Agenda and minutes

To note that Councillor Andrew Smith has replaced Councillor Tony Devenish.

1.1      There were no changes to the membership.

To receive declarations by Members and Officers of the existence and nature of any pecuniary interests or any other significant interest in matters on this agenda.

2.1       There were no declarations of interest.

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 25 November 2020.

3.1      RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meetings held on 25 November 2020 were approved as a correct record of proceedings.

To receive an update on current and forthcoming issues from Councillor Rachael Robathan (Leader of the Council).

4.1      Councillor Rachael Robathan (Leader of the Council) provided an update and responded to questions on matters of corporate interest, which included:

·       the impressive roll out of the NHS vaccination programme across Westminster.

·       the roll out of the asymptomatic testing in schools already being carried out twice a week.

·       the stringent guidelines around providing residents with transport to vaccination sites relating to transmission rates and the possibility of resourcing the charity sector to carry out this vital role.

·       the discussions taking place with the NHS CCG’s to hopefully open more vaccination sites locally after the present category of vaccinations have been achieved.

·       the importance of supporting our businesses with business grants and the lobbying of government for the continuation of the business rates holiday until 2022.

·       the economy recovery of the West End as well as the whole of Westminster which included promoting the Inside/out Festival, West End Live and the Oxford Street District Website.  The Commission touched on the need for the public to regain confidence in public transport.

·       the invaluable contribution of Westminster Connects throughout the pandemic and the importance of maintaining the motivation of the community of volunteers.

4.2      The Commission discussed in depth the Council’s vaccination campaign to promote the benefits of the vaccine to ensure that recent reports of anti-vaccination activity did not have an impact on vaccine uptake. The Commission heard that giving residents the opportunity to ask questions about the vaccine was likely to alleviate residents’ concerns and have a positive impact on vaccine uptake.  The Commission noted that further conversations needed to take place with GPs, the NHS and CCGs regarding the format of the message.

4.3      The Commission endorsed the Leader of the Council’s positively encouraging all Councillors to actively engage and signpost their communities to information regarding the vaccine and to share the responsibility for the recognition of the importance of the vaccination campaign.

To discuss the work programme for 2021.

5.1      ACTION:  That the Commission’s Terms of Reference be circulated to Members.

5.2      RESOLVED: That the delivery of City for All 2020/21 be reviewed at their next meeting.

To consider any other business which the Chairman considers urgent.