Question 25.

What efforts have the Council made to persuade the new Tory London Mayor to meet the pledge of his predecessor to provide substantial match-funding to assist in the restoration of Dollis Hill House? What indications have been received from Mr Johnson in this regard?

Answer 25 - Response from Cllr Van Colle

Members agreed at the Executive meeting on 11^th February 2008 to allow Training for Life twelve months to develop their proposals for the refurbishment of Dollis Hill House. Since the change of Mayor in May this year the Council have written twice to the new Mayor asking for clarification on his commitment to this scheme and explaining how the proposal links to his own policy ambitions around steering young people away from crime. The Mayor has responded, to the first letter, saying he is `determined to help secure the future of the Dollis Hill House' but feels further detail on the business plan is needed to ensure it is a good investment. A meeting has been arranged for October between the Deputy Mayor and the London Development Agency and Training for Life and the Dollis Hill House Trust to discuss the business plan in more detail. Council officers will also be at the meeting. It is hoped that the Mayor's position will be made clear following this meeting. If the Mayor does not agree to support the scheme with capital funding the Council will need to discuss with Training for Life what the effect is upon their proposal and whether they wish to continue with their work.