Twenty-fourth Mayor's Report to the Assembly

This is my twenty-fourth report to the Assembly, fulfilling my duty under Section 45 of the Greater London Authority Act 1999. It covers the period from 6 July - 4 September 2002.

Transport
Regeneration
Employment
London Development Agency
Metropolitan Police
Budget
Culture
Trafalgar Square
Housing
GLA organisation
City Hall
Planning and development control
International issues
Events
e-Government
Architecture and urbanism
Environment
Appointments
Health
Key engagements

Transport

Congestion Charge

I welcomed the result of the High Court judgment on 31 July from Mr Justice Maurice Kay dismissing claims for judicial review against my decision to proceed with congestion charging, which had been instituted by Westminster City Council. Separate proceedings by Cathy Preece and Gareth Adamson, acting on behalf of themselves and of the Kennington Association were also refused leave to proceed.

TfL and I are happy that our approach to the introduction of congestion charging - which has involved an unprecedented level of consultation - has been vindicated and look forward to being free to proceed with addressing the problems with congestion in London without the distraction of legal proceedings.

In his judgment Maurice Kay J. decided that:-

• TfL was entitled to conclude that congestion charging would not have a significant impact on air quality issues.
  
• TfL and I had consulted fully and effectively before I proceeded with my decision on confirmation.
  
• There was no failure in providing information to myself on air quality or other issues and that it was appropriate for officers to make judgements since "we are here dealing with highly qualified and experienced officials. There would be little point in employing them if they were to be mere conduits".
  
• There was no obligation under English or European law to conduct a formal Environmental Impact Assessment into the Scheme and that "in line with the authorities [I] was entitled to conclude that, in circumstances of this case, any EIA was not required by the Directive".
  
• It was not 'irrational or otherwise unlawful' for me to decide not to conduct a public inquiry.
  
• Whilst the Court was in no position to make precise findings in relation to disputed evidence as to the impact of congestion charging on property values the "alarmist opinions on property values" could be viewed "with deep scepticism".
  
• Evidence that Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (providing for the right to respect for the citizen's home) was 'extremely thin' and falls far short of being 'reasonable and convincing'.

Maurice Kay J. concluded his judgment stating 'applications for judicial review by Westminster and the Kennington residents must fail" and that he was satisfied that my decision "is a lawful one'.

As of a review of progress on 2 September, we are still on course to meet the start date of 17 February.

Car Free Day

Plans are underway for this year's London Car Free Day event on 22 September. London Car Free Day is part of the international 'In town without my car' initiative and more than a thousand towns and cities will take part. Hundreds of thousands of people will celebrate in car-free streets with massive parties and learn more about the benefits of reducing motorised traffic and promoting sustainable transport.

Events will be held across London with over 20 boroughs taking part. Our flagship event will build on last year's Car Free Day success. Tower Bridge will again be closed to motorised traffic from around 6am to midnight - the event itself will run from 2 until 6 pm and will be bigger and better than previous events. City Hall, the GLA's new home by Tower Bridge, will also be open to visitors, as part of the London Open House Weekend which is taking place over the same weekend.

The event will include beaches, costume dancers, parades, interactive games, live bands and information stalls.

TfL Interchange Plan

On 8 August Transport for London took a further step towards realising my objective of improving London's transport interchanges with the launch of the Interchange Plan. The Plan is a key step in delivering my transport objectives of improving the accessibility and convenience of public transport.

TfL and I are committed to working with our partners to achieve a more integrated transport system and thereby improving journeys for passengers. The Interchange Plan will help to prioritise how available resources are used. It will also encourage interchanges to be developed where no proposals are yet in place. The Interchange Plan looks at over 600 interchange locations within Greater London and recommends improvements and new opportunities. In its Business Plan, TfL has allocated over £100 million towards interchange projects over the next six years.

For interchanges to be successful they need to be safe and secure, provide effective information, enhance accessibility and link modes well. This Plan will help us achieve these outcomes for customers.

Real London Outdoors Guide

In August TfL and London Underground published the Real London Outdoors guide. This is the second in a series of 'Real London' guides for everyone who lives or works in London. One and half million Real London Outdoors guides are being produced with over 800,000 being dropped through the doors of Londoners.

The Real London Outdoors guide has been available from 5 August and aims to inspire and make it easy for Londoners to explore and enjoy the amazing variety of the capital's best locations and activities; all of them easily accessible using public transport. The first in the series, the Real London Markets guide, which was published in April this year proved to be a huge success with over one and a half million copies distributed.

Transport Policing Unit

I am very pleased to report that the first two months of the pioneering new Transport Policing initiative has been very successful. As a direct result of the scheme, officers have already made almost 250 arrests.

Since June, officers working on the first four bus routes covered by the new unit have made arrests for a whole range of serious crimes including drugs offences, theft and possession of an offensive weapon. By March next year a further 22 routes will be covered by the £25 million a year unit comprising more than 200 police officers, 276 traffic wardens and 48 civilians.

This is another vital weapon in our armoury to tackle crime and congestion in London. The unit is responding quickly to crimes as they happen and shows that tackling apparently petty criminals can uncover much more serious offenders. Transport for London and the Metropolitan Police Service should be congratulated for their joint working on this important initiative.

Officers have also carried out 12 enforcement operations clamping down on illegal minicab touts, which accounted for 89 of the 240 arrests. These were for offences including touting, driving without insurance, driving while disqualified, drink driving, drugs and possessing an offensive weapon. Vehicles were found with defective brakes and tyres, and 50 vehicles seized and impounded. 18 drivers were signed off by the DSS for working as minicab drivers and claiming benefits at the same time.

Besides tackling criminals, another important remit of the unit is to keep the capital's traffic and public transport moving. In the first two months more than 2,000 fixed penalty notices have been issued for offences like driving in bus lanes and 160 vehicles removed for parking illegally.

I am now considering extending the unit, with further investment in extra bus routes and minicab enforcement.

Top

Regeneration

Thames Gateway

On 28 August I attended a dinner organised by the Thames Gateway London Partnership including representatives of the London boroughs in the Thames Gateway area.

At the event I stressed that our working together, with central government, to deliver new homes, jobs and transport infrastructure in east London and the wider Thames Gateway is central to my priorities for London. The delivery of investment is crucial to achieving the development potential of the region. Success in the Thames Gateway will benefit the whole of London. With the right kind of investment and concerted action this potential can be realised. East London and the wider Thames Gateway can accommodate one in three of London's new homes and two in every five new jobs over the next twenty years. My draft London Plan sets out a strategy for achieving this and I very much welcome the commitment and energy that all the boroughs are bringing to the joint task.

We are already achieving results and delivering regeneration in the Thames Gateway, and I am playing my part, through the work of my transport and economic development bodies, TfL and the LDA.

On 27 August TfL announced the appointment of AMEC as preferred bidder to extend the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to City Airport. This extension, to be completed in 2005, will be critical to a major new development at West Silvertown in the Royal Docks with thousands of new homes and a world class visitor attraction, the new London Aquarium. Work has already started on planning the next DLR extension over the river to Woolwich and I am committed to taking the DLR out to Barking and Dagenham as well.

