Late MQ answers March 21
Question No: 2021/0857
Andrew Dismore
Residents of Tithe Walk in Mill Hill have raised concerns about the dangers of cars entering their road at speed from the A1. They are requesting the implementation of a ‘no-left turn’ from the A1 into Tithe Walk via a petition which every resident of the road has signed. Will you ask TfL to support this proposal and make representations to Barnet Council?
Answer for Tithe Walk NW7
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
Tithe Walk NW7
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
Transport for London (TfL) has discussed your concerns with the London Borough of Barnet and as the highway authority for this road, Barnet has agreed to commission a number of traffic surveys and traffic modelling to assess the impact this proposal would have on the adjacent road network. Once TfL has been provided with this information and assessed the full impact of the ‘no-left turn’ and the financial costs associated with this alteration, I will ask them to provide you with an update on next steps
Question No: 2021/0858
Andrew Dismore
Residents of Richmond Gardens have written to TfL, calling on them to install a road sign at the junction on the left approach to Richmond Gardens from Watford Way, however this has been rejected without explanation.
Residents report numerous accidents in recent months as drivers do not slow down and anticipate there is a turning into Richmond Gardens. In addition, since TfL removed a fence in 2006, pedestrians cross right at the corner, meaning drivers have to slow down or even stop on the corner of a dual carriageway. This is extremely dangerous, so will you ask TfL to look into it?
Answer for Richmond Gardens NW4
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
Richmond Gardens NW4
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
Thank you for this information. A Transport for London road safety engineer and assets operative carried out a further review of this location during the week commencing 22 February. I have asked that you are kept updated on progress.
Question No: 2021/0862
Andrew Dismore
The US embassy has racked up a huge bill for the congestion charge, due to their refusal to pay it. Can you confirm how much is currently owed; and as there is a new President in the USA, will you ask him to pay what is owed?
Answer for US embassy
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
US embassy
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
Information about outstanding debt owed by Embassies and Diplomatic Missions for non-payment of the Congestion Charge is regularly published by Transport for London at the following link: https://content.tfl.gov.uk/cclez-online-factsheet-embassy-debt-dec20.pdf
I have asked Transport for London to consider the most appropriate way to raise the issue of outstanding debt with the new administration.
Question No: 2021/0863
Andrew Dismore
Will you join me in congratulating the new Biden administration? What will the new administration mean for London?
Answer for President Biden
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
President Biden
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
Yes. In November, I personally congratulated President Biden and Vice-President Harris on their historic election.
After just over a month in office, the Biden administration has not only held true to their promises, but shown their commitment to the common priorities that London and the United States share: working to overcome and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, tackling the climate emergency, and breaking down the barriers and discrimination which exist in our societies.
The new Biden administration is also upholding the values we share: tolerance for one another, respect for the rule of law, and our responsibility to build a better future for the next generation.
I look forward to continuing to work with partners across the Unites States on these common goals.
Catalytic converter thefts [1]
Question No: 2021/0864
Andrew Dismore
Residents report that a number of Catalytic converters have been stolen from Toyota Prius and Lexus cars around Edgware and Burnt Oak in Barnet. How many have been reported to the Met Police? How many cases are open, and how many have been closed with no action taken?
Answer for Catalytic converter thefts [1]
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
Catalytic converter thefts [1]
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) does not have the data breakdown as requested. The table below shows all outcomes for catalytic converter theft in Barnet between 1 February 2020 and 31 January 2021.
To tackle the issue of catalytic converter theft, the MPS is taking part in discussions to develop a national crime profile and is liaising with the car industry to roll out a marking scheme for catalytic converters.
I also highlighted the important role the industry needs to plan in addressing catalytic converter theft in my recent letter to Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). In this letter I set out my concerns about the increase in catalytic converter theft and asked the Society to work with the MPS to tackle the problem.
| Outcomes based on Offences of Theft from Motor Vehicle that list Catalytic Converters as property stolen recorded by the MPS in the Borough of Barnet between 01/02/2020 – 31/01/2021 | |
| Outcome Description | Total |
| Outcome Pending | 5 |
| Evidential difficulties victim based | 3 |
| Suspect identified; Victim supports; evidential difficulties | 2 |
| Suspect identified; Victim does not support; evidential difficulties. | 1 |
| Investigation complete: no suspect identified | 1104 |
| Removed Crime (No Crime) | 1 |
| Grand Total | 1116 |
Catalytic converter thefts [2]
Question No: 2021/0865
Andrew Dismore
What action is being taken to deal with catalytic converter thefts in Edgware and Burnt Oak, and what advice are you giving to residents to improve the security of their cars?
Answer for Catalytic converter thefts [2]
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
Catalytic converter thefts [2]
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
During the pandemic we have seen a change in modus operandi in relation to catalytic converter theft and have seen higher increases in offences in locations which have better road networks including Edgware and Burnt Oak.
As part of the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) response to the ongoing issue across London, the MPS is organising an enhanced week of action between 19 and 25 April, overseen by the Superintendent Lead for Vehicle Crime, to raise awareness and provide enhanced crime prevention advice to victims, including advice in marking replacement catalytic converter with a theft deterrent marking system. Edgware and Burnt Oak will be included in this week of action.
I also recently wrote to the Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), to highlight my concerns about the increase in catalytic converter theft and ask the Society to work with the MPS to tackle this problem.
Catalytic converter thefts [3]
Question No: 2021/0866
Andrew Dismore
Do you have a ward breakdown of Catalytic converter thefts in Barnet over the last year? If so will you make it available?
Answer for Catalytic converter thefts [3]
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
Catalytic converter thefts [3]
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
The table below shows catalytic converter thefts in each ward in Barnet over the last year.
To tackle this issue, the MPS is taking part in discussions to develop a national crime profile and is liaising with the car industry to roll out a marking scheme for catalytic converters.
I also highlighted the important role the industry needs to plan in addressing catalytic converter theft in my recent letter to Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). In this letter I set out my concerns about the increase in catalytic converter theft and asked the Society to work with the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) to tackle the problem.
Catalytic converter thefts [4]
Question No: 2021/0867
Andrew Dismore
The MPS dataset for 2020 shows that there were 1114 catalytic converters stolen in Barnet. Why is the number in Barnet so high, what action is being taken, and what resources are being dedicated to eradicating the problem?
Answer for Catalytic converter thefts [4]
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
Catalytic converter thefts [4]
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
During the pandemic we have seen a change in the modus operandi of catalytic converter theft. Thieves have moved from targeting carparks and other high public footfall areas to residential streets as a result, we have seen higher increases in offences in locations which have better road networks, including Barnet.
The cars being targeted are generally older vehicles and thieves are targeting these residential areas where there are higher concentrations of these types of vehicles.
To tackle this issue, the MPS is taking part in national discussions to develop a national crime profile and liaise with the car industry to roll out a marking scheme for catalytic converters to assist in tackling this type of crime.
