• Reference: 2011/3973
• Question by: Nicky Gavron
• Meeting date: 14 December 2011

Can you please direct me to the policy in either your new Draft Revised Housing Strategy or the existing Housing Strategy that specifically aims to tackle excessive rent increases?

• Reference: 2011/3972
• Question by: Nicky Gavron
• Meeting date: 14 December 2011

Do you think rent is too high in London?

• Reference: 2011/3971
• Question by: Nicky Gavron
• Meeting date: 14 December 2011

You have claimed the two mitigation measures you secured will prevent 'people being driven out of their homes in huge numbers'. Even after securing these mitigation measures the GLA still estimates that more than 9,000 London households could have to leave their home. Do you consider this a huge number?

• Reference: 2011/3970
• Question by: Nicky Gavron
• Meeting date: 14 December 2011

Do you believe that Local Housing Allowance has driven the inflation of London's private rented sector rents?

• Reference: 2011/3968
• Question by: Nicky Gavron
• Meeting date: 14 December 2011

From my analysis, you have asked the government for ten concessionary measures to mitigate the impact of the welfare reform changes; you have obtained only two - the direct payment of Local Housing Allowance to landlords and the nine month delay in implementation of caps. Do you agree with this analysis and if not, why?

• Reference: 2011/3967
• Question by: Nicky Gavron
• Meeting date: 14 December 2011

The Government's welfare reforms, which you have publicly stated your support for, come into effect for existing claimants from the beginning of next month. What evidence have you seen to suggest these measures will bring down the cost of rent in London? Please reference all evidence.

• Reference: 2011/3966
• Question by: Nicky Gavron
• Meeting date: 14 December 2011

Recent evidence reported by the Financial Times ('Hiring fears over 50p tax rate allayed', 24 November 2011) has shown that only 13% of the largest 50 companies believe that the 50p top rate of tax - which you passionately support abolishing - is a barrier to attracting senior managers to Britain. This is down from 80% in 2009. Does this not blow your argument about the removal of this rate out of the water?

• Reference: 2011/3965
• Question by: Nicky Gavron
• Meeting date: 14 December 2011

Why have you continued to campaign for the removal of the 50p top rate of tax despite the fact this is not a policy area covered by the Mayor of London?

• Reference: 2011/3964
• Question by: Navin Shah
• Meeting date: 14 December 2011

Given LFEPA's disappointment that the London Fire Brigade was not featured more prominently within the Strategy, will the Mayor be taking the Brigade's comments on board, and additionally, allow a Brigade representative on the London Overcrowding Board?

• Reference: 2011/3963
• Question by: Navin Shah
• Meeting date: 14 December 2011

I have been contacted by a constituent who is extremely distressed about the landlord of her privately-rented property asking her to leave her premises before the Olympics as they can rent it out for substantially more. I would like to know what moves you will make to help tenants in the 'Olympic Boroughs' being denied the chance of renewing their tenancies during summer 2012?