June written MQT answers

Step free access lift at Mill Hill East

Question No: 2019/12154

Andrew Dismore

I was pleased to see the progress of the works on the step free access lift at Mill Hill East tube. However, there are no signs to tell the public what is going on. Wouldn’t it be a good idea to put signs up so tube users know that step free is on the way?

Step free access lift at Mill Hill East

The Mayor

Last updated: 25 June, 2019

Transport for London (TfL) is producing posters to be displayed at Mill Hill East Tube station to inform customers about the step-free access improvements.

The posters will be displayed early next month; until they arrive TfL has erected a whiteboard poster at the station to inform customers the station will be step-free in early 2020. These should have been up earlier, and I have asked TfL to ensure this does not happen again.

European Parliament elections

Question No: 2019/12155

Andrew Dismore

Many EU nationals living in London were denied their vote in the recent European Parliament elections, due to additional bureaucracy imposed by the government with inadequate publicity and insufficient time allowed for compliance; also many UK nationals living abroad did not receive their postal votes in time for them to return them before polling day. What advice do you give these disenfranchised voters; and what do you think the consequences are?

European Parliament elections

The Mayor

Last updated: 25 June, 2019

It is a scandal that EU citizens and British nationals living abroad were denied a vote. I raised concerns in April that EU citizens could be shut out of the European elections as a result of the government’s mismanagement of the democratic process.

The Government response, that EU nationals resident in Britain could vote in European Parliament elections in their countries of origin when London is their home, has only added insult to injury. Civic participation is a key pillar of social integration, and EU Londoners must be able to exercise their right to vote.

I believe there should be an inquiry into this mass disenfranchisement. The Government should also move urgently to confirm the voting rights of all eligible EU citizens beyond 2019. It is not acceptable that EU Londoners are facing taxation without representation from 2020.

LEAP and Brexit

Question No: 2019/12156

Andrew Dismore

In the EU Exit Working Group in February, it was stated that the LEAP provides the Government with business intelligence relating to Brexit on a weekly basis. Are the Government taking your intelligence and recommendations on board?

Answer for LEAP and Brexit

The Mayor

Last updated: 25 June, 2019

Officers are drafting a response

EU settlement scheme

Question No: 2019/12157

Andrew Dismore

The Home Affairs Select Committee published a report which highlighted their serious concerns about the design of the settlement scheme for EU citizens. Can you update me on the discussions that you have had with Government on this matter?

Answer for EU settlement scheme

The Mayor

Last updated: 25 June, 2019

Officers are drafting a response

Replacement of EU funds

Question No: 2019/12158

Andrew Dismore

Have you received any further information from the Government about London’s share of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which is due to replace EU funding after Brexit?

Answer for Replacement of EU funds

The Mayor

Last updated: 25 June, 2019

Officers are drafting a response

Backlog of mobile phones and computers awaiting forensic analysis

Question No: 2019/12159

Andrew Dismore

A backlog of mobile phones and computers awaiting forensic analysis threatens to undermine cases for police forces already under pressure; what is the current backlog in terms of a) time and b) number of cases awaiting analysis in the Met.?

Answer for Backlog of mobile phones and computers awaiting forensic analysis

The Mayor

Last updated: 25 June, 2019

Officers are drafting a response

Cocaine users

Question No: 2019/12160

Andrew Dismore

Figures from the National Crime Agency have revealed that cocaine use has more than doubled in the last five years, with more than 200,000 doses being taken every day in London alone. What action will you take to bear down on users as well as suppliers of such illegal class A drugs; and in particular will you encourage stop and search of those who may be in possession of such drugs?

Cocaine users

The Mayor

Last updated: 25 June, 2019

Recreational drug use is not a victimless crime, and anyone purchasing illegal drugs should be under no illusions about the horrific exploitation, abuse and violence in the supply chain. Drugs are a key driver for the levels of violence on the streets of the Capital. The MPS have 20 syndicates proactively targeting drug related violence in London. This has resulted in the execution of over 1,000 drug related search warrants since April 2018 and an increase in Stop and Search of 30 per cent in 2018/19 and continues to rise. The use of Stop and Search is an operational decision.

Enforcement is only one of the responses to drug use and supply. It is important to maintain a multi-agency approach that includes effective education, diversion and treatment.

Detective shortage

Question No: 2019/12161

Andrew Dismore

What progress is being made with solving the detective shortage in the Met. In particular what is the establishment of detectives a) for the Met as a whole and b) in each BCU; and how many of those posts are vacant c) generally and d) in each BCU?

Answer for Detective shortage

The Mayor

Last updated: 25 June, 2019

Officers are drafting a response

Grenfell Tower investigation

Question No: 2019/12162

Andrew Dismore

How many a) detectives and b) other officers are engaged on the investigation into the Grenfell Tower fire?

Grenfell Tower investigation

The Mayor

Last updated: 25 June, 2019

Operation Northleigh (Grenfell Tower investigation) currently employs 180 officers and staff. These officers include:

  • 113 are detectives, including 6 senior detectives
  • 10 civilian investigators who are retired detectives
  • 40 Police Constables
  • 17 police staff who support the Major Investigation Room as indexers and typists.

Disabled blue badge holders

Question No: 2019/12163

Andrew Dismore

What consideration did you give to exempting disabled blue badge holders from the ULEZ charge in the same way they are exempt from the congestion charge?

Disabled blue badge holders

The Mayor

Last updated: 25 June, 2019

Blue Badge holders receive a 100 per cent discount to the Congestion Charge in recognition of the fact they may be dependent on using a private vehicle and therefore cannot avoid the Congestion Charge. Blue Badge holders do not receive a discount for ULEZ because while Blue Badge holders may need to use a private vehicle, they do have a choice over using or nominating a ULEZ-compliant vehicle. This issue was raised and considered as part of the consultation on bringing forward the ULEZ implementation date.

Note that specially adapted vehicles used by people with disabilities will not pay the ULEZ charge until 26 October 2025. In addition, Blue Badge holders from low income households may be able to benefit from my low income scrappage scheme, due to be launched later this year.

HS2 works blocking pavements and roads

Question No: 2019/12164

Andrew Dismore

Will you raise with HS2 and those carrying out work on their behalf the excessive amount of road and pavement space fenced off that they are imposing on the local community? By way of examples, at Gloucester Gate the entire roadway is needlessly blocked off by red barriers extending far beyond the actual worksite – quite unnecessarily because even on rare occasions when plant needs to move in and out, there is plenty of space for it. As a result, cyclists are forced off the roadway onto the pavement over a lengthy stretch, and ignore the signs asking them to dismount endangering pedestrians. HS2 personnel stationed there make no effort to enforce. If the red barriers were moved six feet into the roadway cyclists could stay off the pavement and there would be no effect on HS2 operations. At the top of Park Village East work there has stopped and the road surface is restored, but the entire roadway is still blocked off and again cyclists are forced onto the pavement. Even if vehicles are still kept away, there is plenty of road space not needed by HS2 but which cyclists could use.

HS2 works blocking pavements and roads

The Mayor

Last updated: 25 June, 2019

I have asked Transport for London (TfL) to raise this with HS2.

TfL is continuing to work with HS2 and the London Borough of Camden (LBC) to ensure that the impact of HS2 works on all road users and communities is minimised. The works in question are on roads for which LBC is the Highway Authority. I am pleased to report that these works are now substantially complete and the road has re-opened. I have asked TfL to encourage HS2 and their contractors to learn lessons from the issues raised at this location.

TfL will continue to challenge HS2 and their contractors to undertake works using the minimum amount of road space, though TfL and LBC’s powers are limited by the HS2 Act. HS2 and its contractors undertaking the works are ultimately responsible for site safety and compliance with relevant safety legislation, which may dictate the amount of space required.

Tube noise [1]

Question No: 2019/12165

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question No: 2019/9216

‘Tube noise has not been reduced sufficiently for a number of residents, who have suffered ground borne noise well in excess of 50Db, in some case for several years and in one case rendering the property uninhabitable. in such cases will you now consider compensating residents, if necessary buying their property?’

Your answer being:

‘Transport for London (TfL) understands the importance of minimising noise levels for its neighbours and is determined to do more to achieve it. TfL is focussing its efforts on tackling tube noise and vibration at source, not through compensation. It has carried out works near over 200 homes most affected by noise, installing thousands of new track fastenings, hundreds of metres of new track, grinding rails and removing rail joints where no longer necessary. Where current technology does not reduce noise levels, TfL will continue working with suppliers and academics to innovate and develop new technology to reduce noise levels across the network.’

When TfL have been unable to reduce noise and vibration at source or provide other mitigation measures, what do you propose those who suffer this excessive noise should do as it may be many years if at all, that Tfl find other ways to reduce noise? And as homes are rendered uninhabitable and unsalable by noise in the most extreme cases, do you not think that compensation should be provided or TfL should offer to purchase the properties affected?

Tube noise [1]

The Mayor

Last updated: 25 June, 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. This includes prioritising sites which are experiencing the highest noise levels.

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.

TfL continues to focus its efforts on tackling Tube noise and vibration at source, not through compensation.

Tube noise [2]

Question No: 2019/12166

Andrew Dismore

TfL have now adopted the dubious practice of recording noise complaints about the tube as ‘closed’ after they have done what measures they are prepared to do even if those measures have not resolved the complaints; these cases are far from closed as far as affected residents are concerned; will you instruct TfL to stop this and keep those cases open until a satisfactory mitigation of the noise has taken place?

Tube noise [2]

The Mayor

Last updated: 25 June, 2019

Transport for London (TfL) does not intend to close noise complaints when the resident considers the case ongoing.

Where residents have been provided an update regarding their case (for example to say that best practicable means have been reached in this area, and no further work to the track is possible) and no response is received from the resident, the complaint will be closed. Any resident can reopen their case by contacting TfL’s Contact Centre by emailing  customerservice@tfl.gov.uk. Even in cases where a complaint has been closed by the Contact Centre, residents will still be advised if further works are planned.

Tube noise [3]

Question No: 2019/12167

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question No: 2019/9220

‘Although noise may have been reduced slightly in some locations such as Finchley Central, it did not exist at all before the speed increases and northbound track upgrades. Why can Transport for London not return this noise to previous level?’

Your answer being

‘The northbound track upgrade was undertaken as part of Transport for London’s (TfL) wider programme of track renewals and upgrades. These works are essential for TfL to) to maintain reliability and safety on its network.

TfL is aware of recent complaints about tube noise in this area and will undertake further noise measurements and carry out practicable mitigations to reduce noise at affected properties.’

As this problem is not going away, as more noise problems continue to emerge across the Northern and Victoria lines, and as previous mitigation measures have been found to have only short to medium term effectiveness with old complaints now returning, when will TfL get a grip on this issue; and will you consider instructing TfL to look at speed restrictions , especially outside peak hours to mitigate noise pollution, as requested in the above original question, which was not answered?

Tube noise [3]

The Mayor

Last updated: 25 June, 2019

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.

As set out in Mayor’s Question 2019/9217, TfL is currently reviewing what criteria should be used when assessing requests for speed restrictions. Clearly, the use of speed restrictions needs to be carefully balanced against providing a level of service that London Underground customers reasonably expect. I’ve asked TfL to contact you to discuss this issue when the review has progressed.

Tube noise [4]

Question No: 2019/12168

Andrew Dismore

What is the period of time that Pandrol Vanguard is expected significantly to reduce tube noise? What do you propose to do when the benefit of PV installation has worn off, as it is now doing at some sites where it was installed?

Tube noise [4]

The Mayor

Last updated: 25 June, 2019

The supplier of these products advises that they are expected to be effective for around ten years. Transport for London (TfL) has been installing resilient track fastenings for around three years, and they continue to be effective. As a relatively new methodology on the LU network, TfL continues to monitor the impact of this technology.

In cases where residents notice an increase in noise levels, they are encouraged to contact TfL’s Contact Centre by emailing customerservices@tfl.gov.uk. If noise measurements show that noise levels have increased, TfL will consider what further practicable works can be carried out and advise residents accordingly.

Tube noise [5]

Question No: 2019/12169

Andrew Dismore

A constituent has had the following reply from TfL to his complaint about tube noise affecting his home:

‘In response to your noise complaint; we have opened, investigated, fed-back on work proposed and closed your complaint in line with the complaint noise & vibration process agreed by the Mayor.’

As the noise problem remains and is far from concluded do you consider closing his ongoing complaint to be appropriate; and will you publish the “complaint noise & vibration process” TfL say you have agreed?

Tube noise [5]

The Mayor

Last updated: 25 June, 2019

Where Transport for London (TfL) provides a response to a resident (for example to say that best practicable means have been reached in this area, and no further work to the track is possible at this time) and no response is received from the resident, it is normal practice for the complaint to be closed.

In this instance, TfL advised the constituents that track work would be carried out by October 2019 and that TfL will carry out further noise measurements after that time if noise levels are not reduced to what the constituent considers a satisfactory level. TfL then closed the case.

Following feedback from the constituent, the case was reopened. Any resident can reopen their case by contacting TfL’s Contact Centre. Even in cases where a complaint has been closed by the Contact Centre, residents will still be advised if further works are planned.

Transport for London telephone contact numbers

Question No: 2019/12170

Andrew Dismore

Further to Question No: 2019/9223

‘Do you agree that it is important that Transport for London maintain a working telephone system for complaints, for those who do not have access to email, or would prefer to speak to someone? What then is the best customer contact number, and how do you rate performance for handling calls?’

Your answer being

‘Transport for London (TfL) provides customers with a variety of ways to get in contact. If a customer prefers to speak to an advisor, TfL has a telephone line available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The telephone number is 0343 222 1234 and all calls will be charged at a local rate – which is often free on many tariffs. Alternatively, TfL’s online tools allow customers to self-serve with minimal effort. These include the TfL website, TravelBot and Social Media.

The quality of TfL’s interactions with customers is assessed internally by line managers against a quality framework. The contact centre quality is also measured independently by a mystery shopping company who assess the interaction against the industry standards. This measure is included in the TfL performance scorecard.’

What is a) the average and b) longest wait for a call to be answered on TfL’s phone line over the last 6 months; and over the same period, c) how many calls were abandoned before being answered; and d) how many staff do TfL have on duty to answer this phone line?

Transport for London telephone contact numbers

The Mayor

Last updated: 25 June, 2019

Transport for London (TfL) proactively publishes information relating to its performance on a regular basis, with its Quarterly Customer Service and Operational Performance Reports posted online.

As set out in the Quarter 4 Customer Service and Operational Performance Report, TfL’s Contact Centre received 2.7 million telephone calls and over 600,000 pieces of correspondence in 2018/19. The number of abandoned calls, volume of correspondence closed within the Service Level Agreement timeframe and the quality of both calls and correspondence (assessed both internally and externally) all exceeded the targets set.

TfL has some 270 customer service advisors, with 123 operatives dedicated to responding to telephone enquiries. Other advisors respond to written enquiries but have the skill to respond to telephone enquiries should demand require it.

TfL has no record of the shortest or longest wait time. However, the average speed of answer across the telephone service over the 6 month period from 1 December 2018 to 31 May 2019 was 2 minutes 22 seconds.

Fatal accident on East End Road [1]

Question No: 2019/12171

Andrew Dismore

There was a fatal accident on East End Road in East Finchley on Wednesday 22nd May 2019 resulting in the death of a child outside the Five Bells pub. What funding is available to have a thorough review of road safety in the area, and what funding is available to make any suggested improvements?

Answer for Fatal accident on East End Road [1]

The Mayor

Last updated: 25 June, 2019

Officers are drafting a response

Fatal accident on East End Road [2]

Question No: 2019/12172

Andrew Dismore

Barnet Council have a policy not to allow 20 mph zones anywhere but roads with schools on them. In light of the tragic accident on 22nd May, will you consider writing to the council to urge them to scrap this policy, as it is likely to hinder the success of your 2020 road safety vision? Would TfL support establishing the East Finchley part of East End Road as a 20mph zone to reassure local residents?

Answer for Fatal accident on East End Road [2]

The Mayor

Last updated: 25 June, 2019

Officers are drafting a response

Hire bikes on pavements

Question No: 2019/12173

Andrew Dismore

Bicycles owned and operated by the number of hire companies (other than TFL’s own Santander scheme) are becoming a hazard to pedestrians, especially those who are disabled, sight impaired or with small children when they are abandoned after use on the pavements, as they are with increasing regularity. What can you do to control this menace?

Hire bikes on pavements

The Mayor

Last updated: 25 June, 2019

Transport for London’s (TfL’s) “Dockless bike share code of practice for operators in London” sets out clear expectations on the responsible operation of such schemes. This document emphasises the duty of TfL and other Highway Authorities to protect the rights of the public to use and enjoy the Capital’s highways and footways. It also sets out available enforcement powers for highway authorities to remove bikes where they are causing danger.

TfL and London Councils are also currently developing proposals for a pan-London regulatory framework for dockless bike operations, underpinned by a new bye-law, which will seek to address the issues you raise by giving boroughs greater to powers to specify where dockless bicycles can and cannot be parked.

Former Clerkenwell Fire Station

Question No: 2019/12174

Andrew Dismore

What has been the total cost of a) security and b) maintenance from when the fire station was closed until it was brought back into temporary use recently?

Former Clerkenwell Fire Station

The Mayor

Last updated: 25 June, 2019

From the date the fire station was closed until it was brought back into use, the cost for providing a) security was £383,254 and b) maintenance was £146,007.

2018/19 LFB outturn

Question No: 2019/12175

Andrew Dismore

When does LFB expect to publish its outturn figures for 2018/19?

2018/19 LFB outturn

The Mayor

Last updated: 25 June, 2019

The draft outturn report for 2018/19, to support the draft statement of accounts, was published on 31 May 2019. The report is available on the London Datastore through the following link: https://data.london.gov.uk/dataset/lfb-financial-and-performance-reporting-2018-19

LFB operational establishment (1)

Question No: 2019/12176

Andrew Dismore

Is LFB still on course to reach its full operational establishment by summer 2019; and what is that establishment?

LFB operational establishment (1)

The Mayor

Last updated: 25 June, 2019

By July 2019, London Fire Brigade (LFB) will have only 26 vacancies against the operational establishment of 4792 full time equivalent (FTE) which represents 0.5 per cent of LFB’s establishment. This small shortfall has been as a result of unforeseen early retirements over the past two months. The remaining 26 vacancies are expected to be filled over July and August.

LFB operational establishment (2)

Question No: 2019/12177

Andrew Dismore

Please provide a) LFB’s actual number of FTE operational staff at the start and end of 2018/19 and 2019/20 and b) the operational establishment for those periods

LFB operational establishment (2)

The Mayor

Last updated: 25 June, 2019

Please see the table below:

Date Operational Establishment Operational FTE
31 March 2018 4780.75 4570.44
31 March 2019 4791.25 4669.95
31 March 2020* 4791.25 4791.74

*based on current forecast

Staff pay increase

Question No: 2019/12178

Andrew Dismore

LFB has budgeted a 2% increase for all staff in the Medium Term Financial Plan. What contingencies exist in the case of higher pay awards being agreed?

Staff pay increase

The Mayor

Last updated: 25 June, 2019

London Fire Brigade (LFB) has budgeted for 2 per cent pay increases for all staff in line with guidance provided by the Mayor’s Office. The budget includes no contingency for higher pay increases, and any pay award above 2 per cent would currently result in an increased budget pressure. Exceptions to this would be any national agreement to pay operational staff in excess of 2 per cent that was accompanied by additional funding, or any local agreement that sought to identify savings as part of an overall package that included the higher pay award.

Apprenticeships for trainee firefighters

Question No: 2019/12179

Andrew Dismore

Please provide an update on the use of LFB’s apprenticeship levy payments for firefighter training.

Apprenticeships for trainee firefighters

The Mayor

Last updated: 25 June, 2019

Since the introduction of the levy in April 2017, London Fire Brigade (LFB) has played a key role in developing the new Level 3 Operational Firefighter apprenticeship standard with over 35 other FRSs and industry bodies. The LFB’s Operational Firefighter apprenticeship programme was introduced in November 2018 and all new firefighters complete the apprenticeship as part of their development.

LFB also played a key role in a successful challenge that doubled the maximum levy funding per firefighter, from £6k to £12k per firefighter. All levy funds will be spent, providing a £1.1m central budget saving (replacing levy expenditure), with the potential for further income through accessing co-investment funding from 2020/21, should firefighter recruitment remain at over 200 new recruits annually. The incremental costs to deliver the apprenticeship are approximately 50 per cent of the funding claimed per firefighter.

Command unit replacement

Question No: 2019/12180

Andrew Dismore

The slot price for the new command units has gone up, according to LFB’s Medium Term Financial Plan. What is the reason for this?

Command unit replacement

The Mayor

Last updated: 25 June, 2019

London Fire Brigade (LFB) is currently preparing a revised and improved specification as part of a project to procure replacement command units. This work has resulted in an increase to the estimated slot price in the Medium Term Financial Plan and the cost is still subject to further change as work continues on the specification. Key changes that have led to the forecast increase in the estimated cost include a move to address environmental impacts through new technology that is estimated to represent a higher cost than diesel options and moving from a lorry chassis to a bus chassis, which will provide a better platform for operational capabilities, but which comes with comparably higher maintenance and repair costs. The full Information Technology and Incident Command Operating System has yet to be fully defined but is expected to be provided through a managed support service with the cost included in the vehicle slot price.

