Andrew Dismore

Pedestrianising Oxford Street

Question No: 2018/1555

Andrew Dismore

As Westminster Council has now rejected your plans for pedestrianising Oxford Street, where does this project go now?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see my answer to Mayor’s Question 2018/1292.

 

Motorcycles in bus lanes

Question No: 2018/1556

Andrew Dismore

In what circumstances will Transport for London permit motorcycles to use bus lanes; and in particular what is the position concerning bus lanes on the A5 and what is the justification for the answer?

Written response from the Mayor

Motorcyclists are allowed to use Transport for London Road Network (TLRN) bus lanes, except in exceptional circumstances such as near bus stations or some contra-flow bus lanes.

A large proportion of the A5 is not TLRN. Motorcyclists are allowed to use the bus lanes located on the TLRN section of the A5 (Edgware Road). The responsibility for deciding who can use bus lanes on the remaining parts of the A5 is with the relevant boroughs

 

Cost of policing matches

Question No: 2018/1559

Andrew Dismore

For the football season 2017 to 2018, how much was the cost of policing matches in the Premier League and the Championship by football club; and how much by football club was paid towards the cost of policing by each of those clubs?

Written response from the Mayor

The cost for policing football matches and cost recovery, by club, for both Premier League and Championship is set out in table attached. (no table)

The cost of policing Premier League football matches has reduced from £4.5m to £4m from 2016/17 to 2017/18. Cost recovery has held at c£0.3m-£0.4m, being the full extent of the costs able to be recovered.

I continue to call on the Government to change the law so that wealthy clubs are required to contribute to the costs of policing football, to help provide the Met police with the resources necessary to keep Londoners safe.

 

 

 

Reviewing seized alleged indecent images of children [1]

Question No: 2018/1563

Andrew Dismore

What is the average delay in reviewing seized alleged indecent images of children (IIOC)?

Written response from the Mayor

There is no delay in reviewing seized alleged indecent images of children. When investigators seize digital media, the nature of the investigation, the volume of data collected, and the risks and threats involved all impact on the length of time it takes to subject each item to a full digital forensic examination. The complexity of such cases means that the process can take time.

After material is prioritised for examination, the full digital forensic examination   typically takes around 6 months.  Some investigations may then require further forensic examination of the same material

 

 

Reviewing seized alleged indecent images of children [2]

Question No: 2018/1564

Andrew Dismore

Is it correct that there is only one location for officers to view IIOC, at Earl’s Court; that huge delays in forensics to examine material are being managed by requiring triage before submission so less questionable material is submitted; and is it correct that there are no formal arrangements to monitor staff who may be damaged by viewing weeks of IIOC as part of enquiries, relying on self referral only?

Written response from the Mayor

Due to the sensitive nature of indecent images of children (IIOC) the Met must ensure the integrity of the viewing and examination of any indecent image. As a result, it has invested in a specialist viewing and grading facility which is available to investigators from across the Metropolitan Police Service.

Digital triage is not used to manage delays rather, it allows the specialist teams to identify which exhibits to examine further. The Met is currently identifying how such digital triage tools can be made available to all IIOC investigators.

The Metropolitan Police Service recognises the impact on police officers and police staff involved in investigating and viewing IIOC.  Investigators in specialist units are subject to an ongoing occupational health programme, which involves screening of staff. The Met is also committed to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of staff in non-specialist teams and is currently developing a Met-wide health and wellbeing programme for all staff involved in viewing IIOC.

Reviewing seized alleged indecent images of children [3]

Question No: 2018/1565

Andrew Dismore

What is being done to improve performance in relation to the prosecution of those accused of possessing indecent images of children?

Written response from the Mayor

The Metropolitan Police Service is committed to tackling those who prey on children. It was one of the first police forces to establish a specialist unit to deal with such offences, and is at the forefront of national developments in tackling online child sexual abuse and exploitation – working with the National Crime Agency and other police forces.

The Met also works with its statutory partners to safeguard any young people identified as being at risk of CSE and conduct both proactive and reactive investigations to target perpetrators suspected of offences.

The Met has an improvement programme, which includes tactical toolkits and internal awareness campaigns. In addition, professional development days have been delivered to thousands of officers across the Met.

