MQ Answers Feb 19
Question No: 2019/3863
Andrew Dismore
As confirmed in a report by the Evening Standard and on the bridge’s official website, Wandsworth Council has chosen the option linking Battersea Power Station on the south side to a landing point by Churchill Gardens Estate, west of Claverton Street, Pimlico, on the north side, which is vigorously opposed by residents and ward councillors on the Westminster side. Will you confirm that Transport for London will not support this scheme in the absence of agreement from residents?
Nine Elms-Pimlico Bridge
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
As my Deputy Mayor for Transport set out in her letter to you of 23 November 2018, this is a borough-led scheme, with which TfL has had limited involvement.
During my mayoralty, TfL has not spent any money on the development of this project. One member of staff in TfL’s City Planning team has provided limited technical assistance when requested by the borough, which is standard practice for borough-led schemes.
There is no provision in TfL’s business plan for expenditure on this project – nor do I anticipate that there will be going forward. Our focus is on new river crossings in the east of the city, including between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf, where the river is a significant barrier to those walking and cycling.
As part of the development work, the full range of impacts of the bridge must be properly assessed by the London Borough of Wandsworth. The scheme must also be designed to ensure that it balances the needs and views of local people on both sides of the river.
It will be the responsibility of the bridge promoters, in this case, the London Borough of Wandsworth to secure planning permission for this local scheme, which will of course also need to be granted by Westminster City Council.
As I understand it, Westminster City Council have yet to be persuaded of the merits of this scheme.
Transport for London advertising
Question No: 2019/3864
Andrew Dismore
Do you think it is appropriate for Transport for London to accept advertising on behalf of the so called ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ , which body is not recognised internationally except by Turkey and which can feed community tensions?
Answer for Transport for London advertising
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
Officers are drafting a response
Question No: 2019/3865
Andrew Dismore
There was a serious accident near the junction on Church Lane and the A1000, outside Martin School in East Finchley on Monday 4th February. It is reported that a car failed to stop at a red light and hit a man and his daughter. Will you ask Transport for London to look at safety at this junction, and work with Barnet Council on proposals to increase safety here?
Accident in East Finchley
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
I was very sorry to hear about this serious collision involving a father and daughter in East Finchley. My best wishes go to them both for a swift recovery.
I am committed to doing everything in my power to make London’s streets safe and to prevent tragic events such as these. That is why I have adopted the goal of Vision Zero – to eliminate deaths and serious injuries from London’s streets by 2041.
Transport for London (TfL) provides the London boroughs with funding to make improvements to locations such as this through their Local Improvement Plans. Barnet Council is the highway authority at this location, and I have instructed TfL officers to support Barnet Council’s investigation into how road danger could be reduced at this junction.
Cost of policing Millwall vs Everton
Question No: 2019/3866
Andrew Dismore
What was the cost of policing the recent Millwall vs Everton football match; how many officers were deployed; and how much has been/ will be reimbursed by Millwall Football Club?
Answer for Cost of policing Millwall vs Everton
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
Officers are drafting a response
Question No: 2019/3867
Andrew Dismore
In Camden in the last 12 months, how many s60 stop and search operations have taken place; on what dates; how many of these were borough wide; and in relation to any that were borough wide what was the reason for the s60s concerned?
Answer for S60 stop and search
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
Officers are drafting a response
Question No: 2019/3868
Andrew Dismore
In view of violence associated with the drug trade, especially in London, what is your view of the experience of New York and of Portugal about decriminalising certain categories of drugs? https://www.theguardian.com/news/2017/dec/05/portugals-radical-drugs-policy-is-working-why-hasnt-the-world-copied-it
Answer for Drugs
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
Officers are drafting a response
Turnover of Met Police officers
Question No: 2019/3869
Andrew Dismore
How many warranted officers leave the Met. on average per month; and how many officers is the Met currently recruiting on average per month?
Answer for Turnover of Met Police officers
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
Officers are drafting a response
Met Police promotion prospects
Question No: 2019/3870
Andrew Dismore
How many Met officers are qualified a) to be sergeants and b) inspectors; and how many vacancies for each of these ranks are there expected to be this year?
Answer for Met Police promotion prospects
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
Officers are drafting a response
Question No: 2019/3871
Andrew Dismore
How many children aged a) under 12 b) under 15 and c) under 18 were detained in police cells in the last 1 months for i) over 4 hours ii) overnight and iii) over a weekend?
Answer for Children in police detention
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
Officers are drafting a response
Question No: 2019/3872
Andrew Dismore
MOPAC victims’ unit has for the second time out of two organised briefings to which AMs have been invited, which clash with events in the Chamber requiring the attendance of all AMs; the first was MQT, the second HMD (which after representations was postponed). Will you ensure that in future MOPAC check the Assembly calendar before organising events which they would like AMs to attend?
Answer for MOPAC clash of dates
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
Officers are drafting a response
Air pollution on the London Underground
Question No: 2019/3873
Andrew Dismore
Reports suggest a very high level of air pollution on the London Underground. What are you doing to reduce this?
Answer for Air pollution on the London Underground
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
Officers are drafting a response
Question No: 2019/3874
Andrew Dismore
What are your plans to tackle the fiasco of the Gospel Oak to Barking line not having sufficient trains to run the timetabled service?