I have again written to the Society of Motor Manufacturers regarding my concern over this issue.
Cottages behind West Hampstead Fire Station
Question No: 2021/0868
Andrew Dismore
When do you expect the refurbishment of the cottages behind West Hampstead Fire Station to be completed?
Answer for Cottages behind West Hampstead Fire Station
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
Cottages behind West Hampstead Fire Station
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
Practical completion of the cottages to the rear of West Hampstead Fire Station was achieved on 18 December 2020 and the cottages are now ready to be occupied. The single persons quarters policy is being updated and the cottages will be offered for occupation by staff as soon as possible.
Question No: 2021/0869
Andrew Dismore
The collaboration between LAS and LFB has been one of the positives of the pandemic, highlighting the ability of emergency services to work together to support the public. However this has come at a price to LFB. How are you working with the LFC to ensure these issues will not be repeated in any further collaboration between other blue-light services and the LFB?
Answer for Blue light collaboration
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
Blue light collaboration
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
London Fire Brigade (LFB) would normally plan and structure collaboration initiatives so that financial impacts and efficiency opportunities are identified and addressed from the outset. However, the circumstances in which LFB has been providing support to the London Ambulance Service (LAS) during the pandemic have been exceptional and unprecedented. I am hugely proud of the way the Brigade went above and beyond in its contribution to the response to the pandemic. Should the Brigade find itself in similar exceptional circumstances at any point in the future, consideration of the financing arrangements will be made as soon as it is practical to do so and the most recent Ambulance Driver Assist work has been carried out on the basis of cost recovery. The Brigade has recently submitted a claim for the costs of the COVID response to the Home Office and I know the Assembly Member will join my calls to the Minister to ensure that the willingness of the Brigade to respond will not impact its financial position.
LFB Transformation plan and the Mayor’s Budget
Question No: 2021/0870
Andrew Dismore
The Transformation plan is key to the Brigade addressing the issues identified by the GTI and HMICFRS reports. Whilst progress is being made on meeting these recommendations, how does your budget protect the Transformation Plan and ensure that LFB is better placed to meet complex and tragic fire safety and emergency planning incidents like Grenfell Tower or the London Bridge attack?
Answer for LFB Transformation plan and the Mayor’s Budget
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
LFB Transformation plan and the Mayor’s Budget
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
My budget protects London Fire Brigade frontline services to maintain high standards of operational response and vital preventative work, while the Brigade continues to deliver its transformation programme. A transformation reserve of £7,700k has been established to ensure London Fire Brigade (LFB) has the necessary resources to deliver the Transformation Delivery Plan and address the recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services. Prioritisation of the transformation reserve is managed through the Portfolio Board, chaired by the Director of Transformation, to ensure organisational oversight.
Monitoring the safety of London’s Built Environment
Question No: 2021/0871
Andrew Dismore
The Fire, Resilience and Emergency Planning (FREP) Committee has highlighted repeatedly the challenges of London’s built environment post-Grenfell. The truth is that we don’t know the extent of the danger, but most recent estimates from MHCLG suggest there are 62,000 buildings in London that pose a high risk of fire. How does your budget support the work by LFB which monitors fire safety issues in London’s built environment in order to protect those whose buildings have been identified as having some form of dangerous cladding?
Answer for Monitoring the safety of London’s Built Environment
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
Monitoring the safety of London’s Built Environment
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
Within London, MHCLG have identified in excess of 62,000 premises that they consider may fall within ‘higher risk’ categories and fall within the scope of the new building safety regulator. That includes care homes, sheltered housing blocks, and hospitals where the vulnerability of the residents is a crucial factor. Last year, London Fire Brigade was allocated £5.5 million from the Protection Board. This supports the Building Risk Review Programme (£2.3m), whereby all high-rise residential premises are being checked and inspected, and Protection Programme (£3.2m) which is being used to bolster other protection activities. The resourcing consequence of what the Brigade now knows about the built environment remains a challenge and they would like to see the current protection grant continue and for the funding requirements to be consolidated for the longer term. I will continue to do all that I can to ensure that London Fire Brigade is properly funded to keep Londoners safe.
Tripartite agreement and the pandemic response (1)
Question No: 2021/0872
Andrew Dismore
Has the tripartite agreement between the National Employers, Fire Brigades Union (FBU) and
National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) been helpful for blue light collaboration during the pandemic?
Answer for Tripartite agreement and the pandemic response (1)
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
Tripartite agreement and the pandemic response (1)
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
Yes. The tripartite agreement, whilst it was in force last year, provided the framework under which London Fire Brigade operational staff took on additional duties to support the London Ambulance Service and other partners during the pandemic. I am grateful to the Commissioner and the Regional FBU for the constructive way they have worked together during the pandemic for the benefit of London and London’s communities.
Tripartite agreement and the pandemic response (2)
Question No: 2021/0873
Andrew Dismore
Do you think that there is a case for renegotiating and implementing a new tripartite agreement for the second wave?
Answer for Tripartite agreement and the pandemic response (2)
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
Tripartite agreement and the pandemic response (2)
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
London Fire Brigade (LFB) is working in partnership with the London region of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) on the response to COVID-19. It is always preferable to work under a national agreement as this minimises the potential for disputes and I would welcome a new tripartite agreement covering future pandemic response. In 2020 LFB reached local agreements with the FBU under the auspices of the tripartite/NJC agreements, and under these LFB has provided extensive Ambulance Driver Assistance to the NHS. LFB staff have also worked with colleagues in the London Ambulance Service and Metropolitan Police Service in the ‘Pandemic Multi-Agency Response Team’ (PMART) and have delivered food and drink to food banks and vulnerable residents, undertaken clothing deliveries for homeless people, and assembled and distributed PPE for the NHS. LFB is committed to continuing to assist emergency service colleagues in the fight against the pandemic.
Tripartite agreement and the pandemic response (3)
Question No: 2021/0874
Andrew Dismore
How important is it that the NFCC is included in negotiations between the National Employers and FBU? How does the involvement of NFCC in negotiations help the work of the Brigade?
Answer for Tripartite agreement and the pandemic response (3)
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
Tripartite agreement and the pandemic response (3)
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has an important role to play given their expertise, resources and contacts. London Fire Brigade welcomes the involvement of the NFCC in negotiations which can lead to improved partnership working, greater blue light collaboration, and thereby more effective support to the NHS and other agencies during the pandemic.
Global Cities FRS comparison (1)
Question No: 2021/0875
Andrew Dismore
In London the average area covered by each fire station is 15km2. In New York it is 3km2 and in Toronto it is 8km2. What assessment has been made of the impact on response times as a result of the large areas LFB stations are expected to cover?
