September MQT answers

September 20, 2016 office

Brexit [1]

Question No: 2016/3364

Andrew Dismore

Do you think it is possible for a) London and b) the UK to remain in the single market without accepting the EU’s ‘4 freedoms’?

Written response from the Mayor

The Government must work to secure an agreement on access to the Single Market which allows London to retain its status as a world-leading centre of commerce.. This is vital for London – our city needs to be open to trade, investment and people – and to the rest of the UK which benefits greatly from London’s economic success. The extent to which the four freedoms – of capital, goods, services and people – operate will depend on the outcomes of negotiations with the EU, once the UK government has submitted the request to leave under Article 50. Until we leave the EU, London and the UK will remain fully part of the Single Market.

Brexit [2]

Question No: 2016/3365

Andrew Dismore

What impact has Brexit had so far, and what impact will it have on London’s Higher Education sector?

Written response from the Mayor

London is the higher education capital of the world, with more leading universities, and international students than any other city. I am committed to making sure our higher education institutions remain internationally competitive, and that London retains its status.

I recently hosted a roundtable at City Hall for Vice-Chancellors of our higher education institutions, to listen to their views on the impact of Brexit for the sector.

The impact of the vote to leave the EU is largely reputational at present, however the case that leaders of our HE institutions are concerned, not least due to the many thousands of EU students and staff based in our universities, who make an invaluable contribution, and to the importance of EU research funding. It is vital that London and the UK are seen as welcoming places to live, study and work. My three HE priorities for government in the shorter term are to: secure the long term status of EU nationals in the UK; clarify its funding policy for EU students starting in 2017/18; and to guarantee the UK’s future participation in EU research programmes.

Brexit [3]

Question No: 2016/3366

Andrew Dismore

What impact has Brexit had so far, and what impact will it have on London’s Knowledge Quarter?

Written response from the Mayor

The impact to date of the decision to leave the EU is difficult to assess – the UK is still a member and has full access to the Single Market. Before the UK requests to leave the EU by triggering Article 50, the Government must be clear on the type of deal it is seeking and that such a deal will include an agreement for access to the Single Market which enables London to retain its status as a leading centre for innovation and research. This is vital for the Knowledge Quarter which benefits greatly from access to European, as well as global talent and investment. Two immediate priorities need to be ensuring our continued involvement in EU research funding programmes and the securing the long term status of EU nationals living in the UK.

Brexit [4]

Question No: 2016/3367

Andrew Dismore

What impact has Brexit had so far, and what impact will it have on London’s high tech sector? Written response from the Mayor

Despite the country’s decision to leave the European Union, there is no doubt that London will continue to be the booming and successful city it is today, open to talent and creativity from across the world and a leading destination for business.

London still ranks as Europe’s leading destination for technology and financial services, and is the best city in which to build a European operation according to a post-Brexit survey of over two hundred senior US tech executives commissioned by London & Partners. The majority of tech execs surveyed still rank London as Europe’s leading tech hub ahead of other cities such as Berlin, Paris and Dublin. While 57 per cent also view London as Europe’s leading financial services centre ahead of Frankfurt, Zurich and Amsterdam.

It is vital that the Government secures a deal for access to the Single Market that helps us to retain our status as a leading centre for tech. I am focused on getting a seat at the table of negotiations to get the best possible deal for London and we will convene when we know the Government’s – and the EU’s – initial position better.

Brexit [5]

Question No: 2016/3368

Andrew Dismore

What impact has Brexit had so far, and what impact will it have on London’s legal services sector

Written response from the Mayor

My staff are already in discussions with the Law Society about the threats and opportunities to the legal sector. Our incorruptible courts, language and legal system make London hard to beat and we will continue to press the advantages of English law and our legal services to overseas investors. London’s legal sector is agile, provides certainty and flexibility, with a strong arbitration sector as well.

Brexit [6]

Question No: 2016/3369

Andrew Dismore

The legal services sector contributes £25.7bn to the UK economy per year with London hosting the head offices of 32% of solicitor firms. How will you ensure that the legal sector can continue to make a significant contribution to the London economy when the UK withdraws from the EU?

Written response from the Mayor

Brexit [7]

Question No: 2016/3370

Andrew Dismore

How will you engage with the legal services sector to find out what their priorities are for the UK’s Brexit negotiations with the EU?

Written response from the Mayor

Brexit [8]

Question No: 2016/3371

Andrew Dismore

England and Wales is regarded as a jurisdiction of choice internationally and English law in the governing law of contracts. How will you ensure that foreign businesses continue to see London as a global legal centre post-Brexit?

Written response from the Mayor

Brexit [9]

Question No: 2016/3372

Andrew Dismore

What discussions are you having with the UK Government to ensure that London remains a global legal centre?

Written response from the Mayor

We are in active discussions with UK Government to ensure that London remains a global centre for all of our key business sectors.

My staff are also in discussions with the Law Society about the threats and opportunities to the legal sector. Our incorruptible courts, language and legal system make London hard to beat and we will continue to press the advantages of English law and our legal services to overseas investors. London’s legal sector is agile, provides certainty and flexibility, with a strong arbitration sector as well.

Brexit [10]

Question No: 2016/3373

Andrew Dismore

What discussions are you having with the UK Government on continuing to co-operate with EU partners on issues such as international crime and terrorism?

Written response from the Mayor

I have repeatedly made the case for a strong voice for London in the exit negotiations.

The MPS, National Police Chiefs’ Council and the National Crime Agency are currently undertaking work to ascertain the operational requirements post-Brexit, and my Office for Policing and Crime is involved in these discussions. Once this is complete we will support policing in making the case to Government and EU institutions in the most appropriate way.

Brexit [11]

Question No: 2016/3374

Andrew Dismore

What discussions are you having with European partners to ensure there is cross-border cooperation on international crime and terrorism?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 2016 / 3373.

Brexit [12]

Question No: 2016/3375

Andrew Dismore

Will London still receive the almost 750 million Euros form the EU Regional Development and Social Funds awarded before the Brexit vote?

Written response from the Mayor

The €750m is London’s ‘notional allocation’ for the 2014-20 English European Regional Development Fund and European Social Fund programmes, which are managed by the GLA in London.

The Government has confirmed that this funding is still available, albeit subject to potential future constraints:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/chancellor-philip-hammond-guarantees-eu-funding-beyond-date-uk-leaves-the-eu

We expect suitably devolved domestic funding programmes to replace EU funds going forward.

business rate revaluation

Question No: 2016/3376

Andrew Dismore

What assessment have you made of the potential impact on London of a business rate revaluation?

Written response from the Mayor

It is difficult to predict with certainty the precise impact of the business rate revaluation in London. Forecasts suggest that the total in London could increase by around 10% (£700 million) but the precise details will not be known until the valuations for each property are published by the Valuation Office on 30 September. These assumptions were reflected in my predecessor’s final budget.

The largest increases are likely to be in central and inner London; some – mainly in outer London – could fall. I am committed to ensuring that any increases in bills are phased in as slowly as possible – ideally with limited changes in 2017-18 – and I will work closely with business organisations in London to campaign against any rises that will damage the city’s competitiveness.

Olympic legacy for Barnet

Question No: 2016/3377

Andrew Dismore

Do you share my hope that the 2012 Olympic Games will have a long lasting legacy in all London Boroughs? Copthall Leisure Centre has the only diving pool in Barnet, and if we want to inspire the next generation of British Olympic divers, we need to provide them with the facilities to achieve this. To that end, do you agree with me that Barnet Council should seek to retain the diving pool as part of the redevelopment plans for Copthall Leisure Centre?

Written response from the Mayor

I am passionate about making our city a more active place and believe that sport has the ability to change lives, build stronger communities and improve the health and wellbeing of all Londoners.

I recognise the importance of providing sustainable sports facilities across London and would encourage all London boroughs to make decisions about their sports facilities based on robust evidence about need and viability. I would encourage the London Borough of Barnet to work with London Sport, Sport England and other stakeholders, including the sport’s governing body to identify ways in which opportunities for people to continue to take part in diving can be supported.

Olympics

Question No: 2016/3378

Andrew Dismore

Will you join me in congratulating all our Olympic athletes who competed in Rio, especially those from London?

Written response from the Mayor

Yes! I am delighted to congratulate every Team GB athlete on their fantastic achievements in Rio. We have already seen some great medal wins from Paralympics GB and I look forward to more great sporting achievements in the days ahead. The GLA is currently working closely with Government to arrange a celebration of their amazing achievements in London in October.

Euston Station Strategic Board

Question No: 2016/3379

Andrew Dismore

When do you expect to replace Sir Edward Lister on the Euston Station Strategic Board?

Written response from the Mayor

Sir Edward Lister will be replaced by the new Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration and Skills, Jules Pipe, as the lead GLA representative on the Euston Station Redevelopment Board (ESSRB) and Euston Strategic Board (ESB) when they next convene later this month and in October respectively.

HS2 [1]

Question No: 2016/3380

Andrew Dismore

Will the GLA present oral objections at the House of Lords petition hearings into HS2?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

HS2 [2]

Question No: 2016/3381

Andrew Dismore

What representations have you made about HS2, after your meeting with local Euston residents and businesses?

Written response from the Mayor

Following my visit to Euston I wrote to the Secretary of State for Transport to express my concerns and seek further re-assurance about the following issues:

The need for a better Euston Station design;
The need to go further in reducing the construction impacts of HS2 in and around Euston;
The need for better air quality monitoring.

I have yet to receive a response from the Secretary of State.

HS2 [3]

Question No: 2016/3382

Andrew Dismore

What are your views about the proposals for mitigation and compensation for those affected by HS2 in Euston?

Written response from the Mayor

HS2 Ltd needs to do more to mitigate the impacts of construction and they need to offer fairer compensation to those who will still be affected by HS2 in Euston.

HS2 [4]

Question No: 2016/3383

Andrew Dismore

What are your views about the possibilities of using Old Oak Common as a temporary or partial terminus for HS2?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 2016 / 2703.

Crossrail 2

Question No: 2016/3384

Andrew Dismore

Do you agree that Crossrail 2 is vital to a comprehensive scheme for the whole of Euston regeneration?

Written response from the Mayor

Yes. The opening of HS2 phase 2 (2033) is dependent on Crossrail 2 for the onward dispersal of passengers arriving at Euston. Without it, the London Underground lines at Euston will not be able to cope with the additional passenger demand.

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, TfL and Crossrail 2 services.

It is vital that there is an integrated plan for the whole of Euston station that fits with Camden’s plans for the future of the area which offers an integrated and joined up customer experience for all passengers, regardless of which service they are using. Crossrail 2 must be a key element to that plan.

ArcelorMittalOrbit Tower [1]

Question No: 2016/3385

Andrew Dismore

What was the originally scheduled opening date for the helter-skelter slide; on what date did it open; and how many people have used it so far, to date?

Written response from the Mayor

The Slide received planning permission in early 2016 and the QEOP website stated The Slide would open in spring 2016. After appointing contractors, it became clear that the unique nature of the structure and the complexity of the construction meant that LLDC had to revise the opening date to summer 2016 and this change in date was announced in April, on the website. The opening date was set at 24^th June and it opened on that day. In the weeks preceding the opening day, LLDC and its operator undertook a period of testing.

In the first full month of trading (July 2016) just over 28,000 tickets were sold in this month (15,758 attendances were recorded for The Slide plus an additional 12,480 for the ArcelorMittal Orbit only) in comparison to 13,502 during the same period last year. In total from June 24 through to the end of August, 34,355 tickets were sold for The Slide during that period.

ArcelorMittalOrbit Tower [2]

Question No: 2016/3386

Andrew Dismore

Given the increasing disquiet over the deal done by the previous Mayor for the ArcelorMittalOrbit Tower, will you conduct a full and public investigation into what went on, and in particular to see if the public has got value for money; what loans remain outstanding and when if ever they will be paid off?

Written response from the Mayor

There is no intent to carry out a full public enquiry. All information about the project and the financing of it has already been made public and open to scrutiny. Turner-Prize winning artist Sir Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond of engineering Group Arup won the design competition and it was formally announced by announced jointly by the former Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, and the former Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell on 31 March 2010.

The financing of the project was agreed and made public in 2010. The London Development Agency committed £3.1m towards the original construction.

ArcelorMittal contributed £10m capex and a £9.2m loan which only needs to be paid back if the ArcelorMittal Orbit generates revenue in excess of cumulative operating costs and interest on the loan, in which case 50% of the surplus would go towards repaying the loan capital and 50% back to LDA (LLDC).

Oxford Street pedestrianisation [1]

Question No: 2016/3387

Andrew Dismore

How will pedestrianisation impact on residential areas north and south of Oxford Street including Fitzrovia, Soho, north Mayfair and Marylebone, home to over 10,000 residents; and in particular will buses and taxis that presently use Oxford Street be diverted to streets like Wigmore Street and Mortimer Street increasing pollution and congestion for residents living there?

Written response from the Mayor

I appreciate the concerns you raise about the potential impact on residents and businesses. That is why I have instructed TfL to look at ways of reducing traffic, not merely transferring it. This will include looking at how the bus network operates, providing more ranks for taxis and consolidating freight trips. I recognise that it is essential that any scheme offers benefits that spread beyond Oxford Street into its surrounding neighbourhoods.

The current crowding, casualties and congestion on Oxford Street must though to be addressed and the opening of the Elizabeth line in December 2018 provides the opportunity to solve these problems with radical changes to Oxford Street and the surrounding areas.

Oxford Street pedestrianisation [2]

Question No: 2016/3388

Andrew Dismore

Do you agree on the importance of consulting local residents north and south of Oxford Street including Fitzrovia, Soho, north Mayfair and Marylebone over your plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street? And if so what plans do you have for such consultation and when will it take place?

Written response from the Mayor

Yes, it is of upmost importance to consult with local residents, businesses and those who travel to and through the district. Full and detailed consultation will be undertaken. I will provide more details of the timetable for consultation later in the year.

Tube station lighting in summer daylight hours

Question No: 2016/3389

Andrew Dismore

Why, during 15 hours of bright sunshine do Burnt Oak, Colindale and Brent Cross stations, for example, have all their electric lights on like an airport runway 24 hours a day, when other open surface level stations switch the lights off during daylight hours. Do you agree that this is a waste of money and energy and, if so, will you issue guidance to TfL on when it is appropriate to turn lights off?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Provision for safe cycling on A400 Hampstead Road

Question No: 2016/3390

Andrew Dismore

The provision of safe cycling infrastructure in Hampstead Road as a part of the planned London Cycling Grid has been recognised as a priority by TfL, Camden Council and London Cycling Campaign. While TfL planners have made good progress in developing a design in consultation with these stakeholders, a consultation released by TfL in June 2016 entitled “A400 Hampstead Road bus reliability and road safety improvements” makes no reference to or provision for safe cycling. Will you ensure that provision for safe cycling to London Cycling Design Standards is included in the proposals before work proceeds?

Written response from the Mayor

The A400 Hampstead Road improvements were developed to incorporate planned HS2 works due to start in early 2017. Bus reliability and road safety improvements are planned for delivery prior to HS2 works. Cycle Grid proposals are not being progressed at the same time because HS2 works conflict with the initial proposals.

TfL will continue to work with HS2 to ensure that cyclists can use the corridor safely during the works, and is investigating the possibility of delivering improved cycling facilities during HS2 works.

Noise pollution through the night on the Northern Line

Question No: 2016/3391

Andrew Dismore

For many months, there has been a seriously noisy bit of track on the Northern Line, northbound between West Finchley and Woodside Park stations, approximately 100 metres before the track goes over Holden Road. Every time a train goes over this portion of track there is a pronounced clanking noise which is very disturbing for residents living nearby. Will you arrange for this to be investigated and remedial action taken promptly?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Transport links to Hospitals

Question No: 2016/3392

Andrew Dismore

Further to your answer to Question No: 2016/2631 ‘… at my request, TfL is producing a report on service level provision to all London’s hospitals by autumn 2016….’, will this include community hospitals, and in particular Finchley Memorial Hospital?

Written response from the Mayor

A steering group has been set up including representatives from TfL, the NHS, London TravelWatch, the GLA and London boroughs which will meet towards the end of September. The full Terms of Reference detailing which hospitals will be included in the review will be finalised during these meetings. TfL anticipates that a report will be published for discussion on service provision to hospitals by the end of 2016.

Cycle Superhighway 11

Question No: 2016/3393

Andrew Dismore

When will you announce the outcome of the consultation on Cycle Superhighway 11?

Written response from the Mayor

The initial public consultation report for Cycle Superhighway 11 was released in August 2016 and is available on the Transport for London (TfL) website: (https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/cycling/cs-11).

TfL plans to publish the detailed public consultation report later this year.

Night tube

Question No: 2016/3394

Andrew Dismore

What has been the experience so far of the incidence of problems caused by the night tube for residents living near above surface tracks and near stations?

