Kingston Council continues work to support businesses and help local economy recover

Cllr John Sweeney, Portfolio Holder for Business and Leisure at Kingston Council, said:

“We have put many things in place to support local businesses. The newly-formed Kingston Economic Recovery Taskforce will oversee a programme of work covering skills and employment, digital inclusion and investment and green economy. We will be working together with local partners, businesses, and the volunteer community sector to make the most of our assets to help ensure appropriate workspace provision for changing circumstances and emerging opportunities. Taking advantage of key sites in the borough to stimulate growth to provide essential housing, employment and services. This includes emerging policy work through our Employment Land Review, to inform a new Local Plan. We also have an extensive programme to reinvigorate Kingston Town Centre as a community, cultural and economic place, serving the borough and beyond.”

In addition, Kingston Council and partners are focussing on bringing forward a clear and positive vision for Kingston Town Centre over the next 15 years, to help ensure it maintains its profile and plays a key role in the social, economic and cultural life of residents. This includes accommodating the shifting role of retail, and developing plans to provide flexible workspace in and around Kingston town centre to respond to growing demand and changing work patterns. The borough’s Economic Development and Growth Strategy sets an ambitious direction, and the council continues to take into account new opportunities and challenges as the situation changes. 

Since spring, the council has distributed over £31m to local businesses through the Government's retail, hospitality and leisure grants and the subsequent Discretionary Grants, both of which the council has delivered. 

In addition, so far nine businesses have been granted temporary pavement licences that will permit them to place removable tables and chairs on the pavement to sell or serve food and drink. This temporary measure - which will be in place until the end of September 2021 - will provide hospitality businesses with much needed space to thrive.