Other important projects underway or planned in the Thames Gateway include:

• Joint work with government and the Strategic Rail Authority on the plans for the new CrossRail line
  
• The LDA's investment to protect and create jobs at Ford's and the new Centre for Manufacturing Excellence in Dagenham
  
• Two new major guided bus schemes on the north and south banks of the Thames in Greenwich and Barking
  
• A step change in the overall capacity of the DLR with more frequent services starting this week and a fleet of 24 new trains to be delivered at the end of the year
  
• Planning for the construction of a new Thames road crossing between Barking and Thamesmead
  
• A massive new business park providing 1.6 million square feet of new office space in the Royal Docks delivered by the LDA in partnership with private investors (further details are outlined below)

Mayoral Visit to East London

I spent the day in East London on 29 August, visiting a variety of sites and projects in the area. This was my first tour of different regions of inner and outer London. East London is the focus of many of my policies and strategies and the region is central to the draft London Plan.

During the day I visited many different events and places around East London. I began my tour by launching the Cycle Health project at Newham Hospital in Plaistow. This was followed by a visit to meet Asian Councillors, businesses and local Asian voluntary organisations at Newham Asian Women's Project.

I also attended a tour of the Barking Remploy factory and Learning Centre. I then attended a private lunch at Barking Town Hall. In the afternoon I went on a tour of Ford Diesel Engine Plant in Dagenham.

I also visited London's new Centre for Engineering and Manufacturing Excellence (CEME) in Dagenham. This is part of a major London Development Agency economic development programme to provide a 'Vocational University' for the Thames Gateway. Its aim is to create an inclusive learning environment of national significance as a cornerstone of the broader development in the Thames Gateway, a national priority area.

The new CEME building is located at the Heart of the Thames Gateway sub-region, the largest brownfield development area in London. By 2006 over 150,000 m² of new business floorspace is planned, generating an estimated 4,000 new jobs. The Thames Gateway aims to provide 200,000 new jobs in the next 20 years. In addition, a new community at South Dagenham is proposed with 3,500 new dwellings. The next stage for CEME will be the official opening of the Business Innovation Centre (BIC) scheduled for Autumn 2002.

Finally I ended the day with a visit to Rainham Marshes. I have given my commitment to protect this site for its environmental merits as I mentioned in a recent report to the Assembly.

Top

Employment

The Future of Employment in Greater London

In July I published a new report, The Future of Employment in Greater London, showing that London's employment will rise by more than 600,000 by 2016. The report forecasting employment figures for the capital, which fed into my draft London Plan, shows that employment has grown rapidly in business service sectors and fallen comparatively in the manufacturing industries over the past few decades. In 1971, manufacturing employed one million people - now it employs only 350,000. In the same period finance and business services have generated an extra 640,000 jobs.

The report concludes these trends will continue, forecasting 492,000 new finance and business services jobs, 190,000 in leisure and personally-orientated services and 150,000 jobs in hotels/catering by 2016. Manufacturing is expected to continue its decline, with losses also forecast for construction and public administration.

The report outlines the two main reasons for the predicted growth in employment:

• London's economy grew by 1.9% a year on average between 1975 and 2000, which lead to more jobs being created and it is expected to grow at an even faster rate of 2.5% every year until 2016.
  
• Growth within specific sectors, most importantly business services, has increased from 12% of total employment in 1975 to 25% of employment in 2000, because employment sectors such as business services have increased in importance, while those where there are fewer jobs such as the manufacturing industry, have decreased.

The London economy grew considerably more slowly than the rest of the UK prior to the mid-1980s. From then until the mid-1990s the two experienced very similar average growth, but London has out-performed the rest of the UK in the last eight years.

London is one of the world financial centres and its development is driven by enormous social, environmental and economic forces, often of global reach. It is important that we understand these forces and what they mean for the future of our city. Employment in London has changed beyond recognition over the past thirty years, particularly with the rapid and continuing expansion of the financial and business service sectors. With population growing, it is important there are enough jobs and that Londoners are well-placed to fill them. This means looking at how to nurture growing sectors - creative and leisure industries, hotels and catering and health and education as well as finance and business services, and how to sustain sectors where fewer jobs are expected.

Top

London Development Agency

Royals Business Park

I am pleased to announce that a deal to implement the first phase of the 50-acre Royals Business Park, at the Royal Albert Dock in East London, was finalised at the beginning of August. This marks a key development in the revitalisation of the Thames Gateway area.

The London Development Agency, Standard Life Investments and Development Securities Plc secured the deal, which will comprise of 1.6 million square feet of office space and 100,000 square feet of retail space. Situated directly opposite London City Airport, and with excellent transport links, it will be London's largest commercial office space.

Phase One will create 237,000 square feet of prime office occupation. Construction of Phase One is due to begin in the final quarter of this year and be completed in December 2003.

Negotiations are progressing well on the proposals for a major mixed use development at Silvertown Dock, incorporating over 3,000 residential units and a major international aquarium.

Wembley

I welcomed the announcement that property developer Quintain has acquired 44 acres of land at Wembley in north London from Wembley London Ltd. Quintain plan a mixed-use regeneration development for the site. The LDA have been involved with Quintain in the past and all parties share their vision of a mixed-use framework of regeneration for the area.

Wembley/Park Royal is a key strategy area for the LDA and an Opportunity Area identified in my draft London Plan.

Integrated Business Liaison Team

The Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) Team have joined the LDA's Business Team from the Government Office for London, in order to complement and enhance the LDA's business support role for new and expanding businesses. The LDA's Business Team provides integrated business development packages.

Regional Selective Assistance is a direct grant available to businesses with eligible capital investments projects in London's assisted areas, to enable businesses to relocate, expand and become more competitive. These include parts of Lea Valley and the Thames Gateway sub-regions.

Building the capacity of Black and Ethnic Minority Charities

The London Development Agency is currently developing a three-year project with a range of voluntary sector partners, including leading providers of training, capacity-building and advice to charities in London. The project seeks to build the capacity of black and ethnic minority charities through training in fundraising and access to high quality fundraising information and advice. The project seeks to provide training in fundraising and outreach, through the creation of two fundraising advice workers. It also expects to increase knowledge of developing and implementing effective organisational fundraising strategies.

Building Work for Women

A programme to encourage women and black and minority ethnic (BME) individuals to gain success in the construction industry is being developed by the London Development Agency.

The London Development Agency is a key partner and funder in seeking to address the diversity and skills shortages in manual trades through a project to provide learning opportunities and business support for women and BME individuals.

The project was piloted in 2001/2 through the successful Building Work for Women Partnership (BWW), which brings together a diverse and effective group of organisations from private, public and voluntary sector, to work towards a common goal. The pilot produced excellent results and exceeded its targets. The London Development Agency will now fund the project on a larger scale to add value to the pilot and create more impact across London by providing more learning opportunities and business support.

Top

Metropolitan Police

Gender Agenda Conference

I have approved a grant of £20,000 for the Metropolitan Police Gender Agenda conference to be held on 19 September. The conference, entitled "Gender Agenda: Empowering Women in London's Police Service", will be a major event whose purposes are to promote the role of women in the MPS, improve applications to the service by women and improve awareness around gender issues. The MPA and MPS are co-sponsoring the conference with the GLA.