Written response from the Mayor

Since the launch of the Night Tube on 19 August, incidents of complaint from residents close to tracks and stations have been very low.

TfL has a robust procedure in place to monitor and respond swiftly to any complaints received by residents living near the tracks or stations. TfL will also undertake detailed reviews of Night Tube at three, six and 12 months post-launch and any concerns raised by residents will be a key consideration in these reviews.

Box junction at Torriano Ave and Camden Road

Question No: 2016/3395

Andrew Dismore

When will the proposed box junction markings be provided at the junction of Torriano Ave, Camden Road and Camden Park Road?

Written response from the Mayor

Works to this junction have been coordinated with other planned works on the A503 corridor, including at the Brecknock Road junction, to minimise costs and the impact on residents and road users. I am pleased to say they will begin in February 2017.

direct bus service from Stamford Hill to Golders Green

Question No: 2016/3396

Andrew Dismore

What progress is being made about introducing a direct bus service from Stamford Hill to Golders Green?

Written response from the Mayor

There is no further work being done on this at present, for the reasons set out by the Deputy Mayor for Transport in her letter to you of 29 July 2016.

Work on providing this link looked at options including creating a new service or extending existing route 210 (Brent Cross to Finsbury Park). Unfortunately none of the options were feasible in terms of their additional cost.

Passengers who wish to make the journey can do so by interchanging between high-frequency routes 253 and 210 at Finsbury Park. However, the launch of my new Hopper fare means that Pay As You Go passengers making this interchange within one hour will now be able to do so for free.

Although there is currently no plan to introduce this additional connection, services will of course remain under regular review.

Escalator works at Holborn tube station

Question No: 2016/3397

Andrew Dismore

Escalator works at Holborn tube station are restricting the station to exit only in morning peak periods. At the same time, works at Chancery Lane also impact on travellers, especially local people living nearby who want to use the tube to get to work in the mornings and there are also major works still underway at Tottenham Court Road. Can the work be phased to allow some entrance as well as exit; why could the work not have been postponed till both Tottenham Court Road and Chancery Lane work was completed; and how does this Holborn station work fit in with the schedule for the proposed rebuilding and expansion of Holborn station?

Written response from the Mayor

TfL needs to refurbish all seven escalators at Holborn station as they are nearing the end of their working life and becoming increasingly unreliable.

The impacts of works on other nearby stations are carefully considered prior to approval of any project. Tottenham Court Road station has had full access and interchange since December 2015. Chancery Lane escalator works are due to be complete in July 2017 and do not restrict access to that station.

Delaying the start of the work to ageing assets would introduce a greater risk of escalator failure resulting in potential unplanned closures.

The escalators at Holborn are being replaced two at a time. This is the most effective way of doing the work and reduces the impact on customers – by over twelve months.

The escalator refurbishment work will provide improved reliability for customers until completion of the Holborn station capacity upgrade planned for the 2020s.

consultation on bus services on the Finchley Road

Question No: 2016/3398

Andrew Dismore

Transport for London has been consulting on bus services on the Finchley Road. The consultation proposes to “extend route 13 to North Finchley in the north and divert it to Victoria in the south (replacing route 82)” as part of an effort to reduce traffic flow through the Finchley Road. However, these proposals in effect rename the 82 bus as 13 while scrapping the existing 13, a proposal that was heavily rejected in a consultation which was cancelled just before the 2015 election. Why is TfL trying to pull the wool over the eyes of local bus users, by reintroducing a previously unpopular plan in this way?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Mill Hill cemetery

Question No: 2016/3399

Andrew Dismore

Developers have lodged an appeal against Barnet Council’s refusal of planning consent for this scheme in the Green Belt. Will you support local residents in their representations against this appeal?

Written response from the Mayor

My planning powers are strictly defined by the Mayor of London Order (2008), and I am only referred strategic planning applications that meet a set of criteria, primarily based on size. Further details on my powers can be found on the Greater London Authority’s website at the following link

https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/planning/planning-applications-and-decisions/what-powers-does-mayor-have-planning

The planning application at Mill Hill Cemetery was not of a scale as to trigger a referral to me, and I am therefore unable to comment further.

Edgwarebury Farm

Question No: 2016/3400

Andrew Dismore

Developers have lodged an appeal against Barnet Council’s refusal of planning consent for this Golf Course scheme in the Green Belt. Will you support local residents in their representations against this appeal?

