The New West End Company has issued a manifesto urging the UK’s political parties to emphasize economic growth, public safety, and planning reforms.
- Over 600 businesses back the call for an economic strategy that addresses business rates and skills shortages.
- The manifesto highlights the need for tackling organized crime and enhancing policing on the streets.
- Planning reforms are deemed essential to foster investment and adaptability in high street development.
- The roadmap provided by NWEC aims to guide future governmental policies for sustainable growth.
On June 10, the New West End Company (NWEC) unveiled a comprehensive manifesto, emphasizing the critical need for the UK’s political landscape to prioritize economic growth, public safety, and planning reforms. This call to action is backed by insights gathered from a myriad of businesses that operate within London’s West End, including retailers, restaurateurs, and hoteliers.
The manifesto’s first pillar, economic growth, aims to catalyze substantial changes in the business environment. NWEC advocates for an immediate overhaul of the business rates system, recognizing it as a vital component for unleashing potential growth in the high streets. Additionally, the reintroduction of tax-free shopping is proposed as a strategy to boost consumer spending, along with targeted initiatives to mitigate skill shortages in pivotal sectors such as retail and hospitality.
Public safety is underscored as a fundamental aspect of the manifesto, where NWEC calls for more robust measures against organized crime and antisocial behavior. Enhancing the visibility of law enforcement and reassessing police funding models are suggested to provide a safer environment for businesses and the public alike.
In terms of urban planning, NWEC argues for a flexible and modern planning system. This involves shaping a regulatory framework that encourages investment and accommodates the evolving nature of urban spaces. Such reforms are intended to promote sustained growth and adaptability in the West End.
Dee Corsi, CEO of NWEC, articulates the urgency of these reforms as the general election approaches, emphasizing the need for a government that genuinely supports business innovation and public welfare. Ms. Corsi stated, “As the election nears, ‘growth’ has become a buzzword for both Labour and the Conservatives. But if our nation’s politicians are serious about delivering for the business sector, we need to take a long-term approach that tackles unwieldy business rates, encourages innovation by reforming the rigid planning system, and keeps streets safe by remodelling police funding.”
The manifesto offers a strategic pathway for future governments to ensure economic vitality and urban resilience.
