September 2020 MQT answers

Huawei

Question No: 2020/3051

Andrew Dismore

What impact does the government’s decision to exclude Huawei from rolling out 5G services and their involvement in 4G have on the overdue and over budget development of the Emergency Services Network, and on ensuring inter-service operability?

Huawei

The Mayor

Last updated: 22 September, 2020

The Emergency Service Network (ESN) Programme is a Home Office led project and an official statement on Huawei is expected in the coming weeks. In the meantime, London Fire Brigade and the Metropolitan Police have had discussions through the Programme Board and understand that the removal of Huawei equipment from EE’s network is being managed and monitored closely to ensure any disruption to the build, or operation of ESN is avoided. The Home Office reports that it does not anticipate any impact on programme schedules. All ESN traffic is encrypted across the mobile network therefore the security risk during the transition period is minimal.

Camden Safer Neighbourhood Board Funding

Question No: 2020/3052

Andrew Dismore

Camden SNB have received a letter from MOPAC informing them that there is a review of “discretionary” expenditure, and that they should not commit to any expenditure. It is 5 months into their financial year, and bad practice for a public body to approve a grant, send out an approval letter and agreement only to withdraw the offer of funding. Will you commit to fund the vital work of the Safer Neighbourhood Boards?

Camden Safer Neighbourhood Board Funding

The Mayor

Last updated: 21 September, 2020

Public engagement is, and will continue to be, an important aspect of the work of both MOPAC and the Met Police. As a result of the unprecedented effects of Covid19, like many other organisations, MOPAC is prioritising funding to respond to the crisis and support our most vulnerable citizens. As a matter of urgency, officers are working to establish the new demands on City Hall, the police and victims’ services and as part of that are reviewing all discretionary funding streams. Officers are of course, working to resolve these matters as quickly as possible and continue to update Safer Neighbourhood Boards on developments.

Public Health England

Question No: 2020/3053

Andrew Dismore

Have you had any discussions with the Government regarding the scrapping of PHE? If so have you emphasised that this is a kick in the teeth to the economy and provision of jobs in Barnet, given how many employees based in their Colindale centre are local residents?

Answer for Public Health England

The Mayor

Last updated: 22 September, 2020

Officers are drafting a response

A-Level Chaos [1]

Question No: 2020/3054

Andrew Dismore

Do you know how many A-Level students from London had grades downgraded?

A-Level Chaos [1]

The Mayor

Last updated: 21 September, 2020

Ofqual figures showed that 39.1% of the 718,276 teacher assessments for A-levels submitted in England were lowered by one or more grade during its standardisation process. There is no public data on the percentage of London students that were downgraded.

Statistics on the number of reviews of marking and moderation for GCSE, AS and A level are due to be published by Ofqual between December 2020 and January 2021.

Source: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/909368/6656-1_Awarding_GCSE__AS__A_level__advanced_extension_awards_and_extended_project_qualifications_in_summer_2020_-_interim_report.pdf (page 135).

A-Level Chaos [2]

Question No: 2020/3055

Andrew Dismore

What impact do you consider the A-Level results chaos will have on young people in London, and what is your message to them?

A-Level Chaos [2]

The Mayor

Last updated: 21 September, 2020

I’d like to congratulate students from across the capital who got their results this summer for their hard work. London’s young people, like many all over the country, have endured a dreadful year and have suffered further due to the chaos over A-level results. This confusion compounded the uncertainty young people were already feeling as a result of the pandemic at such a crucial juncture in their lives. On 13 August, I wrote to the Secretary of State for Education to raise my concerns regarding A-level results. This fiasco could have been completely avoided if the Government had taken action months ago.

As school leavers take their next steps this Autumn, we anticipate an increase in young people experiencing mental and emotional distress. We know that some issues emerge immediately, but others appear later, with the return of some kind of normality. It is important young people feel free to seek help without stigma or feeling embarrassed.

The Good Thinking digital mental health and wellbeing service, signposts to a wide range of online and voluntary sector support as well as clinical resources https://www.good-thinking.uk/

A-Level Chaos [3]

Question No: 2020/3056

Andrew Dismore

Have you had any discussion with London universities after the A-Level results chaos? What is their feedback? Have you raised this with the Government?

A-Level Chaos [3]

The Mayor

Last updated: 21 September, 2020

I welcomed the reversal in policy to Centre Assessed Grades, but this last minute change has placed enormous logistical pressures on London’s universities and caused significant unnecessary distress for young people. This matter has also been discussed by the London Transition Board Education subgroup, chaired by Cllr Peter John which includes representatives from London’s HE sector. Students are the number one priority for universities, and admissions teams have worked tirelessly to ensure as many students as possible can start their desired course. Unfortunately for some students, this will mean deferring till next year.

London Higher has rightly highlighted the logistical challenges faced by universities trying to accommodate additional students at short notice, while remaining Covid-secure. This disruption and the removal of temporary student number caps also raises new financial concerns for institutions whose financial modelling has been impacted. I am calling on government to ensure that adequate emergency support funding is in place for higher education institutions.

Cultural Landmarks in trouble

Question No: 2020/3057

Andrew Dismore

What discussions have you had with the arts sector regarding the financial stability of the arts and cultural sector in London? What was their feedback? Have you raised this with the Government?

