As we are all only too aware, the impact of Covid-19 on businesses nationwide has been disastrous, and with Soho being a place of activity, entertainment, eating and drinking, we have been amongst the worst hit. With so many independent businesses in Soho, we are at risk of losing the culture that makes the area so special.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer has predicted that we are facing a ‘severe recession, the likes of which we haven’t seen’, and therefore the need to save businesses is urgent. With the business rates from Westminster alone contributing 5% towards the UK economy, as well as the area providing employment for thousands of people, the survival of this area is vital.

Soho is world famous for being the cultural and vibrant heart of London, and we are immensely proud of the community that we have cultivated here. We need to be given the strongest chance of survival, so that when we are through this atrocious time, we can still attract people from all over the world to come and enjoy the area we know and love.

This proposal would also show that Soho is once again open for business and would create a much needed injection of joy for the public, business owners and residents alike.