Decision details

This report begins the process of improving service delivery and outcomes in North Paddington by setting out preliminary proposals on governance, investment and community engagement for improvement.

Cabinet heard from Councillor Adam Hug that Claudette Forbes, a member of the Future of Westminster Commission and Chair of the Economy and Employment Review had been invited to speak on the Commission’s note on the North Paddington Programme that is appended to the Cabinet Report for information. 

Councillor Adam Hug invited Councillor Geoff Barraclough to speak to the report. 

Councillor Barraclough told Cabinet that the programme for North Paddington requires the Council to act in a coordinated way to address inequality throughout the borough as stated by the Westminster City Plan.  

Councillor Barraclough explained that in approving the recommendations set out in the paper Cabinetwould be agreeing to implement a new place-based approach, with the team responsible for leading the programme being on site to start their work. Cabinet heard that investment in the programme will be incremental and will be a pilot for other place-based programmes across the city.  

Councillor Hug invited Sarah Crampton the programme lead for North Paddington to speak to the report. 

Sarah explained to Cabinet that a central focus of the North Paddington Programme will be tackling inequality. To meet the programme aims officers will work collaboratively with residents and business. To this end,a diverse range of stakeholders will be invited to sit on the boards that will be established to review progress and provide feedback. 

Claudette Forbes, Future of Westminster Commission and Chair of the Economy and Employment Review is invited to speak to the note appended to the Cabinet report. 

Claudette explained to Cabinet that through the evidence gathering sessions carried out as part of the review she is confident that there are local actors in the community ready to participate in a programme of regeneration and address historic inequalities in the area. The inclusion of local partners is key to delivering a successful programme.  

Councillor Hug thanks Claudette for the work of the Economy and Employment Review and invited comment from any other Cabinet Member. 

Councillor Boothroyd said that he welcomes the report and notes this is a community that has been held back through lack of investment and opportunity. This report will allow strategic oversight of what the Council is doing in this area,and the finances outlined in the report will allow for accountability for the programme.  

Councillor Hug draws the item to a close by concluding that the North Programme is one of the many place-shaped based approaches the Council is undertakingon projects like Edgware Road and Queensway. 

RESOLVED– CABINET APPROVED THE RECOMMENDATIONS SET OUT IN SECTION2, PAGE 109