Agenda item

To receive an update from Councillor Geoff Barraclough, Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development on priorities for the portfolio following the local elections in May 2022, any major issues arising and to answer questions from Members. Cabinet Member terms of reference have been shared to support Members with their questioning.

4.1  Councillor Barraclough presented to the Committee and apologised for the late arrival for the written report and explained that in future he hoped the report would be with Members sooner for them to digest. Councillor Barraclough began by explaining that going forward with his portfolio he was keen to adopt green policies to fall in line with the declared climate emergency. Councillor Barraclough explained that at present the Council did not have an economic development strategy and he was keen to address this as the West End has for too long been the sole major source of income. He stressed that it was not enough to simply rely on the West End although the West End was a crucial part of the borough and would of course still be supported by him and his portfolio.

4.2  Upon questioning, the Committee asked about the value of Pride to the borough in economic terms to which Councillor Barraclough would endeavour to provide an economic answer to and agreed that the value of Pride went far beyond pure economic terms. The Committee also enquired about subsidised working space and how to encourage tenants into shops. Councillor Barraclough explained that subsided working space was continuing and operated on an initial subsidy that was reduced over time to avoid a cliff edge in terms of costs for businesses. In reply to how to encourage tenants into premises, the Committee was informed that there is a strategy in place for tenants that the Council looks unfavourable on with a larger scale plan for Oxford Street.

4.3  The Committee also asked about subsidised office space purely for local businesses. Councillor Barraclough explained that there are no residential criteria targeting local people. The Interim Director of Economy Haylea Asadi explained that the Council does work to encourage employers to look within the borough to fill vacancies and we as an Authority support between 400 – 600 residents annually to find employment.

4.4  The Committee then turned to the issue of social housing and Councillor Barraclough was asked how he saw the levels of affordable housing manifesting and what the residential sector could sustain. In reply, Councillor Barraclough explained that no policies had been changed yet and any changes will be evidence based. When asked about the Intermediate Housing Scheme and changes to be made to this, Councillor Barraclough explained he would prefer the levels to be towards the lower end, like the London Living Rent and that he believed shared ownership schemes are inappropriate.

4.5  The Committee asked Councillor Barraclough about the rollout of fibre broadband and what can be done about the ‘notspots’ where there is little to no coverage. The Committee was informed by the Executive Director of Finance and Resources, Gerald Almeroth, that for the remaining 3% without coverage, there were plans to come forward but they were still in the design stage.

4.6  Councillors sought clarity on the opening comments regarding the West End being the focus for the borough. Councillor Barraclough again reiterated it was not about bringing the West End down but trying to bring the rest of the borough up to that level

4.7  ACTIONS:

1.    For Councillor Barraclough to present the economic development strategy to Committee, when formed.

2.    To provide the Committee with an answer as to the economic boost that Pride gives to the Westminster economy.

3.    For Councillor Barraclough to present to the Committee any changes to policy on social housing and affordable housing.

4.    For an update from the Executive Director of Finance Resources on the steps taken to address the remaining 3% of "notspot" areas for broadband.