Andrew Dismore

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

 

Night time economy [1]

Question No: 2017/3289

Andrew Dismore

50,000 people visit Camden Town each Friday and Saturday evening. This is equivalent to the crowd at a Premier League football match. Camden Town have a dedicated Police team of 6 officers on duty as well as the usual SNT team.

At a “category A” football match with 50,000 fans in London there would typically be 150 police officers.  There would also be 200 stewards. Football crowds are usually easier to police.  The majority of fans are home fans who   know what the best routes are and what the police will worry about.  They follow the same routes every 2 weeks or so.  Many night time  economy customers come only once every 3-6 months and are going to different places  and  don’t have such an understanding of how to move around the area. Given this much lower policing ratio, is it any surprise that the streets of Camden Town (and other areas of London affected by night time economy crowds) see the level of incidents and anti-social behaviour that they do?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 2017/4040.

 

Night time economy [1]

Question No: 2017/3683

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question No: 2017/3289:

50,000 people visit Camden Town each Friday and Saturday evening. This is equivalent to the crowd at a Premier League football match. Camden Town have a dedicated Police team of 6 officers on duty as well as the usual SNT team.

At a “category A” football match with 50,000 fans in London there would typically be 150 police officers.  There would also be 200 stewards. Football crowds are usually easier to police.  The majority of fans are home fans who   know what the best routes are and what the police will worry about.  They follow the same routes every 2 weeks or so.  Many night time  economy customers come only once every 3-6 months and are going to different places  and  don’t have such an understanding of how to move around the area. Given this much lower policing ratio, is it any surprise that the streets of Camden Town (and other areas of London affected by night time economy crowds) see the level of incidents and anti-social behaviour that they do?

Your response being:

‘Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.’

Will you now provide a substantive reply?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my response to MQ 2017/4040.