Councillor Alan Mendoza
Email: amendoza@westminster.gov.uk
Council: Westminster
Council Profile: View on council website
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Positions, Voting Record & Activity Summary
Councillor Alan Mendoza's recent activity in 2025 has been dominated by a strong and vocal opposition to the council's budget proposals, particularly the council tax increases. He has consistently characterized the council's financial management as Labour's mismanagement
and described the budget as a disastrous West End production
with all show and no substance.
Mendoza has been a staunch critic of the 4.99% council tax hike, arguing it represents hiking local people's taxes to the absolute maximum they can get away with.
His engagement in budget discussions has been significant; he seconded a motion to amend the budget in March and voted in favor of it. Furthermore, he supported a further budget amendment in May aimed at reducing the council tax rise to 3.99%, which included measures like establishing a Dockless Bike Enforcement Task Force and funding a Judicial Review of the Mayor's Oxford Street project. Throughout these budget debates, Mendoza consistently voted against recommendations from the Cabinet report. While he attended an Audit and Performance Committee meeting in July, his specific contributions were not recorded, and he later sent apologies for missing a prior meeting.
In the preceding year, 2024, Mendoza's focus was on two distinct areas: addressing inefficiencies in the removal of abandoned vehicles and engaging with the council's budget and financial representations. In September 2024, he highlighted concerns regarding the slow procedures for removing abandoned vehicles, advocating for expedited processes and a policy review. In November, he actively questioned the lead member for finance about pre-budget representations to the chancellor and explored potential adjustments to the budget allocation formula to improve Westminster's financial outcomes.
Key Themes and Priorities:
- Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Scrutiny: Mendoza's primary focus, especially in 2025, has been on the council's financial health and budget allocation. He is a vocal critic of perceived mismanagement and excessive spending.
- Taxation and Resident Impact: He is highly attuned to the impact of council tax increases on residents, consistently arguing against hikes and seeking ways to mitigate them.
- Operational Efficiency: In earlier years, he demonstrated an interest in improving the efficiency of council services, as seen with his concerns about abandoned vehicle removal.
Evolution of Focus: Mendoza's focus has intensified on financial matters and budget opposition in 2025, building upon his engagement with budget representations in 2024. While 2024 saw him address specific operational issues like vehicle removal, 2025 marks a period of more comprehensive and critical engagement with the council's core financial strategy and its direct impact on taxpayers.
Most Significant Contributions (Recent Years): In 2025, Mendoza's most significant contributions lie in his persistent advocacy against the council tax increase and his active role in proposing and supporting budget amendments. His strong rhetoric has brought attention to the council's financial state and the burden on residents. His support for the May budget amendment, which sought to reduce the tax hike and introduce specific initiatives, demonstrates a proactive approach to finding alternative solutions.
Patterns and Consistent Areas of Interest: Mendoza consistently demonstrates an interest in holding the council accountable for its financial decisions and operational effectiveness. He is a consistent voice advocating for the interests of residents, particularly concerning financial burdens. His engagement with budget processes, both in questioning and proposing amendments, highlights a commitment to influencing fiscal policy.
Yearly Activity Timeline
Throughout 2025, Councillor Alan Mendoza was a vocal critic of the council's budget proposals, particularly the proposed council tax increases. He characterized the budget as a disastrous West End production
with all show and no substance,
and warned residents would pay the price of admission for this expensive flop.
Mendoza expressed significant concern over the council's finances, describing them as in a perilous state
and entirely self-inflicted by Labour's mismanagement.
He strongly opposed the 4.99% council tax increase, deeming it hiking local people's taxes to the absolute maximum they can get away with.
Mendoza actively participated in budget discussions, seconding a motion to amend the budget in March and voting in favor of it. He also voted in favor of a further budget amendment in May, which aimed to reduce the council tax rise to 3.99% by implementing various savings and spending measures, including the establishment of a Dockless Bike Enforcement Task Force and funding for a Judicial Review of the Mayor's Oxford Street project. He consistently voted against parts of the original Cabinet report recommendations. While he attended an Audit and Performance Committee meeting in July, no specific actions were recorded for him, and he later sent apologies for missing a previous meeting on July 8th.
Monthly Activity in 2025
During November 2025, Alan Mendoza sent his apologies for the Council meeting held on November 12th.
Meetings in November 2025
Council - Wednesday 12th November, 2025 7.00 pm - 12 November 2025
Alan Mendoza sent his apologies for the Council meeting on 2025-11-12.
During September 2025, Alan Mendoza sent his apologies for a previous meeting on Tuesday, July 8, 2025.
Meetings in September 2025
Audit and Performance Committee - Thursday 4th September, 2025 6.30 pm - 4 September 2025
Alan Mendoza sent his apologies for the meeting on Tuesday 8 July 2025.
During July 2025, Alan Mendoza attended the Audit and Performance Committee meeting on July 8th. No specific statements or actions were recorded for him during this meeting.
Meetings in July 2025
Audit and Performance Committee - Tuesday 8th July, 2025 6.30 pm - 8 July 2025
Alan Mendoza was a member of the Audit and Performance Committee and was present at the meeting on 8th July 2025. No specific statements or actions were recorded for him in the provided documents.
