Fortieth Mayor's Report to the Assembly

This is my fortieth report to the Assembly, fulfilling my duty under Section 45 of the Greater London Authority Act 1999. It covers the period from 12 February - 17 March 2004.

Madrid Terrorist Attack
Vigilance Campaign
Transport
London Development Agency
Creative Industries
Case for London
Events
GLA Budget 2004/05
London Plan
Housing
Policing and Community Safety
International Relations
Environment
Trafalgar Square
Equalities
Children and Young People
Planning and Development Control
Borough Visit
GLA Organisation
City Hall
Key Engagements

Madrid Terrorist Attack

On behalf of the people of London, I wrote to the Mayor of Madrid, Mr Alberto Ruiz-Gallardón, on 11 March to offer London's deepest sympathies following the bomb explosions in the city earlier in the day. I expressed my profound shock at the tragic events and sent sincere condolences from all Londoners to those affected by the events; the survivors and families of the victims and more generally to the people of Madrid and the rest of Spain. The outrage at these terrible attacks, which has been expressed throughout the world, is felt strongly here in London.

In my letter I offered any assistance that can be provided via the London Resilience Partnership, which is in charge of co-ordinating our own response to any catastrophic incident.

In remembrance of those killed in these terrible events, three minutes silence was observed on Monday 15 March at 11am in City Hall and across much of London.

In the wake of these tragic events, I have stressed that we will do everything possible to make certain we minimise the chance of a terrorist attack in London. Over recent years we have put in place extra capability to deal with this and the Police Commissioner has had the added benefit that after years of declining police numbers, they now have substantially increased. I would dread to think how we would have coped with the present demands if we had not got the number up to 30,000.
London is the safest great world city there is. My message to Londoners is, carry on going about your normal lives and not to let the terrorists win by not going out and enjoying yourself.

Vigilance Campaign

On 15 March, new posters from the police on London Underground, reminding passengers to be vigilant against the threat from terrorism and to encourage them to question "Who owns this bag" about any unattended item they may see.

The initiative is a joint operation including London Underground, the British Transport Police (BTP) and the Metropolitan and the City of London Police.

The posters on the Underground are also accompanied by an increase in patrols by the BTP including for the first time deploying plain clothes counter-terrorist patrols to key locations on the Tube.

The renewal of the calls for public vigilance and the increased police activity are not the result of any specific threat to the London Underground or rail system nor is there any intelligence that an attack is imminent. Nevertheless, as the recent atrocities in Madrid have tragically shown, the threat from international terrorism remains very real and any precautions that can be taken should be welcomed.

London is on a high level of alert and some potential terrorist targets, including the Tube, are now much less attractive because of the enhanced security measures put in place.

Transport

Congestion Charging

Tuesday 17 February saw the first anniversary of Central London Congestion Charging scheme that has, despite many predictions to the contrary, proved to be a real success in freeing up the centre of London from congestion.

There are now fewer vehicles in the zone which when combined with improved bus services and faster, more reliable vehicle journeys, make London a far better place to work, live and visit. The obvious benefits that the scheme has brought to London means that nearly three-quarters of Londoners now indicate support for the scheme.

On the anniversary of the introduction of the scheme TfL published the report, Congestion Charging: Update on scheme impacts and operations, outlining the success of the scheme and its effects on business. These latest figures show that traffic delays inside the charging zone remain 30% lower than before charging was introduced and estimates of year-on-year changes in traffic levels during charging hours show a reduction of 18% in traffic entering the zone during charging hours.

In addition, buses continue to experience significant gains in reliability in and around the charging zone and there has been a year-on-year increase of 29,000 bus passengers entering the zone during the morning peak period, for which sufficient additional public transport capacity has been provided.

New figures out this month clearly showed the positive effects of improving the buses and introducing charging with the news that London is way ahead of many European cities when it comes to residents choosing to travel by public transport. The figures show that between 1999 and 2003 public transport's mode share in London increased by 4% and travel by car has fallen by up to 4% or 400,000 trips.

Public consultation is now well underway on the proposed Western Extension of the charging zone which will bring congestion relief to the Boroughs of Westminster and Kensington and Chelsea.

TfL Credit Rating

I have welcomed the decision by credit agency Standard and Poor to award TfL an AA/Stable credit rating and said the stable outlook reflects "the improved political relationship between the Mayor of London and TfL and the Government."

I have adopted the principle that the job of the Mayor is to put London first at all times, which has meant working to get a better deal for London, including with the Government. This new credit assessment demonstrates that this policy is bearing fruit.

Putting London first means working with the Government to improve Londoners' lives. We have seen several examples of that policy lately, including Government participation in the Crystal Palace deal, Government backing for the Thames Gateway Bridge and Government support for the extension of the DLR to North Woolwich. This credit rating reflects the fact that central and London Government are working well together for the benefit of all Londoners.

TfL Borrowing

I have agreed that the Assembly and Transport for London be consulted on a proposed authorised borrowing limit for Transport for London that provides for up to £400million of direct borrowing in 2004/05 to finance capital expenditure of that amount.

This follows consultation with the London Assembly and TfL concerning part of the Capital Spending Plan in an authorised limit for external debt that did not assume the use of direct borrowing. During this consultation, the potential for use of direct borrowing was being explored and the ODPM were provided with a capital forecast return that assumed external financing was used for all appropriate capital works. The return therefore included £400m of direct borrowing in 2004/05.

After consideration of the capital forecast from all local authorities, including the TfL proposals, the ODPM has now announced that national economic interests do not demand the setting of a cap on local government borrowing for 2004/05. Therefore consultation on an authorised limit for TfL that includes the use of direct borrowing can now take place.

Northern Line

7 March saw the return of a full and integrated Northern Line Tube service. The Northern Line had been serving all Tube stations since very soon after the Camden Town derailment on 11 October but had been operating a 'split' service, with all Edgware trains travelling to Morden going via Bank and all High Barnet trains via Charing Cross. Passengers had to change at Camden Town or Euston.

I would like to thank Underground staff for a smooth reintroduction of the Northern line service on 7 March and for their work in keeping passengers informed throughout this time.

Suspension of Tube Dispute

I was pleased to see that the strike action scheduled to take place on the London Underground on 12 March was suspended by the RMT while the cases of unfair dismissal of the staff are taken to an employment tribunal. All Londoners will welcome this decision. There were clearly flaws in the disciplinary process in this case and I will be suggesting that Metronet invite ACAS to conduct a review of Metronet's disciplinary process.

DLR Woolwich Extension

On 26 February Tony McNulty MP, Minister for Transport, announced Department for Transport approval of the submission under the Transport and Works Act for the extension of the Docklands Light Railway to Woolwich Arsenal. This extension has always had my support and is one of the first schemes DLR was asked to progress in my Transport Strategy.

It is excellent news that plans can now be taken forward to secure delivery of this scheme. A DLR extension to Woolwich Arsenal would link Woolwich with the employment hub of the Docklands and would be a huge step forward in the continuing regeneration of south London and the Thames Gateway.

This £145 million 2.5km project will be a continuation of DLR's extension to London City Airport which is currently under construction from its eastern terminus at King George V at North Woolwich. It will involve the construction of bored tunnels under the Thames and a new DLR station at Woolwich Arsenal which will provide an interchange with main line rail services and other public transport routes.

The extension to King George V via London City Airport is due to be completed by the end of 2005 and the new extension will offer direct services between Woolwich and London City Airport - in just four minutes, and to Canary Wharf and the City.

It is expected that the extension of the DLR to Woolwich will have a major effect on the regeneration of Woolwich town centre and the Royal Arsenal site through improved accessibility and connections to Docklands.

DLR has also started the process of selecting a concessionaire to design, build and maintain the extension. The current programme assumes that construction will begin in mid-2005 and be completed by the end of 2008.

