Mayor’s Answers June – July 20
Question No: 2020/1578
Andrew Dismore
The impact of Covid-19 is having a major impact on the budgets for public services, including London’s NHS, the London Ambulance Service, the Metropolitan Police, London Fire Brigade, Transport for London, and London borough councils; what is your current estimate of the shortfall for these organisations; and what assurances have you received from the Government that they will help fund these shortfalls to avoid major cuts and austerity in the near future?
Answer for Public Service funding
The Mayor
Last updated: 27 May, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
Public Service funding
The Mayor
Last updated: 09 July, 2020
Work is currently underway to understand and assess the impacts of COVID-19 on the GLA Group and it is not possible to provide a complete estimate of the full additional costs and impact across the Group at this stage as they are changing on a daily basis. Similarly, work is ongoing to assess the potential impact of potential reductions in revenues from key income sources including retained business rates and council tax collected by the 33 London local authorities; my officers are liaising closely with them and London Councils to assess the potential impacts. I have published the Budget Guidance, in order to set out our best understanding of the situation and the approach to be adopted which will consider a number of potential scenarios for both the 2020-21 outturn and the 2021-22 budget.
TfL has engaged in a constructive dialogue with Government on support for the loss in fares income.
I will continue to make case alongside the wider local government sector for increased funding to support local services in these extraordinary times. The impact on NHS services, including the London Ambulance Service, is a matter for central government which provides funding to the NHS. In addition, I have called on the Government to provide additional grant funding to support small businesses in London given that the proportion of firms benefitting from the BEIS small business grants schemes is well below the national average.
Question No: 2020/1953
Andrew Dismore
Should a person drive in London or elsewhere if that person is concerned about his or her sight; and if not what should they do to check their sight; what impact would driving when concerned about impaired vision, have on your Vision Zero strategy on London’s roads; and what action will the Met’s traffic police take if they believe someone is driving with defective eyesight?
Advice on driving in London
The Mayor
Last updated: 23 June, 2020
Officers are drafting a response. Please be advised that there may be some delay as the information also requires input from functional bodies.
Advice on driving in London
The Mayor
Last updated: 10 July, 2020
The MPS would not recommend anyone drives a motor vehicle on any public road if they are concerned about their sight. If they wish to check their eyesight then an optician, or suitably medically qualified person, is best suited to provide that advice to them before they drive.
As part of Vision Zero Strategy, Traffic officers conduct eyesight tests of drivers suspected of committing moving traffic offences (if the circumstances warrant this course of action) and where appropriate are reported. People driving with impaired vision, could of course cause road deaths and injuries; however this is not a common occurrence.
If police officers come across someone they believe is driving with defective eyesight they have the power to request an eyesight test.
Question No: 2020/1955
Andrew Dismore
What is the Met Police’s budgeted cost for the replacement of their heavy anti-riot vehicles?
Answer for Anti-riot vehicles [2]
The Mayor
Last updated: 23 June, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
Anti-riot vehicles [2]
The Mayor
Last updated: 10 July, 2020
The MPS budget will be confirmed when assessment of the market capabilities has been completed.
Question No: 2020/1956
Andrew Dismore
The Met Police’s replacement of their heavy anti-riot vehicles project: is it intended for the contract for these vehicles to be let to a UK manufacturer?
Answer for Anti-riot vehicles [3]
The Mayor
Last updated: 23 June, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
Anti-riot vehicles [3]
The Mayor
Last updated: 10 July, 2020
The MPS adhere to the Public Contract Regulations 2015. The MPS has not officially published a tender for the requirements and therefore is unable to respond to the questions.
Question No: 2020/1957
Andrew Dismore
The Met Police’s replacement of their heavy anti-riot vehicles project: how many companies have been invited to tender; how many have tendered; and in each case, how many are UK, how many EU, and how many from elsewhere in the world?
Answer for Anti-riot vehicles [4]
The Mayor
Last updated: 23 June, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
Anti-riot vehicles [4]
The Mayor
Last updated: 10 July, 2020
The MPS has not officially published a tender for the requirements and is therefore unable to respond to the questions. A Prior Information Notice was published on 23rd March 2020 advising the market of a potential future procurement.
