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• Reference: 2024/1222
• Question by: Siân Berry
• Meeting date: 15 March 2024

The Green Group Budget Amendment 2024-25 contained a financed plan to: “provide funding so small businesses, community groups, Community Interest Companies (CICs) and social enterprises can bring […] economic and social activity back to disused buildings,” in each London borough and the City of London. Could you update me on the progress of your 2021 manifesto commitment to: “Work with partners on the London Recovery Board to support Londoners having access to a community hub — a physical building to visit, a local organisation to turn to, or another means of accessing the support, knowledge and resources they need to...

• Reference: 2024/0568
• Question by: Siân Berry
• Meeting date: 22 February 2024

Thank you for your answer to my question 2023/3585, in which you said: “The closing date for responses is not until 28 September, however the GLA is engaging with revenues and business rates leads in London boroughs – who as rating authorities are experts in this area – to develop a response to the various questions asked.” This answer makes no sense given that it was provided on 29 January 2024. Could you therefore supply a copy of your response to the consultation, in response to this question, which I presume was submitted before the deadline of 28 September 2023?

• Reference: 2024/0416
• Question by: Siân Berry
• Meeting date: 18 January 2024

The webpage for your High Streets for All mission says: “The mission will deliver enhanced public spaces and exciting new uses for underused high street buildings in every Borough by 2025, working with London's diverse communities.” Could you tell me how the future of the mission will be impacted by rolling it into the themes of Economy and Global city and culture in your new draft budget, with particular reference to the proposed timeline on the webpage?

• Reference: 2024/0417
• Question by: Siân Berry
• Meeting date: 18 January 2024

The webpage for your High Streets for All mission gives a proposed timeline for the future of the mission. Could you tell me where I can find the Community Improvement Districts launch findings, the High Streets for All Challenge Insights Report, information on the progress of both the eight GGF Accelerators and the 12 CEZs in place, and whether the target of town centres with a strategy of 15 per cent has been met?

• Reference: 2023/3976
• Question by: Siân Berry
• Meeting date: 12 October 2023

Are you aware of plans by Royal Botanic Gardens Kew (RBG Kew) to move its herbarium collection to Thames Valley Science Park in Reading, and are you concerned at the impact this will have on the standing of RBG Kew as a world-renowned centre of science excellence in London?

• Reference: 2023/3585
• Question by: Siân Berry
• Meeting date: 14 September 2023

Thank you for your answer to my question 2023/2618. Could you tell me what response you will be making to the Government’s consultation to “explore the causes of, and potential measures to combat, avoidance, evasion, and poor rating agent behaviour within the business rates system, to protect essential funding for local services.”?

• Reference: 2023/3592
• Question by: Siân Berry
• Meeting date: 14 September 2023

What support could you provide through your Culture and Community Spaces at Risk programme to the artists in Omega Works Warehouses in Haringey, who are facing eviction due to proposed redevelopment?

• Reference: 2023/2608
• Question by: Siân Berry
• Meeting date: 22 June 2023

There were a number of recommendations in the Fixed Estate Charge (FEC) review at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. One was that, given the cost-of-living crisis and exceptionally high RPI, there should be a temporary cap on the indexation of the FEC. It was also suggested that the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) look at facilitating a package of benefits for residents who contribute to the funding of the Park and venues through the FEC. Could you update me on progress on these recommendations?

• Reference: 2023/2618
• Question by: Siân Berry
• Meeting date: 22 June 2023

There are a number of loopholes within current policy concerning business rates for unoccupied properties that companies exploit. What action have you taken to lobby the Government to address these, and will you support policy proposals such as extending the occupation period for rates exemption from six weeks to six months, following the example of the Welsh and Scottish governments, and/or staged reductions in business rates to support other uses, such as opening them up to local authority use?

• Reference: 2022/2918
• Question by: Siân Berry
• Meeting date: 15 September 2022

Thank you for your answer to my question 2021/4837. Do you consider that funding eight projects for community groups taking over empty shops is providing enough support to local grassroots organisations across the whole of London, and what more could you do to enable communities to take over empty public spaces in their neighbourhoods?