9th Mayor's report - Andrew Dismore

9th Mayor’s report

February 7, 2017 office

MQT – 20 February 2017

This is my ninth Mayor’s Report to the Assembly, fulfilling my duty under Section 45 of the Greater London Authority Act 1999. It covers the period from 5 January – 6 February 2017.

Executive Summary

Low Emission Bus Zones

On 6 January, I announced plans for 10 more Low Emission Bus Zones, deploying the greenest buses on the capital’s most polluted routes to cut harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. The buses are part of my hard-hitting measures to tackle London’s filthy air – responsible for the premature deaths of more than 9,000 Londoners every year – with major plans set to be implemented in 2017 to tackle the dirtiest vehicles.

Childcare Deposit Loan Scheme

On 26 January, I launched the GLA Childcare Deposit Loan Scheme. The introduction of this interest-free loan scheme will give all parents in the GLA group, including Transport for London, the Metropolitan Police and the London Fire Brigade, the funds they need to cover the up-front costs of childcare provision.

Schools air quality audits

On 24 January, I announced funding for 50 ‘air quality’ audits that will identify new hard-hitting measures to protect pupils locally from air pollution. The 50 primary schools are located in areas exceeding legal limits of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in a number of London boroughs.

London is Open – Trip to World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos

From 18 – 19 January, I attended the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos. The purpose of the trip was to strengthen ties with European political leaders and international business leaders to demonstrate that London remains open for business and a key destination for investment and tourism following the EU referendum.

Tackling female reoffending

Better Boilers scheme for winter warmth

The Better Boilers scheme will help vulnerable Londoner’s make considerable savings on their annual energy bills, and reduce cold-related ill health, as well as excess winter deaths.

Policing, Crime and Security

Tackling female reoffending

Around 30,000 women are arrested each year in London, making up a third of all offenders sentenced at court. Of these, over a fifth go on to reoffend. Support for female offenders in the capital has been historically underfunded and the need for more services has become increasingly acute as a result of the closure of HMP Holloway last summer.

On 25 January, I announced an investment of £500k into a new Female Offender Service, a joint project by the Mayor’s Office for Policing And Crime (MOPAC) and the London Community Rehabilitation Company (London CRC) to expand and improve current services and bring different agencies together to tackle women’s reoffending across the capital. The programme builds on the work of the Minerva project, part of women’s charity Advance, which works with women who are either leaving custody or serving their sentence in the community. The new service will reach 950 female offenders across London. MOPAC’s funding will enhance support services in 10 London boroughs, including specialist care in the areas of domestic and sexual abuse, trauma counselling, employment support, parenting and housing. By providing support across a range of areas, we can help these women deal with the root causes of their problems, drive down reoffending, cut crime and make our communities safer.

Putting victims at the heart of our work

Crime can have a devastating and lasting impact on people’s lives, which is why I am putting the needs of victims at the heart of my Police and Crime Plan for London. On 30 January, I was delighted to announce that recruitment is now underway for London’s first independent Victims’ Commissioner. The right support can make a huge difference in helping people navigate the criminal justice system and recover from painful experiences, as well as driving down reoffending, and the Victims’ Commissioner will stand up for survivors of crime across the capital, making sure their voice is heard and that their needs are at the heart of our policing and criminal services. By understanding the experiences of victims and championing improvements, we can help ensure they get the support they need to move on.

On the same day, I was also pleased to announce the launch of the Pan-London Housing Reciprocal – a MOPAC-funded Domestic Abuse Housing agreement. This is a voluntary collaboration between local authorities and registered housing providers which allows social housing tenants at risk of harm from domestic/sexual violence and other Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) strands, to move to another local authority area and keep the same security of tenure previously held. The referring Local Authority or registered provider then owes an equal size property to another household at risk in London through a centralised system. This agreement is an important part of our work to find solutions around housing and refuge provision for women fleeing violence and abuse.

Protecting London’s police budget

On 25 January, I wrote to all London MPs and Council Leaders asking for their support in making sure that the capital gets its fair share of police funding. I am deeply concerned that the combination of the Government’s refusal to fully fund the NICC, along with changes to the police funding formula, could undermine public safety in the capital.

The safety of Londoners is my first priority, and I have done everything I can to protect police officer numbers – including making the very difficult decision to raise council tax. But if the Government subjects London’s police service to any further cuts, it will become near impossible to maintain the number of police on our streets.

For this reason, I am urging the Government to protect London’s vital police funding. My message is clear – Londoners’ safety will be put at risk if police funding is cut any further, and ministers must listen to our concerns. I will be continuing to engage with the Government to make London’s case and I hope the Assembly will join with me in making sure London gets its fair share.

Transport

Major milestone in Victoria Station upgrade project

Journeys through Victoria Underground station have been made easier following the opening of a new north ticket hall on 17 January. The new entrance on Victoria Street is a key part of the £700m station upgrade project and leads to the new ticket hall and the Victoria line. It means customers can now easily exit the station onto Victoria Street without having to cross a series of road junctions outside the station.

Victoria, the fourth busiest Tube station, currently serves more than 82 million customer journeys each year, linking major rail routes to the south of London with the Circle, District and Victoria lines. The modernisation of the station, which is being done in stages and will be completed in 2018, will double the size of the station, ease congestion for customers and provide, for the first time, step-free access.

Statement on Transport Secretary’s rail proposals

On 13 January, I sent a letter to the Transport Secretary, Chris Grayling, declining his invitation for a TfL employee to work with the Department for Transport on the Southeastern refranchising process.

Experience has shown it is simply not possible to drive up reliability using this approach, as the franchising model does not allow the level of control that commuters deserve.

Instead I urged the Transport Secretary to turn to a proven successful approach and return to the agreement of devolving suburban rail services to TfL – for the sake of commuters inside and outside of London.

Londoners, councils, MPs and Assembly Members know the huge benefits that TfL can deliver. It’s not too late for the Transport Secretary to change his mind and deliver proper devolution for the good of long-suffering commuters inside and outside of London.

London Underground Industrial Action

TfL staff worked hard to ensure that London kept moving and working during the industrial action on 9 January.

Around 70 per cent of Tube services were running during the action. Over 150 extra buses were deployed to help customers get around.

TfL kept Londoners informed throughout the day so they could complete their journeys with many taking to two wheels as 38,042 hires were recorded on Santander Cycles, making a record for a weekday in January.