Cultural Landmarks in trouble

The Mayor

Last updated: 21 September, 2020

Since March, we have liaised extensively with the sector and expanded our Culture at Risk Office, responding to over 630 cases since lockdown. My Deputy Mayor for Culture and Creative Industries, Justine Simons OBE, has been in close and continuous dialogue with the arts sector and has hosted a number of industry roundtables on the impact of the pandemic on creative workspace, freelancers and the self-employed and, night time business. Following evidence from industry that independent cinemas, grassroots music and LGBTQ+ venues and creative workspaces were at particular risk of imminent closure, we launched the £2.3m Culture at Risk Business Support Fund to help save them. This has supported 97 organisations and over 11,500 individuals to date.

We have collaborated with the Creative Industries Federation and Oxford Economics to publish evidence on the devastating financial impact of COVID-19 on culture. Our research shows that London could lose up to £16.5bn in 2020 and 151,000 jobs due to the pandemic.

I have repeatedly called on Government to provide targeted support for jobs by extending the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme for cultural and creative organisations that cannot operate sustainably, or at all, under continued social distancing requirements.

Culinary sector in London

Question No: 2020/3058

Andrew Dismore

Have you received representations from London’s culinary sector on the current state of their industry? What was their feedback, particularly with regards to Eat Out to Help Out? Have you raised this with the Government?

Answer for Culinary sector in London

The Mayor

Last updated: 22 September, 2020

Officers are drafting a response

Fibre Optic Broadband

Question No: 2020/3059

Andrew Dismore

Do you agree with me that with homeworking becoming a reality of modern working life, it is vital all Londoners have access to high-speed broadband? BT Openreach do not currently have plans to ensure rollout to all areas, such as Silverbell Court in N11. Will you ask them to do so?

Fibre Optic Broadband

The Mayor

Last updated: 21 September, 2020

London’s future digital connectivity will be built on fibre. High-speed connectivity is crucial for businesses of all sizes and sectors, not to mention Londoners accessing digital services at home and around the city.

 

My Connected London team speak regularly with the large number of operators who provide connectivity across the capital to discuss addressing not spots and maximising their investment in fibre and mobile infrastructure by addressing deployment issues. They will be happy to discuss coverage in Silverbell Court with operators.

 

I have previously announced that the GLA is coordinating £34.9m of funding from different sources to boost full fibre coverage across London in areas that are not being addressed by commercial deployments. This will enable new connections to public sector sites in areas that suffer from poor connectivity, making these areas more commercially viable for further private investment. As part of GLA’s recovery work, my team is working with London’s boroughs on allocating this funding to priority areas to reduce London’s not spots.

Coronavirus Second Wave [1]

Question No: 2020/3060

Andrew Dismore

Have you assessed the likelihood and impact of a second wave of coronavirus infections on the Economy of London, not only on the arts and cultural sector, but also the culinary sector, education sector, and overall impact on jobs?

Coronavirus Second Wave [1]

The Mayor

Last updated: 21 September, 2020

GLA Economics has developed and recently updated medium-term macroeconomic scenarios for London – informed by the recent Bank of England’s and OBR’s projections for the UK – to examine the impact on London if these national scenarios came true.

Under the central scenario – where some restrictions and social distancing measures remain in place until late in 2021 but a gradual return to economic growth prevails -, London’s economy would contract by 10.5% this year before returning to growth in 2021. In terms of output, the worst-hit sectors this year would be Accommodation and food services (-30.1%); Arts, entertainment and recreation (-25.3%), and Education (-24.7%). The fall in London employment is expected to be only 1.7% this year due to the Government’s current support to businesses but employment will contract further next year and its recovery is projected to be significantly slower than outputs. A more serious second wave (leading to reintroduction of stricter lockdown measures) would worsen these impacts.

Coronavirus Second Wave [2]

Question No: 2020/3061

Andrew Dismore

Have you assessed the impact a second wave of coronavirus would have on GLA services, especially the police, fire brigade and TfL, including the impact on their budgets?

Answer for Coronavirus Second Wave [2]

The Mayor

Last updated: 22 September, 2020

Officers are drafting a response

Rollout of Coronavirus Vaccine in London

Question No: 2020/3062

Andrew Dismore

Have you had discussions with the Government on how the rollout of a coronavirus vaccine (if and when it happens) will work?

Rollout of Coronavirus Vaccine in London

The Mayor

Last updated: 21 September, 2020

An effective and operational vaccine will be crucial to getting our economy fully back up and running, and allowing Londoners to go back to doing the things they love. PHE’s ‘Beyond the numbers report’ also signals how important it will be to ensure that those at higher risk from COVID are immunised as soon as possible if and when a vaccine becomes available.

To date I have not yet had any conversations with Government about the roll out of the vaccine. I look forward to working with Government and regional partners including PHE, the NHS and Local Authorities to ensure that the rollout of any vaccine is a success and reaches all the Londoners it needs to.

CCTV cameras for East Finchley

Question No: 2020/3063

Andrew Dismore

You may recall the serious problem last winter of teenagers in East Finchley being mugged in the evenings. The SNT are requesting an improvement in local CCTV coverage in the area, especially from the tube station to the entrance to Cherry Tree Wood. Will you ask TfL to install and extra camera or cameras at the station, in consultation with the SNT, in order to improve safety here?