Local Implementation Plan Guidance: Draft for Consultation

I have approved the LIP Guidance: Draft for Consultation and the proposed targets for implementation of the Transport Strategy for the purpose of consultation with the London Boroughs and other stakeholders. Once finalised the guidance will fulfil the policy in my Transport Strategy which states that I will issue guidance to the London Boroughs setting out detailed requirements for their LIPs in order to ensure a co-ordinated and consistent approach between boroughs.

I approved the delegation to Transport for London of the arrangements for preparing this guidance. The consultation will last for two months from 1 March.

Barnet Council cycling policy

On 27 February I reiterated my condemnation of Barnet Council's policies on cycling for putting road users and pedestrians at risk. The Council has recently cut its funding of cycle training for school children, failed to spend its £120k allocation from Transport for London for the London Cycle Network in 2003/04, has not bid for any funding in 2004/05, and has started to abolish cycle lanes on the borough's roads. This approach is breathtaking given the risks to children cycling on our streets.

Barnet's recent record on cycling is of concern - both to myself and TfL and to cycling organisations. Indeed I note the verdict of the National Cycling Strategy Board, which is chaired by former transport minister Steve Norris, which found that Barnet now gives cycling a low priority. The NCSB report says: "Barnet has recently made a council decision to list priorities and cycling is low on that list. The borough has no targets, does no monitoring of its own, has little staff resources, and gives cycling low priority. There is not a general feeling of support for cycling…in recent years there has in fact been little progress on the ground."

I have also noted that Barnet Council has been criticised in an independent report from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, saying: 'If RoSPA produced a report that was critical of my administration I am sure that my critics would expect me to take action.' I stand by my view that Barnet Council must put cycle training for children back up its list of priorities.

Walking Plan

Earlier this month I launched London's Walking Plan, Making London a Walkable City to ensure the Capital becomes one of the world's most walking-friendly cities by 2015.

The Walking Plan aims to encourage more people to walk short journeys and make trips over longer distances by a combination of walking and public transport. The short-term target is to halt the decline in the number of journeys made on foot.

In the long-term, I want to see an increase in the number of walking trips of under 2 miles by 10% on existing levels and increase the average number of trips made on foot per person per year by 10%. London should be seen, over the next few years, as a great place to walk and an easy city to walk in.

London Lorry Control Scheme

I have approved the levels of penalty charges for contravention of the London Lorry Control Scheme charges in accordance with section 74 (5) of the Road Traffic Act 1991 as applied by section 4(12) of the London Local Authorities and TfL Act 2003 to be £100 for drivers and £500 for operators

I have approved the proposed commencement date of 1 April or as soon as possible thereafter for the introduction of the new enforcement procedures for the Scheme and to make an application for the Secretary of State to allow a period of less than one month between notification to him of the approval of the penalty charges in respect of the scheme and their entry into force.

I have determined that the ALG shall publish the approved penalty charge levels in the Evening Standard and London Gazette and in particular to allow a reduction in the three-week period normally required advertising the change in the London Lorry Control Scheme to a minimum of one week.

London Development Agency

Crystal Palace

On 24 February it was confirmed that the 2004 Grand Prix athletics will stay at Crystal Palace as details of a deal which will enable the National Sports Centre at Crystal Palace to stay open pending a major overhaul were announced as part of an agreement between myself, Richard Caborn MP, the Minister for Sport, LDA, the London Borough of Bromley, and Sport England.

Under the terms of the agreement Sport England will take a further two year lease of the Crystal Palace Sports Centre, so that the centre can remain open whilst the LDA draw up detailed plans for a redeveloped or replacement sports centre. This will allow work to start on resurfacing the track at Crystal Palace stadium to bring the facility up to the necessary standards for hosting the Grand Prix in the summer. The LDA will take over the lease of the National Sports centre in two years' time and has also taken an option to take over the running of the Park within five years.

The LDA will immediately start working with local groups and stakeholders to produce plans for an enhanced sports centre and Park.

This is great news for sport in London, and great news for the area. We now have an opportunity to turn the run-down and under-used stadium, sports centre and park into a new heart for South London.

The deal also means that the Grand Prix athletics event will now go ahead at Crystal Palace this summer, which is good news for London's Olympic bid. I was delighted to announce that we will once again support the UK's premier athletics event, which with its famously electric atmosphere makes an excellent advert for London.

MIPIM

On 9-10 March I attended MIPIM 2004 to set out the case for London as a major global business destination.

During a busy two day programme at the world's leading property show, I promoted London to top international developers and decision makers, with the specific purpose of attracting new investment into the capital and enhancing London's status as a world city. My main focus this year was on development opportunities in London's target regeneration areas, particularly in east London where the LDA owns a number of major sites. I also promoted a range of big business opportunities for London such as the work started recently to look at the case for an International Convention Centre in the capital.

For the first time at MIPIM, London's Stand has been unified under the capital's newly established umbrella signature: Londonunlimited. This powerful new promotional approach is designed to capture the dynamism and diversity of the UK capital. Working together to tell London's story under the banner of Londonunlimited is Team London, the new public/private sector partnership dedicated to improving London's international promotion as a place to invest in, visit, study in, locate to or trade with.

Exclusively for MIPIM 2004, the London Stand includes a new East London area featuring an impressive scale model of the area to represent what is the largest regeneration opportunity in Europe. It highlights Royal Docks, the Lower Lea Valley, Greenwich Peninsula and other London Thames Gateway sites. Other landmark developments across London will also be showcased on the London stand including Wembley National Stadium, Paddington, Canary Wharf, Elephant & Castle and Battersea Power Station.

London Aggregation Body

I have agreed to grant the LDA consent to set up a company in the form of a Limited Liability Partnership for the London Aggregation Body to procure broadband telecommunications products and services for public sector bodies in order to gain economies of scale, amass market intelligence and influence the availability of broadband telecommunications to wider benefit.

I have approved the constitution of the London Aggregation Body Limited Liability Partnership and agreed that the GLA should be a founding member of this Partnership. I have also agreed to execute the formal application by the GLA to become a member of the Partnership including making any financial contribution required in respect of the guarantee (limited in normal circumstances to one pound).

I have confirmed Val Shawcross AM as agent for the GLA on the Partnership, through her position as Chair of LondonConnects and in order to ensure a strong involvement of the GLA's LondonConnects partners in the Regional Aggregation Body.

International Convention Centre Commission

Business leader Gerry Acher has been confirmed as Chair of the new Commission tasked with deciding whether London needs a world-class convention centre. At present, London cannot compete with other European cities like Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam, Madrid, Vienna and Barcelona in the major international convention centre market. The international market for hosting large conferences is worth more than £100 billion a year and growing fast but the capital does not have a venue that can cater for a meeting of five thousand or more at a time.

A major convention centre could bring enormous benefits to the capital. We know business visitors who come to London do not just sit in meetings during their visits. They already boost the economy by an incredible £3bn a year and combine business with leisure, often with their families, both in London and in other parts of the country.

The Mayoral Commission is an independent body, set up by the London Development Agency, to take evidence on this major issue and provide a report and recommendations to me for my deliberation. It will look at the arguments surrounding the possibility of London having its own International Convention Centre. It will look to see if there is a market for a new centre, or whether there are existing alternatives in London that could be developed and, if the case is made, to make recommendations on location, funding and timings.

LDA Annual Report 2003/04

I have approved the delegation of the publication of the LDA's 2003/04 Annual Report to the LDA, and have directed that the report shall contain specific information in respect of equalities and how the cross-cutting issues of health and sustainability have been addressed by the LDA since the last report.

This information is in line with the detail expected of the Secretary of State for the other Regional Development Agencies and has been outlined as a checklist which serves as statutory guidance.

Business Improvement Districts

A press briefing was held at the LDA ahead of a conference about Business Improvement Districts, which are seen as an innovative new way of regenerating urban areas. Later this year businesses in several parts of London will vote on whether they want to form a BID and pay a levy to fund street wardens, extra cleaning services or other improvements to their area. The LDA is providing £4.6m to fund pilot BIDs in several parts of London including Piccadilly Circus, Holborn, the West End, Waterloo and Paddington.