Detectives

Question No: 2018/1566

Andrew Dismore

How many detectives does the Met now have; have far short of the correct establishment is this; and what progress is being made in addressing the shortfall?

Written response from the Mayor

At the end of April 2018 the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) had a strength of 4,817 Detective Constables.

 

The MPS is conducting several transformation programmes, such as the Strengthening Local Policing programme, that will change the way investigations are managed. For example, more routine investigations will be conducted by response officers. The MPS is therefore reassessing the number of roles that need full detective skills.

 

The MPS is continuing efforts to increase detectives. This work includes supporting existing police officers who want to be become detectives, by providing study support for the National Investigators Exam and through the provision of coaching once in a trainee detective role.

 

Moreover, around 130 direct entry detectives are currently in initial training, with the first cohort due to start at the end of June, supported by experienced ‘investigative coaches’.  The MPS plan to launch further external recruitment later this year.

 

The MPS is also considering time limited payments, introduced last year by the Police Remuneration Review Body (PRRB), to attract existing officers into detective roles.

 

Special constables

Question No: 2018/1567

Andrew Dismore

How many special constables does the Met now have; have far short of the preferred establishment is this; and what progress is being made in addressing the shortfall?

Written response from the Mayor

As of end of April 2018 there were 2,209 special constables within the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS).

 

The MPS has a strategic ambition to reach 3,200 special constables.

 

The MPS has undertaken several pieces of work to better understand special constables, including survey’s and research with universities, so that it is better able to support and attract new volunteers.

 

The MPS is also strongly promoting the Employer Supported Policing (ESP) scheme. This is a national Home Office initiative, which encourages businesses to release their employees during work time to work as special constables. The MPS has recently appointed a dedicated lead and several large and high-profile businesses have already signed up including BT Open Reach, Civil Service Fast Stream and British Airways.

 

For 2018/19 the Mayor’s Office Policing And Crime (MOPAC) will also provide a £150 council tax payment to specials who live in London.

 

. Moped enabled crimes

Question No: 2018/1568

Andrew Dismore

How many moped-enabled crimes were there in each Borough Crime Unit for the last two years and the year to date; and what progress is there in reducing this crime?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see attached Appendix 2018/1568 – a table of moped enabled crimes in each London Borough for 2016, 2017 and 2018 to date (to the 31^st May 2018).

EK – Camden	973	5903	1134
SX – Barnet	48	116	96
Grand Total London	8908	23473	6637

 

 

 

In response to the rise in Moped Enabled Crime over 2016 and 2017, the MPS implemented a MPS-wide plan using a range of tactics under operation Venice.  This includes specialist traffic officers deployed in high harm areas on slim-line motorcycles, deploying tyre-deflators including ProSpike, forensic tagging spray and a dedicated team of detectives.

We have seen some significant progress and monthly comparison figures for May 2018, show reductions in moped/scooter enabled crime against May 2017 and if the current performance is maintained over the next three months, the MPS anticipates that figures will begin to show an overall year-on-year reduction.

Met Police vehicle crashes

Question No: 2018/1569

Andrew Dismore

How many Met Police vehicle crashes were there in each of the last three years; how many resulted in injury to a) police officers and b) members of the public; and what was the cost of c) write offs and d) repairs to police vehicles ; and what was the cost of compensation for e) personal injury and f) property and vehicle damage; and g) in how many of these crashes was the police driver considered to be at fault; and h) how many of those crashes occurred when responding to an emergency call?

Written response from the Mayor

Please see below the requested breakdowns of MPS Police Vehicle crashes during the last 3 years.

Met Police Vehicle Collisions breakdown by calendar year:

 

The following is a breakdown of costs of collision repair and write offs:

Cost breakdown	CY2015	CY2016	CY2017
Collision repair costs (Excl. VAT)	£2,010,047	£2,232,960	£2,578,440
Write off costs	£423,655	£419,914	£486,478

 

Please note: Fleet Services operate a recycling program, whereby many of the written off vehicles are stripped of reusable panels and mechanical components to reduce repair costs. The net loss for all the write off figures is therefore considerably lower than those stated above, when factoring savings into the calculations. These savings equate to around £250,000 per year.