Firefighter accommodation (1)

Question No: 2019/12181

Andrew Dismore

When does the Brigade expect to see the West Hampstead refurbished cottages occupied by firefighters?

Firefighter accommodation (1)

The Mayor

Last updated: 25 June, 2019

Applications for planning and listed building consent to cover the refurbishment works were submitted to the London Borough of Camden and validated by the council in mid-January 2019. The works package was tendered in March 2019 and formal approval has now been sought for contract award, pending a decision on the listed building and planning consent. The current target date for occupation is February 2020.

Firefighter accommodation (2)

Question No: 2019/12182

Andrew Dismore

What sites is LFB intending to develop for firefighter housing and what is the total number of homes that will be delivered on each of these sites?

Firefighter accommodation (2)

The Mayor

Last updated: 25 June, 2019

The London Fire Commissioner (LFC) considers the potential to provide single persons quarters accommodation for firefighters as part of the feasibility studies for major refurbishments and rebuilds of its properties, subject to capacity, viability and demand. The only confirmed plan at this stage is the refurbishment of the West Hampstead cottages, which will provide eight single person’s quarters.

Airwave incidental coverage

Question No: 2019/12183

Andrew Dismore

In written evidence to the Public Accounts Committee, the National Fire Chiefs Council stated that the incidental coverage of the Emergency Services Network is unlikely to be as good as Airwave’s. What assessment has LFB made of the potential impact of this in London when ESN is eventually implemented?

Airwave incidental coverage

The Mayor

Last updated: 25 June, 2019

Incidental coverage generally refers to non-contractual coverage in buildings. As the fire and rescue service use Airwave/ESN principally in the open, London Fire Brigade (LFB) does not envisage there being a problem. In buildings, LFB uses an ‘off network’ radio system that does not rely on such coverage. The current plan is for coverage testing to begin taking place in late 2019, when LFB will ensure that coverage is in place in all areas to meet their operational requirements.

Emergency Services Network

Question No: 2019/12184

Andrew Dismore

When do you expect LFB to replace Airwave with the Emergency Services Network?

Emergency Services Network

The Mayor

Last updated: 25 June, 2019

The current planning assumption based on all available information is that London Fire Brigade will commence transition to the Emergency Services Network in early 2022, completing by the end of that year.

Hackitt review team use of Union Street

Question No: 2019/12185

Andrew Dismore

Has any agreement been reached for the Hackitt review team to occupy the space at Union Street recently vacated by London TravelWatch; and if so will they be paying a commercial rent?

Hackitt review team use of Union Street

The Mayor

Last updated: 25 June, 2019

The Building Safety Team advising the Government programme arising from Dame Judith Hackitt’s review are a combination of LFB staff and seconded officers from other fire and rescue services. Seconded officers are principally located in the Home Office and the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) offices when required in London for meetings. They attend London Fire Brigade headquarters when required, utilising agile working spaces within the building. These arrangements are not due to change.

Additional Fire Cadets units

Question No: 2019/12186

Andrew Dismore

When do you expect each new Fire Cadet unit to begin operations, following the extra £1.1m of funding from the Mayor?

Additional Fire Cadets units

The Mayor

Last updated: 25 June, 2019

The expansion of London Fire Brigade (LFB) Fire Cadet units will take place in two tranches. The first tranche in January 2020 will see units opening in Greenwich, Redbridge, Kingston, Hammersmith & Fulham, Barnet, Camden, Wandsworth and Hillingdon. In the second tranche in April 2020, units will open in Enfield, Ealing, Harrow, Hounslow, Sutton, Richmond and the City of London.

ULEZ adaptations (1)

Question No: 2019/12187

Andrew Dismore

What percentage and number of each category of LFB’s fleet is currently non-compliant with the ULEZ?

ULEZ adaptations (1)

The Mayor

Last updated: 25 June, 2019

London Fire Brigade (LFB) fleet compliance with the ULEZ is shown in the following table:

Category Compliant Non-Compliant
Pumping appliances 119 (58%) 88 (42%)
Aerials 0 19 (100%)
Fire Rescue Units 0 18 (100%)
Command Units 0 9 (100%)
Front Line Specials 0 38 (100%)
Cars 60 (100%) 0
Vans 20 (65%) 11 (35%)
Totals 199 (49%) 211 (51%)

All fleet vehicles stationed within the inner zone are compliant and have been since ULEZ was introduced. Stations with ‘grounds’ that spread into the inner zone have allocated pumping appliances that are compliant. The rest of the LFB fleet is planned to be compliant by the end of October 2021 through the asset replacement programme. However, the Home Office has no plans for the National Resilience prime mover and the detection, identification and monitoring (DIM) vehicles to be replaced by October 2021. In addition, a certified ‘after fit’ exhaust treatment system has not been found, so there is a risk these twenty-six National Resilience vehicles will not be compliant by October 2021. The LFB also already operate an electric car fleet.