Design for Biodiversity

Honor Chapman, Chair of the LDA and I launched the Design for Biodiversity, a guide produced jointly by LDA, GLA and English Nature. The guide aims to help planners and property developers to achieve best practice in their work and comply with biodiversity legislation.

Two-thirds of London is made up of green space and water, which makes London one of the greenest cities in the world and I want to keep it that way. I welcome this new brochure as an important way of highlighting how we can achieve development with no net loss of wildlife sites in London.

Black & Ethnic Minority Enterprise Day

The LDA sponsored the first Black and Ethnic Minority Enterprise Day (BEMED) held in North London, entitled How to Make it in Business. The event was aimed at entrepreneurs who live or have their businesses located in the London boroughs of Waltham Forest, Enfield, Haringey and Barnet and focused on the key drivers that influence business.

LDA staff spoke about the importance of ethnic business to London's economy during the event, which attracted around 350 delegates.

Economic Development Strategy Consultation

The first regional consultation event was held in Fairfield Halls, South London on 25 February and was attended by 78 delegates. Local experts led the workshops with help from LDA staff. The event was Chaired by Cllr Ian Payne, Member for Economic Development, LB of Croydon and the welcome introduction given by LDA Director Claudette Forbes.

Further EDS consultation meetings will be held throughout March and April.

Appointment of Board Member

I have appointed John Biggs to the Board of the London Development Agency Board with effect from 1 March 2004.

John has experience in matters relating to the LDA including serving as Director of the London Riverside Regeneration Board, Director of the Centre of Engineering and Manufacturing Excellence and the vice-chair of the Tower Hamlets Housing Action Trust.

I have consulted the ALG Leaders Committee, the London Business Board and the Economic and Social Development Committee of the London Assembly, all of whom have approved the appointment.

Regional Skills Partnership

I have noted the LDA's proposal for the creation of a London Regional Skills Partnership and the timetable for implementing new structural arrangements. I have agreed that LDA should be approached regarding GLA's representation on the Regional Skills Partnership's Executive Implementation Group.

African-Caribbean Business Network Dinner

The first annual London African Caribbean Entrepreneurs (LACE) Awards ceremony took place on 3 March to celebrate the African-Caribbean community's contribution to London's economy. Sponsored by the LDA, the African-Caribbean Business Network (ACBN) recognised the outstanding achievements of African-Caribbean owned small businesses in the capital.

The LDA awarded £300,000 funding to the ACBN to help expand its services across London. It is also working closely with the ACBN to help it achieve its aim to support around 5000 African-Caribbean businesses by 2006.

Land at Wembley High Road/South Way, Wembley

I have agreed to grant consent to the use of compulsory acquisition powers by the LDA in relation to land at Wembley High Road/ South Way, Wembley

The order will be made because in order to maximise the regeneration benefits to Wembley Town Centre and the wider area, it is important to provide direct access to the new National Stadium from Wembley Town Centre to provide a direct visual link from the town centre towards the stadium and to connect the main nodes of existing and proposed activity. With a view to achieving these objectives, the LDA intends to acquire the order land and to provide a new bridge and pedestrian access between South Way and Wembley High Road.

Creative Industries

Arts Council Funding

I welcomed the news on 4 March of new awards by Arts Council England to help fund arts organisations around the country. £19 million has been awarded to a range of projects across the capital, out of a total of just over £61 million.

London's creative and cultural sector is one of the most innovative and fastest growing, which makes a major contribution to the economy and attracts people from around the world, bringing benefits to the country as a whole. These awards show a commitment to creative diversity in the arts, with the selected organisations involved in activities aimed at engaging young people and London's different communities.

It is essential that funding continues to be found to ensure London's many communities are able to participate in London's vibrant cultural life and contribute to its continuing creative dynamism.

The organisations that will receive awards include the Rich Mix centre and Talawa Theatre Company to which I have previously given my support. They will receive £5 million and £2.2 million respectively. The other London organisations to benefit are: ACME Studios (£2 million); Carnival Village (£1.5 million); Circus Space (£1 million); Graeae theatre company (£1,788,800); Whitechapel Art Gallery (£500,000); and the Young Vic (£5 million).

It is great news for internationally renowned organisations like the Young Vic and the Whitechapel, but the inclusion of Black and Asian organisations like the Rich Mix centre and Talawa Arts, and the disabled theatre company Graeae, is a great step forward. The new Arts Council awards also recognise the need to support cultural practitioners and I am pleased that Carnival Arts, ACME and Circus Space will be able to develop further.

The Arts Capital Awards are funded by the National Lottery, with the aim of supporting a wide range of activities throughout the UK, including upgrading existing buildings, building new facilities and enhancing organisational structures.

Get London Reading

On 23 February I gave my backing to the launch of "Get London Reading", a new campaign to promote reading, publishing and library use. Organised by Booktrust, the national charity for books and reading and sponsored by the Arts Council England began with a public signing event at Canary Wharf with authors who have written about London.

I hope Get London Reading will raise awareness of the range of literature that is out there and encourage people to read about their city. London has one of the greatest literary heritages of any city in the world. It provides the backdrop to an incredible array of stories and books that reflect our great city's history and diversity. It is home to some of our most well known writers, as well as some of the oldest and most renowned publishing houses. There are 200 public libraries scattered across the capital and we have the world-renowned British Library, which, as well as being a respected centre of learning, is a tourist attraction in its own right.

The three-week campaign, has been promoted through libraries, as well as independent and major bookshops across London. The campaign also had the backing of Transport for London and was promoted through a poster campaign in underground stations, on adverts in tube trains, on bus shelters and on Docklands Light Railway poster sites.

Case for London

Launch of Spending Review 2004

On 11 March Sir Robin Wales, Chair of the ALG and I jointly hosted a reception in the House of Commons to launch the Case for London in Parliament. We issued a joint statement setting out the arguments for further investment in our city as part of the Government's 2004 Spending Review.

The Case for London aims to secure more government funding for London. It demonstrates that greater investment in the capital is vital, because:

• London is a powerful driver of the UK economy and needs investment to reinforce and develop this role for the future
  
• London contributes £9-£15 billion to central government - significantly more than it receives in spending
  
• the capital has the highest poverty rate in England, and some of the worst housing, public health and homelessness in the UK
  
• London is set to grow by 800,000 people in the next 10 years, and this must be managed in a sustainable way.

Events

St Patrick's Day

The third St Patrick's Day Parade and Festival took place on Sunday 14 March. The festival was compered by Dermot O'Leary who joined Norah Casey, Chair of the St Patrick's Day Advisory Group and ran from noon until 6pm on the Southbank. I addressed the festival, alongside the TD Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism John O'Donoghue, at the official opening and balloon release following the parade from Hyde Park through central London to the Jubilee Gardens.

Highlights of the festival included performances from The Men They Couldn't Hang, Fame Academy's Sinéad Quinn, Damien Dempsey and Sharon Shannon. There were also exhibitions, an Irish Farmer's Market, food stalls, and children's activities.

During the parade, a larger than life St Patrick on stilts greeted the crowds whilst leprechauns took to the streets on unicycles. The musical procession of marching bands, include the acclaimed Metropolitan Police Service Brass Band and the historic Garda Band.

London's St Patrick's Day celebrations are a great day out for all the family and everyone is invited to join in the fun. This event marks the enormous contribution Irish communities have made to the capital - socially, economically and historically. I am delighted to support this event and I hope that our annual parade and festival will grow to rival the big international parades in cities across the world.

Prime Minister, Tony Blair and the Irish Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, Conservative Party Leader Michael Howard and Charles Kennedy, the Leader of the Liberal Democrats amongst many others, gave their backing to the third annual St Patrick's Day celebrations. I warmly welcomed their messages of support in encouraging Londoners and visitors alike to mark the date and to attend the events.

On Saturday 13 March I hosted a St Patrick's Day dinner and drinks evening reception at the Hilton Hotel Park Lane.

