November MQT answers
Oral health
Question No: 2017/4526
Andrew Dismore
Given your positive answers to Questions 2017/2925 2017/2926 and 2017/2927, why isn’t oral health, especially for children, mentioned in your draft strategy on health inequality except very briefly in passing on p. 32 and 108. Nothing at all is offered in the way of measures to address poor outcomes or inequalities in oral health in the city. Will you consider including in your final strategy the suggestions included in the Assembly motion on the subject, passed earlier in the year?
Written response from the Mayor
As part of the consultation on the draft ‘Better Health for all Londoners’, London’s Health Inequalities Strategy, I and London’s partners welcome the Assembly Member highlighting this issue. Current draft proposals in the Health Inequalities Strategy aims to address poor oral health in children as part of the broader ambition to address the stark health inequalities experienced by London’s children.
For example, I am proposing to launch my holistic Healthy Early Years London programme which will focus on oral health in early years amongst other key issues. My ambition to take a leading and convening role in tackling childhood obesity will aim to address the root causes of childhood obesity, including poor oral health, and drive interventions and action that combat it.
Somali Bravanese Centre
Question No: 2017/4527
Andrew Dismore
You will recall the Somali Bravanese Welfare Association, whose centre on Coppetts Road was burnt down in an arson attack some time ago. Barnet Council are finally beginning work on a replacement building in Tarling Road, East Finchley. Will you prioritise attending the opening ceremony when it is complete next year?
Written response from the Mayor
I have met the Somali Bravanese community on multiple occasion and have fond memories of the interfaith Iftar they held with the Finchley Reform Synagogue, which has been a great support to that community after the arson attack.
I look forward to the reopening of the Somali Bravanese Centre and will work with my team to see if we can attend.
Visit to India and Pakistan
Question No: 2017/4528
Andrew Dismore
I welcome your decision to visit India and Pakistan. Whilst you are there, will you seek to understand the views of the Governments of India and Pakistan on Brexit, and in particular whether they will be seeking rights of freedom of movement as part of any post-Brexit trade deals with the UK, which would be a matter of significant interest to Londoners of Indian and Pakistani heritage?
Written response from the Mayor
I hope to meet with Senior representative of both Governments (my itinerary is being finalised) and I will indeed seek their views on the issue of freedom of movement in any post Brexit trade deals. I will be happy to report back on these discussions on my return.
Potential visits to Sri Lanka and Bangladesh
Question No: 2017/4529
Andrew Dismore
As you are due to visit India and Pakistan, do you have any plans to visit Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, given the large diaspora from those countries in London?
Written response from the Mayor
Unfortunately, I have no plans to add a visit to either Sri Lanka or Bangladesh to my visit to India and Pakistan. I appreciate that there are large diaspora communities living in London but, as I am sure you will appreciate, visiting those countries would extend the trip considerably and I do not think that would be appropriate to be out of London for that length of time.
Rohingya communities in London
Question No: 2017/4530
Andrew Dismore
Have you made any links or met with any Rohingya groups in London; and if not will you reach out to these communities?
Written response from the Mayor
I have not met with the Rohingya community in London, but will ask my Deputy Mayor for Social Integration, Social Mobility and Community Engagement, alongside the Community Engagement Team to meet with groups on my behalf.
Capital 500 Quarterly Economic Survey
Question No: 2017/4531
Andrew Dismore
The London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) recently published the third quarter results of its Capital 500 Quarterly Economic Survey which shows that businesses are still grappling with the uncertainties caused by the turbulence in today’s political and economic environment. All indicators of business confidence have been in decline, while expectations for the year ahead have remained negative for both the London and UK economies. Of companies who tried to recruit, 60% encountered difficulties, the highest Capital 500 level to date. All business confidence indicators declined during Q3 2017. Expectations of both the London and the UK economy continued to be in negative territory overall. What is your assessment of the prospects for London businesses in light of this report?