Answer for Gospel Oak to Barking line
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
Officers are drafting a response
Step-free access at West Hampstead Tube
Question No: 2019/3875
Andrew Dismore
In an answer to my MQ on 13th March 2018 you said that Transport for London was revisiting the provision of step-free access at West Hampstead Tube and was commissioning a feasibility study to consider what interventions can be made at this complex location. The study was to be completed by the end of 2018. Has the study now reported; if not when is it now expected to do so; and will the report be published, and if so when; and if not, why not?
Step-free access at West Hampstead Tube
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
The feasibility report for West Hampstead is currently being finalised and will be completed in the next few weeks.
The step-free access scheme at West Hampstead station is not currently funded in the TfL Business Plan. The results from the study will be used to support the development of the scheme, and to inform work with stakeholders on potential options, which will include opportunities to integrate improvements with the redevelopment of the area around the station, and possible third-party funding to deliver the scheme. The results of the study will therefore be made available to stakeholders through this work, and I will ask TfL officers to arrange to meet with you to discuss them as soon as possible.
Question No: 2019/3876
Andrew Dismore
In Transport for London’s business plan, the long overdue upgrade of Camden Town tube has been shelved. Is there any prospect of reinstating this, and if so when; and what is to happen in relation to the planned over station development which I understood was to be a major contributor to the cost of the project?
Upgrade of Camden Town tube
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
Transport for London (TfL) is reliant on steady and sustained investment from the Government to support major capital projects, and has no certainty of capital funding beyond 2020. Over the next twelve months TfL will be making the case to Government for confirmed capital support beyond this in the Comprehensive Spending Review to enable critical infrastructure projects, including the work to transform Camden Town station. TfL will also continue to look to identify third party funding, and work with potential development partners which could help fund and deliver the proposed station improvements.
TfL continue to update its consents strategy for the over station development at the station and have not yet determined if it will be submitting this planning application.
Question No: 2019/3877
Andrew Dismore
With how many suppliers of resilient track fastenings such as Pandrol Vanguard or similar are Transport for London in discussions with a view to obtaining other types of track fastenings to reduce noise and vibration in areas afflicted by tube noise?
Tube noise [1]
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
Transport for London is in contact with three suppliers regarding resilient track fastenings as part of its ongoing programme to manage noise and vibration.
Question No: 2019/3878
Andrew Dismore
What are the dates when Transport for London have met or are due to meet suppliers of alternative resilient track fastenings such as Pandrol Vanguard?
Tube noise [2]
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
Transport for London (TfL) held a number of discussions, including meetings, with potential suppliers of resilient track fastenings throughout last year.
TfL will continue to have further meetings with potential suppliers, including in March 2019.
Question No: 2019/3879
Andrew Dismore
What measurements has Transport for London taken to understand the relationship between train speed and in-carriage noise over the sections of track where PVs have been installed?
Tube noise [3]
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
Transport for London (TfL) has carried out in-carriage noise readings across sites where Pandrol Vanguard is installed on the London Underground network. TfL will continue to take readings at sites where Pandrol Vanguard is installed.
While the noise experienced at higher speeds can be greater than at lower speeds, the relationship between train speed and in-carriage noise is complex, and not consistent. TfL is investigating this relationship and looking at opportunities to balance lower speeds, noise levels and service reliability.
Question No: 2019/3880
Andrew Dismore
Will you consider the slowing down of trains outside of peak services and on the night tube for stretches of track which have generated complaints of high tube noise?
Tube noise [4]
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
Transport for London (TfL) has a responsibility to deliver a reliable and efficient service. Slowing down trains has the potential to impact on service efficiency. In areas where noise levels are very high, and other methods to reduce noise levels have proven ineffective, TfL may investigate how speed restrictions could reduce noise levels. Any potential reduction in speed would need to be balanced against service efficiency before being implemented.
Question No: 2019/3881
Andrew Dismore
Will Transport for London share the data and modelling that show the impact on train frequency if moderate speed restrictions were to be introduced on the Victoria line at the relevant track locations in the Fitzroy area?
Tube noise [5]
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
I understand that you recently met with the Deputy Mayor for Transport and a senior officer from Transport for London (TfL) where this issue was discussed.
TfL is looking into the feasibility of this option, and officers will be in touch with you once this work has been carried out.
Question No: 2019/3882
Andrew Dismore
What action is Transport for London taking to ensure its tube drivers wear the appropriate protective personal equipment such as ear defenders; and what action is TfL taking to reduce noise levels inside drivers’ cabs?
Tube noise [6]
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
Ear protection is already made available to all of London Underground’s train operators.
Transport for London (TfL) is currently installing innovative under-rail pads in the noisiest sections of its network, to reduce in-carriage noise for both passengers and train operators.
TfL is also trialling a rail damping system on part of the Jubilee line to reduce in-carriage noise.
Question No: 2019/3883
Andrew Dismore
What engineering solutions apart from under-rail pads are Transport for London looking at to reduce tube noise?
Tube noise [7]
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
Transport for London (TfL) is working closely with suppliers and academics to develop solutions that utilise new and emerging technologies.
For example, TfL is currently trialling a rail damping system on part of the Jubilee line, with the aim of reducing in-carriage noise. This involves fixing metal blocks encased in rubber to the rail to reduce vibration.
Question No: 2019/3884
Andrew Dismore
What environmental impact assessments, especially for noise pollution, does Transport for London carry out before relaying track?