Written response from the Mayor

The previous Mayor was consulted on this application by the Council in February 2015 and considered that the proposal was appropriate development in the Green Belt. As the Council subsequently resolved to refuse permission (against Council officer recommendation) it did not need to consult the Mayor again (pursuant to Article 5(2) of the Mayor of London Order). I have now requested that my officers provide a briefing on the application.

Policing football costs [1]

Question No: 2016/3401

Andrew Dismore

How much was refunded by London Football professional clubs in respect of policing costs in each of the last 3 financial years; and how much of that was paid by clubs in each division?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Policing football costs [2]

Question No: 2016/3402

Andrew Dismore

How much was refunded by each Premier League London Football club in respect of policing costs in each of the last 3 financial years?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Policing football costs [3]

Question No: 2016/3403

Andrew Dismore

What is the best estimate of the total actual cost of policing professional football in London in each of the last 3 financial years, and how much of that relates to clubs in each division? Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Policing football costs [4]

Question No: 2016/3404

Andrew Dismore

What is the best estimate of the total actual cost of policing each Premier League London Football club in each of the last 3 financial years?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Policing football costs [5]

Question No: 2016/3405

Andrew Dismore

At a time of pressure on policing budgets, do you agree that the law should be changed to allow full cost recovery of the policing costs of professional football?

Written response from the Mayor

I am of the view that the legislation and the directions of the courts should be reviewed to allow a system of full cost recovery for resources deployed to all commercial events (including football) regardless of where the officers are deployed i.e. not just on land owned, occupied or controlled by the owner of the event (as is the current position).

MOPAC applies the full extent of the law in charging for policing sporting events. We continue to lobby the Home Office to allow for full cost recovery.

Underreporting of race and religious hate crime

Question No: 2016/3406

Andrew Dismore

What is your and the Met’s best assessment of the extent of underreporting of race and religious hate crime?

Written response from the Mayor

It is, difficult to accurately estimate the levels of under-reporting for any crime type and not just hate crime. The Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW), which surveys over 33,000 adults, provides the best estimate based on the difference between recorded hate crime and that reported through the survey. In the most recently available release related to hate crime specifically (2014/15), it is estimated that 48% of hate crime incidents came to the attention of the police across England and Wales. Due to the survey methodology, it is not possible to provide a London-only estimate.

Proscribed terrorist organisation’s flags

Question No: 2016/3407

Andrew Dismore

Further to your oral answer at July Mayor’s Question Time, over the display of proscribed terrorist organisation’s flags on demonstrations, how many prosecutions for this have there been over the last 2 years? And what was the outcome of your discussion with the Commissioner and the Deputy Mayor?

Written response from the Mayor

As you will be aware I have responded to the Assembly in a letter on these specific points.

As of July 2016, 2 arrests were made in London under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act in October 2015 but no further action was taken. There have been no further arrests recorded. I will continue to ensure that this is on the agenda to discuss with the MPS.

Firearms officers

Question No: 2016/3408

Andrew Dismore

How many extra firearms officers are you aiming to recruit; what is the cost of the extra officers; and how much of that cost is being offset by reductions in the numbers of inspectors and sergeants on borough BCUs?

Written response from the Mayor

The Met will increase the number of firearms officers by 600 as part of the Armed Uplift Programme. This decision came in the wake of the tragic events in France and is one I fully support.

There will be no increase in overall Met officer numbers and therefore there are no additional salary costs incurred in providing the 600 uplift.

The resources to support this increase will come from across the Met.

Police officers’ experience

Question No: 2016/3409

Andrew Dismore

How many police officers in a) Camden and b) Barnet BCUs have less than 2 years’ experience; and what percentage of the overall totals of officers in each borough does this represent? Written response from the Mayor

The number of Full Time Equivalent (FTE) officers and the proportion with less than 2 years’ experience is shown in the table below.

The Met has conducted a large recruitment drive over the last three years and these new officers are deployed to boroughs to complete their probation. Furthermore, the Met has prioritised moving officers to the frontline. Therefore there will inevitably be a proportion of new recruits working in Camden and Barnet.

