Agenda item

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. It was noted that a correction be made to Item 1.1 of the report (West End Pop-Up Project): it was Grosvenor who was working with The Good Store on South Molten Street to activate the units, and not the Crown Estate, as stated.

Gambling Policy

4.2       A consultation carried out between September and November last year had received responses from those in the gambling industry, with a lack of resident responses. It was anticipated that any changes would come into effect in April, pending agreement at the next Full Council.

Westminster Night Markets

4.3       The Committee noted the success of the night market in China Town and, after having received positive feedback from residents, queried if this would be continued. It was acknowledged that the market had provided much needed support to the local community after diminished footfall and agreed that any further opportunities would be welcomed.

Covid-19 Grant Programmes

4.4       The Committee queried the communication of Covid Grants for businesses as they had received reports that some businesses had been unaware of their eligibility for funding. It was confirmed that information had been circulated through local newsletters, social media and the business information district, but appreciated that not all businesses may have been aware. It was agreed that information on additional funding would be passed to Members for information.

4.5       The Committee was advised that any local businesses querying their eligibility for grants, could email businessunit@gov.uk, where more specialised advice and opportunities for alternative funding could be provided. The Committee was asked that the positive feedback from local businesses on this service, be noted.

Training and Employment Schemes

4.6       In response to a Member’s query, it was confirmed that the Westminster Wheels scheme was currently recruiting new trainers, so would be continuing for the foreseeable future.

4.7       The Committee queried the assessments made on funding for training schemes. It was reported that based on research, the hospitality sector was highly represented in the City. Members queried whether there were training opportunities available in the software coding sector. It was confirmed that this was an area that was being investigated, with trainings available for other sectors as well.

Retrofitting

4.8       The Committee queried the review and agreements for the retrofitting of local Historic England listed properties with the relevant heritage organisations. It was confirmed that Historic England maintained their own guidelines.

4.9       The policy had been amended to allow Grade II properties to install slim-fit glazing. It was confirmed that it was still a requirement for applications for Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent to have this fitted with the appropriate materials.

Business Rates

4.10     The Committee queried whether there would be discounts to business rates from April 2022. It was confirmed that no information on this had been received.

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

ACTIONS:

The Committee requested information on the following:

•           Details of all Covid-19 grant programmes available to businesses.

•           To confirm the date of the next Harrow Rd Forum meeting.

•           The Committee to refer local businesses requesting funding to the Business Unit service for support.