Agenda item

QUESTIONS ON MATTERS RELATING TO THE WORK OF THE COMMITTEE

Minutes:

Waterloo & City Line

In response to a question concerning the potential re-opening of the Waterloo & City Line, it was advised that the Chair had recently engaged with TfL on this issue and it was agreed that relevant correspondence could be circulated to Members of the Committee. It was also noted that the Chair would be continuing dialogue in the coming period, including through the London Councils Transport and Environment Committee.

 

COVID Lockdown Impact

With reference to comments made at the outset of the meeting and the likelihood of London being placed into Tier 3, several Members commented on the prospective economic impact of such measures. The importance of making the case for business was emphasised, particularly given the immediate consequences for the hospitality and retail sectors at the current time, with several Members urging that the City Corporation delineate a clear position and robust messaging to articulate these concerns to decision-makers in Government. Notwithstanding this, it was also noted that COVID cases were rising across London and so a safe and balanced public health response was of the utmost importance; the need to propagate compliance messaging to help keep infection rates down was emphasised, so as to try and minimise the risk of moving to Tier 3.

 

Several Members commented more broadly on the need for internal conversations as to the Corporation’s policy position in respect of lockdown and related matters, so as to confirm a corporate viewpoint rather than necessarily always echoing the position of London Councils, given the slightly different position of the City to the London Boroughs. The need for a coherent plan based around an anticipated return of the workforce, once the vaccine rollout timetable was understood, was also highlighted.

 

Following extensive debate, Members requested that the Chair articulate the importance of support for businesses and the economic impact of lockdown to Government through the appropriate channels. It was noted that it would be important for the Chair to be able to utilise discretion as to the optimal method of conveying this messaging.

 

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RESOLVED: That the Committee agrees to extend the business of the agenda beyond two hours, in accordance with Standing Order 40, in order to conclude the business on the agenda.

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