Capital Woman 2004

The fourth Capital Woman conference was held on Saturday 6 March at the QEII Centre. I addressed the conference and participated in a Q&A session. The opening plenary was addressed by Jenny Jones AM, Deputy Mayor of London, Mary Turner, GMB, Harriet Harman MP, Solicitor-General, Polly Toynbee, Journalist, Nandita Das, Actor, Diane Abbott MP and Julie Fernandes, Actor.

Capitalwoman is a forum for London's women to discuss and examine issues of strategic importance to London and shape their development. The conference also marks International Women's Day (8 March) where each year, women from around the world celebrate the struggle for equality, justice and peace. Over 2000 delegates attended the event this year.

At the event, the Tongues of Fire 2004 Asian Women's Film Festival was launched with a special screening of 'Bawander' (Sandstorm). The screening of the film at Capital Woman was designed to generate a positive impact on the Asian women and the creative industries in London.

Capital Woman highlights important subjects such as domestic violence, equality and discrimination that we are working hard to tackle in London. The future of this city depends on the fullest involvement of women in London's economic, cultural, social and political life. I was delighted to see women from all sections of London's diverse communities represented at the capitalwoman conference.

Pride Parade 2004

I have approved an allocation of £30,000 towards the 2004 Pride parade scheduled for 24 July 2004 from the 2004/05 Project Development Fund. The parade celebrates gays and lesbians and is one of many events taking place during Pride Month.

London/ Asia Event

I have approved the procurement, subject to the contribution of £20,000 from Visit London, of an event management company to provide production and organisation services to facilitate the holding of a cultural event in May 2004 as part of a series of events to promote and enhance economic and cultural links between London and Asia up to a maximum cost of £49,000. I have approved a contribution of £20,000 towards the cost of the event from the 2003/04 Private sector programme budget and a carry-forward of resources of £30,000 to 2004/05 to cover the cost of the event.

Monitoring of the world economy by GLA Economics indicates that against a background of global recovery the economies of Asian countries, particularly China, India and Japan are growing particularly rapidly. There is therefore a significant opportunity for the UK, and London, to attract inward investment from these countries. Therefore it is intended to conduct a major initiative aimed at marketing London to China and India during April and May. This will be co-ordinated with a wider marketing campaign that will be held during the spring by Visit London.

Indian Community Conference

I have agreed to host a London Indian Community Conference to debate and address issues affecting London's Indian Community. I have agreed to spend approximately £7,000 to fund the costs of this event from the 2003/04 Project Development Fund.

The conference will bring together key groups and organisations to discuss and debate issues affecting London's Indian community across a range of sectors including voluntary, business, arts and culture. The conference will aim to provide a forum for members of London's Indian community to raise and discuss their concerns with policy makers and those who deliver public services in London. I have agreed to provide the opportunity to highlight the contribution made by Indian people to London.

The conference will attempt to identify issues that can be addressed by the GLA through wither my policies and strategies or by championing the concerns of the Indian community to Government and service providers.

People's Question Time

The eighth People's Question Time took place on 17 March at the Mermaid Theatre in Blackfriars. The event was attended by over 500 Londoners.

This was the last opportunity this term for Londoners to come and question myself and Assembly Members at a People's Question Time event. PQT has provided a chance for Londoners to raise their concerns about life in the capital and it is crucial that Londoners are involved in the running of our city and I am glad that so many took up the invitation to come along and have their say.

Questions were submitted in advance and taken from the floor on the night and issues covered included transport, policing and housing.

Engagement with Students

I have approved a programme of strategic engagement with students in London in 2003/04.
I have given retrospective approval to maintain a stand at the NUS national conference 2004 at a total cost of £2,000 as part of my programme of strategic engagement with students in London for the year 2003/04. I have also approved the design and publication of three editions of my student newsletter (Student Londoner) at a total cost of £4000 as part of the Mayor's programme of strategic engagement with students in London for the year 2003/04.

I have also agreed to organise a fringe meeting jointly with the Student Assembly Against Racism (SAAR) at a total cost of £1,000 at the NUS national conference 2004 on 30 March.

GLA Budget 2004/05

GLA Consolidated Budget

On 18 February I set my 2004/2005 budget, which will provide funding for a new neighbourhood policing initiative. The new scheme, which will be rolled out from April, will see dedicated teams of officers based in communities across London.

The budget, which was passed without amendment by the London Assembly, will see the Greater London Authority precept increase by 33p per week (average Band D). The extra precept will provide funding for the policing scheme to be rolled out to three neighbourhoods per borough over the next year. Each team will be made up of six officers including three PCSOs who will be permanently based in the neighbourhood and will not be available to be deployed for other duties.

In addition, the extra funds will pay for 200 extra firefighters to build on the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority's capacity to respond to a catastrophic incident in London. The budget will also pay for an extra 100 British Transport Police who will be based on the London Underground, DLR and at key transport interchanges.

The budget will provide extra police officers for a modest increase in the police budget. For an extra 33p a week Londoners will start to see dedicated teams of officers based permanently in neighbourhoods across London. I am sure that this return to beat policing will have a major impact on both crime and fear of crime over the next few years and will make London's communities genuine no-go areas for criminals. Polls have shown overwhelming support amongst Londoners for these budget proposals.

The consolidated budget requirement of my budget for 2004/05 is £2,813million and this results in a Greater London Authority council tax precept for 2004/05 of £241.33 at Band D level. The 2003/04 average Band D bill in London is £1,057 and this means that the increase in the GLA council tax precept will add an average 1.6% to Band D council tax bills.

I have formally calculated the amount of council tax for the GLA, the tax for different valuation bands and the amount payable by each billing authority and agreed the issue of GLA precepts for 2004/05. Also I have approved the GLA leaflet for inclusion with London borough council tax bills for 2004/05.

Capital Spending Plan 2004/05

I have approved the Capital Spending Plan for 2004/05 for the GLA and Functional Bodies. The final plan follows consultation with the Assembly and each of the functional bodies and has been sent to the Secretary of State (ODPM) for information.

Review of 2004/05 Budget and Equalities Process

I have agreed the report into the 2004/05 Budget and Equalities process which will be considered by the Assembly's Budget Committee on 18 March.

The report is produced annually and summarises the results of the 2004/05 budget and equalities process in respect of the GLA group. This runs concurrently with the main budget process. The report provides an overview of the progress and main issues facing the GLA group as a whole as well as a detailed set of recommendations for each organisation within the GLA group.

The report addresses a wide range of equalities issues on both employment and service activities. It comments and makes recommendations on a wide range of topics including the appropriateness of organisational arrangements, equalities and budget training, the introduction of appropriate equalities based recruitment targets, equalities impact assessments and service targets.

This strategic approach taken by the GLA to budget and equalities activity across the GLA group was the subject of a Best Value Review "Equalities for All" which was inspected by the Audit Commission. Their conclusion was that our strategic framework for developing and implementing equalities across the GLA group is good with promising prospects for further improvement. The Commission's score of two stars is the highest given to date to any authority on equalities.

London Plan

Launch of the London Plan

On 10 February I launched the final version of my London Plan, the first planning and development strategy for London in a generation. The London Plan provides a framework for managing London's growing population, which is expected to increase by 800,000 in the next decade and a half.

It includes an extensive range of policies on transport, housing, employment and the environment that will set the statutory context for myself and the London boroughs in making planning decisions, and support sustainable growth and improved quality of life in the capital.
The publication of the London Plan has been welcomed by the Deputy Prime Minister, who was consulted on the document.

The London Plan addresses the greatest single challenge facing our city: how to accommodate growth in London's economy and population at the same time as creating a more open and equitable society and preserving and improving London's heritage and environment.

Following my election in 2000, I made housing for Londoners one of my key priorities. The London Plan includes a new house building target of thirty thousand new homes in London every year. Of these, half will have to be affordable, and all of them will be built to Lifetime Home standards so that they are flexible enough to adapt to people's changing needs.

I am absolutely delighted that these policies were endorsed by the extremely thorough consultation process and have now been agreed by Government.

These are policies that truly have the power to transform people's lives, bringing us closer to the aim of providing a decent home for every Londoner and will be especially important to tackling the needs of women, young people and older people in society and promoting a more inclusive society for all.

