Thirty-Fourth Mayor's Report to the Assembly

This is my thirty-fourth report to the Assembly, fulfilling my duty under Section 45 of the Greater London Authority Act 1999. It covers the period from 3 July- 3 September 2003.

Transport
Olympic Bid 2012
London Development Agency
Policing and Community Safety
GLA Budget
Draft London Plan
Thames Gateway
Housing
Health
Environment
Trafalgar Square
Notting Hill Carnival
Events
Case for London
Culture
Borough Liaison
Tourism
E-Government
Equalities
GLA Organisation
The Londoner
City Hall
Planning and Development Control
Key Engagements

Transport

London Underground Transfer

On Tuesday 15 July, I welcomed the transfer of London Underground Ltd from the Government to the control of Transport for London.

It is apparent that major improvements cannot be delivered overnight and the privatisation of Tube maintenance under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) imposed by the Government will make the management and improvement of the system more difficult. However, I have brought the best transport managers in the world to London to tackle the problems facing the tube and am confident that Bob Kiley and Tim O'Toole will deliver the best possible service for London within the constraints of the PPP.

The first priority is to ensure a safe, reliable and clean Tube service. The Tube has been starved of investment for many years, but I pay tribute to the commitment and hard work of staff who have done a remarkable job moving three million people around London every day in very difficult circumstances.

The PPP contracts now demand strong management to deliver Tube improvements to the timescale already agreed between the Government and the PPP Infracos, Metronet and Tube Lines. It is evident that the Government imposed PPP is not the right way to manage the maintenance and renewal of the Tube and as they stand, the contracts do not satisfactorily address the improvements to the Underground that TfL, Londoners and Tube users demand. Nevertheless, Tim O'Toole, Bob Kiley and I are determined to ensure that we do everything in our power to hold Metronet and Tube Lines to account on the improvements they have promised to deliver.

With the transfer of the Underground into the Transport for London group, we can finally start to provide a truly integrated approach to transport planning and management in London.

Tube Blackout

A review of the response to the actions taken on the London Underground is taking place following the serious problems caused by the major power failure on the National Grid which occurred on 28 August at 18.22 which affected the whole of the Underground system.

Alternative power sources were introduced from about 18.50 but it took some time to restore services to all parts of the network, due to the extent of the failure. The first priority of London Underground was to ensure the safety of passengers. The power failure did not affect morning service on 29 August but a number of unrelated problems did cause some disruption.
The management of London Underground and I will be carefully reviewing the actions taken on Thursday evening and will act on the lessons learned.

I would like to thank all the staff working in the GLA group, including TfL, the Metropolitan Police Service, LFEPA and the GLA who were involved in managing the conseqauences of the power failure.

Fares Package

On 19 August, I announced a new fare policy, operable from January, which will freeze the price of Tube travel for passengers using the Oyster smartcard and mean that under-11s will travel for free on the buses. The new fares are intended to begin on 4 January 2004 and are designed to cut queues at Tube stations and speed up buses by encouraging passengers to use pre-paid tickets. By this time the 'pre-pay' facility on the new Oyster smartcard will be operational, allowing passengers to charge their Oystercards with money before travelling. There are also other substantial benefits for families with child-fares frozen and free child travel at weekends with the Family Travelcard.

The new fare package is intended to stand for the next four years with further annual increases pegged to no more than the rate of inflation.

From next year Tube passengers using the Oyster smartcard will pay 2003 prices for their journeys and reduced fares at the weekend. However, for those who choose to pay by cash, the cost of a Zone 1 Tube fare will rise to £2 and others by up to 20p. On the buses passengers will pay only 70p per journey anywhere in London if they use the Oyster smartcard or if they buy Bus Saver tickets in advance. The £1 cash fare for central London bus journeys is frozen but the cost of bus trips outside central London will increase from 70p to £1 for those paying cash. This is part of the policy to take cash off of the buses by 2005/06 making journeys quicker and drivers safer.

London's transport network continues to improve, the most obvious example being the massive improvement of our bus network, but this comes at a cost that has to be met so we can keep the improvements coming. London's millions of passengers and taxpayers are playing their part in funding the transport network. I will be urging the Government to play its part and reward our success in delivering better public transport by providing more money in the next spending review.

There are nearly 1.4m more journeys each day on the buses than when I took office. This is good news but places a tremendous burden on the cost of running the bus network. To continue improving services, cash fares are going up for the first time in four years but they remain good value. By paying before boarding, most passengers will either pay less or the same as they were four years ago.

The new four-year fare package will encourage people to switch to pre-paid tickets like the Oyster smartcard and Bus Saver tickets. The new package is also designed to encourage off-peak use of public transport when we have the most capacity.

The new 'Pay before you board' scheme began on 23 August with the aim is to speed up services by removing the delay caused by passengers taking time to find change for their bus fare. In addition, driver safety should improve as less cash will consequently be carried on the buses. Initially, only buses serving stops in the West End will be 'pay before you board' and the stops will be easy to spot, with a bright yellow panel saying: 'Buy tickets before boarding'. To help passengers use the new service, approximately 200 mobile teams have been at bus stops over the coming weeks with information and advice. The introduction of the Oystercard will assist the scheme in the months to come.

There are two ways to pay before boarding. Easy-to-use ticket machines will be at every stop within the pre-pay area offering Adult and Child single tickets as well as One Day Bus Passes. The alternative is to go to a ticket retailer where Travelcards, Bus Passes and Savers can be purchased.

Congestion Charge

17 August marked the first six months operation of the central London congestion charge scheme. I am pleased that the scheme has bedded down well and continues to successfully reduce the congestion that used to blight central London. As part of the monitoring and on-going assessment of the effectiveness of the scheme, TfL are compiling a report on the effects of the scheme since its introduction. The report, which will be available in October, will cover traffic and travel trends, and should also consider the effects on businesses in the zone. After the first year of operation, we will also be able to report on the social, economic and environmental effects of the scheme.

In the meantime, London First, the business member organisation, has released a survey of 500 businesses in the capital on their views of congestion charging. Of the companies surveyed 49% said that they believe congestion charging is working and 16% think it is not. Almost three-quarters of companies - 71% - said that congestion charging has had no discernible impact on their bottom line with only 2% of companies saying that they would consider relocating to a site outside the zone as a result of congestion charging.

Although the scheme has worked well in cutting traffic and congestion, there have been problems with the 'back-office' operations. To drive up the service that customers receive TfL have renegotiated their contract with Capita - the main contractor for congestion charging. As a result, customers of the congestion charge will see further improvement in the quality of service.

The improvements outlined in the contract have been identified from the experience gained in the first five months of running the scheme. Capita has agreed to invest substantially to provide an enhanced level of service. To do this they will employ more staff, introduce new IT and processes to improve data quality, customer care, firm but fair enforcement and compliance.

The contract will see a series of financial incentives put in place in order to ensure improvements are delivered on time and then maintained for the remainder of the contract. In particular a robust quality performance regime will be introduced to ensure the continued delivery of these improvements by Capita.

This new deal will see Capita delivering an enhanced service to congestion charge customers. It will result in improved quality of service, help to reduce the number of errors made and improve compliance. We will be taking a tougher line on the small minority of motorists seeking to avoid paying the congestion charge with improved data management and processing of payments, representations and appeals.

This will be a cost-effective package. TfL's contribution will be subject to a tough quality performance regime with payment dependent upon the successful operation of these improvements over the rest of the life of its contract. TfL's investment will pay for itself over this period. As a result of improvements in enforcement processing and data management revenue from the scheme will increase as compliance improves and the full impact of the enhanced enforcement procedures come into operation.

Improvements should become apparent over the coming months. Significant changes are programmed for mid October 2003. The full programme of improvements will be complete by the end of March 2004.

The central London scheme is the largest of its kind anywhere in the world. Developed from a blank sheet of paper in just 21 months, it was delivered on time and within budget. In the first five months of operation it has exceeded its set targets for the reduction of both traffic and congestion in the zone. Millions of Londoners, commuters, bus passengers and visitors are now reaping the benefits every day.

The full contract is now publicly available on the TfL website.

East London Line Extension

On 17 July I welcomed the Government's official go-ahead for the East London Line extension. The new railway will link Hackney in North East London and Clapham Junction, Crystal Palace and West Croydon in South London, via a major interchange at Whitechapel.

Alistair Darling, Secretary of State at the Department of Transport, wrote to me to formally notify me that the Government has approved the business case and told the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) to proceed with the project. The necessary demolition work at Bishopsgate Goodsyard started on Monday 14 July.

The Government 's formal approval to proceed with building the East London Line extension has been welcomed by Londoners. Coming in the wake of the Government's announcement on taking forward the next stage of Crossrail, this decision has given a vital boost to London's economy and will provide tens of thousands of people in north and south east London with much better access to jobs and housing.

The return of elected government to London has shown its value in keeping these projects at the top of the political agenda and, in partnership with the government, has delivered a major boost in beginning the investment in the new rail lines which are vital to underpin London's prosperity and its enormous contribution to the economy of the UK as a whole. I am delighted that this project has finally been allowed to progress.

The existing line is being extended northwards through Dalston and Hackney to Highbury and Islington. The southern extension will go to West Croydon, Crystal Palace and Clapham Junction. The scheme is estimated to be completed by around 2008.

TfL Consultation Toolkit

The new TfL consultation toolkit was launched on 13 August. It outlines how TfL will consult on schemes in a focused, accessible, honest way following the introduction of a new consultation policy. The toolkit offers guidance on how to put the policy into practice, ranging from an in-depth consultation strategy for a major project to a simple checklist for minor schemes. It covers how to use research; how to consult the public and how to provide them with feedback.

This is a constructive and positive step forward on behalf of TfL in their approach to communication and consultation with Londoners and will provide greater transparency and clarity for the benefit of the travelling public.

