The City of Westminster Council met on 10 September 2025, and began by electing Councillor Hamza Taouzzale as Relief Chair for the meeting. Councillors then heard questions from the public on topics ranging from policing to street lighting, and debated issues including pedestrianisation of Oxford Street, homelessness, and street cleaning. The council also received and noted the Annual Report of Policy and Scrutiny Activity in 2024/25 and the Annual Report of the Audit and Performance Committee 2024/25.

Here's a breakdown of the key discussions:

• Public Participation
• Questions
• Councillor Issue: Shaping Harrow Road
• Party Business: Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour
• Party Business: Keeping Westminster Clean and Tidy
• Annual Report of Policy and Scrutiny Activity
• Annual Report of the Audit and Performance Committee

Public Participation

Members of the public posed questions to cabinet members on the following topics:

• Policing in Little Venice: A resident, Arabella van Nieker, raised concerns about the lack of visible police presence in the Little Venice ward, despite paying council tax and a police levy. Councillor Aicha Less, Cabinet Member for Children and Public Protection, responded by highlighting the new police and council tasking team, the use of CCTV cameras, and a call for evidence on a city-wide public space protection order (PSPO) [^2]. [^2]: A Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) is a tool used by local authorities in England and Wales to address specific issues that negatively affect the quality of life for those in the area. It allows the council to impose certain restrictions on the use of public spaces to prevent antisocial behaviour.
• Street Lighting in Lancaster Gate: A question was asked on behalf of Zahra Faruqi, a student from Lancaster Gate, regarding inadequate street lighting on side roads and the safety risks this creates, particularly for women and young people at night. Councillor Max Sullivan, Cabinet Member for Streets, acknowledged the importance of street lighting for resident safety and encouraged the questioner to share specific locations where improvements were needed. He also mentioned the council's ongoing efforts to replace street lights with energy-efficient LED lighting and the availability of a budget to address safety concerns using police data and resident feedback.
• Rickshaws and Pedicabs in the West End: A resident, Daniel Rubin, voiced concerns about the noise, safety hazards, and negative impression created by rickshaws and pedicabs operating in the West End. Councillor Aicha Less responded by outlining Transport for London's (TfL) proposed licensing scheme for pedicabs, which includes measures to reduce noise disruption, ensure driver licensing and safety checks, and regulate fares. She also mentioned the council's enforcement efforts against rogue drivers and a consultation on a PSPO specific to pedicabs.
• Improvements to Edgware Road: A resident, Vinita Dume, asked about potential improvements to Edgware Road, including better sidewalks, tree planting, and low-level planting to manage pollution and noise. Councillor Geoff Barraclough, Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development, highlighted the Marble Arch Business Improvement District's (BID) place plan for Edgware Road and ongoing projects such as rain gardens, sustainable drainage, bee posts, and a shopfront improvement program.
• Public Urination by Taxi Drivers in Lancaster Gate: A resident, Blessings Kaseki, raised concerns about public urination and littering by private hire and Uber taxi drivers in Cleveland Square, creating unsanitary conditions and verbal abuse. Councillor Aicha Less urged the resident to report incidents through the council's Report It page and mentioned that the issue had been raised with the local neighbourhood coordinator. She also noted the proximity of public toilets and the possibility of using CCTV in the area.

Questions

Councillor Paul Swaddle, Leader of the Opposition, asked the Leader of the Council, Councillor Adam Hug, about the council's approach to the pedestrianisation of Oxford Street, the impact of tube strikes, and the rise in homelessness in Westminster. Councillor Swaddle also presented a petition against the pedestrianisation of Oxford Street, signed by 500 Westminster residents.