London Underground remain in talks with the unions to resolve the dispute.

Northern line extension to begin in March

On 20 January, I announced that tunnelling to extend the Northern line between Kennington and Battersea will begin in March. The extension – set for completion in 2020 – is the first major Tube line extension since the Jubilee line in the late 1990s.

The Northern Line Extension will enable the regeneration of the Vauxhall, Nine Elms and Battersea areas, spurring economic growth by supporting around 25,000 new jobs and more than 20,000 new homes. Construction is also boosting the UK economy, supporting around 1,000 jobs, including around 50 apprenticeships. As well as two new tunnels, two new stations are being created: one at the heart of the Battersea Power Station redevelopment and another at Nine Elms to the east, serving new developments such as the US Embassy and the redevelopment of New Covent Garden Market, as well as existing communities.

New £500 million deal to deliver complex civil engineering projects

Transport for London has signed a four-year deal with Costain, Morgan Sindall and Skanska to deliver some of its more complex, large scale, civil engineering schemes which will improve London’s road network for all.

The new £500m framework will help deliver a wide range of projects to transform highways, reduce dangers on the roads, improve journey reliability and encourage cycling and walking. Schemes delivered using the framework could include projects such as the proposed Fiveways scheme in Croydon and the removal of the Vauxhall gyratory, as well as major asset renewal and upgrades like the A40 Westway structure.

Redevelopment of Custom House DLR station

Customers who use Custom House DLR station are being reminded that work to redevelop the station will begin on 3 February. The station will be closed until December but trains will continue to run through.

The work involves taking down the existing station canopies and the installation of a new mezzanine deck above the DLR platforms, as well as two additional staircases.

Work is due to be completed late December and will increase capacity at the station by 50 per cent allowing customers to interchange easily with new Elizabeth line services from December 2018.

Free Winter Wanders help Londoners get back on their feet

To help Londoners get back into their stride, TfL organised 44 free guided walks over Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 January, as part of the Winter Wanders weekend.

TfL seeks views on development in Camden Town

TfL has launched a public consultation on proposals to develop the space above a proposed, new entrance at Camden Town Tube station.

The proposal includes developing up to 70 new homes and commercial and retail space that will support the thriving local area while generating vital, non-fare revenue to reinvest in transport. It is expected that 35 per cent or more of the homes will be affordable housing, as part of TfL’s overall target for 50 per cent affordable housing across its sites.

Camden Town is one of the busiest interchange stations on the Tube network with increasing customer numbers on the Northern line, which now includes a 24-hour service on Fridays and Saturdays, the 85,000 people who use the station each day is set to increase by 42 per cent in the evening peak alone over the next five years.

Last year, TfL held the first phase of public consultation to find out what people thought about upgrading the Tube station, including introducing the new entrance. Over 1,700 people responded and 95 per cent supported the need to improve the capacity of the station.

Tram track upgrade work to take place in February

TfL has been advising customers that, due to track replacement work, Tram services between Wimbledon and Mitcham will not be operating from 11 February through to 20 February.

The work is part of the Tram network’s regular maintenance programme, will involve replacing 750 metres of track between Morden Road and Merton Park, as well as replacing both track and signals in the Dundonald Road crossing area, which will also involve the closure of the road. During this time a road diversion route will be in operation.

Next step in plans to rid London of dangerous lorries

TfL has launched the first consultation into the use of its world-first ‘zero to five star’ Direct Vision Standard for HGVs operating in the Capital.

A ground breaking study into HGV safety has showed that having direct vision from the cab of a lorry rather than relying on mirrors and monitors has a substantial impact on improving road safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

The 12-week consultation runs until 18 April and aims to identify how the new Standard can be best used to reduce road casualties on London’s roads.

By January 2020, the most dangerous HGVs will be banned from London’s streets entirely. These HGVs, often ‘off-road’ vehicles would be ‘zero-star rated’ by the Direct Vision Standard – determined by the level of vision the driver has directly from the cab. Setting out the plans now it is expected that many dangerous lorries will be upgraded before the restriction on the most dangerous HGVs comes into place in 2020.

Go-ahead for major transformation of Ilford station

A major overhaul of Ilford station as part of the Crossrail programme has been given the go-ahead by Redbridge Council.

The new station building has been designed to stand out as a recognisable landmark on Cranbrook Road and to be a prominent building that is visible from the surrounding area.

Further improvements will also be delivered to prepare the station for Elizabeth line services including longer platforms, improved lighting, signage, customer information points, CCTV and overhead information screens.

Further detailed design will now take place, with the contract for the construction of the station to be awarded by Network Rail this year. Work is expected to get underway in early 2018 and to take around 18 months to complete.

Hackney Wick Station

Work at Hackney Wick is underway to transform the Overground station. The £25m project is being managed by Network Rail on behalf of LLDC and will feature a new entrance and ticket hall with two new lifts to improve access. Images of the designs by architects Landolt Brown have now been released and can be viewed here: http://www.queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk/news/news-articles/2017/01/hackney-wick-overground-station-set-for-transformation

The Economy, Business, Enterprise and Regeneration

London is Open – Trip to World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos

From 18 – 19 January, I attended the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos during which I held meetings with European political leaders including H.M. King Philippe of Belgium, the Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg, the Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa and met Canadian Science and Economic Development Minister Naveed Bains and Former EU President Martin Schultz to discuss how London will remain open.

I also met with global business leaders including the CEOs and senior leadership of Siemens, Hitachi, Mastercard, WIPRO and Salesforce, as well as a Chinese tech and business leaders including Jack Ma of Alibaba and Kai-Fu Lee of Sinovation Ventures to talk about opportunities for investment in London.

I spoke to a wide range of British and international media, including the BBC, ITV, Sky, LBC, BBC Radio London, FT, Guardian, CNN, Wall Street Journal, CBS, CNBC, Bloomberg, AFP and Reuters to get the message out that London is open for business and to warn of the danger a ‘hard Brexit’ could pose to our great city.

The purpose of the trip was to strengthen ties with European political leaders and international business leaders to demonstrate that London remains open for business and a key destination for investment and tourism following the EU referendum.

The discussions with European leaders covered key issues of common interest, including the need for an open dialogue between countries as the UK Government prepares the legislation necessary to trigger Article 50 and begin negotiations on the UK’s exit from the European Union.