DLR Capacity Enhancement Project

I have approved the Docklands Light Railway submission of an application for powers under the Transport & Works Act, to increase the capacity of the Bank-Lewisham line to allow the operation of 3 car trains, 50% longer than at present. This follows the approval of this submission at the TfL Board meeting on 20 March.

Since 1995 there has been continual and significant year-on-year passenger growth on the DLR network , with passenger journeys increasing from 14 million in 1995 to over 41 million by 2001/02. In 2002/03 the DLR network is forecast to carry 46 million passengers. Growth on the DLR network is driven largely by travel demand consequent on development of the Isle of Dogs and East London and the extension of the railway to Lewisham.

Given the forecast levels of employment and consequent demand for travel there will be a shortfall in the capacity of the rail network serving the Isle of Dogs from 2006 onwards. The 3 Cra scheme will increase the capacity on the most heavily loaded sections of the DLR running through the Isle of Dogs by nearly 50%. This will provide sufficient capacity to accommodate forecast growth in the area until other schemes such as the Jubilee Line upgrade and CrossRail are delivered.

This scheme will involve works to a number of stations between Bank and Lewisham in the form of:

• Platform extensions to accommodate longer trains (90m rather than the current 60m)
  
• New staircases and lifts where necessary as a result of longer platforms;
  
• Expanded staircases where necessary to provide additional capacity;
  
• Extended canopies and other passenger facilities.

Other physical works to the railway will be required to accommodate longer trains including the strengthening of some bridges and viaducts and an expansion of the existing Beckton Depot to provide more stabling accommodation for a larger train fleet. The plans also include the purchasing of new rail cars to enable the operation of longer trains between Bank and Lewisham.

Tour de France 2006 Bid

I have approved the making of a London bid to host the opening of the Tour de France in 2006.
Every other year the Tour de France commences from a location outside France and bids for 2006 are currently being considered. Therefore, I have approved TfL's bid document for London to host the opening of the 2006 race and have authorised TfL to prepare and make the bid and given my support to TfL linking the proposal to the undertaking of a concerted programme aimed at encouraging bicycle use.

The Tour de France is a major international sporting event and it would be a great honour for London to place a role in hosting the start of this prestigious race. It would also be a good opportunity to highlight London's ability to successfully host such an event.

Initial discussions have taken place with stakeholder organisations and local authorities that could be involved in the event and a steering group consisting of representatives from TfL, the LDA, the Metropolitan Police, The Royal Parks Agency and Westminster Council has been established. The reaction so far has all been extremely positive. Further consultation will take place if our bid were to be accepted by the Tour's organisers.

Hammersmith Flyover

I am pleased to report that due to excellent and integrated work involving the efforts of two new departments within TfL (Traffic Management and Transport Policing) and the Road Network Operations department, the Hammersmith flyover reopened a week ahead of schedule on Friday 15 August.

Kennington Cross

I am also pleased to report that the carriageway and footway refurbishment and pedestrian safety scheme won a "Highly Commended" award in the National Street Design competition 2003.

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Olympic Bid 2012

Formal Confirmation of London Bid

On 11 July, confirmation was sent to the International Olympic Committee to state formally that London wishes to bid for the hosting of the 2012 Olympic Games. Letters were sent to the IOC headquarters in Lausanne from the Prime Minister Tony Blair, the Chief Executive of the British Olympic Association Simon Clegg and myself.

My letter said:

"On behalf of London, I am delighted to confirm that the UK's capital city would be honoured to become an Applicant City for the staging of the Olympic Games in 2012.

"The decision to bid has created an enthusiasm in London amongst all sections of society and across all ages. London has always been particularly proud of its tolerant, multicultural heritage and we would welcome the Olympic family and spectators to our city with open arms. Promotion of diversity is the pillar of Olympism alongside sport and culture.

"The Olympic Games has shown in the past that it is more than just a sporting event - it can be a real catalyst for much-needed revitalization. My agenda for London, and in particular East London, complements the IOC's stated aims on this issue and shows that sport and society can work together for the benefit of the local population. I am particularly keen that sustainability should be a watchword for a London Olympics.

"As Mayor of London, I assure you that the city will respect the principles of the Olympic Charter and will work closely with our partners - the British Olympic Association and the national government - to ensure that all the relevant guarantees and undertakings will be provided, when required, through the candidature process."

The letters followed a meeting between Tony Blair, Barbara Cassani, the Chair of the Olympic bid team, Jacques Rogge, the IOC president and me earlier that week.

Joint Venture Agreement

I have also formally approved the terms of the proposed Joint Venture Agreement with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, the British Olympic Association and London 2012 Ltd relating to the constitution and operation of a company to develop the London bid for the 2011 Olympic Games.

I have executed 1) the Joint Venture Agreement on behalf of the Authority; 2) the formal application by the GLA to become a member of the company; and 3) the form of written resolution altering the memorandum of association and adopting new articles of association.

Green Compact Pledge

On 5 August I pledged to put a Green Compact to regenerate London's environment at the heart of the city's bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games. Speaking at a press conference at City Hall to introduce the EDAW consortium, which has won the prestigious contract to masterplan the main Olympics site in east London, I said that London's bid presented the perfect opportunity to make the capital a 'green world-beater' by transforming 1,500 acres of derelict land to the east of the city.

The International Olympic Committee rightly expects the Olympic Games to be held in a way which demonstrates a genuine concern for the environment and I welcome that. The central vision of my London Plan is that London should be an exemplary, sustainable world city. The Olympic Games provides the perfect platform to demonstrate that we can be the green world-beaters.

I am therefore proposing a Green Compact for London to ensure Londoners gain lasting benefits from our bid. Our gift to the Olympic movement and to Londoners will be to transform 1500 acres of the derelict and disadvantaged Lower Lea Valley into a revitalised, sustainable 21st century new urban quarter. To achieve this we will need to set the highest standards of design, quality, resource management and environmental protection. The initial Environmental Principles which I have proposed provide a starting point and which I hope will be further developed and refined over time.

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London Development Agency

LDA Annual Report

I have approved the delegation of the publication of the LDA's 2002/03 Annual Report to the LDA, following submission of a draft for my approval and have directed that the report shall contain specific information in respect of equalities and how the cross-cutting issues of health and sustainability have been addressed by the LDA.

This information is in line with the detail expected of the Secretary of State for the other Regional Development Agencies and has been outlined as a checklist which serves as statutory guidance.

LDA Corporate Plan 2003-06

I have approved the LDA's corporate plan, prior to its submission to the Department for Trade and Industry and under the new single pot regime funding, for the period April 2003-March 2004.

I have also noted that additional information set out in the Plan for future years is purely indicative and subject to further discussions between myself and the LDA.

LDA Annual Appraisal Report

In accordance with the LDA monitoring and performance evaluation framework, approved on 20 June 2002, the GLA has produced an annual appraisal report of the LDA's performance relating to the year 2002/03. I have approved the report that has now been submitted to the Government Office for London and will be submitted to Ministers along with GOL's assessment.

LDA Project Execution Plan

I have approved the LDA Project Execution Plan setting out the processes and project management details as required by my project brief directing the LDA to revise the Economic Development Strategy. The Project Execution Plan follows the model used for the previous Transport Strategy, which was highlighted in the GLA internal audit report as a benchmark of good practice.

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Policing and Community Safety

Domestic Violence Strategy

I have approved a contract with London Action Trust relating to the implementation of my Domestic Violence Strategy for a period of two years subject to review following Mayoral elections in May 2004 and budget availability. I have also approved a waiver of the contracts code for that purpose.

The London Domestic Violence strategy was published in November 2001 and is intended to be implemented over a three-year period. The first year of implementation has been completed and an Annual Report published in November 2002. The need has now arisen to approve further resources to continue to implement the strategy over the next two years. The value of the contact for 2003-04 will be £47,159.

Anti-Gun Crime Education Initiative

I have approved the undertaking of an anti-gun crime initiative for which £200,000 has been awarded to the GLA by the Government Office for London Crime Reduction Unit for 2003/04.
The purpose of this initiative is to engage with young people to address the social and cultural issues of gun ownership and use in order to reduce the incidence of gun crime in the long term and reduce the prevalence of a gun culture as well as mobilising key community organisations and individuals in support of such an initiative. The programme of events includes a research report and an event which will bring together some of the key stakeholders working in the field of gun crime and who are engaged with young people. The initial steps to take forward this programme of work are already underway.

As part of this work, I have approved the appointment of the organisation "Communities that Care" to deliver a short piece of research work as part of the anti-gun crime education initiative. The appointment of the contract will ensure that the required work is completed by 30 September. Although three quotes are required for work of this value (£13,500) only two quotes have been received and in view of the time constraints in carrying out this work I have approved the exemption from the contracts code. This work is designed to inform a consultation event scheduled to take place on 30 September and therefore the work needs to be delivered as soon as possible.

Replica Guns Consultation

On 10 July I asked Londoners to let me know their views on replica guns alongside the launch of a series of adverts to appear in local papers highlighting my position.

There is growing evidence, which shows that imitation firearms and air weapons are being used in the capital instead of real guns, with the same fatal consequences. Between January and September 2002, 72% of the firearms seized by the Metropolitan Police Service under Operation Trident were either imitation firearms, air weapons, blank firers or starter pistols that had been converted, modified or upgraded to fire bullets rather than pellet type rounds. I would like to see a complete ban on the importation, manufacture and sale of anything that has the appearance of a gun or is capable of being converted into a firearm.

There are an estimated 500,000 replica guns in circulation in the UK and when they are converted they fire real bullets and cause real harm. This is a truly frightening trend and must be stopped before more people are hurt or killed.

Even in the wake of the encouraging figures released on 15 July which show that the recent gun amnesty led to 3,189 guns and over 75,000 rounds of ammunition being removed from London's streets, we must not underestimate the fact that gun crime still remains a major issue for many communities in London and I remain particularly concerned about the number of replica guns which we know are in circulation in the capital. These guns, when in the wrong hands, can be easily converted into a lethal weapon with relatively little specialist skill. The only way to remove this risk is with a total ban on the sale, manufacture and importation on replica guns.

