Following rigorous lobbying by the ALMR, Camden Council has confirmed that it has renamed its previous consultation on a proposed Late Night levy to an ‘informal exercise’. The results of this will be used to present a report to Councillors in September as to whether a formal consultation should be launched.
The move comes as a result of sustained lobbying from the ALMR which included a detailed response to the consultation. The ALMR also submitted a number of freedom of information requests highlighting the fact that many members were unable to respond to the consultation due to a faulty link on the Council’s website. The ALMR’s lobbying strongly suggested that this error may have invalidated the results.
ALMR Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said: “This is fantastic news and a result of continued and persistent pressure from the ALMR and its members. We have obviously given them pause for thought and even if this proves only to be a temporary stay of execution, a delay is welcome.
“This positive outcome has only been achieved by pressure from the ALMR and its members about the handling of the consultation. It gives us an opportunity to regroup and reopens debates around exemptions and discounts for BID payers and whether a levy is appropriate. We have asked to make formal representations to the licensing hearing in September.
“This is a significant change of tone and approach and hopefully suggests that the Council is softening its approach to a levy. The ALMR will be liaising with its members in the area to make a concerted effort to contact their local councillors and MP ahead of the hearing in September.”
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