Question No: 2020/1962
Andrew Dismore
Given the upsurge in speeding, will you ask the police to mount an anti speeding operation here; and what progress is being made with speed reduction measures discussions with Barnet Council?
Speeding: A1 Falloden Way
The Mayor
Last updated: 23 June, 2020
Officers are drafting a response. Please be advised that there may be some delay as the information also requires input from functional bodies.
Speeding: A1 Falloden Way
The Mayor
Last updated: 10 July, 2020
During lockdown London experienced lower traffic volumes but that data showed speed increased in every limit category (20-70mph inclusive). We have experienced extreme speeds and the MPS has enforced accordingly. Some examples of the speed prosecuted, and the speed limits in the areas the vehicles were in at the time are as follows: 163mph (70 speed limit); 134 mph (40 speed limit); 110mph (30 speed limit); 73mph (20 speed limit).
The MPS has embedded a culture within roads policing teams of targeting the most risky roads, people and themes. Teams patrol priority roads across London with a real focus on speeding. Since lockdown began speeding enforcement increased 164% compared to the same period in 2019 (8,740 v 3,306). The MPS has extensively communicated the dangers of speeding via mainstream media and key partners.
In May 2020, 509 speeding offences were enforced by roads policing officers in the Borough of Barnet. The MPS informs me that Falloden Way is currently not identified as a priority road for intensive deployments based, in part, on serious collision data; however, this is regularly reviewed.
The MPS has launched a new local authority referral process in which Boroughs are encouraged to report road safety concerns to the Police and TFL. The MPS considers referrals and acts on this information as and when necessary. It will, in combination with TfL, proactively contact Barnet Council to fully understand their road safety concerns and see how best it can respond to any identified issues.
A1 Sliproad, Fiveways Corner [1]
Question No: 2020/1963
Andrew Dismore
TfL recently undertook, via their contractors Conway, a resurfacing of the A1 Great North Way sliproad at Fiveways Corner in NW4 on the night of 26th May 2020.
Regrettably, only around half the slipway was resurfaced, despite the whole section being of equally poor quality. Residents have ascertained that Conway will not be returning to complete the rest of the slipway. Why has only half the slipway been resurfaced, and will you now instruct Conway to resurface the rest of the slipway?
Answer for A1 Sliproad, Fiveways Corner [1]
The Mayor
Last updated: 23 June, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
A1 Sliproad, Fiveways Corner [1]
The Mayor
Last updated: 10 July, 2020
Transport for London (TfL) targets its renewals programme at its poorest road surfaces, using data collected by its road inspectors and scanner vehicles. The resurfaced section of slipway was in a poorer condition and so qualified for renewal.
TfL is continuing its investigations into the road surface of the remaining section of the slip road. Should these investigations identify underlying issues with the road surface TfL will consider all options for remedial work including resurfacing.
Bridge at East Finchley Station
Question No: 2020/1966
Andrew Dismore
The Bridge at East Finchley Station over the High Road is in a disgusting state, there are several dead pigeon carcasses stuck in the netting, with pigeon droppings, blood and other dirt making the pavements and bus stops dangerously dirty and a public health hazard. Please can we ask TfL to repair the netting, remove the dead pigeons and undertake a deep clean?
Answer for Bridge at East Finchley Station
The Mayor
Last updated: 23 June, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
Bridge at East Finchley Station
The Mayor
Last updated: 10 July, 2020
Transport for London has confirmed that on 12 June it completed the repairs to the netting, removed the dead pigeon carcasses and cleaned the pavement.
Question No: 2020/1969
Andrew Dismore
A section 35 was declared in East Finchley on Friday 22nd May due to two large gatherings of teenagers at the Market Place playground. Whilst the swift action of the police is to be commended, do the police have information about how these gatherings were organised and by whom?
Section 35 in East Finchley
The Mayor
Last updated: 23 June, 2020
Officers are drafting a response. Please be advised that there may be some delay as the information also requires input from functional bodies.
Section 35 in East Finchley
The Mayor
Last updated: 10 July, 2020
The police received a number of calls about this incident and officers were dispatched to the playground where they discovered around 60-80 people. Barbecues had been lit and there were several drunk people. Officers also found that social distancing was not being observed. The officers were met with some hostility, and the Section 35 was put in place. Unfortunately, the MPS does not know who organised these gatherings or how they went about organising them.