In addition to a total ban on replica guns, I have also called for a total ban on air weapons, stating that hundreds of incidents involving air weapons occur each year resulting in minor injuries or disfigurement. These incidents can be traumatic for the victims and their families and also place a burden on the NHS.

I want to hear Londoners views on this and their ideas on the best way of tackling this serious problem. I am confident that Londoners will agree with me that the most effective policy is to get all of these weapons off our streets. I will be reporting back on the views of Londoners in the September edition of the Londoner.

Robbery Figures

On 10 July I welcomed the latest figures which show a dramatic reduction in robberies in London in the last year and gave my congratulations to the Metropolitan Police's Flying Squad. These impressive figures follow news earlier this year which showed a fall in street crime, homicides and fatal shootings in the capital between April 2002 and February 2003. This is very encouraging news for Londoners.

These figures are also great news for London's business community who are working in partnership with the Specialist Crime Directorate to achieve these excellent crime reductions.
There have been 360 armed robberies in total since January - almost half the number for the same period last year. Figures include a fall of over 60% in cash in transit robberies, over 75% fall in bank and building society robberies, betting office robberies have been halved, from 91% to 42% and Post Office robberies are down by a third.

Brixton Visit

On 15 August I pledged to continue to increase police numbers in London while on a visit to Brixton town centre with London Assembly Member Val Shawcross. I was in Brixton to hear first-hand about work of the transport policing unit and the Met in tackling crime in Brixton. I met with Lambeth Borough Commander Richard Quinn to discuss joint initiatives to cut crime in the area.

I also talked about plans to upgrade the overground station and the potential that the East London Line could bring to Lambeth.

More police are vital if we are to tackle crime effectively. In Lambeth, where there are now 129 more police than when I became Mayor, street crime dropped by 36 per cent in the last year. We now have more police in London than ever before and I will continue to increase the number of officers until we reach my target of 35,000 police.

My transport policing unit, which has put police officers on five bus routes serving Lambeth has been extremely successful in addressing crimes on buses and at bus stops, including assault, robbery, and pick-pocketing. The unit has made more than 2,000 arrests since it was set up in June last year.

By working in conjunction with the British Transport Police and the Metropolitan Police we will continue to address the problems that currently afflict the area around the mainline station, tube station and bus stops in Brixton.

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GLA Budget

2004-5 Budget Process

The process of preparing next year's budget continues. I have completed an initial round of Budget Steering Group meetings which provide an opportunity to discuss priorities and clarify issues with the functional bodies themselves. Further meetings are scheduled for September and October.

GLA Budget and Business Plan 2003-04: Performance Monitoring Report for 1 April - 30 June 2003

I have noted the initial performance assessment against the Budget and Business Plan as at 30 June 2003 and agreed:

• the proposed amendments to the Business Plan deliverables, including the allocation of shared deliverables/actions to agreed lead officers
• that the assessment would be finalised by the Executive Director of Finance and Performance in consultation with the Policy Director for Best Value and Partnership and Policy Director for Service Delivery

The final assessment will be considered by the Assembly's Budget Committee on 16 October.

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Draft London Plan

London Analytical Report

I have welcomed the findings of the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit's London Analytical Report which was released on 3 July and which lends support to many of the policies in the draft London Plan.

The report recognises that London is the economic engine of the UK but also highlights the city's massive challenges that will require sustained attention and funding for many years to come. London contributes £20 billion more each year to the UK economy than it receives back in public subsidy. However, the city also contains many of the most deprived wards in the country with 41 per cent of children in Inner London living in poverty.

The Strategy Unit report confirms London's population and jobs will grow enormously in the coming decades which echoes the growth projections that underpin my draft London Plan. It also notes the effect the congestion charge is having in substantially reducing congestion on central London roads. It also prioritises many of the key challenges addressed in the draft London Plan, such as the urgent need for more affordable homes, and for public transport improvements after decades of under-funding.

I am delighted the report recommends a more strategic response from government and a re-examination of the capital's funding. London must be allowed to retain more not less of the resources it generates if it is to invest for continued sustainable growth. The alternative would result in damage to the whole UK economy. I hope the policies that develop from this report will strengthen the role of London's government and bring the funding to deliver further lasting improvements to life in the capital.

Examination in Public Panel Report

The findings of the independent panel appointed to conduct an examination in public of my draft London Plan were published on 22 July, providing a strong endorsement of my framework for managing London's growth, and calling for the London Plan to be adopted as soon as possible. The panel's report overwhelmingly supports key elements of the draft London Plan including agreeing with the economic growth projections that underpin the plan, concluding that the target for providing 50 per cent affordable housing can be justified and is 'reasonably practicable', and recognising that the draft plan presents clear priorities for tackling inequalities and discrimination.

I am delighted that the seven-week Examination in Public process has given broad support to the vision for London outlined in my draft London Plan, and am particularly pleased that the Panel has confirmed that the economic and population growth projections that form the basis of the plan are realistic and that setting the affordable housing target at fifty per cent is both justifiable and practicable.

The draft London Plan was also boosted further by recent Government announcements on taking forward plans for Crossrail and the long-awaited go-ahead for the East London Line Extension.
The Panel's report also makes a number of extremely constructive comments that will strengthen the plan, and I have made a start to consider how they can be incorporated into the final document. The Panel recommends that the London Plan should be adopted as quickly as possible. This is good news for London as it means the capital will soon have a framework for managing growth in a sustainable way that takes the needs and interests of all Londoners into account.

This report represents the final stage of consultation before the final London Plan is presented to the Secretary of State for approval in the Autumn.

New London Plan Programme Manager

On 22 July it was announced that Debbie McMullen would take over from Greg Lomax as London Plan Programme Manager. She has taken up the post on a one year secondment and will be responsible for working towards the adoption of my London Plan, including producing the Draft Supplementary Planning Guidance and best practice guides that will assist local authorities in implementing the London Plan's policies.
Prior to her appointment, Debbie McMullen was a Principal Planner/ Strategy Adviser at the GLA with responsibility for housing issues. In addition to affordable housing research, she was the project manager for other housing related projects, including work on housing capacity and identifying new housing sites.

Draft Planning Guidance on Accessibility

On 17 July, 'Accessible London; Achieving an Inclusive Environment' - the first draft Supplementary Planning Guidance to the London Plan was launched for public consultation on 17 July at City Hall. One recommendation of the draft guidance is that local planning authorities ensure that the accessibility of new developments to disabled and older people is taken into full account right from the start of the planning process.

Inclusive design is about putting people's needs first. This brings particular benefits for disabled or older people, but it makes life easier for us all. All too often though, accessibility issues are neglected or only considered as an afterthought, resulting in disabled people being needlessly segregated from other people or even completely excluded from our built environment, unable to participate fully in employment or cultural activities, or even access the basic services they need.

Everyone, regardless of disability or age, has a right to equal, easy and dignified access to London's buildings and public spaces without being made unnecessarily dependent on others. The new Supplementary Planning Guidance explains how the planning system should work to make this right a reality.

'Accessible London: Achieving an Inclusive Environment' gives local planning authorities advice on how to implement the London Plan's policies on accessibility. The document recommends measures to ensure that accessibility is considered from the earliest possible stage in the planning process, and requires boroughs to fully integrate accessibility standards at all levels of their Unitary Development Plans. The planning guidance will be a material planning consideration when determining planning applications and lays down specific guidelines on places of employment, leisure facilities, housing, town shopping centres and the public realm.

The document also provides information to designers on finding good technical advice, and will help disabled people gain an understanding of what they should expect from planning in London.

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Thames Gateway

Sustainable Communities Action Plan

On 30 July I welcomed the latest statement by Government on progress towards the 'sustainable communities' plan for Thames Gateway, which heralds millions of pounds of investment in projects in the Greenwich, Woolwich and Thamesmead areas in South London and the Lower Lea, Stratford and Barking and Dagenham areas of east London.

The Government's statement has also given very positive approval to my drive to invest in public transport in East and South East London, notably the proposed DLR extension to Woolwich and Barking Reach and the East London Transit Scheme, which will support major regeneration of the Thames Gateway. The Barking Reach extension would link with Crossrail, which has recently also received support from Government, at Custom House station in the Royal Docks.

This statement demonstrates the Government's ongoing commitment to regenerate the Thames Gateway, and is great news for everyone in these areas. The £56.8 million earmarked for Stratford and the Lower Lea area will help to provide over 6000 new homes and over 2000 new jobs. In Barking and Dagenham, £22 million and in Greenwich, Woolwich and Thamesmead £42 million, has been set aside to regenerate these areas which will also bring new homes, jobs and opportunities for everyone.

The Government's statement has also confirmed that it is well worth pressing ahead and making the case for the additional transport schemes that will form the backbone of this massive regeneration of the Thames Gateway.

I am working jointly with the Government, the Thames Gateway London Partnership and the London Development Agency to create new, sustainable communities and deliver around 90,000 much-needed new homes in London and over 200,000 new jobs to the area, which contains many of the UK's most deprived communities.

The growing demand for new, affordable housing in London and the development potential of the Thames Gateway was outlined in my draft London Plan.

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Housing

London Housing Strategy

On 1 August I gave my support to the new London Housing Strategy, highlighting the planned achievement of 10,000 affordable homes per year meeting the target set out in the draft London Plan.

Increasing the numbers of new affordable homes built in London to 10,000 by 2006 is one of the most important targets set by the London Housing Strategy. I am delighted that this strategy we have agreed with the Boroughs and Government supports the target I set in the draft London Plan and that we have secured extra resources from Government to help achieve it.

Negotiating more affordable homes for those in housing need and key workers as conditions of planning permission is one of the most direct ways that I can contribute to delivering this target.

