Political Activity

• On 5 December, Keir Starmer set out his ‘Plan for Change’, which includes delivering more homes (1.5m target), 150 infrastructure projects and improving the standard of living across the UK.
• On 12 December, the Government published its response to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) consultation. This included the requirement for all local authorities to submit a Local Development Scheme by 6 March.  WCC has already submitted the partial review of its local plan for examination and will now need to provide a clear roadmap on the full update. WCC has been set one of the most ambitious new housing targets in England (1,862 to 4,341 which is an increase of 133%). This will be challenging to deliver given the high costs, scarcity in land supply and 35% affordable housing target.
• The Devolution White Paper has been published. Key points for London include: central Government will examine the 1999 Greater London Authority Act to remove any unnecessary or dated provisions and its ability to support the capital’s continued growth and prosperity.  It will also work with the Mayor to compare the powers and policy approaches of other global city authorities. Local transport authorities will also be given the power to regulate e-bikes and e-scooters.
• Howard Dawber has provided an update on the Mayor’s London Growth Plan which is due to be published at the end of February.  In December, we engaged with both Howard and Deputy Mayor Justine Simons about key aspects of the plan and are pleased that the experience economy is to be included as a key growth sector.

HOLBA Key Public Affairs Activity

• We have commissioned new research to assess the potential impact of the Government’s proposals for new business rate multipliers on the HOL area. A series of parliamentary questions have also been tabled to obtain more detail.
• We met with TfL colleagues on 11 December to discuss the proposed pedicab regulations.  The formal consultation is expected to be published at the end of January and a high level document will be circulated imminently outlining the proposed regulatory framework.
• The Association of International Retail are in discussion with Ernst and Young about new research into the impact of tax free shopping.
• We provided a response to the GLA Group Budget Proposals and Precepts 2025-26.  The GLA replied stating it will be shared with the Mayor’s office and also with all members of the London Assembly before the Budget is approved.
• We wrote a letter of endorsement for Society of London Theatre’s NCIL funding application for their tkts booth renovation in Leicester Square.

Looking Ahead – Key Activity

• Attend 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.
• Attend an HMT roundtable on 15 January to discuss the impact of the Government’s proposed new business rate multipliers.
• Engage with WCC with regards to Local Implementation Plan funding for our proposed Charing Cross Road scheme
• With NWEC, jointly write to the new Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Kaya Comer Schwartz inviting her to visit the West End (and review and respond to GLA’s revised Police and Crime plan)
• Write to Heidi Alexander, new Secretary of State at DfT to highlight our key transport priorities
• Engage with DCMS colleagues about Sir Chris Bryant MP’s attendance at our Experience Economy event on 23 January.
• Engage with GLA and WCC about our plans for a new special designation for the HOL area.

If you have any questions or if you would like to discuss any of the above in further detail, please contact Antonia Stratford, Head of Public Affairs, at antonia@holba.london.