MQT answers for October
Chinese Labour Corps
Question No: 2016/3890
Andrew Dismore
The Chinese Labour Corps were the largest overseas labour force and without their contribution and sacrifice (thousands of them were killed), WW1 would have dragged on for much longer. Will you support the efforts of the British Chinese community to establish a memorial to these forgotten heroes?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
AirBnB (1)
Question No: 2016/3891
Andrew Dismore
Further to your oral answer at September’s MQT to Assembly Member Copley, in a ‘Times’ article on the lobbying tactics employed by AirBnB what is described as a source inside AirBnB is quoted as admitting that “it was targeting Sadiq Khan, the London mayor”, that “Sadiq loves us right now” and that it had also “identified councillors who it feared may be likely to push for restrictions and that it was encouraging hosts to write to them”, what action are you taking over AirBnB?
Written response from the Mayor
My Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development, James Murray, has been invited to a meeting with Airbnb and boroughs organised by Assembly Member Tom Copley, which I hope will be a useful opportunity to discuss the issues around Airbnb and what action may be necessary to mitigate any negative effects it may be having.
AirBnB (2)
Question No: 2016/3892
Andrew Dismore
Do you agree with The Residential Landlords Association (RLA) report that landlords are taking their flats off the open market and advertising them instead on holiday websites like Airbnb, leading to the RLA claims that the trend will mean fewer homes for rent, exacerbating the housing shortage and that rents could rise as a result, particularly in London?
Written response from the Mayor
I support the right of Londoners to be able to benefit from renting out their homes for short periods, to meet new people, to earn a little extra money and to add to the residential offer for visitors. I was concerned to read the recent RLA research, and my team will be discussing with boroughs what action may be necessary to mitigate any negative effects Airbnb or similar sites may be having.
AirBnB (3)
Question No: 2016/3893
Andrew Dismore
In its report the RLA says 41% of properties advertised on Airbnb in the capital are multiple listings – in other words involve one owner advertising several properties- what is your view about this?
Written response from the Mayor
In some cases, multiple listings may indicate Airbnb hosts acting as agents for multiple areas. Notwithstanding that I was concerned to read the recent RLA research and my team will be discussing with boroughs what action may be necessary to mitigate any negative effects Airbnb or similar sites may be having.
AirBnB (4)
Question No: 2016/3894
Andrew Dismore
Do you agree with the RLA, that there are particular tax advantages for landlords who rent out their properties as short-term holiday lets for example through AirBnB, rather than rent them out with long tenancy agreements; and if so will you lobby Government over this loophole ?
Written response from the Mayor
I support the right of Londoners to be able to benefit from renting out their homes for short periods, to meet new people, to earn a little extra money and to add to the residential offer for visitors. The RLA report in question notes that in the Spring Budget of 2016 the government announced a tax break of £1,000 to support the sharing economy. It will take time to assess the impact of these changes on Airbnb activity in London and the housing market in general.
AirBnB (5)
Question No: 2016/3895
Andrew Dismore
Do you agree with the RLA research which suggests that as many as 21,861 London properties are now being advertised on Airbnb, a figure that rose by a quarter between February and June this year; and if so what are you doing about it?
Written response from the Mayor
I am aware of the RLA research you mention, and my team will be discussing with boroughs what action may be necessary to mitigate any negative effects Airbnb or similar sites may be having
HS2 (1)
Question No: 2016/3896
Andrew Dismore
Further to Question No: 2016/3380
Will the GLA present oral objections at the House of Lords petition hearings into HS2?
Your response being:
‘Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly’.
Will you now give a substantive reply?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Cycle Superhighway S11 CS11 (1)
Question No: 2016/3897
Andrew Dismore
What further consultation are TfL and the Deputy Mayor for Transport planning to enable the community to have further input into CS11?
Written response from the Mayor
I have asked TfL to continue with plans for Cycle Superhighway 11 (CS11), and to engage with stakeholders to discuss the scheme and deal with any concerns that remain unaddressed. Since August, TfL has held five stakeholder engagement meetings attended by representatives from the community.