Since taking office in July 2000, I have has worked with London boroughs to obtain over 2000 extra affordable housing units and £9.445m of funding for affordable housing through negotiations with developers on large strategic planning applications. The boroughs are also negotiating many more additional affordable homes on local applications as a result of the higher targets they have set in their UDPs following publication of the draft London Plan.

Just as important are the additional affordable homes many boroughs have negotiated themselves as a result of the higher targets they have adopted in their local development plans.

This all shows national, regional and local government in London co-operating effectively to tackle London's housing problems. I will be looking for us to agree and achieve even more stretching targets in future years given the extent of London's needs for more new affordable homes.

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Health

Getting a Move On Report

A report published on 27 August has highlighted the issue that a shortage of accommodation for people leaving hospital after mental health treatment is causing delayed discharges and reducing choice. The report, "Getting a Move On", produced by a project group from the Greater London Authority (GLA), the Association of London Government (ALG), the Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health (SCMH) and Advocacy Really Works (ARW), shows that the current supply of 'move-on' accommodation is not sufficient to meet the diverse needs of London's population.

This results in some people having to wait several months for appropriate accommodation while others have to find new homes outside their home boroughs.

The report shows that most residents were happy with where they currently lived, but were concerned with what may happen if they had to move. Shortcomings in the benefits system and funding make it hard for some residents to pay for independent housing or to get paid employment. It recommends that plans to expand London's affordable housing stock should include better provision for people with mental health needs, and states that the GLA, local authorities and housing associations should work together to expand the supply of move-on housing, and residents should have more of a say in the kind of accommodation and support that is offered.

The report also says that better information about vacancies around the capital should be made available, and that there is room for improvement in the way the information is shared across the sector.

One in four people will face some form of mental health issue during their life and London has a high proportion of people more vulnerable to mental health problems. Stable and appropriate housing for people with mental health needs is essential for rehabilitation, security and social inclusion, but the report shows there are still barriers to adequate provision of the right accommodation and support services. I believe the report's recommendations can make a real impact on improving access and provision to enable people with mental health problems to live more independent lives.

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Environment

Municipal Waste Strategy

I approved the publication of my Municipal Waste Strategy which will be launched on 23 September. The Strategy will provide a policy framework giving coherence to the actions of the implementation agencies, primarily the London boroughs and statutory joint waste authorities.

London Schools Environment Award

I have agreed that the GLA administer the London Schools Environment Award and for funding to be allocated from the Environment budget for this project totalling £8,800 in 2003-04 and £78,000 in 2004-05.

This award is a scheme for London's Primary Schools to raise awareness of environmental issues. It will be run by the GLA on behalf of the Capital Standards Partnership. The awards scheme will include four topics:

• litter/ graffiti
  
• recycling
  
• biodiversity
  
• energy conservation

This scheme is being developed through the capital Standards Education Working Group. It will consist of a series of options that teachers can choose from. Awards will go to schools that are judged to have made the best contribution, based on criteria to be developed by the working group. It is proposed that two awards are made in each London Borough that is a member of the Capital Standards Partnership (currently 26 Boroughs). An award of £2000 will be made to the best school for "Distinction" and a second award of £1000 will go to the next nest school in each borough, which is "Highly Commended". The awards will be made in April 2004.

Air Quality Research

I have approved the appointment of contractors to prepare updated estimates of pollutant emissions and concentrations (both current and future) and to estimate the air quality benefits of various emissions reduction scenarios.

I approved the appointment of the Environment Research Group at Kings College London as the contractor for most of this work and in doing so waived the requirement of the contracts code to undertake a tendering exercise. I approved the appointment of AEA Technology as the contractor for the airport section of this work and in doing so waived the requirement of the contracts code to undertake a tendering exercise.

I have approved the waiving of a tendering exercise as both organisations have been working with TfL and BAA, who are partners in this project. Building on existing work already undertaken and the fact that the original contracts were awarded following tendering exercises means that these contract offer the best value for money. The total cost will be no more than £50,000.

Capital Waste Awareness Campaign

Following the grant of £1.4 million which the GLA received from the London Recycling Fund, I have noted the 2003/04 grant allocation for the Capital Waste Awareness Campaign project and the revisions to the budget and business plan.

The principal aim of the project is to provide a high-level publicity campaign to raise awareness and encourage people to take action in respect to recycling in London. This campaign will complement the work being done by London waste authorities and community sector organisations at a local level. The project will also deliver specific tools to facilitate the uptake of recycling and waste minimisation behaviour.

I have also noted the progress made on the project and approved the appointment of the advertising, design, research and website agencies in line with the GLA code of practise. I have approved the exception to the financial thresholds for MORI for further research work.

I have approved the waiving of the requirements of the code of practice in the case of the Hatch Group as the PR agency. I have approved the arrangements for the future appointment of a media agency, an agency to develop a communications plan for ethnic minority groups, an agency to provide communications support to waste authorities and an agency to evaluate the success if the campaign (provided that the total cost of the contract can be met from the approved budget).

Waste Minimisation and Recycling Fund

I have welcomed a £3.6m government allocation for recycling in London as a vital boost to reducing the capital's waste mountain announced on 7 July. Environment Minister Elliot Morley MP announced that London is to get the extra money on top of the £21.3m already allocated to the capital, as its share of the government's Waste Minimisation and Recycling Fund.

When I became Mayor I lobbied the government for the allocation of this fund. I saw it as essential to getting recycling projects off the ground. We are working hard with the boroughs now to make recycling more accessible to all Londoners. This extra resource couldn't have come at a better time. Over the course of one year each Londoner creates over half a tonne of municipal waste, most of which ends up in landfill. Only eight per cent of London's municipal waste is currently recycled or composted. I want to see kerbside recycling available for all Londoners by the end of 2004.

The Association of London Government, London Waste Action and I set up a London Recycling Fund (LRF) in April 2002 to allocate spending on recycling. It aims to help waste authorities to improve recycling and meet the overall London target of 17 per cent.

The fund is only half way through its two-year programme and already we have hit some important targets. We have exceeded targets on implementing kerbside collections, home composting schemes and communal recycling sites on housing estates, particularly in low-performing authorities. It shows what we can achieve when all 33 boroughs decide to work with the GLA to deliver services to Londoners.

I have agreed the appointment of Pawson Media as the media agency for the Recycle for London campaign. I have agreed that the GLA make a further application to the London Recycle Fund for the recycle for London campaign to be spent on financial year 2003/04.

The principal aim of the project is to provide a high-level publicity campaign to raise awareness and encourage people to take action in respect to recycling in London. The campaign will complement the work being done by London waste authorities and community sector organisations at a local level. The project will also deliver specific tools to facilitate the uptake of recycling and waste minimisation behaviour.

The project will be managed in the GLA and a steering group has been set up consisting of project partners and key stakeholder representatives. The Steering Group will help steer the development of the project and ensure that stakeholders are on board with the project to maximise the effectiveness of the project. The Capital Waste Awareness Campaign ("Recycle for London") will deliver on my Waste Strategy Milestones to undertake a major Londonwide waste awareness campaign by 31 March 2004.

Low Emission Zone Feasibility Study

On 9 July a joint study was published, setting out options for reducing emissions from road vehicles in order to improve London's air quality. The Low Emission Zone Feasibility Study is the product of two years' work by consultants AEA Technology, commissioned jointly by the Association of London Government, the GLA, Transport for London, The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Department for Transport.

The study was commissioned to investigate the possibility of introducing one or more low emission zones in London. A low emission zone is defined as an area that excludes more polluting vehicles.

The study concludes that if policy-makers were to decide to proceed with a low emission zone, it should exclude the most polluting buses, lorries and coaches and should cover the whole of Greater London.

The study suggests that the earliest such a zone could be implemented would be in 2007. It predicts that this would reduce fine particle pollution (PM10) by 20% in 2010, achieving £100m worth of savings in terms of lost days at work due to pollution-related illness and NHS costs.

The recommendations in the study could not be implemented without significant new funding. If it were to go ahead, a low emission zone would require the agreement of every London borough, myself and the government. The study estimates that start up costs would be between £2.8m and £11.8m, with annual operating costs of between £3.9m and £5.5m. Costs to industry are estimated at between £64 million and £135 million.

The Association of London Government, London boroughs and the GLA are now considering the recommendations made in the study. We will hold discussions with the government on funding and the national implications of a zone.

This is an exhaustive piece of work and it has advanced our knowledge considerably about air pollution in London. We now need time to reflect on the recommendation. Of course, if there is any proposal to proceed then Londoners will be consulted.

Low emission zones have already been successfully introduced in a number of Swedish cities and other UK and European cities are considering the idea.

London Zoo Visits

I have approved £356, 933 funding for free visits and educational opportunities at London Zoo for 2003/04. The scheme, which has been in operation since 2001, and which is included in my Biodiversity strategy aims to provide the opportunity for all pupils on London state primary and secondary schools to make an educational visit to the Zoo and is particularly directed to socially excluded and deprived children who may not otherwise have this opportunity. Last year 67,000 children visited the Zoo as part of the scheme and it is hoped that this will be further developed this year.

Animal Welfare Framework Document

I have agreed the launch of the Animal Welfare Framework Document on 1 October, which is World Animal Day. The final version of the framework document will be approved via a Mayoral Approval Form shortly.

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Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square Concert

On 31 August, David Gray, Nitin Sawhney and Morcheeba played at a unique free concert in Trafalgar Square attended by 12,000 people. The concert was organised by Visit London to showcase the new-look Trafalgar Square and kickstart the next phase of the Totally London tourism initiative. The event was primarily funded by the London Development Agency.

I was delighted that such a great line-up performed at the Trafalgar Square concert. The acts are hugely popular in the UK, and are also major international artists, which made them a perfect choice to show off the wonderful new Trafalgar Square and the hundreds of other exciting things going on in London this summer and into the autumn.

Trafalgar Square is the London stage for gaining an international profile for the city. This event is therefore an excellent way of starting Totally London 2, our campaign to recover tourism, which will target Londoners, people from the rest of the UK and near Europe.