Childcare Deposit Loan Scheme

Childcare costs in London are 34 per cent more than the national average, while nurseries often charge an upfront cost of up to £1,500, resulting in many parents being blocked from either returning to work or starting a new role. 40 per cent of mothers who are unemployed say that childcare is a key barrier to getting a job.

Together with single-parent charity Gingerbread, who came up with the proposal to support parents return to the workforce, I urged businesses and organisations across London to follow suit and offer the same scheme to their employees. This is a first step by City Hall towards addressing the multiple challenges that working parents face when trying to access childcare in the capital.

Call to Premier League clubs to pay the London Living Wage

On 17 January, I wrote to the chairmen and owners of Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham and Crystal Palace, urging them to set an example for other businesses across the capital by paying their staff the London Living Wage.

Only Chelsea – who signed up in 2014 – pay their employees the London Living Wage and I am calling on other London-based Premier League clubs to join the Blues and the other 1,076 businesses that are accredited. This figure is up from 724 the previous year and compares with just 27 employers who publicly backed the Living Wage in 2008.

In October last year I announced an increase in the London Living Wage from £9.40 to £9.75 and more than 60,000 workers in the city now benefit from the increased wage. The Living Wage can be a ‘win-win’ for business as it can help recruitment, retention and productivity of staff, and makes good commercial sense.

New proposals for London devolution

On 27 January, I endorsed the findings of a major new report that calls for further powers to be devolved to the capital in the aftermath of the decision to leave the European Union.

The London Finance Commission, a group of cross-party political and business leaders led by Professor Tony Travers from the London School of Economics, has published a comprehensive, wide-ranging suite of devolution requests that will be presented to ministers. This builds on an initial set of devolution measures for the capital proposed by the Commission in 2013.

The overall approach that the Commission recommends is to bring London in line with most other global cities by allowing the capital’s government control over a much wider range of taxes, in exchange for lower levels of government grant.

This would enable the City to operate more efficient, effective and integrated services, bring forward infrastructure investment vital for growth, and reform property and other taxes which do not operate well in London.

Devolution of this nature would also enable Whitehall to concentrate on the biggest challenge facing the country, leaving the EU and building new global trading relationships.

Call to Government to replace £600m of EU funds

On 1 February, at the first meeting of the London Economic Action Partnership (LEAP), I called on Government to make an urgent decision on how more than £600m of crucial funds that London receives from the European Union will be replaced in the aftermath of Brexit.

LEAP, London’s local enterprise partnership, oversees the investment of £600m from the European Structural and Investment Funds into skills, employment and enterprise initiatives across the capital. However, in the aftermath of Brexit, the future of this crucial funding is now in doubt.

Business Advisory Board

On 11 January, I hosted the first meeting of my Business Advisory Board with capitalising on future opportunities to promote London globally top of the agenda.

The board – formed of leading business figures and entrepreneurs from across the capital – met at City Hall to discuss plans to protect and boost London’s economy and develop ideas to increase its competitiveness and prosperity post-Brexit.

Members of the 16-strong board, 10 of whom are women, also contributed ideas and expertise on developing strategies to promote women in business, support entrepreneurs and identify digital and tech skills opportunities.

Industrial Strategy for London

On 12 January, speaking at the prestigious annual London Government Dinner, I asked the capital’s political and business leaders to work with me to develop a new industrial strategy for London.
A key part of making London more competitive will be ensuring our city has the power and levers it needs to stimulate our economy. More control for London was important before the referendum, but in the light of Brexit and the economic uncertainty we now face – it’s become absolutely crucial.

2Work Launch

On 23 January, I launched a tender to recruit a delivery partner for the GLA’s European Social Fund programme, 2Work. The 2Work GLA European Social Fund programme is Team London’s employment support programme for young Londoners aged 18-24 who are not currently in education, training or employment. Through a combination of volunteering and accredited training, the programme equips young Londoners with the skills, confidence and experience that they need to enter employment, education or training.‎

Growth Deal Funding

On 2 February, the Government announced the award of a 3rd tranche of Growth Deal funding to Local Enterprise Partnerships across the UK, including £141.28m for London. This money will now be put to good use by my various teams, funding inclusive and ambitious education, digital skills, business support, housing and environment projects.

Meridian Water regeneration

On 26 January, my Deputy Mayor Joanne McCartney accompanied me on a visit to Enfield’s flagship regeneration site Meridian Water (MW) to meet contractors who have just started remediation works on site. We also visited Building BloQs – a not-for-profit open workshop space created to provide London’s freelance makers, small businesses and designers with the tools needed to establish and grow. The London Regeneration Fund is providing £1.3m to transform two industrial sheds in Meridian Water allowing BloQs to scale up from its current 1,000 sqm site to a 6,000 sqm facility, incorporating an open workshop and artist studios.

Bond Street Public Realm Improvement

I have approved GLA expenditure of up to £2million to Westminster City Council as a contribution to its costs of delivering public realm improvements on Bond Street providing improved pavement and road surfacing, widening of pavements and improved comfort and access for pedestrians.

Revolving Investment in Cities (RICE) European funding

I have approved the GLA’s receipt of Revolving Investment in Cities (RICE) European funding, which is to be used to further the development of new financial instruments that can increase private sector investment in solutions and initiatives that tackle urban development issues, in particular in relation to Smart Cities, the environment and regeneration. The total award is €2.3m, the GLA’s share of which is €245k, and the project will last for 12 months. This project will be delivered in conjunction with the City of The Hague and the Department of Communities and Local Government as main partners and Manchester City Council as an affiliate partner.

Crossrail Business Rates Supplement – 2017-18

I have approved the policies for the Crossrail Business Rate Supplement (BRS) for 2017-18 including the multiplier (or tax rate) and the rateable value threshold above which it will apply having regard to the contents of the final prospectus for the BRS published in January 2010. The policies have been reviewed to take into account the impact of the 2017 business rates revaluation.

The Crossrail BRS is collected by the 32 London boroughs and the Corporation of London on behalf of the GLA. I have authorised the Executive Director, Resources to issue a notification to each London billing authority under section 18 of the Business Rate Supplements Act 2009 setting out the final policies for the Crossrail BRS in 2017-18 and the supporting explanatory text for ratepayers. This will enable billing authorities to make the necessary arrangements for the inclusion of the Crossrail BRS on 2017-18 non domestic rates bills which are due to be issued in March 2017.

