Andrew Dismore

Housing and Barnet Cllr Tom Davey [1]

Question No: 2018/0878

Andrew Dismore

In allocating resources to housing, are you aware of the ‘ask’ of Cllr Tom Davey, chair of the Housing Committee in the London Borough of Barnet, who said at the last Council meeting on 30th January 2018:

‘what I would like to see Mayor Khan doing is lobbying central government to give London authorities the right to go and tear up tenancy contracts and say “if you do not need that house, you will give it back and you will allow a family who is in need to go into that property.”

What is your response to him?

The Mayor

I would rather see the councillors’ energy put into securing more social housing for Barnet, but I will leave it to residents of that borough to respond on May 3rd to the policies he and his council have chosen to follow

 

Housing and Barnet Cllr Tom Davey [2]

Question No: 2018/0879

Andrew Dismore

In allocating resources to housing, are you aware of the ‘ask’ of Cllr Tom Davey, chair of the Housing Committee in the London Borough of Barnet, who said at the last Council meeting on 30th January 2018:

“This is an absolute disgrace. In our own country, British people do not go to the top of the housing list and what I want to see is the Mayor of London backing me in lobbying our government to get British People to the top of the housing list, so that British people get homes in their country first. The British people want to be put first in their country, and they do not want to pay foreign nationals to live in housing’

What is your response to him?

The Mayor

Please see the response to Mayor’s question 2018/0878.

 

Collapse of Carillion

Question No: 2018/0880

Andrew Dismore

What is the extent of the GLA family’s exposure to the collapse of Carillion?

The Mayor

The GLA, LLDC and OPDC have no contractual exposure with Carillion on any projects.  Also, the GLA has not identified any significant problems for our affordable housing partners.

The Metropolitan Police Service has two private finance initiative project agreements to which Carillion provide services, dating back to 2003 and 2004, respectively.  The MPS have worked with the prime contractors and have been assured that contingency plans are in place.

TfL are in contact with the DfT and Cabinet Office who are co-ordinating the sharing of information with organisations such as Network Rail, Highways England, HS2 and Rail North.

TfL have contractual arrangements with Carillion on Crossrail and with London Overground for maintenance on the East London Line, which in the latter case was in the process of being retendered.  There are some Crossrail contracts that were let to Carillion but the work has finished so there will not be any significant issues except possibly with guarantees and warranties.  Carillion are Network Rail’s contractor for some of the Crossrail surface works, but again most of this work has already been completed.  Agreement was reached with Carillion’s liquidator to continue the infrastructure maintenance service on the East London Line pending hand over to a replacement contractor.  That is due to take place on 1 April.  The new contractor Cleshar will enable Carillion staff working on the contract to transfer employment to them.

TfL does not have any contractual commitment with Carillion on HS2.

Carillion are also a minority shareholder in the A13 highway public private partnership and provide some services to the project company.  The remaining shareholders will continue to operate and maintain the road.

 

Noise complaints Northern Line

Question No: 2018/0881

Andrew Dismore

What is the average time it is taking between a valid noise complaint being made to TfL about tube noise and the completion of fitting noise suppressing pads between rails and sleepers on the Northern Line?

The Mayor

Upon receiving a complaint, Transport for London (TfL) engineers aim to contact the resident within a week to arrange a site visit. There is no average time for addressing noise complaints, as it is dependent on multiple factors such as track access.

TfL addresses all complaints on a case by case basis and there may be sites which have experienced increases in noise and as a result their management plans have been adjusted. Where a site had been identified as suitable for noise reduction works, they commence as soon as practicable.

 

Tube noise and night tube

Question No: 2018/0882

Andrew Dismore

How many complaints of tube noise on the Northern Line have there been since the introduction of the night tube; and how does that compare to the similar period in the year immediately before the night tube?

The Mayor

The Night Tube service on the Northern line was introduced in November 2016.

The year prior to this, Transport for London (TfL) received 66 rail noise complaints on the Northern line compared to 92 in the year following its launch.

Since November last year, TfL has received 30 complaints from people in properties close to the Northern line.