Answer for CCTV cameras for East Finchley

The Mayor

Last updated: 22 September, 2020

Officers are drafting a response

Government Safer Streets scheme (1)

Question No: 2020/3064

Andrew Dismore

MOPAC put forward 3 bids to the Government Safer Streets scheme and was successful in just one of them. What was a) the process and b) criteria applied by MOPAC in deciding which bids to put forward?

Answer for Government Safer Streets scheme (1)

The Mayor

Last updated: 22 September, 2020

Officers are drafting a response

Government Safer Streets scheme (2)

Question No: 2020/3065

Andrew Dismore

Give the rising street crime rates in the Bloomsbury area and its impact on the local West End economy, especially affecting tourists and visitors to London, why was this area not chosen as a suitable bid to the Government Safer Streets scheme?

Answer for Government Safer Streets scheme (2)

The Mayor

Last updated: 22 September, 2020

Officers are drafting a response

Cottages behind West Hampstead fire station

Question No: 2020/3066

Andrew Dismore

What progress is being made with the refurbishment of the cottages behind West Hampstead fire station?

Answer for Cottages behind West Hampstead fire station

The Mayor

Last updated: 22 September, 2020

Officers are drafting a response

Delay to incorporation of Grenfell Tower learning

Question No: 2020/3067

Andrew Dismore

The Consolidated GTI and HMI action plan notes a delay from April 2020 to March 2021 incorporating learning from Grenfell Tower into incident command training, so that all LFB personnel understand the nature and risk of high rise and external wall system fires. Why is the delay on this so much longer than other covid-19 related impacts?

Answer for Delay to incorporation of Grenfell Tower learning

The Mayor

Last updated: 22 September, 2020

Officers are drafting a response

Operational discretion training (1)

Question No: 2020/3068

Andrew Dismore

Has London Fire Brigade completed operational discretion training for level 1 and 2 officers? If not, when will it do so?

Answer for Operational discretion training (1)

The Mayor

Last updated: 22 September, 2020

Officers are drafting a response

Operational discretion training (2)

Question No: 2020/3069

Andrew Dismore

It has been suggested that the operational discretion logs underplay the extent LFB officers are working outside LFB policies, attributed to cultural problems within the Brigade. In addition to training for officers, what steps is the Brigade taking to ensure officers feel supported to use their judgement?

Operational discretion training (2)

The Mayor

Last updated: 21 September, 2020

The revised operational discretion policy is due to be published in November 2020 subject to formal consultation. The policy incorporates best practice by aligning with National Operational Guidance. The policy will be simplified to provide greater clarity on the safety critical steps required when exercising operational discretion. A key component of this policy will be the inclusion of a written declaration of support from the London Fire Commissioner to operational staff. This will help address the cultural issues identified and empower officers to make the right decisions knowing they have the Commissioner’s support.

Training exercises during the covid-19 pandemic

Question No: 2020/3070

Andrew Dismore

What steps is London Fire Brigade taking to enable face to face training at various levels to take place while covid-19 remains in general circulation?

Training exercises during the covid-19 pandemic

The Mayor

Last updated: 21 September, 2020

London Fire Brigade (LFB) has a training recovery plan in place to ensure the delivery of essential risk critical training required to maintain operational capability. Training content has been changed to enable Covid-19 control measures to be implemented. LFB’s delegates maintain 2 metre social distancing wherever possible, and additional external venues have been secured to support this strategy. Face coverings and eye protection are being utilised where a distance of 2 metres or more cannot be maintained between delegates and trainers due to the course learning objectives. Reduced class sizes have also been implemented for some courses.

Hand sanitiser is provided at venues and antibacterial wipes provided in all rooms. In addition, signage has been placed at training venues promoting current Government guidelines on self-isolation, sanitation and social distancing. Training facilities are now subject to an increased cleaning regime including concentration on high touch areas such as door handles.

Urban firefighting and rescue course

Question No: 2020/3071

Andrew Dismore

Please provide an update on the five-day course covering high rise, fire survival guidance and evacuation policies as noted in LFB’s consolidated GTI and HMI action plan.

Answer for Urban firefighting and rescue course

The Mayor

Last updated: 22 September, 2020

Officers are drafting a response

Evacuation steering group (1)

Question No: 2020/3072

Andrew Dismore

When do you expect the evacuation steering group to next meet, and what has been its previous meeting schedule, and what is its membership?

Answer for Evacuation steering group (1)

The Mayor

Last updated: 22 September, 2020

Officers are drafting a response

Evacuation steering group (2)

Question No: 2020/3073

Andrew Dismore

What involvement did LFB have in the design of the call for evidence, commissioning and related work from academics for the evacuation steering group, and when will this research be complete?

Answer for Evacuation steering group (2)

The Mayor

Last updated: 22 September, 2020

Officers are drafting a response

Evacuation steering group (3)

Question No: 2020/3074

Andrew Dismore

What preparation is LFB making for the eventuality that its high-rise firefighting policies currently in development are contrary to the findings of the evacuation steering group?

Answer for Evacuation steering group (3)

The Mayor

Last updated: 22 September, 2020

Officers are drafting a response

Evacuation steering group (4)

Question No: 2020/3075

Andrew Dismore

LFB’s Consolidated GTI and HMI action plan states that “it has been determined that the evacuation steering group did not meet in February”. How was this determined?

Answer for Evacuation steering group (4)

The Mayor

Last updated: 22 September, 2020

Officers are drafting a response

Evacuation alert systems

Question No: 2020/3076

Andrew Dismore

Have any prototypes or actual equipment relating to whole-building evacuation alert systems been delivered to LFB or NFCC?