Answer for Global Cities FRS comparison (1)
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
Global Cities FRS comparison (1)
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
London Fire Brigade (LFB) officers have not been able to obtain comparative data on response times in all the cities mentioned in the comparison. The data they have been able to obtain on fire outcomes, as a proxy for the impact of attendance times, shows that this relationship is not straightforward. For example, New York’s fire stations cover a much smaller area than those in London, but New York experiences a significantly higher rate of fires and deaths from fire. LFB officers are undertaking follow-up work with some of the cities that have been highlighted within a piece of internal research, that was shared with the Fire, Resilience and Emergency Planning Committee, to understand what lies behind these differences and to see if lessons can be learnt in London.
Global Cities FRS comparison (2)
Question No: 2021/0876
Andrew Dismore
How does the size of LFB’s budget (£43.36 per head of London’s population per year) compared to Toronto’s (£105.43 per head per year) impact on the work it is able to undertake? What limitations does it put on the work of LFB?
Answer for Global Cities FRS comparison (2)
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
Global Cities FRS comparison (2)
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
While the different circumstances and arrangements of international fire and rescue services make direct comparisons difficult I am clear that the government needs to properly fund the Fire Brigade across all its work streams. I will continue to do all that I can to ensure that London Fire Brigade is properly funded to keep Londoners safe. My final Draft Budget for 2021-22 was approved without amendment by the Assembly on 25 February 2021. This included a further £15million to the London Fire Commissioner component budget, which is equivalent to the savings target set in my Budget Guidance published in 2020. £8.1 million of this funding is expected to recur in future years. This funding will be allocated to core expenditure, to reduce reliance on reserves and enable a balanced budget to be planned for both 2021-22 and 2022-23.
The London Safety Plan – or Community Risk Management Plan – will determine how the Brigade can best make sure that Londoners are protected, taking into account the complex and emerging risk environment.
Question No: 2021/0879
Andrew Dismore
Recent reports state that RICS is consulting on the use of EWS1 forms, particularly where there is no cladding visible on a high-rise building. How is it anticipated this will impact upon London and the work of the LFB?
Answer for EWS1 changes (3)
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
EWS1 changes (3)
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
I wrote to the Secretary of State about the EWS1 system in September 2020 and asked for clarity on where and when EWS1 forms should be required.
However, until full funding is available for all remedial works and remediation can be taken forward at a faster pace, London Fire Brigade does not anticipate that there will be a significant impact on their workload.
COVID-19 and the LFB Transformation Plan
Question No: 2021/0880
Andrew Dismore
How has the second wave of COVID-19 impacted on the transformation plan?
Answer for COVID-19 and the LFB Transformation Plan
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
COVID-19 and the LFB Transformation Plan
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
The Transformation Delivery Plan (TDP) continues to be affected by the pandemic, but a year into the Plan, almost half of the 65 actions have been completed. Of the remaining 34 actions, 21 remain on track. The ‘seizing the future’ strategic pillar is the most advanced with almost 80 per cent of the actions completed, followed by the ‘outward facing’ pillar with almost 70 per cent of actions completed. ‘Delivering excellence’ is the pillar that has been most affected by the ongoing challenges presented by the pandemic, particularly around the delivery of training. The ‘best people, best place to work’ pillar has the most actions outstanding but the vast majority of these are on track to be completed on time.
COVID-19 and the GTI phase 1 LFB recommendations
Question No: 2021/0881
Andrew Dismore
How has the second wave of COVID-19 impacted on the implementation of the GTI phase recommendations? What adaptations have had to be made?
Answer for COVID-19 and the GTI phase 1 LFB recommendations
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
COVID-19 and the GTI phase 1 LFB recommendations
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
The most significant impact has been on the delivery of face-to-face training related to the revised high-rise firefighting and fire survival guidance policies, and the new evacuation and rescue policy. The face-to-face training for watch and senior officers continued as planned until London was designated a Tier 4 area, when it was paused along with all other training. At this stage 1,000 delegates had received training from a max potential of 1,440 station-based officers. Following further risk assessment, the face-to-face training re-commenced on 5 January (but with reduced attendance to a maximum of 16 per day). A number of sessions have also been delivered virtually as a pilot. As of the 16 February, 95 per cent of watch and senior officers have undertaken the face-to-face training and 92 of 141 guided learning exercises have been completed at stations.
COVID-19 and operational cover
Question No: 2021/0882
Andrew Dismore
How has COVID-19 impacted upon operational cover levels for LFB?
Answer for COVID-19 and operational cover
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
COVID-19 and operational cover
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, London Fire Brigade (LFB) has maintained operational cover levels pan-London, with appliance attendance times specified in the London Safety Plan being upheld
COVID-19 and other firefighter duties
Question No: 2021/0883
Andrew Dismore
What additional duties, that are not part of their normal duties, have firefighters being undertaking during the second wave of COVID-19 in London?
Answer for COVID-19 and other firefighter duties
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
COVID-19 and other firefighter duties
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
Ambulance Driver Assistance was scaled up at the end of December 2020 and over 400 firefighters volunteered to be part of the programme, with those taking part moving over to London Ambulance Service’s shift patterns. Other additional duties, which were agreed and undertaken in the first wave, remain available in the second wave based on requests from local authority partners. These include food and drink deliveries to food banks and vulnerable residents; assembly and distribution of PPE for the NHS; assistance in making masks; clothing deliveries for homeless people; and delivery of schoolwork to isolated pupils and those with special needs. More recently London Fire Brigade (LFB) staff have set up facilities to support mass vaccinations in Holland Park and staff are also assisting with Haringey Council’s Mobile Testing Unit set up at Tottenham Fire Station under ‘Operation Eagle’. There is also agreement with London Region FBU for LFB personnel to distribute Lateral Flow Test/home test kits to the community if required.
Resilience response to the pandemic
Question No: 2021/0884
Andrew Dismore
What lessons have been learnt by the Strategic Coordination Group and Recovery Board from the second wave of COVID-19 in London and how will these be applied in the future?
Answer for Resilience response to the pandemic
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
Resilience response to the pandemic
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
The Strategic Coordinating Group has regularly revised its way of work to meet the changing situation throughout 2020 and 2021. The Recovery Board was itself set up in response to the changing circumstances. The London Resilience Forum has reviewed lessons from the first wave and at its recent meetings in November 2020 and February 2021 has endorsed follow up action.
The Recovery Board has built strong partnerships and collaboration with London’s leaders and has recognised that, with capacity stretched, they will need a degree of flexibility in delivering their response and recovery activities. The Mayor’s London Covid-19 Business Forum and the Recovery Board have responded to the need to reopen the economy early and safely with the establishment of a 12-month London economic recovery roadmap. The Resilience Forum of 25 February will consider a paper recommending a review of London’s approach to chronic, or long running incidents. The review will involve members of the London Recovery Board.
Question No: 2021/0885
Andrew Dismore
What were the findings and recommendations of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after their recent inspection of LFB premises?
