The Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Westminster Council was scheduled to discuss a range of important topics, including the council's response to a significant cyber incident, progress on the City Plan Partial Review, and efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour. The committee was also set to review lessons learned from the insolvency of a major contractor, Geoffrey Osborne Ltd, and consider improvements to the council's scrutiny function.

Cyber Incident Response

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the significant cyber-incident that affected Westminster City Council, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, and the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham on 24 November 2025. The incident caused substantial operational disruption, necessitating the isolation of essential systems. The agenda indicated that the council had moved into a recovery phase, with 90% of systems now operational, including the digital planning system. However, technical issues were still affecting the collection of Direct Debits for rent and service charges, with affected residents being contacted to outline available payment options.

City Plan Partial Review

A key item on the agenda was the Westminster City Plan Partial Review (CPPR), which aims to address challenges such as the climate crisis and the delivery of affordable homes. The CPPR introduces a new Retrofitting policy designed to encourage the retrofitting and extension of buildings to deliver growth, thereby reducing carbon emissions associated with larger developments. This policy is particularly relevant in Westminster, where the built environment is largely developed and accounts for a significant portion of the city's carbon emissions. The review also strengthens the commitment to affordable housing by increasing the proportion of social rented homes in new developments and ensuring smaller sites contribute to affordable housing. Four strategic sites—St Mary's Hospital, Westbourne Park Bus Garage, land adjacent to Royal Oak, and Grosvenor Sidings—have been designated for mixed-use development to support long-term growth.

Anti-social Behaviour Enforcement

The committee was scheduled to review the work of the newly established Police and Council Tasking Team (PACTT). This team, funded by a £3 million investment from Westminster City Council and comprising eight police officers and a sergeant, works alongside the Council's City Inspectors to address issues such as anti-social behaviour. The agenda highlighted that the PACTT had completed over 200 hours of joint patrols in its first two weeks, leading to several arrests and the issuance of Community Protection Warnings and Fixed Penalty Notices. The council's broader efforts to enhance street safety and cleanliness were also to be discussed, including the use of new Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) and a new CCTV network.

Lessons Learned from Geoffrey Osborne Ltd Insolvency

The committee was set to receive a report on lessons learned from the insolvency of Geoffrey Osborne Ltd. This report aimed to provide oversight and assurance regarding the council's controls concerning major contractors.

Scrutiny Improvement Task Group Summary Report

A significant portion of the agenda was dedicated to the Scrutiny Improvement Task Group Summary Report. This report detailed the work undertaken since June 2023 to strengthen and improve the council's scrutiny function, following an independent review by the Centre for Governance and Scrutiny (CfGS). The Task Group considered 28 recommendations, focusing on themes such as vision and impact, role and relationships, structure, training and development, and work programmes and collaboration. Key developments included the adoption of a scrutiny vision, the development of a Cabinet and Scrutiny protocol, and a review of the committee structure to establish four thematic Policy and Scrutiny Committees. The report also outlined improvements in training for officers and members, and a more structured approach to work programming. The committee was asked to consider the work of the Task Group and decide whether its work had concluded.

Fairer Economy Plan

The committee was scheduled to receive an overview of the progress and impact of the Fairer Economy Plan. The discussion was expected to focus on requesting the committee's steer on priorities and the approach for the period beyond the current plan.

Strategic Assessment Management Plan

The agenda indicated that the committee would consider the revised framework for managing Westminster's operational and investment commercial property assets, ensuring alignment with the Council's Fairer Westminster strategic priorities.

Leader's Cabinet Update

A written update from the Leader of the Council, Councillor Adam Hug, was scheduled to be presented, detailing the recent work of the Cabinet. This update was expected to cover the cyber incident, the City Plan Partial Review, anti-social behaviour enforcement, the Council of Sanctuary initiative, and the High Street Rental Auctions.

Oxford Street Update

The committee was to receive an update on Oxford Street, including the council's response to Transport for London's consultation on proposed transport and highway changes. Details regarding the composition of the Mayoral Development Corporation, including the appointment of Nabeel Khan as Chief Executive and Scott Parsons as Board Chair, were also to be provided.

City of Sanctuary Strategy

The committee was scheduled to be informed about the adoption and implementation of the Sanctuary Strategy, which outlines the council's approach to supporting people seeking sanctuary in Westminster. This strategy was developed following extensive engagement with individuals with lived experience and relevant organisations.