Question No: 2020/1973
Andrew Dismore
What is the current status of the Camden Town Station upgrade?
Answer for Camden Town Station upgrade
The Mayor
Last updated: 23 June, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
Camden Town Station upgrade
The Mayor
Last updated: 10 July, 2020
The Transport for London (TfL) Business Plan published in December 2019 states that the realisation of the Camden and Holborn schemes relies on steady and sustained investment from the Government.
Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, both the Camden Town and Holborn station capacity upgrades were unfunded. The Business Plan stated that as TfL has no certainty of capital funding beyond 2020, it would be making the case to Government for capital support to enable these critical projects. That position remains unchanged, although the situation has become even more challenging given the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Question No: 2020/1974
Andrew Dismore
What is the current status of the Holborn Station upgrade?
Answer for Holborn Station upgrade
The Mayor
Last updated: 23 June, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
Holborn Station upgrade
The Mayor
Last updated: 10 July, 2020
Please see my response to Mayor’s Question 2020/1973.
Question No: 2020/1976
Andrew Dismore
We are told that TfL’s scheme to reroute the 384 bus was requested by Barnet Council, other stakeholders and residents to enhance links between Barnet and Edgware. When did Barnet Council request this and will you publish their representation; which other stakeholders requested this, and when in each case; and how many residents requested this change?
Answer for 384 bus [1]
The Mayor
Last updated: 23 June, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
384 bus [1]
The Mayor
Last updated: 10 July, 2020
Transport for London (TfL) continuously liaises with London boroughs to identify, develop and propose options to change bus services. The suggested changes for the route 384 were shared and discussed in person with Barnet Council officers, Theresa Villiers MP and a representative of Barnet Residents’ Association. This was in the context of a review of the bus network in the Barnet town centre area which was undertaken in early 2018.
The review took place after various requests from various stakeholders to improve bus links in the area, partly due to the expected impact of new developments. At the time stakeholders were broadly in support of the proposals’ general aims. The purpose of the subsequent consultation is to provide a more formal opportunity for a wider group of stakeholders and the public to comment on detailed and specific proposals.
While Barnet Council did not submit a formal Borough response to the subsequent consultation, I understand that some local representatives have requested further engagement. As agreed, TfL are looking at ways to hold a further discussion via electronic means to discuss and explain the proposals further, and I will ensure that you are invited to join this discussion.
Question No: 2020/1977
Andrew Dismore
What is the furthest distance someone will have to walk to reach a bus stop if TfL’s proposals are implemented; and how does that compare with the distances before these changes?
Answer for 384 bus [2]
The Mayor
Last updated: 23 June, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
384 bus [2]
The Mayor
Last updated: 10 July, 2020
On average, the additional walk to access route 384 or another bus route following the changes is 160 metres. The longest additional walk is 700 metres and is from the eastern end of Gloucester Road. This affects 30 weekday trips and there is an alternative stop on Lyonsdown Road on route 326 that is closer for these passengers. Like the current 384, the 326 serves New Barnet Station, High Barnet and Barnet town centre. Passengers can also use the Hopper fare to change to the 384 on Station Road at New Barnet for other destinations, at no additional charge.
Question No: 2020/1980
Andrew Dismore
Will you commit to a review of the changes that are planned to the 384 bus route if they are implemented within a year?
Answer for 384 bus [5]
The Mayor
Last updated: 23 June, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
384 bus [5]
The Mayor
Last updated: 10 July, 2020
Yes. It is standard practice that Transport for London (TfL) reviews bus routes, particularly when changes have been made. This ensures that the changes are delivering the intended benefit and allows adjustments to be made if necessary.
Question No: 2020/1983
Andrew Dismore
As you are now returning to front door boarding for buses as you have made drivers safe, will you consider also allowing disabled people to use some or all of the designated seats at the front of buses?
Answer for bus disabled seats
The Mayor
Last updated: 23 June, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
bus disabled seats
The Mayor
Last updated: 10 July, 2020
On many buses in the fleet, most priority seats aren’t cordoned off as they are not located immediately behind the driver’s cab or just behind the front door. They are further back.