 

HS2

Question No: 2018/0883

Andrew Dismore

Following a recent community engagement meeting I attended, are you aware that just before Christmas, HS2 executed compulsory purchase orders (CPO) on four families, and evicted them without paying any compensation, leaving them on the doorstep with nowhere to go and no money to rent or buy another property. In September last year, HS2 used a CPO to close down a hotel business and still have not paid compensation to the business owner who has been left with no income. In your budget will you make provision for advice for people who are, in my opinion, being bullied by HS2 into accepting inadequate offers on their properties when facing CPOs by HS2?

The Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

 

West Hampstead Fire Station

Question No: 2018/0884

Andrew Dismore

What progress is being made in bringing back into use the cottages at the rear of West Hampstead Fire Station?

The Mayor

All archive searches on the West Hampstead site have now concluded. The planning and heritage aspects of the pre-construction phase of the project are currently being finalised and all plans and other required materials are now being prepared in readiness for a pre-application meeting with LB Camden. This should facilitate a start on the site during Q3 2018.

 

Policing operation concerning Julian Assange

Question No: 2018/0885

Andrew Dismore

How much has the policing operation concerning Julian Assange, ensconced in the Ecuadorean Embassy to avoid his arrest warrant cost in total?

The Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

 

Collapse of private companies doing forensic work

Question No: 2018/0886

Andrew Dismore

Given the collapse of private companies doing forensic work, what have been the implications for the Met.?

The Mayor

The implications for the Met with Key Forensics Services (KFS) going into administration on 30th January 2018, have been minimal and all cases have been well managed, with no negative consequences.

Forensic services within the Met are provided through a managed service provider: Eurofins Forensic Services, they have sub-contracted some work to Key Forensics Services.  At the time that KFS went into administration the MPS had 144 DNA samples with them. This work has now been completed.  Alternative sources have been found for this type of forensic analysis.

The Met is working the NPCC on the implications of this for the forensic market and how we ensure market stability and the management of risks.

 

Computer memory stick and police

Question No: 2018/0887

Andrew Dismore

Is it correct that a Met Police detective refused to disclose evidence in a drugs case retrial at Woolwich crown court because he claimed that the Met could not afford a £14 computer memory stick; and if so what is your view of this?

The Mayor

No, this matter was incorrectly reported in the press.

Police complied with all disclosure requirements in the case. Four USB memory sticks were supplied to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in line with the disclosure process.

 

Senior Coroner for Inner North London

Question No: 2018/0888

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question No: 2018/0241

Are you aware of the concerns of Jewish and Muslim residents of inner North London, over the conduct of the Senior Coroner for Inner North London, who in the past and now again, has failed to respect the particular requirements of those faiths concerning the deceased, including the prompt release of bodies for burial in accordance with faith requirements and invasive autopsies, amongst other concerns. Will you look into these matters and make appropriate representations to the Ministry of Justice?

Your response being:

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Will you now give a substantive response?

The Mayor

I am very concerned that Jewish and Muslim families in North London are being affected by delays to burying their loved ones. London is one of the most diverse cities in the world and it’s crucial that our systems can respect cultural sensitivities.

The MPS stand ready to work with the Senior Coroner to improve the provision of out of hours services, and have been working closely with the lead local authority in Camden to deliver this.

I have recently written to the Secretary of State for Justice, to urge him to look into this matter further and to consider why this problem appears to have been solved in other parts of London and the country, yet remains an issue here. I welcome the upcoming Judicial Review, and hope that a resolution can be found as soon as possible.

 

Stirling Corner

Question No: 2018/0889

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question No: 2018/0248

In response to previous questions, you indicated that traffic modelling for the crossing is underway and with an outcome due in January 2018, after which a public consultation is planned. Will the proposals also look at the exit from Morrisons, which is unsafe, for example by phasing the traffic lights to allow time to exit from Morrisons?

your response being:

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Will you now give a substantive response?

The Mayor

My officers are currently working on a substantive response to question 2018/0248. However, as we are about to enter the pre-election period, I would like to suggest we arrange a meeting with my Deputy Mayor, Val Shawcross to discuss this further at your earliest convenience.

