Agenda item

To receive an update on current and forthcoming issues from Councillor Nickie Aiken (Leader of the City Council).

4.1       Councillor Nickie Aiken (Leader of the City Council) provided an update on current and forthcoming issues within her portfolio, which included progress in the City Plan and the interim statement of Westminster’s new approach to housing delivery; Community Cohesion; and the move from tri-borough to biborough.

4.2.1    The Commission discussed the possible effect of Brexit, and noted the impact that it could have on the provision of social care; the labour supply for areas such as the construction industry; and on specialist areas of research. An article in the Evening Standard and supporting press release had reported that the Leader had joined with the Leaders of RB Kensington & Chelsea and LB Wandsworth to write to Michel Barnier (EU Chief Negotiator), urging him to work more closely with the government to provide clarity and secure the residencies of European nationals following Brexit. The Leader acknowledged that Westminster’s EU residents were Council Tax payers, who played a significant role in their neighbourhoods and in providing essential services in many public sector areas. The Commission agreed that both sides needed to recognise the human element of the negotiations, and prioritise securing the rights of residents.

4.2.2    The Commission also discussed the potential impact of Brexit on the business and reputation of the City, and noted that there were indications of a softening in the development market and in the letting of commercial space. A large proportion of essential skills in the health sector and building industry were currently provided by EU nationals, which had caused concerns over the labour supply post-Brexit. Concerns over the future of specialist research were also being raised, as grants at a number of institutions and universities were at risk, and foreign nationals were unsure of their future status and were seeking jobs elsewhere.

4.3.1    The Leader commented on progress in the delivery of the City Plan, and on the commitment to provide 1,800 affordable homes by 2022. The Commission noted that the property industry and landowners were aware of the reasons for the greater focus on the provision of affordable homes, and had shown a better understanding and willingness to work with the City Council.

4.3.2    Members highlighted the need to consider innovative building techniques in new developments, which could make better use of available space by delivering a greater number of smaller units while also meeting the criteria for size set by the Mayor of London. It was acknowledged that there would still be some exceptional circumstances where the payment of a commuted sum could be more appropriate than the provision of affordable homes.

4.3.3    The Commission commented on the number of young people and families who were seeking accommodation in Westminster, and discussed the benefits of revisiting existing planning consents which had not been implemented, and which could provide rented accommodation for people who were active and present in the community. Members suggested that living space could also be increased by a change to planning conditions that would ensure residential elements within properties were let before office use could commence.

4.4.1    The Commission discussed the measures that were being taken to improve air quality, and the Leader confirmed that Westminster was continuing to work with business partners and other boroughs to reduce pollution. Stuart Love (Acting Interim Chief Executive) acknowledged that although the ability of the differing groups to work together had improved significantly over the last 12 to 18 months, more needed to be done and action taken to further reduce emissions from property and transport. Officers were also reviewing possible conflicts in the City Council’s policies.

4.4.2    Members commented on the benefits of electric vehicles and of using electric scooters for deliveries, and noted that the Mayor of London’s 40% reduction in the number of buses in Oxford Street would continue, and would in future result in only two bus routes which operated electric vehicles. The Leader confirmed that Licensing approvals for transport in Westminster now included a condition that only electric vehicles could be used. Members also commented on air quality within public transport, and suggested that Transport for London could be encouraged to introduce the technology to clean and purify the air in the London Underground.

4.4.3    The Commission highlighted the need to avoid constructing tall buildings by busy roads, which could concentrate and retain pollution by placing two buildings along busy road; and to also avoid building schools next to busy roads.

4.5       Members informed the Leader of a proposal made at the Adults, Health & Public Protection Policy & Scrutiny Committee that Public Health should undertake a Health & Wellbeing survey in Westminster, which could provide indicators that could inform key issues and priorities. The Leader agreed with the proposal, which could be particularly relevant for young people.

4.6       The Commission sought clarification of progress in implementation of the Sustainability & Transformation Plan (STP) for North West London. The Acting Interim Chief Executive acknowledged that the STP comprised of a complex set of proposals, and agreed to provide Members with a written briefing.

4.7       The Leader reported that the Council Budget for 2018-19 would be announced in November 2017, rather than at the end of the financial year.