• Question by: Jennette Arnold OBE
• Meeting date: 01 January 2001

Toby, thank you for that. I've got a two-part question. It seems to me that what you've said that the MPS is doing they would be doing anyway, so what difference is an MPA going to make to what their action is? Because my question is about really showing these people what the MPA as the authority can do to actually ensure that the plans of the MPA happen. So that's the first half. And then, related to that, and can I just say I was as thrilled as you were because I was on the appointing panel that appointed...

• Question by: Andrew Pelling
• Meeting date: 01 January 2001

I appreciate the point that the traffic police service is now of a reduced size that means that economies of scale mean there will be a concentration in terms of the number of garages. But, nevertheless, I think that it has to be recognised that there is a loss of flexibility when there is a concentration in the number of traffic garages. And certainly, once again, I must say I regard it as most inappropriate to regard the question and answer as being a joke. But can I ask on the consultation on the resourcing, which I welcome and particularly...

• Question by: Andrew Pelling
• Meeting date: 01 January 2001

Thank you very much. I think that Toby's irony unfortunately is misplaced and misjudged because quite clearly it was an important issue for Croydon and remains one, bearing in mind the difficulties that the traffic police will have in servicing an area all the way across to Cheam from Catford when it takes half-an-hour for a car on a blue light to be able to reach an incident. So, it is not a matter for irony, although I am glad to say that the calibre of the letter that I received from the Commander explaining the reasons for the closure...

• Question by: Andrew Pelling
• Meeting date: 01 January 2001

• Question by: Jenny Jones
• Meeting date: 01 January 2001

I share Andrew's concern because I think this is the tip of an iceberg. We're talking about a cut in resources of traffic policing and we heard yesterday about the conviction of the person who had actually mown down the police constable who was doing his job at a speed trap, and the fact is the Met has consistently cut back on its resources for traffic policing. And therefore the closure of the garage in Croydon is merely an indicator of that. What I'm concerned about is that it means we won't have an opportunity to increase resources as we...

• Question by: Andrew Pelling
• Meeting date: 01 January 2001

Andrew Pelling: Thank you very much. I think that Toby's irony unfortunately is misplaced and misjudged because quite clearly it was an important issue for Croydon and remains one, bearing in mind the difficulties that the traffic police will have in servicing an area all the way across to Cheam from Catford when it takes half-an-hour for a car on a blue light to be able to reach an incident. So, it is not a matter for irony, although I am glad to say that the calibre of the letter that I received from the Commander explaining the reasons for...

• Question by: Bob Neill
• Meeting date: 20 December 2000

I agree with you that, in effect, that Government system imposes a supplementary stealth tax upon London's council tax payers. On the other hand, is it not also right that that was obvious from day one when you were setting the budget? I am concerned that, between you and the Government, Londoners will have this additional taxation placed upon them, which will bear particularly heavily upon those 30% of Londoners whose properties are in bands above band D, and therefore above the figures that you quoted. Would you not agree that it would be particularly insidious if these penalties were...

• Question by: Bob Neill
• Meeting date: 20 December 2000

Am I right in thinking that, by this proposed precept increase, the Mayor is likely to equal the record he set while Leader of the GLC; and do I take it that he is proud of that, rather than apologising? Secondly, did he think to consult the Association of London Government on the implications of this budget for the London boroughs and for council tax payers at borough level?

• Question by: Elizabeth Howlett
• Meeting date: 20 December 2000

We get a £1.2 million increase, which is the lowest.

• Question by: Elizabeth Howlett
• Meeting date: 20 December 2000

I would hate it if electors said to you, when you come up for election, "Mr. Mayor, you are the weakest link - goodbye." [Laughter.] London government has lost about £260 million since 1997. At the present time, local authorities across London are looking at something like a 12% increase in band D precept. If you add to that a 30% increase from the GLA, that will put some London local authorities into a very difficult position indeed: they may have to cut into major services, which I am sure you would not like to see them do. The Government...