Written response from the Mayor
I am confident that London has the resilience to remain a world-class city. I want London to be the best city for business, to grow and innovate, and to enjoy the certainty of knowing that London will remain globally competitive and open for business. However, there are many factors that affect this growth and as this survey highlights, the decision to leave the EU and the lack of clarity from government about what kind of Brexit it is seeking has created uncertainty. I will do all I can to create the conditions for growth in London. My forthcoming Economic Development Strategy will set out my vision for London’s future economy.
SME builders
Question No: 2017/4532
Andrew Dismore
What provision is there for SME builders to be engaged in small scale housing projects supported by the GLA; and how can they find out about opportunities to tender for such work?
Written response from the Mayor
I am preparing a Small Sites – Small Builders initiative which aims to bring small publicly-owned surplus sites to the market for development by SME builders. A pilot of this initiative will launch soon.
SME builders can find out more and sign up for further updates by visiting https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/housing-and-land/land-and-development/making-small-sites-available-support-new-builders
National Institute for Medical Research [1]
Question No: 2017/4533
Andrew Dismore
On your site visit to the National Institute for Medical Research in Mill Hill, did you climb the hill from Mill Hill East? Will you consider doing so, or cycling the route, given you seem to think it is both safe, accessible and easily cycled?
Written response from the Mayor
Myself, my Deputy Mayor and, planning officers from the GLA and TfL, visited the site and considered the route to/from Mill Hill East to be safe and accessible for walking and cycling.
National Institute for Medical Research [2]
Question No: 2017/4534
Andrew Dismore
Given that you have now approved the NIMR application, what improvements to public transport coverage and capacity in Mill Hill will you now implement?
Written response from the Mayor
The proposed section 106 agreement will see financial contributions towards the cost of delivering step-free access at Mill Hill East London Underground Station, financial contributions to the local cycling and pedestrian network and Travel Plans for all the proposed uses on the site to encourage sustainable travel including a Car Club. The development will also deliver junction improvements at Bittacy Hill/Frith Lane.
National Institute for Medical Research [3]
Question No: 2017/4535
Andrew Dismore
Given that you have now approved the NIMR application, what will you do to deal with the inevitable parking problems that will arise as a result of this development?
Written response from the Mayor
There is no evidence to suggest that the proposed development will create parking problems. 516 spaces will be available for 460 units, a ratio of 1.1, set against Census data which indicates car ownership levels of 0.7.
A Car Parking Management Plan will be secured through planning conditions, as well as Travel Plans and monitoring through the proposed section 106 legal agreement. As discussed in some detail at the Hearing, Barnet are the local highway authority for the surrounding roads including The Ridgeway and Burtonhole Lane, and it is open to them to introduce a Controlled Parking Zone for the area, in consultation with local stakeholders including residents, local businesses and schools if problems do arise.
National Institute for Medical Research [4]
Question No: 2017/4536
Andrew Dismore
Given that you have now approved the NIMR application with a requirement for over 900 cycle spaces, double the number of properties to be built, as the site is at the top of a hill which would be graded as a category 1 climb in the Tour de France King of the Mountains competition being between 10% and 11% in gradient, how many of those spaces do you really believe will be used?
Written response from the Mayor
There is a London Plan-compliant quantum of cycle parking of 834 cycle spaces proposed, including short-stay spaces for the commercial uses, namely the flexible workspace, gym and café.
Given the financial contributions secured towards improving the local cycle network, the level gradient of The Ridgeway itself and the very pleasant surroundings of the site, I imagine leisure cycling will be very popular with potential residents and visitors.
C11 bus [1]
Question No: 2017/4537
Andrew Dismore
What is the rationale for reducing the frequency of the popular C11 bus service, when it is well used; how much do you expect this cut to save; and given the C11 service from Archway is given as a reason for not providing a bus service from Finchley to the Royal Free Hospital, does this cut of the C11 not undermine that argument?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
C11 bus [2]
Question No: 2017/4538
Andrew Dismore
Why was there no consultation on the decision to cut the frequency of the C11 bus?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
125 bus
Question No: 2017/4539
Andrew Dismore
TfL are consulting on extending the 125 bus route to Colindale. What is the cost of this, and why can a much shorter diversion into the Finchley Memorial Hospital on other bus routes not be afforded?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
303 and 305 bus route merger
Question No: 2017/4540
Andrew Dismore
TfL are consulting on merging the 303 and 305 bus routes. The proposed bus route will now travel down areas of high congestion, which will reduce the reliability of the service. Will you reconsider these cuts?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Night buses
Question No: 2017/4541
Andrew Dismore
What consultation was done before TfL decided to reduce night bus services in North London? If none was done, why not? Will you delay these cuts to carry out a consultation?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Nine Elms Bridge
Question No: 2017/4542
Andrew Dismore
What is the latest in plans for a pedestrian bridge at Nine Elms? Are you still opposed to the concept?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Baker Street
Question No: 2017/4543
Andrew Dismore
What is the cost of making Baker Street two-way? Who is meeting the cost?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Your record on bus services
Question No: 2017/4544
Andrew Dismore
With your scrapping of the 13 bus route, reduction of night bus services, reduction of the 384 bus and now proposed merging of the 303 and 305 bus routes, do you think you are improving or worsening bus services in North London? Given bus users are generally on lower incomes than tube users, how can you justify worsening bus services for the poorest Londoners?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
CS 11 [1]
Question No: 2017/4545
Andrew Dismore
Local residents are extremely concerned about TfL’s seemingly incomplete and piecemeal implementation plans for the cycle superhighway, with TfL intending to start work this year on the Swiss Cottage section only. Swiss Cottage alone is not a cycle superhighway. It is part of what was consulted on but residents consider does not represent enough of what was consulted on to be a valid project in isolation. Is this wise?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
CS 11 [2]
Question No: 2017/4546
Andrew Dismore
TfL are starting their work on CS11 before they have Camden’s agreement to contribute their stretch of Avenue Road as they still have not satisfied Camden’s long-outstanding information requests, and before they have an agreement on the park gates and in the knowledge that Westminster have a moratorium on further cycle superhighways on their streets. Is this wise?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
CS 11 [3]
Question No: 2017/4547
Andrew Dismore
Residents consider it to be bad governance and contrary to the spirit of the CS11 consultation, subsequent stakeholder engagement and the timetable TfL set out when they announced their decision. with TfL risking completing just the Swiss Cottage element, drawing in cyclists with the promise of a safe cycle route from Swiss Cottage to the West End while able only to deliver a tiny fraction of it. Is this neither good for the cyclists nor the surrounding communities?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
CS 11 [4]
Question No: 2017/4548
Andrew Dismore
The overwhelming majority of the traffic and pollution displacement caused by CS11 is created by the reworking of Swiss Cottage. Its negative effects are going to be felt in all the neighbouring communities of Hampstead, Belsize Park, South Hampstead and St John’s Wood. Is it acceptable that tens of thousands of local residents are asked to pay with damage to their health through pollution in residential streets that had previously been unaffected as quiet, “living” streets fill with displaced rat-running traffic for what is a cycle route to nowhere?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
CS 11 [5]
Question No: 2017/4549
Andrew Dismore
Will you reconsider going ahead with the Swiss Cottage CS11 plan until TfL can confirm that they have a complete route agreed that is consistent with their consultation?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
CS 11 [6]
Question No: 2017/4550
Andrew Dismore
