Since arriving in Parliament, Nickie has lobbied Ministers to give local people a greater say in the licensing and planning process. On issues like al fresco dining, it’s clear that a one-size-fits-all approach does not work, and local authorities such as Westminster City Council and the City of London Corporation must be able to give individual
neighbourhoods their say.
It’s this view, giving local people a greater say, that Nickie is working with Government to reflect within legislation, especially as the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill, which lays out the Government’s reforms to the planning and licensing system, makes its way through Parliament.
Nickie commented,
“As your local MP since 2019, and in my 16 years as a Councillor, I have only ever met people who are passionate about their neighbourhoods. You know what works best and I will reflect that approach in this important legislation.”
Nickie is also continuing to lobby the Government over Section 618 of the Housing Act following discussions with the Barbican Association and City of London Corporation. The clause bars City of London Councillors from speaking or voting on issues that affect the areas they represent if they rent a home from the Court of the Common Council, part of the Corporation of London. Nickie believes that this antiquated law puts City of London residents at a disadvantage compared to residents in any other local authority and is working very closely with the City of London Corporation to effect change.