As well as launching the London Plan, I announced that I have already begun the most thorough review of land capacity ever to be undertaken in London so that we can be sure to achieve the targets I have set out and hope to raise our ambitions even higher in the future.

The London Plan outlines a coherent strategy for handling the pressures placed on the capital by the expanding population and increasing demands on housing and office space. Providing 30,000 new homes in London annually is one of the key targets, and detailed work has already started on identifying potential new housing sites.

Two separate consultation periods on the development of the London Plan brought in over 2,500 responses from individuals and organisations. The draft London Plan was also submitted to an 'Examination in Public' by a Government appointed Panel. The consultation process has resulted in strengthened policies, particularly on waste disposal and energy use, and a greater emphasis on the sub-regional development frameworks for Central, East, West, North and South London, which will bridge the gap between boroughs Unitary Development Plans and the London Plan, specifying where new jobs and homes can be accommodated and providing detailed guidelines on how London's suburbs and town centres can be revitalised.

Planning Bill amendment

I was dismayed to note the House of Lords amendment tabled by Sally Hamwee and passed by the House of Lords intending to deprive the London Plan of development plan (Section 54a) status until its first review. I believe this was a cynical attempt to scupper the effectiveness of London Plan and I fully expect it to be overturned by Government. The proposal to award development plan status to the London Plan was well known to boroughs before the EIP and boroughs were able to make full comments on the draft London Plan through that consultation process. I am however pleased to note that the existing status of the London Plan, as a significant material consideration within which borough local plans must be in 'general conformity' is unaffected by this would be wrecking amendment.

Thames Chase Community Forest

I have approved the contribution of £10,000 to Thames Chase Community Forest to carry out further work on a partnership study on improving the quality of and access to London's Green Belt to develop promotional material and digitized maps.

This is part of my commitment in the London Plan to work with partners to improve access to the countryside and the quality if the landscape in the urban fringe. A number of partners have come together to study the issues surrounding the protection and promotion of the open land in the Green Belt as part of London's network of open spaces.

Housing

Empty Homes Hotline 2004-06

I have approved that funding of £50,000 be made available to the Empty Homes Agency as a contribution towards running the London empty property hotline services. This funding serves as a continuation of my financial support for this project over the next two years.

In addition to increasing the supply of housing, returning empty homes to use also contributes to other strategic objectives such as regeneration of deprived areas, sustainable development and reduction of crime and anti-social behaviour.

Policing and Community Safety

Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy

I have agreed to support the development and publication of a joint anti-social behaviour strategy in partnership with GOL, ALG, MPA, BTP, TfL, Housing Corporation, LFEPA, Youth Justice Board and the City of London Police. I agreed that the draft strategy for consultation would be agreed by my Policy Director for Policing and Equalities and include activity that the GLA Group and regional organisations could pursue to address anti-social behaviour in the capital.

Asset Recovery Guidelines

On 24 February I welcomed new plans from the Home Office to allow a proportion of the assets seized from criminals to be redistributed back to police forces and can be used to increase public safety and awareness. It was also announced that multi-agency asset recovery teams, an initiative that was launched in the London last year, would now be seen across the UK.

I am pleased to see that London will now get a share of the assets that are recovered from criminal activities in the capital. I have lobbied for this measure for several years. I have been committed to ensuring that London gets back some of the money that police in London have worked so hard to recover. Through the Crime and Disorder Plus Group, I have been working with other agencies to put the case to the Government that the Met's record of recovering at least half of all the assets seized in England should be rewarded.

By returning a share of recovered assets back to the Metropolitan Police Service, there will now be more resources to assist communities whose lives have been blighted by criminal activities by investing in crime prevention initiatives which matter to Londoners, such as local anti-social behaviour strategies, women's safety and anti-gun measures.

International Relations

Mayor of Stockholm

On 25 February I met with Annika Bilstrom, the Mayor of Stockholm. We discussed congestion charging, as a charging scheme is due to be introduced in Stockholm in 2005 and also discussed sustainable development and the new London Plan.

European Social Forum

I have agreed that a feasibility study be carried out covering the logistical, financial and legal issues of hosting a European Social Forum in London and the potential implications for the GLA at an estimated cost of £25,000 in 2003/04.

I have agreed to waive the hire charge of Committee Rooms 1-5 in order to host a series of ESF meetings, including retrospective approval for meetings held in December and January.

Environment

Energy Strategy

On 2 March I launched my Energy Strategy for London and announced up to £15 million of funding to help Londoners reduce their energy consumption.

London currently uses more energy than the whole of Ireland and about the same amount as Greece or Portugal. My Energy Strategy for London aims to eliminate fuel poverty, reduce carbon emissions and improve security of energy supplies.

One of the aims of the strategy is to set up the London Energy Partnership to ensure that London gets its fair share of investment and expertise. A typical example of this is the £15 million 'Powergen HeatStreets London' scheme organised in conjunction with a leading energy supplier Powergen, which will improve energy efficiency in the home. Areas of London will be identified and homeowners will be offered advice on a street-by-street basis on how to save energy in their homes and at the same time reduce bills and make their homes warmer.

Homeowners will then be offered discounted energy efficiency measures which will be free for vulnerable householders. The funding of up to £15 million pledged by Powergen will have to be matched with funding from housing associations, local authorities and LDA regeneration budgets which would bring the total to £30 million.

Energy efficiency and fuel poverty are major concerns in London and have adverse effects on health and can damage local economies. This funding will enable those living with poor insulation and inefficient heating systems to save money and could reduce the number of deaths caused each winter by unacceptable indoor temperatures.

As a city of seven million people, London consumes an enormous amount of energy. We must work towards reducing emissions of carbon dioxide and generating renewable energy to ensure a sustainable future for London.

Ambient Noise Strategy

I have approved the final version of my Ambient Noise Strategy. The strategy focuses on Ambient Noise as defined as noise from transport and industry, but refers to other sources of noise. The strategy adopts a pragmatic approach to building the case for future action and sets out the practical steps needed for delivering tangible gains in London.

The key issues are securing a higher priority for noise management in transport, town planning and design. Key gains can come from:

• Better road surfaces, quieter vehicles, smoothing traffic and more exemplary public space projects
  
• Better noise management on buses, the underground and surface rail
  
• Better planning and design of new development, especially housing
  
• Taking opportunities in regeneration, liveability and other agendas to widen the constituency beyond noise abatement, for example exemplary acoustic design of the Olympic Village. This can include cultural work around the diversity of positive sounds Londoners can enjoy if annoying noise is reduced.

Biodiversity Strategy

As part of my work in leading the London Biodiversity Partnership's House Sparrow Action Plan, I hosted a national conference on the decline of the house sparrow in the London Living Room on 20th February. The conference heard of research findings on the reasons for the decline elsewhere in the UK and of plans for further research in London. At the conference DEFRA launched a leaflet outlining measures for people to take to help arrest the decline.

Areas of deficiency in access to nature have been defined in some 19 boroughs: Barking and Dagenham, Brent, Bromley, Camden, City of London, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith & Fulham, Haringey, Havering, Islington, Lambeth, Lewisham, Merton, Newham, Sutton, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest and Wandsworth. These provide a baseline for measuring one of my targets for biodiversity in London.

London Schools Environment Award

In February, William Patten Primary School in Hackney was awarded £300 for pupils' work to protect the environment. The school is one of 570 schools taking part in the London Schools Environment Awards, which I helped to set up to encourage children's sense of responsibility towards the environment.

As part of many green activities, pupils at William Patten successfully completed an environment-themed word search to win the cash prize for their school. They were also presented with copies of the book 'Pick it Up' which shows how children can help solve the problem of litter.

I was pleased to congratulate the William Patten Primary School for winning this competition. It is vitally important that the next generation of Londoners are aware of the importance of caring for our environment.

The main theme of the London Schools Environment Awards is litter but the awards also address the need to reduce, re-use and recycle waste and to save energy at home and at school. The awards encourage parents to cut the number of unnecessary car journeys and teach children about biodiversity and a variety of plants, animals and habitats.

