Westminster Council's cabinet met to discuss and approve a new after dark strategy, a waste contract procurement strategy, a new approach to housing repairs, and a response to the North Paddington Serious Violence Taskforce recommendations. The cabinet approved all the recommendations put before it.

Westminster After Dark Strategy 2025-2040

The cabinet approved the Westminster After Dark Strategy 2025-2040 and its implementation plan, following extensive consultation with residents, businesses, and stakeholders. The strategy aims to create a vibrant, inclusive, and well-managed night-time environment that benefits residents, businesses, and visitors alike. Councillor Aicha Less, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children and Public Protection, stated that the strategy was designed to ensure that Westminster remains equitable, thriving and welcoming to all.

The strategy is built on four key pillars:

• Safe and Secure
• Community and Culture
• Accessible and Positive Places
• Economic Development

The strategy also recognises the importance of sustainability and environmental considerations.

The implementation plan includes actions such as:

• Revising the licensing policy to balance vibrancy with safety
• Enhancing safety measures, including CCTV and joint patrols with the police
• Supporting LGBTQ+ venues through a dedicated forum
• Developing after dark opportunity areas in Oxford Street, the Strand and Victoria

Councillor Geoff Barraclough, Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development, said that the aim was to land a consensus and a balanced approach that works for everybody.

Procurement Strategy - Waste Contract

The cabinet approved the procurement strategy for a new waste and cleansing services contract, set to begin in September 2027. The current contract with Veolia expires that month. Councillor Max Sullivan, Cabinet Member for Streets and Cycling Champion, noted that half of the £30 million spent annually on street cleansing is spent in the West End alone.

The council aims to maintain its world-leading waste and cleansing service, which currently cleans almost 9,000 kilometres of streets weekly and collects 180,000 tonnes of waste and recycling a year. The new contract, valued at £58 million annually, will be procured under the competitive flexible procedure, allowing for dialogue with the market to negotiate the best outcomes for the council.

The key objectives of the procurement strategy include:

• Maintaining high standards of cleanliness
• Driving up recycling rates
• Driving innovation and value for money

The contract will have an initial term of eight years and six months, with an option for an eight-year extension. Responsible procurement, including social value and environmental considerations, will be a key element of the evaluation process.

Future Service Delivery - Repairs, Maintenance and Major Works

The cabinet approved the establishment of a Strategic Alliance Framework for the future service delivery of housing repairs, maintenance, and major works. This new approach aims to improve resident experience, collaboration, and sustainability. Councillor Liza Begum, Cabinet Member for Housing Services, said that the proposals have been shaped by extensive engagement with residents, staff, and market partners.

The Strategic Alliance Framework will be underpinned by the Framework Alliance Contract (FAC-1) and will involve resident participation in procurement working groups, shaping specifications, and evaluating tenders. The new contracts will set clear standards for contracted performance, with robust monitoring and transparent reporting.

The key goals of the new service delivery model include:

• Improving communication and quality assurance
• Increasing co-working between repair staff and neighbourhood offices
• Delivering the council's net zero goals
• Fostering collaboration and innovation amongst contractors and suppliers

Councillor Ryan Jude, Cabinet Member - Climate, Ecology, Culture and Air Quality, praised the climate implications of the plan, noting the work that had been done to improve the energy efficiency of council housing.

North Paddington Serious Violence Taskforce - Council Response to Recommendations

The cabinet approved the council's response to the recommendations of the North Paddington Serious Violence Taskforce, allocating £150,000 for initial implementation and delegating authority to Councillor Cara Sanquest, Cabinet Member for Communities, to approve further spending of up to £100,000. The taskforce was established following instances of serious violence in North Paddington, including the murder of Tiawatha Stevens Lee Walters¹ in September 2024.

The taskforce brought together local MPs, councillors, the NHS, police, voluntary and community sector representatives, and community and faith leaders to address the impact of violence on communities and identify preventative measures.

The council's response to the recommendations focuses on:

• Early help and education
• Economic opportunities
• Health and wellbeing
• Security and justice

Key actions include piloting a radical place-based leadership model, conducting an audit of service uptake, and exploring closer cross-borough collaboration. Councillor Sanquest noted that the recommendations set out in the report look at what the council can do to create systemic change.