Budget

2003-04 budget process

I have now met with all of the functional bodies in the first of my budget steering groups. The second round of meetings is scheduled to get underway during September. The main issues discussed so far are: for TfL the uncertainty surrounding funding for the Underground, the funding gap identified in last year's business plan, ensuring transport priorities are consistent with the London Plan, the cost of buses and fares strategy and the expansion of the transport policing initiative; for fire the cost of the pay award and London weighting, funding for the new dimensions initiatives and the review of the grant formula; for police the number of additional officers and efficiency savings; for LDA the development of the corporate plan.

Government grants

In July the government set out its spending plans for the next three years and a briefing was sent to all Assembly members. There is still a lack of detailed information from the Home Office regarding the breakdown of grants for police and it is likely that this will not be resolved until the grant settlement in early December.

The government published its consultation on the review of the distribution formulae for grants in July. The consultation runs to the end of September and I hope to submit a response agreed jointly with the Assembly. The main points to be covered in the response were reported to Budget Committee on 5 September. On the basis of the proposals outlined the grant for police could increase by £20m to £30m, but this may be offset by a corresponding reduction in grant for fire.

Unless Council Tax is increased, bearing in mind the pressure arising from the pay award negotiations, the proposed grant cuts for the Fire Service are equivalent to:
- the entire service to 3 boroughs, or
- a reduction of 17 pumping appliances, or
- a closure of 11 fire stations

Officers are working with LFEPA and the ALG to find ways to ameliorate the position for fire.

Local government bill

The government specifically asked for comments on the application of the bill to the GLA in its consultation on this draft legislation. The response agreed jointly with the Assembly outlined three issues where we would like the draft Bill to be changed. Firstly, the GLA should determine and keep under review how much money each of the constituent bodies could afford to borrow. Secondly, each constituent body should monitor against their own component budget requirement instead of the GLA monitoring against the consolidated budget requirement. And thirdly, when added, the two-tier workforce provisions should apply to the Authority as a whole (and the functional bodies). The full response will be reported to Budget Committee on 5 September.

Draft Circular on Best Value and Performance Improvement

I have responded to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's draft circular which covers issues raised in the Strong Leadership - Quality Public Services White Paper and the Local Government Bill. I have welcomed the move to streamline Best Value and have raised issues on how the guidance will reflect the unique model of governance in London.

Top

Culture

Draft Culture Strategy

My draft Culture Strategy is developing and a programme of research and consultation is taking place to inform and support the culture strategy. The programme is designed to ensure that the strategy takes account of the needs of the diverse communities in London and that projects are commissioned which target equalities issues.

Notting Hill Carnival

I am pleased to report that the Notting Hill Carnival took place successfully on the 25-26 of August. Following the event, I gave my thanks for the hard work and co-operation between the different organisations that contributed to the success of this year's Carnival.

The Notting Hill Carnival Trust did an excellent job in producing one of the highlights of London's cultural calendar, particularly after their much publicised problems earlier this year. Safety was a consideration for all the agencies involved in Carnival and, following recommendations made by the Carnival Review Group, the Trust also implemented an interim route change, with the parade moving in the opposite direction and following an open 'horseshoe' shape instead of a circle. The study into route options and safety issues which I commissioned and conducted by pedestrian safety experts Intelligent Space is due to be completed after this year's Carnival. This seems to have helped ease congestion on the route and I hope it increased the enjoyment of carnivalists and revellers alike.

I was briefed by the Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir John Stevens at New Scotland Yard on the Monday and I was pleased by the policing operation for Carnival. The police have built up an solid body of expertise through experience. Around 450,000 people attended Children's Sunday and 850,000 turned out on Carnival Monday.

There is now an excellent foundation from which to begin planning for next year and in particular to start thinking about how Carnival can establish a more secure financial footing. The London Development Agency is undertaking research into the economic benefits of Carnival, which it is hoped will contribute to that process and will be published toward end of this year.

Thames Festival

I approved £65,000 of funding for the Thames Festival Trust, towards the production of my Thames Festival. The festival is a major free festival in London that celebrates and encourages a greater understanding and appreciation of the River Thames. The Festival will take place on 15 and 16 September and I hosted a launch reception at City Hall on 16 July.

The central objective of the festival is to use culture as an effective vehicle to connect London's diverse communities on both sides of the river, along the Victoria Embankment and the South Bank.

Black History Month

I have granted my approval to a number of events and initiatives to support Black History Month in October 2002. Following my support and commitment to this project in previous years, I have agreed for the GLA to contribute to this important event again. GLA support is intended to promote and recognise the historical contribution made by Black Communities to the fabric and culture of London and to develop the sustainability of Black Communities, heritage, culture and tourism in the city.

A launch reception will be held and an exhibition and conference will be supported as part of the activities. There will also be Black History Bus and Walking Tours which will be held throughout the month.

Respect Festival

The annual Respect festival took place on Saturday 20 July 2002 in Victoria Park. Following on from the successful event last year, tens of thousands of Londoners attended the festival and contributed to the continued success of this event.

Well known acts such as De la Soul, Pay as U Go Cartel and comedian Gina Yashere appeared at the festival alongside new perfomers and entertainers. Young Londoners were given the opportunity to share the limelight, when they took to the stage for the poetry 'slam' final.

The aim of the festival to celebrate the diversity of London's population in an atmosphere of respect and enjoyment worked successfully again and I look forward to my third festival next summer.

Mardi Gras festival

On 6 July I spoke at the main stage of the Mardi Gras festival. Mardi Gras is one of the main events in the lesbian and gay calendar and I have always been very proud to support it. What has always made it so special for me is that it brings people together from across the UK, from all different backgrounds and of all different sexualities, to celebrate the lives of lesbians and gay men and make a strong statement about equality in London.

Top

Trafalgar Square

World Squares for All

I granted my consent to Transport for London to carry out the implementation of project works in conjunction with Phase 1 of the World Squares for All project. The proposed works to the Square will either form part of the designed works for the improvement of the Square or, as in the case of the works to install the lift and toilets, are required by planning conditions.

On 23 August the final details of my plans to transform Trafalgar Square were announced after receiving confirmation from by the Westminster City Council planning committee that a new open-air café serving light refreshments and drinks will be permitted on the Square. New facilities, including a lift providing disabled access and public toilets, will also be built. Trafalgar Square is a world-famous landmark, but it is not as attractive as it should be. Work is already underway to prepare for the pedestrianisation of the north side of Trafalgar Square, creating a traffic-free North Terrace linking the National Gallery and the Square for the first time via a grand central staircase. St Martins in the Field and the Edith Cavell statue will benefit from the more dignified setting created by a new high quality paved area in front of the Church. The plans will complement the improvements already made to the Square; including higher cleaning standards and the introduction of full-time Heritage Wardens to protect the fabric of the Square and deter petty crime. Most importantly, the transformation of Trafalgar Square will enhance the city's reputation, and give Londoners a public space to be proud of.

Al-Muhajiroun Rally on Trafalgar Square

I refused to grant Al-Muhajiroun permission to hold a rally on Trafalgar on 25 August as previous Al-Muhajiroun events on the square have been used to promote anti-Jewish and homophobic attitudes which have caused upset and offence to many people living in or visiting London.

Al-Muhajiroun nevertheless held an unauthorised rally on the square which was attended by some 150 - 200 supporters of the group. Some 80 - 100 counter-demonstrators were also present including communists, Iraqis and BNP. Four people were arrested but the event was generally peaceful.

GLA officers are currently consulting with the MPS on what further action can be taken.