Recycle for London

I have agreed in principle that the GLA should apply for further funding to continue to Recycle for London campaign in 2004/05 and 2005/06. Funding applications will be agreed with the Policy Director (Environment) and signed off by the Director of Finance and Performance. Applications will be made to the London Recycling Fund and/or the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP). The level of funding sought will be based on the Communications Strategy currently being developed. I have approved the GLA seeking match funding, either in cash or in kind, from appropriate industry and commercial organisations.

London Recycling Fund

I have acknowledged the further grant from the London Recycling Fund of £110,000 for the Recycle for London "Feedback" campaign. I have also noted the indicative project outline and expenditure and have agreed to delegate authority to my Policy Director (Environment) to approve the amended project expenditure within the approved allocation subject to the Authority's normal director approval process and approval by the London Recycling Fund.

This phase of the campaign focuses on advertising in local newspapers around London to inform Londoners about the increase in recycling services and activity across London.

I have approved the additional work to be undertaken in relation to the Recycle for London campaign up to a value of £110,000 and have approved the engagement of Pawson Media, the GLA framework media agency to procure advertising space to the value of £70, 000. I have noted that the remaining use of spend will support other elements of the Recycle for London campaign including temporary marketing co-ordinator, merchandise and an e-zine newsletter format.

Recycling Doorstepping Guidance Manual

I have agreed to appoint Waste Watch, ERM, The Recycling Consortium and partners to deliver a Doorstepping Guidance Manual improving awareness raising of waste and recycling issues by the London Boroughs at a cost of £13,100.

This strategy for awareness-raising is in its infancy and is undertaken using a variety of methodologies and there is no available best practise guidance about how to run a programme. This guidance will address a key concern which is the lack of best practise guidance to the boroughs in this field which will greatly assist in the development of future programmes.

I have agreed that the award of the contract is an exception top the Contracts Code and therefore three oral quotes do not need to be sought for the award of this contract.

Air Quality Strategy Implementation Projects

I have approved expenditure of up to £53, 000 on seven air quality strategy implementation projects from the 2003/04 environmental programme budget. I have approved the appointment of the Building Research Establishment and the Environment Research group at Kings College London, in order to ensure consistency, as the contractors for the specified work and in doing so waive the requirement of the Contracts Code of Practise.

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

I have approved the employment of a consultant to prepare information for planners and developers on energy efficiency and renewable energy as part of the Renewable Energy in London project and have agreed the revised budget for the overall programme.

The information and supporting research will inform Supplementary Planning Guidance to the London Plan. The work is expected to be completed in mid-June.

Litter Fairy Campaign

I have authorised the procurement of media spend to continue a public information advertising campaign to encourage people to stop dropping letter. I have approved the use of £55,000 of additional Treasury Management income to cover part of the cost of this project.

I have also approved a virement of £120,000 from Policy and Partnerships budgets subject to consultation with the Assembly's Budget Committee.

Climate Change and London's Transport Study

I have approved the procurement of consultants to carry out research on the impacts of climate change of London's transport systems.

This will support the work of the London Climate Change Partnership as information about Climate change and its long-term impacts is needed in order to plan development which takes account of the needs of future generations as well as the present population. This study will build on the earlier London's Warming study that I launched in November 2002 and considered impacts across all sectors.

I have also approved the procurement of printing services for the resulting research.

Trafalgar Square

Fourth Plinth Recommendation

The Fourth Plinth Commissioning Group has recommended two sculptures for installation on Trafalgar Square's fourth plinth: Marc Quinn's Alison Lapper Pregnant and Thomas Schütte's Hotel for the Birds. I made it clear to the group from the outset that I would accept their recommendation.

It is planned to install Quinn's work on the plinth in spring 2005. Schütte's sculpture will likely be installed by the summer of 2006. Each sculpture will remain on the plinth for between 12-18 months.

The decision to recommend two works for the fourth plinth marks a departure for the Commissioning Group, which had originally intended to recommend one work at this stage.
Marc Quinn's sculpture, to be constructed in white marble, takes a unique approach to the fourth plinth. Alison Lapper Pregnant celebrates the human spirit on a very large scale.

Since the proposals were unveiled in December 2003, several thousand people have shared their views on the works themselves and on the idea of having contemporary art on the fourth plinth. More than 10,000 submissions of comment were received through the official website for the Fourth Plinth Sculpture Commission or posted on cards at the National Gallery, where the proposals were displayed until 8 February.

While many respondents criticised the contrast between contemporary art and the architectural, cultural, political and historical associations of Trafalgar Square - the majority of respondents support the programme.

The Commissioning Group considered the public response to the works and assessed each work's artistic merit, technical feasibility and potential cost. In addition to feedback from the public, the Group assessed each work's artistic merit, practical feasibility and potential cost.

While preliminary estimates have been developed, final costs for each commission have not yet been determined. Funding for the project so far has come from the Greater London Authority and the Arts Council England. The majority of the funding for creating and installing the artworks will come from private sponsorship. Now that the works have been selected, the drive to recruit a primary sponsor for each work will begin.

Pigeons

I have noted the progress of the pigeon reduction strategy on Trafalgar Square over the past twelve months. I have noted and approved the proposed pigeon reduction strategy on Trafalgar Square for the forthcoming twelve months. I have agreed a waiver to the Contracts Code on grounds of compatibility for the extension of the Hawk contract.

World Squares for All: Parliament Square (Phase 3)

Parliament Square has all the potential of being both the focal and starting point for tourists in London, as well as a dignified setting for the historic buildings around it. Stakeholders such as Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and English Heritage are supportive of the feasibility work on the World Squares proposals. Additionally the World Squares for All Steering Group has discussed the best means of progressing with future phases and had agreed that a Feasibility Study would provide an opportunity to address key issues such as traffic management by revisiting the research and modelling previously undertaken.

The commissioning of a feasibility study will ensure that the World Squares for All Masterplan proposals beyond Trafalgar Square are considered in further detail and will support improvements already being made to public spaces in London through the 1000 public spaces Programme. The timing of the study will also indicate that in support of the LDA work in the tourism plan, the GLA is considering ways in which visitor needs may be addressed in central London, including the marketing of London as a UK gateway and planning for the 2012 Olympics.

I have agreed the commissioning of a feasibility study for Phase 3 of World Squares for All, following the first two phases involving Trafalgar Square and Whitehall, subject to funding being secured and a contribution not exceeding £30,000 from the GLA to cover this cost. I have also approved an additional contribution of £30,000 to the Squares Reserve as part of the closing of the 2003/04 accounts.

Equalities

Equalities and Human Rights Policy

I have agreed to set up working arrangements between the GLA and Uniting Britain Trust to commission research and develop proposals for a range of models for delivering equalities and human rights work in London. The work will serve to inform my position on and response to the national proposal on equalities, anti-discrimination and human rights policy.

I have approved that research be conducted and consultancy provided to work up detailed plans for London-wide models to respond to the new Commission for Equalities and Human Rights.
The Uniting Britain Trust is a voluntary organisation working on human rights issues. It has been closely involved in developing the thinking around the Government and European proposals for changes in equalities legislation and policy and the intention is to build on this work to ensure continuity.

I have approval the waiving of the contracts code to commission research from the Uniting Britain Trust at an estimated cost of £13,000.

Equalities Standard for Local Government - Level 3

I have noted that the GLA had achieved within the agreed timescale, Level 3 of the Equality Standard for Local Government and that this achievement had been independently verified.

Lesbian & Gay Switchboard 30th Anniversary

On 4 March I attended a reception to mark the 30th Anniversary of the London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard. At the event, I praised the work of Switchboard. For thirty years London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard has been a vital lifeline, providing a point of contact and information for lesbians and gay men nationally, as well as in the capital.

Switchboard, like many of London's lesbian and gay services, was set up by the community to fill gaps in mainstream service provision. This was at a time when there was no legal protection and often under serious financial constraints. Since then, whilst some progress has been made, there is still some way to go before full equality is achieved.