Kilburn Older Voices Exchange (KOVE), a community group for older people in the Kilburn, West Hampstead, Finchley Road and Swiss Cottage areas have raised their concerns as to what provision will be made under the CS11 changes at Swiss Cottage for pedestrians who need to cross the road, particularly at street level. Many older people find it difficult to use stairs, which precludes crossing the road through Swiss Cottage station. Of particular importance is what the crossing time allowed is where there is provision for people to cross the road. Some of their members say that cars hoot at them now if they slow to cross the road. With the heavier traffic anticipated under the new system, this will only get worse if proper crossing time is not given. Will you ask Transport for London to look into the matter?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
CS 11 [7]
Question No: 2017/4551
Andrew Dismore
Kilburn Older Voices Exchange (KOVE), are concerned about possible delays to buses in the area around Swiss Cottage due to the changes in traffic due to CS11: what reassurance can you give them?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Stirling corner
Question No: 2017/4552
Andrew Dismore
Will you provide an update on progress towards improving pedestrian and cycle crossing facilities at Stirling Corner?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Mill Hill circus
Question No: 2017/4553
Andrew Dismore
Will you provide an update on progress towards improving Mill Hill Circus?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Tube noise
Question No: 2017/4554
Andrew Dismore
Do you consider TfL’s response to complaints about tube noise to be adequate?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
bus route 13 [1]
Question No: 2017/4555
Andrew Dismore
Despite promises of improvement the new route 13 (replacing the old route 82) continues to generate many complaints about poor reliability and frequency as well as a poor design of the buses. When will this service which operated perfectly adequately as the old route 13 and 82 before TfL messed about with it reach a reasonable standard of service?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
bus route 13 [2]
Question No: 2017/4556
Andrew Dismore
Further to Question No: 2017/4041
Further to Question No: 2017/3697
As there is inadequate seating for the many elderly or disabled passengers, what access requirements were assessed in awarding the contract for the 13 bus route?
Your response being:
‘Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly’
Will you now provide a substantive reply?
your response being
Please see my response to MQ 2017/3697
which was also
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Instead of giving a circular non-answer to a question that has been outstanding for several months, will you now give a substantive reply; or are Londoners to assume from the non replies so far that no consideration was given to the needs of the elderly or disabled, when this contract was let?
Written response from the Mayor
Please see my response to MQ 2017/3697 which has now been answered.
Belsize Road NW6 tube noise
Question No: 2017/4557
Andrew Dismore
For at least 10 years there was no problem with tube noise in Belsize Road NW6 (next to Swiss Cottage tube station) until recently it has suddenly gone up with every 30seconds loud rumbling and vibrations. Friday and Saturday bring 24-hour disturbance with the night tube. There have been constant track works/repairs this year, and it seems something has drastically been changed of late, affecting the soundproofing. There are 2 ventilation shafts either side of Belsize Road. TfL will not intervene: will you see what can be done to help the residents affected?
Written response from the Mayor
As outlined in my answer to question no: 2017/4026, TfL is aware that tube noise has become more noticeable to the residents around Swiss Cottage underground station.
TfL prioritises intervention in areas where people are affected by the highest levels of noise and focuses its resources on delivering improvements that will have the greatest benefit. To do this effectively, they need to collect a comprehensive set of measurements which are aligned with data from the track. This can take some time.
TfL is currently investigating the source of the noise and is engaging proactively with residents to gather the information required to find the best solution to the issue. Since your question in October (2017/4026), TfL has received two additional complaints from residents in the surrounding area and will be sending its engineers to these homes to undertake further monitoring as soon as possible.
Buses on Finchley Road
Question No: 2017/4558
Andrew Dismore
The Lindfield and Langland Neighbourhood Association have raised with me their deep frustration and disappointment at the level of bus service in the Finchley Road since the changes last April. The service is a shadow of what it was before these changes. Their key issues are as follows:
- Overall there are fewer buses going up and down Finchley Road
- Buses are so crowded, especially on rainy days and in the rush hours, that it is difficult to get on a bus, resulting waiting a long time before being able to get on a bus
- Buses come in bunches
- There is no relation between the published timetables and the intervals at which buses actually travel
- The information given before the change of service this last April was misleading, and bears no relationship to the number of buses that actually go up and down Finchley Road.