Answer for Evacuation alert systems

The Mayor

Last updated: 22 September, 2020

Officers are drafting a response

Breathing apparatus data review

Question No: 2020/3077

Andrew Dismore

What was the conclusion of LFB’s review of the effectiveness of extended duration breathing apparatus in high rise fires?

Answer for Breathing apparatus data review

The Mayor

Last updated: 22 September, 2020

Officers are drafting a response

Culture change plan

Question No: 2020/3078

Andrew Dismore

When will LFB publish their culture change plan?

Answer for Culture change plan

The Mayor

Last updated: 22 September, 2020

Officers are drafting a response

Value for money in LFB contracts

Question No: 2020/3079

Andrew Dismore

Have any contract specific remedial action plans been initiated following the review of the Brigade’s contracts?

Answer for Value for money in LFB contracts

The Mayor

Last updated: 22 September, 2020

Officers are drafting a response

8 Albert Embankment redevelopment – September 2020

Question No: 2020/3080

Andrew Dismore

Please provide an update on the redevelopment of the old Brigade headquarters at 8 Albert Embankment following the Secretary of State’s decision to call in the planning application

8 Albert Embankment redevelopment – September 2020

The Mayor

Last updated: 21 September, 2020

The Planning Inspectorate has appointed an inspector and the Public Inquiry has been confirmed as starting on Tuesday 1 December 2020. The Inquiry is expected to last eight days and will be held in virtual format to avoid any potential delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic. London Fire Brigade’s development partner U+I is working with their legal representatives to ensure all processes required by the Inquiry are fully met. The outcome of the Inquiry is expected between March and May 2021.

City Hall Independent Audit Committee of LFB

Question No: 2020/3081

Andrew Dismore

What is the membership of this committee, has it met yet, and will its papers be published?

Answer for City Hall Independent Audit Committee of LFB

The Mayor

Last updated: 22 September, 2020

Officers are drafting a response

Met Police investigation into the Grenfell Tower fire (1)

Question No: 2020/3082

Andrew Dismore

When do the Met expect to conclude their criminal investigation into individuals and bodies related to the Grenfell Tower fire?

Met Police investigation into the Grenfell Tower fire (1)

The Mayor

Last updated: 22 September, 2020

The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) had previously informed the bereaved families, survivors and public that both the police and the CPS agree that the criminal investigation must take into account any findings or reports produced by the Grenfell Tower public inquiry, including the Inquiry’s final reports for both Phase 1 and Phase 2.

The publication of any final public inquiry report will follow its Phase 2 hearings. Once the report has been considered, if the police investigation concludes there is sufficient evidence to consider criminal charges in relation to the fire, a file will be submitted to the CPS for a charging decision.

The MPS assessment is that any file submission to CPS by the MPS is unlikely to be sooner than the latter part of 2021. This timeline will be subject to review as the Phase 2 hearings progress.

The police investigation has been in regular engagement with the CPS since the beginning of the investigation and continue to do so.

Met Police investigation into the Grenfell Tower fire (2)

Question No: 2020/3083

Andrew Dismore

How much has the Met spent on its investigation into the Grenfell Tower fire since its commencement?

Met Police investigation into the Grenfell Tower fire (2)

The Mayor

Last updated: 22 September, 2020

Between June 2017 and May 2020, the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) has spent approximately £48m on its response to the Grenfell Tower fatal fire. £35.5m relates to police officer and police staff pay costs. £12.5m relates to a range of costs including forensics, premises, transport, public inquiry legal costs and other supplies and services.

Met Police investigation into the Grenfell Tower fire (3)

Question No: 2020/3084

Andrew Dismore

How many officers has the Met currently engaged on its investigation into the Grenfell Tower fire?

Met Police investigation into the Grenfell Tower fire (3)

The Mayor

Last updated: 22 September, 2020

The number of Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) staff working on the Grenfell Tower response has varied, dependent on the stage of the response and investigation.

In September 2020 there are 156 police officers and police staff whose work on either the criminal investigation or in support of the public inquiry.

Not all of these officers and staff are full time and they are further supported by the wider MPS, experts and the Crown Prosecution Service.

Public order LFB attendances

Question No: 2020/3085

Andrew Dismore

How many public order incidents, or incidents requiring a public order response, has LFB attended since the beginning of March 2020, and for the equivalent period in 2019?

Answer for Public order LFB attendances

The Mayor

Last updated: 22 September, 2020

Officers are drafting a response

Firefighter pension discrimination remedy

Question No: 2020/3086

Andrew Dismore

What impact does LFB predict on its finances from the proposals set out in the Government’s consultation document on remedying the unlawful discrimination in firefighter pensions, following the FBU’s court victory in 2019?

Answer for Firefighter pension discrimination remedy

The Mayor

Last updated: 22 September, 2020

Officers are drafting a response

Support for Beirut

Question No: 2020/3087

Andrew Dismore

What aid has LFB provided to the people of Beirut following the tragic explosion in that city on 4 August, and will funding for this come from national Government?

Answer for Support for Beirut

The Mayor

Last updated: 22 September, 2020

Officers are drafting a response

August 2020 Surrey fires

Question No: 2020/3088

Andrew Dismore

Please provide a breakdown of the mutual aid rendered by LFB to Surrey FRS during August 2020.