Top

Housing

London Housing Statement 2002

On 20 August I welcomed the 2002 London Housing Statement, highlighting the key housing issues for the capital presented by the Government Office for London and the Housing Corporation. The statement acts as a major step forward in dealing with London's severe housing problems especially the need for more affordable housing. I very much welcome the agenda for action that it sets out to which all the London partners are committed and the emphasis on the need for a strategic approach at the regional and sub-regional level.

Together with the extra resources made available for housing investment in the Spending Review, the action plan set out in the statement will be vital in supporting delivery of my London Plan. The Housing Forum for London jointly chaired by the GLA and the ALG will play a key role in monitoring and progressing delivery of the action plan.

I welcome the use of my draft London Plan projections for population and household growth in London and my estimates of the need for new homes and new affordable homes in the capital in this statement.

Affordable Housing

I was also pleased to support the Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott's reaffirmation of the government's commitment to increasing the supply of affordable housing. In a statement to the House of Commons on 18 July, the Deputy Prime Minister also said he will accelerate the development of the Thames Gateway, which is the key area for development which I highlighted in my recently published draft London Plan.

I remain strongly committed to the government's target of building 23,000 new homes in London a year as a minimum and have set a target that 50 per cent of all new housing should be affordable. I am delighted the Government shares my priorities and commitments to improving the housing situation in the capital.

Keep London Working

I approved funding for the Keep London Working partnership to help to develop best practise in planning development and housing management for intermediate affordable housing in London. The Keep London Working partnership comprises a wide range of agencies - seven London boroughs, the Peabody Trust, a number of private developers, employer bodies and major employers, and is developing a programme of housing measures to tackle recruitment and retention issues in London's workforce.

The provision of more affordable housing and support for London's economy by ensuring that business is not threatened by a lack of housing for employees is central to this project. The provision of 'intermediate level' housing is crucial to achieving these aims.

The funding of £20,000 will support 2 main projects. The first is the production of best practise planning policies and 'tool kits' in the assessment and implementation of intermediate housing development proposals. The second project will support similar guidance in the housing management process to ensure effective use of the housing, in terms of applicant assessments, nomination, allocation, tenure, management and repair services.

The GLA will monitor the key stages of the delivery of this project, ensuring that the housing and planning requirements within the London Plan are addressed where appropriate.

Homeless Website

Just a month after its launch, my Homeless London website has picked up a prestigious award from the National Information Forum (NIF). The annual 'Getting the message across' award recognizes outstanding websites that empower the disadvantaged through the use of information.

The website is a positive step forward in offering a single on-line access point for all information relevant to rough sleepers. It will also provide better access for support agencies to help ensure the homeless have a stable environment once off the street.

The development of the site is spread over three years, integrating existing information on services for rough sleepers and then extending it to cover services for the broader homeless, entailing new research to plug gaps and a development of discussion forums and feedback opportunities. The website contains a database of 3,000 services providing the most comprehensive resource for rough sleepers available at the touch of a button

The central information bank will be available to rough sleepers and their advisors via user-friendly online access in hostels and day centres. It will also be available via 250 Cityspace kiosks on London's streets by the end of the year.

HouseProud Scheme

I have approved funding assistance of £10,000 to the HouseProud scheme, an initiative which promotes the use of owner-occupiers property equity value to raise loans to repair and improve their accommodation. The scheme will help achieve not only improvements in Londoners' living conditions, but also the necessary renovation of London's private sector housing stock.

The scheme will be operated through the Boroughs supported by the national Home Improvement Trust.

The GLA funding is primarily to support the production of a promotional video which will be issued to interested applicants. Older people will be a major beneficiary of this scheme, enabling them to live in their own homes in greater comfort and for longer periods.

Top

GLA Organisation

Delegation of Functions

I wrote to the Chair of the London Assembly on 9 August to inform the Assembly that between 10 and 24 August, whilst I was away from the office, I authorised a temporary delegation of my mayoral functions to Neale Coleman, one of my Policy Directors. This authorisation to exercise functions lawfully capable of delegation allows continuity of decision making in my absence. I was consulted prior to making any decisions of major significance and all key decisions were recorded.

Weekly Press Conferences

On 3 September I held the first of my newly-established weekly press conferences in London's Living Room at City Hall. The press conferences will give the media an opportunity to put their questions to me face-to-face on a regular basis.

In the interests of accountability it is important that the media have a regular opportunity to question me about my policies for London on behalf of their readers and viewers. Since my election I have been keen to institute regular press conferences in order to ensure that journalists have a regular opportunity to do just that. Now we have moved to our permanent headquarters at City Hall we are able to hold these press conferences. I hope that they will prove useful in generating a dialogue with Londoners and keeping them informed them about how policies will affect them.

Decision Making Arrangements

I have approved changes to the arrangements for decision-making in the Authority which came into effect on 1 September. These changes reflect the evolving nature of the organisation and the experience of the last two years of operating on the executive mayoral model of governance.

The guidance clarifies and develops current procedure in the Authority. In particular the role of Mayor's Management Board (MMB) and the mechanism for formally recording decisions made at MMB; Guidance on when to use a Mayoral Approval Form (MAF) and when to use a Directorate Approval Form (DAF), with a system of thresholds and tolerance levels. The guidance also includes a summary of delegated authorities and of the GLA's financial and legal control framework.

Detailed guidance has been circulated to all and staff and will be available on the GLA intranet. Training sessions for staff on decision-making will be provided in early September.

GLA Integration Unit

I have now chaired two meeting of the GLA integration Unit which is already having a positive impact on both TfL and the LDA. The topics discussed so far are:

• LDA Activities And future priorities
  
• GLA Group branding
  
• Thames Gateway
  
• Tourism.

The next meeting takes place on 23 September.

Top

City Hall

Royal Opening of City Hall

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, accompanied by The Duke of Edinburgh, officially opened our new building, City Hall, on 23 July. The visit was part of the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations in London. The Queen was taken on a tour of the new building starting at the Chamber - the heart of the new building - and London's Living Room at the top of City Hall where the Queen met key London stakeholders during her visit.

As part of her visit the Queen met the Mayor of Berlin, Mayor Wowereit, the Mayor of Paris, Mayor Delanoe, and the First Deputy of Moscow, Vladimir Resin, who were all in London for the opening. I was particularly delighted to welcome these city leaders to London and it was believed to be the first time that the leaders of Europe's foremost four capitals have met in London to discuss common challenges and opportunities. In addition to the official ceremony, I welcomed this unique opportunity to hold a series of meetings with the mayors of these key European cities.

We have much to learn from one another and have developed an advanced programme of discussions addressing key issues such as the environment, transport and planning. Co-operation between London, Paris, Berlin and Moscow will be a powerful force in addressing the concerns of Europe's largest cities.

To mark the opening of City Hall the Queen unveiled a plaque in the Chamber and opened the visitor book with her signature. The book will be displayed in the reception for future visitors to City Hall to sign.

Contract for Cleaning at City Hall

Following a full EU procurement tender exercise, the three-year contract for the cleaning of City Hall has been awarded to OCS Support Services Ltd. The quality of service is suited to the needs of City Hall and the company have a demonstrably consistent record of high standard of services, on-site management and supervision provided at comparable reference sites. In addition, in relation to fair employment, the panel concluded that the OCS offered a superior package of terms and conditions to their employees. The contact was awarded for £831,988 over a minimum of 3 years.