Answer for Tube noise [8]
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
Officers are drafting a response
Question No: 2019/3885
Andrew Dismore
What research did Transport for London conduct by way of environmental impact especially for noise pollution, before embarking on its programme of replacing bull head rail and wooden sleepers with flat bottom rail and concrete sleepers in tube tunnels?
Tube noise [9]
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
As set out in Mayor’s Question 2018/1541, Transport for London’s (TfL’s) understanding of noise and vibration has increased significantly since the mid-2000s when this type of track renewal was standard.
TfL now considers the impact on noise and vibration prior to carrying out this type of work. Noise and vibration have been important factors in the development of a new trackform, which has been introduced since 2015 and helps to reduce the amount of vibrational energy transmitted into the ground.
Question No: 2019/3886
Andrew Dismore
Some residents suffering from ground borne noise from tube trains have been told effectively that there is nothing that can be done to reduce the noise or reduce it further, and they have to put up with the stress and loss of sleep that results. What advice do you have for these residents?
Tube noise [10]
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
Transport for London (TfL) is committed to reducing the noise experienced by people who live above or close to the Tube, and will continue to take all reasonable measures to minimise noise and limit the disruption it causes.
Unfortunately, there are many sites across the Underground network where, due to the age of the track infrastructure and current technology, it is not always possible to reduce the noise levels to the standards that residents would like.
Regrettably, there are some areas where noise cannot currently be reduced to standards expected by residents. TfL continues to work alongside industry and academia to further understand noise and vibration, to trial new products and innovative solutions, and work towards reducing noise and vibration for these residents.
European temporary leave to remain
Question No: 2019/3887
Andrew Dismore
What impact will the new European temporary leave to remain have on the number of EU citizens looking to reside in London?
European temporary leave to remain
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
I am opposed to the Government’s plan to end freedom of movement through the Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination Bill. London has seen a sharp fall in levels of immigration since the EU referendum, alongside more long-term migrants leaving the capital. In a no deal, European Economic Area citizens would only be able to live and work in the UK for an interim period through an application for European Temporary Leave to Remain. 70 per cent of Londoners say they are concerned about the impact of skilled workers leaving the capital after Brexit. I have repeatedly called on the Government to prioritise jobs, growth and future prosperity over politically driven policies to reduce immigration.
Question No: 2019/3888
Andrew Dismore
Given the warnings from supermarkets about the possibility of empty shelves and lack of food in the event of a no-deal Brexit, what can you do to ensure that the most vulnerable Londoners have access to food?
Empty supermarket shelves
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
My London Food Strategy includes a focus on ensuring all Londoners have access to healthy food and it is vital that Londoners can access food in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
I have asked the London Resilience Forum to look at the short-term implications of a no-deal Brexit. A food sub-group chaired by Claire Pritchard, chair of my London Food Board, and including Fiona Twycross, Deputy Mayor for Fire and Resilience, is looking at potential impacts of a no-deal Brexit on the supply and distribution of food, including impacts on vulnerable people.
I have built food questions into the current Survey of Londoners, which will provide for the first time robust food insecurity measures for London, meeting one of my manifesto commitments. These measures will tell us the number and proportion of adults and children who are living in food insecurity.
Question No: 2019/3889
Andrew Dismore
Given that 30% of London’s food comes from other EU countries, how long could any potential disruption to London’s food supply last if the Government fail to secure a deal with the EU?
No deal Brexit and food
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
My London Food Strategy includes a focus on ensuring all Londoners have access to healthy food and it is vital that Londoners can access food in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
London’s food supply chains are amongst the most efficient in the world, often based upon just-in-time delivery. This is one reason why I have asked the London Resilience Forum (LRF) to look at the short-term implications of a no-deal Brexit.
A food sub-group of LRF is now looking at potential impacts of a no-deal Brexit on the supply and distribution of food, including impacts on vulnerable Londoners.
The retail and hospitality sectors are represented on that group and I know that they are already working hard to maintain supplies in the event of no-deal.
European funding for Greater London Authority projects
Question No: 2019/3890
Andrew Dismore
Can you provide a list of the Greater London Authority projects in receipt of EU funding since July 2014 with the amounts awarded (following on from the list provided in MQ 2889/2014)?
European funding for Greater London Authority projects
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
The Greater London Authority (GLA) European Programmes Management Unit is responsible for London’s 2014-20 European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and European Social Fund (ESF) programmes; and various GLA teams have also applied for funding from those programmes.
The GLA has also successfully applied for funding from ‘transnational’ programmes such as Horizon 2020; which are managed directly by the EU.
Please find attached a table of current GLA projects and the funding awarded to them. It is anticipated that an additional £140m will be awarded to the GLA Co-Financing Organisation programme later this year. This will comprise £70m ESF matched with an equivalent sum from the Adult Education Budget.
Additional ERDF funding for the RE:FIT and Better Futures projects has also been approved in principle, subject to conclusion of the ERDF appraisal process that is now underway.
Brexit Portal London Growth Hub
Question No: 2019/3891
Andrew Dismore
Businesses are rightly concerned about the impact of Brexit, especially as we are heading towards a no-deal scenario. How are you ensuring that London’s businesses are aware of the Brexit Portal on the London Growth Hub?
Brexit Portal London Growth Hub
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
My Brexit Business Resource Hub (www.growthhub.london/brexithub) was launched last year at my business reception. Since then my policy officers have been raising awareness of the hub through existing business networks, attendance at local business shows, local authorities and their business databases, e-newsletters and social media.
