On the Thursday 6 October 2022, the Westminster Scrutiny Commission meeting received a report from Neale Coleman as Chair of the Future of Westminster Commission.
Members of the Scrutiny Commission heard that the review chairs had met with their groups to look at the evidence base for their subjects and to discuss future work programmes and priorities.
Setting priorities is important given the wide scope of inquiry that all the topics could involve. The aim has been to identify the most important areas of work where the Commission and its members can really add value and make a difference in achieving the agreed purposes of each review group.
- the Energy and Green Transition group have initially decided to prioritise reducing emissions from buildings in the City as these constitute 86% of total emissions
- the Housing group have prioritised work on housing supply given its critical significance for meeting housing need
- the Fairness and Equalities group are prioritising work on addressing the cost-of-living crisis as well as medium and long term support to address poverty and hardship
- the Economy and Employment group are prioritising work on supporting local high streets across the City with an initial focus on the Harrow Road and surrounding area.
The Scrutiny Commission also heard that the Future of Westminster Commission had manage to secure for the Council pro bono consultancy support from Bloomberg Associates. The philanthropic consulting arm of Bloomberg Philanthropies has worked with cities across the globe on projects to improve the quality of life for residents and is in a strong position to share global best practice in these areas.
In particular, Bloomberg will work with the Council to explore ways in which we can lead joined up efforts by partner organisations across the City to achieve common objectives to improve services, opportunities and the quality of life for residents.
This will involve identifying and working with a group of anchor institutions such as the NHS and local universities to deliver interventions to support local communities, for example on free training and professional development for young people, mentoring and technical assistance to support local people, inclusive recruitment and hiring and purchasing more from local and diverse businesses.
Published: 6 October 2022