CS11 (2)
Question No: 2016/3898
Andrew Dismore
What issues is TfL reviewing in its plan for CS11 in light of the public’s responses so far to TfL plans?
Written response from the Mayor
TfL is reviewing the responses to the public consultation and continues to meet with stakeholders to discuss the scheme and any outstanding issues. The issues raised are summarised in a report available online at: https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/cycling/cs-11
CS11 (3)
Question No: 2016/3899
Andrew Dismore
How many people objected to TfL’s plans for CS11 and how many supported them, if those signing petitions are counted individually and not en bloc?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
CS11 (4)
Question No: 2016/3900
Andrew Dismore
When do you expect TfL to announce its revised proposals for CS11?
Written response from the Mayor
TfL plans to publish the detailed CS11 consultation report later this year, which will include its planned way forward.
Buses parked at stands
Question No: 2016/3901
Andrew Dismore
Tottenham Court Road and Gower Street are amongst the worst polluted streets in the UK, and Oxford Street is one of the most polluted streets in the world. A major contributor to this is widely acknowledged as being emissions from the engines of buses, including the new Routemaster. It is an offence under The Road Traffic (Vehicle Emissions) Regulations 1986 for vehicles to be left with engines idling unnecessarily whilst stationary. It is also a requirement of Regulation 88 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, as amended, that drivers switch off engines in parked vehicles. Indeed, it is a TfL requirement that all buses parked at stands should do so with their engines turned off. However, there are very frequently buses on the route 29 stand on Gower Street (south of Bedford Square) on the 8/134 stand on Tottenham Court Road and on the 176 stand on Great Russell St parked with their engines running. Will you ask TfL to ensure that bus drivers are aware of the requirements governing parking on bus stands and identify who is responsible for enforcement of this at TfL?
Written response from the Mayor
I have asked TfL to arrange further checks at the stands around Centre Point so drivers are fully aware of their responsibilities and switch their engines off. TfL underlines the importance of doing this via information posted at bus operators’ garages, in training for drivers and in the manual given to all drivers call the ‘Big Red Book’.
Newer buses are fitted with technology which switches the engine off automatically if the bus is stationary for around one minute.
Tube station lighting in summer daylight hours
Question No: 2016/3902
Andrew Dismore
Further to Question No: 2016/3389
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?
Your response being:
‘Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly’.
Will you now give a substantive reply?
Written response from the Mayor
Please see my response to MQ 2016/ 3389.
Noise pollution through the night on the Northern Line
Question No: 2016/3903
Andrew Dismore
Further to Question No: 2016/3391
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?
Your response being:
‘Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly’.
Will you now give a substantive reply?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Night tube, Colindale
Question No: 2016/3904
Andrew Dismore
Last year, when it was then expected that the night tube would start on the Northern Line, TfL promised to carry out noise mitigation works on the track near Colindale station. These works have not been done, or not done effectively. The line is still as noisy as ever and constituents living near the line tell me they dread trying to sleep if the tube is going to run throughout the night every weekend. Will you ensure TfL keeps their promise to these residents as a matter of urgency?
Written response from the Mayor
I appreciate that you and your constituents have concerns and I know TfL wrote to you recently about this issue. Since the successful launch of the Night Tube on the Victoria, Central and Jubilee lines, the number of noise related complaints has been very low.
However, a dedicated team at TfL continues to do all it can to minimise the impact of Tube noise on its neighbours. The track at Colindale is being dealt with as part of this, and the necessary work will be completed before the Night Tube service begins on the Northern line on 18 November. I have asked TfL to ensure you are kept informed of the progress of this work.
Anyone disturbed by the Night Tube can contact TfL’s 24/7 Customer Service centre on 0343 222 1234 or via the TfL website. All complaints will be fully investigated and people can expect a swift and personal response.
Consultation on bus services on the Finchley Road
Question No: 2016/3905
Andrew Dismore
Further to Question No: 2016/3398
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?
