• Reference: 2019/12264
• Question by: Fiona Twycross
• Meeting date: 20 June 2019

The Chancellor recently rejected the levels of poverty in the UK, described in the UN report, saying “I reject the idea that there are vast numbers of people facing dire poverty in this country.” What should the Chancellor be doing to eradicate the levels of poverty seen in London as a result of austerity policies?

• Reference: 2019/12263
• Question by: Fiona Twycross
• Meeting date: 20 June 2019

A survey by EY found that whilst the UK remains in top position as the European destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2018, but the number of projects was down by 13% on the previous year. Furthermore, it found 15% of global investors have put investment plans in the UK on hold owing to Brexit, and sectors exposed to Brexit experienced major declines in FDI in 2018, with manufacturing down by 35%, headquarters down 49% and R&D down 17%. What are businesses in London communicating to you with regards to FDI?

• Reference: 2019/12262
• Question by: Fiona Twycross
• Meeting date: 20 June 2019

Can you detail how much foreign direct investment (FDI) London has received by year since 2014 and where it has originated from?

• Reference: 2019/12261
• Question by: Fiona Twycross
• Meeting date: 20 June 2019

Research by the Institute for Fiscal Studies has found that Sure Start children’s centres delivered major health benefits for youngsters in the most deprived areas, of which many are in London. It also reduced the number of people requiring hospital treatment thereby making savings to the NHS. Will you lobby the Government to reintroduce Sure Start centres?

• Reference: 2019/12260
• Question by: Fiona Twycross
• Meeting date: 20 June 2019

What is your view of Waitrose’s trial to reduce plastic packaging in their Oxford store, and will you encourage other supermarkets in London to follow suit if successful?

• Reference: 2019/12259
• Question by: Fiona Twycross
• Meeting date: 20 June 2019

How do you intend to encourage businesses to sign up to the Good Work Standard?

• Reference: 2019/12257
• Question by: Navin Shah
• Meeting date: 20 June 2019

Brent Council has introduced a scheme involving trained domestic workers specialising in – ‘non-crime’ reports to tackle domestic abuse. This has helped to achieve 9% drop in domestic violence injuries in Brent and an increase of 7% in the number of people reporting crimes. The available information suggests clear benefits it can provide in tackling sharp rise in domestic homicides across London. Can the Mayor look at this scheme and see if it can be promoted to other London Boroughs?

• Reference: 2019/12256
• Question by: Navin Shah
• Meeting date: 20 June 2019

In addition to the acute shortage of EU migrants to fill jobs in key areas like the NHS; building and hospitality industries etc. there is now urgent need for more migrants needed to cater for vacancies in professional / skilled jobs like architects, web designers and vets etc. The ‘Migration Advisory Committee’ has reported to the Home Secretary calling for a priority list (official ‘Shortage occupation list’) for visas as there are not enough British or EU applicants to fill posts in skilled sectors. Do you support the committee’s recommendations and if the government is not prepared to act on...

• Reference: 2019/12255
• Question by: Navin Shah
• Meeting date: 20 June 2019

Recent reports suggest that according to Mr Wild Bond Street station completion will take eighteen months to two years. Can you confirm that Crossrail completion will be two years late and the cost has escalated to £17.6 billion? Can you please confirm the new completion date for Crossrail and are you confident that the project will be completed within the current cost figure (£17.6billion)?

• Reference: 2019/12254
• Question by: Navin Shah
• Meeting date: 20 June 2019

The previous London Plan Policy 3.5 includes provision for boroughs to introduce a presumption against development on back gardens or other private residential gardens where this can be locally justified. Which boroughs have introduced such a presumption?