Challenging times for us all - an update from the HCEB
At the start of 2020, following feedback from many of our stakeholders, HCEB decided to strengthen our ACC (Airport Consultative Committee) activities. The Court of Appeal judgment in late February and the COVID -19 pandemic have meant that Heathrow expansion is no longer a focus for our current work. We are now in the process of agreeing our role and scope for the short to medium term with Heathrow Airport and we expect to have an update shortly. Our meeting structures will continue to provide a platform for dialogue between Heathrow Airport and all stakeholders and communities.
There has been no decision in Heathrow Airport Limited and Arora’s applications for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court at the time of writing. We understand that this process is a ‘paper based’ exercise and that a decision will be known any day now. The decision will appear on the Supreme Court website, which can be accessed by clicking here.
We know that local communities have been deeply affected by the COVID pandemic as well as the continued uncertainty caused by the proposed new runway and expansion generally.
We are currently amending our digital engagement platform so that it can provide an online forum for communities to discuss the issues that matter most to them both day-to-day and for the future.
The HCEB, whilst adapting to the current situation, has remained active, working both internally and with partners to offer support to communities and stakeholders whose lives are impacted by the airport. Here are a few things we and/or our partners have been doing:
Our Passenger Services Group is working hard through virtual meetings and briefings with key Heathrow management on the Airport’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ll be publishing an update on their important work tomorrow.
Our research partner, YouGov has been tracking international opinion on COVID-19 and publishing new data when it comes available. The details can be found here.
In addition, Hatch Regeneris have developed a blog on the socio-economic exposure of different parts of the country to the socio-economic effects of COVID-19 including the local area around Heathrow.
Planning the agenda for our next Forum due to be held on Wednesday 3rd June. This may be subject to change given the uncertainties of the current restrictions and the present need to maintain social distancing to protect each of us. There will be an announcement on our website nearer the date once the current national situation becomes clearer.
If Heathrow Airport affects you, we’re still here to help. If you need to contact any of the team at HCEB, please find our details on our website. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and twitter at @HeathrowCEB.