Issue - meetings

TheChairmanintroducedtheThriving update report, which provided an update on progress across the thriving workstreams.  They noted that whilst there was uncertainty as to when COVID-19 restrictions would end, the council would continue to do it’s best.

Members had asked questions at Council due to the potential impacts of hybrid working on town centres.  Whilst this had benefitted some areas with increased local spending there were still areas of concern.  Increased home working and children studying from home had an impact on broadband and infrastructure provisions.  Barnet was fortunate in that it benefitted from good transport links but there would be more hybrid working.

Members were also concerned about standards of accommodation and the need to work with public and private sector landlords.  More needed to be done, in particular for example with the flats above shops.

The Chairman and other Members responded that this was being piloted in North Finchley.  It was recognised that good transport links did lead to people travelling out of the area for entertainment.  The Discover Barnet Campaign had had some success, but it was difficult to encourage people out during the day when working from home.

Members commented that outdoor trading during the pandemic had on balance been positive.  The council could charge for licensing and this was needed as there was some enforcement and walk arounds required to tackle those taking things too far.

Followingconsiderationofthe item,theChairmanmovedto voteon theOfficer’srecommendationsas outlined in the report.

RESOLVED that the Committee unanimously note the report.