Political Activity

• A new Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander has been appointed.  We will write to her about our key transport asks (step free access at HoL tube stations, regulation and licensing of pedicabs, regulation of the micromobility market and our Charing Cross Road scheme).
• Rachel Reeves gave her first Mansion House Speech on 14 November which focused on driving investment, growth, innovation and the transition to net zero.
• The next Comprehensive Spending Review is now likely to conclude in June 2025
• The outcome of the US elections is likely to have an impact on Labour’s approach to public spending (e.g. an increase in defence budgets)
• Kemi Badenoch was announced as leader of the Conservative party

HOLBA Key Public Affairs Activity

• Conducted a member survey following the Autumn Budget.  The results were discussed at yesterday’s Board meeting.
• Hosted Deputy Mayor Howard Dawber on 6 November and briefed him on key growth opportunities and challenges for the area. Sent a follow up letter with our key asks for the London Growth Plan.
• Hosted Rachel Blake MP on 7 November and discussed our shared priorities.  Sent a follow up letter with our key asks for the area.
• Collaborated with the Westminster BIDs group to plan two high level meetings focused on tackling crime which will take place in early 2025.
• Wrote to the Department for Transport (and received a response) about legislation to regulate and manage e-bikes and e-scooters (likely to be included in the English Devolution White Paper).
• Responded to several consultations: Industrial Strategy Green paper; nuisance vehicle Public Space Protection Order; WCC’s consultation on crime and homelessness and the Draft Public Realm Supplementary Planning Document
• Requested formal consultee status on planning applications with WCC

Looking Ahead

• Build the evidence base to assess the impact of key proposals announced in the Autumn Budget on HOLBA members and the wider West End
• Build the evidence base to advocate for extending Thursday evening tube hours
• Host Commander Owain Richards on 3 December at HOLBA
• Meet with TfL colleagues on 11 December to discuss progress on pedicab regulations and licensing
• Write to the new Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime to request a meeting
• Respond to the English Devolution White Paper
• Engage with Cllr Barraclough re: e-bike crime data from Santander and Human Forest

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.

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