August 2020 Surrey fires

The Mayor

Last updated: 21 September, 2020

London Fire Brigade attended 55 incidents in Surrey during August 2020. Below is a breakdown by incident type.

Incident type Incidents
AFA 3
False alarm – good intent 11
Flood call attended – batch mobilised 1
Incomplete Incident 3
Primary Fire 13
Secondary Fire 3
Special Service 21
Total 55

Babcock secondees

Question No: 2020/3089

Andrew Dismore

What is the cost to the Brigade, on top of the standard Babcock contract costs, for the expanded secondee programme proposed to address issues in the GTI and HMI reports?

Babcock secondees

The Mayor

Last updated: 21 September, 2020

The estimated cost of this initiative is £732,740 per year, and the budget was supplemented by this amount on 1 April 2020.

Causes of fires during lockdown

Question No: 2020/3090

Andrew Dismore

Please set out the percentage and numerical change in the number of fires in domestic dwellings, comparing March to September 2020 with the corresponding period in 2019.

Causes of fires during lockdown

The Mayor

Last updated: 21 September, 2020

All dwelling fires for the period from 01 March to 09 September were as follows:

Year Number of Incidents
2020 2653
2019 2760

There were, therefore, 107 fewer such incidents in 2020 than the corresponding period in 2019 which is 3.9 per cent less.

King’s ICU fire safety concerns (1)

Question No: 2020/3091

Andrew Dismore

How many notices or other items of correspondence about fire safety did LFB issue to King’s College NHS Trust before the emergency closure of its ICU on 22 July 2020?

Answer for King’s ICU fire safety concerns (1)

The Mayor

Last updated: 22 September, 2020

Officers are drafting a response

King’s ICU fire safety concerns (2)

Question No: 2020/3092

Andrew Dismore

When was the remedial work on the dangerous external wall panelling at King’s College NHS ICU completed?

Answer for King’s ICU fire safety concerns (2)

The Mayor

Last updated: 22 September, 2020

Officers are drafting a response

Vulnerable people in buildings with flammable cladding (1)

Question No: 2020/3093

Andrew Dismore

How many a) hospitals, b) other healthcare sites, and c) social care sites have ACM and other forms of flammable cladding in London?

Vulnerable people in buildings with flammable cladding (1)

The Mayor

Last updated: 21 September, 2020

The GLA does not hold this information. The GLA’s role is to administer the Social and Private Sector ACM Cladding Remediation Funds and the Building Safety Fund in London on behalf of the Government.

The Government is responsible for collecting and recording information on buildings of 18 meters or above in height, with ACM and other forms of unsafe cladding, in London and the rest of the England. The latest monthly data release is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/building-safety-programme-monthly-data-release-july-2020

Vulnerable people in buildings with flammable cladding (2)

Question No: 2020/3094

Andrew Dismore

How many people requiring sleep-in carers reside in buildings of 18m+ with ACM and other forms of flammable cladding in London?

Vulnerable people in buildings with flammable cladding (2)

The Mayor

Last updated: 21 September, 2020

The GLA does not hold this information. The GLA’s role is to administer the Social and Private Sector ACM Cladding Remediation Funds and the Building Safety Fund in London on behalf of the Government.

The Government is responsible for collecting and recording information on buildings of 18 meters or above in height, with ACM and other forms of unsafe cladding, in London and the rest of the England. The latest monthly data release is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/building-safety-programme-monthly-data-release-july-2020

Fire safety in schools (1)

Question No: 2020/3095

Andrew Dismore

What representations have you made to ministers and officials to ensure that the consultation on BB100 (fire safety in schools) is complete and in force before the £1.7 billion new schools fund begins constructing new buildings?

Answer for Fire safety in schools (1)

The Mayor

Last updated: 22 September, 2020

Officers are drafting a response

Fire safety in schools (2)

Question No: 2020/3096

Andrew Dismore

What representations have you made to ministers and officials to ensure that fire safety in schools includes the provision of sprinklers in all new buildings?

Answer for Fire safety in schools (2)

The Mayor

Last updated: 22 September, 2020

Officers are drafting a response

Extended duration breathing apparatus drills (1)

Question No: 2020/3097

Andrew Dismore

What was the outcome of the EDBA drills conducted in July 2020 to test high rise firefighting capabilities?

Extended duration breathing apparatus drills (1)

The Mayor

Last updated: 21 September, 2020

The Extended Duration Breathing Apparatus (EDBA) and Standard Duration Breathing Apparatus (SDBA) tests carried out in July 2020 were not scientific testing, and as such, can only be considered indicative of working durations when completing specific tasks. This will inform further controlled scientific testing. Indications suggest that EDBA can provide further travel distances than SDBA in high-rise buildings, but under controlled conditions. The tests also indicated that the primary limiting factor on travel distances is the physiology of firefighters when combined with equipment weight and tasks. This supports the conclusions of the 2004 Building Disaster Advisory Group (BDAG) report. As a result of these indications, London Fire Brigade is now investigating commissioning physiological testing with an academic institution to understand tolerances and control measures.

Extended duration breathing apparatus drills (2)

Question No: 2020/3098

Andrew Dismore

What floor were firefighters using EDBA able to reach in the drills conducted in July 2020?