Housing and Land

Two major planning applications called in

On 12 January, I stepped in for the first time since being elected to take over two major planning applications in the capital.

My intervention on the applications – one in Haringey and the other in Harrow – will allow City Hall experts to help create more suitable proposals and secure hundreds of genuinely affordable homes.

Haringey Council had rejected an application for up to 505 homes including a 21-storey tower at Hale Wharf in Tottenham, over concerns that it would be too tall and would adversely impact Green Belt land. An application for 186 homes in Palmerston Road in Wealdstone was also rejected by Harrow Council, as the 17-storey development was deemed too high.

Both sites sit within designated Opportunity Areas and Housing Zones – areas of land that are considered appropriate for development. City Hall planners will now work with the respective developers to protect the Green Belt from development at Hale Wharf and look to secure as much affordable housing as possible at both sites.

New London Development Panel

I have approved the procurement of a new London Development Panel (LDP) following the expiry of the current Panel. The Panel has proved successful in securing development partners and contractors for a wide range of housing and regeneration projects on public sector land across London and has become widely used across the London public sector as a streamlined, effective and fully OJEU-compliant procurement process.

Environment

Low Emission Bus Zones

The new routes include Edmonton, Stratford and Haringey, bringing the total number of Low Emission Zones planned to 12, including the previously announced zones in Putney High Street and Brixton.

The zones target air quality hotspots where people are exposed to some of the highest levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution and where older buses contribute significantly to road transport emissions. Thousands of school children will benefit from the introduction of the Low Emission Bus Zones, with 172 schools located within 100 metres of the new zones. In addition, the benefits of operating the greenest buses will be felt more widely across the capital as the buses operate the full length of their routes. The new greener buses, which will be a combination of hybrid and clean buses that meet Euro VI standards, are part of an improvement programme to 3,000 buses outside central London.

Schools air quality audits

Under the new scheme, each school will receive a detailed audit, carried out by an experienced transport and environment consultancy, which will review ways to dramatically lower emissions and exposure to pollution in and around the school. The audits will highlight key interventions to reduce exposure and will run alongside a pollution awareness-raising education programme at each school.

Audit recommendations could include:

moving school entrances and play areas to reduce exposure to busy roads;
‘ no engine idling’ schemes to reduce harmful emissions during the school run;
looking at the school estate to minimise emissions from boilers, kitchens and other sources;
changes to local roads, including improved road layouts, restricting the most polluting vehicles round schools and pedestrianisation around school entrances; and
‘green infrastructure’ such as ‘barrier bushes’ along busy roads and in playgrounds to ‘block’ out toxic fumes
encouraging walking and cycling through competitions, ‘walking buses’ with large groups of pupils walking together on pavements, plus improving cycle and walking routes.

Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of poor air quality, with the latest data revealing that 360 primary schools are currently located in areas exceeding legal limits. I have allocated £250,000 to fund the new audits. Boroughs will then be able to work with schools to implement changes, using part of the record £1billion funding I have provided to boroughs to support local improvements to the transport network and tackle pollution in line with my Healthy Streets Vision over the next five years.

Breaches of legal air pollution limits

On 5 January, the first monitoring site within London, Brixton Road, breached the legally allowed number of exceedances within a year of the NO2 hourly legal limit. A further four monitoring sites have subsequently breached the NO2 hourly legal limit. This underlines why my efforts to improve air quality and take urgent action to reduce emissions and pollutant concentrations is so urgent, including my low emission bus zones.

Very high pollution alert

On 23 January, the shameful state of London’s toxic air meant that I was forced to trigger the first ‘very high’ air pollution alert under my new comprehensive alert system. This is the highest level of alert and everyone – from the most vulnerable to the physically fit – needed to take precautions to protect themselves from the filthy air.

Cold, calm and settled weather resulted in elevated air pollution levels. Low wind speeds led to poor dispersal of local pollutants and meant pollution built throughout the course of several days.

Alerts were displayed at:

2,500 bus countdown signs and river pier signs across London.
140 road-side dot matrix message signs on the busiest main roads into London, with instructions to switch engines off when stationary to reduce emissions.
Electronic update signs in the entrances of all 270 London Underground stations.

Safeguarding the health of Londoners from pollution is my number one priority – and I am implementing the boldest policies of any city in the world to get to grips with the awful problems I inherited. I am delivering the strongest emission measures to clean-up our bus fleets, charging for the dirtiest most toxic diesels, and bringing forward and then extending the Ultra-Low Emission Zone.

The government urgently need to do their bit. They need to devolve more powers to London and introduce a national diesel scrappage scheme to rid our streets of the dirtiest vehicles. They also need to reform vehicle excise duty and bring in a new Clean Air Act that finally tackles this problem and means that Londoners don’t have to be afraid of the air we breathe.

£750,000 of funding awarded to tree planting projects this winter

On 20 January, I announced the recipients of £750,000 of grant funding to support tree planting in London. This winter, 26 projects across London will plant more than 40,000 trees. London boroughs and organisations including Trees for Cities and Groundwork London will plant trees with the help of thousands of volunteers.

The trees will be planted in a range of locations including on residential streets, busy main roads and in local parks, often as a result of residents’ requests. Projects include greening seven residential estates in Hammersmith & Fulham, a community orchard in Southwark, streets in Brent, Croydon, Havering and Lewisham, parks in Tottenham, and woodlands in Ealing and Barking and Dagenham.

I want London to be one of the world’s greenest cities, which is why I’ve prioritised this funding to kick-start the delivery of thousands of new trees and to enhance our much-loved green spaces. This is the first step in my plans for a major tree-planting programme across London in partnership with businesses and boroughs.

Better Boilers scheme for winter warmth

On 9 January, I launched my £1m Better Boiler scheme, which will replace and repair inefficient and broken boilers in the homes of around 500 owner occupiers who are in receipt of qualifying benefits. This pilot scheme has been carefully designed with boroughs and key stakeholders, and will test the efficacy of this approach to tackling fuel poverty, to help inform my Fuel Poverty Action Plan, which I plan to publish later this year.

The Better Boilers scheme will help vulnerable Londoner’s make considerable savings on their annual energy bills, and reduce cold-related ill health, as well as excess winter deaths.

