July 2020 late MQT answers
Question No: 2020/2309
Andrew Dismore
The Government is indicating that it intends on ending the furloughing scheme, have you made representations to the Government asking them not to do this?
Answer for Furloughing Scheme
The Mayor
Last updated: 21 July, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
Furloughing Scheme
The Mayor
Last updated: 09 August, 2020
I have been vocal on this issue as I am deeply concerned that it is far too early for a drop off in Government support which is critical to protecting jobs. I have real concerns that if the job retention scheme is not extended there will be a surge in unemployment, particularly in those sectors hardest hit by Covid-19 and unable to trade at full capacity, such as hospitality and the creative industries.
I have made a number of formal representations to urge the Government to extend the furlough scheme, including to the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak and Minister for Culture, Media and Sport, Oliver Dowden. My officers and I will continue to raise this vital issue whenever the opportunity presents itself, including with Government representatives.
Government plans for the future of Councils in London
Question No: 2020/2311
Andrew Dismore
Has the Government indicated to you whether they are considering the reform or merger of councils in London?
Answer for Government plans for the future of Councils in London
The Mayor
Last updated: 21 July, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
Government plans for the future of Councils in London
The Mayor
Last updated: 09 August, 2020
I have had no indication from Government that this is something they are considering.
Question No: 2020/2312
Andrew Dismore
Are you aware of any plans by the Government to abolish the GLA, the Mayoralty and/or the Assembly as press reports suggest?
Answer for Future of the GLA
The Mayor
Last updated: 21 July, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
Future of the GLA
The Mayor
Last updated: 09 August, 2020
I am not aware of any plans to abolish the GLA, the Mayoralty and/or the London Assembly, and there is nothing in the Conservative Party manifesto to suggest this is Government policy. As the Prime Minister is a former Mayor of London, I am confident he is committed to devolving more powers to London’s government rather than taking them away.
Question No: 2020/2345
Andrew Dismore
Residents inform me that diesel powered freight trains at night run on the Overground Line around Gospel Oak, which causes pollution and extremely disturbing noise. Can TfL take action to prevent these diesel engines being used, and what options are feasible, such as overhead electrification, that might end the necessity of freight trains on the line here at night?
Answer for Diesel trains in Gospel Oak
The Mayor
Last updated: 21 July, 2020
Officers are drafting a response
Diesel trains in Gospel Oak
The Mayor
Last updated: 09 August, 2020
These trains are operated by freight rail operating companies rather than by Transport for London (TfL). Earlier this year, the Department for Transport (DfT) published its ‘Decarbonising Transport: Setting the Challenge’ paper, which outlined how it will develop a plan to deliver its target of net zero emissions across all transport modes by 2050. A cross-industry Traction Decarbonisation Network Strategy is being prepared by Network Rail and will consider where overhead electrification, battery or hydrogen power could be used.
TfL continues to work with the rail freight industry and is a member of Network Rail’s London Rail Freight Strategy working group. TfL has pressed for the greater use of electric freight locomotives instead of diesel.