 

Air pollution in Golders Green Road NW11

Question No: 2018/0890

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question No: 2018/0253

Do you share my concern about air pollution around Golders Green Road NW11 and the northern end of North End Road? There are now so many buses and coaches that there is no room for them all in the bus station. Some bus drivers, both in and out of the bus station still run their engines while parked.  When snow stopped the 268 and 210 from going up North End Road, they were immobile, with engines running. The south bound bus stop in Golders Green Road already serves several bus lines. National Express coaches en-route for central London, now stop at this bus stop to drop off passengers, leaving their engines running whilst luggage is unloaded. This fills the bus shelter with fumes. Will you take steps to remind bus companies that engines should not be left running when the bus is stopped?

your response being:

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Will you now give a substantive response?

The Mayor

My officers are currently working on a substantive response to question 2018/0253. However, as we are about to enter the pre-election period, I would like to suggest we arrange a meeting with my Deputy Mayor, Val Shawcross to discuss this further at your earliest convenience.

 

C11 bus

Question No: 2018/0892

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question No: 2017/5159

I continue to receive complaints about the infrequency of the C11 bus after TfL timetable cuts, which mean that the bus is frequently full and therefore does not stop to pick up passengers, for example going to the Royal Free Hospital; will you review this service accordingly?

your response being:

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Will you now give a substantive response?

The Mayor

My officers are currently working on a substantive response to question 2017/5159. However, as we are about to enter the pre-election period, I would like to suggest we arrange a meeting with my Deputy Mayor, Val Shawcross to discuss this further at your earliest convenience.

 

13 bus

Question No: 2018/0893

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question No: 2017/5161

Despite reassurances from you by way of answers to MQs and from TfL in response to correspondence, the problems of the 13 bus continue as they have for many months now. I am still receiving complaints of fast and jerky bad driving by the drivers, unreliable and intermittent services, not stopping despite having a hand out to stop the bus, missing bus stops despite ringing the bell, and the poor design of the busses with inadequate seating. When will these problems be resolved, if ever?

your response being:

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Will you now give a substantive response?

The Mayor

My officers are currently working on a substantive response to question 2017/5161. However, as we are about to enter the pre-election period, I would like to suggest we arrange a meeting with my Deputy Mayor, Val Shawcross to discuss this further at your earliest convenience.

 

Vehicle excise duty [1]

Question No: 2018/0894

Andrew Dismore

What is your view on Theresa May’s decision to grab £500 million of Vehicle Excise duty paid by Londoners, and not to spend any of it in London? What representations have you made, and to whom?

The Mayor

Please see the response to Mayor’s Question 2018/0895.

 

Vehicle excise duty [2]

Question No: 2018/0895

Andrew Dismore

Have you sought legal opinion on the legality of Theresa May’s decision that none of the £500 million of Vehicle Excise Duty paid for by Londoners should be spent on London roads? Would you consider legal action on behalf of Londoners and London’s Councils?

The Mayor

I have made it clear to Government that a link between ‘roads tax’ and roads funding should be applied to London as well as to the rest of the country. This is, for example, made clear in the Transport for London (TfL) and London Council joint response to the Government’s Major Road Network Consultation.

Allowing London to retain even a portion of the £500m Londoners pay a year in Vehicle Excise Duty would enable TfL and the boroughs to continue pro-active maintenance and renewals on London’s road network.

In the longer-term, we need Government to work with us to develop an effective and sustainable funding model for London’s roads to ensure that London keeps moving, remains open to business and investment, and continues to bring significant benefits to the wider UK economy.

 

National Clean Air Fund [1]

Question No: 2018/0896

Andrew Dismore

What is your view on Theresa May’s decision to ban Londoners from benefiting from the National Clean Air Fund? What representations have you made, and to whom?

The Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

 

Vehicle excise duty [2]

Question No: 2018/0897

Andrew Dismore

Have you sought legal opinion on the legality of Theresa May’s decision to ban Londoners from benefiting from the National Clean Air Fund? Would you consider legal action on behalf of Londoners and London’s Councils?

The Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

 

West London Orbital Railway [1]

Question No: 2018/0898

Andrew Dismore

Do you welcome the proposals of the West London Alliance of boroughs to open a “West London Orbital” railway, as part of London Overground?

The Mayor

I welcome the proposals to open a “West London Orbital” railway. This new line could support the delivery of many new homes and jobs in west London, as well as improving connectivity across a wide area stretching from Barnet to Hounslow where there are currently limited public transport options for orbital travel.

Given the support received for the West London Orbital rail line through the draft consultation on my Transport Strategy, I have strengthened my commitment to delivering the scheme in Proposal 88 of the final strategy, which now states:

“The Mayor, through Transport for London (TfL), the West London Alliance boroughs and Network Rail, will work towards the delivery of a new London Overground ‘West London Orbital’ line connecting Hounslow with Cricklewood and Hendon via Old Oak, Neasden and Brent Cross.”

TfL is now beginning the necessary feasibility work to take this proposal forward. I look forward to continuing the collaborative approach with the West London Alliance which has been invaluable in developing the proposal to this point.

 

West London Orbital Railway [2]

Question No: 2018/0899

Andrew Dismore

Will you promote longer-distance trains along the “West London Orbital” railway tracks, such as services between Surrey and Bedfordshire, via several of the London Opportunity Areas?

The Mayor

I welcome support for the proposal to deliver a new West London Orbital railway line. On the basis of the support received through the consultation on my draft Transport Strategy, the Strategy has been amended to set out the potential route and its benefits in more detail.

As the scheme is currently at feasibility stage, no decisions have yet been made regarding service operation. It should be noted that there are a number of capacity constraints on the route that would need to be addressed, notably the interfaces with the Midland Main Line north of Cricklewood, the North London line and the Hounslow loop. These may restrict the number and destination of services that can be offered on the route. There are also several freight services using the line. Taking these constraints into account, the core ambition will be to serve the already identified corridor, as this is where the key opportunity for delivering new homes and jobs lies.

As is common with large infrastructure projects, further details relating to the design and operation of the scheme will be outlined through future public consultation.

 

West London Orbital Railway [3]

Question No: 2018/0900

Andrew Dismore

Will you intervene in Capita’s plans for a new Brent Cross station if sufficiently long West London Orbital platforms are not included?

The Mayor

I welcome the proposals to open a new “West London Orbital” railway line. This new line could support the delivery of many new homes and jobs in west London, as well as improving connectivity across a wide area stretching from Barnet to Hounslow where there are currently limited public transport options for orbital travel. At the northern end of the proposed route, there is the potential to include a stop at the planned new Brent Cross Thameslink station to further support new development in the area.

The new Thameslink station will be opened in 2022 and will be delivered as part of the Brent Cross West project. As the West London Orbital scheme is only in the early stages of development, any decision to serve Brent Cross will be dependent on future feasibility work.  Subject to the outcome of this work, proposals for Brent Cross will look at whether it will be feasible to support the additional new development. The new Thameslink station will have 12 car long platforms, which would be of sufficient length to support any future West London Orbital service.

 

West Ham’s record £43million profit

Question No: 2018/0901

Andrew Dismore

West Ham have announced a record £43million profit from their first season at the London Stadium but only pay £2.5m a year – as part of a 99-year lease – to rent the stadium from the London Legacy Development Corporation when business rates alone (included in their rent) are £2 million. In the last season the net cost to Londoners of policing their games was over £1 million. Do you think this is all fair, and shouldn’t West Ham cough up at least the full cost of policing their events?

The Mayor

I see no reason why West Ham United should not meet the full costs of staging its matches at the London Stadium through an appropriate rent and the club should not be receiving any subsidy from the taxpayer.

My predecessor negotiated a legally binding deal that allows West Ham United to avoid paying full matchday costs. I have asked LLDC to look at all possible measures to reduce the burden on the taxpayer without compromising safety.

E20 is defending itself against legal action brought by West Ham United which seeks to allow the club to increase seating capacity at the Stadium at no extra cost. If West Ham’s legal action is successful it could cost the taxpayer more than one hundred million pounds over the lifetime of the concession agreement.