City Hall Infrastructure Contract

I have approved the appointment of a building infrastructure service contractor, covering the building services fabric and window cleaning. Following a full EU tender exercise it was agreed to award the contract to Emcor Facilities Services Ltd. Following the rigorous evaluation, Emcor's bid was felt to offer a more flexible approach to meeting the needs of the GLA and overall represented better value for money. The contract was awarded to Emcor Facilites for a period of three years for £965, 442.

Research Services

Following my outline approval in November 2001, and the agreement to the transfer of staff by the Appointments Committee in January 2002 I have given my final approval to the transfer of the Care Home Information Network (CHIN) and Carebase services to the ALG. The transfer of staff took place in April 2002, and final terms of transfer have now been carried through by the GLA and ALG.

Broadcasting Modifications at City Hall

In order to improve the facilities and enhance the flexibility of broadcasting arrangements in City Hall, I have approved a couple of additional items of expenditure. In order for broadcasting to take place in a simpler and more efficient manner, I have agreed to the expenditure of £40,000 to cover the provision of fibre optic cables. The contract is to be arranged through IVC, the broadcasting contractor at City Hall.

In addition to this, in order to enhance the broadcasting capacity, I have approved the expenditure of £18,000 for portable lighting, camera tripods and accessories to enable the use of two of the existing camera in a mobile format and additional television outlets in the exhibition area, reception, around the Chamber and meetings rooms and on floors three to eight of City Hall. There will be running costs of up to £25,000 per annum for these services.

Lease of photocopiers in City Hall

As part of the planning for the relocation to City Hall, the opportunity to exercise the option to ensure a new lease arrangements for photocopiers was identified in order to provide the GLA with better value for money. A procurement exercise was undertaken to approve the appointment of a contractor. The London Contracts and Suppliers Group (LCSG) comprising all the London boroughs, London Universities, the Metropolitan Police, Transport for London and the GLA agreed to do a joint tender for the supply of photocopiers and accordingly the EU procurement process was followed. Annodate Business Communications was awarded the tender, leasing photocopiers to the Core GLA for 3 years, totalling £111, 601.91.

Top

Planning and Development Control

Response to the Assembly Scrutiny Report on Planning Decisions

As requested by the Assembly, I include my response to the report of the Planning Advisory Committee's scrutiny of my planning decisions. Due to the length of my response, I have attached this as an appendix to my Report (Appendix A) with my protocol for planning decisions attached as Appendix B (these documents can be downloaded via the links below).

Mayor's response to the report of the Planning Advisory Committee's scrutiny PDF

Mayor's response to the report of the Planning Advisory Committee's scrutiny RTF

Planning Decisions (Stage Two referrals)

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

Glade Lane, Southall
I have written to the London Borough of Ealing stating that I would not direct refusal of this application. I noted that a condition of the draft planning permission requires the applicant to prepare a Green Travel Plan for the development. My initial comments on this application sought the inclusion of an area within the site for two bus stands associated with the extension of the existing E5 bus service to serve this development. I would be pleased if as part of the Green Travel Plan, this provision is explored in detail, as it would enhance the public transport accessibility of the site and would be of benefit to the development at no additional cost to the applicant.

Walthamstow Bus station, Open space behind Bus Station, 13 Selborne Walk, E17
I have written to the London Borough of Waltham Forest stating that I would not direct refusal of this application. I welcomed the positive contribution the development would make towards a sustainable and integrated transport network for London, whilst supporting the vitality and regeneration of Walthamstow Town Centre and its catchment area. I also considered that the proposal would enhance accessibility to facilities and jobs for wider sections of the community and was therefore consistent with my draft London Plan and Transport Strategy.

Broadcasting House, Egton House and 16 Langham Street
I have written to the London Borough of Westminster stating that I would not direct refusal of this application.

Sidmouth Drive, Ruislip
I have written to the London Borough of Hillingdon Council stating that I have directed refusal to build a school on protected Green Chain open space at Sidmouth Drive, Ruislip, after the council failed to demonstrate why other sites could not be used.

As I have made clear in the past, London needs new schools, but Hillingdon Council has failed to find a more suitable site which would avoid building all over protected open space. They have not satisfactorily demonstrated why they cannot use another site, despite the fact that they have known about the need for a new school since the 1990s.

I am determined to protect London's open space from development and I had no alternative but to direct refusal of this application which would have meant sacrificing a Green Chain and protected open space permanently. This would be contrary to the government's national planning guidance and Hillingdon Council's own local planning framework.

It would also oppose policies set out in the draft London Plan to avoid the use of inappropriate sites for new schools that meet London needs. I am working closely with government ministers and boroughs to assess the need for new schools in London and to ensure that local councils plan appropriately for the projected increase in educational needs in London, taking account of this in their local development plans. I fully accept the need for a new school in Ruislip, but there may be other alternative sites within the Ruislip area, including the brownfield site at RAF Lime Grove that could potentially accommodate a new school without sacrificing valuable protected open space.

51 Lime Street
I have written to the Corporation of London stating that I would not direct refusal of this application.

B&Q Store, A12 Colchester Road
I have written to the London Borough of Havering stating that I would direct refusal of this application. The need for an extension of the scale proposed in this poorly accessible location has not been adequately established, in terms of the relevant policy tests for extensions to out of centre developments. In its present form, the proposal represents an unacceptable low-rise, car-dominated and unsustainable development, which would make little contribution to an urban renaissance in London. The proposal does not optimise the full development potential of the site, the car parking is excessive, and the proposal lacks a sustainable high-density mixed-use solution that would benefit a planning need in London.

Mare Street, Hackney
I have written to the London Borough of Hackney stating that I would not direct refusal of this application on condition that their officers negotiate a more appropriate financial contribution from the developer towards the implementation of bus priority measures on Mare Street and traffic management on Richmond Road, which are required as a result of the development. I have suggested that the Borough liaise with officers at Transport for London, who can advise on an appropriate estimate of the cost of works required.

I will remain unable to issue a formal decision until the full notification has been received and the Borough is therefore unable to issue any decision notice until then.

Site E Canada Water, Surrey Quays Road
I have written to the London Borough of Southwark stating that I would not direct refusal of this application.

London Eye and County Hall
I have written to the London Borough of Lambeth stating that I would not direct refusal of this application.

I am disappointed that Lambeth Council decided to restrict planning permission for 25 years only. The London Eye is a spectacular success and will remain a stunning feature for many years to come, and restricting the permission in this way seems unnecessary. I was also concerned that the impact of the Eye on Jubilee Gardens, and on proposals to turn the Gardens into a world-class open space, might not be satisfactorily ameliorated by the provisions of the proposed Section 106 agreement. In particular, I was concerned that the cost estimates for landscaping works produced for the London Eye Company might not be adequate, and that there might be a shortfall once detailed design work had been completed and costed.

However, having reached agreement with the applicant on the matter of an extra contingency sum for Jubilee Gardens, and having considered a report on this case I made my decision. This decision was subject to the proposed S106 agreement being amended to include an additional contingency sum for the Jubilee Gardens landscaping works in the event that the cost of the works exceeds the London Eye Company's current estimate of £2.25 million. This sum shall be 20% of the base S106 payment by the Company for Jubilee Gardens, i.e. £200,000. This would be paid once the proposal has been designed in detail, on the basis of design principles inherent in the Colvin & Moggridge scheme; and would be subject to planning permission, landlord (i.e. South Bank Centre) consent and a contract let for the works.