Prior to the event, I approved the contribution of £200,000 to the concert including £4,999 which was vired from the major policies and projects budget to the Cultural Initiatives Summer in the Square budget to cover the costs for the initial feasibility study for the concert.

4th Plinth Shortlist

On 25 July my 4th Plinth Commissioning Group announced the six artists who have been shortlisted to create a contemporary artwork for the vacant 4th Plinth in Trafalgar Square. The six artists - Chris Burden, Sokari Douglas Camp, Stefan Gec, Sarah Lucas, Thomas Schütte and Marc Quinn - have been selected from a long list of national and international practitioners across diverse art forms and styles.

The 4th Plinth Commissioning Group, under acting chair Sandy Nairne, Director of the National Portrait Gallery, will commission a temporary piece of art for the 4th Plinth in the north west corner of the newly pedestrianised Trafalgar Square. The commissioned artwork will be displayed on the 4th Plinth for between 12 to 18 months as the first piece of art in a rolling programme. The 4th Plinth project has been developed following the previous initiative by the RSA (Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufacture and Commerce) and recommendations made to the Government by Sir John Mortimer's Advisory Group on the 4th plinth.

The 4th Plinth project is integral to my vision for Trafalgar Square of becoming London's new focal point for cultural excellence and activity. This shortlist of six internationally renowned artists represents a great range of vision and approach. The project aims to create interest, excitement and debate. It will do this by working with these leading artists to develop artworks that will stimulate debate, challenge perceptions of public art and create new and imaginative pieces.

Public participation and access will be key to the success of the 4th Plinth project and ample opportunities will be given for the public to engage in the commissioning process and express their preferences on the shortlisted proposals.

The six shortlisted artists will now be commissioned to produce a working model of their proposed piece. These models will go on public display in the Sainsbury Wing foyer at the National Gallery during December 2003 and January 2004. I will be announcing the winning piece of artwork in Spring 2004.

Trafalgar Square Café

I have selected a name for the new Trafalgar Square café, built within the north terrace of Trafalgar Square. From a number of suggestions, the name "Café on the Square" was chosen and announced at the reopening in July.

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Notting Hill Carnival

Over 500, 000 people attended this year's Notting Hill Carnival over the August Bank Holiday weekend. I am pleased to report that the event passed largely peacefully and have offered my praise to the Carnival organisers and the Metropolitan Police for their hard work in making the event as safe as possible.

Prior to the event, I approved the provision of £142, 000 towards the 2003 Notting Hill Carnival stewarding and route management operation from the agreed 2003/04 Notting Hill Carnival Budget of £215, 000.

The funding was used to:

• Support London Notting Hill Carnival Ltd to the value of £117, 200 to recruit and deploy 300 stewards at Carnival 2003, and co-ordinate a training programme for a total of 900 paid and unpaid volunteer stewards at carnival 2003.
  
• support the Notting Hill Mas band Association to the value of £25, 000 in order to co-ordinate the recruitment of 600 volunteer stewards who contributed to the overall crowd and route management operation and other associated costs pertinent to Carnival 2003.
  

This followed the recommendation in the Carnival Review Group's interim report to assist the organisation in delivering an effective and professional stewarding and route management organisation. This was the third year in which such funding has been made available by the Authority for the purposes of crowd management and public safety at the Notting Hill Carnival.

Carnival Review Group Final Report

I have approved the release of £55,000 from the Cultural Events programme budget to finance the cost of the Carnival Review Group's final report and launch event. The review group was established in September 2000 in order to conduct an independent, wide-ranging and strategic review of the future development of the Notting Hill Carnival. The first stage of the Review Group's inquiry concluded in February 2001 with the launch of the interim report. The review has included the commissioning of a two-year crowd analysis and route design study in 2001 and 2002, a professional evaluation of the Carnival's stewarding operation and the production of an economic assessment and study by the LDA as noted below. The Group's final report will represent the most comprehensive strategic review of the Notting Hill Carnival since the event was established in the 1960s and will include recommendations for a range of different stakeholders and statutory agencies. The full report is due to be launched the end of September

Economic Assessment Report

The first-ever study into the contribution that the Notting Hill Carnival makes to the economic, social and cultural life of London was published on 20 August by the London Development Agency. The report, commissioned by the LDA and written by a team of independent researchers, shows that the Notting Hill Carnival contributes up to £93m each year to London's economy and supports the equivalent of 3,000 full-time jobs. It also suggests that Carnival could generate even more economic and social benefits by, amongst other things, developing its publicity and marketing activities and encouraging the private sector to play a bigger role.

Based on a survey of Carnival 2002, the report found that the estimated 1.16 million people who attend Carnival spend a total of £45m over three days - an average of nearly £39 per visitor.

In addition, the sums spent on preparing for Carnival, extra spending on Caribbean products following the event and the general financial boost to firms and individuals involved in Carnival accounts for up to £50m.

The report also found that:

• An estimated 316,000 visitors to Carnival were from the UK but outside London.
  
• Around 90,000 visited Carnival from abroad.
  
• Carnival was an effective way of promoting Caribbean goods to wider markets since over half of visitors said they were more likely to buy more Caribbean food items and products after attending Carnival.
  
• The highest spend per person was on the Saturday (£58) when most clothes and music products were bought.
  
• Average spending on Sunday (£34) and Monday (£30) was on food and drink, rather than clothes and music products.

Amongst its conclusions, the report recommends:

• A bigger PR and publicity campaign aimed at people in London, the rest of the UK and abroad.
  
• A fundraising strategy to maximise revenue from the public and private sectors, trusts, foundations in the UK and abroad.
  
• A broader marketing and merchandising campaign to maximise revenue from Carnival-related goods such as books, mugs, CDs, T-shirts etc.
  
• Building on the skills and business development potential of Carnival to strengthen its links with the creative industries. This would encourage the formation of new businesses and developing existing ones.
  
• The possible creation of a Carnival Visitor Centre, to examine the relevant experiences in the UK and abroad.

Carnival is now regarded as London's premier cultural event and a symbol of the ease with which Londoners have embraced their city's diversity. This report identifies that carnival generates millions of pounds in revenue and makes a significant contribution to London's tourist economy. The carnival has also become a victim of its own success with the sheer volume of visitors posing a challenge for the Metropolitan Police and other statutory agencies. As noted above, I have made it a priority to ensure that the current level of stewarding is funded and that visitors were reminded ahead of time to be alert about their personal safety.

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Events

London Day 2003

On 3 July activities for the third annual London Day took place on the anniversary of the formal commencement of office of myself, as Mayor of London and that of the London Assembly.

As part of the events, I hosted a London Day award reception for Londoners who have made a significant contribution to life in the capital. The awards paid tribute to around 1,000 guests who have made a difference to life in the capital through their work, their community involvement or a personal act.

London Day is about honouring those Londoners who make our city such a great place to live and work and make a huge difference to communities across the capital. As part of the London Day celebrations we are able to publicly thank them for their efforts. The nominations for recipients of the awards were made by organisations and members of the public across London.

As part of the celebrations, a unique aerial photographic floor map of the Greater London area was launched. The map, situated in the visitor centre at City Hall, will give visitors to the building an opportunity to get a unique view of London as well as see the street where they live and work.
Other events marking the day included a tree planting ceremony at Tanner Street Park in Southwark and the annual London Day lunch at City Hall, hosted by the New Statesman.

London Mela

An estimated 50,000 people enjoyed the first London Mela in Gunnersbury Park on Sunday 17 August. Ealing Council organised the event (as part of Ealing Summer), with support from O2 and the GLA. The London Mela is the capital's newest free festival, offering a colourful celebration of Asian culture and creativity.

The London Mela featured twelve zones of entertainment and creative activity, including popular and classical music, dance, stand up comedy, community performances, sports, children's activities, funfair and carnival, street arts, food and global markets.

I would like to see the Mela Festival to become one of the capital's major summer attractions. London's first Mela was a huge success. Londoners from all sections of the community came out to support this peaceful event. It was a fantastic celebration of Asian culture and creativity and made a great day out for all the family. Visitors were entertained by a variety of excellent performers and there were many delicious dishes to eat as well as plenty of fun and games for children. Ealing should be proud to have hosted such an outstanding event - it was a showcase for London.

I have signed a number of Friendship Agreements with international cities, including an agreement with Delhi signed in July 2002, which are being developed to celebrate London's diversity and recognise the contribution to London's economy and multicultural society by ethnic minority communities. Delhi's Secretary of Art and Culture, Nita Bali accompanied performers to London and has a programme of visits to arts and cultural organisations in London, with a view to establishing further links between them and the Delhi Department of Art and Culture and arts and cultural organisations in Delhi.

Respect 2003

On 19 July this year's respect festival took place at the Dome in Greenwich, and was one of the largest public declarations against racism in Europe. This was the first time that the Dome has been used for a major free event. This year respect was dedicated to the memory of Stephen Lawrence, who was murdered in a racist attack ten years ago.

Among those appearing at the respect festival were established artists from a wide range of musical styles and new and emerging talent was showcased across a variety of genres including music, dance and comedy.

The growing reputation of the respect festival is evidence that Londoners will not tolerate racism in their capital. London is a great multicultural and diverse city, which is why we love living here, why I love being Mayor of this city, and it is what makes it a successful city for business, for tourism, for culture, for food, for life but there is no room for complacency. We have not defeated racism. Over the last two years we have seen a dramatic rise in racism and activities of right-wing extremists in towns and cities across the country. Faced with rising racism the lesson we must learn from elsewhere in Europe is that racism cannot be appeased or ignored - its arguments must be confronted.

I also announced my hope to turn respect into a national event. I have pledged to write to every local authority in the country, to trade union leaders and to many voluntary and community organisations suggesting we work together in a nationwide respect network of towns and cities working together to fight racism and celebrate the contributions which different communities, races, religions and nationalities make to our cities and towns.