Answer for HSE and LFB 1
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
HSE and LFB 1
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
Following the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) inspections of two fire stations and further information supplied to them, the HSE found that London Fire Brigade (LFB) has put in place several risk controls to prevent the spread of COVID-19. They did, however, identify a breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act in relation to the management of COVID-19 for a specific training course delivered at Brigade headquarters. To address this the HSE required LFB to review the specific risk assessment for this training course.
In addition, the HSE recommended that LFB undertake a review of training provision, specifically with respect to reviewing what could be delivered to staff virtually, rather than face-to-face. This also included making arrangements for better monitoring of fire station COVID-19 risk assessments and arrangements for better control risks in dormitories, particularly female dormitories.
Question No: 2021/0886
Andrew Dismore
What learning will LFB be taking from the recent HSE inspections that took place? How will this impact upon frontline staff?
Answer for HSE and LFB 2
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
HSE and LFB 2
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
In response to the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) recommendations following their recent COVID-19 inspections, London Fire Brigade (LFB) has taken several actions, including a review of the risk assessment for a specific training course delivered at Brigade headquarters. This review has resulted in changes to the physical layout of the training room and other improvements to the delivery of the course.
LFB has reviewed COVID-19 risk assessments, including in dormitories, introduced no notice audits of COVID-19 arrangements on fire stations, and introduced a COVID-19 inspection section to regular health and safety premises inspections. LFB has now reviewed what training could be delivered via virtual platforms, which was completed in November 2020.
Question No: 2021/0887
Andrew Dismore
Following the recent attack on a firefighter attending a fire, is there a need for additional safety measures to protect London’s firefighters?
Answer for Firefighter safety
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
Firefighter safety
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
All emergency service workers should be safe at work and the attack on a firefighter was deplorable. London Fire Brigade (LFB) has in place a range of general precautions for the management of violence toward staff that include crews remaining together, keeping communication lines open, withdrawing to a place of safety – which can include the fire appliance cab as it is lockable and fitted with anti-bandit glass – and requesting police assistance. All instances of violence toward staff are required to be reported and investigated. Additionally, it is Brigade policy to report instances of violence toward staff to the police for them to investigate and take appropriate action.
Question No: 2021/0890
Andrew Dismore
How many residential buildings in London are currently operating waking watches? Please provide a borough by borough breakdown of the numbers.
Answer for London’s Waking Watches (1)
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
London’s Waking Watches (1)
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
London Fire Brigade (LFB) collects data for buildings with a temporary suspension of ‘stay put’ where an interim simultaneous evacuation strategy has been put in place. Residential buildings operating a waking watch or evacuation management system could be in the form of personnel on site or a remote monitoring system, but the arrangement is for the Responsible Person to determine guided by a competent fire safety professional. The figures can change on a daily basis when interim measures are required, or the building is remediated and no longer requires the interim measures. The number of buildings where an interim simultaneous evacuation strategy has been put in place, as at 14 February 2021, are presented by borough in the table below.
| Local Authority | Blocks |
| Barking and Dagenham | 14 |
| Barnet | 12 |
| Bexley | 3 |
| Brent | 42 |
| Bromley | 4 |
| Camden | 17 |
| City of London | 2 |
| Croydon | 29 |
| Ealing | 14 |
| Enfield | 0 |
| Greenwich | 57 |
| Hackney | 60 |
| Hammersmith and Fulham | 10 |
| Haringey | 7 |
| Harrow | 2 |
| Havering | 8 |
| Hillingdon | 3 |
| Hounslow | 17 |
| Islington | 27 |
| Kensington and Chelsea | 14 |
| Kingston upon Thames | 4 |
| Lambeth | 22 |
| Lewisham | 32 |
| Merton | 4 |
| Newham | 26 |
| Redbridge | 6 |
| Richmond | 0 |
| Southwark | 59 |
| Sutton | 3 |
| Tower Hamlets | 114 |
| Waltham Forest | 5 |
| Wandsworth | 31 |
| Westminster | 34 |
| Total | 682 |
Question No: 2021/0891
Andrew Dismore
Please provide a breakdown of the residential buildings in London currently operating waking watches by height (under 11m, 11-18m and over 18m).
Answer for London’s Waking Watches (2)
The Mayor
Last updated: 02 March, 2021
Officers are drafting a response
London’s Waking Watches (2)
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
London Fire Brigade (LFB) collects data for buildings with a temporary suspension of ‘stay put’ policy where an interim simultaneous evacuation strategy has been put in place. Residential buildings operating a waking watch or evacuation management system could be in the form of personnel on site or a remote monitoring system, but the arrangement is for the Responsible Person to determine guided by a competent fire safety professional. The figures can change on a daily basis when iterim measures are required or the building is remediated and no longer require the interim measures. The number of building where an interim simultaneous evacuation strategy has been put in place, as at 14 February 2021, broken down into height parameter, are set out in the table below.
| Building Height | Residential buildings in London |
| Under 11m | 13 |
| 11-18m | 87 |
| Over 18m | 582 |
| Total | 682 |
Question No: 2021/1102
Andrew Dismore
What are the latest findings of the Delkor track fastening trials? When will a decision be made on the roll out of this track fastening?
Tube Noise [1]
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
Transport for London (TfL) is continuing to trial an alternative rail fastening product called Delkor 167 on the Jubilee line, which it hopes will reduce in-carriage noise.
As a result of the coronavirus outbreak and the required focus on safety critical works, this work has unfortunately been delayed.
Although its noise monitoring programme is currently suspended as a result of current coronavirus restrictions, TfL expects to have further information on the impact of this product on residential and in-carriage noise levels by summer 2021, and if successful will review plans to introduce it at other locations.
Question No: 2021/1103
Andrew Dismore
What is the cause of the recent increase in tube noise in Golders Green? Have TfL officers assessed this?
Tube Noise [2]
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
Transport for London (TfL) is aware of recent complaints in this area, and is currently carrying out work to improve the condition of the track by removing ballast from underneath it. This work is expected to be complete later this month, and TfL hopes it will help reduce disturbance experienced by residents.
While residential noise monitoring is currently suspended as a result of the Government’s coronavirus restrictions, TfL will carry out further measurements in this area upon the resumption of its residential noise monitoring programme
Question No: 2021/1104
Andrew Dismore
What is the latest update regarding Finchley Central and the friction modifier to reduce tube noise?
Tube Noise [3]
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
TfL is continuing to progress plans to fit electrical lubricators in this area and believes this could help mitigate noise by more reliably applying lubrication to the track. TfL expects installation will start in this area in spring 2021.
While residential noise monitoring is currently suspended as a result of the Government’s coronavirus restrictions, TfL will carry out further measurements in this area upon the resumption of its residential noise monitoring programme.
Question No: 2021/1105
Andrew Dismore
TfL have told residents at Fitzroy Square that grinding is unnecessary, as noise is not caused by the condition of the rail. Is this accurate? If so, what is the cause of the noise in excess of 50Db in homes there?
