• Reference: 2011/0360
• Question by: Len Duvall OBE
• Meeting date: 26 January 2011

In answer to Written Question 3742/2010 you stated that you 'will be at the forefront of innovative finance such as Tax Increment Financing'(TIF). Are you aware that, by capturing the full tax increment and directing it to repay the development bonds, TIF can be problematic as it ignores the fact that the incremental increase in residents and property values require an increase in the provision of public services? For example, the use of TIF to create a large residential development means that public services, such as waste disposal and policing, will need to be expanded. If the taxes of those...

• Reference: 2011/0359
• Question by: Len Duvall OBE
• Meeting date: 26 January 2011

When do you expect the delivery/implementation document for your Economic Development Strategy to be completed by the GLA's Economic and Business Policy team?

• Reference: 2011/0358
• Question by: Len Duvall OBE
• Meeting date: 26 January 2011

In answer to Written Question No: 3737/2010 you stated that you 'support the reform of Housing Benefit but believe that transitional arrangements are essential in order to mitigate any unintended consequences on London of the imminent changes'. What transitional arrangements do you believe are required for London and in what specific ways have you conveyed this message to the Government?

• Reference: 2011/0357
• Question by: Len Duvall OBE
• Meeting date: 26 January 2011

In answer to Written Question No: 3736/2010 you stated that 'many ... strikes are capricious and clearly politically motivated'. This is a conclusion that could only be drawn by person who has never had to face the prospect of workplace bullying, or constant attacks on their pay, pension, terms and conditions. For trade union members, strike action is always a last resort. It is an insult to members and their families who, in reluctantly taking part in strike action, forego pay and risk hardship. With this in mind, I would like to give you the opportunity retract your statement and...

• Reference: 2011/0356
• Question by: Len Duvall OBE
• Meeting date: 26 January 2011

In answer to Written Question No: 3736/2010 you stated 'comparing strike ballots with an election of all Londoners is like comparing apples with pears'. I should not have to remind you that the same principle - that a simple majority of those participating (not those eligible to participate) in an election is sufficient to secure an outcome - underpin all democratic processes. Whether the democratic process is employed as part of an election or a ballot for strike action is irrelevant. It is not intellectually credible to call for stricter legitimacy stipulations upon one particular type of democratic process on...

• Reference: 2011/0355
• Question by: Len Duvall OBE
• Meeting date: 26 January 2011

I have been asked via the 'suggest a question' website to put the following question to you: 'Why do you not reply to the e-mails that I have sent to your office? I want to know why the fire-cover in almost non-existent in my area. I live in Plumstead in the London Borough of Greenwich and I am quite disgusted at the situation. In case you do not know, this is a very busy and overcrowded area. Lots of high rise council flats and Industrial warehouses and yet we have only one fire engine and that is often not available...

• Reference: 2011/0354
• Question by: Len Duvall OBE
• Meeting date: 26 January 2011

Can you please provide me with an update on the modernisation work at Blackwall Tunnel, including details about timescales and further weekend closures?

• Reference: 2011/0353
• Question by: Nicky Gavron
• Meeting date: 26 January 2011

How many planned new homes have been cancelled by London boroughs since 6 May 2010? Can the Mayor provide a borough-by-borough breakdown of the statistics?

• Reference: 2011/0352
• Question by: Nicky Gavron
• Meeting date: 26 January 2011

How many planning applications for development on sites designated as green belt land have been approved by the Mayor since his election? How many have been refused?

• Reference: 2011/0351
• Question by: Nicky Gavron
• Meeting date: 26 January 2011

Does the Mayor agree that research highlighting 41% of landlords plan to increase rents in the next twelve months and 55% will maintain current rents (Paragon Group) supports similar evidence from London Councils that the housing benefit changes will fail to drive down rents because tenant demand is too strong?