During the June 25th, 2025 Council meeting, Alan Mendoza questioned the impact of the government's business rates reform plans on Westminster. He specifically asked about the assessment made regarding these reforms and their potential effects on properties with a rateable value over £500,000, including whether the Cabinet Member for Finance agreed that the bill could lead to job losses.
Meetings in June 2025
Council - Wednesday 25th June, 2025 7.00 pm - 25 June 2025
During the Council meeting on June 25th, 2025, Alan Mendoza inquired about the impact of the government's business rates reform plans on Westminster. He specifically asked:
What assessment has he made regarding the impact of his government's plans to impose business rates reform here in Westminster?
Mendoza also posed a supplementary question concerning the potential effects on properties with a rateable value exceeding £500,000 and whether the Cabinet Member for Finance agreed that the proposed bill could lead to job losses.
Council - Wednesday 25th June, 2025 7.00 pm - 25 June 2025
Alan Mendoza addressed the Lord Mayor and then posed a question to the Cabinet Member for Finance regarding the impact of the government's planned business rates reform in Westminster.
Thank you, Lord Mayor.
A question also to the Cabinet Member for Finance.
What assessment has he made regarding the impact of his Government's plans to impose business rates reform here in Westminster?
During May 2025, Alan Mendoza was active in one council meeting on May 14th. He seconded a motion to amend the budget, which proposed reducing the council tax rise to 3.99% through savings and additional spending. This amendment included establishing a Dockless Bike Enforcement Task Force, allocating funds for a Judicial Review of the Mayor's Oxford Street project, revising ward budget rules, billing the Mayor of London for Oxford Street expenses, and accounting for National Insurance pressures in the 2026/27 budget. Alan Mendoza voted in favor of this amendment and against parts of the original Cabinet report recommendations.
Meetings in May 2025
Council - Wednesday 14th May, 2025 7.00 pm - 14 May 2025
During the Council meeting on May 14th, 2025, Alan Mendoza seconded a motion moved by Councillor Paul Swaddle to amend the budget. This amendment aimed to reduce the council tax rise to 3.99% by introducing savings and additional spending, which included the establishment of a Dockless Bike Enforcement Task Force and the allocation of funds for a potential Judicial Review concerning the Mayor's Oxford Street project. The proposed amendment also instructed officers to revise ward budget rules to prevent misuse and to bill the Mayor of London for expenses related to the Oxford Street works. Furthermore, it included provisions for National Insurance pressures in the 2026/27 budget. Alan Mendoza voted in favor of this amendment and against the original recommendations in part 1 of the Cabinet report.
During the March 5th, 2025 council meeting, Councillor Alan Mendoza was a strong opponent of the council's budget proposal. He characterized it as a disastrous West End production
with all show and no substance,
and warned that residents would pay the price of admission for this expensive flop.
Mendoza voiced concerns about the council's finances, describing them as in a perilous state
and entirely self-inflicted by Labour's mismanagement.
He specifically condemned the proposed 4.99% council tax increase, stating it was hiking local people's taxes to the absolute maximum they can get away with
during a period of financial hardship for families. Mendoza also seconded Councillor Paul Swaddle's motion to amend the budget and voted in favor of this amendment. Additionally, he voted against the recommendations presented in part 1 of the Cabinet report.
Meetings in March 2025
Audit and Performance Committee - Tuesday 18th March, 2025 6.30 pm - 18 March 2025
Alan Mendoza was appointed as a member of the Audit and Performance Committee. However, he sent his apologies and did not attend the meeting on March 18, 2025. Councillor Melvyn Caplan attended as his substitute.
Council - Wednesday 5th March, 2025 7.00 pm - 5 March 2025
Councillor Alan Mendoza was a vocal critic of the council's budget proposal during the meeting. He described the budget as a disastrous West End production
with all show and no substance,
arguing that residents would ultimately pay the price of admission for this expensive flop.
Mendoza expressed concern about the council's finances, stating they were in a perilous state
and entirely self-inflicted by Labour's mismanagement.
He specifically criticized the planned 4.99% council tax increase, calling it hiking local people's taxes to the absolute maximum they can get away with
at a time when families are struggling. In addition to his statements, Mendoza seconded a motion moved by Councillor Paul Swaddle to amend the budget and voted in favour of this amendment. He also voted against the recommendations in part 1 of the Cabinet report.
During January 2025, Alan Mendoza was a member of the Budget Scrutiny Task Group and attended the Council meeting on January 22nd. However, the provided documentation does not indicate any specific statements or actions taken by him during either meeting.
Meetings in January 2025
Council - Wednesday 22nd January, 2025 7.00 pm - 22 January 2025
According to the provided reports pack, Cllr Alan Mendoza was present at the Council meeting held on Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025. However, the document does not indicate that he spoke or took any specific action during the meeting.
Budget Scrutiny Task Group - Tuesday 21st January, 2025 6.30 pm - 21 January 2025
Alan Mendoza is listed as a member of the Budget Scrutiny Task Group. However, the provided reports pack does not indicate any specific statements or actions taken by Councillor Mendoza during the meeting.