Extended duration breathing apparatus drills (2)

The Mayor

Last updated: 21 September, 2020

Firefighters operating under Extended Duration Breathing Apparatus (EDBA) procedures were able to reach a simulated thirtieth floor using extant EDBA procedures. It should be noted that this was in a controlled environment without the conditions anticipated during an incident.

Extended duration breathing apparatus drills (3)

Question No: 2020/3099

Andrew Dismore

What consideration has been given to methods of lengthening the operational time of EDBA sets, such as adjusting the flow rate or using pure oxygen?

Extended duration breathing apparatus drills (3)

The Mayor

Last updated: 21 September, 2020

Extended Duration Breathing Apparatus cannot be extended further. The length of duration relates to the wearer and what tasks they are completing. A small trial was conducted with oxygen re-breather sets at the July 2020 Breathing Apparatus (BA) tests. It confirmed that travel distances and the duration of BA sets are limited by firefighter physiology and heat stress, rather than the amount of air available.

Extended duration breathing apparatus drills (4)

Question No: 2020/3100

Andrew Dismore

What consideration has been given to the physiological impact of using EDBA on firefighters arising from the EDBA drills?

Answer for Extended duration breathing apparatus drills (4)

The Mayor

Last updated: 22 September, 2020

Officers are drafting a response

Pumps off the run

Question No: 2020/3101

Andrew Dismore

For each day of the operation of the tripartite agreement with LAS, how many LFB vehicles were off the run? Please break this down by vehicle types.

Answer for Pumps off the run

The Mayor

Last updated: 22 September, 2020

Officers are drafting a response

Borough commander savings consultation

Question No: 2020/3102

Andrew Dismore

What consultations has the Brigade conducted with officers on possible savings, were the representative bodies involved, and if so, how?

Borough commander savings consultation

The Mayor

Last updated: 21 September, 2020

London Fire Brigade (LFB) is currently preparing their budget submission. As part of this process all departments have provided budget proposals which are now being discussed at budget scrutiny meetings. The outcome from this process will be considered by the Commissioner’s Board in early October, and further consultation will then be undertaken on the budget proposals including with representative bodies. This consultation will build on earlier engagement with representative bodies on the Budget Guidance, as well as on budget matters more generally which are raised as part of regular meetings.

LFB also continues to communicate directly with the workforce. For station-based staff this has been via officer-led discussions with on-duty staff to gather their views on potential savings. The Commissioner and directors are also holding a series of virtual ‘Town Hall’ open meetings. This engagement is part of the ongoing dialogue with staff which includes the budget and the wider transformation agenda.

Day 6 and 7 arrangements with LAS

Question No: 2020/3103

Andrew Dismore

Will firefighters driving ambulances under the day 6 and 7 arrangements be employed by LAS for that time or through another method?

Answer for Day 6 and 7 arrangements with LAS

The Mayor

Last updated: 22 September, 2020

Officers are drafting a response

Specialist appliance crewing (1)

Question No: 2020/3104

Andrew Dismore

How many LFB operational staff have completed a) Fire and Rescue Unit and b) Command Unit training in each year since 2016?

Answer for Specialist appliance crewing (1)

The Mayor

Last updated: 22 September, 2020

Officers are drafting a response

Specialist appliance crewing (2)

Question No: 2020/3105

Andrew Dismore

In each month of 2020 so far, how many times has a) a fire and rescue unit and b) a command unit been off the run because of lack of trained crew?

Answer for Specialist appliance crewing (2)

The Mayor

Last updated: 22 September, 2020

Officers are drafting a response

Specialist appliance crewing (3)

Question No: 2020/3106

Andrew Dismore

What is LFB’s target number of operational staff trained for fire and rescue unit and command unit crewing, and what is the total number of actual staff trained?

Answer for Specialist appliance crewing (3)

The Mayor

Last updated: 22 September, 2020

Officers are drafting a response

Filling LFB junior officer roles (1)

Question No: 2020/3107

Andrew Dismore

In each round of promotions to leading firefighter, sub officer, and station officer since 2016, how many applicants were there for each category of officer, and how many available places?

Answer for Filling LFB junior officer roles (1)

The Mayor

Last updated: 22 September, 2020

Officers are drafting a response

Filling LFB junior officer roles (2

Question No: 2020/3108

Andrew Dismore

What is the current target establishment for leading firefighters, sub officers, and station officers, and what is the actual number of substantive LFB staff in those ranks?

Filling LFB junior officer roles (2

The Mayor

Last updated: 21 September, 2020

As of 31 August 2020 the establishment and actual numbers were as follows:

Rank Establishment Actuals
Station Officer 265.00 245.71
Sub Officer 620.00 500.57
Leading Firefighter 533.00 483.94
Firefighter 3129.00 3262.22
Total 4547.00 4492.44

A Station Officer promotion process has concluded in the first week of September. Successful candidates will fill both current vacancies and new vacancies arising between now and the next process in 2021. A Sub Officer promotion process is currently in progress and a Leading Firefighter process will start in October 2020.

High rise firefighting operational limits

Question No: 2020/3109

Andrew Dismore

Will you publish your correspondence with the Health and Safety Executive and Deputy Mayor for Fire and Resilience, regarding the safety of high-rise firefighting operations in the current built environment in London?

Answer for High rise firefighting operational limits

The Mayor

Last updated: 22 September, 2020

Officers are drafting a response

Memorial to Covid 19 victims

Question No: 2020/3110

Andrew Dismore

Nearly 7,000 Londoners have died of the Covid 19 virus Will you consider organising a memorial or ceremony to mourn those Londoners lost to the virus?