 

Relevant payments made in relation to Traffic claims are set out below:

Please note: Award/Settlement payments will encompass payments in relation to personal injury and property as this

 

Hezbollah flags

Question No: 2018/1570

Andrew Dismore

The Metropolitan Police have said that Hezbollah flags can be flown on Al-Quds day due to Government policy: do you agree with Government policy on this; and if not, will you again lobby the Home Secretary to remove what is widely viewed as a false and ludicrous distinction between Hezbollah’s political and military wings from UK law so that the machine-gun adorned flag of an anti-Semitic terror group is not seen on London’s streets?

Written response from the Mayor

 

I have been very clear that I do not agree with the Government’s position on this matter. I wrote last year to the then-Home Secretary, Amber Rudd MP, to raise my concerns and to urge her to close this legal loophole. I have subsequently written to the new Home Secretary, Sajid Javid MP, to re-iterate these same points. There is now cross-party support within the House of Commons for proscribing the entirety of Hezbollah, and I will continue to lobby the Home Secretary on this. However, it is up to Government to take action. Neither myself nor the MPS have the power to ban marches or protests, that power also lies with the Home Secretary.

I have written to the organisers of the event informing them that hate and intolerance have no place in our city, while requesting they take the lead in preventing divisive displays such as the flag becoming the focus of the event

 

Clerkenwell Fire Station

Question No: 2018/1571

Andrew Dismore

What is the present position concerning the disposal of the former Clerkenwell Fire Station; what has been the cost of security on the site since it ceased to be operational; and what consideration has been given to providing key worker housing on the site?

Written response from the Mayor

Work has been commissioned jointly by LFB and the GLA to assess the feasibility and viability implications of converting the existing listed building into residential accommodation, including affordable housing. This work has been carried out by architects and designers experienced in residential conversion schemes on sensitive heritage assets in high value central London areas. This work is expected to be completed shortly, with options to be presented to the London Fire Commissioner over the summer.

 

Islington Council has expressed an interest in bidding for the site to deliver a mixed use proposal including social housing and affordable workspace. Their ability to proceed with a bid is dependent upon whether external grant funding can be secured.

 

Since the site ceased to be operational in January 2014 the cost of security has been £394,426.

Former Southwark Fire Station site

Question No: 2018/1572

Andrew Dismore

What is the present position concerning the disposal of the former Southwark

Fire Station site; what has been the cost of security on the site since it ceased to be operational; and what consideration has been given to providing key worker housing on the site?

Written response from the Mayor

The London Fire Commissioner has entered into a contract for the sale of this property to Hadston, conditional upon planning consent being granted for a scheme incorporating a new secondary school and residential units. Planning permission has been resolved to be granted with an affordable housing contribution of £14 million to deliver affordable housing in the borough, and the completion of a section 106 agreement. The sale is expected to be completed by the current long stop date of 31 July.

Since the site ceased to be operational in January 2014 the cost of security has been £400,313

 

Former Albert Embankment LFB HQ building

Question No: 2018/1573

Andrew Dismore

What is the present position concerning the disposal of the former Albert Embankment London Fire Brigade HQ building; and what has been the cost of security on the site since it ceased to be operational?

Written response from the Mayor

 

Work is ongoing by London Fire Brigade’s (LFB) private sector development partner, U+I Group PLC, who are scheduled to make a planning application by the end of September 2018 for a substantial mixed-use scheme, incorporating a re-provided Lambeth Fire Station, a new LFB museum, together with extensive residential and commercial space. The former workshop site at Albert Embankment currently houses the pop-up LFB museum and various other meanwhile uses, organised and manged by U+I, in accordance with the terms of their Development Agreement with the London Fire Commissioner.

Since the site ceased to be operational in January 2012 the cost of security at the former workshop site at Albert Embankment has been £584,108.

Rank structure

Question No: 2018/1574

Andrew Dismore

What progress is being made with the new London Fire Brigade rank structure implementation?

Written response from the Mayor

The Role to Rank project board has been established, monthly project board meetings are taking place and the appointment of working groups is currently being carried out. Initial pieces of work will be a timeline for implementation and the development of a process for briefing all staff groups on progress

 

Post Grenfell Tower fire [1]

Question No: 2018/1575

Andrew Dismore

What progress is being made with equipment procurement, recommended by the Commissioner post Grenfell?