It can still be difficult for many lesbians and gay men to establish social networks and find support, especially outside metropolitan areas like the capital, so Switchboard's work continues to be essential. I congratulated Switchboard and its volunteers for the positive and valuable contribution it has made to the lives of lesbians and gay men over the past thirty years.

London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard is one of the longest running lesbian and gay services in operation in the UK. Since taking its first calls on 4 March 1974, it is estimated that they have received more than 1.5 million calls to date. In an average year volunteers respond to approximately 30,000 calls to their service.

Children and Young People

State of London's Children Report 2004

I have approved the awarding of a consultancy contract to commission research for the second State of London's Children report. I have also agreed to carry forward £16, 950 from the 2003/04 Children and Young People's Programme Budget to fund the element of the service that will fall into 2004/05.

The first State of London's Children report was published in 2001 by the Office of Children's Rights Commissioner for London and draws on qualitative and quantitative data from a wide range of sources to describe the position and circumstances of London's children. It provides a comprehensive overview of the well-being of London's children and is an important reference source and it also provides a baseline picture against which any future changes can be monitored and measured.

The second State of London's Children report will update the first and will provide a reference source. In addition it will provide an overview of changes and developments between 2001 and 2004 and be developed as a monitoring tool for evaluation of progress towards my Children and Young People's Strategy.

Children's Participation Audit and Database

I have approved the procurement of a consultant to carry out a children's participation audit for London and establish a database for the Children and Young People's Unit which will contain this information.

This work is necessary in order to take forward some of the key proposals of the Children and Young People's Strategy to assist the effective implementation of children's participation in London. In particular the need for co-ordinated approaches that draw on existing participation initiatives, structures, policies and examples of good practice, and also the need to foster inclusive strategies to encourage participation including children and young people irrespective of age and situation.

I have approved a carry-forward of £10, 999 from the 2003/04 consultancy budget within the Children and Young People's Unit to fund the element of the consultancy that will fall into 2004/05.

Children's Play Strategy Guide

I have approved a proposal to engage London Play to develop a Children's Play Strategy Guide for London.

The Play Strategy is a part of my Children and Young People's Strategy and will be developed by London Play together with the London boroughs, other play sector organisations and children and young people. It will comprise a play policy together with good practise guidance on developing play space strategies.

I have approved a waiver from the Contracts Code of Practice as the GLA wishes to engage an organisation "London Play" to develop the Children's Play Strategy Guide for London.
I have approved a reallocation of the Children and Young People's Programme Budget of a carry-forward of £15, 000 from the 2003/04 Children and Young People's Programme Budget to fund the element of the service that will fall into 2004/05.

Kids Swim Free

I have approved funding for a pilot Kids Swim Free project in the London boroughs of Newham, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Greenwich and Hackney during the school Easter holidays at an estimated net cost of £72,660. I have also approved the carry-forward of resources totalling £43,000 into 2004/05 to cover the costs of the scheme falling into that year. I have also approved the arrangements for the marketing, publicity and evaluation of the scheme.

250,000 children under the age of 16 will be eligible to receive the Kids Swim Free cards to enable them to gain free entry to local authority swimming pools. This scheme follows on from the pilot scheme held in Newham last year. It is intended that the scheme contribute to the local development and promotion of the Olympic 2012 bid.

Olympic Torch Relay Scheme for Schools

I have agreed to engage a Project Organiser to devise, co-ordinate and manage a schools banner-making and decoration project to be undertaken during the summer term 2004 and to be delivered at the Olympic Torch relay in London on Saturday 26 June. I have agreed that in closing the 2003/04 accounts, resources of £80,000 be identified and transferred to an earmarked reserve for use on this project in 2004/05.

School Places Admissions and Social Inclusion in London

I have approved the GLA's contribution of funding to an Audit Commission-led research project entitled "School Places, admissions and social inclusion in London". I have also approved a carry-forward of £10, 111 from the 2003/04 Children and Young People's Programme Budget to fund the element of the service that will fall into 2004/05.

The project aims to contribute a user-focused view of the admissions process in London's secondary schools with a particular focus on those pupils without a school place in September and those seeking mid-year admissions.

Young Refugees

I have agreed to publish my policy towards refugee children in London together with an agenda for action for the GLA and other partners in London.

Planning and Development Control

Planning Decisions (Stage Two Referrals)

I have sent letters in response to the following statutory referrals:

6-24 Southgate Road I have written to Hackney Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.

Ropemaker Place, Ropemaker Street I have written to Islington Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.

Acton High School, Gunnersbury Lane I have written to the Ealing Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.

Mecca Bingo Hall, Shepherd's Bush Green I have written to Hammersmith and Fulham Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.

Planning Decisions (Stage One Applications)

I have asked officers to send letters giving my comments about the following stage one referrals:

• New Providence Wharf, Blackwall Way
  
• Grahame Park Estate, Colindale
  
• Former RAF East Camp, Aerodrome Road, Hendon
  
• Bromley College, Bromley Common
  
• Scottish Widows Site, Kew Bridge Road
  
• Morden Park Sports Ground, London Road
  
• Flamingo Park Club/ Kemnal Manor Estate
  
• Tabard Square, Southwark
  
• Wimbledon FC
  
• St Anne's Care Home, West Wickham
  
• Rear of 1b Bath Road
  
• Lower Lea Valley Olympics and legacy planning applications

Informal reports

Officers have written to Merton Council in response to the following planning brief:

• Western Road/ Miles Road Planning Brief

Frameworks

Officers have written to Camden Council in response to the following framework consultation:

• Tottenham Court Road Station and St Giles High Street Area Planning Framework

Copies of my planning decisions and background reports are available on the GLA website.

Borough Visit

Visit to Brent and Harrow

On 3 March I visited the London Boroughs on Brent and Harrow. During the day I visited the construction site at Wembley where I met with the Chief Executive on Wembley National Stadium Ltd and discussed progress on the site. I then met with representatives of the Indian Business Community and the proposed site of the Asia centre development at Park Royal.

I also launched the Strengthening our Communities: Community Cohesion in West London report at an event at Harrow Civic Centre to an audience of community and voluntary sector representatives from the six West London boroughs, as well as local politicians and officers. I have agreed to support the West London Alliance in disseminating this publication to policy makers and opinion formers across the UK and have approved funding towards the printing and contribution to the costs of the launch of the publication.

GLA Organisation

Initial Performance Assessment

On 5 March, the self-assessment of the GLA's performance was published on the GLA website following an independent peer challenge. One of the major achievements highlighted by the independent challenge is that the GLA, "has been in providing a voice for London on a range of issues that hitherto there was no one body either dealing with or talking about ".

The review forms part of the Audit Commission's Initial Performance Assessment process which seeks to assess what difference the Greater London Authority has made to Londoners' lives. The Audit Commission's assessment will cover the Greater London Authority and the four Functional Bodies. Each organisation published its own self-assessment on 5 March and all were subject to an independent peer challenge.

The independent challenge of the GLA's self-assessment was provided by the Improvement and Development Agency for local government (IDeA) through a "peer challenge". Through the challenge the independent body found that the vast majority of people to whom they spoke were able to recognise real improvements on the ground as a result of the Authority's action. These included an increase in community policing, the introduction of the congestion charge, an increase in the number and efficiency of London's buses and the introduction of key new activities which celebrate the culture of some of London's minority communities.

The Greater London Authority has been established for just under four years but, as the independent body IDeA concludes, it has already established itself as a credible voice for London. It has also delivered for Londoners real improvements in a number of key areas. There are now more police on our streets than at anytime in the Met's history, traffic congestion in the central zone has been cut by 30% and there are now 1,000 extra buses carrying over one million extra passengers each week day.

The Authority has also been successful in building partnerships and working with other organisations including central and local government for the benefit of London. Today, London receives over £1.5 billion extra grant from the government compared to 2000 - just under £1 billion of this for transport improvements.

The IDeA peer challenge also found that -

• Progress has been made in building and clarifying relationships with the Functional Bodies.
  