What can and will you do about these complaints?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
advertising on TfL sites
Question No: 2017/4559
Andrew Dismore
It is alleged that London Palestine Action is preparing to do illegal ‘guerrilla’ advertising on TfL sites, after TfL correctly banned their adverts protesting against the Balfour Declaration. If so, this will not be the first time that pro-Palestinian activists have fly-posted on TfL sites. When will action be taken to stop this and track down those responsible?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
sector bus maps
Question No: 2017/4560
Andrew Dismore
A constituent has complained to me that on a recent visit to unfamiliar parts of Outer London, he found that TfL no longer provide the four sector bus maps on their website. TfL told him that the maps had been axed to save money. Is this correct and if so how much does it cost to provide online sector maps, and will you restore them?
Written response from the Mayor
TfL has stopped producing these maps due to the low demand and high cost associated with maintaining the accuracy of the map. The cost for an update was in the region of £20,000 per map, including for online-only maps.
With four sector bus maps, updated twice a year, the cost to provide the map online would be £160,000. Bus services change more frequently than other services and the maps very quickly go out of date.
Bus journeys, including those using multiple routes, can be planned on TfL Journey planner. Customers can also view or print a street map to aid onwards journeys.
Statutory Off-Road Notifications
Question No: 2017/4561
Andrew Dismore
What can be done to tackle the problem of too many cars in one area having a Statutory Off-Road Notification (SORN)? Parts of Burnt Oak have effectively become legal dumping grounds for cars with SORNs that are not used for years, making parking unavailable to local residents who need it.
Written response from the Mayor
If there is a suspicion of a vehicle being abandoned, the current process is to inform the local authority who has a duty to remove abandoned vehicles.
Junction of Edgware Road A5, Kingsbury Road and Rookery Way
Question No: 2017/4562
Andrew Dismore
The junction of Edgware Road A5, Kingsbury Road and Rookery Way, Colindale is a major intersection for two very busy roads and consequently is busy both day and night. However, it does not have an all red phase to accommodate the many pedestrians who also use this junction to reach local bus stops and schools. There have been accidents involving pedestrians, some of whom have required the air ambulance service. Primary school children groups try to cross the road with adults having to stand in the middle of the road to stop the traffic to allow the children to cross. Will you work with the two councils involved to see what can be done to make this junction safer for pedestrians?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Fire risk in tower blocks
Question No: 2017/4563
Andrew Dismore
There have been press reports that a privately-owned tower block is being kept under round-the-clock guard by firefighters with a fire engine after it was found to be covered in dangerous combustible cladding. Is this correct and if so have similar fire cover been offered to publically or housing association owned blocks at risk; and if not why not?
Written response from the Mayor
London Fire Brigade is aware of some examples where the responsible person for a building has engaged a private company to provide a fire appliance and crew to reassure residents whilst cladding issues with the building are resolved. This is not part of the mitigation measures that DCLG have advised or what officers from the LFB are advocating. LFB have been focused on supporting responsible persons to improve the fire safety in their buildings, educating people to prevent fires happening in the first place and introduced an interim increase in their attendance to high rise fires should they occur anywhere across London regardless of building ownership.
Cost of Fire Brigade attendance at Road Traffic Accidents
Question No: 2017/4564
Andrew Dismore
The Ambulance Service is able to lobby a statutory charge for attending RTA and the NHS for treatment of casualties, from the insurance companies of the vehicles responsible for the accident. The Fire Service is not. Do you agree that the Fire Service also ought to be able to levy a charge to cover their costs of attendance at RTAs from the insurers in the same way; and if so will you lobby for a change in the law?
Written response from the Mayor
This has previously been investigated from a national perspective and it was considered that the cost of implementing and operating a cost recovery scheme similar to that used by the ambulance service and NHS was unlikely to justify the return. London Fire Brigade already receives significant annual funding from the insurance industry.
Question tile: Sprinklers in schools
Question No: 2017/4565
Andrew Dismore
Figures show only a third of new schools in England have sprinklers. The Fire Commissioner has rightly criticised draft proposals to relax the rules. Will you lobby for a change in the Building Regulations, to ensure that new schools in London have sprinklers fitted; and that the Government should fund the retrospective fitting in existing schools?