Tube Noise [4]
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
Rail grinding is now planned for this area, and is due to take place on the northbound track early next month.
TfL’s most recent measurements in this area, carried out last year, showed average noise levels of up to 43dB. Once residential noise monitoring has resumed, which is expected in early April, TfL will ensure that updated readings are carried out in this area.
Question No: 2021/1106
Andrew Dismore
What is your next plan for tackling tube noise if the Delkor trials are unsuccessful?
Tube Noise [5]
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
Tackling Tube noise continues to be a priority for me and for Transport for London (TfL).
TfL expects to have further information on the impact of the Delkor 167 trial by summer 2021 and, if successful, will review plans to introduce this alternative rail fastening at other locations.
In addition, TfL is continuing to tackle Tube noise through a number of different methods. This includes rail grinding, which works by smoothing rails and removing corrugation, which is often the root cause of residential noise. TfL has carried out over 10,000 metres of noise and vibration-related rail grinding in the last six months. TfL will continue to carry out rail grinding, as well as other targeted interventions to reduce noise, including the removal of redundant rail joints, the maintenance of points and crossings, and re-ballasting track where required.
While TfL continues to do all it can to address Tube noise, its ability to carry out long-term and expensive interventions is limited without a sustainable long-term funding agreement.
Question No: 2021/1107
Andrew Dismore
What discussions are TfL having with universities and the private sector researchers and engineers to look at other solutions to reduce tube noise?
Tube Noise [7]
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
Tube noise is a priority both for me and Transport for London (TfL).
TfL continues to have an open dialogue with manufacturers about what noise and vibration solutions are available on the market. Although TfL is not currently aware of other products which would be suitable for London Underground’s unique infrastructure – with the exception of the ongoing trial of Delkor 167 on the Jubilee line – this is kept under continuous review.
West Hampstead Overground Station
Question No: 2021/1108
Andrew Dismore
When planning permission was granted for the improvement of West Hampstead Overground station, the community in NW6 was looking forward to the greater space this would afford pedestrians on the extremely busy and constrained West End Lane bridge. TfL have since said that demolition of the former ticket office would be too costly, but the benefit for this busy interchange and important neighbourhood would be immense. West Hampstead residents regularly report having to step into the congested road, putting all road users at risk including pedestrians themselves and people cycling. Please can TfL agree to a meeting with TfL senior officers, Camden councillors and officers to discuss this further and to fully factor in the great benefit for pedestrians’ and road users’ safety the extra space would confer?
West Hampstead Overground Station
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
In 2017, after planning permission had been granted, Transport for London (TfL) carried out further survey work that identified significant safety and technical challenges associated with the demolition of the old station building. Demolishing the building would have a considerable impact on both the road and rail networks and would require the relocation of major utilities in the area, causing further disruption.
Other options have also been considered, including converting the building into a ‘colonnade’ to provide additional space for pedestrians. However, engagement showed there was no clear local support for a colonnade walk and so this has not been taken forward.
The building remains open to the public, in addition to the facilities provided in the new station building. TfL is considering commercial options for the use of the building and is also looking into several bus improvements in the area to help the safety of road users, including people walking and cycling. I understand that TfL is in the process of setting up a meeting with officers from the London Borough of Camden to discuss these various options and to agree on what feasible options could be taken forward. TfL will also ensure that local councillors are kept informed of these discussions.
Question No: 2021/1109
Andrew Dismore
Costs are higher in London and this is a challenge that Government itself faces in directly funding the capital. Be it capital city function funding for the police, the, in my view, vindictive cuts to TfL funding or the recent cuts to university funding, do you believe London is being targeted by the Government for cuts? Is this levelling down London, instead of levelling up the rest of the country, as they promised?
Government cuts to London
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
Starving London of investment is self-defeating – London’s economy accounts for a quarter of the UK’s total economic output and contributes a net £38.7 billion to the Treasury.
But in the TfL funding negotiations, in policing, in affordable housing and in university funding, time and time again we’ve seen the Government leaving London underfunded.
Most recently we saw this in the Chancellor’s Budget, which had nothing for London. And according to the prospectus for the Government’s new £4.8 billion Levelling Up fund, communities in deprived London boroughs like Tower Hamlets are less deserving of investment than those in the Chancellor’s own leafy constituency of Richmond, North Yorkshire. This simply cannot be right.
I fully support levelling-up places across the country, but that can’t mean making London poorer – that would make our whole country poorer.
Government cuts to London Universities [2]
Question No: 2021/1110
Andrew Dismore
Do you agree with Middlesex University, who are calling for a package of measures to support the university sector in London, and if so will you make representations to the Government from measures including:
-additional hardship funding and student premium funding, as recommended by the All Party Parliamentary Group for Students report on Tuition and Accommodation Costs during Covid19;
-support extended beyond this financial year as accommodation contracts typically run to 31 July, or 31 August for private accommodation, and students also face a long summer of
limited opportunities for work to supplement their income due to the ongoing pandemic and economic situation;
-schemes for universities to work with suppliers to support ‘educational prices’ for laptops for students;
-progress with the Government’s planned sharia-compliant loan scheme for Muslim students as quickly as possible. Many such students and potential students have been unable to earn income to support tuition fees and other costs and risk not being able to continue / access higher education.
Government cuts to London Universities [2]
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
London’s Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) should be put in the strongest possible position and be given the resources they need to support their students and London’s recovery once we emerge from this pandemic. The Government’s recent additional £50 million investment in student hardship funding is a welcome start, but the scale of the challenge is much greater than this, including the long-term consequences on student wellbeing. This is also why I am calling on the Secretary of State to reverse his recent decision to cut funding to London’s HEIs through the London Weighting.
I will continue to engage closely with London’s HE sector through my recovery board to shape our recovery missions, where the sector is represented by Julia Buckingham, Vice-Chancellor, Brunel University and President, Universities UK.
Government cuts to London Universities [3]
Question No: 2021/1111
Andrew Dismore
Did the Government inform or consult you on their decision to cut funding for London universities?
Government cuts to London Universities [3]
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
I was not consulted on the Government’s proposed funding cuts to London universities prior to the Secretary of State’s announcement, nor, as I understand, were individual higher education institutions or representative bodies such as London Higher. I have written to the Secretary of State for Education calling on him to reverse these cuts and expressing my disappointment at the lack of notice or engagement with the sector on this decision.
Government cuts to London Universities [4]
Question No: 2021/1112
Andrew Dismore
What do you estimate the impact of cutting London Weighting will be for universities? Have you had discussions with the sector?
Government cuts to London Universities [4]
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
The removal of the London weighting represents at least a £64m reduction in funding for London’s higher education institutions, which is used to help bridge the shortfall of funds needed to meet the increased costs of delivering education in the capital. I am concerned that all institutions, from research-intensive institutions to small, specialist arts and music colleges will be affected by the removal of this funding.