Deputy Mayor’s visit to Brussels

On 10 and 11 January, the Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, Shirley Rodrigues, visited Brussels to meet with MEPs involved in shaping new legislation on the ‘type-approval’ process for testing and monitoring vehicle emissions. This was ahead of an important European Parliament vote on 26 January. My priorities are for the legislation to:

Reinforce the independence and quality of testing that allows a car to be placed on the market
Introduce an effective market surveillance system to control the conformity of cars already in circulation
Reinforce the type approval system with greater European oversight

Shirley also met with senior figures in the European Commission to promote London’s work and my priorities.

Allegations about Fiat Chrysler and Renault vehicles emission performance

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. and its US subsidiary with a notice of violation in respect of the installation of engine management software in certain diesel engines sold in vehicles in the US.

I have written to Fiat Chrysler asking if the findings have implications for Greater London and, specifically, whether engine management software was installed in engines of vehicles offered for sale in the UK. If so, I also want to understand which EU vehicle certification authority type approved the affected vehicles and the impact the engine management software had on the emissions outputs of vehicles when used under test conditions as compared to when being driven on the streets.

A different set of allegations have also been made in relation to Renault and I will be writing in similar terms to better understand if there has been any impact on London.

Education and Youth

Getting Ahead London

On 6 February, my Deputy Mayor for Education and Childcare, Joanne McCartney, welcomed an audience of 100 senior schools leaders at the spring event of my Getting Ahead London programme, a new initiative to grow the talent pool of future London headteachers and principals.

The event saw our 60 participants network with current heads, executive headteachers and system leaders from good and outstanding schools from across London. It was kindly hosted at the Museum of London and organised with Challenge Partners and PwC to share strong progress to date on this year’s pilot programme. This has included four of the deputy or assistant heads already being offered headships.

Keynote addresses by Sir David Carter, National Schools Commissioner and Jo Dibb, Executive Headteacher, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School (rated outstanding in three consecutive

Ofsted inspections) helped the programme participants be inspired by established leaders and look at the career path to headship in London.

Young Londoner’s Participation’s Network

On 16 January, my Deputy Mayor for Education and Childcare, Joanne McCartney, participated in the quarterly Young Londoner’s Participation’s Network (YPLN) meeting with 130 attendees. The main topic was Inclusion, Communities and Young People. Joanne spoke about the many issues affecting young people including, cuts to youth services, unemployment, crime, housing, poverty and discrimination.

Mayor’s Fund for London breakfast event

On 17 January, my Deputy Mayor for Education and Childcare, Joanne McCartney, attended a Mayor’s Fund for London breakfast event. Joanne spoke about the effects of food poverty on children in London. It is estimated that half-a-million young Londoners struggle with food and isolation during the school holidays.

Team London Young Ambassadors

Team London Young Ambassadors, my volunteering programme for state schools, has now reached over 2,000 schools. In celebration, Deputy Mayor Matthew Ryder visited St Saviour’s RC Primary School in Lambeth on 26 January 2017. The school is one of the original and most active schools in the programme. The young volunteers are supporting the Southwark Day Centre for Refugees. Matthew met staff and service users of the centre alongside, school governors, parents and staff from St Saviour’s.

Social Integration, Social Mobility, and Community Engagement

Holocaust Memorial Day 2017

On 23 January, I joined with the London Assembly in attending the City Hall Holocaust Memorial Day ceremony. The theme for HMD this year was ‘How Can Life Go On?’, and at this event I gave a reading from an extract by Holocaust survivor Zigi Shipper, telling the story of how he attempted to come to terms with his experiences after the war as he settled down to life in London.

Our partners in organising this event were the Holocaust Educational Trust, Holocaust Memorial Day Trust and the Jewish Music Institute. The ceremony included addresses by Holocaust survivor Mala Tribich, Sokphal Din, a survivor of the Cambodian genocide in 1975, and also an address by Rabbi Debbie Young-Somers. This is a hugely important event in the City Hall, allowing us to re-state our commitment to fighting all forms of antisemitism and prejudice.

US Immigration Ban

On 29 January, I released a statement on my opposition to President Trump’s ban on people from certain countries entering the United States.

This policy flies in the face of the values of freedom and tolerance that the USA was built upon. The USA has a proud history of welcoming and resettling refugees; the President can’t just turn his back on this global crisis – all countries need to play their part.

I am pleased that the Prime Minister has now said she and the government do not agree with President Trump’s policy, which will affect many British citizens who have dual nationality, including Londoners born in countries affected by the ban, and I will work with the government on behalf of Londoners affected.

On 31 January, at a Diplomatic Reception at City Hall, I also urged political leaders from around the world to show moral leadership and join me in speaking out against the ban.

The reception was the best attended diplomatic event hosted by a London Mayor, with more than two-thirds of London’s diplomatic community represented.

Meeting with the Immigration Minister

On 10 January, my Deputy Mayor for Social Integration, Social Mobility and Community Engagement, Matthew Ryder, along with the Chair of London Councils, Claire Kober, met with the Immigration Minister, Robert Goodwill, to discuss London’s role in the resettlement of Syrian refugees and unaccompanied asylum seeking children.

The Minister assured Matthew Ryder that the Government would consider the GLA’s proposal for regional support of Syrian resettlement.

Matthew Ryder also highlighted the need for the Government to secure the status of EU nationals living in the UK.

London Fairness Commission

On 12 January, my Deputy Mayor for Social Integration, Social Mobility and Community Engagement delivered the first annual London Fairness Commission lecture on my behalf.

The lecture covered some of the drivers of unfairness in London, including the prevalence of low pay and insecure employment, high costs and a lack of social mobility.

It also outlined how the GLA will be acting to make London a fairer city, including through the publication of our equalities framework, our work on economic fairness, and my plans to deliver 90,000 affordable homes.

Team London Small Grants programme

The Team London Small Grants programme was opened to applications from 4 January until 8 February 2017. The focus of the grants is to:

Increase volunteering amongst 59-69-year-olds who are about to leave the workforce or have just left it. This will encourage them to use their skills for the benefit of the community. And/or:
Increase the number of volunteers who support older people to access the community services and support that they need.

The grant application process has been reviewed following feedback from previous applicants. This year’s form is much simpler and focuses on the sustainability of the grant and how the organisations will build the capacity to engage volunteers. There are a limited number of grants available to small organisations in London and these grants will support the sector at a time when demand for services is increasing.

