• On 29 January, Rachel Reeves outlined the Government’s plan to drive economic growth.  This included support for the third runway at Heathrow, redevelopment of Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester and key transport investments such as the Lower Thames Crossing and the Oxford-Cambridge Corridor. Also announced was the prospect of a new visa designed to make it easier for international talent to work in the UK, pledges to reset Britain’s trade relationship with the EU and strengthen relationships with the US, India and China.
• In her speech, Reeves called Net Zero “the growth opportunity of the century”, stating that there was no conflict between economic growth and environmental regulations and announcing two National Wealth Fund investments in renewable energy infrastructure.  Reeves also highlighted several previously announced measures, including planning and regulatory reforms, funding for growth sectors such as research and development, AI, and data centres, reforms to regulation and the Competition and Markets Authority, and pension reforms designed to unlock investment in infrastructure and high-growth industries like technology and clean energy.
• Also announced this month by the Government is a New Zoning Strategy which will ensure that the default response to planning applications near commuter transport hubs is acceptance.  The forthcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill will aim to cut red tape and streamline decision making for critical infrastructure projects such as reducing the input required from expert bodies and reforming the current environmental assessment system to boost efficiency. The AI Opportunities Action Plan will aim to integrate AI into the creative economy, including the establishment of AI Growth Zones to accelerate the development of AI infrastructure.
• A new £60 million funding package has also been announced to stimulate growth in the creative industries and a new Soft Power Council has been launched to promote British culture, deepen international ties, and enhance the global reach of the UK’s creative sectors.
• London Plan update – the GLA will publish a high-level document in March.  Consultation on the draft plan is expected in March 2026, examination process will span 2026-27, and final adoption in 2027.
• Cllr Max Sullivan has replaced Cllr Paul Dimoldenberg as Westminster City Council’s Cabinet Member for Streets, a portfolio which includes transport, public realm, highways and street cleaning.
• The Vincent Square by-election will take place on 27th February and will provide a key signal of voter sentiment and priorities ahead of the 2026 local elections. Labour’s candidate is Joanna Camadoo-Rothwell and the Conservative candidate is Martin Hayes.

 HOLBA Key Public Affairs Activity

• Collaborated with Transport for London to launch a six week consultation on the regulation and licensing of pedicabs (deadline is 7 March). We will be urging all members to respond. Click here to have your say.
• Attended a meeting with Treasury officials on 15 January about the Government’s consultation on business rate multipliers.  A response to the consultation will be submitted by the end of March.
• Attended the launch of new campaign group High Streets UK on 14 January at Parliament.  Its purpose is to address the core challenges currently facing British high streets and unlock fresh opportunities for growth.
• Received a positive response from TfL Commissioner Andy Lord following our letter to The Rt Hon Heidi Alexander (this letter is attached for information)
• Supported HOLBA’s Experience Economy event on 23 January (a copy of the White Paper will be sent to DCMS and the Department for Business and Trade)
• Provided a response on several WCC consultations: Regulation 7 Direction: Estate Agents’ Boards; Air Quality Consultation; St James’s Neighbourhood Plan and the Draft Infrastructure Delivery Plan.

Looking ahead – Key Activity

• Respond to WCC’s consultation on updates to its Environment Supplementary Planning Document
• Respond to GLA’s police and crime plan consultation
• Publish a case study with details of the new special designation for the HOL area following publication of the Mayor’s Growth Plan (27 February)
• Host Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley (in partnership with BusinessLDN) on 27 February
• Meet with Cllr Paul Swaddle to discuss shared key priorities