Planning Decisions (Stage One Applications)

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

• B & Q, Burlington Road, New Malden
  
• USC Europe Site, Southall
  
• 51 Lime Street
  
• Stockwell Street, Greenwich
  
• Regent Street/Hanover Street/Princes Street
  
• Victoria Deep Water Terminal 0065a
  
• Victoria Deep Water Terminal 0065b
  
• Chiswick West
  
• Land Sidmouth Drive, Ruislip
  
• Lessa Sports Ground, Raynes Park
  
• 298-316 Kingsland Road and 1a Arbutus Street
  
• Metro Central Heights, Elephant & Castle
  
• 12-14 Cooper's Row
  
• 43-81 Greenwich High Road
  
• Horsenden Lane South, Perivale
  
• Bethlem Royal Hospital, Beckenham
  
• Holwood, Keston
  
• Beaumont Road Estate, Leyton
  
• Middle Park Sports and Social Club
  
• Platt's Eyot, Lower Sunbury Road
  
• 44 Holland Street
  
• Flamingo Park, Chislehurst

Unitary Development Plans

London Borough of Tower Hamlets UDP - Issues Paper

I have asked officers to send initial comments to the London Borough of Tower Hamlets in response to their UDP key issues paper. I have indicated that I share their aspirations of advancing the principles of sustainable development.

I expressed my support for high buildings within the borough subject to the fulfilling of design and location criteria set out in my draft London Plan. I supported the need to seek the maximum reasonable amount of affordable housing taking into account my target of 50% and the need to provide for key workers. I also supported Canary Wharf in assuming the role of the Borough's main town centre, subject to a proactive approach to the provision of a range of community facilities, and to ensuring that communities across the borough are able to access the services it provides. . I recognise the important strategic roles of the borough in accommodating London's growth and in the regeneration of the East London sub region.

London Borough of Haringey UDP - Issues Papers

I have sent my comments to the London Borough of Haringey in response to the UDP Key Issues Papers. I have asked the borough to update their housing provision figures to meet local housing need and ensure the borough plan reflects the draft London Plan target of 50% affordable housing for new schemes. I also stressed the need to promote car-free development in developments near public transport links in the borough and increase residential densities.

The council is expected to consider all of the policy directions contained within the recently published draft London Plan throughout the UDP Review process. Haringey's UDP will be referred to me formally for comment in November/December 2002.

London Borough of Bromley UDP- Supplementary planning guidance on Affordable Housing

I have asked officers to write to the London Borough of Bromley with initial comments in response to the Supplementary Planning Guidance on affordable housing. I have asked the borough to increase their proposed affordable housing target from 30% to 35% in line with my draft London Plan. I will make formal comments on the proposed affordable housing policy when it is issued for formal consultation in their second deposit UDP in the Autumn.

London Borough of Westminster UDP - Draft Supplementary Planning Guidance on Sustainable Buildings

I have asked officers to write to the London Borough of Westminster with advisory comments in response to the supplementary planning guidance on sustainable buildings.

The principle of promoting sustainable design and construction is embedded in the draft London Plan that was launched on 21 June this year. It contains a specific policy on sustainable design and construction that covers a wide range of issues, and it is in this context that the draft SPG is broadly welcomed and supported. We are currently working with a number of partners to produce SPG to the London Plan on "Sustainable Design and Construction." This is expected to be launched in draft form by the end of this year,

One key recommendation is that the Council consider making reference to the draft London Plan policy to emphasise that the promotion of sustainable design is a priority for both the GLA and the Council. It is important that we ensure that buildings are efficient in resource use, recognise the uniqueness of locations and are healthy, adaptable and responsible in protecting our environment.

London Borough of Redbridge UDP Review

I have asked officers to send comments to the London Borough of Redbridge concerning the Borough's UDP review.

Although most of the changes to the UDP are positive, there are some fundamental areas of policy that do not reflect my emerging policies in the form of my draft London Plan. These relate to housing targets, affordable housing provision, and residential densities and car parking standards. These issues would have been raised at an earlier stage of the UDP review by the GLA, however, the main stages occurred before my planning powers came into effect. The Council is expected, to consider my objections in respect of the housing targets, affordable housing, and residential density policies, and bring these to an early review The residential car parking standards, should be amended in line with existing national planning policy guidance prior to the adoption of the UDP.

Call-ins

London Bridge Tower

I have expressed my disappointment at the Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott's decision to call-in the London Bridge Tower proposal for public inquiry, especially so soon after government support was given for another landmark tall building in the City of London, Heron Tower which I welcomed earlier in the month.

London's office space is now more expensive than that of any other city in the world. To continue to be the chosen location for global corporations we need to have buildings that can accommodate them, particularly in locations like London Bridge on the city fringe.

I believe a building of this architectural significance, designed by the world-renowned architect, Renzo Piano, will make a beautiful, exciting and positive contribution to the capital's skyline.

I believe government involvement in planning applications is unnecessary when myself and the local planning authority are in agreement. London Bridge Tower is supported by Southwark Council.

A public inquiry on the London Bridge Tower application is likely to take place before the end of the year. The public inquiry on the Heron Tower scheme caused around eighteen months delay in granting permission and cost approximately £11 million.

While I am keen to support important views in London, the Heron Tower case demonstrated that the argument was taken too far. The Secretary of State agreed with my view that the building would actually contribute to the appearance of the Eastern Cluster of High Buildings, in line with the objectives of the City's UDP and will benefit the economic position of the city.

Planning reports are available on the GLA website at the following address: www.london.gov.uk/mayor/planning_decisions/

Top

International issues

Friendship agreement with Delhi

On 25 July, I met with Sheila Dikshit, the Chief Minister of Delhi to sign a Friendship Agreement as part of my plans to link the capital with other European and international cities.

I am keen to develop London's cultural, tourist, economic, technological and environmental links with Delhi. The Chief Minister of Delhi was interested in knowing more about my tourism, waste management, and congestion charging initiatives and I am delighted to assist Delhi in these areas.

London now has the largest Indian population in Europe, 6% of Londoners are Indian, and this agreement will recognise the important contribution made by the Indian community and celebrates London's multi-culturalism and vibrancy. There are over 393,000 Indians in London who make up a sixth of the capital's population and head 13,000 businesses.

An evening reception to celebrate the historic occasion was also held in London's Living Room for the Chief Minister and was attended by guests for the Indian Community in London.

The plans for the Friendship Agreements will be developed with other cities to celebrate London's diversity, and to recognise the enormous contribution to London's economy and multicultural society by ethnic minority communities.

Cities for Cohesion Conference

On 8 July Mayors and other city leaders from 250 European cities came to London to attend a major conference, "Cities for Cohesion" organised by the European Commission, and hosted by myself on the future of European Union funding for urban areas at the ExCeL Centre in Docklands.

London, like so many large European cities, suffers severe social and economic disparities between neighbourhoods with almost a quarter of most deprived wards in England, despite the city's high overall GDP.

