Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of her proposals to devolve licensing powers on residential communities in London's West End; and what steps she is taking to ensure that her plans for a devolved licensing framework recognises (a) the needs of residents in the West End and (b) the West End's contribution to culture, heritage, hospitality and the night-time economy.

No assessment has been made of the potential impact of these proposals on residential communities in the West End. The Government recognises the importance of protecting the quality of life of West End residents alongside supporting the area’s important contribution to culture, heritage, hospitality, and the night-time economy. The law retains safeguards to protect residents’ interests: local authorities will remain the default decision-makers, with the Mayor’s call-in power applying only where the statutory conditions are met. The four statutory licensing objectives remain unchanged and paramount within the licensing framework.

The Secretary of State is required to review the operation and effect of the Regulations and publish a report within two years of commencement.