The Cabinet of Westminster City Council met on Monday 23 February 2026 to approve a range of significant financial and strategic plans for the upcoming years. Key decisions included the approval of the Council Tax for 2026/27, the revenue and capital budgets for 2026/27 to 2028/29, and the adoption of a new Sustainable Transport Strategy for 2026-2036. The Cabinet also approved the award of a major Highways and Public Realm Contract to FM Conway Limited, valued at an estimated £1.25 billion over 12.5 years.

The meeting addressed the Council's business and financial planning for 2026/27 to 2028/29, with Cabinet approving recommendations for Full Council regarding Council Tax and the General Fund net budget requirement. A significant portion of the discussion focused on the substantial reduction in central government funding due to the Fair Funding Review, necessitating a £19.7 million use of reserves to balance the 2026/27 budget. The Council also approved its Capital Strategy for 2026-27 to 2030-31, outlining a gross capital expenditure budget of £2.550 billion over 15 years, primarily funded through borrowing. Furthermore, the Cabinet approved the Integrated Investment Framework for 2026/27, aiming to achieve CPI-related returns on Council investments and reduce costs. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan was also approved, detailing a 30-year plan for managing the Council's housing stock, including a £931.1 million capital programme over five years and a rent increase of 4.8% for social rents. A new Sustainable Transport Strategy for 2026-2036 was adopted, setting out a framework for managing and improving local street space over the next decade, prioritising road danger reduction, access and inclusion, health and physical activity, air quality, climate change, and a sustainable economy. Finally, a significant contract award for Highways and Public Realm services was approved for FM Conway Limited, valued at an estimated £1.25 billion over 12.5 years, aiming to improve efficiency and embed Fairer Westminster principles. Decisions were also made regarding the Council's Pay Policy for 2026-27 and the progression of several housing opportunity locations, including Bravington, Brunel, QMSC, and Sussex, with specific budget allocations approved for design development.