Your response being:
‘Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly’.
Will you now give a substantive reply?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Fire appliances and fire stations were off-the-run
Question No: 2016/3906
Andrew Dismore
How many fire appliances and fire stations were off-the-run for a whole shift during August due to a lack of officer cover?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Highbury Magistrates warrants
Question No: 2016/3907
Andrew Dismore
I understand that Highbury magistrates are unique in insisting that warrants are served within 24 hours of being signed off, even though the resources the police may need to serve a warrant may not be immediately available. Will you make appropriate representations to the magistrates over this policy?
Written response from the Mayor
A far as I am aware Highbury Magistrates’ Court does not have a unique system for executing warrants. It operates a priority system that is similar to other courts.
Where warrant applications are urgent and require to be signed off within 24 hours, the police officer can turn up at court on the day. An out of court hours’ service is also available for the issuing of warrants where there is a requirement for it to be executed out of court hours.
For warrant applications that are not deemed to be urgent, the police are asked to use the booking system and this will ensure that warrants can be executed in a timely manner which meets the police’s required timescale but also giving priority to those warrants that need them.
Policing football costs [1]
Question No: 2016/3908
Andrew Dismore
Further to Question No: 2016/3401
‘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?’
Your response being:
‘Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly’.
Will you now give a substantive reply?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Policing football costs [2]
Question No: 2016/3909
Andrew Dismore
Further to Question No: 2016/3402
How much was refunded by each Premier League London Football club in respect of policing costs in each of the last 3 financial years?
Your response being:
‘Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly’.
Will you now give a substantive reply?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Policing football costs [3]
Question No: 2016/3910
Andrew Dismore
Further to Question No: 2016/3403
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?
Your response being:
‘Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly’.
Will you now give a substantive reply?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Policing football costs [4]
Question No: 2016/3911
Andrew Dismore
Further to Question No: 2016/3404
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?
Your response being:
‘Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly’.
Will you now give a substantive reply?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Policing football costs [5]
Question No: 2016/3912
Andrew Dismore
How many extra police constables could the Met afford if London professional football clubs contributed to the Met the full cost of policing their matches?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Senior officers’ perquisites
Question No: 2016/3913
Andrew Dismore
Further to Question No: 2016/3416
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?
Your response being:
‘Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly’.
Will you now give a substantive reply?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Security and safety at the Olympic Stadium
Question No: 2016/3914
Andrew Dismore
Chris Allison, a former Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner, has been appointed by the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) after violent scenes at West Ham football matches to help with security. Is his pay being reimbursed by West Ham United FC or does it fall on the LLDC and thus the taxpayer to meet?
Written response from the Mayor
As the owners of London Stadium, E20 Stadium LLP, a joint venture between LLDC and Newham Council, are responsible for security arrangements at the venue and, therefore, meeting the costs of Chris Allison’s short term consultancy work.
The safety and security of spectators at all events held at the Stadium is paramount and the venue’s unrivalled ability to host a wide range of different events can pose particular challenges.
Chris Allison is a highly experienced former Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner with unrivalled expertise in major event and football policing, and familiar with the Stadium from his work as the London 2012 National Olympic Security Coordinator and security advisor to the 2015 Rugby World Cup. His expertise will be invaluable in helping ensure that all events at the Stadium pass off safely.
Housing for Firefighters
Question No: 2016/3915
Andrew Dismore
In light of the London Chamber of Commerce report on the shortage of London housing for blue light services personnel, what are you doing to address the problem for firefighters?
Written response from the Mayor
Firefighters, as well as other emergency service personnel, are affected by London’s high housing costs. That is why I have set a long term strategic target of 50% of London’s new homes to be affordable and why I am introducing the London Living Rent, for people on average incomes at below market rents.
In addition, I welcome the fact that the London Fire Brigade (LFB) has recently implemented the second recommendation of the LCC report ‘Living on the Edge’, and is now providing an interest free tenancy deposit loan for all permanent London Fire Brigade staff.