In 2024, Alan Mendoza focused on two key areas of council operations: addressing issues with the removal of abandoned, illegally parked vehicles and engaging with the council's budget and financial representations. In September, he raised concerns about the slow and inefficient procedures for removing abandoned vehicles, advocating for a more expedited process and requesting a policy review. In November, Mendoza actively questioned the lead member for finance about pre-budget representations made to the chancellor and explored potential adjustments to the budget allocation formula to secure a more favorable outcome for Westminster.
Monthly Activity in 2024
During the November 13th council meeting, Councillor Alan Mendoza actively engaged with the lead member for finance regarding the council's budget. He specifically inquired about any prior representations made to the chancellor before the budget's finalization, seeking details on the areas and specifics of these communications. Mendoza also raised a supplementary question concerning potential adjustments to the budget allocation formula, asking if the council intended to make representations now that the overall spending figure was established, with the aim of achieving a more favorable outcome for Westminster than anticipated by officers. He further sought information on the proposed strategy and messaging for these future representations to the chancellor.
Meetings in November 2024
Council - Wednesday 13th November, 2024 7.00 pm - 13 November 2024
Councillor Alan Mendoza questioned the lead member for finance about the budget. He asked whether the administration had made any representations to the chancellor on behalf of the council before the budget was finalized, and if so, in what areas and with what details.
He also raised a supplementary question regarding potential changes to the budget allocation formula. Mendoza inquired if the council planned to make representations now that the broad spending amount was known, in order to secure a better outcome for Westminster than officers were anticipating. He further asked about the proposed strategy for presenting these representations to the chancellor and the lines
that would be used.
During the September 18th council meeting, Alan Mendoza raised concerns about the council's procedures for removing illegally parked vehicles that have been abandoned in bays for extended periods, accumulating multiple tickets and showing no signs of movement. He questioned the lead member for city management and air quality regarding the existing process and policy for their removal. Mendoza also highlighted that neighboring councils can remove vehicles even if they are taxed and have valid MOTs, suggesting that a more expedited removal process would be more practical than leaving cars for weeks or months. He requested a review of the policy and a subsequent sharing of the outcomes.
Meetings in September 2024
Council - Wednesday 18th September, 2024 7.00 pm - 18 September 2024
Alan Mendoza inquired about the council's process for removing illegally parked cars that have been in bays for extended periods, have multiple tickets, and show no signs of movement. He asked if the lead member for city management and air quality was aware of this process and what the policy for their removal entailed. Following a response, Mendoza asked a supplementary question, noting that neighboring councils can remove cars even if they are taxed and have valid MOTs. He suggested that expediting the removal process, rather than leaving cars for weeks or months, would be more sensible and asked if the lead member would agree to review the policy and share the outcome.
Activity Timeline
Meetings Attended Note this may include planned future meetings.
22 meetings · Page 3 of 5
Council - Wednesday 14th May, 2025 7.00 pm
At the annual meeting of the Westminster City Council, Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg was elected as the new Lord Mayor, succeeding Councillor Robert Rigby. The council also approved changes to the Procurement Code and confirmed the allocation of places on standing committees.
Audit and Performance Committee - Tuesday 18th March, 2025 6.30 pm
The City of Westminster Council’s Audit and Performance Committee will be meeting to discuss various financial and performance matters for the current and coming year. They will also be looking at the planned scope and timing of internal and external audits, as well as the ethical conduct of the Council.
Council - Wednesday 5th March, 2025 7.00 pm
The meeting was dominated by a debate about the council's proposed budget for 2025-26. The budget, which includes a 4.99% increase in council tax, was approved despite opposition amendments calling for a smaller council tax increase.
Council - Wednesday 22nd January, 2025 7.00 pm
This meeting was scheduled to include a motion to approve the appointment of Janet Kealey as an independent person to the council’s standards committee, a debate on the opportunities and challenges faced by residents of Harrow Road ward, a series of reports on the City Plan, homelessness, and reform of planning committees, and a report on Council Tax.
Budget Scrutiny Task Group - Tuesday 21st January, 2025 6.30 pm
This meeting of the Budget Scrutiny Task Group was scheduled to discuss the council's General Fund and Housing Revenue Account budgets for 2025/26. The agenda included presentations on the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement, proposed savings and investment proposals, and an update on the budget gap.
Decisions from Meetings
4 decisions
Report to Full Council: Programme of Meetings 2026/2027
From: Council - Wednesday 12th November, 2025 7.00 pm - November 12, 2025
Recommendations Approved
Report to Full Council: Constitutional Update - London Squares Preservation Act 1931
From: Council - Wednesday 12th November, 2025 7.00 pm - November 12, 2025
Recommendations Approved
Constitutional Changes
From: Council - Wednesday 25th June, 2025 7.00 pm - June 25, 2025
Recommendations Approved
Member Allowances Scheme 2025 - 2026: Amendment
From: Council - Wednesday 25th June, 2025 7.00 pm - June 25, 2025
Recommendations Approved
Summary
Meetings Attended: 22
Average per Month: 0.9
Decisions Recorded: 4