Written response from the Mayor
Yes. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has long since championed the value of sprinklers as part of a fully considered fire safety solution in buildings, and has called upon the government to strengthen existing guidance to make them mandatory in all new build schools and major refurbishments.
Serious ASB problems in Stonegrove, Edgware
Question No: 2017/4566
Andrew Dismore
Will you ask Barnet Police to look into the serious problems of ASB and drug dealing in the Stonegrove Estate in Edgware? Can you ensure that complaints to the police are treated seriously, and there is a speedy attendance on the estate when called?
Written response from the Mayor
The local safer neighbourhood team are aware of the issues being faced by the residents of Stonegrove estate. The police are using techniques such as focused stop and searches, extra patrols and engagement with troubled families to tackle the ongoing anti-social behaviour. All calls received are triaged by trained call handlers to ensure that incidents with the greatest risk are treated as such. Local police will aim to respond to urgent calls where there is the risk of imminent violence or harm on an immediate response which means within 15 minutes. All calls to the police that require attendance follow strict procedures to ensure the police response is appropriate to the situation.
Support for preventing crimes to businesses
Question No: 2017/4567
Andrew Dismore
What support is available to help businesses reduce the risk of crime to them? For example, is there financial support for businesses to install shutters or basic security measures?
Written response from the Mayor
It is essential for the economic wellbeing of our city that businesses see London as a safe place to operate and that they and their staff are protected from crime. More than 2,000 businesses in London are members of a Business Crime Reduction Partnerships allowing businesses to share information and which have a proven ability in reducing crime.
Where a business is situated within a Business Improvement District there may be funding available for crime reduction measures. In addition, Safer Spaces is a self-assessment tool that can help a business assess their risks and provide some guidance on how best to respond to them.
Local neighbourhood officers can make a referral to a Design out Crime Officer. In addition, Police CPI Ltd produces a number of free Crime Prevention Guides for businesses.
firearms and shotgun licensing
Question No: 2017/4568
Andrew Dismore
What is the cost to the Met of administering firearms and shotgun licensing; what is the income generated from licensing; and if the cost is greater than the income, what is being done about it?
Written response from the Mayor
In 2015 the Firearms Enquiry Team (FET) administered 8725 certificates of differing types. The total income generated was £399,867. During 2015, pay costs alone for issuing the 8725 certificates was approximately £2,351,543.
The fees relating to firearm and shotgun licensing are set nationally by the Home Office.
The FETs across the country have a crucial role in managing risk to the public from people seeking to become licensed firearms holders and this should be recognised when conducting any cost benefit analysis.
dangerous dogs
Question No: 2017/4569
Andrew Dismore
What is the cost to the Met of the seizure, kennelling and veterinary care of alleged dangerous dogs; the total of any legal costs involved; how many seized dogs are ultimately returned to their owners; and how much of the costs are recovered from dog owners?
Written response from the Mayor
It is not possible to identify data relating solely to dangerous dogs and the answers relate to all dogs taken into police possession. This includes reasons such as animal welfare investigations, dogs taken into temporary possession as prisoner’s property and dogs temporarily held by Police pending transfer to another agency where they are unable to act in the event of an emergency.
The cost to the Met in 2016 for seizure, kennelling and veterinary care relating to all dogs seized by police was £1,310,830. The majority of cases are prosecuted by the Crown Prosecution Service. In 2016 729 out of 1057 dogs were returned to their owner at the conclusion of proceedings. Costs recovered for specific types of cases are not available. Any award made is subject to means testing by the relevant Court and is considered after compensation is awarded elsewhere e.g. victims of dog attacks
Police station closures and the 101 number
Question No: 2017/4570
Andrew Dismore
Given the poor performance of the 101 number, which is one of the key alternatives to attending a police front counter especially for those without access to digital skills or equipment, will you defer any police station closures until the 101 number is working effectively?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Trick or Treat
Question No: 2017/4571
Andrew Dismore
Do you consider the Met’s leaflet opposing ‘trick or treat’ at Halloween to have been a bit heavy handed? Would it not have been better to do a positive leaflet with recommendations for children’s safety, not to cause damage and to respect the elderly, as ‘do’s’ rather than just don’t do it at all?
