The Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Westminster Council met on Thursday 9 October 2025 to discuss the city's approach to street trading and markets, social value initiatives, and high street curation programmes. Key decisions included recommendations to embed review dates into the future street trading policy, ensure proper market management and fair charging for services, and enhance opportunities for dual-use pitches. The committee also received updates on the progress of social value delivery and the 'Meanwhile On' high street activation programme.

Street Trading and Markets Policy Review

The committee reviewed the current street trading policy, which has not been updated since 2013. Councillors highlighted the need for a more flexible and modern policy to support economic growth, environmental sustainability, and community provision. The current policy is governed by the restrictive City of Westminster Act 1999, and the committee discussed the potential benefits of aligning with the more agile London Local Authorities Act.

Key concerns raised included:

• Policy Review Timetable: The committee recommended that a review date be incorporated into the future policy to ensure its continued relevance.
• Market Management and Charging: It was recommended that the future policy should outline provisions for the proper management of markets and that traders should be adequately charged for all services provided by the Council, particularly as the Council often subsidises established traders.
• Market and Shop Synergy: The committee recommended that the future policy should consider the surrounding areas of markets to ensure that both markets and shops benefit from increased footfall.
• Intentional Curation: The committee recommended that future policy should focus on intentional market curation, enabling businesses to flourish in the right areas.
• Local Consultation: Thorough local consultation was recommended during policy development to ensure local voices are heard and that markets complement existing local offerings.
• Dual-Use Pitches: The committee recommended enhancing opportunities for dual use of pitches throughout the day, subject to legislative review.
• Isolated Pitches: A clear direction of travel for isolated pitches was recommended for the future policy.
• Pavement Licensing: The committee recommended reviewing pavement licenses on a street-by-street basis in consultation with the community and local businesses to assess suitability.

Fairer Economy: Social Value in Westminster

The committee received an update on Westminster City Council's approach to social value, which aims to create positive outcomes for residents, drive a Fairer Economy, and support wider Fairer Westminster priorities. The report highlighted significant achievements over the past three years, including over 1,600 jobs and apprenticeships created for residents, more than £12 million spent with Westminster SMEs, and over 63,000 hours of volunteering.

Key discussion points included:

• Social Value and Value for Money: The committee questioned how value for money is considered alongside social value, particularly in light of the Fairer Funding Review.
• Tailored Offers and Procurement Weighting: The Council's flexible approach to tailoring offers based on organisational skill sets and the balance between price, quality, and responsible procurement in tenders were discussed.
• Monitoring Outputs and Resident Need: The importance of monitoring social value outputs and ensuring resident needs are met through participatory procurement processes was emphasised.
• Data-Driven Social Value: The use of community researchers for door-to-door engagement and street surveys to gather data for social value initiatives was noted.
• Support for Older People: The committee requested examples of projects supporting older people through social value initiatives.
• Section 106 Timelines and Accountability: The committee sought information on the timelines for Section 106 social value requirements and how suppliers are held accountable for their commitments.
• Employment and Skills Breakdown: A detailed breakdown of jobs, apprenticeships, training, and career support provided to Westminster residents, including geographical areas, job types, and long-term employment prospects, was requested.

Recommendation: The committee recommended that the Council consider, where practical and reasonable, withholding payments to suppliers until their social value commitments have been delivered.

Fairer Economy: Meanwhile On and High Street Curation

The committee received an update on Westminster's high street curation programmes, focusing on the 'Meanwhile On' initiative, which aims to revitalise vacant premises by supporting emerging brands and creatives. The report highlighted the success of the programme in delivering activations, supporting SMEs, and creating jobs, with many brands extending their tenancies or actively seeking long-term premises in the city.

Key discussion points included:

• Short-term to Long-term Tenancies: The committee explored evidence showing how short-term activations translate into sustainable long-term tenancies and how they influence brand perceptions.
• Financial Risks: The potential financial risks to the Council if activations do not lead to long-term tenancies were discussed, alongside the programme's role in filling likely vacant spaces and encouraging inclusive growth.
• Curation Capabilities: The Council's ability to curate high streets, particularly in areas with few vacancies and established long-term occupiers, was examined.
• Community Engagement: The importance of involving local communities in activations to ensure they meet local needs was stressed.
• Employment Impact: The committee inquired whether the 'Meanwhile On' programme has increased employment for Westminster residents and if this is being monitored.
• Landlord Relationships: The Council's strategies for building robust relationships with landlords to influence empty spaces and enhance high street curation were discussed.
• Charges and Support Levels: The charges imposed on brands, the six-month rent-free period followed by commercial rent and rates relief, and the importance of brands being able to sustain full charges were debated. The committee also discussed tailoring support levels to need, applying consistent tests across different areas, and ensuring activations align with buyer behaviour.
• Benefit to Landlords: The committee acknowledged that landlords are primary beneficiaries and questioned the Council's role in solving landlord issues like neglected or commercially unviable spaces.
• Diversifying High Streets: The importance of a diverse retail offer and how the Council's work with interesting brands encourages landlords to engage regarding vacant spaces was noted.
• Pop-ups and Meanwhile Use: The committee noted that 'Meanwhile On' is an evolution of the original 'Pop-ups' scheme, often featuring longer tenancies.

Recommendation: The committee recommended that the Council further develops a robust pathway and relationship development process with landlords to encourage their collaboration.

Leader's Cabinet Update

The committee received an update from the Leader of the Council, Councillor Adam Hug, covering various council activities. Questions were raised regarding:

• Oxford Street Pedestrianisation: The impact of the temporary pedestrianisation on 21 September 2025 and plans for managing pedicabs on Oxford Street.
• Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs): The additional powers a PSPO on pedicabs would provide, its role as an interim measure, and how non-compliance is an offence.
• Police and Council Tasking Team (PACTT): The role, hours, and location of the new officers, efforts to reduce abstractions within the Metropolitan Police Service, and the need for close partnership working.
• Influence on the Greater London Authority (GLA): Examples of the Council's success in influencing the GLA, particularly following the decision not to challenge the Mayor of London's designation of Oxford Street as a red route.

Information Requests: The committee requested information on the impact of the temporary pedestrianisation of Oxford Street, the additional powers provided by the PSPO on pedicabs, and future updates on the PSPO's impact.

Policy and Scrutiny Committee Updates

Verbal updates were provided from the chairs of various Policy and Scrutiny Committees:

• Vulnerable Adults, Health and Communities: Updates included scrutiny of the Community Priorities Programme, grants, and Community Hubs. A significant change noted was the impending merger of the North West London and Central North London Integrated Care Boards, increasing the number of collaborating local authorities.
• Housing and Regeneration: The committee scrutinised the Pimlico District Heating Undertaking and the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy.
• Climate Action, Environment and Highways: Recommendations were made to expand pay-to-park bands, facilitate parking for tradespeople with electric vehicles, increase business outreach, and promote the contributions of City Inspectors.
• Young People, Learning and Employment: The committee scrutinised Supported Internships, employment opportunities, and proposals for Services for Children with Disabilities.