Written response from the Mayor

London Fire Brigade’s (LFB) vehicles and equipment contractor, Babcock, has invited tenders for three extended height aerial appliances to complement the twelve standard height aerial appliances which will be ordered at the same time. The deadline for proposals is 25 June.

A project team is currently examining the replacement of all LFB’s breathing apparatus capability which will also consider the use of extended duration breathing apparatus sets. LFB is scoping options for drones as there are many types that can be used in different types of incidents. Drone pilots have been trained and a six month trial is planned to commence in July to explore the best way to deliver the capability in the future.

Post Grenfell Tower fire [2]

Question No: 2018/1576

Andrew Dismore

What progress is being made with recruitment of fire safety inspection officers recommended by the Commissioner post Grenfell?

Written response from the Mayor

The London Fire Commissioner sought additional funding to enhance the inspection regime and regulatory functions of LFB. This included appropriate structures to support the development and maintenance of competency for Inspecting Officers (IOs), Fire Engineering, Enforcement and Business Support.

Those structures are now in place and have supported a number of IOs to move from development into competent positions and a recruitment round for new IOs is imminent.

Recruiting experienced retired IOs as an interim measure has been challenging in the current market, with the national skills shortage in this area. Eight officers have been recruited in this way

 

Post Grenfell Tower fire [3]

Question No: 2018/1577

Andrew Dismore

What changes are being made to the London Safety Plan post Grenfell?

Written response from the Mayor

The London Safety Plan was published in March 2017 and contains specific commitments and an action plan which is reviewed regularly as part of the Brigade’s performance management framework. The Plan already acknowledges the risks of high rise and complex buildings and the Brigade’s intention to influence improvements in building design and associated fire safety measures. However, in light of the Grenfell Tower fire, officers expect further commitments to reflect the fire safety work arising from the Hackitt Review and to address any recommendations which may arise from the Public Inquiry.

Post Grenfell Tower fire [5]

Question No: 2018/1579

Andrew Dismore

Reports suggest that the London Fire Brigade is advising residents living in more than 100 tower blocks in the capital to flee in the event of a fire amid concerns that their buildings are structurally unsafe. This conflicts with the standard advice – reiterated after the Grenfell Tower tragedy last year – that residents should “stay put” if a fire breaks out. Is this change of advice correct; and if so how is it being promulgated?

Written response from the Mayor

Across London the advice on stay put remains the same. However, for specific buildings where it has been identified that they have ACM cladding, this advice may be temporarily suspended and one of the interim control measures might be to move to a simultaneous evacuation strategy. In London there are approximately 100 buildings where this arrangement has been put in place. At such time that the ACM cladding has been removed it is London Fire Brigade’s expectation that these buildings will move back to a stay put strategy. There are a number of blocks in London that have removed their cladding and returned to stay put.

It is the responsibility of the Responsible Person to ensure that residents are fully aware of the evacuation strategy for their building.

 

Fire safety post Grenfell

Question No: 2018/1182

Andrew Dismore

In an open letter, a number of leading fire safety experts and building industry bodies have urged the Government to introduce immediate changes to standards without waiting for the Grenfell Fire inquiry to conclude, calling for an immediate change in the law requiring all high-rise and high-risk buildings to be fitted with sprinklers, that only non-combustible cladding and insulation be installed on tower blocks, and for all new buildings to be required to have alternative escape routes: do you support their calls?

 

Written response from the Mayor

           

I agree that Government should be doing much more to ensure the safety of buildings. This includes implementing an immediate ban on the use of combustible materials on high-rise buildings and ensuring sprinklers are installed as part of a package of fire safety measures in tall and high-risk buildings. I will be providing a detailed response on these issues and the other findings from Dame Judith Hackitt’s review shortly. Fire safety measures will be costly to implement on existing buildings so it is important that the Government urgently make funding available to ensure that this work does not impact councils and housing associations and, in privately owned blocks, costs are not passed onto leaseholders.

 

I am doing everything in my powers to make buildings in London safe. My draft London Plan, published for consultation in December 2017, requires that all development proposals achieve the highest standards of fire safety, and are designed to incorporate appropriate features which reduce the risk to life in the event of a fire, minimise the risk of fire spread and provide suitable and convenient means of escape for all building users.