The whole LFB fleet is either compliant, registered within the sunset period or only operated outside central London, and so the LFB has not been issued any ULEZ charges. Some officers’ cars used under the essential car user scheme are non-compliant and, therefore, could incur a charge if driven within the inner zone, but no ULEZ penalty charge notices have been reclaimed to date.

The LFB also operate and maintain 27 National Resilience prime mover and detection, identification and monitoring (DIM) vehicles on behalf of the Home Office. All these vehicles are currently non-compliant and I am concerned there are no plans to upgrade them. I urge the Government to match our ambition and leadership and ensure these vehicles are compliant by October 2021.

ULEZ adaptations (2)

Question No: 2019/12188

Andrew Dismore

When will LFB’s fleet be ULEZ compliant for the inner zone?

ULEZ adaptations (2)

The Mayor

Last updated: 21 June, 2019

Please see my response to Mayor’s Question 2019/12187

ULEZ adaptations (3)

Question No: 2019/12189

Andrew Dismore

Will LFB’s fleet be ULEZ compliant by the rollout of the expanded zone in October 2021?

ULEZ adaptations (3)

The Mayor

Last updated: 21 June, 2019

Please see my response to Mayor’s Question 2019/12187

ULEZ adaptations (4)

Question No: 2019/12190

Andrew Dismore

How much has LFB paid in ULEZ charges since its inception?

ULEZ adaptations (4)

The Mayor

Last updated: 21 June, 2019

Please see my response to Mayor’s Question 2019/12187

Role to rank

Question No: 2019/12191

Andrew Dismore

Is role to rank on track to be implemented by 2021?

Role to rank

The Mayor

Last updated: 25 June, 2019

The Role-to-Rank project is on track to go live on 15 October 2019.

Croydon training facility

Question No: 2019/12192

Andrew Dismore

What is the cost of developing the Croydon training facility?

Croydon training facility

The Mayor

Last updated: 25 June, 2019

The cost of developing the Croydon training facility remains within the allocated budget of £15.5m.

Answer for Croydon training facility

The Mayor

Last updated: 25 June, 2019

Officers are drafting a response

Diversity in the firefighter intake

Question No: 2019/12193

Andrew Dismore

What percentage of a) applicants and b) appointees in the most recent recruitment round were a) BAME and b) women and c) BAME women?

Diversity in the firefighter intake

The Mayor

Last updated: 25 June, 2019

At the last London Fire Brigade firefighter recruitment round there were 6,545 applicants. Of these there were 1,358 BAME applicants (20.75 per cent), 647 women applicants (9.89 per cent) and 163 BAME woman applicants (2.49 per cent). Of the 357 appointees, the number of BAME appointees was 31 (8.68%), 41 women appointees (11.48%) and 4 (1.12%) BAME women appointees. The current recruitment round has seen a further 650 applications and provides greater encouragement with 40% of applicants from BAME groups and 30% female.

LFB input into planning applications (1)

Question No: 2019/12194

Andrew Dismore

How many planning applications did LFB comment on in each year from 2010/11 onwards?

LFB input into planning applications (1)

The Mayor

Last updated: 25 June, 2019

London Fire Brigade (LFB) is not a statutory consultee for planning applications, so the information requested is not available. LFB is, however, a statutory consultee for building control consultations.

During the period requested, approximate numbers of Building Control Consultations received by the LFB were as follows:

  • 01/04/2010 and 31/03/2011 10530
  • 01/04/2011 and 31/03/2012 10899
  • 01/04/2012 and 31/03/2013 10839
  • 01/04/2013 and 31/03/2014 10768
  • 01/04/2014 and 31/03/2015 11109
  • 01/04/2015 and 31/03/2016 10900
  • 01/04/2016 and 31/03/2017 11157
  • 01/04/2017 and 31/03/2018 10975
  • 01/04/2018 and 31/03/2019 10276

LFB input into planning applications (2)

Question No: 2019/12195

Andrew Dismore

How many representations put forward by LFB on planning applications were taken up by the developer and/or planning authority concerned in 2016/17, 2017/18, and 2018/19?