Written response from the Mayor
Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.
Met detective shortage
Question No: 2017/4572
Andrew Dismore
How many detectives is the Met short of at present?
Written response from the Mayor
As of the end of October the MPS has 4,681 detective constables. The MPS ambition is to have 5,433 detective constables. This means they are currently 752 short of target.
Detective recruitment remains a challenging area and AC Gallan continues to lead a Met Diamond group to explore ways to resolve the shortfall.
The introduction of direct entry detectives in the summer of 2017 is anticipated to make a considerable difference and the first successful group of around 160 applicants will begin training in early 2018. This is a ground-breaking initiative that is making good progress.
Other means to improve the detective shortfall include additional courses to support potential trainee detectives through the National Investigative exam process; and investigative coaching and mentoring processes to support the development and experience of trainee detectives.
MOPAC will continue to monitor the number of detectives.
Moped Crime in Camden
Question No: 2017/4573
Andrew Dismore
Camden is the capital’s worst borough for moped enabled crimes: what is being done in the borough to fight this crime wave?
Written response from the Mayor
A number of Met operations are ongoing to tackle moped enabled crime in Camden. Operation Venice has seen officers conduct mass checks on stationary and moving motorcycles as well as raids on individuals suspected of vehicles, high visibility patrols in key areas and Automatic Number Plate Reader deployments. Operation Attrition has brought together officers specifically from Camden, Islington and the City of London police to conduct overt and covert investigations in this area. Operation Vocare is similarly targeting suspects in north London, specifically the gang elements associated with this form of criminality.
Security at the Peel Centre
Question No: 2017/4574
Andrew Dismore
What consideration has been given to security at the Peel Centre, given the height of the tall buildings and the extent of overlooking from the flats in them, now being constructed on the sold part of the Peel Centre site, retained close to the retained site and the training facilities, parade ground and other vital buildings and operations on the site?
Written response from the Mayor
The security of MPS real estate and the users of it is a high-priority and overseen by an officer of commander rank. The design, building and development of the Peel Centre has been done in collaboration with security advisers and balanced against the most likely threats. Maintaining security of the estate and its people is at the heart of ongoing internal communication campaigns focussed on personal, operational and information security. The integrity of the MPS estate is regularly tested and, where necessary, improvement measures implemented. Where appropriate, specific counter-threat operations are conducted and this has included the Peel Centre.
Independent report on deaths in custody
Question No: 2017/4575
Andrew Dismore
On 30 October Dame Elish Angiolini published an independent review into serious incidents and deaths in custody. The aim of the review was to examine the procedures and processes surrounding deaths and serious incidents in police custody, including the lead up to such incidents and the immediate aftermath, through to the conclusion of official investigations. The report makes 110 recommendations across a range of themes, including restraint, the custody environment, health and training. Will you implement her recommendations in the Met.?
Written response from the Mayor
I welcome Dame Angiolini’s recently published Independent Review of Deaths and Serious Incidents in Police Custody. The Review has made 110 recommendations to police forces and other agencies across the country, dealing with a range of issues, including the use of restraint, the custody environment, and training.
As you would expect both my Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime and the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service are considering these recommendations as part of ongoing work to improve the safety of those in police custody, and will provide a formal response in due course.
The MPS has already implemented many of the changes outlined in the report, for example with the roll out of Body Worn Video cameras to all officers across the 32 boroughs. They have also worked in partnership with health colleagues to ensure they are safeguarding those who come into contact with the police who have mental health issues, for example through Liaison and Diversion services, which identify people who have mental health, learning disabilities, substance misuse or other vulnerabilities when they first come into contact with police and divert into health and social care provision as appropriate.
So far this year four persons detained under section 136 of the Mental Health Act have been taken to a police cell as a place of safety, which is the lowest ever recorded by the MPS – someone is only taken to a police cell when we have exhausted all other options.