I reiterated my wish to build respect into a national movement. Our strength and our unity are more powerful than the racists and together we can stand up to and end racism.

This year, the festival served as the culmination of a week of anti-racist activities. For respectweek, events and activities were organised in boroughs across the capital, celebrating London's diversity and affirming that racism has no place in a city like London. Aimed at people of all ages and interests, they included a film festival; music, theatre and other arts events; community and borough based activities; children's and educational events. Many of these events and activities were free.

The first ever respectFilm took place, including a week-long season of films celebrating diversity from around the world, at cinemas across London from 10-17 July. Raising Victor Vargas tells the story of young love in New York's Lower East Side and has received excellent reviews in the States. The film was screened at the Curzon Mayfair on 10 July. Amongst several premieres and exclusive screenings were Standing in the Shadows of Motown, the documentary and live performance film about the pivotal role played by the Funk Brothers in the musical legacy that spawned the once ubiquitous 'Motown sound', which changed the course of music around the world. This closed the festival at the Ritzy, Brixton, on 17 July.

Thames Festival

I have approved £65,000 funding contribution for the Thames Festival from the 2003/04 Cultural initiatives budget. This annual event will take place on the weekend of 13 and 14 September.
This follows my support in previous years to this event which encourages public participation in our city's culture, particularly focussing on the appreciation and understanding of the River Thames and its ability to connect London's diverse communities both geographically and historically.

As before the festival aims to work in partnership with schools and educational institutions to deliver a range of educational initiatives and it is hoped that many young people and families who have contributed will attend the events.

Fair Employment Seminar

On 8 July I welcomed representatives of London Boroughs and trade unions to City Hall to discuss the promotion of fair employment in public sector procurement.

Speaking at the Procurement and Fair Employment Seminar in City Hall I gave the example of two contractors providing catering and ancillary services to the redesigned Trafalgar Square who had agreed to a fair employment clause in their contracts with the GLA. This clause ensures that their staff receive terms and conditions no less favourable than if they were employed directly by the Authority.

Since its inception the Greater London Authority has been working towards developing a policy where the contracts it awards, where appropriate, contain a binding fair employment clause. I am pleased with the progress that has been made and particularly with the willingness so far of contractors to accept these contract clauses and their positive approach in outlining their fair employment provisions within their tenders.

The GLA's Legal Counsel, James Goudie QC, explained his original opinion in detail and provided an update on various other legal issues relating to procurement, employment and equal opportunities to the key stakeholders who attended the event.

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Case for London

Government Spending Review 2004

The next Government Spending Review is due to take place in 2004 and the GLA and the functional bodies will be submitting an integrated Case for London, alongside detailed bids to individual Government sponsoring departments, setting out evidence for financial investment in public services across London.

I have approved a programme of economic research to support my submission in respect of the Government's Spending Review 2004 at an estimates cost of £200,000. The procurement of the research will be undertaken through the approved GLA Economics framework agreement. I have also agreed that the functional bodies will be approached for contributions toward the cost of the research. The cost of the research will be met from the GLA's contingency fund pending the agreement of the functional bodies to share the cost.

GLA Economics International Conference

I have agreed to GLA Economics holding a conference in October which aims of to enhance London's position as a global city and economic stronghold, to build GLA Economics reputation as an authoritative provider of economic information and analysis, and to show how the GLA supports London's economy.

This will be an international conference and speakers from New York, Paris and Berlin will be invited to present at the conference alongside senior GLA Economics staff. It will provide a unique opportunity to discuss policy issues arising from world city status.

I have agreed that, contrary to normal GLA fees and charges policy delegates will be charged a fee to cover the £15000 cost of holding the event and securing a commitment to attend from delegates.

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Culture

Asian London Guide 2003

On 4 July the "Asian London Guide 2003", was launched, following the success of last year's first ever guide to the diverse range of entertainment and events provided by Asian communities within and from outside London.

The 2003 guide gives detailed listings and complete travel information for the summer's vibrant Melas and other outdoor and indoor events including exhibitions, festivals and theatre, dance and musical performances throughout London - many of which are free. Events included the 12th Greenwich Mela as well as the first ever London-wide Mela in Ealing.

The Asian London Guide 2003 is not just about the summer. It is extremely useful for the whole year highlighting and describing key places to visit from Brick Lane to Green Street, from Wembley to Tooting; showing where to find the best Bollywood cinemas; listing arts and cultural organisations, and detailing various Asian themed venues, galleries, clubs and media.

London leads the world in creativity and diversity. Apart from their significant social and economic contribution our Asian communities strengthen the vitality and dynamism of our cultural landscape helping to make this a truly world-class city. Therefore I was delighted to introduce this second Asian London guide with such an amazing amount of things to do from Melas to curry festivals to Bollywood films and special exhibitions throughout the summer and beyond.

Asian London 2003 was distributed at theatres, libraries, bars, community centres, cultural associations and tourist information points/organisations across London.

Mayor's Commission on African and Asian Heritage

I have approved a £26, 000 allocation for the establishment of my Commission on African and Asian Heritage (MCAAH). This commission has been created to examine diversity issues within the heritage sector and develop a long-term strategy that will:

• Address inequality within London's mainstream heritage sector
  
• Facilitate a sustainable infrastructure for Black History and Heritage within community based institutions and
  
• Foster partnerships and programmes to help ensure diversity in London's Heritage sector
  I have also approved the GLA provision of the necessary assistance to implement the commission process.
  

The MCAAH will act as an advisory body and make recommendations that will be set out in a final report.

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Borough Liaison

Celebrating Success - London Government Working Together

A publication highlighting positive partnership working between the Greater London Authority, the Association of London Government and the London boroughs was launched on 4 July at a reception at City Hall.

The brochure has been produced by the ALG and GLA, and contains ten case studies which show how partnership working has resulted in achieving positive and effective outcomes in service delivery across a number of areas including housing, health, recycling and transport.

My vision for London is one of sustainable economic growth and equality for all Londoners and this informs every area of my work. In order for this approach to be effective, the GLA needs to work closely with the London boroughs and the ALG to develop and deliver this shared vision.

This booklet sets out just a few examples of successful collaborative working between the Greater London Authority and Association of London Government, and how the joint activities of the respective branches of London government are working to make London a better place to live and work.

Regional Visit to Enfield, Haringey and Waltham Forest

On 10 July, as part of my regional borough tour, I visited an innovative new 'first of its kind' police kiosk in operation in Haringey. The kiosk is a hexagonal shaped 'tardis' type building and is one of only two such buildings within the whole of the Metropolitan Police area.

The kiosks became operational in April 2003 and, if successful, could be used across London. They aim to help beat officers in carrying out their duties and can be used for interviewing victims and witnesses of crime, as well as being used as a place of safety.

During the visit I also met with new police recruits and Police Community Support Officers based in Wood Green. Before my first budget came into effect there were 519 police officers in the borough. Since then this has increased to 632 officers and is set to increase to 671 as a result of the budget I approved for this year.

Earlier in the day, I went to Walthamstow Town Centre to meet with and pledge my support for protestors, led by the McGuffin Film Society, who oppose the closure of the EMD cinema. This 'art-deco' cinema has played host to performers such as the Beatles, Rolling Stones, James Brown and Duke Ellington amongst others. This cinema is a vital resource in the regeneration of the Town Centre area and the whole borough. It will help to attract much needed inward investment by major businesses and help to turn this area into a vibrant and flourishing local economy. It has a rich and artistic history and some of the top performers in the world have come through its doors. A public inquiry into the sale and closure of the cinema is underway and its findings are to be announced imminently.

These visits took place as part of my regional tour of Enfield, Haringey and Waltham Forest, as part of which I launched the North London Strategic Alliance regional strategy and then went to see how LDA funding is helping to support and revive the manufacturing sector in the Lea Valley. I also watched a football match between students at Rushcroft School and a school for visually disabled children and I also met with artists at the newly opened, LDA funded, ArtZone.

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Tourism

Tourism budget

I have approved the following issues relating to tourism expenditure:

• Expenditure of £33, 371 (excluding VAT) for final settlement of an outstanding invoice from Euro WSCG Wnek Gosper for work done in connection with the "Greatest Show on Earth" outdoor campaign;
  
• Expenditure of £30, 350 (excluding VAT) for final settlement of an outstanding invoice from Appetite for work done in connection with the development of the "big Idea" concept for the marketing of London Tourism, and;
  
• A project overspend of £18, 821 on the Visit London Launch on 20 September 2002, giving a revised project total of 359, 196 (£18,821 net after a contribution of £40, 375 from the LDA).
  

The resolution of these issues has identified issues which are now being resolved, such as the clarity of roles and responsibilities between GLA officers and external partners working with the Authority and training needs which are being pursued.

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E-Government

LondonConnects

I have approved a payment of £50, 000 to support the operating costs of LondonConnects, the regional e-government partnership between myself and the London boroughs. This funding continues the work which has been established over the past two years. The partnership has been an effective mechanism for co-ordinating and leading the development of an e-government programme for London. This contribution is as anticipated in the GLA's 2003/04 Business Plan.

Equalities

Disability Capital Questionnaire

A major survey has been launched as part of my Disability Capital 2003 initiative to focus on the civil rights of disabled people living in London. The survey, 'Disability Capital Questionnaire' covers a variety of issues including: transport, housing, lifestyle and discrimination. The aim of the survey is to collect individual people's experiences of barriers they face in everyday life and to identify the most important issues to disabled and deaf Londoners.

In striving to make London an accessible and inclusive city at every level the reality for many of the capital's deaf and disabled people is far removed from our aspirations. We know that disabled Londoners are generally more likely to be poor, to be out of work, to be living in inadequate housing with poor access to education and health services and to face hate crime.
They also face barriers of discrimination, in accessing transport and leisure services, being excluded through inadequate access to the built environment and information. I want to know the real experiences of barriers faced by disabled people in the capital so that we can develop an agenda which will deliver equality for disabled and deaf Londoners.