LFB input into planning applications (2)

The Mayor

Last updated: 25 June, 2019

London Fire Brigade (LFB) is not a statutory consultee for planning applications, so the information requested is not available. While LFB is a statutory consultee for building control consultations, it is for the building control body (either Local Authority or Approved Inspector) to provide the final approval. LFB does not hold information on how many of their comments were taken up by the developer and/or the approving authority.

Demand on fire safety inspection officers (1)

Question No: 2019/12196

Andrew Dismore

How many hours of overtime has been logged by LFB’s fire safety inspection officers in 2016/17, 2017/18, and 2018/19?

Demand on fire safety inspection officers (1)

The Mayor

Last updated: 25 June, 2019

The number of overtime hours logged by Fire Safety Inspecting Officers over the last three years is: 2016/17 – 132 hours, 2017/18 – 973 hours and 2018/19 – 446 hours. The increase in the last two years is largely due to activity reviewing safety in high rise buildings following the Grenfell Tower fire.

Demand on fire safety inspection officers (2)

Question No: 2019/12197

Andrew Dismore

How many fire safety inspection officers does LFB currently employ and how many does the Brigade predict it needs to deal with future demand?

Demand on fire safety inspection officers (2)

The Mayor

Last updated: 25 June, 2019

London Fire Brigade (LFB) has an establishment of the equivalent of 152.5 Fire Safety Inspecting Officers. In addition to this, LFB has a number of technical officers in roles such as Engineering, Petroleum, Transport and Business Support who provide assistance and support to underpin the inspection regime. LFB is currently preparing a response to the Government’s consultation for implementing the recommendations of the Hackitt review and providing information to the call for evidence on the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 that may inform changes to the Order. Once final proposals are agreed, LFB will assess the impact on resources going forward.

Action against Responsible Persons

Question No: 2019/12198

Andrew Dismore

Since 2017, has LFB taken formal action against any Responsible Persons over failures to meet required interim fire safety standards where a high-rise block is found to have fire safety problems; and if so on how many occasions?

Action against Responsible Persons

The Mayor

Last updated: 25 June, 2019

London Fire Brigade (LFB) has not taken formal action against any Responsible Persons over failures to maintain interim fire safety measures where they have been put in place. LFB has instituted ad hoc checks by local fire station-based crews of those premises with interim measures to ensure they remain in place until the required remediation works are carried out. In addition, LFB has procedures in place to respond to fire safety concerns raised by residents in any premises, including those blocks with interim measures in place.

New LFB equipment

Question No: 2019/12199

Andrew Dismore

What items of newly available, under development, or experimental equipment is the LFB currently evaluating or expects to evaluate in the current financial year?

New LFB equipment

The Mayor

Last updated: 25 June, 2019

London Fire Brigade (LFB) is currently evaluating the use of drones to support improved situational awareness. Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV) and Ultra High-Pressure Lance (UHPL) based technologies are under evaluation and misting branch technology and a Scorpion fire engine are also scheduled for evaluation this year, all of which involve innovative ways of managing fires without having to enter the fire compartment, which improves firefighter safety. ‘PVStop’, the liquid polymer in a fire extinguisher used to isolate the energy from solar panels in an emergency, is currently being evaluated on LFB’s aerial fleet. For breathing apparatus (BA), LFB is evaluating powered clear speech diaphragms to improve communications both between crew members and the public. LFB is also evaluating new cylinder types and durations, which could reduce the weight and improve the duration of BA use.

Foreign Direct Investment in London

Question No: 2019/12200

Andrew Dismore

According to the Guardian, (https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/jun/04/retailers-warn-of-fresh-wave-of-job-losses-and-store-closures)

“A survey by the consultancy and auditing firm EY found that the UK retained its position as the No 1 European destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2018, but the number of projects was down by 13% on the previous year. Fifteen per cent of global investors have put investment plans in the UK on hold owing to Brexit, the firm said, but only 6% planned to move assets out of the UK in the future. Sectors exposed to Brexit experienced major declines in FDI in 2018, with manufacturing down by 35%, headquarters down 49% and R&D down 17%.”

How do you think this will affect London in particular, and do you agree that this is yet more evidence that a hard Brexit will do calamitous damage to our economy?

Answer for Foreign Direct Investment in London

The Mayor

Last updated: 25 June, 2019

Officers are drafting a response

 

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