Such disparities in Europe's major urban areas are obstacles to the economic and social cohesion of the European Union. They also threaten my and the European Union's ambitions for a competitive, knowledge-based economy, linked to social justice and sustainable development. I also presented the European Commissioner for Regional Policy, Michael Barnier with a declaration which I initiated - and to which 78 European Mayors and city leaders have signed up to including the Mayors of Brussels, Cologne, Madrid and Vienna - calling for a continuation of European regional funding arrangements.

Top

Events

London Older Peoples' Assembly

The first pan-London assembly of Older People is to be held on Friday 1 November. This will be the first assembly of its kind, with 250 delegates expected, which will be hosted by myself and will be held in City Hall.

The event will look into the current issues which impact in older people's lives in London, will provide an opportunity for older people to raise concerns from their perspective and will also provide a forum to discuss these issues.

The assembly will focus on issues which are directly the responsibility of myself, through Mayoral Policies, strategies and service delivery or which the GLA can champion with Government, other agencies and service provider organisations.

The conference will be carried out in partnership with the London Older Person's Strategies Group.

The London Conference 2002

Plans are underway for my second annual London Conference. The conference will take place on 9 November. The theme of this year's conference will be the delivery of the London Plan. The GLA, functional bodies and other key stakeholders will take part in this discussion. The day-long conference will be held at the QEII conference centre in Westminster.

Top

e-Government

e-government Conference

LondonConnects, London's region-wide public sector e-government partnership held its annual conference on 10 July. The LondonConnects conference was chaired by my e-envoy Valerie Shawcross. The government has recently recognised the importance of regional co-operation on e-government by awarding LondonConnects nearly a million pounds to take forward a series of strategic city-wide projects.

Over 400 delegates heard from Nick Raysnford MP, Minister for Local Government and London, on the part the government thinks regional and local tiers of administration have to play in delivering public services. Nicky Gavron, Deputy Mayor of London, discussed the impact of technological change on London's future over the next 15 years and how the draft London Plan seeks to deal with these issues.

A series of workshops reporting back on LondonConnects' work - on the digital divide, London Smartcards, skills and training, NHS and social services connections, and a public service portal for London amongst others - provided delegates with detailed information on the latest developments in e-government in London.

I have approved the second year of GLA funding for LondonConnects following the successful first year of operation.

Top

Architecture and Urbanism

100 public spaces

On 11 July, Richard Rogers, my chief advisor on architecture and urbanism and I launched an ambitious programme to upgrade 100 public spaces. Ten pilot projects of 'Making Space for Londoners' were launched at Brixton Central Square - the heart of one of London's busiest and most diverse neighbourhoods.

Over the course of the programme, which is anticipated to last five years, Lord Rogers and I hope to support projects covering all of London, with a mixture of projects reflecting the diversity of the city and its citizens.

The pilot spaces are across London - from Rainham Village Centre on the Eastern edge of London, to Coulsdon Town Centre in Croydon, in the South of the city.

As my draft London Plan sets out, I firmly believe that pleasant, well-designed open spaces makes a better city: safer, more inclusive and more enjoyable. These projects will help show the way, often combining local, cultural and environmental aspects to contribute something really worthwhile to Londoners' lives.

Top

Environment

London Recycling Fund

I am pleased to report that London Boroughs and waste disposal authorities have received more that £4.2 million to boost recycling in London as part of a major partnership initiative. The money is distributed by the London Recycling Fund (LRF) - a partnership which consists of the GLA, the ALG and DEFRA. It is part of a £21.3million programme for household recycling throughout the capital.

The London Boroughs of Richmond, Redbridge, Harrow, Hammersmith and Fulham, Greenwich, Hounslow, Ealing and West London Waste Disposal Authority can use this money to boost opportunities for the collection and recycling of rubbish. The money will also help other project partners to deal with their waste such as the London Boroughs of Bexley, Lewisham and Southwark.

Securing this money marks a victory for London government and it will make a real difference for recycling in the capital. We want to see recycling greatly increased in the next two years and are working in partnership to make sure that this money is spent effectively. These are the first of the applications to be dealt with and the grant will ensure that London is well on its way to increasing recycling.

London currently recycles 9% of household waste. To meet government standards, the capital has to double that by 2003-4. Key priorities for the new fund are:

• Every household to get a kerbside collection of at least three materials by 2003-4. Only 52% of London households have that opportunity and sometimes only for paper.
  
• More recycling sites
  
• More composting
  
• A London-Wide education programme to raise awareness and increase participation in recycling schemes.

Over the next 2 years all London Boroughs and waste authorities will be able to bid for the money secured by the Partnership to help develop schemes offering greater recycling opportunities and help towards meeting the Government's target.

Authorities will also be able to tap into expert advice to help to assist them in developing the best possible projects and get the maximum value for money.

Biodiversity Strategy

On 31 July I launched my Biodiversity Strategy for London, Connecting with London's Nature which outlines a framework for protecting London's diverse natural habitat and green spaces. The most important places in London, known as Sites of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation, make up 10% of London's land area and are identified for protection. More than 130 natural sites in London will be protected from any future development for the first time.

The strategy has been developed alongside the draft London Plan and will make use of statutory planning powers outlined in the Plan to protect the green spaces. I will also seek to ensure that major new developments referred to me include measures for habitat creation.

In addition to the 137 Metropolitan sites, I have called on London's boroughs to identify and protect their own natural areas of more local significance, numbering around 1,000. Together, these will make up nearly 20% of London. As well as safeguarding London's important natural sites, I have agreed a 10-year programme to monitor habitats in the city and to identify key areas where people still have limited access to the natural environment.

Also outlined in the strategy are my aims to:

• work with the Metropolitan Police to make sure species protection is enforced in London and to develop a programme to clamp down on the world-wide illegal trade in endangered species in London
  
• establish new principles in the use and management of London's waterways under his newly-formed Blue Ribbon Network for the Thames and other waterways
  
• promote public access to green spaces
  
• prepare a framework to protect London's trees
  
• work with the London Development Agency, councils and the business sector to encourage greening initiatives in building developments
  
• promote an annual London Wildlife Day

The strategy follows three months of consultation with the public and with experts working on environmental issues in London.

Air Quality Strategy

I will be launching my Air Quality Strategy on 20 September at City Hall. The final version follows extensive consultation with the Assembly, stakeholder groups, business and other all Londoners.

Draft Municipal Waste Management Strategy

I will be launching my draft Municipal Waste Management Strategy on the 12 September at City Hall. The public consultation version follows comment from the Assembly on my original draft. Between the 12 September and the 6 December extensive consultation on this draft will take place with stakeholder groups, business and all other Londoners.

Johannesburg Earth Summit

My Deputy Mayor, Nicky Gavron, attended the recent Earth Summit in Johannesburg highlighting London's plans for sustainability and the challenges the city faces.

Nicky attended as a delegate at the Local Government Session, which took place alongside the main summit and which contributed to local and regional government perspectives into the main plenary. The session also launched 'Local Action 21', a follow-up to Local Agenda 21, which came out of the Rio Summit in 1992 and which will now emphasise action and practical implementation by local authorities.

London's size and international importance gives it responsibilities to be a major player in delivering sustainable development worldwide. The draft London Plan sets out a framework for the future direction of London putting social and environmental responsibility at its heart. The Earth Summit offered an opportunity both to discuss my strategies for London in a wider arena and to learn from experience abroad.