I have taken a number of steps to protect bus drivers and will continue to do so. TfL will ensure that drivers are protected behind screens whilst looking to make as many seats, including the priority ones with more leg room, available to enable social distancing.
Question No: 2020/1987
Andrew Dismore
What is the latest on work to reduce tube noise in Fitzrovia? When will the rails in both directions on the Victoria Line next be ground?
Answer for Tube Noise near Warren Street
The Mayor
Last updated: 23 June, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
Tube Noise near Warren Street
The Mayor
Last updated: 10 July, 2020
Over the weekend of 23-25 May 2020, Transport for London (TfL) carried out extensive rail grinding on the Victoria line, including a section in this area, where heavy corrugation had been identified.
Currently, rail grinding is next scheduled for the Victoria line in late 2020. I have asked that TfL continues to keep you updated on this programme, including the plans for Fitzrovia, over the coming months.
In the longer-term, TfL is continuing to investigate the feasibility of using the Delkor track fastening product at this location, with the aim of reducing noise and vibration.
Please also see my response to Mayor’s Question 2020/1988.
Question No: 2020/1988
Andrew Dismore
Please provide an update on the Delkor track fixing trials; and indicate when the trials are to be evaluated with a view to a wider rollout across the network?
Answer for Tube Noise Delkor trials
The Mayor
Last updated: 23 June, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
Tube Noise Delkor trials
The Mayor
Last updated: 10 July, 2020
Transport for London (TfL) is currently trialling an alternative rail fastening called Delkor 167 on the Jubilee line. As a result of the coronavirus outbreak and the unavoidable focus on safety critical works, this work has unfortunately been delayed.
TfL expects to have further information on the impact of this product on residential and in-carriage noise levels by spring 2021. I have asked that TfL provides you with an update on this work later this year.
Once the evaluation is complete, TfL will provide you with a further update, including on plans to roll out this alternative rail fastening at other locations.
Visits to buildings with stay put suspended – June
Question No: 2020/1989
Andrew Dismore
How many buildings with Stay Put suspended is each London Fire Brigade station responsible for visiting?
Answer for Visits to buildings with stay put suspended – June
The Mayor
Last updated: 23 June, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
Visits to buildings with stay put suspended – June
The Mayor
Last updated: 10 July, 2020
As of 11 June 2020, the number of high-rise buildings per fire station ground with a temporary simultaneous evacuation strategy in place is as follows:
| Borough | Number of premises per Borough | Station Ground | Number of premises per Station Ground |
| Barking and Dagenham | 7 | Barking | 6 |
| Dagenham | 1 | ||
| Barnet | 3 | Mill Hill | 3 |
| Brent | 12 | Park Royal | 3 |
| Wembley | 9 | ||
| Bexley | 1 | Erith | 1 |
| Bromley | 1 | Bromley | 1 |
| Camden | 3 | Euston | 2 |
| Kentish Town | 1 | ||
| Croydon | 10 | Norbury | 4 |
| Croydon | 6 | ||
| Ealing | 5 | Southall | 1 |
| Ealing | 2 | ||
| Acton | 1 | ||
| Northolt | 1 | ||
| Hammersmith &Fulham | 2 | Fulham | 2 |
| Greenwich | 27 | Greenwich | 11 |
| Plumstead | 9 | ||
| East Greenwich | 7 | ||
| Hackney | 42 | Shoreditch | 24 |
| Homerton | 14 | ||
| Stoke Newington | 4 | ||
| Haringey | 2 | Tottenham | 2 |
| Harrow | 5 | Harrow | 1 |
| Stanmore | 4 | ||
| Havering | 6 | Romford | 6 |
| Hillingdon | 1 | Heathrow | 1 |
| Hounslow | 1 | Heston | 1 |
| Islington | 4 | Islington | 1 |
| Holloway | 3 | ||
| Kensington and Chelsea | 9 | North Kensington | 6 |
| Kensington | 1 | ||
| Chelsea | 2 | ||
| Kingston | 25 | New Maldon | 25 |
| Lambeth | 8 | Lambeth | 3 |
| Clapham | 3 | ||
| Brixton | 2 | ||
| Lewisham | 8 | Lewisham | 6 |
| Deptford | 2 | ||
| Newham | 19 | East Ham | 1 |
| Stratford | 16 | ||
| Plaistow | 2 | ||
| Redbridge | 1 | Ilford | 1 |
| Richmond | 1 | Richmond | 1 |
| Southwark | 12 | Old Kent Road | 4 |
| Dockhead | 4 | ||
| Peckham | 4 | ||
| Sutton | 3 | Sutton | 3 |
| Tower Hamlets | 30 | Poplar | 19 |
| Shadwell | 2 | ||
| Bethnal Green | 9 | ||
| Waltham Forest | 1 | Walthamstow | 1 |
| Wandsworth | 11 | Wandsworth | 4 |
| Battersea | 7 | ||
| Westminster | 11 | Soho | 3 |
| Paddington | 8 | ||
| City | 3 | Dowgate | 3 |
| Total | 274 premises with stay put temporarily suspended |
Staffing of visits to buildings with stay put suspended
Question No: 2020/1990
Andrew Dismore
What is the standard number of LFB staff who attend a visit to a building where stay put is suspended?