Answer for Memorial to Covid 19 victims

The Mayor

Last updated: 22 September, 2020

Officers are drafting a response

Learning from Exercise Cygnus (1)

Question No: 2020/3111

Andrew Dismore

Was improved wifi and audiovisual equipment provided for the Strategic Coordinating Group following this being flagged as an issue in the review of Exercise Cygnus?

Learning from Exercise Cygnus (1)

The Mayor

Last updated: 21 September, 2020

The arrangements for hosting and facilitating Strategic Coordinating Groups are constantly reviewed and worked upon to ensure that the meetings can be held virtually to maximise participation and ease of administration.

Wifi access at MPS Lambeth facility had been enhanced for visitors operating from that facility. The London Resilience Group issued personal portable devices to all its staff in late 2017 to enable administrative support to SCGs from any location. This capability has been proven during several recent responses where the administrative support has been provided remotely.

During the recent COVID response the SCG has utilised further enhancements in technology and now regularly runs its meeting through video conferencing applications and retains the ability to revert to teleconferencing facilities with more secure features if required.

Learning from Exercise Cygnus (2)

Question No: 2020/3112

Andrew Dismore

Was the excess deaths framework developed following the lessons of Exercise Cygnus suitable or adaptable for the covid-19 pandemic?

Learning from Exercise Cygnus (2)

The Mayor

Last updated: 21 September, 2020

The Excess Deaths Framework that was further developed following Exercise Cygnus was adapted and utilised for the COVID 19 pandemic and provided the basis for the initial mortality management response.

The frameworks in use by the Resilience Partnership are not focussed on, and only applicable to, a single risk cause. They provide the generic framework of options and likely issues to provide the responders with the tools to develop the specific plan applicable to the scenario they are faced with.

Learning from Exercise Cygnus (3)

Question No: 2020/3113

Andrew Dismore

During Exercise Cygnus, which “critical public services” did it become apparent would be “overwhelmed in the event of severe pandemic influenza due to capacity limitations or interdependencies across organisations and sectors”?

Learning from Exercise Cygnus (3)

The Mayor

Last updated: 21 September, 2020

Exercise Cygnus was a National Command Post Exercise, as such the focus was on procedural aspects and the mechanisms to coordinate the response between local and national levels, as opposed the going into such detail of organisational scenarios which would allow participants to fully examine their capacity limitations.

The response to a pandemic and the capacity of each organisation would be dependant on the varying infection rates, absenteeism and increased demand for service that a pandemic produces. The details of these potential realities were not provided in sufficient depth to determine if critical public services would have been overwhelmed.

It is the purpose of individual organisational pandemic planning to identify their internal capacity limitations and make plans for prioritisation of services and alternative service delivery to meet the needs of their critical public service delivery.

tree coverage

Question No: 2020/3114

Andrew Dismore

Do you support the campaign to increase tree canopy coverage in London? What are the practical steps you are taking or can take to help achieve this?

tree coverage

The Mayor

Last updated: 21 September, 2020

In my London Environment Strategy, I set a target to increase London’s tree canopy cover by 10 per cent of current levels by 2050 – from 21 per cent to 23.1 per cent of London’s land area. This will add an extra 3,300 hectares of canopy cover – 23 times the area of Hyde Park.

Since 2016, I have supported the planting of over 280,000 trees across London, with trees in every borough. 5,000 more street trees will be planted this winter, and in July I announced plans to create two new woodlands in our Green Belt, which will span 84 hectares and plant a further 140,000 trees.

I am also working with the Forestry Commission and other members of the London Urban Forest Partnership on a London Urban Forest Plan. This will set out priority actions that the partnership will take for the capital’s trees including to increase canopy cover.

Tube Noise [1]

Question No: 2020/3115

Andrew Dismore

TfL have informed me that they will not be proceeding with the installation of Delkor track fastenings, having trialled its use recently. Will you publish the report and results of the trial?

Answer for Tube Noise [1]

The Mayor

Last updated: 22 September, 2020

Officers are drafting a response

Tube Noise [2]

Question No: 2020/3116

Andrew Dismore

Did the Delkor track fastenings installation reduce tube noise? Did it have other impacts elsewhere, such as increased in-carriage noise?

Answer for Tube Noise [2]

The Mayor

Last updated: 22 September, 2020

Officers are drafting a response

Tube Noise [3]

Question No: 2020/3117

Andrew Dismore

Given the decision not to proceed with Delkor track fastenings, what further action are you taking to reduce tube noise?

Answer for Tube Noise [3]

The Mayor

Last updated: 22 September, 2020

Officers are drafting a response

Tube Noise [4]

Question No: 2020/3118

Andrew Dismore

All known locations of severe tube noise in my constituency, Finchley Central, Golders Green, Kentish Town, Mornington Crescent and Warren Street have reported an increase in tube noise over the last few months. What is the reason for this in each location?

Answer for Tube Noise [4]

The Mayor

Last updated: 22 September, 2020

Officers are drafting a response

Tube Noise [5]

Question No: 2020/3119

Andrew Dismore

I note a recent report by Hird Rail states that they are working with TfL on the potential for new sleepers which reduce tube noise: https://www.railbusinessdaily.com/hird-rail-introduce-new-unique-sleeper-to-reduce-noise-and-vibration-to-the-london-underground/

Has TfL tested their Hybrid Polymer Sleepers? What was the outcome of these tests, and will you consider a trial? If successful, will you install these in locations that suffer from tube noise?