Before leaving for the conference, Nicky Gavron took part in Featuring the Future on August 20, a major pre-summit event at City Hall run by sustainable development consultancy Futerra and sponsored by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

The Deputy Mayor promoted several initiatives at both the summit and the City Hall event, including the London Hydrogen Partnership, my Green Procurement Code and the Biodiversity Strategy.

Top

Appointments

Greater London Drug and Alcohol Alliance

On 7 August, I approved the appointment of John Grieve, the former head of the Metropolitan Police Racial and Violent Crime Taskforce ,as the Chair of the Greater London Alcohol and Drug Alliance. The Alliance was established as part of my drug and alcohol policy and brings Londonwide statutory bodies and voluntary sector and community groups together to address the harm caused by drug and alcohol problems in London.

John Grieve has had an extremely distinguished career with the Met, He has served in every role from undercover officer to policy chair on drug squads, and was the Met's first Director of Intelligence, so he has an excellent understanding of the harm caused by drugs and alcohol in this city, and the solutions that we must apply. I am delighted that he has chosen to take up this position and am looking forward to the Greater London Drugs and Alcohol Alliance making a real difference under his leadership.

Top

Health

Recovered Assets Fund

On 7 August I wrote to Parliamentary Under Secretary Bob Ainsworth MP, asking for more of the assets seized from drug dealers to be made available to London to help tackle the capital's drugs crisis. The Metropolitan Police report that they recovered around £10 million from London drug dealers last year, but no project working in London has received funding in round one allocations from the fund.

In the letter I argued that allocation of the funds should more fairly reflect the amount seized and the seriousness of the drugs problem in London. The money would be invested in community drug prevention and rehabilitation projects in the capital. London has more than its fair share of drug problems - with higher rates of drug misuse and drug related crime than the rest of the country. Drug dealers in London damage the safety and confidence of some of our poorest communities. I want London to receive its fair share from the Recovered Assets Fund, so we can strengthen these communities. In my view the allocation from the Recovered Assets Fund should be proportional to the amount seized. With a fair share of the Recovered Assets Fund, vital community projects across the capital supporting families, and marginalised groups, could be funded.

Earlier this year, I secured £340,000 from the Home Office's Confiscated Assets Fund, which was invested in two London drug prevention projects. The Confiscated Assets Fund has since been absorbed into the Recovered Assets Fund.

Now that the first allocations have been made from the new fund, I have requested clarification from the Minister about how they were decided and what measures will be taken to address this imbalance in the next round.

London Agenda for Action on Alcohol

I have approved expenditure of £35,000 toward the development and publication of the London Agenda for Action on Alcohol.

This development follows the public consultation of my Alcohol and Drugs Strategy and the commitment in the strategy for the development of this agenda which will be launched for public consultation at my alcohol and drug summit in January 2003.

Building Capacity in London's Refugee Communities

In my last report to the Assembly, I reported the project which I approved using money from the Confiscated Assets fund to undertake a project building capacity in London's refugee and Asylum seeing communities to prevent problems with drugs and alcohol. The contract was with the GLA, on behalf of the Greater London Alcohol and Drugs Alliance, in partnership with the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN)'s Centre for Ethnicity and Health. However, I have now agreed that this contract be transferred to the Community Engagement Agency (CEA), which is a new body, set up as a Charitable Trust established by UCLAN with the support of the Department of Health, into which the former staff of the Centre for Ethnicity and Health have been transferred. The Home Office have been consulted and have agreed to the contract being transferred to the CEA to deliver this project.

Mental Health provision in London

I have approved the procurement of a research project on adult mental health services in London. This is part of my commitment to tackling health inequalities and ensuring fair and equitable access to services for Londoners.

The proposed study is designed to look at current NHS provision of adult mental health services in London with particular regard to access and funding. A major report will be produced which will provide authoritative comparative information on NHS mental health services across London. This information should assist Primary Care Teams with commissioning decisions and provide local authority health scrutiny committees with information to understand and challenge local decisions about service provision. In addition, information will be made available to Londoners with mental health issues and those supporting them to access the appropriate services.

The report will also identify key recommendations to help the GLA and partner agencies to develop practical programmes to improve Londoners' access to appropriate mental health services. The final report will be launched in early 2003.

Top

Key Engagements

Other key engagements I have attended over the last two months include:

• I met with the Mayor of Vienna on 9 July
  
• I met with the London Higher Education Consortium on 9 July
  
• I attended the IDEA reception for new London Councillors on 9 July
  
• I attended my quarterly meeting with trade unions on 11 July
  
• I met with Lynne Featherstone AM concerning Holloway Bus Garage on 11 July
  
• I attended the International Brigade Memorial Trust Annual Meeting on 13 July
  
• I attended the Royal Court of Justice for the congestion charge hearing on 15 July
  
• I addressed a welcome reception for City Hall staff on the first day at the new building on 15 July
  
• I attended a meeting with the London Tourist Board and other key representatives from the tourism industry on 16 July
  
• I attended the Cabinet Civil Contingencies Sub-Committee meeting on 16 July
  
• I met with the NHS London Region on 17 July
  
• I addressed a meeting of London Peers at the House of Lords on 17 July
  
• I attended an Assembly Evidentiary Hearing on the London Plan on 18 July
  
• I spoke at the London Pension Fund Authority Forum on 18 July
  
• I attended the Assembly Conservative Group Summer Reception on 18 July
  
• I met with Jenny Jones AM concerning Vauxhall Cross on 19 July
  
• I spoke at the Young German Creative Industries Reception at the ICA on 22 July
  
• I attended the Royal Court of Justice for the hearing on the PPP on 23 July
  
• I attended a dinner with the Mayor of Berlin on 23 July
  
• I met with Michael Keith of Thames Gateway London Partnership on 24 July
  
• I attended a TfL presentation on Congestion Charging on 25 July
  
• I met with Lord Rooker, Minister of State for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for Housing, Planning and Regeneration on 25 July
  
• I attended the High Level Rail Group meeting on 25 July
  
• I met with the Mayor of Milan on 25 July
  
• I met with Martin Linton MP and Karen Buck MP concerning the London Orbital on 26 July
  
• I met with Mick Shaw, Executive Council member of the FBU on 26 July
  
• I attended the TfL Board meeting on 30 July
  
• I attended a reception for London Women Councillors on 31 July
  
• I met with Alan Johnson MP, Minister of State for Employment Relations, Industry and the Regions on 1 August
  
• I attended a dinner with TfL Board members on 1 August
  
• I attended a meeting on the Low Emission Zone on 2 August
  
• I met with the Mayor of Sydney on 2 August
  
• I went for a drink of London Pride with Martin Rowson, the Cartoonist Laureate on 5 August
  
• I met with John Spellar MP, Minister of Transport on 6 August
  
• I attended the official opening and renaming of BrELLA on 6 August
  
• I met with Stephen Twigg MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Young People and Learning on 7 August
  
• I met with Cllr Peter Truesdale concerning the London Eye on 7 August
  
• I hosted a reception to launch my weekly press conference on 27 August
  
• I hosted a reception for Student Sabbatical officers on 29 August
  
• I attended the Merchant Navy Day memorial service and reunion on 1 September
  
• I spoke at the Pan-London Wardens Forum launch on 3 September
  
• I spoke at the Bus Award Ceremony on 4 September.

Top

Ken Livingstone
4 September 2002

Terms and conditions

Accessibility

Privacy 

Freedom of information