Lambeth Council will be able to bid for up to £200,000 grant funding to invest in The Brixton Creative Enterprise Zone (CEZ) to support artists and creatives at a time of escalating energy costs.
It would benefit those businesses and organisations who are not protected by the energy price cap and supports the aims of Lambeth Council’s Climate Action Plan and Cost of Living response.
Lambeth Council has been working with Mayor of London Sadiq Khan to help artists and creatives secure affordable workspace within the Brixton Creative Enterprise Zone.
Since the zones were launched in nine boroughs in 2018, around £14million has been invested across the capital.
Successful collaborations have included the recently launched Brixton House and 198 Contemporary Arts and Learning.
The new funding would help creative businesses protect themselves against rising costs with a range of solutions such as replacing older, inefficient heating systems with modern heat pumps or improved insulation.
Cllr Jacqui Dyer, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy and Equalities, said: Cllr Jacqui Dyer, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy and Equalities, said: “The council is committed to helping artists and creatives who contribute so much to the unique character of our borough.
“We will take whatever action we can to help our businesses and residents at this difficult time. As well as immediate, direct support for those most at risk, we will also ensure our services offer support for sustainable employment for our residents and support for struggling businesses.
“The council will continue to work closely with its partners to explore ways the borough can respond together to tackling the cost of living crisis and by working with the Mayor, I hope we can continue to support these vital industries to get through the current crisis and respond to the challenges ahead. We are grateful for the Mayor’s continued investment in Lambeth’s thriving creative sector at a time when energy costs are soaring for our businesses and residents.”
The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “The capital’s world-leading arts, cultural and creative industries help to drive our economy and inspire young people, but the energy crisis is hitting the sector hard and it is vital that it is supported to become more energy efficient, especially as these businesses are not protected by the energy price cap.
“This latest investment reaffirms my commitment to placing the environment at the centre of our economic recovery and will help workplaces deal with burden of the cost of living crisis and spiralling energy bills as we build back a fairer, greener city for all.”
