Newsletter - June 2005

Published on Mon 27th Jun 2005

Newsletter - June 2005

1. CONGRATULATIONS!

In my first newsletter since the general election, I'd like to congratulate all our newly elected MPs - especially Lynne Featherstone and Susan Kramer.

Lynne's departure from the GLA means we have a replacement, Geoff Pope, who I'm sure will make a wonderful member - Geoff and I served together on Richmond Council for many years.

2. CHANGES AT THE GLA

I am delighted to have been appointed to the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA). The MPA is made up of 23 board members, 12 of whom are also members of the London Assembly, who scrutinise and support the work of the Metropolitan Police Service. The mission of the MPA is to secure an effective, efficient and fair police service for London's communities.

I will be meeting with all the Borough Commanders in London in order to discuss the issues that are facing them locally. I believe that there are many concerns that need to be addressed, and I intend to work closely with local parties on this.

The Assembly has decided that Planning merits its own separate committee, and so the committee that I chair is now known as the Economic Development, Culture, Sport and Tourism Committee (or EDCST for short), in order to fully reflect the very wide remit. I expect police matters to take up a significant amount of my time from now on, so Geoff has taken over from me on the Health and Public Services Committee.

3. PRESS RELEASES

"Half of all council housing in London 'not decent'" - 16th June 2005

"Fewer than 500 people an hour tune in to £630,000 Livingstone London TV channel" - 14th June 2005

"Minister's claim of falling homelessness in the capital misleads Londoners" - 13th June 2005

"London's homeless families soar by 37% in 5 years" - 16th May 2005

4. OLYMPIC GAMES 2012

With less than a week to go before the International Olympic Committee makes its final decision about the host city for the 2012 Olympic Games, there is still everything to play for. On 6th June, the IOC released its reports on each of the candidate cities, and London received very positive feedback. The London bid team will be campaigning right up until the decision day on 6th July in Singapore.

I feel confident that the London bid will prove to be the winner but, either way, I am determined to ensure that the Mayor keeps his promises about re-development in London irrespective of whether or not London wins.

5. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, CULTURE, SPORT AND TOURISM COMMITTEE

The committee is currently investigating Apprenticeships in London. So far, we have discovered that there are issues with the image of apprenticeships, and the perceived bureaucracy involved in implementing them for employers.

Future scrutinies that have already been scheduled include:

· Childcare and the London Development Agency's progress in London - hearing on 12th July.

· Tourism - focusing on Outer London - hearing on 6th September.

We will also be looking closely at the outcome of the Olympic bid, whatever the decision, and examining the developments in the Thames Gateway, where Europe's largest and most ambitious regeneration programme is currently taking place.

We will shortly be publishing reports on the following issues:

· London's Night-time Economy - With the rapid increase in night-time activities, have the needs of residents been adequately taken account of? Intelligent planning can help to alleviate any possible problems.

· Access to the Labour Market for the over 50s - With a rapidly ageing population in London, this is potentially one of the most important sources of labour for the future. Have businesses taken this on board, and recognised the skills and experience that the older generation has to offer?

· Casinos in London - When we began this scrutiny, the Gambling Bill was before parliament, proposing eight regional or 'super' casinos. Since then, the proposed number has dropped to one, although this may increase to two or more. We have been looking at what factors need to be taken into account when assessing the location of a 'super casino'.

Please let me know if you would like a copy.

6. EXPERT PANELS

I have set up advisory panels - one for culture and one for sport - in order to inform our thinking with ideas for scrutinies and campaigning issues in London.

I also plan to set up a Tourism Panel along the same lines. If you feel you could contribute to this, please do get in touch with me at dee.doocey@london.gov.uk.

I am particularly keen in all areas to look at the inner/outer London divide in terms of funding, and also to address the issue of accessibility for disabled people.