This Brexit Business Resource Hub is a great resource for SMEs looking for advice on how they can prepare for Brexit and will soon be supplemented by a series of events to further support businesses during this challenging time. This will include 75 events taking place across at least 20 boroughs where businesses will get direct advice from experts as well signposting to the Brexit Business Resource Hub, which will grow over the coming months with additional resources such as podcasts, factsheets and webinars.
Question No: 2019/3892
Andrew Dismore
How many students from London currently benefit from the Erasmus programme; and how many students from other EU countries come to the UK under the programme?
Erasmus programme
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
I have consistently made the case for the UK remaining in the Erasmus+ programme and I am clear that the Government needs to secure the UK’s continued participation. This is a significant programme, supporting students to spend time studying in another country. It has fostered a greater understanding between EU nationals over many decades and in challenging international times, this is more important than ever.
Data on the number of students from London benefiting from the programme is not publicly available and the GLA does not own this data. However, there were 2,909 staff and students outgoing from the UK on Erasmus+ in 2016/17 (Higher Education Mobility Statistics 2014-17). The number of students from other EU countries coming to the UK under the programme in 2016/17 was 17,565, of which 2,375 came to London. (HESA Student Record 2002/03-2016/17).
Question No: 2019/3893
Andrew Dismore
What is your assessment of the Night Time Commission’s report “Think Night”? Will you take on board its recommendations and when can we expect to see them implemented?
Think Night (1)
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
I’d like to thank the Night Time Commission for the important work they have done in helping me to realise my vision for London as a 24-Hour City. In January 2019 I met with the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Commission to discuss their ‘Think Night’ report, which was published on 31st January, and I will respond to its recommendations in the Spring.
We need to plan for life at night in the same way the city does for the day, and I am committed to ensuring that London’s life at night meets the needs of all Londoners.
Question No: 2019/3894
Andrew Dismore
How will you ensure that the interests of residents are taken into account and that residents can contribute to the plans around their local night time economies, particularly during the hours 11pm to 6am?
Think Night (2)
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
The safety and wellbeing of London’s residents, workers and visitors is a priority, and I am committed to fostering a 24-hour city that balances the needs of all Londoners.
In November 2018, ‘London at Night’, was published by City Hall and the London Night Time Commission. This publication was underpinned by research with residents, including focus groups, interviews and online discussions, as well as polling of 1,000 Londoners, and has informed the Commission’s ‘Think Night’ report.
The views of residents are also represented by Councillors and Local Authority Officers at the Night Time Borough Champions network. Chaired by my Night Czar, it is a network of all boroughs to share best practice from across across the capital.
Question No: 2019/3895
Andrew Dismore
The report talks about changing people’s perceptions of the night time economy. How do you intend to do this?
Think Night (3)
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
Data and evidence play a key role in addressing perceptions of safety, affordability, accessibility and the appeal of London at night. The London Night Time Commission’s ‘Think Night’ report is underpinned by the evidence provided in ‘London at Night’, published by City Hall and the Night Time Commission in November 2018. For example, around one in five Londoners say they feel unsafe at night; however, the data shows that there is less crime at night than during the day. This demonstrates how we can use evidence to challenge perceptions.
It is important that we continue to listen to the views of Londoners to understand their experiences of London at night, alongside data and evidence gathering.
The commission have made recommendations on developing night-time research and evidence which I will respond to in the Spring.
Question No: 2019/3896
Andrew Dismore
Will you look into the differences in activity for Londoners between 6pm-11pm and 11pm to 6am?
Think Night (3)
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
I am committed to ensuring that London’s life at night meets the needs of all Londoners. We need to plan for life at night in the same way the city does for the day.
The London Night Time Commission’s report ‘Think Night’ makes a recommendation for the establishment of a London Night Time Data Observatory, and there may be scope within this to provide more granular data on activity at different times of night. I will respond to the report’s recommendations in the Spring.
Question No: 2019/3897
Andrew Dismore
Are Londoners who work during the day but finish their day’s work after 6pm, for example at 6.30pm or 7pm really night workers, as the Think Night report suggests?
Think Night (4)
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
‘Think Night’ uses evidence from the ‘London at Night’ report, the most comprehensive research on night time in London, published by City Hall and the Night Time Commission. This revealed that there are 1.6 million night-time workers in London, including those whose working hours spill into night time hours – defined by the Commission as 6pm to 6am.
Question No: 2019/3898
Andrew Dismore
Do you think that statistics based on a definition of the night time economy as from 6pm to 6am distort reality, including as it does, for example, evening entertainment that is over by 11pm and day workers who finish work in the early evening?
Think Night (5)
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
The Night Time Commission’s definition of the ‘night’ encompasses everything that happens in the city between 6pm and 6am. Taking a broad, holistic view of London at night means we can plan better for our city 24-hours a day, and reflects London’s evolving work and living pattern.
New York City (NYC) has also adopted this definition in their recent Economic Impact Study of NYC Nightlife in January 2019.
I am committed to ensuring that London’s life at night meets the needs of all Londoners. This includes making London more accessible for those who have finished work but want to engage with the city after 6pm.
Question No: 2019/3899
Andrew Dismore
Do you think that the failure of the Think Night report to consider the interests of residents who are impacted by the night time economy is a serious omission?
Think Night (6)
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
‘Think Night’ considers the interests of residents across the report. It’s informed by ‘London at Night’, the report published by City Hall and the Night Time Commission which included conversations with residents, including focus groups, interviews and online discussions, as well as polling of 1,000 Londoners.
The ‘Think Night’ report recommends boroughs work together to create a London at night that works for all, including residents, workers, and visitors.
Question No: 2019/3900
Andrew Dismore
Will you consider a Greater London Authority family disability pay gap audit to ensure that we have the right information to tackle the disability employability gap?
Answer for Disability employment gap
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
Officers are drafting a response
Question No: 2019/3901
Andrew Dismore
Will you be making any changes to the London Safety Plan to reflect changes in the London Fire Brigade post Grenfell, for example the decision to abandon the day crewing experiment and double crewing of specials?
London Safety Plan
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
The London Safety Plan (LSP) included a commitment to explore both alternate and shared crewing options for aerials and operational support units (OSUs) as well as day crewing which, it was envisaged, might be piloted at some inner London fire stations. Following the Grenfell Tower fire, it was clear that it would not be appropriate for these commitments to be pursued at the present time. A recent review of aerials means that, in line with other specialist appliances, a crew manager will be the minimum role of the officer in charge. There are no current proposals to introduce alternate crewing for OSUs. It was not felt necessary to amend the London Safety Plan specifically to reflect this and other changes post-Grenfell have not required amendments to existing LSP commitments.
Care homes failing fire inspection
Question No: 2019/3902
Andrew Dismore
How many care homes inspected for fire safety audits by the London Fire Brigade since the Grenfell fire a) failed and b) passed basic fire safety checks; and in relation to a) what follow up action was taken?
Care homes failing fire inspection
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
Since the Grenfell Tower fire, London Fire Brigade has carried out audits at 1226 care homes. Of these, 51 received an enforcement notice, 498 received a notice of deficiencies and 677 were found to be broadly compliant. Those that received an enforcement notice and those where the notice of deficiencies pointed to more significant failings were subject to a follow-up visit to ensure the required improvements were made. In all cases, the Responsible Person for the premises is encouraged to maintain an ongoing dialogue with the local fire safety team to ensure sustained and robust fire safety management practices are maintained going forward.
NHS premises failing fire inspection
Question No: 2019/3903
Andrew Dismore
How many NHS premises inspected for fire safety audits by the London Fire Brigade since the Grenfell fire a) failed and b) passed basic fire safety checks; and in relation to a) what follow up action was taken?
NHS premises failing fire inspection
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
Since the Grenfell Tower fire, London Fire Brigade has carried out audits at 121 NHS premises. Of these, 2 received an enforcement notice, 25 received a notice of deficiencies and 94 were found to be broadly compliant. Those that received an enforcement notice and those where the notice of deficiencies pointed to more significant failings were subject to a follow-up visit to ensure the required improvements were made. In all cases, the Responsible Person for the premises is encouraged to maintain an ongoing dialogue with the local fire safety team to ensure sustained and robust fire safety management practices are maintained going forward.
Question No: 2019/3904
Andrew Dismore
What approaches have you made, or will be making a) to charitable funds and b) to public bodies to support the expansion of the Fire Cadet scheme?
Fire Cadets
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
London Fire Brigade (LFB) does fantastic work with young people and on 12 February, I announced new funding of £1.1 million for the London Fire Cadets programme to boost the number of cadets to over 500 and ensure that each London borough will have at least one cadet unit over the next two years. This will help to equip young people with essential life skills and develop some of the firefighters of tomorrow.
LFB is constantly looking at funding opportunities for the Fire Cadets. They have approached and submitted bids to a range of charitable foundations and private and public sector grant giving bodies. They have found that due to their status as a public sector organisation rather than a charity, community or voluntary group, has significantly limited the number of charitable foundations that they are able to apply to.
Reviewing the local authority liaison officer role
Question No: 2019/3905
Andrew Dismore
London Fire Brigade was instrumental in developing the role of the local authority liaison officer. What steps have been taken to quality assure or review the role across London boroughs?
Answer for Reviewing the local authority liaison officer role
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
Officers are drafting a response
Question No: 2019/3906
Andrew Dismore
What percentage of London Fire Brigade, London Ambulance Service and Metropolitan Police premises have back up generators in place to deal with a power supply failure, as outlined in the London Resilience Forum document “London Power Disruption Framework”?
Answer for Back-up generators
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
Officers are drafting a response
Resilience and outsourcing (1)
Question No: 2019/3907
Andrew Dismore
Has London Resilience Forum or any other relevant body conducted training exercises for emergencies that have involved Arm’s-Length Management Organisations and similar spun-out local authority ventures as a core actor?
Answer for Resilience and outsourcing (1)
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
Officers are drafting a response
Resilience and outsourcing (2)
Question No: 2019/3908
Andrew Dismore
What assurances are local authorities and other public sector partners required or requested to provide in the course of their engagement with London Resilience Forum that where local authority housing stock or other core services are managed by an outsourced or arm’s-length management organisation, emergency plans are fit for purpose and capacity exists at all levels to execute them?
Answer for Resilience and outsourcing (2)
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
Officers are drafting a response
Question No: 2019/3909
Andrew Dismore
What advice has the Greater London Authority provided to London boroughs regarding removing Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) type cladding from privately-owned high rise residential buildings under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, which was identified as an allegedly suitable mechanism for dealing with recalcitrant owners by MHCLG in November 2018?