Answer for Tube Noise [5]

The Mayor

Last updated: 22 September, 2020

Officers are drafting a response

112 bus extension

Question No: 2020/3120

Andrew Dismore

When is the 112 bus extension to North Finchley due to come into effect?

112 bus extension

The Mayor

Last updated: 21 September, 2020

The extension of route 112 between Brent Cross and North Finchley via A406 North Circular Road and A1000 Finchley High Road started on Saturday 29 August. It now runs between North Finchley and Ealing Broadway, connecting these north and west London hubs. This is part of the Mayor’s commitment to improve orbital bus services in outer London and encourage more Londoners to walk, cycle and use public transport.

383 bus extension

Question No: 2020/3121

Andrew Dismore

When is the 383 bus route extension to Finchley Memorial Hospital due to come into effect?

383 bus extension

The Mayor

Last updated: 21 September, 2020

Transport for London (TfL) plans to temporarily extend route 383 once highway works within the Finchley Memorial Hospital grounds have been completed to accommodate single-deck buses. These works need to be carried out by the hospital, which is the highway authority, and are being funded by TfL. The provisional start date for the service change is late autumn 2020.

The route would be extended between Woodside Park station and Finchley Memorial Hospital via North Finchley town centre, and would continue to serve the existing route between Woodside Park station and Barnet, The Spires. A public consultation on this change is also planned and TfL will review its popularity once it has been in place for a year.

Finchley Memorial Hospital bus services

Question No: 2020/3122

Andrew Dismore

Will you consider extending other bus routes to Finchley Memorial Hospital? The extension of the 383 only benefits a few residents of North Finchley, and excludes residents of Finchley Central and East Finchley from being able to access the hospital by bus.

Answer for Finchley Memorial Hospital bus services

The Mayor

Last updated: 22 September, 2020

Officers are drafting a response

125 bus extension [1]

Question No: 2020/3123

Andrew Dismore

Has there been any assessment of the performance of the 125 bus extension in terms of passenger numbers?

Answer for 125 bus extension [1]

The Mayor

Last updated: 22 September, 2020

Officers are drafting a response

125 bus extensions [2]

Question No: 2020/3124

Andrew Dismore

Were tests carried out and assessments made about the safety of the 125 bus extension down Greyhound Hill in Hendon, especially in icy conditions?

125 bus extensions [2]

The Mayor

Last updated: 21 September, 2020

Transport for London (TfL) assessed the operation of route 125 on Greyhound Hill before its extension between Finchley Central and Colindale station, with highway change proposals shared within the public consultation documents for the extension. Changes to these designs were made following consultation feedback and discussions with Barnet Council.

A route test was undertaken on 16 April 2019, along with further site meetings conducted with representatives across TfL and from Barnet Council, to assess the safety of running double-deck buses along Greyhound Hill. The route test involved a double-deck vehicle running in both directions along the road and making turning manoeuvres at Hendon, next to Middlesex University. It also assessed interaction with trees, pedestrian crossing points and parking, with tree pruning and parking changes subsequently completed. Bus stop locations were also assessed, with two locations selected which provided visibility for other vehicles to overtake and where buses could pull up to the kerb to provide step free access.

These highway changes were made in early May 2019 and the route was extended via Greyhound Hill on 25 May 2019. During icy conditions, Greyhound Hill is included as one of Barnet Council’s gritting routes to ensure buses can manoeuvre along this road.

Face coverings on TfL services

Question No: 2020/3125

Andrew Dismore

Despite publicity, it is clear that some passengers are ignoring the requirement to wear face coverings on TfL services. What can you do to encourage better compliance? As some people appear to think that the rules don’t apply to tube station concourses and platforms, but put on coverings when boarding trains, will you improve the publicity to make clear the rules apply throughout stations as well as on trains and buses?

Answer for Face coverings on TfL services

The Mayor

Last updated: 22 September, 2020

Officers are drafting a response

Public Health England [1]

Question No: 2020/3126

Andrew Dismore

The Government has decided to scrap Public Health England. You may be aware that PHE is based in Colindale in my constituency, and is a major local employer. Do you agree with me that the decision to scrap PHE is a political move by the government in order to scapegoat them for their own poor response to the COVID crisis. Do you further agree that the middle of a global health crisis is the worst possible time to scrap the body leading the national response to the virus? Given the high toll of Coronavirus on London, its loss is especially devastating to this city, isn’t it?

Public Health England [1]

The Mayor

Last updated: 21 September, 2020

The full impact and detail of the reorganisation is not yet clear, and I understand that the new structures will not be in place until spring next year. Any reorganisation of PHE must prioritise restoring the funding for public health work across the system, and proper investment in its workforce. I will continue to advocate in all my meetings with PHE leadership, including Baroness Harding, that jobs should be protected.

It is beyond belief that, during the middle of a crisis, the Government is embarking on a mass reorganisation of one of our front-line agencies. I continue to work closely with PHE’s Regional Director for London, Professor Kevin Fenton, and his team on all issues relating to our response. PHE’s health protection work will continue uninterrupted as part of new NIHP structures. I sought this assurance directly from Baroness Harding when I met her.

 

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