On this episode of the Better Places Podcast, Cllr Geoff Barraclough, Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development at Westminster City Council, joins Account Director, Yiannis Sophocleous, for a discussion about the administration’s key priorities for the year ahead, the City Plan Partial Review, and major policy developments at both the London and national level.
In the podcast, we reflected on almost three years of Labour administration in Westminster City Council, looking back at achievements while outlining key priorities for the year ahead. A significant part of the discussion centred on the Fairer Economy agenda, focusing on how Westminster is supporting businesses, helping residents develop new skills, and breathing new life into our high streets.
We explored the Westminster City Plan Partial Review and the Retrofit-First policy, discussing what these changes mean for planning and development in the borough. The conversation also covered the revival of Oxford Street and the proposal for a Mayoral Development Corporation.
Cllr Barraclough shared unique insights into National and London-wide policy changes, including planning reforms and we considered the implications of the London Growth Plan and the London Plan for Westminster, alongside the pressing need for reforms to business rates and the reinstatement of tax-free shopping to maintain the borough’s competitiveness.
Improving internet connectivity across Westminster was another key topic, with a focus on how new initiatives are enhancing digital access for residents and businesses. Finally, we discussed the vision for Westminster as we approach the 2026 local elections, emphasising the long-term ambitions that will guide the borough’s future.
Whether you're a policymaker, developer, or community advocate, this conversation offers fresh perspectives and actionable insights into the future of Westminster City Council- London’s economic powerhouse and the beating heart of the UK’s commercial, political, and cultural activity.
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