Agenda and draft minutes

To note any changes to the membership.

1.1           Councillor Ruth Bush substituted for Councillor Geoff Barraclough. Councillor Antonia Cox substituted for Councillor Mark Shearer.

1.2           Councillor Geoff Barraclough was unable to attend and sent apologies. Councillor Lindsay Hall was unable to attend and sent apologies. Councillor Tim Roca was unable to attend and sent apologies. Wasim Butt (Co-opted Representative, Head of Beachcroft AP Academy) was unable to attend and sent apologies.

To receive declarations of interest 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       No Member declarations were made.

To approve the minutes of the Business & Children’s Policy and Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 2 February 2022.

3.1       The Committee had before them the minutes for the 2 February 2022 and the Call-in held on 7 March 2022.

3.2       The Chair noted the following actions as outstanding from the meeting on 2 February 2022 and recommended these be completed by the next Committee meeting:

•           A Statutory request was made by the Committee that the response to the recommendations is received from the Cabinet Members and to Cllr Judith Warner Chair of the Standards Committee in writing two weeks from the date of this Committee meeting.

•           Members to receive a copy of the Capital Review Group’s Terms of Reference.

3.3       It was agreed that both minutes were an accurate recording of the proceedings.

3.4       RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meetings on 2 February 2022 and the Call-In on 7 March 2022, be approved.

To receive an update report from the Cabinet Member on current and forthcoming issues in this portfolio.

4.1       The Committee received a written update from the Cabinet Member for Business, Licensing and Planning.

4.2       Further to the update outlined in 2.2 of the report, it was confirmed that the ARG funding had been spent by the 31 March deadline.  The Cabinet Member and Committee thanked the Housing and Finance teams in ensuring the funds were distributed to the City’s various business schemes.

4.3       Members raised concerns about the future of Church Street Market’s traders. It was confirmed that the Council was engaging with the market’s traders. Debbie Jackson, Executive Director Growth, Planning and Housing, confirmed that a detailed interim plan for the relocation of the market traders was available and agreed this would be circulated to Members upon request.

4.4       Members sought clarification on the grounds for law enforcement on candy stores. It was explained that the remit of this was mostly under Councillor Acton’s portfolio (Cabinet Member for Communities and Regeneration), with the remaining area under planning enforcement. The Cabinet Member confirmed that the stores affected the Mayfair Conservation area and Portland Conservation area. This enabled the Council to enforce stringent rules on buildings, which included restrictions on illuminated signs and a ban on replacing glass windows with roller shutters. So far, 16 businesses had been identified, with 2 having already vacated.

4.5       Members queried the number of greening projects in the City. The Cabinet Member reported on the Green Team Scheme, a partnership initiative with Ground Works to train young people in gardening. Haylea Asadi, Director for Regeneration and Economic Development added that the scheme had so far supported 35 residents into employment, with a retention rate of 70%.

4.6       Members queried the feasibility of pop-up projects. It was confirmed that the units that had been provided were mainly from landowners. The Council were working with Appear Here to identify suitable businesses, The aims were to transform disused units into vibrant spaces, increase footfall and to provide an offline space for online-based businesses. It was confirmed that work was ongoing on the feasibility of pop-ups in Harrow Rd, and this was being handled under Cllr Acton’s portfolio.

4.7       In addition, it was confirmed that the Council was exploring the usage of markets and drawing inspiration from the local community. It was hoped that broadening the ideas around market trading would provide opportunities for online sellers to transition offline at an affordable rate.

4.8       In response to a query on the Gambling Policy, the Cabinet Member confirmed that the consultation had now been completed and the policy would be brought to Full Council in June.

4.9       RESOLVED: That the Committee note the continued work and forthcoming issues in this portfolio.

ACTIONS:

The Committee requested information on the following:

1.         The Executive Director for Growth, Planning and Housing to provide a copy of the Church Street Market interim plan for market traders.

To receive an update report from the Cabinet Member on current and forthcoming issues in this portfolio.

5.1       The Committee received a written update from the Cabinet Member for Young People and Learning, who thanked the Committee and Co-Opted Members for convening at the Call-In meeting held on 7 March 2022.

5.2       In response to a Member’s query on the Afghan refugees, it was confirmed that the London Metropole hotel was no longer housing families. All primary aged children had now found a school place. Schools, support staff and care workers were thanked for their help in supporting parents and children throughout the process.

5.3       Members raised concerns about the reduction in school funding and how this would impact on the maintenance of nursery schools and safeguarding issues. It was confirmed that this was under discussion, but that it was not a council-led decision. The underlying issues were due to the diminishing population around London, leading to excess places in schools. Details on this could be provided by Ian Heggs, Bi-Borough Director of Education.

5.4       A Co-Opted Member queried the reduction in SEN funding for primary schools, citing concerns that it would impact on the support available for children as well as on schools already experiencing financial issues. It was confirmed that this would require joint work between the schools and the Council to look at the distribution of funds and how to adjust budgets accordingly. Discussions were currently ongoing in this area.

5.5       A Co-Opted Member queried whether primary schools would be included in future events during Children’s Mental Health Week, citing a move to implement early intervention in schools. The Cabinet Member confirmed the Council was working on early intervention and would continue investing funds to support this.