EU Committee of the Regions

On 30 January, the Deputy Mayor of London attended the London Assembly meeting with the EU Committee of the Regions (CoR) on my behalf. Representatives meet at CoR to discuss development of EU laws that affect regions and cities.

Health

Healthy Schools London

My Deputy Mayor for Education and Childcare, Joanne McCartney, visited Gladesmore Community School in Tottenham, LB Haringey on 27 January to celebrate the work that they are doing as part of my Healthy Schools London programme. Joanne met many of the pupils and staff including peer Listeners: pupils who lead on anti-bullying, school council representatives and prefects. Gladesmore has achieved both a Bronze and Silver HSL Award and is involved in many of my education programmes including Stepping Stones and London Curriculum.

Meeting with Simon Stevens, Chief Executive, NHS England

I am determined to stand up for the health of Londoners and the city’s health services. I remain committed to fighting for the resources the NHS needs and will continue to work alongside health and care leaders to ensure health in London is greatly improved.

On 24 January, I met with Simon Stevens, NHS England Chief Executive and Dr Anne Rainsberry NHS England Regional Director (London), to discuss the challenges faced by the health services and the opportunities that Health and Care Devolution could bring. We agreed that more needs to be done to improve how health and care services are coordinated so that access is improved. Underused and surplus NHS land and buildings remain an untapped resource in London and through devolution we believe we can overcome some of the current barriers preventing us from freeing up this land and reinvesting the money elsewhere to primary care. We have been making huge progress to test and pilot how devolution could work in the capital and I look forward to continuing to work with Simon, borough leaders, London Health Board colleagues and Central Government to explore how devolved health and care powers could help us make improvements at a faster pace.

Improving mental health

On 2 February, to mark Time to Talk Day I encouraged everyone at City Hall to get involved in Thrive London [https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/health/london-health-board/improving-londoners-mental-health-and-wellbeing] our new citywide mental health movement. I am determined as mayor to ensure the whole city comes together to prioritise mental health and wellbeing.

Culture and Events

Night Czar Music Reception

On 23 January, I published a new report Rescue Plan for London’s Grassroots Music Venues, with new research indicating that for the first time in ten years the number of grassroots venues has remained stable. My Night Czar announced the publication at the launch of Independent Venues Week at The Social, a grassroots music venue in Westminster attended by key representatives of the music industry and London’s local authorities. My report outlines new figures on the economic contribution of grassroots music venues to London which generate £91m per year investment, £44m in new talent every year – the biggest spend on talent development in the music industry and support over 2,200 jobs.

Fourth Plinth Commission Shortlist Exhibition Launch

On 19 January, my Deputy Mayor for Culture and Creative Industries, Justine Simons, revealed the Fourth Plinth Commission Shortlist Exhibition at the National Gallery.

The Fourth Plinth Commission is a flagship programme that puts world class contemporary art at the heart of London, and is seen by millions of people. Two of the five shortlisted proposals will be selected in March 2017 and unveiled on the plinth in Trafalgar Square in 2018 and 2020 respectively.

This year’s shortlist is the most international and diverse list ever and has an equal representation of men and women. The artists are: Damián Ortega from Mexico, Michael Rakowitz from US, Huma Bhabha from New York, Heather Phillipson from UK and Raqs Media Collective from Delhi.

The shortlist exhibition has returned to the National Gallery after six years. It is free to everyone and will be seen by 15,000 people per day. Visitors are invited to have their say on the proposals and over a thousand people have already done so. The proposals have been positively received by critics, arts professionals and the general public alike.

London to be the world’s most film friendly city

On 31 January, I set out my vision for London to become the world’s most film-friendly city, announcing a raft of measures to invest in talent, skills and infrastructure to ensure the capital’s film industry is able to continue on an upward trajectory.

Figures released at the end of January show that the UK film industry, much of it based in London, has enjoyed a record-breaking year. Inward investment in 2016 reached £1.35 billion – an 18 per cent increase on the previous year. Approximately three-quarters of the UK’s film industry is based in and around London, meaning that it contributed roughly £1.2 billion to the capital’s economy in 2016.

London is the third busiest city for film production in the world after only Los Angeles and New York. The capital’s world-class crews, locations, talent and competitive tax reliefs have sustained London’s position in the top three cities – and that also means demand for studio space is incredibly high.

Looking to build on this success, I announced plans to work in partnership with Creative Skillset and Film London to deliver a new skills strategy. This strategy will identify skills shortages within the capital’s film industry, develop routes into the sector for talented creatives, and encourage more people from diverse backgrounds to enter the screen industries.

I also announced that I have appointed consultants SQW, BBP Regeneration and Richard Miller from the University of Hertfordshire to deliver the feasibility study for the London’s largest new film studios in London, to be situated at Dagenham East.

A new film studio complex in Dagenham would enable London to bid successfully for more overseas film productions, benefitting not just the capital but the rest of the UK. It would also create a range of permanent jobs in the East End with ambitions to diversify the industry’s workforces, recognising broader skillsets that are necessary for film production – from carpenters to sound technicians.

Opening of London Fashion Week Men’s

On 6 January, I co-hosted the opening of London Fashion Week Men’s 2017 at The Store Studios alongside Dylan Jones, London Fashion Week Men’s Chairman, Justine Simons, my Deputy Mayor for Culture and Creative Industries, Caroline Rush, Chief Executive of the British Fashion Council and key members of the fashion industry.

London Fashion Week Men’s continues to grow each year demonstrating that London is the home of menswear, and one of the big four world fashion capitals, alongside Paris, Milan and New York. This year, London Fashion Week Men’s welcomed back leading designer Vivienne Westwood and showcased designers, buyers and press from over 45 countries illustrating that London is Open for talent and business. Fashion contributes £26bn to the UK economy and supports almost 800,000 jobs. London Fashion Week and London Fashion Week Men’s deliver £97 million in orders for British designers annually.

Chinese New Year Festival

On 29 January, I spoke at London’s Chinese New Year festival in Trafalgar Square. The occasion, to mark the ‘Year of the Rooster’ is the biggest in the world outside of Asia. London’s Chinatown is famous for its wonderful delicacies, atmosphere and vibrant business community and it was great to see this amazing corner of our city at its best for the annual New Year celebrations.

