Political Update – September 2024
Political Activity
- At the Labour Party Conference, there were three key themes: economic growth; delivery of affordable homes and further devolution. Housing, infrastructure, building, and planning reforms were dominant themes for fringe events.
- Home Secretary Yvette Cooper set out her ambition to crackdown on crime and halve knife offences in a decade and the police will be given new powers to tackle anti-social behaviour, off-road bikes and shoplifting.
- The Government reiterated its intention to overhaul business rates and next month – more details will emerge about their industrial strategy which will outline priority areas for economic expansion.
- Chancellor Rachel Reeves hinted that the October budget could see changes to fiscal rules to prioritise public spending and investment in infrastructure in addition to changes to inheritance tax and capital gains tax.
HOLBA Key Public Affairs Activity
- HOLBA sponsored a London Growth Plan engagement event hosted by BusinessLDN in partnership with the GLA and London Councils on 2 September. Deputy Mayor Howard Dawber was in attendance and we presented our ideas to unlock growth in the Heart of London area.
- We held a positive meeting with Andy Lord, Commissioner of TfL to discuss pedicab licensing. With our colleagues at The Hippodrome, we have started looking at how a scheme might work in practice. These findings will be discussed with TfL colleagues later this month.
- We are working with NWEC to convene a high level strategic meeting on crime and safety. Board members will be invited once arranged.
- The Association of International Retail are exploring how tax free shopping could be re-framed to be part of a new ‘mission’ on international competitiveness.
- Mete Coban MBE, Deputy Mayor for Energy and the Environment has been invited to speak at HOLBA’s Net Zero strategy launch on 23 October.
Looking Ahead
- Meet with UKHospitality to discuss supporting their business rates relief campaign.
- Arrange a meeting with West End Councillors (including new Councillor Tim Barnes) to discuss our key policy priorities.
- Members will be urged to complete a new survey from the Government on the role of retrofit and redevelopment in the planning process.
- Local MP Rachel Blake is confirmed for a walkaround the Heart of London area on 5 November.
- Deputy Mayor Howard Dawber is confirmed for a walkaround on 6 November.