5.6       In response to a Co-Opted Member’s request for City-wide data on school reception applications for September, the Cabinet Member confirmed that this would not be available until May.

5.7       Members queried about the Council’s preparedness for Ukrainian children refugees. It was reported that of the many applications submitted by UK households expressing interest in housing refugees, only 1% of those approved were from City residents. It was confirmed that the Council would receive Government funding to conduct background checks on applicants and to provide support for children’s services. At the current time, there were not as many families with children that had arrived, but it was anticipated that there would be enough school places available for any families that required one.

5.8       Members requested an update on library services in the City, following concerns that there may be cuts. The Cabinet Member confirmed that there would be no cuts to funding or frontline service provisions. It was also stated that there were no plans to close any of the City’s libraries (including Mayfair and the archives centre). It was confirmed that investment into the archives had been increased to enable digitising to continue.

5.9       In response to a query on the Bridging the Gap Project and the need to address underlying issues, it was explained that the focus was on developing trust to get to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

To receive a verbal update of any urgent safeguarding issues (if any).

6.1       There were no reports of any urgent safeguarding issues.

To receive an update from the Westminster Investment Service and to review its priorities.

7.1       The Committee invited Councillor Green, Cabinet Member for Business and Learning to present the report on the work of the Westminster Investment Service (WIS), with contributions from Haylea Asadi, Director, Regeneration and Economic Development, Jace Tyrell, Chief Executive of New West End Company and Nathan Vasey, Westminster Investment Services Manager.

7.2       It was stated that the WIS began in June 2021 with the aim of addressing the economic impacts of the pandemic and Brexit. It was hoped that residents and businesses would benefit from an increase in inclusive and sustainable businesses. The WIS worked primarily with London and Partners as well as BIDs to provide support for new businesses settling in the City.

7.3       A Member queried the involvement of the Harley St. BID, and its suitability with the WIS’s focus on the retail industry. It was confirmed that the WIS worked with all BIDs and welcomed businesses from all sectors. The Council also confirmed working with Westminster Business Forum. The WIS discovered that by working with various partners, each could bring their expertise to address the issues. It was confirmed that the WIS worked in all four sectors and covered the whole of the City.

7.4       Jace Tyrell explained that Covid had had a significant impact on retail, leisure and hospitality, citing a loss of 80% in sales and reduced property values.  Many businesses were now paying rates, not rents, which has enabled the growth of temporary businesses such as the candy stores. The WIS provided the opportunity to address this and to coordinate a plan, through partnership working, to bring back viable businesses into the Oxford St. area, such as the City’s first sustainable store on South Molten St.

7.5       A Member queried how the WIS would ensure that City residents were able to benefit from its work. Members were informed that WIS had an employment programme, with particular focus on the restaurant and hospitality sector. The programme would help get long-term unemployed residents back into employment. They were also liaising with Westminster Adult Education and the Young Westminster Foundation to provide training to support this.

7.6       Discussion arose on some of the barriers individuals encountered when accessing employment. It was reported that childcare and late-night transportation were priority concerns. It was suggested that having creche facilities available in businesses may increase the number of working mothers back into the office. It was confirmed that creche facilities were available for those undertaking training through the Westminster Adult Education Services at Amberley Road and Church St. It was agreed that further investigation on this was needed.

7.7       Members queried the advantages of working in the City. It was acknowledged that employees benefit from having “culture on their doorstep” in the form of shops, theatres and restaurants and that this was a major attraction for new businesses.

7.8       In reference to Green Economy and Clean Tech, Members suggested having a pop-up stall for electrical repairs (similar to the Westminster Wheels initiative), citing its value for those  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

To consider the Committee’s Work Programme for the next municipal year.

8.1       The Committee received a report from the Policy & Scrutiny Officer, Tracey Chin, which outlined the dates for the next municipal year.

8.2       It was discussed and agreed that the agenda items for the next Policy and Scrutiny meeting on 20 July 2022, would be Affordable Housing (from a Planning perspective), the Al-Fresco Dining Scheme, NEET & Apprenticeships, and the Social Care Review. Any other items deemed relevant for the timing of the meeting should also be considered.

8.3       Additional items recommended for the 2022/23 Work Programme were the All-In-One Culture card and Looked After Children, with a focus on substance misuse and the mental wellbeing of young males.

8.4       The Chair noted the absence of the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Task Group report, which had been scheduled for discussion at the meeting. The Chair acknowledged the continued challenges in completing the report and recommended that the item be rescheduled for a future Committee meeting, with a date to be agreed in due course.

8.5       RESOLVED: That the Committee agree on the items proposed for the next meeting and note the report.

ACTIONS

1.         To ensure that the following items are included for discussion at the next meeting: Affordable Housing (from a Planning perspective), the Al-Fresco Dining Scheme, NEET & Apprenticeships and the Social Care Review.

2.         To finalise and bring to Committee the completed Children & Young People’s Mental Health Task Group report (date to be agreed).

To consider any other business which the Chair considers urgent.

9.1       The Chair thanked Members – Councillors (especially Cllr Christabel Flight) and Co-Opted members - for their work over the past few years.

9.2       The Committee thanked Cllr Scarborough for her role as Chair and to Artemis Kassi, in her capacity as Lead Scrutiny Advisor for the Committee.