Answer for Staffing of visits to buildings with stay put suspended
The Mayor
Last updated: 23 June, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
Staffing of visits to buildings with stay put suspended
The Mayor
Last updated: 10 July, 2020
When London Fire Brigade carries out a visit, as opposed to an emergency call to a building, one fire appliance, and a minimum crew of four persons and a maximum of six, would attend.
Duration of visits to buildings with stay put suspended
Question No: 2020/1991
Andrew Dismore
What is the average time taken for a visit by LFB crews to a building where stay put is suspended?
Answer for Duration of visits to buildings with stay put suspended
The Mayor
Last updated: 23 June, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
Duration of visits to buildings with stay put suspended
The Mayor
Last updated: 10 July, 2020
Visits to buildings where stay put is temporarily suspended usually last 1 to 2 hours, with associated administrative tasks taking an additional 1 to 2 hours.
Emergency service business continuity plans
Question No: 2020/1993
Andrew Dismore
In response to my question 2020/1332, you said that “All emergency services, as Category 1 responders, have a statutory duty to have in place business continuity plans for events like pandemics. These plans are well prepared and tested.” In what sense were plans for PPE supply well prepared and tested?
Answer for Emergency service business continuity plans
The Mayor
Last updated: 23 June, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
Emergency service business continuity plans
The Mayor
Last updated: 10 July, 2020
Ensuring a robust supply chain for any part of a critical service is a fundamental element to an organisation’s business continuity plan. Each emergency services is responsible for ensuring its individual Business Continuity plan in robust and tested to ensure they are able to deliver their service to London despite disruption. The effectiveness of this system has been proved on multiple occasions when London has faced disruptive incidents in the past.
During the COVID-19 crisis, London’s emergency services have worked collectively to draw down on the national stockpile to maintain the supplies of PPE required to deliver their critical services. There have been widespread pressures on the PPE supply chain across all organisations, including numerous private sector organisations that relied upon the national stockpile whilst commercial supply chains were stretched.
The excellent work of the London Fire Brigade in supporting the distribution of emergency supplies of PPE across London has helped maintain sufficient stocks for London’s responders.
LFB transformation board transparency
Question No: 2020/1996
Andrew Dismore
Will you publish agendas and minutes of the Brigade’s transformation board?
Answer for LFB transformation board transparency
The Mayor
Last updated: 23 June, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
LFB transformation board transparency
The Mayor
Last updated: 10 July, 2020
The Transformation Board is an internal forum for working with project and programme managers to oversee the delivery of the Transformation Delivery Plan. It is not a decision-making board and its papers are not published. The new Transformation Director, Fiona Dolman, joined the Brigade on 1 June. As she establishes herself in role, she will be reviewing the Transformation Board, which has met twice, and how it contributes to the delivery of the Plan. The London Fire Commissioner will ensure that the Assembly is kept regularly updated about that work.
Babcock review of LFB training
Question No: 2020/1997
Andrew Dismore
When will the internal Babcock review of the training provided to LFB be complete and will the findings and recommendations be published?