Answer for Housing Act 2004
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
Officers are drafting a response
Recommendations to the Grenfell Tower inquiry
Question No: 2019/3910
Andrew Dismore
Will the Mayor’s office and London Fire Brigade publish in full their submission to the Grenfell Tower inquiry regarding interim recommendations to be made by the Chair? If so, when can we expect these documents?
Answer for Recommendations to the Grenfell Tower inquiry
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
Officers are drafting a response
Question No: 2019/3911
Andrew Dismore
What steps is London Fire Brigade taking to work with utility providers, local authorities and other relevant bodies to share information and provide any necessary assistance to identify those in need of and concerns arising from home fire safety visits?
Home fire safety visits
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
London Fire Brigade (LFB) works closely with borough, pan-London and national partners to share information on vulnerable people to reduce fire and wider risks. This includes UK Power Network, Red Cross, local authorities, Metropolitan Police and the third sector. LFB Borough Commanders sit on a range of partnership boards to develop referral mechanisms and information sharing agreements. An example of a successful referral partnership has been the London Ambulance Service who referred residents identified as hoarders, which resulted in over 350 Home Fire Safety Visits by LFB. The Fire Safe and Well visits pilot has also helped develop LFB relationships with the health sector and identify new referral pathways.
London Fire Brigade’s operational establishment over time
Question No: 2019/3912
Andrew Dismore
Please provide a) the full strength operational establishment of London Fire Brigade from 2010/11 to 2019/20 and b) state what percentage of posts were vacant in each year?
London Fire Brigade’s operational establishment over time
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
The table below shows the operational establishment, employees in post, and total vacancies expressed as a number and percentage by year.
| Year | Operational establishment | Employees (Base Posting) | Vacancies
(by number) |
Vacancies (by percentage) |
| 2010/11 | 5922.5 | 5795.8 | 126.7 | 2.1% |
| 2011/12 | 5772.5 | 5752.6 | 19.9 | 0.3% |
| 2012/13 | 5622.5 | 5630.7 | -8.2 | -0.1% |
| 2013/14 | 5039.0 | 5338.2 | -299.2 | -5.9% |
| 2014/15 | 5009.0 | 5039.4 | -30.4 | -0.6% |
| 2015/16 | 4987.0 | 4814.1 | 172.9 | 3.5% |
| 2016/17 | 4777.5 | 4653.5 | 124.0 | 2.6% |
| 2017/18 | 4780.8 | 4570.4 | 210.3 | 4.4% |
| 2018/191 | 4793.8 | 4638.7 | 155.0 | 3.2% |
| 2019/202 | 4792.8 | 4797.7 | -5.0 | -0.1% |
1 Year to date
2 Forecast based on current planning assumptions.
Question No: 2019/3913
Andrew Dismore
Your aim is to reach full London Fire Brigade establishment by June this year; will that lead to improved crewing on Fire Rescue Units, with 5 rather than 4 firefighters becoming the norm?
Crewing on Fire Rescue Units
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
Yes.
Question No: 2019/3914
Andrew Dismore
Buildings with poor fire safety often overlap with other causes for concern, such as overcrowding or sub-standard employment practices. Is London Fire Brigade doing any work on this with the Director for Labour Market Enforcement, the Health and Safety Executive, local authority housing teams, or any other relevant bodies to identify such premises?
Fire risk, further risk?
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
London Fire Brigade (LFB) fire safety and borough teams regularly engage with Local Authorities, Metropolitan Police Service and other agencies to share information through partnership meetings or agreed protocols. Occasionally, joint enforcement teams will be deployed to target specific areas of concern, for example, working with Southwark Housing to target houses in multiple occupation. LFB has maintained strategic links with the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority for several years and as a result, has instigated training for Inspecting Officers in safeguarding and modern day slavery.
Question No: 2019/3915
Andrew Dismore
Has London Fire Brigade bid (successfully or otherwise) for any of the Mayor’s Young Londoners Fund in order to run LIFE courses in areas with higher rates of youth offending and / or gang activity?
LIFE in at-risk areas
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
LIFE already targets boroughs with higher rates of gang, knife and anti-social behaviour. In July 2018, London Fire Brigade, Metropolitan Police Service and London Ambulance service submitted a joint bid to the Young Londoners Fund focusing on knife crime. The £750,000 bid, was to initiate a new project, ‘Safety First’ to every secondary school in London over three years to deliver a consequences package on knife and gun crime, gang membership, arson and local priorities outlined by the school and borough e.g. childhood obesity or internet safety. However, this bid was unsuccessful. The three organisations are actively looking at other sources of funding and are still keen to deliver this project.
Question No: 2019/3916
Andrew Dismore
At Fire, Resilience and Emergency Planning committee on 31 January 2019, the London Fire Commissioner said that firefighters have a higher rate of heart disease. What assessment has London Fire Brigade made of the level of heart disease among operational staff and the reasons for this?
Firefighter health
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
Operational firefighters complete a medical assessment every three years. This includes a review of blood pressure and a cardio vascular assessment. If the results are considered to be outside safe parameters, a GP referral is initiated for further investigations. The Brigade’s occupational health provider has maintained a biometric database since 2010. It includes information on blood pressure, which can be an indicator of heart disease, of all operational staff and this shows that operational firefighters have slightly elevated blood pressure in comparison with the UK population. The Brigade will be introducing more frequent medicals for operational employees who undertake roles that comprise regular exposure to extreme temperatures.