• Oxford Street Pedestrianisation: Councillor Swaddle criticised the administration's decision to cede control of Oxford Street to the Mayor of London, accusing them of failing to stand up for residents. Councillor Hug defended the council's actions, stating that they had worked to protect Westminster's interests and secure benefits for residents. He argued that the decision to transfer the road to TfL was pragmatic, given the Mayor's powers and the low likelihood of success in blocking the transfer.
• Impact of Tube Strikes: Councillor Swaddle asked about the impact of tube strikes on residents and businesses in Westminster and whether the Leader would condemn the actions of the RMT union. Councillor Hug responded that he urged both sides to come to an agreement, but that his role was focused on running Westminster City Council.
• Rise in Homelessness: Councillor Swaddle raised concerns about the dramatic rise in homelessness in Westminster and asked what the council was doing to address the issue, particularly in light of the proposed repealing of the Vagrancy Act. Councillor Hug stated that the council had reversed cuts to rough sleeping funding and introduced PSPOs to address antisocial behaviour.

Other questions included:

• Councillor Robert Eagleton asked about funding secured from the GLA[^3] for housing schemes. [^3]: GLA stands for the Greater London Authority. It is the devolved regional government for London, consisting of a directly elected Mayor and a London Assembly.
• Councillor Lindsey Hall raised concerns about dangerous car meets on Exhibition Road.
• Councillor Matt Noble asked about tackling fraud.
• Councillor Paul Fisher asked about the decision-making process regarding Oxford Street.
• Councillor Selina Short asked for an update on community hubs.
• Councillor Jacqui Wilkinson asked about cycle highways.
• Councillor Patrick Lilley asked about TfL proposals on pedicabs.
• Councillor Tim Barnes asked about a meeting to discuss Oxford Street.
• Councillor Sara Hassan asked about action being taken to improve the handling of noise complaints.
• Councillor Robert Rigby asked about St John's Wood High Street and waste management.
• Councillor Aicha Less asked about increasing cultural access and inclusion.
• Councillor David Harvey asked about the housing compact.

Councillor Issue: Shaping Harrow Road

Councillor Concia Albert spoke about shaping Harrow Road, highlighting decades of underinvestment and neglect under previous administrations. She emphasised the Labour administration's commitment to putting residents at the heart of change through the North Paddington programme and the Westminster High Street programme. Councillor Geoff Barraclough responded by highlighting the progress made under the current administration, including the Harrow Road shop front improvement program and the revival of the Harrow Road Business Association.

Party Business: Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour

The majority group debated the topic of Delivering a safer, fairer Westminster: The council's work to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour. Councillor Adam Hug opened the debate, outlining the administration's measures to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour, including new PSPOs, CCTV cameras, and the street-based intervention team. Councillor Aicha Less detailed the action being taken to tackle antisocial behaviour, including funding dedicated police officers and introducing new PSPOs. Councillor James Small-Edwards spoke about the importance of keeping residents safe and the council's investment in policing and CCTV. Councillors Caroline Sargent, Patricia McAllister, Martin Hayes and Tim Barnes also contributed to the debate.

Party Business: Keeping Westminster Clean and Tidy

The minority group debated the topic of Keeping Westminster clean and tidy for its residents, businesses and visitors. Councillor Tim Mitchell opened the debate, emphasising the importance of maintaining refuse and recycling collection times and street sweeping schedules. Councillor Max Sullivan responded, stating that the streets are getting cleaner and highlighting the council's investments in raising standards. Councillors Jim Glenn, Hannah Galley and Melvyn Caplan also contributed to the debate.

Annual Report of Policy and Scrutiny Activity

The council received and noted the Annual Report of Policy and Scrutiny Activity in 2024/25. Councillor Angela Piddock, Chair of Policy and Scrutiny, presented the report, which provided an overview of the work undertaken by the Policy and Scrutiny function and its impact. The report highlighted improvements made to the function, including a clearer vision and purpose, a more strategic structure, and increased opportunities for information sharing and development.

Annual Report of the Audit and Performance Committee

The council received and noted the Annual Report of the Audit and Performance Committee 2024/25. Councillor Aziz Toki, Chair of the Audit and Performance Committee, presented the report, which summarised the work of the committee over the past year. The report highlighted the committee's role in scrutinising the council's governance structures and financial reporting processes.