The results of the survey will form the basis of a report to be presented at the Disability Capital Conference on 13 December 2003 which I will be hosting. The conference will bring together disabled people and decision makers to debate the issues highlighted in the report.

Liberty - Disability Rights Festival

On 1 August I announced that I would be hosting Liberty - London's Disability Rights Festival, a high-profile and contemporary programme featuring disabled artists, musicians, dancers and performers from the UK and abroad. The festival will take place on 7 September and is free. It represents a highlight in my Summer in the Square 2003 programme of events in newly reopened Trafalgar Square. Organised by the GLA, in association with Greater London Action on Disability (GLAD), Liberty is part of my commitment to European Year of Disabled People which I am supporting through events, consultation, research and service improvements for disabled Londoners.

All are welcome to attend and there will also be stalls and displays from a variety of organisations plus workshops and arts activities in the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery.

GIANTS - Disability Photography Exhibition

Throughout September, a unique photographic exhibition at City Hall will chart the journey disabled and deaf people have made in their struggle for equality. "Giants - Disabled People Reaching For Equality" has been created by the Disability Rights Commission and supported by the GLA.

The exhibition is another element of my commitment to support European Year of Disabled People and to improve the lives of disabled Londoners through a programme of events, consultation and research and service improvements across the GLA. I am pleased to work in partnership with the Disability Rights Commission through funding and hosting this landmark exhibition.

Giants is the story of how disabled people were hidden in institutions, then came together in the struggle for recognition and finally celebrated in giant images. The exhibition has been written and photographed by David Hevey, and designed by Helena Roden. Giants was produced by the arts charity SHAPE. It is audio described and braille and large print versions of texts are available.

Gay Data Information Service

I have authorised expenditure of the development, production and launch of a GLA cyber directory information resource which will be linked to the main GLA website.

Gay data will provide a search facility and its purpose is to allow lesbian and gay Londoners direct access to information about a range of practical services such as community and social groups, health, advice and helpline services, covering a broad range of subjects.

The service has been developed in conjunction with Gay-Z Directories Ltd and they will host and maintain the data for 12 months for a fee of £1,500. Most of the entries within Gay data allow the user to send an email directly to the agency/ service, visit the official website for additional information and to view a street map showing the exact location of the agency/ service required. Email addresses for individual services remain hidden to the user to prevent abuse of the system.

London Partnership Register

The 500th couple registered with London Partnerships Register on 12 July, nearly two years after the establishment of the Register in September 2001. Gay and lesbian couples are showing that they want the opportunity to have their relationships recognised.

This registration came just after the Government released its consultation paper on same sex partnerships. Even as London couples continue to sign the London Partnerships Register, legislative change is still needed in relation to inheritance, property and other rights. I would like to see draft legislation included in the Queen's Speech this November, so it is essential that people take part in the consultation and show that there is real support for this change. I will also be inviting local authorities to attend a meeting to discuss what we might do to push the case for change.

Exemplary Employer Status: Analysis of Staff Survey

I have noted the results of the staff survey on sexuality and that the report would be considered by the Assembly's Business Management and Appointment Committee on 10 September.

Outcome of Equalities for All Best Value Review Inspection and Implementation of Service Improvement Plan

I have noted the content and outcome of the inspection and that the GLA has been assessed as providing a two star good service with promising prospects for improvement. I have also agreed the project management arrangements for monitoring and implementing the Service Improvement Plan.

The award of two stars by the Audit Commission shows how much the Authority has already achieved in only three years, against the ambitions equalities targets it has set itself.

London is one of the most diverse cities in the world and benefits economically and culturally from the many communities that live here. It is also a city of great contrasts, which has huge gaps between the rich and the poor. While Londoners may generally pride themselves on being tolerant and fair, there are still may inequalities we need to tackle related to different groups in our society. Our work, at a strategic level across the capital an in the direct provision of services such as police, transport and fire services, has a major effect on the lives of all Londoners.

The Equalities for All review was unique. It is the first time that such a thorough review has been conducted across so many organisations, and ones that differ significantly in size, structure, history and culture. The Audit Commission reports that the Authority's strategic framework for developing and implementing equalities across the GLA group is good with promising prospects for further improvement. The Commission's score of two stars is the highest given to date to any authority review of equalities.

All the organisations in the GLA group aim to be "exemplary organisations" when it comes to equal opportunities. We do not see this as an optional extra but a central activity if our organisations are to be seen as modern and relevant to Londoners.

By working in an effective partnership, the GLA group is able to share experiences and expertise make more effective use of scarce resources and provide more joined up and effective services.

The GLA is leading the way for many public and private sector organisations in Britain, and indeed in Europe. Londoners consulted as part of this review stated that the Mayor should set the equalities agenda for London and ensure real improvements to the lives of Londoners; the outcomes of this review and the pioneering initiatives already underway will enable this to happen.

This report will be considered by the Assembly's Business Management and Appointments Committee on 10 September.

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GLA Organisation

GLA Pay Award

Following the recommendation of the Assembly Business Management and Appointments Committee on 4 June I agreed the application of the interim 3.6% cost of living pay award to the three Mayoral appointments for the posts Head of Spatial Development Strategy team, Head of Office (London House, Brussels) and Policy Director (Service Delivery).

Procurement Review

I have agreed the proposed changes to the GLA's Contract Code of practise and the timetable for revising the code. I have also responded to the recommendations made by the Assembly's Budget Committee following their scrutiny of the Authority's procurement processes. The report was considered by the Assembly's Business Management and Appointments Committee on 16 July.

Internal IT Projects

I have approved the Project Initiation Documents for major internal IT projects to deliver the new Finance and Human Resource systems. I have also agreed that the Projects Boards of the two projects can approve the selected software packages, subject to the agreed procurement procedures and the time and cost constraints laid out in the Project Initiation Documents.

I have also approved the mini-tender to appoint a 10-month part time consultant to project manage package selection, procurement and implementation planning for these projects.

This follows my approval of the GLA's three-year Technology Strategy and budget in April this year.

IT Network Infrastructure Maintenance

I have approved the waiving on the requirement of the Contracts Code to undertake an advertised competitive tendering exercise; and have approved the recommendation to award the contract for a period of three years to maintain the GLA's network infrastructure to Matrix Network Solutions.

The Foundry Network kit is highly specialised equipment that manages and provides the "backbone" to the City Hall data network infrastructure. Maintenance of this equipment should only be provided by fully accredited resellers as they have guaranteed access to spare parts and the technical resources of the manufacturer. The cost of the contract over the three-year period is £96,784.

Data Link - London House, Brussels and City Hall

I have approved the waiving of the contracts code to undertake a mini-tendering exercise and approval of the recommendation to award the contract to British Telecom for the supply and management of the data link between London House, Brussels and City Hall. The contract will last for a minimum of 3 years, with a contract value of £43,740.

I agreed to waive the contracts code for a number of reasons. It had originally been envisaged that the contract would be for a year only. Therefore the contract value would only have required three quotes. However, British Telecom's three-year offer with annual renewal represented very good value for money. The supplier who came second was requested to supply terms and process for a three-year term but did not respond. In addition, this is a very specialised service that only a small number of suppliers can provide. Finally there is an urgent need to reduce the costs being incurred with the existing service and the negotiations which have taken place have already been lengthy, taking over 6 months.

Committee Management System

I have approved the waiver of the contracts code of practise to undertake an advertised competitive tendering exercise and have approved the recommendation to procure a Committee Management System from Esprit Loutron Partnership Ltd at a cost of £50, 725 for the purposes of improving the management of Assembly papers and making these more effectively available to the general public through the internet.

Market Research Contract

I have approved the awarding of a contract to MORI to conduct a programme of market research between July 2003 and the end of March 2004. This follows on from the consultation work programme and budget which mentions market research to establish Londoners views on a range of issues to inform strategy and policy development.

This follows a tendering process to appoint a single market research company to carry out this programme of research. Following the tender evaluation, MORI were awarded the contract on the basis that their bid was judged to be the most economically advantageous on the grounds of best value.

Internal and External Audit Plans

Following my report in June, I have agreed to the requests made by the Audit Panel in their letter following the meeting of 17 June. I have consequently approved the final Internal Audit and External Audit Plans for 2003/04.

GLA London Resilience Arrangements

I have approved the role of the Chief Executive and other GLA officers in relation to London Resilience and have approved the financial arrangements relating to a free secondment to the London resilience team for a period of 12 months.

Relationships with External Organisations and Functional Bodies

I have confirmed the procedures for dealing with external organisations and functional bodies where a financial or legal relationship exists in the GLA. This report will be considered by the Assembly's Business Management and Appointments Committee on 10 September.

Audit Reports

I have noted the internal audit assessment of the following Authority systems:

This report will be considered by the Assembly's Audit Panel on 14 October.

I have also noted the contents of External Audit's interim Audit Report in respect of 2002/03.
This report will be considered by the Assembly's Audit Panel on 14 October.

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The Londoner

Additional Edition of The Londoner

Since the Londoner was launched in December 2002 as a part of the communications plan to improve information provision and achieve a level of awareness of the GLA, the effectiveness of the paper has been monitored in terms of the provision of information and increasing levels of awareness about the GLA.

In November 2002, before the launch of the Londoner, 19% of people questioned in the Annual London Survey said that the GLA kept them well or fairly well informed. However, by March 2003, after two editions of the Londoner, a MORI survey showed that 40% now felt they were kept well or fairly well informed. By June 2003, this was 42%.

In addition to this, Londoners have consistently stated in the Annual London survey that their preferred method of communication was through their door. In May 2003, respondents who had received this edition of the Londoner were asked if they liked receiving information this way from the Mayor and GLA and 71.6% said that they did. This mechanism also provides an effective vehicle for communication of the GLA group performance information to all Londoners, as it reaches almost 3 million households and the July 2003 edition included a GLA group performance summary produced in conjunction with TfL, LDA, MPA and LFEPA.

