VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Hospitality Industry: Greater London

Asked by Bell Ribeiro-AddyLabourMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled Answered 30 June 2026UIN 11736

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what work his Department is undertaking with local councils in London to expedite approval processes for independent hospitality businesses seeking to implement proposals such as outdoor seating.

Answered by Nesil Caliskan

The government has recently legislated to introduce strategic licensing functions for the London Mayor and Greater London Authority to boost the capital's nighttime economy and hospitality industry. We will be bringing forward secondary legislation to bring these new strategic licensing functions into effect. This will set out how the Mayor’s new “call in” power will operate, and the criteria for eligible applications.

Nationally, the government has committed to taking forward the recommendations of the Licensing Taskforce related to outdoor spaces by increasing the maximum term length for pavement licenses and consulting on the case for a minimum term length.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim