Thursday 3 April:

Key Political Activity

Central Government

• In her Spring Statement,  the Chancellor announced major welfare cuts following a halved growth forecast from the OBR (2% to 1%), pledged additional defence funding  and highlighted the GDP benefits of upcoming planning reforms. No new tax rises were announced, but Reeves warned the government must remain “active” in an uncertain economic climate. The government’s changes to housebuilding will result in a £6.8bn boost to GDP by 2029, according to OBR figures.
• The Planning and Infrastructure bill was introduced into Parliament establishing new Strategic Planning Authorities to coordinate cross-boundary development and creating a “nature restoration fund” to allow developers to offset environmental impacts upfront and speed up approvals for major schemes. The bill also proposes several significant reforms to local planning authorities, including a national scheme of delegation to clarify which applications should go to committee, mandatory training for committee members, limits on committee size, and powers for councils to set their own planning fees.
• The UK is braced for 25% US tariffs on car imports. The government is working to seek exemptions for UK businesses and avoid a trade war whilst preparing sectoral support.

Greater London Authority

• The Mayor’s Police and Crime Plan 2025–29 was published and pledges to cut violence and exploitation, rebuild public trust, support victims, and oversee reform of the Met Police. We are pleased that the plan references the need ‘to tackle the basics which includes reducing crime and ASB experienced by businesses’ (this was included in our consultation response).
• The consultation on the proposed new Mayoral Development Corporation for Oxford Street is now available.  The MDC will become the area’s planning authority and manage regeneration with ringfenced funding.
• The Mayor has announced plans to invest more than £10m into the capital’s creative and cultural industries over the next four years, helping to generate more than £2.5bn for the capital’s economy.
• The UK government is piloting a scheme allowing the Mayor of London to overrule local councils on pub and club licensing decisions in areas important to the night-time economy. The goal is to support the hospitality industry, which has faced challenges since the pandemic. Some councils have expressed caution, while industry groups hope the plan will ease financial pressures. If successful, the scheme could extend beyond London to other regions.

Westminster City Council

• The Westminster After Dark draft strategy was published. Key proposals include a Unified Licensing Framework, the creation of Late Night Entertainment Zones in Oxford Street, The Strand, and Victoria, new public realm investment, and a commitment to diversify the night-time offer beyond alcohol-led activity. The strategy places strong emphasis on tackling antisocial behaviour, supporting cultural industries, and partnering with BIDs. HOLBA’s ENTE Strategy is featured as a case study, and a new Advisory Group will oversee implementation.

Key HOLBA Activity

• Finalised and launched our #FairerBusinessRates campaign. We have submitted our consultation response and two research reports to the Treasury on the Government’s business rate reform proposals. A webinar for members will be held on 9 April to discuss the research, the proposal for a new Combined Business Rate and next steps.
• TfL are currently assessing over 7,000 responses received for the consultation on pedicabs.  A final consultation on the regulations will be launched late Summer with the scheme on track to go live in April 2026.
• Attended meeting with outgoing Superintendent Beth Pirie to discuss crime levels in the West End and signed a BusinessLDN letter to the Home Office (response attached).
• HOLBA lobbied WCC Councillors to support the planning application submitted by Soho Estates for a new digital screen in Leicester Square.  The application was unanimously approved
• Held a meeting with Saqib Bhatti MP, shadow Minister for DCMS to discuss the role of culture and the creative industries in the West End.  A tour will be organised for him in the summer.

Looking Ahead

• Develop a new campaign on crime and safety focused on the West End
• Draft a response to the Westminster After Dark consultation.  Views will be sought from members and experts in planning and licensing.
• Write to Ministers, trade bodies and other partners to build support for the #FairerBusinessRates campaign
• Respond to the GLA consultation on a new MDC for Oxford Street (members will be provided with the chance to feed into this consultation).
• Support a planning application by Horizons Casino to place tables and chairs outside its premises in Leicester Square.

Support the revised planning application for a new Blue Note jazz club in St Martin’s Lane