20 minute waiting times for buses [1]
Question No: 2016/3916
Andrew Dismore
How many times in the last 6 months were there gaps of 20 minutes or more between buses for the following routes at the following stops:
- A) 234 at bus stop E, East Finchley
- B) 221 at bus stop J, North Finchley
- C) 251 at bus stop A, Totteridge
- D) 382 at bus stop C, Finchley Central?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
20 minute waiting times for buses [2]
Question No: 2016/3917
Andrew Dismore
Do you agree that waiting 20 minutes for a bus is unacceptable? If so how do you intend to remedy this across London?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
20 minute waiting times for buses [3]
Question No: 2016/3918
Andrew Dismore
Do you agree that key to improving transport links in outer London is to improve the frequency of bus routes? If so, will you make 20 minute waits for cross-borough bus services a thing of the past?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Oyster card top up machines for Brent Cross
Question No: 2016/3919
Andrew Dismore
When can we finally expect the bus station at Brent Cross to have the Oyster Card top-up machines to be operational?
Written response from the Mayor
This Oyster Card top-up machine is now expected to be up and running in the first few months of 2017.
This is a little later than originally planned due to the more complex nature of the top-up machines at bus stations. The machines at bus stations are more complex than those found in Tube stations as they need to be able to regulate the cash and stock levels for a longer period of time without being ‘topped up’ by staff. This is because the machines are free-standing units, rather than wall-mounted machines which are easier from staff to access more frequently. In order to do this, the machines at bus stations need more internal moving parts, so it takes longer to ensure they are fully functioning.
Bus stops near Finchley Memorial Hospital
Question No: 2016/3920
Andrew Dismore
Will you ask TfL officers to look at how to improve access to Finchley Memorial Hospital, including the location of nearby bus stops, their physical condition and pedestrian safety measures at the junction of the High Road, Summers Lane and Granville Road?
Written response from the Mayor
The two stops on High Road immediately north of the Granville Road/Summers Lane junction are sited as close to the junction as the highway layout will allow. Both stops meet TfL’s accessibility criteria and both have shelters provided at these locations.
TfL carries out regular cleaning maintenance every two weeks on all stops and shelters across the network and any damage is noted as part of the cleaning process and work orders are raised to repair these as quickly as possible. A full in-depth study is also competed annually to ensure they meet appropriate maintenance standards.
I am happy for TfL to work with the London Borough of Barnet on improving access around Finchley Memorial Hospital and as you will be ware, I have already instructed TfL to carry out a review of bus services to London’s hospitals.
Bees
Question No: 2016/3921
Andrew Dismore
Do you share my concerns about the health of the bee population? Have you considered the Bee kind website http://beekind.bumblebeeconservation.org/ and will you use your office to promote good practice in bee friendly gardens?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Green space on TfL land
Question No: 2016/3922
Andrew Dismore
Does TfL have a strategy to utilise the large amounts of unused green spaces on land they own, such as near stations, by making them available for ‘guerrilla gardeners’, such as the community garden at East Finchley Station?
Written response from the Mayor
I want to be the Mayor who makes London one of the world’s greenest cities and I am committed to protecting and enhancing biodiversity in urban spaces where this can be done.
TfL is already working with some groups such as Energy Garden and the Bee Friendly Trust to take forward community garden projects and is happy to look at further requests.
Next General Election
Question No: 2016/3923
Andrew Dismore
Given that the next General Election is currently scheduled to be on the same day as the next London Elections in 2020, are you confident that both elections can be run simultaneously?
Written response from the Mayor
It is right that the London Assembly, the Electoral Commission, the Association of Electoral Administration and others have highlighted concerns about the scheduling of both the GLA and General Elections for 7 May 2020. The risks arising from running both elections simultaneously must be assessed thoroughly, including the administrative implications, and most importantly with the experience of voters front and centre.
The Greater London Returning Officer is leading work to look at the implications and to prepare accordingly. In doing so, he will work closely with Cabinet Office, Electoral Commission and London’s boroughs and the City of London.