Question No: 2019/3917
Andrew Dismore
At Fire, Resilience and Emergency Planning committee on 31 January 2019, the London Fire Commissioner said that less than one in five school careers advisers point students towards London Fire Brigade. What plans does the Brigade have to engage with careers services to improve this figure?
Careers in the fire service
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
London Fire Brigade will be prioritising engagement through outreach work with community sector professionals including teachers, housing officers, youth workers, and employment advisors. The Brigade will continue to build links with these key groups who, by definition, work with large numbers of people from London communities. The outreach materials will reflect firefighting as a career and promote greater awareness of the realities of what firefighters actually do.
Fire safety inspection officers
Question No: 2019/3918
Andrew Dismore
For 2016/17, 2017/18, and 2018/19 what was the establishment figure of the number of Fire Safety Inspection Officers; how many posts were vacant; and what is the turnover rate?
Fire safety inspection officers
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
The table below shows the establishment for Inspecting Officers (IOs), vacancies at end year and turnover rate, by year.
| Year | Establishment for IOs | Vacancies at year end | Turnover rate (%) |
| 2016/17 | 152.5 | 11 | 9.68 |
| 2017/18 | 152.5 | 18 | 5.21 |
| 2018/191 | 152.5 | 13 | 7.79 |
1 Year to date
Over the last year a number of technical posts have been created to enhance the delivery of London Fire Brigade’s statutory duties for Regulatory Fire Safety and to support IOs. These include Learning and Development Officers, Quality Assurance, Fire Engineering and how LFB targets risk.
Fire wardens in high rise buildings
Question No: 2019/3919
Andrew Dismore
Please state a) the minimum standards for staff numbers, training and experience for fire wardens in high rise buildings with interim fire safety procedures that require a full simultaneous evacuation due to Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) cladding or othewise, b) which authority is responsible for ensuring compliance with these standards, and c) how many times these standards have been breached?
Fire wardens in high rise buildings
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
The Responsible Person (RP) is required to seek advice from a relevant ‘Competent Person’ to implement interim measures in their building, including the provision of a waking watch where required. MHCLG/NFCC guidance sets out considerations regarding numbers for waking watches and actions they should take in the event of a fire but the final determination is bespoke to each building. This is guidance rather than regulation.
It is the RP’s responsibility to ensure the interim measures are maintained. London Fire Brigade has initiated ‘unannounced’ visits by station-based crews to check these arrangements. Where issues are found they are followed up by fire safety officers.
Question No: 2019/3920
Andrew Dismore
A pilot of Fire Safe and Well visits has been running since December 2017 and evaluation should have commenced in January 2019; a) has the evaluation taken place and if so with what outcome and recommendations; and b) is the intention to roll out this scheme to the rest of London in 2019?
Fire safe and well visits
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
The pilot is due to finish in September 2019.
- The evaluation will begin with the Local Government Association undertaking a peer review in May/June 2019. Then full evaluation by an independent organisation will be completed by August 2019. Recommendations will be taken through London Fire Brigade’s governance structures for a decision on future delivery.
- It was never the intention to deliver Fire, Safe and Well in all boroughs in its current format. Rather, the pilot has provided learning on possible future delivery models. Future delivery will also be influenced by national discussion around firefighter’s role and outcomes of HMICFRS inspection of LFB in 2019.
London Fire Brigade West Hampstead Cottages
Question No: 2019/3921
Andrew Dismore
What progress has been made with the refurbishment of the London Fire Brigade West Hampstead Cottages; and when will they be available for occupation?
London Fire Brigade West Hampstead Cottages
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
A Certificate of Lawfulness for the use of the property as Single Persons Quarters (SPQs) by London Fire Brigade was obtained in July 2018. Applications for planning and Listed Building consent to cover the refurbishment works have been submitted to the London Borough of Camden and validated by the council in mid-January 2019. Their decision on the applications is due by mid-March 2019. The refurbishment works have been fully specified and will be tendered in March with a start on site anticipated in June 2019. The cottages should be available for occupation by November this year.
Former Clerkenwell Fire Station
Question No: 2019/3922
Andrew Dismore
What is the present position re the disposal of the former Clerkenwell Fire Station?
Former Clerkenwell Fire Station
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
The detailed design and heritage advice commissioned by London Fire Brigade and the GLA was received in July 2018. The has been shared with the London Borough of Islington. Discussions with the council about the optimum disposal route for the Brigade’s freehold interest have now reached an advanced stage. That dialogue includes the potential for suitable meanwhile uses of the property.
Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) cladding [1]
Question No: 2019/3923
Andrew Dismore
What is the present best estimate of the number of residential blocks in London with Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) cladding
- that are publically owned
- privately owned
- and in each a) and b) case
- has had the cladding removed or
- has a clear plan and timetable to have the cladding removed
- and in each case of a) and b) have simultaneous evacuation plans in place; and
- how many blocks not with Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) cladding have simultaneous evacuation plans in place broken down between public and private ownership
Answer for Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) cladding [1]
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
Officers are drafting a response
Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) cladding [2]
Question No: 2019/3924
Andrew Dismore
What is the present best estimate of the number of non- residential blocks in London with Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) cladding
- that are publically owned
- privately owned
- and in each a) and b) case
- has had the cladding removed or
- has a clear plan and timetable to have the cladding removed
- and in each case of a) and b) have simultaneous evacuation plans in place and
- how many blocks not with ACM cladding have simultaneous evacuation plans in place broken down between public and private ownership
Answer for Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) cladding [2]
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
Officers are drafting a response
Contaminated firefighter gear (1)
Question No: 2019/3925
Andrew Dismore
London Fire Brigade policy is that firefighters should wear their kit operationally only once, and then bag it before carrying it anywhere else. Do you agree that firefighters should follow this policy?
Contaminated firefighter gear (1)
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
There is a difference between “dirty” Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and “contaminated” PPE which relates to visible carbonaceous materials on the PPE worn by personnel who have worked in the area of the fire scene, for example, the initial firefighting crews. This PPE should be bagged and returned for laundry cleaning in line with London Fire Brigade policy.
Contaminated firefighter gear (2)
Question No: 2019/3926
Andrew Dismore
Does London Fire Brigade’s contract with Bristol Uniforms provide for fire kit and equipment to be taken to and picked up from training grounds?
Contaminated firefighter gear (2)
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
Yes. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is picked up from and delivered to training locations. Firefighters on the firefighter development training have their laundry dealt with at training venues and all other staff have their laundry managed at the fire station. The contract is being changed to also include processes for laundering PPE for staff attending breathing apparatus courses as this is not currently covered by the contract.
Contaminated firefighter gear (3)
Question No: 2019/3927
Andrew Dismore
Please state how much Bristol Uniforms is paid by London Fire Brigade in each year from 2012/13 through to the most recent possible date for a) fire kit provision and b) fire kit cleaning
Contaminated firefighter gear (3)
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
The contract with Bristol Uniforms provides for a fully managed service charge and the charge is made on a per firefighter basis. As such, the cost between provision and cleaning is not split. The main elements of the managed service provision are the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), laundry, repair service, measuring service, PPE Link (online issues and laundry portal), 24/7 helpline and reserve garments. The charge currently includes the allocation of structural firefighting PPE, USAR PPE, positive action PPE (both recruitment and fire safety), youth engagement PPE (LIFE) and specialist entry recovery team. There are no limits to the amount of cleaning that staff can request.
The payment by year to Bristol Uniforms is set out in the table below.
| Year | Payment |
| 2012/13 | £2,303,288 |
| 2013/14 | £2,367,787 |
| 2014/15 | £2,390,650 |
| 2015/16 | £2,341,040 |
| 2016/17 | £2,263,150 |
| 2017/18 | £2,017,831 |
| 2018/191 | £1,918,227 |
1 Year to date
Contaminated firefighter gear (4)
Question No: 2019/3928
Andrew Dismore
Following the closure of ten fire stations under the previous Mayor, did London Fire Brigade and Bristol Uniforms review their contractual agreement to take this into account?
Contaminated firefighter gear (4)
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
The charging mechanism is based on a charge per firefighter basis, as described in MQ2019/3927, and is therefore directly linked to the Brigade’s establishment. As the establishment reduced, the charge reduced through the agreed contract process.
Contaminated firefighter gear (5)
Question No: 2019/3929
Andrew Dismore
How many firefighter injuries or safety at work incidents have been recorded in each year since 2012/13 that relate to cross-contamination or exposure to dangerous substances arising from contaminated fire kit and equipment after training or a fire incident?
Contaminated firefighter gear (5)
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
A review of the Safety Event Reporting Database (SERD) since 2012/13 found that there were no injuries to firefighters directly resulting from exposure to dangerous substances arising from contaminated fire kit or equipment after training or a fire incident. In addition to SERD, London Fire Brigade has a contamination form on which firefighters can record exposure to hazardous substances, which is kept on record, in order that any future work-related ill health that may develop may be examined in relation to any recorded occupational exposure to hazardous substances.
Contaminated firefighter gear (6)
Question No: 2019/3930
Andrew Dismore
Under London Fire Brigade policy 693 firefighters should book out two sets of PPE for certain training exercises, but it is not suitable for them to take two contaminated sets back to their home station. What steps is London Fire Brigade taking to ensure dirty gear can be dealt with appropriately to avoid exposing firefighters to hazards?
Contaminated firefighter gear (6)
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
Arrangements have been made with Babcock Training to provide suitable storage units on site at the two training locations in Beckton and Park Royal. These storage units are then emptied by London Fire Brigade’s supplier, Bristol Uniforms. Staff who attend training events that require two sets of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided with plastic bags for dirty garments. One set will be placed in the storage units and the second set will be bagged up by staff and taken back to the station and placed in the station laundry.
Question No: 2019/3931
Andrew Dismore
Is London Fire Brigade concerned about that the recommended equipment firefighters are required to transport in kit bags is above the safe lifting weight for an individual?
Firefighter equipment weight
The Mayor
Last updated: 28 February, 2019
The firefighter kit bag has been assessed in accordance with the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 and is suitable for the activity of transporting firefighters’ equipment between fire stations and to Brigade training venues. The kit bag is a wheeled bag, designed to be pulled via an extendable handle, and full lifting of the bag is not frequently required. Staff are provided with guidance to ensure they only carry the essential clothing and equipment in order to minimise the lifting weight of the bag.