Borough	Total Police FTE	Police with less than 2 Years of Service	% of total FTE
Camden	647.26	150	23.17%
Barnet	516.17	107	20.73%

Police Commissioner’s visit to Grahame Park

Question No: 2016/3410

Andrew Dismore

Further to your answer to Question No: 2016/2383, ‘A visit is already planned for the Commissioner to visit the Grahame Park Estate later this summer.’ Has this taken place yet; and, if so, what were the Commissioner’s findings?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Special Constables

Question No: 2016/3411

Andrew Dismore

How many special constables are attached to a) Camden and b) Barnet BCUs?

Written response from the Mayor

As of the end of August 2016 there are 107 Metropolitan Special Constabulary officers specifically attached to Camden borough and 108 attached to Barnet.

Water cannons

Question No: 2016/3412

Andrew Dismore

Further to your previous answers, and given the ongoing drain on resources of keeping them, have the water cannons ben disposed of yet; and if not what is the reason for the delay?

Written response from the Mayor

Work is ongoing in order to secure the best value disposal of the water cannon and I hope to update the Assembly shortly.

Appointing an Independent Victims’ Commissioner

Question No: 2016/3413

Andrew Dismore

Further to your answer to Question No: 2016/2391, when do you expect to make an appointment to this post?

Written response from the Mayor

My appointment of an Independent Victims’ Commissioner for London will be a first for any city in the United Kingdom. We are working on a specification for the role and you will hear more in due course.

Burglary in Barnet

Question No: 2016/3414

Andrew Dismore

Further to your answer to Question No: 2016/2395 ‘What are you doing to bear down on burglary in Barnet?’

Your answer being:

‘In the year to June 2016 there were a total of 3,757 burglary offences in Barnet borough, representing a decrease of over a fifth on the levels recorded in the year to June 2012….. ‘

For a more recent comparison, how many burglaries were there in the years to June 2015 and June 2014?

Written response from the Mayor

In the year to June 2015 there were a total of 3,730 burglary offences on Barnet borough, following 3,823 recorded in the preceding year to June 2014.

Senior officers’ bonuses

Question No: 2016/3415

Andrew Dismore

What was the cost of bonuses awarded to officers of the rank of commander and above in the last financial year; what was the highest value bonus; and what are the criteria applied to qualify for a bonus?

Written response from the Mayor

No bonuses were awarded to those of a rank of Commander and above in the 2015/16 financial year.

Senior officers’ perquisites

Question No: 2016/3416

Andrew Dismore

What was the cost of perquisites awarded to officers of the rank of commander and above in the last financial year; what perquisites are senior officers entitled to or to claim for; what are the criteria applied to qualify for perquisites; and what was the highest value of perquisites received by a single officer ?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

London seat’ at the EU/Brexit negotiating table

Question No: 2016/3417

Andrew Dismore

Has the Government accepted the case for a ‘London seat’ at the EU/Brexit negotiating table?

Written response from the Mayor

I continue to meet with Ministers to make the strong case for London to have a seat at the Brexit negotiating table, alongside the devolved nations. These discussions are ongoing with Government.

West Ham and the Olympic Stadium

Question No: 2016/3418

Andrew Dismore

Given the increasing disquiet over the deal done by the previous mayor for the use by West Ham of the Olympic Stadium, will you conduct a full and public investigation into what went on, and in particular to see if the public has got value for money; and that rules relating to state aid have not been broken?

http://www.cityam.com/246554/revealed-west-ham-owners-free-cash-olympic-stadium-deal

Written response from the Mayor

The decision by the previous Mayor to award West Ham United a long-term concession to use the Stadium was made after a fair and open competition in line with EU rules. It has been tested in the High Court and was found to be robust, fair and open. The full agreement with West Ham United has now been published and is publically available. The rules in relation to state aid have not been broken, as confirmed again by the EU Commission in May 2015 when they said in a statement – “contacts with the UK authorities and information received from the authorities however did not support the suggestion that West Ham received any state aid.”

The Stadium is now a world-class multi-use arena which as well as being home to West Ham United, is also the national competition centre for UK Athletics. In the last few months alone it has hosted an AC/DC concert, the Great Newham London Run and the Anniversary Games Diamond League Athletics meeting. In the coming months it will host England v Australia in a rugby league international and next summer it will see the world’s greatest athletes at the IAAF World Championships and the World ParaAthletics Championships. Advance ticket sales for both events have been excellent.

The arrangements we have made for the Stadium are intended to ensure it will be financially sustainable over the long term, so that no ongoing public subsidy is required.