Answer for Babcock review of LFB training
The Mayor
Last updated: 23 June, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
Babcock review of LFB training
The Mayor
Last updated: 10 July, 2020
Improvement of services from Babcock is being progressed through several workstreams. The transfer of design to London Fire Brigade (LFB) and the process of arranging delivery in-house will begin later this month. The development of a shared trainer resource is another workstream that is being progressed.
LFB will also be amending the commercial side of the contract with Babcock . This workstream will focus on a new pricing mechanism that will protect in-year fluctuations and afford greater flexibility and agility within the contract, including through a revised KPI mechanism. This workstream will address the commercial implications of the transfer of design and the development of a shared trainer resource. Officers will agree contractual variations which will be implemented incrementally to speed the rate of change.
LFB is unable to publish the findings from these workstreams, due to commercial sensitivity. The culmination of these work streams is due by the end of 2023.
Question No: 2020/2001
Andrew Dismore
How is LFB adapting its home fire safety visits programme to react to the coronavirus pandemic?
Answer for Home fire safety visits
The Mayor
Last updated: 23 June, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
Home fire safety visits
The Mayor
Last updated: 10 July, 2020
At the start of lockdown on 23 March 2020, measures were put in place to offer home fire safety visits (HFSVs) to Londoners in line with the National Fire Chief’s Council advice.
HFSV requests are now triaged on the basis of fire and COVID-19 risk, in line with Public Health England guidance. Requests that are deemed to have a fire risk are visited by London Fire Brigade (LFB). Since 23 March 2020, LFB has carried out 2,146 HFSVs.
Where an individual is symptomatic or is deemed not to have a fire risk, fire safety advice is given and they are placed on a waiting list. Those on the waiting list will be visited by LFB once lockdown measures are eased. Those who are on the waiting list are also signposted to the fire safety pages of the LFB website, which has seen over 80,000 visits since 23 March 2020.
Question No: 2020/2002
Andrew Dismore
LFB’s latest budget allocates £1.29m for greening efforts. What is the timeline for spending this money?
Answer for Making LFB greener (1)
The Mayor
Last updated: 23 June, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
Making LFB greener (1)
The Mayor
Last updated: 10 July, 2020
The budget of £1.29 million is to fund the first year of the London Fire Brigade’s Carbon Reduction Strategy measures, which include photovoltaics, LED lighting, boiler replacement, an air source heat pump pilot, heating control improvements and an additional post to implement the measures during 2020/21. Work is underway to progress these projects. It is too soon to determine whether delays due to COVID-19 will affect completion within this financial year.
Question No: 2020/2003
Andrew Dismore
Will the £1.29m investment in carbon reduction deliver the target of 60% reductions on LFB’s 1990 emissions?
Answer for Making LFB greener (2)
The Mayor
Last updated: 23 June, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
Making LFB greener (2)
The Mayor
Last updated: 10 July, 2020
The £1.29 million of funding is for year one of a three-year investment plan to achieve the 60 per cent target, as set out in the London Fire Brigade’s Carbon Reduction Strategy 2020-2025. Carbon reduction currently stands at around 53 per cent compared to the 1990 baseline. The proposed year one measures include actions to reduce carbon in the short term and develop and test plans to reduce carbon in the longer term, working towards carbon zero by 2050.
Question No: 2020/2004
Andrew Dismore
How much energy generation is planned for LFB stations?
Answer for Making LFB greener (3)
The Mayor
Last updated: 23 June, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
Making LFB greener (3)
The Mayor
Last updated: 10 July, 2020
The London Fire Brigade’s Carbon Reduction Strategy outlines plans to install photovoltaics at another 28 fire stations over three years, 848 kWp of photovoltaics already installed at 65 sites. Funds allocated for 2020/21 will allow for installation of photovoltaics at approximately eight to ten sites, which is expected to collectively add 110 kWp additional to the LFB’s onsite energy generation capacity.
Capital Guard LFB contract (1)
Question No: 2020/2009
Andrew Dismore
In each year of the Capital Guard contract with LFB from 2014 to 2020, how much was paid by the Brigade?
Answer for Capital Guard LFB contract (1)
The Mayor
Last updated: 23 June, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
Capital Guard LFB contract (1)
The Mayor
Last updated: 10 July, 2020
Please find information provided in the table below.