Following this success, I have agreed to the production and distribution of an additional edition of the Londoner (making an annual total of seven) subject to a financial contribution of £311, 000 from the London Tourist Board. I have also agreed to schedule the next four editions of the Londoner for publication between September and December 2003.

In addition to this the functional bodies will be approached with the aim of securing input and financial support for expanding the production programme for the Londoner. I have agreed the revised 2003/04 budget of £2.2 million for the Londoner and have consulted the Assembly's Budget Committee on the virement of £72,000 for staffing and Londonline budgets.

Print Contract

I have approved the awarding of a contract to print the next three edition of the Londoner to Westferry Printers Ltd subject to agreement of a formal contract. This follows the approval of a EU procurement process to increase the number of newspaper printers on the GLA's printing framework arrangement. Additional printers were admitted to the framework arrangement in order to comply with the requirements of best value and there are now 6 printers in the GLA framework agreement.

Following the submission of detailed quotes for printing the next three editions of the Londoner, an evaluation of the quotes took place and I have approved the awarding of the contract to Westferry at a value of £96,000.

Distribution Contract

I have approved the awarding of a contract for the distribution of future editions of The Londoner in 2003/04, beginning with the November 2003 edition, to Circular Distributors.

This follows the approval of a EU procurement process to establish a framework arrangement for distribution services and the completion of the agreed process.

Distribution Validation Services

I have approved the awarding of a contract for distribution validation services for future editions of The Londoner. In order to monitor the effectiveness of distribution it is necessary to carry out back-checking of delivery to the 2.9 million households.

This follows a tender process and evaluation of bids and the contract will be awarded to Stepcheck at a cost of £8,400 per issue.

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City Hall

City Hall Lease

I have confirmed that I am satisfied with the terms of the proposed lease of City Hall. I have authorised the Director of Corporate Services to respond to consultation undertaken by the Government Office for London in relation to the proposed transfer scheme under section 409 of the GLA Act 1999 assigning the lease of City Hall and associated rights to the GLA.

London's Living Room

I have approved the reduction in the £20, 645 fee for Bollywood Ltd to film in London's Living Room from the 10-12 September 2003 to £2400 including VAT.

Bollywood Ltd is filming a low-budget film called the King of Bollywood, which will involve a scene in London's Living Room. City Hall was chosen as the venue for a scene with a reception to welcome guests to London as the building and the views over London are thought to represent London to an overseas audience.

The Film Council international have been actively assisting the production and it is hoped to promote the GLA and London to Indian, UK and worldwide audiences.

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Planning and Development Control

Planning Decisions (Stage Two Referrals)

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

40 Holborn Viaduct I have written to the Corporation of London stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.

Aquila Site, Golf Road I have written to the London Borough of Bromley stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.

Lymington Fields I have written to the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.

Land at Worship Street and Shoreditch High Street, London EC2 I have written to Hackney Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.

Dolphin Site I have written to Havering Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.

Land to the rear of the General Lying-in Hospital, Addington Street site I have written to Lambeth Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.

Site A, Bow Lock Twelve Trees Crescent I have written to Tower Hamlets Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.

Buckston Brown Farm, West Hill, Orpington, Kent I have written to Bromley Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.

Thurston Road Industrial Estate, Jerrard Street I have written to Lewisham Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.

Brunel University Site, Margaret's Road, East Twickenham I have written to Richmond Upon Thames Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.

Tidal Basin Road, Royal Victoria Docks I have written to Newham Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.

Town Square, Clockhouse Avenue and 10-26 Ripple Road I have written to Barking and Dagenham Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.

Wind Turbine, Ford Estate, Dagenham I have written to Barking and Dagenham Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application. The proposal is for London's first large scale wind power plant, which will provide enough energy to run the new Ford's Assembly Room, or the equivalent of power for 2,850 homes. It will save the production of 4,411 tonnes of pollutants, such as carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide emissions, each year, thus contributing towards improved air quality and reducing London's contribution to global warming. The three turbines will go half way to meeting my target in the draft Energy Strategy of six new major wind turbines in London by 2010.

Seething Lane I have written to the Corporation of London stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.

Hungerford Bridge Sire Compound I have written to Lambeth Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.

Lots Road I have written to Hammersmith and Fulham Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.

Mariner Road, Pepys Street I have written to the Corporation of London stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.

Former Guardian Press Centre, 2 Millharbour, Isle of Dogs I have written to Tower Hamlets Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.

Chelsea Bridge Wharf I have written to Wandsworth Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.

Frog Island Depot, Manor Way, Rainham I have written to Havering Council stating that I have decided not to direct refusal of this application.

Peruvian Wharf I have written to Newham Council further to their letter of 25 June indicating that the fourteen-day period allowing me to consider the application would terminate on 8 July. I received a letter from the Government Office of London dated 3 July stating that the Secretary of State has directed that the proposed development for which planning permission is sought is 'EIA development' for the purposes of the 1999 regulations.

Newham Council has therefore been required to notify that the applicant that an environmental statement must be submitted to accompany the application. In practical terms therefore the application is now invalid; as the previous Council committee report did not include environmental information, it would not be a report upon which the Committee could resolve to grant planning permission and so any decision made as a result does not now constitute a formal Stage II referral to me. Accordingly, the fourteen-day period allowed to me has been stopped. I have asked that Newham Council send me a copy of the applicant's response to the request for an Environmental Statement in due course.

Planning Decisions (Stage One Applications)

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

• Tripcock Point, Thamesmead
  
• Frog Island
  
• Jenkins Lane
  
• Whitelands College
  
• Brunel University
  
• Avery Hill Road
  
• Site E, Canada Water
  
• 181-183 Warwick Road
  
• Priddy's Yard
  
• 2-6 New Mount Street
  
• Mariner House
  
• Land at Church Street, Edmonton
  
• RAF Northolt
  
• Riverside South
  
• Hertsmere House
  
• Tidal Basin Road
  
• Hungerford Bridge Site
  
• 1-4 Leicester Square
  
• Land South of Dalston Lane
  
• Land bounded by Breams Buildings, Fetter Lane and Rolls Building
  
• Sutton Sewage Works

Stopping Up Order

Ferry Lane Officers have written to Hounslow Council following their request that I make a decision under Section 22 of the Town and Country Planning Act as to whether, in the special circumstances of the case, it is necessary to hold and inquiry into a proposed stopping up order in relation to Ferry Lane. Having considered the report, I concluded that the outstanding objections to the stopping up order do not concern highway matters, and are not made by a local authority, undertaker or supplier, that there are special circumstances existing in this case so that the holding of an inquiry is not necessary.

Non-statutory Referrals

Paddington Station Officers have written to Westminster Council following their initial consultation on the non-statutory referral of this application.

Copies of my planning decisions are available on the GLA website.

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Key Engagements

I have also attended the following key engagements in the last two months:

• I hosted the Local Government Leaders reception at City Hall on 7 July 2003
  
• I chaired the TfL Budget Steering group meeting on 8 July 2003
  
• I attended the High Level Rail group meeting on 8 July 2003
  
• I spoke at the London Assembly plenary meeting alongside Walter Momper, President of the Berlin House of Representatives and attended the lunch and reception in his honour on 9 July 2003
  
• I chaired the MPA Budget Steering Group Meeting on 9 July 2003
  
• I met with Rt Hon Keith Hill MP, Minister for London on 9 July 2003
  
• I attended the Trees for London 10th Anniversary reception on 11 July 2003
  
• I chaired the LDA Budget Steering Group Meeting on 15 July 2003
  
• I met with Peter Cardy, Macmillan Cancer Relief on 15 July 2003
  
• I met with Save Ealing Streets Campaigners on 16 July 2003
  
• I attended the London Thames Gateway Board inaugural meeting on 16 July 2003
  
• I hosted a reception for Student Sabbatical officers at City Hall on 16 July 2003
  
• I met with Sir Robin Wales, Chair of ALG on 17 July 2003
  
• I met with Rt Hon Nick Raynsford MP, Minister of State for Local and Regional Government on 17 July 2003
  
• I attended the London Resilience Forum meeting on 17 July 2003
  
• I hosted the Mardi Gras reception at City Hall on 17 July 2003
  
• I hosted the LFEPA Budget Steering Group meeting on 6 August 2003
  
• I addressed the Thames Gateway press launch alongside Rt Hon Keith Hill MP, Minister for London on 6 August 2003
  
• I met with Tony Woodley, General Secretary elect of the TGWU and Barry Camfield, Assistant General Secretary of the TGWU on 12 August 2003
  
• I had lunch with Lord Paul on 12 August 2003
  
• I visited Brixton Overground station with Val Shawcross AM on 13 August 2003
  
• I met with Judith Mayhew and Allan Hayworth concerning Barts London PFI on 13 August 2003
  
• I had dinner with the prize winners of the Totally London competition on 13 August 2003
  
• I met with Brendan Barber, General Secretary of the TUC and Mick Connolly, Regional Secretary of the TUC on 19 August 2003
  
• I attended a photocall of the Wetland Duck Bus at City Hall on 19 August 2003
  
• I met with Tony McNulty MP, Minister for Transport on 27 August 2003
  
• I attended the Thames Gateway Dinner on 27 August 2003
  
• I attended the Trafalgar Square Concert on 31 August 2003
  
• I met with Elliot Morley MP, Minister for the Environment on 2 September 2003
  
• I addressed the recycle for London launch on 2 September 2003
  
• I chaired the LFEPA budget steering group meeting on 2 September 2003
  
• I met with representatives of UCATT on 2 September 2003
  
• I attended the LCCI Business Question Time on 2 September 2003
  
• I attended the Banglatown international Curry Festival on 3 September 2003
  
• I met with Lord Rogers on 3 September
  
• I met with the London Higher Education Consortium on 3 September 2003
  
• I hosted the London Bus and Tram Awards on 3 September 2003

Ken Livingstone
3 September 2003

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