                                                                

 

 

Post-Brexit trade

Question No: 2018/1587

Andrew Dismore

What confidence do you have in the Government securing good trade deals for the UK and London once the UK has left the EU, given the President of the USA’s protectionist taxes on steel and aluminium exports to the USA?

Written response from the Mayor

The government’s track record of handling the Brexit negotiations does not inspire confidence; and I believe UK interests would be best served by remaining in the Single Market and Customs Union. As far as the US is concerned, recent decisions by their Government suggest that any post Brexit trade deal would likely put American interests first and the UK’s a distant second

 

 

London Universities (1)

Question No: 2018/1588

Andrew Dismore

All of London’s universities have slipped down the rankings which is really worrying. Why do you think this has happened?

Written response from the Mayor

 

The 2019 QS Rankings show London continues to have four universities in the world top 40 – more than any other city – and is holding its own in the face of growing international competition. London’s 50+ HE institutions represent an amazing breadth and depth, offering unique opportunities for study, research and innovation. It is vital that the Government ensures universities can continue to participate in EU research and other higher education programmes when we leave the EU and that we continue to welcome global academic and student talent to study and work here

 

London Universities (2)

Question No: 2018/1589

Andrew Dismore

How can you assist London’s universities to encourage new talent both as academic staff and as students the UK leaves the EU?

Written response from the Mayor

 

I have worked closely with London’s universities since the vote to leave the EU to understand their concerns regarding Brexit. London’s higher education institutions are global organisations and important UK exporters that enhance our reputation around the world.

It is vital that the UK remains open to international academic talent and students. This must include the introduction of clear post-study work opportunities for international students graduating here. I have consistently made the case to government about this and about the UK continuing to participate in EU research programmes, including through the European Research Council, which are so important for our universities. This is just one of the reasons why I want the UK to remain in the Single Market.

 

CS11Question No: 2018/1539 Andrew Dismore Mike Brown, Commissioner for Transport for London, has apologised to motorists for the expansions of cycle superhighways which he said had been ‘ill thought through’ by the last Mayoral administration. Do you agree with his analysis; and in the light of his comments will you pause the introduction of CS11 to review further its effects including the economic effect on London of traffic delays as a consequence bearing in mind that the A41 is a main artery for traffic into London from the north including from the M1,and especially as permission for the southern end of CS11 involving Regents Park gate closures and traffic calming have not been secured; and the demand on the highway of the HGV construction traffic for the 100 Avenue Road tower block and for HS2? Written response from the Mayor Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Tube noise [1]Question No: 2018/1541 Andrew Dismore Before the concrete sleepers and new track profile began to be installed on all lines, what research, work or other consideration was given to the likely increase in noise generated by these changes, compared to the traditional wooden sleepers and rail profile? Written response from the Mayor Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Tube noise [2]Question No: 2018/1542 Andrew Dismore Before train automation went live what research, work or other consideration was given to the likely increase in noise generated by these changes, compared to the traditional driver controlled braking? Written response from the Mayor Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Tube noise [3]Question No: 2018/1543 Andrew Dismore By each line, how many complaints have there been about tube generated noise in the year to date and each of the last 3 years? Written response from the Mayor Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Tube noise [4]Question No: 2018/1544 Andrew Dismore What progress has there been in obtaining a rail grinding machine that can work in the Northern Line tunnels? Written response from the Mayor Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Tube noise [5]Question No: 2018/1545 Andrew Dismore Over the bank holiday weekend, TfL replaced 800 tonnes of old track bed with new granite ballast, installed longer life concrete sleepers and new rail at Finchley Central. What assessment was given to the risks of an increase in tube noise as a result of these works creating a noise nuisance for those living near the line? Written response from the Mayor Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Question tile: Tube noise [6]Question No: 2018/1546 Andrew Dismore What consultation with residents was there before the bank holiday works at Finchley Central, about the issue of tube noise as a consequence of the works? Written response from the Mayor Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Tube noise [7]Question No: 2018/1547 Andrew Dismore What advice will you give to long standing residents who face relatively recently generated increases in significant tube noise above 40Db after Transport for London have done such mitigation works as they can, and will not do anymore? Written response from the Mayor Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Tube noise [8]Question No: 2018/1548 Andrew Dismore My constituent Razana Yoosuf of Mornington Crescent first raised her problems with Tube noise on 1 Nov 2016 and, after 19 months, she is still waiting for her complaint to be satisfactorily resolved with many readings exceeding 40DB after mitigation measures were implemented. Do you consider this to be satisfactory; and, if not, what are you going to do about it? Written response from the Mayor Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Tube noise [9]Question No: 2018/1549 Andrew Dismore To what extent was noise pollution considered in the design and commissioning of the recent investment in new tube trains? Written response from the Mayor Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Tube noise [10]Question No: 2018/1550 Andrew Dismore I have been trying for several months to arrange a site visit with Transport for London (TfL) engineers to places along the Northern Line that are suffering excessive noise; at the London Assembly Plenary meeting on your Environmental Strategy, you agreed that the new Deputy Mayor for Transport would also visit these locations with me. Will you now instruct TfL to stop prevaricating and arrange these visits? Written response from the Mayor Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Community TransportQuestion No: 2018/1551 Andrew Dismore What lobbing is being done by Transport for London to the Department for Transport to prevent community transport services being lost after a recent directive? Written response from the Mayor Transport for London (TfL) greatly values the contribution made by community transport in reducing the social isolation of older and disabled Londoners. TfL has highlighted, both to the Transport Select Committee and to the Department for Transport (DfT), that proposed changes to the section 19 and 22 permit system, under which community transport services operate, may pose risks to the viability of services that community transport provides that are of particular social value. Should the proposed changes take place, TfL has asked the DfT to provide a lengthy transition period, as well as financial support to protect the operators of these important local services. The outcome of the DfT’s recent consultation has not yet been published.