The event started with the spectacular parade along Charing Cross Road and Shaftesbury Avenue, and was followed with an afternoon of lively entertainment in Trafalgar Square and around Chinatown. Chinese New Year is now one of London’s most popular festivals which continues to highlight that we don’t just tolerate each other’s differences, we celebrate them.

Creative Industries Federation Second Anniversary Keynote Speech

On 9 January, I spoke at the second anniversary celebration for the Creative Industries Federation at the new home of the Design Museum. The Creative Industries Federation is a leading national membership organisation for the public arts, cultural education and creative industries. I was delighted to be invited as key speaker alongside Karen Bradley, Secretary of State for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and Greg Clark, Secretary of State for Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy. I took this opportunity to talk about the importance of the creative and cultural industries to the success of London’s global position and that I would support the sector every step of the way to defend its interests during the Brexit negotiations.

Funding announce for Museum of London

On 24 January, I announced my support of the new Museum of London’s redevelopment to West Smithfield with a £70 million capital funding package in the form of a loan over 25 years. From the outset of my mayoralty, I pledged to make culture a core priority so I’m proud that this is the biggest ever cultural investment made by any Mayor of London to date. Together with the City of London Corporation’s investment of £110 million, the Museum has now secured £180 million towards the overall budget of £250 million.

This major landmark project will be a jewel in our crown. It will reveal 2,000 years of fascinating London history for Londoners, visitors and every schoolchild in the capital. It will rejuvenate West Smithfield, protecting its heritage while also creating a dynamic new public space – strengthening London’s credentials as an international powerhouse for culture.

As part of a burgeoning cultural hub within the City, the new museum will aim to broaden its visitor profile and double its visitor attendance from one million to more than two million, displaying much more of its rich collection of over 6 million items, in 8,000m2 of permanent gallery space plus 1,500m2 of temporary exhibition space.

Sport and Olympic and Paralympic Legacy

NBA community event

On 12 January, my Deputy Mayor for Social Integration, Social Mobility and Community Engagement, Matthew Ryder, attended a community sport event in Lambeth, organised by the US National Basketball Association (NBA). The event involved coaching sessions for schools in London ahead of the NBA match which took place that evening at the 02 between the Denver Nuggets and the Indiana Pacers. Matthew Ryder was a guest of the NBA at the match.

World Athletics Championships tickets for schools

On 17 January, the organisers of the London 2017 International Paralympic Committee (IPC) World Athletics Championships announced a special ticketing programme offering reduced ticket prices for all schools in London. I wrote to all schools to publicise the offer. To date, over 50,000 tickets have been sold.

Record attendance approved for boxing clash at Wembley

On 27 January, I announced that I had secured an agreement from Network Rail and Transport for London to enable a capacity crowd of 90,000 people to attend the boxing match between

Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko in April. This attendance will see a new post-war British record for attendance at a boxing match and will equal the record set for a fight at White City in 1939.

Events on the Park

On 20 January, the Copper Box Arena won the right to host the 2017 World Para Taekwondo Championship – this will be the first time Britain has staged the prestigious tournament. The Park continues to offer family fun in the run-up to, and throughout, the holidays with George Irvin’s funfair from 4 January.

LLDC Gender Pay Gap

London Legacy Development Corporation’s Gender Pay audit was published on 27 January and is available to view here: http://www.queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk/our-story/the-legacy-corporation/good-governance/transparency.

Investigation into London Stadium finances

On 20 January, I confirmed that several independent companies have been invited to bid to carry out an investigation into the finances of the London Stadium.

There are some important questions that need to be answered about the financing of the London Stadium. We need to find out how the transformation costs were allowed to skyrocket, and whether appropriate checks were made before key decisions were made. But just as important in this process will be looking to the future to ensure we get the Stadium into a situation where we are able to reduce its cost to the taxpayer and it can operate as a successful multi-purpose stadium that our city can be proud of.

GLA Organisation

GLA Pay Award

I have approved the proposal for the implementation of the 2016/17 pay award for the GLA’s Statutory Officers and the application of the 2016/17 pay award for staff appointed under s67(1) (a) and (b) of the GLA Act 1999.

Planning and Development

Planning Decisions (Stage II referrals)

Hale Wharf, Tottenham, LB Haringey

I have written to the London Borough of Haringey stating that I will act as the local planning authority for the purposes of determining the planning application.

Palmerston Road, Wealdstone, LB Harrow

I have written to the London Borough of Harrow stating that I will act as the local planning authority for the purposes of determining the planning application.

Stonebridge Site 29/30, Winchelsea Road, Harlesden, LB Brent

I have written to the London Borough of Brent stating that I am content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

80-86 Bushey Road, Raynes Park, LB Merton

I have written to the London Borough of Merton stating that I am content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

Boatman’s House, Selsdon Way, Crossharbour, LB Tower Hamlets

I have written to the London Borough of Tower Hamlets stating that I am content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

Bridport Place, Hoxton, LB Hackney

I have written to the London Borough of Hackney stating that I am content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

Land at 1 Bank End (Vinopolis), Borough, LB Southwark

I have written to the London Borough of Southwark stating that I am content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

Eddie Stobart, Goresbrook Park, LB Barking and Dagenham

I have written to the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham stating that I am content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

South Quay Plaza II, Isle of Dogs, LB Tower Hamlets

I have written to the London Borough of Tower Hamlets stating that I am content to allow the Council to determine the application itself.