I have been in close contact with the sector on this issue, including London Higher, and have written to the Secretary of State for Education, calling on him to urgently reconsider this decision. In my letter, I made clear that levelling up is a critical challenge within London as well as across England and removal of this funding represents levelling down for London’s HE providers and learners.
London Fire Brigade operational staff
Question No: 2021/1113
Andrew Dismore
How many London Fire Brigade operational staff live in London and how many live outside London? Please break down by rank.
London Fire Brigade operational staff
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
London Fire Brigade Uniformed Operational Staff by home address location as of 9 March 2021.
| Rank | Inside Greater London | Outside Greater London | Total Staff |
| Deputy Assistant Commissioner and above* | 11 | 12 | 23 |
| Group Commander | 29 | 40 | 69 |
| Station Commander | 57 | 91 | 148 |
| Station Officer | 66 | 201 | 267 |
| Sub Officer | 143 | 317 | 460 |
| Leading Firefighter | 183 | 263 | 446 |
| Firefighter | 1516 | 1808 | 3324 |
| Trainee Firefighter | 47 | 16 | 63 |
| Total Operational Staff | 2052 | 2748 | 4800 |
* The ranks of Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner and Deputy Assistant Commissioner are grouped due to the smaller numbers of personnel at this level.
London Fire Brigade control staff
Question No: 2021/1114
Andrew Dismore
How many London Fire Brigade control staff live in London and how many live outside London?
London Fire Brigade control staff
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
London Fire Brigade Control Staff by home address location as of 9 March 2021.
| Staff group | Inside Greater London | Outside Greater London | Total Staff |
| Control Staff | 63 | 41 | 104 |
Auditing London’s High-Rise Buildings
Question No: 2021/1115
Andrew Dismore
How many high-rise audits has London Fire Brigade undertaken since 2016? Please provide a year-by-year breakdown.
Auditing London’s High-Rise Buildings
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
The number of fire safety audits in high-rise buildings of 18 metres and above that London Fire Brigade has undertaken in each calendar year since 2016 is set out in the table below:
| Calendar year | Fire safety audit |
| 2016 | 941 |
| 2017 | 1418 |
| 2018 | 1258 |
| 2019 | 988 |
| 2020 | 1964 |
| 2021 (current year in progress) | 348 |
| Total | 6917 |
HMICFRS and LFB’s Incident command training
Question No: 2021/1116
Andrew Dismore
In its recent report ‘Inspection of the LFB’s progress to implement the recommendations from the GTI’s phase 1 report’ HMICFRS highlighted the improvements made in LFB’s control, but stated that “incident command training and assessing competence remain a risk for the brigade” Is this a risk that you recognise and if so are you content that training and assessment in place is rigorous enough to be fit for purpose if another major incident were to occur?
HMICFRS and LFB’s Incident command training
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
The inspection undertaken by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) identified a risk in relation to a number of London Fire Brigade (LFB) staff who require further training or an assessment of incident command competence relevant to their role. A plan has been put into place to prioritise and address those who require further training and those who require an assessment of competence. All Incident Commanders are now subject to the maintenance of competence cycle which focuses on the acquisition of skills, the maintenance of skills and revalidation of skills over a two-year cycle. Operational learning, including National Operational learning, highlighted through LFB’s operational improvement processes are factored into the maintenance of competence cycle to ensure Incident Commanders and processes are kept up to date and fit for purpose.
London Fire Brigade Home safety visits (1)
Question No: 2021/1117
Andrew Dismore
How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the way in which London Fire Brigade undertook home safety visits during 2020?
London Fire Brigade Home safety visits (1)
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
London Fire Brigade introduced a tiered approach to conducting Home Fire Safety Visits (HFSV), in line with COVID-19 regulations, ensuring the most vulnerable residents still received a physical HFSV to their property. Area Teams provided additional advice over the phone to HFSV requests and produced updated safety advice for residents. The Brigade also made 1,200 calls to residents who had received a Fire Safe and Well visit in 2018/19 in five London boroughs – Islington, Waltham Forest, Ealing, Greenwich and Merton – with 14 per cent of these resulting in onward referrals for HFSVs, to address safeguarding concerns or to partner organisations for further support. The Brigade has also produced a Home Fire Safety Checker which is a simple-to-use online tool that brings the life-saving advice offered in an in-person HFSV to an even wider audience. The Checker is being finalised and will be publicly available soon.
London Fire Brigade Home safety visits (2)
Question No: 2021/1118
Andrew Dismore
Which, if any, of the changes made to London Fire Brigade home visits as a result of the pandemic will be continued when London moves into the post-pandemic period?
London Fire Brigade Home safety visits (2)
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
London Fire Brigade (LFB) will evaluate their approach to Home Fire Safety Visits (HFSVs) during the pandemic so that lessons are learnt for future delivery. This evaluation will include physical visits to the most vulnerable people, telephone calls and advice, and information on the LFB website around fire safety in the home. A new online Home Fire Safety Checker will be launched soon, which will allow residents to answer specific questions about fire risks in their property and determine if a physical visit is still required. The pandemic has showed that in addition to a physical visit, there are additional ways for people to receive personalised fire safety advice.
London Fire Brigade Home safety visits (3)
Question No: 2021/1119
Andrew Dismore
How many home safety visits did London Fire Brigade make during 2020?
London Fire Brigade Home safety visits (3)
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
The number of Home Fire Safety Visits (HFSVs) carried out by all London Fire Brigade (LFB) staff in 2020 was 31,433, of which 16,607 were carried out in the pre-COVID period from January to March 2020.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, HFSVs were partly suspended, with a focus on carrying out visits to the most vulnerable people. LFB changed its approach in response to government announcements about new tiers/alert levels. In Tier 4 and during national lockdown, LFB suspended all HFSVs except for those with exceptional risk, such as threats of arson or suspected safeguarding issues.
LFB did not stop taking bookings for HFSVs but put those with a lower risk on a waiting list. LFB prioritised risk over the phone using a series of pre-determined questions and then determined whether an urgent HFSV was required or could be conducted when restrictions are eased. For urgent visits, fire safety officers were given guidance around PPE and how to conduct the visit safely.
Question No: 2021/1120
Andrew Dismore
How many London Fire Brigade staff have undertaken the Incident Command Training at each level? How many remain to be validated at each level?
Incident Command Training
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
As of 10 March 2021, there are 1483 Level 1 Incident Commanders. Of these, 982 have completed an accredited initial course or have had previous training revalidated.
There are 205 Level 2 Incident Commanders. Of these, 137 have completed an accredited initial course or have had previous training revalidated.
There are 16 Level 3 Incident Commanders. All 16 have attended either an accredited initial course or have completed an assessed course.
There are nine Level 4 Incident Commanders. All nine have attended either an accredited initial course or have completed an assessed course.