New Thameslink timetableQuestion No: 2018/1552 Andrew Dismore Are you aware of the considerable dissatisfaction of commuters over the introduction of the new Thameslink timetable, resulting in more delays and cancellations than ever. Will you make representations to Govia about getting this mess sorted out; and will you again lobby the Government for decentralisation of commuter lines to Transport for London? Written response from the Mayor I am acutely aware of the considerable dissatisfaction among commuters over the introduction of the new Thameslink timetable. There has been severe disruption and cancellations across the network, including in some instances trains reportedly disappearing from timetables altogether and this performance is simply unacceptable. These changes were billed as an increase and improvement in services, but instead they have resulted in chaos, in and outside London, damaging our international reputation and impacting terribly on passengers. The sheer number of cancellations and delays is intolerable and I agree with the Secretary of State for Transport’s view that GTR’s service is wholly unsatisfactory. Passengers have faced years of terrible service on suburban rail services but the last month has been utter chaos. With no clear plan in place to fix the situation, it is only right that Charles Horton stood down. Commuters are continuing to face cancellations, delays and severe disruption on a daily basis. I have also raised my concerns directly with the Secretary of State for Transport and told him that if he stripped GTR of their contract, he would have my support. The inquiry into what caused this chain of events is a vital piece of work.

Poor performance of bus route 13Question No: 2018/1553 Andrew Dismore I continue to receive complaints about the poor performance of bus route 13 which has been problematic since the buses were reorganised and cut around this route a year ago. In the lengthy so called “2016 consultation” there does not seem to be any mention about 13’s “stopping short”, which is now affecting passengers travelling to the north end of the route in particular; 13s now seem to be stopping at Church End leaving many passengers dumped at Church End. When will Transport for London get a grip on this woefully underperforming route? Written response from the Mayor Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Bins outside East Finchley StationQuestion No: 2018/1554 Andrew Dismore Who is responsible for the maintenance outside East Finchley station? Recently the bins there were broken, and are in need of replacement, but both Barnet Council and Transport for London refuse to accept responsibility. Will you direct officers to resolve this dispute and ensure the bins are repaired, and that the front of the station is kept tidy? Written response from the Mayor Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Pedestrianising Oxford StreetQuestion No: 2018/1555 Andrew Dismore As Westminster Council has now rejected your plans for pedestrianising Oxford Street, where does this project go now? Written response from the Mayor Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Development of 100 Avenue RoadQuestion No: 2018/1557 Andrew Dismore The Construction Management Plan for the development of 100 Avenue Road at the same time as you are going to build CS11 states that 60 to 70 large lorries will offload / load in a ‘pit lane’ to the east of the CS11 works alongside the frontage of 100 Avenue Road; but also that 7 lorries a day will also go round a different route, cutting through a residential area including three children’s nurseries, an old people’s home, street market, and valued green space. Why will Transport for London not also require these 7 lorries to use the ‘pit lane’ along with all the other 100 Avenue Road lorry traffic? Written response from the Mayor Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Victims of crime and immigration enforcementQuestion No: 2018/1558 Andrew Dismore There are worrying reports that more than half of UK police forces are handing over victims of crime to the Home Office for immigration enforcement, creating fears that this approach is stopping vulnerable people – including rape victims – reporting crimes, and playing into the hands of traffickers. What is the Met’s approach to this; and what advice would you give to victims of crime who may be undocumented migrants as to reporting the crime? Written response from the Mayor Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