Planning Decisions (Stage I referrals)

I have asked officers to send letters giving comments about the following stage one referrals:

The Portal, Wales Farm Road & Portal Way, Acton, LB Ealing
133 Park Street and 105 Sumner Street, Southwark , LB Southwark
Silvertown Reach, Canning Town, LB Newham
Hasmonean High School, 2-4 Page Street, Mill Hill, LB Barnet
Station Square West, Tottenham Hale, LB Haringey
Development site south of Redbridge College, Chadwell Heath, LB Redbridge
Whitgift Centre, Croydon, LB Croydon
Land off Cornwall Road, Waterloo, LB Lambeth
Days Hotel, North Lambeth, LB Lambeth
Former Co-op Site, East Ham, LB Newham
Marble Arch, City of Westminster
Victoria Deep Water Terminal, North Greenwich, RB Greenwich
High Street East, Brentford, LB Hounslow
Regents Wharf, King’s Cross, LB Islington
Glengall Quay, Isle of Dogs, LB Tower Hamlets
22 Bishopsgate, City of London
Land North of Westfield Shopping Centre, Shepherd’s Bush, LB Hammersmith and Fulham
All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Wimbledon, LB Merton
19-35 Baker Street, Marylebone, City of Westminster
Cannon Factory and Ashley House, Tottenham Hale, LB Haringey
Elephant and Castle Shopping Centre, LB Southwark
Land to the rear of 1-51 Peckham High Road, LB Southwark
17 Scarbrook Road, Croydon, LB Croydon
Victoria House, 388 Malden Road, Cheam, LB Sutton

Planning Decisions (Stopping Up Order)

I have sent a letter giving comments about the following stopping up order referral:

Eastcote Lane, Northolt, LB Ealing

Decisions made under delegation to Assistant Director – Planning

Tower Hamlets Local Plan – Draft Local Plan (Regulation 18) Consultation, LB Tower Hamlets
Bromley Local Plan – Proposed Submission Draft Local Plan (Regulation 19) Consultation, LB Bromley
Draft Local Plan Consultation, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead
South Bank and Waterloo Neighbourhood Plan 2017-2032 Pre-submission Consultation, South Bank and Waterloo Neighbourhood Forum
Haringey Local Plan, LB Haringey
Chelsea Harbour Drive, LB Hammersmith and Fulham
Land at Cooks Road, Pudding Mill Lane, London Legacy Development Corporation
London Fruit and Wool Exchange, Brushfield Street, LB Tower Hamlets
Royal Victoria Dock, LB Newham
Harefield Place, The Drive, LB Hillingdon
21 Moorfields, City of London
Peel Centre, LB Barnet

Key Engagements

Among my additional engagements since my last report were the following:

I had my regular meeting with Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, The Metropolitan Police Commissioner, on 5 January
I opened London Fashion Week Men’s on 6 January
I chaired my regular planning decisions meeting on 9 January
I addressed the Creative Industries Federation Anniversary Reception at the Design Museum on 9 January
I attended the Budget and Performance Committee on 10 January to answer questions on my draft GLA group budget for 2017/18
I met with Tim Roache, General Secretary of the GMB, on 10 January to discuss trade union matters
I met with the Rt Hon David Davis MP, Secretary of State for Exiting the EU, on 10 January to discuss the implications of the vote to leave the EU
I chaired the first meeting of the Mayor’s Business Advisory Board on 11 January
I addressed the London First Reception on 11 January
I visited Bexley with Cllr Teresa O’Neill, Leader of Bexley, on 12 January to discuss regeneration in the borough
I met with Gavin Barwell MP, Minister for London, on 12 January to discuss issues that fall under his ministerial portfolio
I had my regular meeting with Transport for London on 12 January
I addressed the London Government Dinner on 12 January
I had an introductory meeting with the Rt Hon Bill English MP, Prime Minister of New Zealand, on 13 January
I had my regular meeting with Cllr Claire Kober, Chair of London Councils, on 13 January
I met with the new GLA apprentices on 16 January
I chaired my regular planning decisions meeting on 16 January
I had my regular meeting with Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, The Metropolitan Police Commissioner, on 16 January
I attended Mayor’s Question Time on 18 January
I attended the World Economic Forum taking place in Davos on 18 and 19 January
I joined the Women’s March on London on 21 January
I attended the annual GLA Holocaust Memorial Day Remembrance Service at City Hall on 23 January
I chaired my regular planning decisions meeting on 23 January
I addressed the Women in Advertising and Communications London Dinner on 23 January
I met with school children from Sir John Cass’s Foundation Primary School (City of London), St Luke’s Church of England Primary School (Tower Hamlets), St George’s Cathedral Catholic Primary (Southwark), St Stephen’s Primary School (Richmond) and William Patten Primary School (Hackney) on 24 January as I announced funding for 50 ‘air quality’ audits that will identify new hard-hitting measures to protect pupils locally from toxic air
I visited the site of the new Museum of London at West Smithfield on 24 January to announce the formal funding support of City Hall and the City of London Corporation
I met with Simon Stevens, Chief Executive of NHS England, on 24 January to discuss health devolution in London
I attended the Draft Budget Assembly Plenary on 25 January
I had an introductory meeting with Greg Fischer, the Mayor of Louisville, on 25 January
I addressed the ES Young Progress Makers event at the Roundhouse on 25 January
I visited Enfield with Cllr Doug Taylor, Leader of Enfield, on 26 January to see the new development at Meridian Water and also to visit Building BloQs
I attended the National Holocaust Memorial Day Remembrance Service at the QEII Conference Centre on 26 January
I spoke at the launch of the London Finance Commission Final Report on 27 January
I addressed the Chinese New Year Festival on the Square on 29 January
I chaired my regular planning decisions meeting on 30 January
I visited the Leonard Cheshire Home in Battersea with Damian Green MP, Secretary of State for DWP, on 30 January to announce the devolution of the Work and Health Programme in London
I met with representatives from the National Security Secretariat, Cabinet Office, on 30 January
I visited the Double Negative visual effects studio and chaired a film industry roundtable on 31 January
I had my regular meeting with representatives from the South East Region TUC on 31 January
I met with Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley on 31 January to discuss policing and security
I hosted a reception for the Diplomatic community at City Hall on 31 January
I chaired the LEAP Board Meeting on 1 February
I visited Greenwich with Cllr Denise Hyland, Leader of Greenwich, on 2 February to attend the Peninsula Place media launch, to see the Charlton Riverside development and also to see the new Woolwich cultural quarter
I had my regular meeting with Sir Bernard Hogan Howe, The Metropolitan Police Commissioner, on 2 February
I had an introductory meeting with David Skorton, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institute, on 2 February
I had my regular meeting with my statutory health advisor, Yvonne Doyle, Director for London, Public Health England, on 2 February
I had my regular meeting with Fiona Twycross, Chair of LFEPA, and Dany Cotton, the Fire Commissioner, on 3 February
I met with Mike Brown, Transport Commissioner, on 6 February ahead of the Transport for London Board Meeting
I chaired my regular planning decisions meeting on 6 February
I met with the Rt Hon Karen Bradley MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport, on 6 February to discuss the cultural and creative industries sector in London

Ends

Housing