• Progress has also been made in the liaison with the boroughs and the City of London.
  
• The GLA has also achieved progress in building strategic relationships and progressing a partnership approach to its work. Examples include The Thames Gateway London Partnership, the London Health Commission, the Greater London Alcohol and Drug Alliance and Refugee and Asylum seekers Community Safety Forum.
  
• As a strategic authority with long-term objectives the GLA has sought to achieve a balance between establishing long-term frameworks and shorter-term initiatives which will have an immediate impact on Londoners. For example, expanding the number of police, establishing the transport policing initiatives and introducing the central London congestion charge, increasing and improving bus services.
  
• Plans for the future should be focused on planning and improving strategy implementation through partnership and monitoring. Also the review/ revision of strategies in the light of circumstances and learning.

The Audit Commission assessment will take place in the summer. The Commission then aim to produce a report in November on the GLA and each of the functional bodies.

Framework Arrangement for Public Relations Services

I have approved the EU compliant procurement process to establish a GLA framework agreement for the award of contracts for public relations services. A framework arrangement will facilitate the procurement process to recruit agencies that can offer specialist PR support for a range of ad hoc GLA projects.

Records Management Policy

I have approved the GLA Records Management Policy as amended to include CDs and tape medium and noted that the Authority's filing and retention policies will be developed to ensure effective management, storage and disposal of records. This report was considered by the Assembly's Business Management and Appointments Committee on 17 March.

Performance Indicators

I have noted the statutory Best Value Performance Indicators (BVPIs) that the Authority is required to report on for 2004/05 and agreed the targets of the Best Value and local Performance Indicators for 2004/05. I have also noted the projected outcome on the Best Value and local Performance Indicators to be included in my 2004 Annual Report and in respect of the performance against the local Performance Indicators for responding to correspondence, I noted that correspondence levels had increased from an average of 1,266 per month in 2000/01 to an average of 4,663 per month in 2003/04.

GLA Resources for Children and Young People

I have approved the production of a resource for children and young people to explain to them what the GLA does and the impact it can have on their daily lives. I have authorised the budget of £900 from Consultation and Children and Young People's team and £32,000 from the Public Information budget which will be carried forward to 2004/05.

An electronic resource will also be developed that will provide teachers with the information that they need to teach children and young people more about the GLA in a relevant and interesting way.

Older People's Resource Facility

I have approved a formal agreement between the GLA and London Pension Fund Authority (LPFA) that the GLA takes up premises offered by the LPFA at Dexter House for the Older People's Resource Facility. This follows consideration by officers of the options for the accommodation of this facility following the agreement of the posts in 2003.

This facility will support my engagement with older Londoners, identify key policy issues and mechanisms for enhanced service delivery. The proposals have been developed in partnership and consultation with older people's organisations.

The total costs of the office space will be £15,000 per annum.

Storage Area Network

I have approved the initiation of the Storage Area Network (SAN) project and have agreed that the project board can approve SAN solution, subject to the agreed procurement procedures and the time and cost restraints laid out in the project brief.

The project will create increased capacity of the GLA to store information electronically. It is vital that the storage on the network maintains the speed and capacity to accommodate storage patterns and is capable of providing additional storage for future systems.

I have approved the undertaking of a mini-tender to appoint a six-month part time consultant to project manage the SAN selection, procurement and implementation plan for the project.

Functional Bodies Budget and Performance Monitoring Report

I have noted the initial assessment of the budget and performance position for the functional bodies for the period 1 April to 31 December 2003. I have agreed subject to consultation with the relevant Policy Directors that the final report be submitted to the Assembly's Budget Committee on 1 April.

Internal Audit Reports

I have noted the level of assurance given to the following audits by Internal Audit:

I have noted that these reports will be considered by the Assembly's Audit Panel on 30 March.

Recruitment Issues

In respect of managing vacancies and recruitment issues prior to the lection, my preferred option would be for Directors to review new vacancies arising before 10 June to determine if they provide a potential redeployment opportunity and if not to identify the reason when progressing recruitment. This issue was considered by the Assembly's Business Management and Appointments Committee on 17 March.

Management of Change

I have noted the clarification of the Authority's agreed Management of Change procedures which was considered by the Assembly's Business Management and Appointments Committee on 17 March.

Learning and Development Programme 2004/05

I have noted and made a comment on the Learning and Development Programme for 2004/05 which was considered by the Assembly's Business Management and Appointments Committee on 17 March.

Health Promotion Programme 2004/05

I have noted and made no comment on the Health Promotion Programme for 2004/05 which was considered by the Assembly's Business Management and Appointments Committee on 17 March.

Fees and Charges

I have approved the GLA's schedule of fees and charges for 2004/05 to take effect on 1 April. I have noted that the schedule would be reported to the Assembly's Budget Committee on 1 April 2004 for information.

Elections 2004

I have noted the current position in preparing for the 2004 Mayoral and London Assembly elections and that this report was considered by the Assembly's Business Management and Appointments Committee on 17 March.

City Hall

City Hall Weekend Opening

I have approved the programme of weekend openings of City Hall for 2004/05 at a cost of £32,000. I have approved participation in London Open House programme at a cost of £12,700.

Freedom of Expression Awards

I have approved the hire and waiver of the £10, 885 booking fee for London's Living Room and Chamber for the Index on censorship's Freedom of Expression Awards on 22 March.
The awards are deigned to honour those who have made an outstanding contribution to the promotion of freedom of expression to draw attention to issues and circumstances. The use of London's Living Room for the event will foster the aims of both our organisations and aid the work of the GLA in the promotion of social development in the Capital.

Best of Travel Portugal

I have approved the waiving of the fee of £1,118 for a new travel programme by Visit Britain called "The Best of Travel Portugal" which was filmed in the Chamber on 16 February. The show will be screened on prime time television in Portugal and it is hoped that it will promote City Hall and London as a top tourist destination to a European audience.

Key Engagements

I have also attended the following key engagements in the last five weeks:

• I met with Samantha Heath AM on 12 February
  
• I chaired the London Higher Education Consortium meeting on 12 February
  
• I met with Paul Moore to discuss the Thames Gateway Bridge on 12 February
  
• I met with Kim Howells MP and Tony McNulty MP to discuss Wembley on 12 February
  
• I attended the War Child Auction on 12 February
  
• I addressed a dinner for the Reform Club Media group on 12 February
  
• I attended a reception for the Green group on the London Assembly on 16 February
  
• I hosted a reception for the Federation of Police Constables on 18 February
  
• I chaired my quarterly meeting with trade unions on 19 February
  
• I addressed the Placemakers lunch on 19 February
  
• I met with the West London Tram team on 19 February
  
• I met with Ian Henderson, of the New West End Company on 19 February
  
• I addressed the European Transport Conference on 24 February
  
• I hosted the London Plan seminar and reception on 24 February
  
• I addressed the Totally London " One Amazing Week" event on 25 February
  
• I met with Tony McNulty, MP, Minister for Transport on 25 February
  
• I attended the handover of key worker housing at Grand Union Village in Northolt on 26 February
  
• I addressed the Tourism Conference on 26 February
  
• I attended the LDA/ Property Week conference in 26 February at The Centre for Engineering and Manufacturing Excellence in Dagenham
  
• I met with John Armitt, Chief Executive of Network Rail and John McDonnell MP, concerning the GWR Southall Railway Trust on 2 March
  
• I met with the London Muslim Coalition on 2 March
  
• I met with Keith Hill MP, Minister for London on 4 March
  
• I attended the Thames Gateway Partnership Board on 4 March
  
• I met with the Leaders of the Olympic Boroughs on 4 March
  
• I met with Sandy Nairne, Chair of the Fourth Plinth Commissioning Group on 8 March
  
• I met with Bruce Kent and George Farebrother on 11 March
  
• I met with Dave Ward, Deputy General Secretary of the CWU on 11 March
  
• I met with Sir Robin Wales, Chair of the ALG on 16 March

Ken Livingstone
17 March 2004

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