Tuesday 29 October 2024

Today, the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has set out its Programme for Government developed in consultation with key members of its 9,500 strong business community across the capital. The document sets out LCCI’s recommendations for the new Government on a department-by-department basis, building out the key recommendations from the General Election Manifesto published in June 2024.

The document highlights the key policy areas that the new Government should focus on to deliver growth and prosperity to London businesses.

In particular, LCCI’s Programme for Government calls for:

• The Department for Business and Trade to implement a targeted London marketing campaign, similar to recent campaigns for cities like Oslo, Seattle and Milan; 
• The Treasury to urgently reintroduce VAT-free shopping for international visitors to remove to tax on tourism faced by London businesses; 
• Increased arts funding from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport; 
• The Cabinet Office to ensure there is improved access for Women in relation to Free Trade Agreements, to ensure they are not marginalised; 
• The Department for Education to urgently introduce flexible and agile learning schemes to address skills shortages, and reform of the Apprenticeship Levy; 
• Pro-business visa and immigration options to be introduced by the Home Office; 
• The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to drive forward the building of new affordable homes for London workers; 
• And a new deal from the Department for Transport to comprehensively fund Transport for London (TfL). 

Karim Fatehi MBE, Chief Executive of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) said: "LCCI's Programme for Government calls on the new Government to adopt the policies businesses need to thrive and prosper.

"Creating the right conditions for London firms to succeed will be key to unlocking the city's full potential. We need to see decisive Government action on crucial issues, including the reform of business rates, apprenticeship levy reforms, enhancements in infrastructure, commitments to sustainable aviation and a return to VAT free shopping for tourists.

"Only through close collaboration with the business community can the Government achieve its long-term growth ambitions. Our Programme for Government sets out common-sense policies designed to boost productivity and drive growth across all sectors of our economy."

ENDS