First-classtravel [1]Question No: 2018/1560 Andrew Dismore The Times on 08/05/2018, reported that the Metropolitan Police spent £8.5 million on flights over the past three years, including more than £400,000 on first-classtravel. Please give the totals for each of the last three years and this year to date, for all flights; and for first-classtravel also setting out how many flights were taken; and to what destinations at what cost? Written response from the Mayor Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

First-classtravel [2]Question No: 2018/1561 Andrew Dismore In what circumstances is first classa) air and b) rail travel permissible by Met Police officers? Written response from the Mayor Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

First-classtravel [3]Question No: 2018/1562 Andrew Dismore Please give the totals for each of the last three years and this year to date, for all first-classrail travel setting out how many trips were taken; and to what destinations at what cost? Written response from the Mayor Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

London A&E performances Question No: 2018/1580 Andrew Dismore Which London NHS Trusts are, and which are not, meeting their A&E targets? Written response from the Mayor   Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

High Street stores and restaurantsQuestion No: 2018/1581 Andrew Dismore Given the number of major store and restaurant recent closures, including many household names, what can you do to help reverse the trend? Written response from the Mayor   London is home to an amazing variety of high streets and town centres, from the West End to local parades of shops providing essential goods and services for their communities.  Each high street in London is as unique as the community it serves, and performs an essential economic, social and civic role. For generations, high streets have proved their resilience to the changing face of retail. Although they’re facing significant challenges, including structural changes in the retail sector and business rate increases, I am convinced that London’s high streets will continue to thrive by offering benefits beyond retail including leisure, services and opportunities for people to come together.   Last year I published ‘High Streets for All’ which explores the economic, social and environmental value of London’s high streets, and how to support them. I have convened a High Streets Sounding Board to advise me on how best to address some of the challenges identified in the report. I have also awarded funding to high street and town centre projects through my Good Growth Fund and Crowdfund London, and have stood side by side with businesses in lobbying government for changes to the Business Rates system.   I await Westminster City Council’s alternative proposal for the West End, following their withdrawal from the partnership working on plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street.  I remain committed to addressing safety and air quality issues and supporting continued growth in the West End’s economy.  I will be working closely with local businesses to ensure this is achieved and to realise my vision for Oxford Street to be one of the world’s finest public spaces.

Waste collection in Barnet [1]Question No: 2018/1582 Andrew Dismore Barnet Council is considering scrapping food waste collections and stopping green waste collections for 3 months a year, breaking the administration’s only pledge in their recent election. The London Environmental Strategy (Policy 7.2.1) states a minimum level of service to households: 1) six main dry recycling materials collected from all properties 2) separate food waste collections, including from flats where practical and cost effective 3) focus on improving performance from flats. Do you regard this scheme as being compliant with your environmental policies? If not, will you challenge the Council’s decision? Written response from the Mayor Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Waste collection in Barnet [2]Question No: 2018/1583 Andrew Dismore Barnet Council is considering scrapping recycling banks. They estimate this will reduce recycling rates. Do you think London Councils, many of which were recently re-elected on the promise of not changing the waste and refuse service, should be taking actions which reduce recycling? Written response from the Mayor My officers are meeting their counterparts from the London Borough of Barnet to better understand the full package of measures that the authority has agreed to as part of a service review (this includes the withdrawal of its food waste service). My critical challenge back to the authority will be to demonstrate how it intends to make an effective contribution to meeting my London Environment Strategy targets and national targets for recycling, as well as meeting their own ambitious 50 per cent household waste recycling target by 2020.  Withdrawal of services will not help meet these targets. Please also refer to my answer for Mayor’s Question 2018/1463 and Mayor’s Question 2018/1582.

Cost of livingQuestion No: 2018/1584 Andrew Dismore A recent survey by the CBI found that 28% of the 176 leading firms in the capital who responded said that some of their employees had left because they could not afford to live in the local area. What are you doing to try and mitigate this? Written response from the Mayor The rising cost of living is putting significant strain on Londoners and I am determined to help relieve the pressure. I have secured over £4.8 billion of government funding to start116,000 affordable homes by 2022 that will be available for Londoners on low and middle incomes to rent or buy. Members of my housing team have met with CBI to discuss the findings of this survey and my work to tackle these challenges. To assist with travel costs I have frozen TfL fares and introduced the ‘hopper’ fare. My Energy for Londoners programme is helping to keep energy costs down, and Early Years Hubs will make childcare more affordable and accessible. Through my Good Work Standard I will be encouraging London’s employers to do more to help their employees meet the cost of living by – for example – paying the London Living Wage or offering interest free loans for season tickets, childcare deposits or rental deposits

EU funding (1)Question No: 2018/1585 Andrew Dismore Reports suggest that the UK is set to be offered less generous access to EU funding than countries with associate status in the current programme, known as Horizon 2020, including Israel, Turkey, Albania and Ukraine. What would the impact be on London? Written response from the Mayor Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

EU funding (2)Question No: 2018/1586 Andrew Dismore Do you have a backup plan for London if the UK does not receive or receives a less generous EU funding package? Written response from the Mayor Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

Victims of crime and immigration enforcement

Question No: 2018/1558

Andrew Dismore

There are worrying reports that more than half of UK police forces are handing over victims of crime to the Home Office for immigration enforcement, creating fears that this approach is stopping vulnerable people – including rape victims – reporting crimes, and playing into the hands of traffickers. What is the Met’s approach to this; and what advice would you give to victims of crime who may be undocumented migrants as to reporting the crime?

Written response from the Mayor

I am committed to ensuring the needs of victims at the heart of everything the criminal justice service does. Of foremost importance to us all is that victims feel able to come forward to report crime; I have and will continue challenge any actions taken by partners that may deter victims from coming forward in future.

 

In respect of the immigration status of some victims, the Police are required by law to share information they become aware of with the Home Office. The National Police Chief Council has provided some additional guidance to police forces explaining the extent of their discretion in carrying out an arrest in these circumstances. Sharing of information by the MPS with the Home Office is assessed on a case by case basis and will only occur where Police have a genuine concern that an individual is here illegally. When and how Police arrest someone is dependent on a number of factors, including their vulnerability and risk to public, this assessment is carried out on a case by case basis. The police primary focus is always the needs of the victim above other considerations.  When someone reports a crime, police role is to investigate that matter and bring any offenders to justice.

 

I am aware there have been arrests made to victims of crime and the Victims Commissioner for London, Claire Waxman, is leading the way on this issue and has convened a second roundtable with Deputy Mayor Sophie Linden recently on safe routes to reporting crime.   Statutory partners and partners who directly support migrant groups and specialist women organisations came together to address these very problems and there was agreement from partners to tackle and resolve these very issues so we can ensure that victims have the confidence that when they report they will be safe and treated with dignity.  I look forward to supporting the Victims Commissioner in taking forward the action and learning from that roundtable.

 

 

 

Post Grenfell Tower fire [4]

Question No: 2018/1578

Andrew Dismore

What is your view of the Hackitt report and its recommendations?

Written response from the Mayor

Dame Judith has provided a framework for change but Government urgently need to outline a detailed response and plans for implementation.

 

I was pleased to see that Dame Judith recognised the important role that the planning system can play in ensuring developments are safe at the earliest possible stage. This is exactly what my draft London Plan seeks to achieve with the fire safety policy.

 

Some of the recommendations however fell short of the wholesale reform of building regulations that is needed.  It was particularly disappointing that the report failed to recommend a ban on combustible cladding in high-rise blocks. I will continue to press Government to ensure that this does not become a missed opportunity to radically improve the safety of residential buildings across the country.