The standard steady state annual charge for the Emergency Fire Crews contract supports the management, recruitment, retention and both initial and continuation training or the Emergency Fire Crews and Command Support Teams. Deployment costs are those costs related to direct deployment during industrial action. These costs include all staff deployment costs, travel, accommodation, vehicles hire, fuel and subsistence for the Emergency Fire Crews and Command Support teams.
The first two financial years shown – 2014/15 and 2015/16 – include both steady state costs and deployment costs, as deployments were made in these years only (please see response to MQ 2020/2010 for further information).
This contract commenced in November 2014, hence 2014/15 figures are for 4.5 months only.
Costs for 2020/21 are for two months steady state charges only – London Fire Brigade has only received two invoices for this year to date.
| Financial Year | 14/15 | 15/16 | 16/17 | 17/18 | 18/19 | 19/20 | 20/21 |
| Capital guard contract costs (£) | 5,397,787 | 5,066,749 | 4,068,543 | 4,290,894 | 4,260,613 | 4,374,168 | 743,784 |
Capital Guard LFB contract (2)
Question No: 2020/2010
Andrew Dismore
In each year of the Capital Guard contract with LFB, how many times were services activated?
Answer for Capital Guard LFB contract (2)
The Mayor
Last updated: 23 June, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
Capital Guard LFB contract (2)
The Mayor
Last updated: 10 July, 2020
Please see the table below:
| Calendar Year | Number of times LFB Capital Guard contract activated |
| 2013 | 9 |
| 2014 | 40 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2016 | 0 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 |
Capital Guard LFB contract (3)
Question No: 2020/2011
Andrew Dismore
Where and when was the contract for fire and control cover, held by Capital Guard from 2014 to 2020, advertised, before being re-awarded to Capital Guard?
Answer for Capital Guard LFB contract (3)
The Mayor
Last updated: 23 June, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
Capital Guard LFB contract (3)
The Mayor
Last updated: 10 July, 2020
Capital Guard is the name given to a business continuity solution provided to the London Fire Brigade by Securitas, which is implemented when the Emergency Fire Crew Capability contract is actively deployed during periods of industrial action.
In June 2013, the contract opportunity for this service was advertised in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU). Prior to the formal advertisement, an invitation for market consultation was published on 13 May 2013 to enable officers to seek advice and opinions from the marketplace prior to beginning the formal tender process. Four companies responded to this invitation and two, Securitas and Scion Technical Services Ltd, attended question and answer sessions at the London Fire Brigade’s Headquarters on 29 and 31 May 2013 respectively. Securitas was the only company that submitted a bid.
Capital Guard LFB contract (4)
Question No: 2020/2012
Andrew Dismore
How many bids for the fire and control cover contract, held by Capital Guard from 2014 to 2020, were received when it was re-tendered in advance of its expiry in November 2020?
Answer for Capital Guard LFB contract (4)
The Mayor
Last updated: 23 June, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
Capital Guard LFB contract (4)
The Mayor
Last updated: 10 July, 2020
Only one bid was received for the contract in 2014, which was from Securitas. Another company – Scion Technical Services Ltd – initially responded to the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) advert but withdrew at the point when the bids were due to be submitted. The contract was not retendered prior to its expiry in November 2020, the extension provisions were included in the 2014 contract.
Capital Guard LFB contract (5)
Question No: 2020/2013
Andrew Dismore
What is the value and duration of the new contract for fire and control cover that has been awarded to Capital Guard from the period of November 2020 onwards?
Answer for Capital Guard LFB contract (5)
The Mayor
Last updated: 23 June, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
Capital Guard LFB contract (5)
The Mayor
Last updated: 10 July, 2020
The extension is part of the existing contract. This has not yet been awarded as the governance process has not been completed, but the maximum value of this three-year extension is £13,993,000, including estimated costs for future cost inflation pressures. The charges are specifically for the steady state annual charge, which includes the continued management, recruitment, retention and initial and continued training of the Emergency Fire Crew Capability staff. These costs do not include any additional deployment costs, should there be further periods of industrial action.
| Year | Year Total |
| 20/21 (Year 7 – first year of Extension) | £4,515k |
| 21/22 (Year 8 – second year of Extension) | £4,660k |
| 22/23 (Year 9 – third year of Extension) | £4,817k |