London Fire Brigade Appliance Driving Training (1)
Question No: 2021/1121
Andrew Dismore
How many firefighters are trained to drive appliances?
London Fire Brigade Appliance Driving Training (1)
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
As of 10 March 2021, there are 1,628 operational staff who hold the ‘Motor Driver’ skill allowing them to drive London Fire Brigade appliances under blue light conditions.
London Fire Brigade Appliance Driving Training (2)
Question No: 2021/1122
Andrew Dismore
How many firefighters are expected to be trained in appliance driving during 2021/22?
London Fire Brigade Appliance Driving Training (2)
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
A total of 200 Emergency Fire Appliance Driver delegate spaces are available in the 2021/22 Training Plan which is expected to be delivered in full.
Question No: 2021/1123
Andrew Dismore
What work has been undertaken to identify venues for high rise training exercises?
High-rise training (1)
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
London Fire Brigade (LFB) has partnered with the London Borough of Havering to secure empty buildings awaiting redevelopment to use for training. For example, LB Havering provided an empty 12 storey residential block to use free of charge for four months for training purposes, prior to the site being demolished as part of a Council-led regeneration scheme. The borough is also working with LFB to identify landlords within the borough that might have empty buildings that would be similarly appropriate for Brigade use. LFB is also in conversation with three further boroughs about entering a similar partnership.
LFB needs the support of local authorities across London to deliver training which will help to keep London’s communities safe and is seeking to get an agreement in place with all boroughs to identify suitable sites. The Brigade recently met with London Councils to discuss how this could be taken forward.
Question No: 2021/1124
Andrew Dismore
When do you expect high rise training exercises, including simultaneous evacuation, to recommence?
High-rise training (2)
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
Good progress is being maintained on delivery of station-based lectures which will conclude on 31 March 2021 and complete Phase 1 of the rollout. Phase 2 will commence from April 2021, with eight pumping appliances allocated every weekday for station-based staff to participate in practical Fire Survival Guidance and High Rise sessions at local stations and venues. These have been designed and developed flexibly for delivery in a Covid-secure environment. Larger scale exercises are currently scheduled for delivery in June and July for organisational assurance. Further large-scale exercises will be scheduled throughout the 18-month Phase 2 delivery period, as additional venues are secured.
London Fire Brigade Control and Incident Command (1)
Question No: 2021/1125
Andrew Dismore
How important is it that there is joined up working between control and incident command?
London Fire Brigade Control and Incident Command (1)
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
The relationship between control and incident command is critical to the safe and effective resolution of incidents. The exchange of information between the control room and the incident ground – and just as crucially back into control – is fundamental to the provision of shared situation awareness and effective multi-agency working. This is why London Fire Brigade (LFB) has taken steps through the Control Improvement Plan and Incident Command Strategy to join up these crucial elements of operational response. Plans are now well developed to bring both a Command Unit and an ‘in house’ incident command team to the London Operations Centre (LOC) to facilitate joint training and foster more integrated working relationships. Joined up working between all the functions of the Operational Delivery Directorate is a priority and LFB expects to see improvements as that work embeds within the organisation.
London Fire Brigade Control and Incident Command (2)
Question No: 2021/1126
Andrew Dismore
How is London Fire Brigade promoting and championing joined up working between control and incident command?
London Fire Brigade Control and Incident Command (2)
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
The new Fire Survival Guidance (FSG), High Rise and Evacuation and Rescue policies demonstrate London Fire Brigade’s commitment to promoting and joining up all the elements of operational response. The FSG policy in particular has been a joint endeavour between the Control and Mobilising, and Operational Policy and Assurance teams to ensure it delivers the integrated approach required to bring incidents to a safe resolution. Joint training, exercising and facilities will foster more integrated working relationships and deliver an even better service to London.
Question No: 2021/1127
Andrew Dismore
The recent HMICFRS report recommended that the brigade should establish effective assurance processes in order to evidence improvement in operational practice. How are assurance processes being developed in order to meet this recommendation?
Assurance processes
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
London Fire Brigade (LFB) is in the process of developing and implementing a Business Assurance Framework (BAF), aligned to the three lines of defence model advocated by HM Treasury. A new approach to risk management provides the foundation for the BAF, which focusses on providing assurance that risks to LFB’s priorities and objectives are being managed effectively. The BAF will enable risks to the Transformation Delivery Plan, Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 1 recommendations and Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) actions to be more effectively recorded in departmental risk registers and escalated to Directorate level or Corporate level risk registers, if necessary. MOPAC and the Audit Committee established by the Commissioner in 2020 to provide further oversight of LFB’s work’. are providing support to develop and implement the BAF model. The new risk management framework will be in place for the start of Q1, 2021/22 with the BAF model going live from Q2, 2021/22.
Response to Recent HMICFRS report
Question No: 2021/1128
Andrew Dismore
What is your response to the recent HMICFRS inspection of the London Fire Brigade’s progress to implement the recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s Phase 1 report?
Response to Recent HMICFRS report
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
The Phase 1 report highlighted some serious issues for London Fire Brigade, for fire and rescue services more generally, and the failings in the building itself. The findings from the report published by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate for Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) in February reflected the good progress made by London Brigade, noting that there has been “a sustained focus and effort on understanding the lessons from the fire and acting where the inquiry recommended it should.” The Inspectorate was also clear that there is still work for the Brigade to do. Since the HMICFRS inspection on progress was carried out last year, the Brigade has completed two more of the recommendations and the majority of those due for completion by the end of March 2021 remain on track. I remain committed to working with the London Fire Commissioner to ensure the recommendations are implemented as soon as possible.
Question No: 2021/1129
Andrew Dismore
Is the London Fire Brigade on track to complete all of the 17 recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s Phase 1 report it has promised by March 2021?
GTI phase 1 recommendations
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
London Fire Brigade expects that 17 of the 29 recommendations (59 per cent) will be completed by the end of March 2021, and 19 by the end of June 2021 (66 per cent).
My monthly report detailing progress against the recommendations can be found here: https://www.london.gov.uk/about-us/mayor-london/grenfell-tower-inquiry-mayoral-updates
London Fire Brigade ‘camp out’ bases
Question No: 2021/1130
Andrew Dismore
What is the present policy about and availability of ‘camp out’ bases for London Fire Brigade officers who live outside London, when on call or on duty?
London Fire Brigade ‘camp out’ bases
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
London Fire Brigade’s (LFB) central rota group is responsible for the overarching view of the six campout bases within the LFB estate. This is managed by a rota manager who allocates campout rooms according to an officer’s working location, room availability and the Brigade cover map to ensure that staff are within attendance times. At the present time, LFB has availability to provide campout bases to officers that live outside of the London response area when on call in order to provide operational cover.
Question No: 2021/1131
Andrew Dismore
The Fire, Resilience and Emergency Planning Committee’s report ‘Cladding crisis and its impact on Londoners’ recommended you provide a hub for London leaseholders and residents affected by cladding and fire safety issues to access legal advice and mental health support. In your response you said that the Homes for Londoners Board has called on the Government to review the role and remit of LEASE, that exists to support leaseholders with fire safety issues, and that you will continue to support leaseholders and residents impacted by the building safety crisis and lobby Government for essential change. Does this include the provision of a hub for London leaseholders and residents as recommended in the report?
Hub for London’s Leaseholders
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
I have called for the Government to review the role and remit of LEASE for leaseholders in unsafe buildings. Leaseholders must have access to the necessary support and legal advice they need at this distressing time. I would expect the review to draw out the exact form that LEASE should take in order to deliver this.
Waking Watches in London’s Boroughs
Question No: 2021/1132
Andrew Dismore
Please provide a borough-by-borough breakdown of the number of buildings operating waking watches in London. Please also breakdown the numbers for buildings over 18m and under 18m in each borough.
Waking Watches in London’s Boroughs
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
London Fire Brigade (LFB) collects data for buildings with a temporary suspension of ‘stay put’ where an interim simultaneous evacuation strategy has been put in place. Residential buildings operating a waking watch or evacuation management system could be in the form of personnel on site or a remote monitoring system, to be determined by the Responsible Person with guidance from a competent fire safety professional. The figures can change on a daily basis when interim measures are required, or the building is remediated and no longer requires the interim measures. The number of buildings where an interim simultaneous evacuation strategy has been put in place, as at 14 March 2021, are presented by borough and by height in the table below.
| Local Authority | Total blocks | Over 18 metres | Under 18 metres |
| Barking and Dagenham | 17 | 14 | 3 |
| Barnet | 12 | 9 | 3 |
| Bexley | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Brent | 41 | 29 | 12 |
| Bromley | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Camden | 23 | 20 | 3 |
| City of London | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Croydon | 30 | 19 | 11 |
| Ealing | 15 | 11 | 4 |
| Enfield | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Greenwich | 61 | 55 | 6 |
| Hackney | 60 | 50 | 10 |
| Hammersmith and Fulham | 10 | 8 | 2 |
| Haringey | 13 | 7 | 6 |
| Harrow | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Havering | 8 | 8 | 0 |
| Hillingdon | 8 | 7 | 1 |
| Hounslow | 17 | 14 | 3 |
| Islington | 46 | 38 | 8 |
| Kensington and Chelsea | 14 | 9 | 5 |
| Kingston upon Thames | 4 | 4 | 0 |
| Lambeth | 26 | 18 | 8 |
| Lewisham | 32 | 28 | 4 |
| Merton | 4 | 3 | 1 |
| Newham | 33 | 30 | 3 |
| Redbridge | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Richmond | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Southwark | 60 | 49 | 11 |
| Sutton | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Tower Hamlets | 126 | 122 | 4 |
| Waltham Forest | 9 | 9 | 0 |
| Wandsworth | 30 | 29 | 1 |
| Westminster | 32 | 30 | 2 |
| Total | 750 | 635 | 115 |
Cladding Question Time for London
Question No: 2021/1133
Andrew Dismore
Manchester Cladiators held a ‘Cladding Question Time’ for leaseholders with invited panellists including the Minister for Building Safety. Will you commit to organising a similar cladding question time for the thousands of London leaseholders caught up in the cladding scandal in order to bring their concerns directly to Government?
Cladding Question Time for London
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
I am very grateful for the campaigning that leaseholders across the country have been doing since the tragedy at Grenfell. For the last three and half years, I have been supporting them by lobbying the Government for leaseholders to be protected from the costs of making their buildings safe.
I would be very supportive of campaigners in London holding a similar event. As you know, prior to the pandemic I was providing London leaseholders with a City Hall meeting room quarterly to allow them to organise. The Government must listen to the concerns of leaseholders and take decisive steps to ensure this crisis is resolved once and for all.
Question No: 2021/1134
Andrew Dismore
As the FBU reports on twitter: “At the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, The manufacturers of Grenfell’s flammable insulation, Kingspan, admitted to wrongly using a failed fire test to claim their products were safe. In 2013, ‘desktop assessments’ were introduced to prove products were safe to be installed on high-rise properties. But these ‘desktop assessments’ aren’t proper tests. They are only assessments that determine how safe a cladding system is *if* tested. Kingspan went onto use an insulation system that had **FAILED** a fire test to produce **29** of these ‘desktop assessments’.
The failed fire test was carried out by the once public Building Research Establishment (BRE), the industry regulator that became a profit-seeking private entity in 1997. Video evidence showed flames spread over the 8-metre rig in 43 minutes, a failed result. But, after receiving a complaint from Kingspan, the BRE issued a report which did not make clear the test had failed. This report was used by Kingspan as the basis for 29 ‘desktop assessments’ instead, allowing the company to mislead clients on the safety of its product.”
If the inquiry finds that this is an accurate interpretation of what Kingspan did, and how the BRE operates, does this not indicate that the industry regulator is not fit for purpose and should be replaced? Does it also show the folly of privatising regulators?
Grenfell Tower Inquiry [1]
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
Evidence heard at the Grenfell Tower Inquiry so far has indeed brought into question the robustness of testing and governance measures in place at BRE. It is clear that wholesale change is needed. Ahead of the Inquiry findings and recommendations on this point, I believe all options should remain on the table, including steps by Government to ensure BRE has a clearer public interest role in enhancing building safety.
I have long called for the need for a more effective specification and testing regime for construction products with complete transparency allowing test results to be readily accessible by the public.
Question No: 2021/1135
Andrew Dismore
Does there need to be a review into all decisions made by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) into which materials are safe or not given the scandal over approval of flammable insulation? Do you have faith in the approvals granted by the BRE, and if not do you believe it is time to re-establish a public regulator?
Grenfell Tower Inquiry [2]
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
Please see my response to Question 2020/1134.
Question No: 2021/1136
Andrew Dismore
What are your views about the utility of and introduction of ‘vaccine passports’?
Vaccine passports
The Mayor
Last updated: 20 March, 2021
The government is currently reviewing whether COVID-status certification could play a role in reopening the economy, reducing restrictions on social contact and improving safety. They are considering the role of both testing and vaccination in any certification process. They have now launched a consultation to hear views on any potential scheme.
We still don’t have comprehensive peer-reviewed data to say how much the vaccine reduces transmission, and therefore it is hard to fully understand the utility of a vaccine passport. There are also outstanding issues around verifying whether a person has had a vaccine, and the risk of potential discrimination that will need to be addressed.
I now await the outcome of the government review of the use of these COVID-status certificates.
In the meantime we continue to put all our efforts into ensuring the vaccine roll out is as effective as possible and encouraging all Londoners to take up the offer when it is their turn.
