This evening, I was delighted to attend the City of London’s annual parliamentary reception on the terrace of the House of Commons, kindly hosted by former Lord Mayor of London, the Lord Mountevans.
The purpose of the event is to brief Members of both Houses of Parliament on the work the City is undertaking in the national interest, to exchange policy ideas with Ministers which may require legislation and to promote some of the key initiatives overseen by the City’s Policy and Resources Committee such as economic growth, which is creating well-paid jobs, reducing unemployment, and building businesses that unlock funding for public services, driving a fair and prosperous society.
The City Corporation are encouraged by new Government’s actions aligned with our Vision for Economic Growth including a new Inward Investment Agency and the appointment of a Minister for Investment. We believe that these steps will attract the vital investment needed to turbocharge growth.
The new Member of Parliament for the Cities of London and Westminster, Rachel Blake spoke of her deep knowledge of the City Corporation, having previously worked there. She spoke about the importance of the forthcoming budget and the need for government to support economic growth and innovation.
With so many new Members of Parliament, it’s always fascinating to outline the full breadth and depth of the public and professional services which the City of London carries out.
I was particularly pleased to talk to Members about the need for legislation giving local authorities powers to manage and enforce rules around electronic bikes and scooters. Whilst we all recognise they are critical part of a future environmentally friendly transport strategy, it’s also important to have powers to protect how operators use public spaces and have the ability to fine and close businesses which display poor behaviours – which is a real problem in Bishopsgate at the moment!
