The Cabinet of Westminster Council met on Monday 26 January 2026 to discuss a range of proposals, including significant investments in temporary accommodation, a new strategy for supporting sanctuary seekers, and the use of new powers to tackle high street vacancies. The meeting agenda also included consideration of the Safeguarding Adults Executive Board's annual report and the approval of funding for several community infrastructure projects.

Temporary Accommodation Investment

A key focus of the meeting was the provision of temporary accommodation (TA) for residents experiencing homelessness. Several reports addressed this issue:

• Temporary Accommodation Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) Investment: The Cabinet was asked to approve a proposal for the Westminster Pension Fund to invest in a Council-owned LLP. This LLP would acquire a portfolio of TA properties from the Council, generating a capital receipt for the Council. This receipt would then be reinvested into acquiring more TA to meet demand and reduce reliance on more expensive alternatives. The Council would then lease the properties back from the LLP to continue using them for TA. This arrangement aims to secure better value accommodation and reduce the Council's borrowing needs. The report detailed the financial implications, noting a significant increase in the net spend on TA in recent years, from £4.5m in 2021/22 to £66.2m in 2024/25. The proposed sale and leaseback structure was identified as the most cost-effective approach to raising funds for additional TA.

• Appointment of Provider – Leasing and Housing Supply Opportunities in Temporary Accommodation: The Cabinet was asked to approve, in principle, entering into a bulk leasing agreement for up to 300 homes for use as TA. This initiative is part of a wider strategy to address rising homelessness in Westminster, build resilience in the TA estate, and mitigate escalating costs associated with emergency accommodation. The report highlighted that Westminster had seen a 30% increase in households approaching the Council with housing needs in 2024/25 compared to the previous year, driven by high rents, limited social housing, and the cost-of-living crisis. The Council anticipates needing approximately 600 new TA units each financial year for the next three years.

• Temporary Accommodation – Private Sector Lease Renewal: This report recommended approving, in principle, entering into a 10-year lease for between 350 and 450 properties currently supplied by a TA Supplier. These properties would continue to be used as TA. This decision aims to secure continued provision of good quality accommodation for homeless households and deliver reduced net spend for the Council. The report noted a significant increase in the Council's requirement for TA, from 2,821 properties to over 4,450, reflecting increased homelessness.

A Westminster Welcome: Strategy for Sanctuary Seekers

The Cabinet was asked to approve A Westminster Welcome: The Strategy for People Seeking Sanctuary in Our Borough. This strategy outlines a plan to support refugees, asylum seekers, unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, and other individuals seeking sanctuary in Westminster. The strategy is structured around four key commitments: Community and Collaboration, Health and Wellbeing, Housing and Accommodation, and Employment and Learning. The report highlighted that Westminster has a high rate of international migration and is committed to becoming an accredited Council of Sanctuary. The strategy was developed through extensive engagement with people with lived experience and professionals supporting them. There are no additional costs associated with this strategy, as it will utilise existing Council resources and government grants.

Safeguarding Adults Executive Board Annual Report 2024/25

The Cabinet was asked to consider and note the Safeguarding Adults Executive Board (SAEB) Annual Report for 2024/25. The report details the Board's work over the year, focusing on collaboration for safeguarding excellence. It covers quality assurance and performance, making safeguarding personal, community engagement, and learning from reviews. The report highlighted key achievements, including data analysis on safeguarding referrals, work on domestic abuse and older people, community engagement initiatives, and learning from Safeguarding Adults Reviews (SARs). Financial contributions to the SAEB were noted from the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime and the North West London Integrated Care Board.

Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) Autumn Round 2025

The Cabinet was asked to approve the allocation of £2,293,622 from the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) to six high-value projects. These projects include:

• St Peter Eaton Square Primary School Playground Improvements (£337,964): To convert unused classrooms into an indoor activity space to increase play space and enable all-weather play equipment.
• The St Marylebone CE School Healthy Children Project (£500,000): To create a new kitchen and dining space and a dedicated fitness suite to improve nutrition and physical activity for students.
• St Peter's Church, Eaton Square – Replacement of lift and refurbishment of community meeting space (£314,464): To replace an old lift and refurbish the Parish Hall to improve accessibility and usability for community groups.
• WCC Digital & Innovation – Enhancing Public Wi-Fi Connectivity (£315,000): To provide free, secure public Wi-Fi across six Westminster street markets and Alfred Road Play Area.
• Individual Applicant – Headfort Place Archway (£336,000): To carry out conservation works on the Grade II listed Headfort Place Archway to safeguard its heritage and improve the public realm.
• St Mary Le Strand – Northern and southern ramp access (£490,194): To install two external ramps to provide step-free access to the church and its new undercroft community space.

The report detailed the rationale for each project, its alignment with Council priorities, consultation undertaken, and financial and legal implications. Concerns were noted from some Neighbourhood Forums regarding the allocation of NCIL funds for projects outside their immediate areas or for services perceived as not directly mitigating development impact.

High Street Rental Auction

The Cabinet was asked to approve the use of High Street Rental Auction (HSRA) powers in North Paddington. This new power, devolved from Central Government, allows local authorities to tackle persistent high street vacancies by requiring landlords to rent out long-term vacant commercial properties through a transparent auction process. Westminster is an Early Adopter of this power. If approved, the Council would designate the North Paddington High Streets Area, commence landlord engagement, and implement HSRA processes. The report outlined the HSRA process, the Council's proposed approach, and the assessment of statutory qualifying criteria for designation. Risks associated with the process were also detailed, including potential landlord resistance and the need for sufficient funding. The report noted that consultation with residents and businesses in North Paddington showed strong support for the initiative.