Agenda item

Chief Officers to be heard.

Chief Officers were heard in respect of Recovery Work. Members expressed concern regarding recent media coverage regarding recovery and the City’s plans for office space moving forward. A primary area of concern was the media coverage in relation to plans to increase residences in the City and what spaces these residences will occupy (including current office space and other spaces suitable for conversion). Members were advised that communications plans were in place, and that further engagement was underway with key stakeholders to ensure that the City retained its reputation as a thriving, internationally competitive centre, paying due consideration to both the residential and business communities. In particular opportunities would be found to clarify the predominantly business nature of the City. The Director of Communications emphasised that recovery work was focused on maintaining strong, sustainable recovery for the City and bringing workers and visitors back to the City whilst taking steps to protect public health. This work was being undertaken by the Recovery Taskforce, Business Recovery Fund, promotion of City reopening events, COVID-19 Business Accreditation Scheme and the City of London Recovery advertising and publicity campaign.