Andrew Dismore

At today’s Mayor’s Question Time, London Assembly member for Barnet and Camden Andrew Dismore AM asked London Mayor Sadiq Khan how he would ensure that the interests of local residents are fully protected as he  developed the night time economy. Mr Dismore also raised the concerns of those who work in the night time economy. (Video here)

Mr Dismore said to the Mayor:

‘Could I tell you that last week the Economy Committee held a workshop with residents, night workers, local council officers and lead members, which raised interesting issues.

‘One is that the evening and night  economies are lumped together as one when in fact they are very different , including in  their contribution to the economy, with  the evening economy worth roughly 4 times or more as much as the night economy. The evening economy   includes for example restaurants, theatres, late gallery openings   and so on; whilst the night economy has a greater emphasis on bars, clubbing and so on.

‘This is much more likely to  result in anti-social behaviour with inconsiderate noise, excessive alcohol consumption with consequent public relieving and vomiting  on doorsteps and pavements, and drugs dealing and taking, all of which is a real concern to residents.

‘Do you recognise this distinction between evening and night economies, and when speaking about and looking at their important contribution to the economy on the one hand and the downside for residents on the other, will you reflect this difference?

‘Night workers’ main concerns at the workshop were over poor pay and conditions,  and the inadequacy of night time transport, both in terms of journey times and, especially for women, safety, particularly on the night buses.

‘I’ve received many complaints from residents, particularly in Camden, about ASB and uncontrolled drug dealing and taking, with inadequate and unresponsive policing. What will you do to increase the police presence to deal with the worst excesses of the night time economy, and to reassure and protect residents?

 

The Mayor said that it was vital to develop a 24 hour city, with 1 in 6 jobs already being in the night time economy. We need to balance work, play and sleep. The ‘agent of change policy’ he is introducing will give councils the powers to mitigate noise impact from new developments. We need the business and crime reduction partnerships to work to reduce ASB. Each ward will have 2 PCs and a PCSO, but the Government needs to recognise the impact on police resources of their cuts and to fund properly the police.