Political Update

Real (Business) Rates Reform

Our Real Rates Reform campaign has maintained strong momentum following the Autumn Budget and the outcome of the latest revaluation. 

We hosted a webinar (available online) and secured high-profile media coverage:

We have also engaged directly with HM Treasury and London Councils, briefed members of the Treasury Select Committee, and strengthened political awareness of the need for reform.

Increased festive footfall

Footfall in London’s West End over the 2025 festive season reached its highest level since 2020, with December seeing a 19% increase in visitors, a 10% rise in international visitors, and an average dwell time up by 42 minutes. This strong performance highlights the area’s enduring global appeal and potential for sustainable growth as a world-class commercial and cultural hub. Read more

Reducing crime and anti-social behaviour

Progress on safety across the West End is being driven by collaboration between business, local government and the police. We attended a roundtable chaired by Sir Mark Rowley and attended by Deputy Mayors Howard Dawber and Kaya Comer-Schwartz, Cllr Adam Hug and senior business representatives to review Summer activity and build on progress.

Improving the West End

We have worked to embed West End business priorities into future policy. We engaged with Westminster Council on its Cultural Strategy and draft Sustainable Transport Strategy, with the Greater London Authority on licensing policy and with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on the establishment of standalone Property Owner BIDs and electronic voting for BID ballots.

National Plan to End Homelessness Launched

The Government has launched a new National Plan to End Homelessness. The strategy commits to halving long-term rough sleeping by 2029, ending the use of B&B accommodation for families, and strengthening the legal duty on public bodies to work together on homelessness prevention.

In London - a new £1 million fund will deliver Floating Hubs across 17 hotspot locations, providing targeted support for long-term rough sleepers with the most complex needs.

Government launches major planning reform consultation

The Government has published a revised National Planning Policy Framework. Proposals include a permanent presumption in favour of brownfield development, stronger expectations for higher-density development in towns, cities and around transport hubs, and new requirements to optimise land use through building upwards in urban centres. The consultation closes on 10 March.

Council Tax Flexibility for Central London Authorities

Six London authorities, including Westminster City Council and the City of London, have been granted temporary powers to increase council tax above the standard 5% cap without a local referendum. The measure is intended to provide short-term financial flexibility as central government funding is rebalanced towards more “deprived” areas from 2026.

Overnight Visitor Levy Consultation

Mayors will be given powers to introduce a levy on overnight stays. In London, the Mayor has indicated that any levy would support the visitor economy, transport and the public realm. HOLBA will be convening discussions with hotel members and submitting a response to the consultation by 18 February.

Westminster CCTV Policy Consultation

Westminster is consulting on its CCTV Policy. The consultation runs until 19 January, and HOLBA will be responding.