The City Court of Common Council has agreed to create a grant fund (4 March) for City SME Businesses that have been impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic. The scheme is designed to support businesses which contribute to the City’s vibrancy at street level and directly provide services to returning City workers, visitors, and residents. The necessary infrastructure for a successful City has been affected by enforced closure or low footfall and this scheme will seek to support those businesses that can evidence, through the grant application process, a likelihood that with support they have a reasonable chance to survive beyond the short term.
We had a turnout for the Ward Might webclave as high as a normal Ward Mote. There were a good number of questions on the City’s plans for net-zero-carbon, planning application volumes, the move of the Museum of London, and plans for the future of the City post-covid-19.
Of specific note, Deputy John Bennet notified the ward of his intention to step down as CC next March, and his desire to step down as Deputy this month. The Alderman, Sheriff Professor Michael Mainelli, appointed John Scott as Deputy, and gave thanks to John for 12 years of service as Deputy.
The slide deck for the meeting has now been posted – Broad Street Ward Might 2021.03.22 v1.0. It was noted that the virtual Ward Might had merits in showing slides and ease of attendance. Future Ward Mights might also be virtual but, all said, we do look forward to next March’s traditional Ward Mote.
Due to covid-19 restrictions, Broad Street, and other City of London wards, had to postpone the 2020 and 2021 Ward Motes. However the members are hosting a ‘Ward Might’ for 2021 to provide an opportunity for voters and residents to convene informally. This is being done as a conclave on the web, ‘webclave’.
The Court of Common Council, the City of London Corporation’s main decision-making body, has today (4 March) agreed to create a new Covid Business Recovery Fund of up to £50 million.
At a virtual meeting, elected Members decided unanimously that grants from the Fund will be made available to small and independent retailers and hospitality businesses together with those providing clinical and professional services (e.g. dentists and opticians) necessary for the successful return of all those who work in businesses in the City.
Businesses applying for support from the Fund will be expected to demonstrate that they are capable of surviving on a viable and going concern basis and that owners have taken other steps to maintain their viability including, where possible, making financial contributions to their own business.
Grants from the Fund would normally be dependent on the businesses receiving substantial financial support (not just rent deferrals) from their landlords.
A report will be brought forward to a meeting of the Policy & Resources Committee and/or the Resources Allocation Sub-Committee – which, together, will be responsible for the Fund and its deployment. More news ahead, with applications in April and disbursements likely in May.
We invite you to complete a public survey being launched Monday by the City of London Corporation’s Recovery Task Force: www.givemyview.com/returntosquaremile
The City of London Corporation has launched a Recovery Task Force which will provide a blueprint for how the Square Mile can remain internationally competitive and locally vibrant. The mission of the taskforce is to ensure the Square Mile is the world’s most innovative, inclusive and sustainable business ecosystem, and an attractive place to work, live, learn and visit.
We have launched this survey to capture insights and views of residents, business owners, workers, students and visitors as we consider the future of the Square Mile. We want to hear from as many people as possible, from all backgrounds and communities, so please share among your colleagues, friends and network.
Earlier today the City of London Corporation’s Court of Common Council voted to adopt the City of London Corporation’s Climate Action Strategy. This strategy breaks new ground and sets out how we will achieve net zero, build climate resilience and champion sustainable growth, both in the UK and globally over the next two decades. Continue reading →
The Heart Of The City have just opened applications for their 2021 Responsible Business Foundation Programme for Small & Medium-Size Enterprises (SMEs).
People are being asked to give their views on statues, street and building names and other landmarks in the City of London with historic links to slavery and racism in all its forms.
The Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations require that 15% of CIL receipts should help facilitate neighbourhood priorities. In the City of London, regarded as a single neighbourhood, the City Corporation holds this fund and is required to seek the community’s views on how this Fund should be used.
The scope of the Neighbourhood Fund is deliberately wide and flexible, and includes the provision, improvement, replacement, or maintenance of infrastructure. This includes a broad range of facilities such as play areas, open spaces, parks and green spaces, cultural and sports facilities. It also includes anything else that is concerned with addressing the demands that development places on an area. Importantly, local neighbourhoods have the opportunity to choose where the money is spent according to their own needs.
From 1 September 2018 you can apply for funding easily.
The minimum value for applications for funding is £1,000, and those under £50,000 will be processed by a panel of officers. Applications for over £50,000 will be considered by the City Corporation’s Resource Allocation Sub-Committee.
Applications should not normally exceed 15% of the total value of the available CIL Neighbourhood Fund at the time of application: updated information on can be found on the webpage. There are however exceptional circumstances, as outlined on the webpage.
Larger projects of over £50,000 and up to 15% of the total value of the Neighbourhood Fund should meet the priorities identified in the City Corporation’s Regulation 123 List and should demonstrate how the project will deliver value for money, including through the identification of any contributory or match funding, including contributions in time or expertise.
