Following last week's Party Conference, Westminster Council's Conservative Group Leader, Cllr Paul Swaddle, outlines our Plan to deliver security and opportunity for everyone in Westminster.
Paul explains,
Having attended the Conservative Party Conference last week, I wanted to share the details of several exciting announcements personally. These policies will address key issues facing our City - from the safety of our streets to the vitality of our economy and the aspirations of our young people.
Our focus is clear: to deliver security and opportunity for everyone in Westminster.
1. Safer Streets and Stronger Policing in Westminster
Crime remains a primary concern, and our proposals will bring a dramatic shift in how we tackle it.
Triple Stop and Search & Hot Spot Policing: We have announced a plan to tackle crime aggressively in problem areas. This includes tripling the use of Stop and Search and implementing 'surge hotspot policing' in high-crime neighbourhoods. We expect Westminster's city centre, as a major hub, to benefit significantly from this intensive, visible policing presence. The goal is simple: to deter crime, take knives off our streets, and make our public spaces safer for residents and visitors alike.
2. A Boost for Home Ownership: Scrapping Stamp Duty
Home ownership is a dream that has become too distant for many, especially in Central London.
Abolishing Stamp Duty on Primary Residences: The Conservative Party has committed to scrap Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) entirely on the sale of primary residences. This will make moving home cheaper for everyone and should help to unlock the housing market, making it significantly easier and more affordable for families to upsize and for young professionals to take their first step onto the property ladder here in the heart of London.
3. Backing Westminster's Businesses: Abolishing Business Rates
Westminster is home to some of the world's most iconic retail, hospitality, and leisure businesses, but they are struggling under a punitive tax burden.
Abolishing Business Rates for High Streets: We will abolish business rates for high street shops, pubs, and restaurants. In a place like Westminster, which relies on its high street economy and has numerous hospitality venues, this massive tax cut will be a lifeline. It will allow our local businesses to invest, hire, and flourish, safeguarding thousands of jobs and ensuring the vibrancy of our commercial areas for years to come.
Easier Bank Accounts for Entrepreneurs: To champion the next generation of business owners, we are committed to making it easier and faster for entrepreneurs to open bank accounts. The current process is a significant barrier to starting a new business, and we will reform regulations to cut the red tape that hinders innovation and growth in our city.4. Opportunities for Young Westminster Residents: The First Job Bonus
We want to give young people the best start in life, and that includes helping them secure their financial future.
First Job Bonus - £5,000 Tax Cut: The party will introduce a 'First Job Bonus', which will see the first £5,000 of National Insurance contributions paid by a young person in their first full-time job redirected into a nominated savings account. This is a direct, substantial tax break designed to help young people start saving immediately, particularly for a deposit on their first home. For a young couple, this could amount to a combined £10,000 towards their future.
The vision set out is one of a safer, more prosperous, and opportunity-rich UK.
I remain committed to fighting for our local community and delivering on these promises for you.