Registration of Londoners to vote
Question No: 2016/3924
Andrew Dismore
How many Londoners were not on the register that the proposed new Parliamentary boundaries were based on? Do you have plans to lobby the Government to reconsider the proposals for London, given the number of voters left off, and the impact of radically redrawn Parliamentary seats, crossing numerous Council boundaries?
Written response from the Mayor
The size of the electorate in London as at 1 December 2015 was 5,118,884; that being the London element of the English electorate figure (37,294,494) the Boundary Commission for England must use in drawing up its 600 Parliamentary constituencies. London’s electorate for the EU Referendum on 23 June 2016 was 5,424,768.
I share the concerns many Londoners hold about the use of out of date electorate figures and proposals for redrawn boundaries that fail to respect the contours of London’s communities and borough boundaries. As the Boundary Commission for England says itself, its proposals represent ‘substantial change’ for London in order to comply with the Government’s electoral quota. As Mayor, I will be ensuring the views of Londoners are heard by national government and urge others to make representations to the Commission, which is consulting on its proposals up to 5 December 2016
Night tube and public convenience for Chalk Farm
Question No: 2016/3925
Andrew Dismore
At the most recent ward Safer Neighbourhood meeting in Haverstock, concerns were raised about the impact of the night tube and in particular that it would result in more people who have had too much to drink relieving themselves in doorways on the way to or from Chalk Farm station. How do you plan to mitigate against this, and will you consider reopening the public toilet at Chalk Farm station?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Barriers at Mill Hill East tube station
Question No: 2016/3926
Andrew Dismore
There are only two ticket barriers at Mill Hill East tube station, which given the growing number of passengers, especially at peak times is woefully inadequate and leads to long and unnecessary queues. Will you install extra ticket barriers and if so when?
Written response from the Mayor
Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I have asked TfL to look into this matter and provide you with an update.
Operation Lydd (1)
Question No: 2016/3927
Andrew Dismore
Did the Metropolitan Police make a charging recommendation to the CPS with regard to Operation Lydd, and if so what was that recommendation?
Written response from the Mayor
The Metropolitan Police submitted a comprehensive file of evidence (in excess of 28,000 pages) to the Crown Prosecution Service seeking to demonstrate that the conduct of a British official amounted to Misconduct in Public Office.
Operation Lydd (2)
Question No: 2016/3928
Andrew Dismore
Do you and the Metropolitan Police agree with the conclusion of the Crown Prosecution Service that there was “insufficient evidence” to bring charges in Operation Lydd?
Written response from the Mayor
It is a matter for the CPS to decide on sufficiency of evidence and whether a case progresses for prosecution. The Metropolitan Police Service recognises this fully and so were unable to comment on this case.
business rate revaluation
Question No: 2016/3929
Andrew Dismore
Further to Question No: 2016/3376
What assessment have you made of the potential impact on London of a business rate revaluation?
Your response being:
‘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.’
The valuations for each property were published by the Valuation Office on 30 September as you anticipated, can you now give a clearer answer as to the impact especially on SMEs in London generally, and on businesses in central London; and what representations if any do you propose to make?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
HS2 (2)
Question No: 2016/3930
Andrew Dismore
Further to Question No: 2016/3381
What representations have you made about HS2, after your meeting with local Euston residents and businesses?
Your response being:
‘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.’
Have you had a response yet from the Secretary of State, and if so what did it say; and if not what are you doing to press for a response?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Walk London guided walks (1)
Question No: 2016/3931
Andrew Dismore
How Many people participated in the Walk London guided walks sponsored by TfL on 1st and 2nd October.
Written response from the Mayor
On 1 and 2 October, 2,714 people took part in the ‘Autumn Ambles’ guided walks around London.
Walk London guided walks (2)
Question No: 2016/3932
Andrew Dismore
In view of the success of the Walk London guided walks sponsored by TfL, will you be repeating them, and if so, when and how often?
Written response from the Mayor
A further two weekends of guided walks are planned for 2017. ‘Winter Wanders’ will take place on 27-28 January. ‘Spring into Summer’ will take place on 20-21 May.
Transport links to Hospitals
Question No: 2016/3933
Andrew Dismore
Further to Question No: 2016/3392
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?
Your response being:
‘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.’
What was the outcome of the meeting at the end of September?
Written response from the Mayor
The steering group met for the first time on 23 September. It agreed to examine catchment areas surrounding London’s major hospitals and their bus services, and to look at recent reviews carried out into buses serving those hospitals.
This work will look at changing travel patterns to and from hospitals, accessibility measures, and expected future changes in healthcare provision at these sites. The views of major stakeholders, such as Age UK, will be considered and the way in which cases for alterations to bus services might be developed.
The steering group expects to report back to me in early 2017.
Edgwarebury Farm
Question No: 2016/3934
Andrew Dismore
Further to Question No: 2016/3400
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?
Your response being:
‘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.’
Have you now received this briefing, and what are your views of this scheme as a result?
Written response from the Mayor
In my manifesto, I committed to protecting the Green Belt and I will reflect this fully in my London Plan review.
In relation to the appeal against refusal, I am writing to the inspector considering the matter, raising the need to have due regard to the current London Plan which states that the strongest protection should be given to London’s Green Belt, in accordance with national guidance.
West Ham and the Olympic Stadium
Question No: 2016/3935
Andrew Dismore
Are you satisfied about the policing and security arrangements for West Ham home games at the Olympic Stadium?
Written response from the Mayor
The vast majority of fans who have been to the Stadium in the past few months have behaved impeccably. Sadly a very small minority have not, but they have been dealt with through life time bans and, where appropriate, arrests.
The last few games have passed without incident inside the Stadium and the LLDC will continue to work with the MPS, the stadium operator LS185, West Ham United and the London Borough of Newham to provide all spectators with the safest and most enjoyable experience possible.
I am confident that the MPS has a proportionate policing plan in place, to ensure they meet their core policing responsibilities. The police operation is complimentary to that of the stadium operators, and other partners and the policing plan is based upon an assessment of threat, risk and harm, and is consistent with national grading of the threat of crime and disorder associated with football matches.
I am pleased that on 8th August 2016, West Ham agreed to install a suitable Airwave radio system which, once installed, will enable police deployments within the stadium.
London seat at the EU Brexit negotiating table
Question No: 2016/3936
Andrew Dismore
Further to Question No: 2016/3417
Has the Government accepted the case for a ‘London seat’ at the EU/Brexit negotiating table?
Your response being:
‘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.’
Will you now give an update on your discussions with Government over this issue?
Written response from the Mayor
I have held meetings with the Foreign Secretary and the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union to make the strong case for London to be represented in the Brexit negotiations.
Dedicated police officers for schools (1)
Question No: 2016/3937
Andrew Dismore
How many Police officers in London were dedicated to schools links last year, compared to this year? Can you also provide the figure for a) Barnet b) Camden?
Written response from the Mayor
As of 11th October 2016 there are a total of 292 Safer Schools Officers working with secondary Schools across London. For the previous year there were 282 Safer Schools Officers.
The specific schools officers for Barnet and Camden are as follows:
Barnet
- September 2015 8
- 11th October 2016 8
Camden
- September 2015 11
- 11th October 2016 11
Dedicated police officers for schools (2)
Question No: 2016/3938
Andrew Dismore
Do you agree that school link police officers are an important service available to schools, reduce crime in the long-term and keep children safer at school? Are you committed to keeping the current arrangement for school link police officers across London, especially the number of dedicated officers?
Written response from the Mayor
I agree that schools officers provide an important service. I am committed to ensuring that schools officers continue to work closely with schools. I have no plans to reduce their overall number across London.
Dedicated police officers for schools (3)
Question No: 2016/3939
Andrew Dismore
What changes are planned to the school link police officer service in Barnet? Can you ensure that they are not reduced?
Written response from the Mayor
Schools Officers provide a vital role to support young people and I have no plans to reduce their overall number across London.
