle movements related to the project; an improved connection between the HS2 station and the proposed Crossrail 2 station at Euston; improvements to the HS2 plans for the Hampstead Road Bridge; and, ensuring that the HS2 Code of Construction meets or exceeds best practice.

Question No: 2016/2619

Andrew Dismore

Further to your answer to Question No: 2016/1791, what does   ‘a better overall solution for an integrated Euston station’ look like, in your view?

Written response from the Mayor

The HS2 Hybrid Bill contains detailed proposals for those parts of Euston Station that will be served by the new high speed services. However, there are currently no detailed plans for the remainder of Euston station, including the integration between High Speed, existing national rail, Transport for London and Crossrail 2 services.

As one of London’s principal rail stations,  it is vital that there is an integrated plan for the whole of Euston station that fits with the London Borough of Camden’s plans for the future of the area, offering a joined up customer experience for all passengers, regardless of the service they use.

Question No: 2016/2620

Andrew Dismore

Subsequent to the site meeting that was  held between TfL’s  signals engineer, local residents  and myself warning of the risks of the dangerous right turn at the intersection of Watford Way / Hendon Way (A41) / Queens Road (B551) / Vivian Avenue (Central Circus), NW4,  there was a major collision at the junction, apparently of the kind we predicted. Please give full details of the incident and what action TfL is now taking to resolve the problem of its own creation?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Question No: 2016/2621

Andrew Dismore

Further to your answer to Question No: 2016/2120 when do you intend to deliver your manifesto commitment?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 2016/ 2433.

Question No: 2016/2622

Andrew Dismore

Further to your answer to Question No: 2016/2126, that the police horse  budget referred to excludes stables which are part of the estates budget.; what is the annual revenue cost of stabling?

Written response from the Mayor

As stables form only part of the estate located at the following sites: Imber Court, Lewisham Police Station, Great Scotland Yard, Hyde Park, Hammersmith Police Station and Bow Police Station, it is not possible to accurately breakdown the revenue costs.

Question No: 2016/2623

Andrew Dismore

Further to your answer to Question No: 2016/2126, that the police horse  budget referred to excludes stables which are part of the estates budget.; what is the estimated capital value of the real  estate of the stables?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Question No: 2016/2624

Andrew Dismore

How many Tasers are currently in use in Camden BCU; how many taser trained officers are there; how many times has Taser been a) deployed and b) fired in Camden   for the calendar year to date; and what were the corresponding figures for 2015 and 2014?

Written response from the Mayor

There are currently ten Tasers available for use on Camden borough with 45 officers trained to use them.

The below table shows the number of times Taser has been deployed or fired on the borough in 2016 (to end of June), 2015 and 2014.

Taser information is also available via the MOPAC Intrusive Tactics Dashboard at:

https://www.london.gov.uk/WHAT-WE-DO/mayors-office-policing-and-crime-mopac/data-and-research/policing/intrusive-tactics.

Question No: 2016/2625

Andrew Dismore

How many Tasers are currently in use in Barnet BCU; how many taser trained officers are there; how many times has Taser been a) deployed and b) fired in Barnet   for the calendar year to date; and what were the corresponding figures for 2015 and 2014?

Written response from the Mayor

There are currently ten Tasers available for use on Barnet borough with 42 officers trained to use them.

The below gives the number of times Taser has been deployed or fired on the borough in 2016 (to end of June), 2015 and 2014.

Taser deployment information is also available via the MOPAC Intrusive Tactics Dashboard at:

https://www.london.gov.uk/WHAT-WE-DO/mayors-office-policing-and-crime-mopac/data-and-research/policing/intrusive-tactics

Question No: 2016/2626

Andrew Dismore

For the last three months, what has been the average time to respond to I and S calls in Barnet; and what was the longest time in each category?

Written response from the Mayor

The MPS’s I call target is 90% within 15 minutes and the MPS’s S call target is 90% in 60 minutes.

It is not possible to provide the breakdown of the longest call on an ongoing basis unless there is a significant operational issue as it requires the abstraction of a sergeant from their operational duties.

Question No: 2016/2627

Andrew Dismore

For the last three months, what has been the average time to respond to I and S calls in Camden; and what was the longest time in each category?

Written response from the Mayor

The MPS’s I call target is 90% within 15 minutes and the MPS’s S call target is 90% in 60 minutes.

t is not possible to provide the breakdown of the longest call on an ongoing basis unless there is a significant operational issue as it requires the abstraction of a sergeant from their operational duties.

Question No: 2016/2628

Andrew Dismore

Further to your answer to Question No: 2016/2105 ‘I will monitor the situation closely and make representations to the Government at the appropriate time’, as this is under consultation now, will you make representations now, and if not when?

Written response from the Mayor

Thank you for bringing this to my attention again. However, the consultation to which you refer to ended on 1 April 2016, before I was elected as Mayor of London.

Question No: 2016/2629

Andrew Dismore

Further to your answer to Question No: 2016/2106 that the settlement pay threshold changes were introduced in April 2016 and that you would ask your officers to review the impact of the changes on London., when will this review take place and when will it report?

Written response from the Mayor

The changes were introduced in April 2016 and so it is too early to assess the impact.

My officers will continue to engage with stakeholders on these issues and review the extent to which the settlement pay threshold is problematic.

If Assembly Members have constituents affected by the changes, I would invite them to write to me on this issue.