Dedicated police officers for schools (4)
Question No: 2016/3940
Andrew Dismore
Will you guarantee that additional provision in Safer Neighbourhood Teams will not be met from dedicated school link officers?
Written response from the Mayor
I am committed that the additional Dedicated Ward Officer will remain a separate role to the schools officer role to ensure I deliver on my commitment of real neighbourhood policing.
Capital 500 Quarterly Economic Survey (1)
Question No: 2016/3941
Andrew Dismore
The London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) published the third quarter results of its Capital 500 Quarterly Economic Survey including a conclusion that, 6% of companies decreased investment in plant and equipment, a Capital 500 record-low. And that against the backdrop of rising costs and staling investment indicators, the Mayor of London should work with business groups to assess the potential impacts of significant new ratings on London businesses across differing boroughs and across various sectors. Will you do so?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Capital 500 Quarterly Economic Survey (2)
Question No: 2016/3942
Andrew Dismore
The London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) published the third quarter results of its Capital 500 Quarterly Economic Survey including a conclusion that business confidence indicators continued to deteriorate to Capital 500 record lows and that expectations for both the UK and London economy also remained on a downward trajectory, now for the fifth consecutive quarter, and firmly into negative territory. They say that the forthcoming Autumn Statement provides an opportunity for Government to boost business confidence by moving strategic London transport infrastructure like Crossrail Two or a new runway to “next stage” while targeting public sector investment to attract private finances to support future infrastructure projects. Do you agree with these conclusions?
Written response from the Mayor
I agree with this view. I am working closely with the Government on this topic in particular to highlight how it is essential that the Government makes quick decisions on transport related investments for the UK and the capital. Crossrail 2 and airport extension are the most urgent ones.
Public funding is required for Crossrail 2 to attract private investment. Expansion of airport capacity should be primarily driven by private funding – one of the many reasons why Gatwick is the best solution to this challenge.
The interim report by the London Finance Commission 2 makes it even clearer that a condition of success beyond Government’s decisions is to strengthen the capital’s fiscal powers.
Capital 500 Quarterly Economic Survey (3)
Question No: 2016/3943
Andrew Dismore
The London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) published the third quarter results of its Capital 500 Quarterly Economic Survey including a conclusion that Q3 2016 saw the lowest recorded Capital 500 employment levels, with 6 % of London businesses reporting decreased employment over the last three months and that plans for investment in training continued to decline, with 3% of companies, , decreasing investment plans. They say that the Government should ensure Apprenticeship Levy funding can be used to support other high quality workplace and vocational training (beyond just apprenticeships) and large employers should be able to transfer their electronic vouchers to smaller firms in their supply chain. Do you agree?
Written response from the Mayor
My responses to the government’s consultations on the apprenticeship levy have all argued for the facility for levy paying employers to be able to transfer their digital vouchers to smaller employers within their supply chain.
My most recent response to the consultation on the apprenticeship funding proposals, argued that the 10% facility proposed by government should be increased
Capital 500 Quarterly Economic Survey (4)
Question No: 2016/3944
Andrew Dismore
The London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) published the third quarter results of its Capital 500 Quarterly Economic Survey including a conclusion that domestic demand remained on a downward trajectory, with more businesses reporting a decrease than an increase in both domestic sales and orders and that export demand also dropped, but remained overall positive, which is likely a consequence, at least in part, of the depreciation of sterling. They say that to capitalise fully on the weaker pound, a cross-Whitehall national strategy for exports growth should outline the role that businesses and private providers could play in an integrated effort to target support to greater numbers of UK firms, particularly SMEs, looking at overseas markets. Do you agree?
Written response from the Mayor
This is something that I agree with. As you are aware through my international promotional agency, London & Partners, I am already supporting high-growth SMEs in the capital to access global business through initiatives like the Mayor’s International Business Programme. It is the first programme of its kind, using peer-to-peer mentoring and private sector backing, to help London companies to scale up and internationalise. The programme aims to support 800 high growth companies based in the capital over the next three years.