Question No: 2016/2630

Andrew Dismore

Your predecessor promised for years that he would cycle round the Stirling Corner roundabout in Barnet to demonstrate its safety to cyclists. Needless to say he failed to do so. Will you ask TfL to look at the problem again, and propose measures that would improve safety for cyclists?

Written response from the Mayor

I am aware that my predecessor failed to honour his pledge to cycle round Stirling Corner with you.

I am informed that TfL is developing a protected pedestrian/cycle crossing facility for the existing traffic signals on the southern side of the roundabout. Subject to funding and approvals, work is planned to start in 2017.

TfL also inform me that a number of road safety measures have already been installed over the past few years at Stirling corner, including the reduction of the A1 speed limit from 70mph to 50mph near Apex Corner, upgraded cycle markings, and enhanced traffic signals now operating 24/7.

Question No: 2016/2631

Andrew Dismore

Are there any proposals under consideration to increase public transport access to Barnet Hospital, especially from Hendon?

Written response from the Mayor

Barnet Hospital is served by bus routes 107, 263, 307 and 384 and there are no current plans to increase services to the hospital. However, at my request, TfL is producing a report on service level provision to all London’s hospitals by autumn 2016. This report will be discussed with stakeholders, including the London boroughs and London Travel Watch.

Any residents wishing to travel to Barnet Hospital from Hendon can take bus route 326 and interchange onto the 263 bus service at Whetstone or the 307 bus service at High Barnet.

Question No: 2016/2632

Andrew Dismore

You may be aware that Barnet Council are considering schemes for the redevelopment of their current office site in North London Business Park. The existing plans are controversial with nearby residents on a number of grounds, such as lack of local infrastructure, overdevelopment, lack of affordable housing and congestion.

When these plans come to you for determination, will you ensure that the views of residents are taken into consideration?

Written response from the Mayor

The former Mayor considered a consultation report on this application on 3 March 2016, a copy of which is available at the Greater London Authority’s website at the following link: https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/planning/planning-applications-and-decisions/planning-application-search/north-london-2 Following its planning committee, Barnet Council will be required to refer the application back to me for my determination. At that stage I will take into account all representations received, including the views of local residents, in addition to a detailed assessment of the proposal by my planning officers.

Question No: 2016/2633

Andrew Dismore

Do you agree with me that it is important that fire appliances are able to access homes on private roads? Residents of Primrose Close in Finchley have expressed concerns that the LFB would not be able to access their properties because planning permission was recently granted to an outbuilding that blocks access. What reassurance can you provide to the residents?

Written response from the Mayor

I agree that the layout of proposed developments should allow access by fire engines. This is very important.

However, I’m afraid that Primrose Close is the responsibility of Barnet Council as both highway and local planning authority and I hope that they are able to provide the reassurance that you and residents are seeking.

Question No: 2016/2634

Andrew Dismore

What guidance can be given regarding unadopted roads which are not maintained, resulting in ASB, such as Brompton Grove in East Finchley?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Question No: 2016/2635

Andrew Dismore

You recently joined me for the second time at the iftar for the Somali Bravanese Community, which was again celebrated in the Finchley Reform Synagogue. Do you agree that such interfaith work shows the best of London, and will you join me in praising both communities?

Written response from the Mayor

Attending the Iftar at the Finchley Reform Synagogue with the Somali Bravanese community was one of my highlights during Ramadan.

I believe that interfaith initiatives like this demonstrate the best of London and I would like to encourage more interfaith work across London.

I would like to join you in praising both the communities in their friendship, which is an asset to this great city.

Question No: 2016/2636

Andrew Dismore

The Silkstream in Colindale has had a number of bad floods in recent years due to blockages in the waterway, dumping and fly-tipping. Will you lobby the Environment Agency to come up with a plan, allocate funding and action the measures that will tackle the problem, which is doing thousands of pounds of damage?

Written response from the Mayor

The Environment Agency acknowledges that there are issues with blockages leading to increased flood risk on the Silkstream.  This is often caused by fly-tipping which gets washed downstream to pinchpoints.

The EA have a programme of checking and debris removal at several points along the river with inspections monthly in most places and weekly on one stretch.  In addition the EA receive reports of obstructions via the Incident Hotline – at a rate of around one per week and they undertake inspections prior to predicted heavy rainfall whenever possible.

A flood alleviation scheme was opened in 2009 on the upper Silk Stream, consisting of 6 flood storage areas and the EA has allocated funding to work with LB Barnet to develop a business case for a further flood alleviation scheme on the lower reaches of the Silkstream.

I am aware of flooding from the Silkstream in August 2015, but overall I am content with the Environment Agency’s approach, however, if the flooding incidents do not reduce, I would be keen that the EA and other agencies re-examine the management of this river.

Question No: 2016/2637

Andrew Dismore

Will you negotiate to bring the Tour de France back to London during your mayoral term, bearing in mind how popular it was when in London before and the contribution the Tour made to the London economy?

Written response from the Mayor

In my manifesto I pledged to bring the Tour de France back to London. Following up on that pledge, I recently wrote to the organisers of the Tour inviting them to meet with me when they are next in London. The Tour de France is acknowledged as the greatest cycling event in the world attracting the very best teams and a fan base that spans every continent.

Naturally I believe London is the best city on earth and the home of world class sport. London remains open for business and I am determined to ensure that we continue to attract the world’s best to the capital.