This week in Westminster:

Council Approves Compensation Payments for Ombudsman Findings, Members' Allowances Set to Rise

Westminster City Council's General Purposes Committee met on Wednesday, 3 June 2026, to address crucial financial and governance matters. The committee considered reports on compensation payments following investigations by the Housing Ombudsman and the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO), alongside proposed amendments to the Members' Allowance Scheme. Link to the meeting here.

Compensation for Service Failures

The committee was asked to approve compensation payments stemming from two ombudsman investigations that highlighted significant service failures by the council.

In one case, a payment of £2,100 was recommended following a determination by the Housing Ombudsman. This arose from the council's mishandling of repairs to a tenant's property, which involved prolonged delays, poor communication, and a failure to address a serious health and safety risk. The Ombudsman found severe maladministration, ordering an apology from the Chief Executive, compensation, and an action plan to resolve the repairs. This decision underscores the council's responsibility to act swiftly and effectively when residents report issues, particularly those impacting safety and well-being.

A more substantial payment of £5,650 was proposed following an LGSCO investigation into Westminster City Council's Children Services. The complaint related to service failures affecting a child with an Educational, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). The LGSCO found fault with the council's handling of the child's personal budget, delays in finalising the EHCP, and issues with complaints handling and communication. This highlights the critical importance of timely and accurate support for children with special educational needs and their families, where failures can have a profound and lasting impact.

Members' Allowances to Increase

The committee also considered proposed amendments to the Members' Allowance Scheme for 2026-2027. These changes are driven by adjustments to the council's committee structure, including the creation of an additional Policy and Scrutiny Committee and an extra Planning Sub-Committee. These changes will make more councillors eligible for Special Responsibility Allowances (SRAs).

Conversely, the membership of the Discretionary Housing Payment Panel and the Ratings Panel is proposed to be reduced, decreasing the number of SRA-eligible positions on each. A notable addition is the introduction of new government arrangements allowing elected members to access the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) from May 2026. The overall cost of the amended scheme is projected to increase by £10,690. This decision impacts how councillors are remunerated and the resources allocated to their roles, which in turn affects the council's overall budget.

Policy and Scrutiny Constitutional Changes

The committee also discussed proposed amendments to the council's Constitution concerning its Policy and Scrutiny function. These changes aim to streamline the call-in procedure, reducing the threshold for Members to request a review of a decision from three to two. Criteria for call-ins are also to be introduced to focus scrutiny on strategic oversight. Furthermore, all Task Groups will now be established under the oversight of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to ensure a more coordinated approach. These changes are designed to enhance the effectiveness of the council's scrutiny function, ensuring greater accountability and transparency in decision-making.

Hyde Park Concerts Expansion Faces Resident Opposition Over Noise and Safety

A significant debate unfolded at the Licensing Sub-Committee (3) meeting on Thursday, 4 June 2026, regarding a new premises licence application for nine British Summer Time (BST) Hyde Park concerts annually. The application, submitted by The Royal Parks Limited, seeks to increase the capacity for each concert to 69,999 attendees. Link to the meeting here.

The proposal has generated substantial opposition from residents and responsible authorities, who cite concerns about public nuisance, public safety, and the cumulative impact of such large-scale events. The Metropolitan Police Service objected, stating the operating schedule lacked sufficient detail to promote the licensing objectives. The Environmental Health Service also raised concerns about potential increases in public nuisance and impacts on public safety.

Residents' objections focused on a range of issues, including:

• Noise: Concerns about noise from concerts and crowd dispersal, impacting residential streets in areas like Mayfair and Knightsbridge.
• Public Safety: Potential conflicts between concertgoers and cyclists, overcrowding on pavements, and dangerous congestion on roads.
• Dispersal and Crowd Management: Doubts about the adequacy of current dispersal arrangements, particularly for pedestrian flow.
• Cumulative Impacts: The argument that existing impacts are already too great and would be exacerbated by increased capacity.
• Crime and Disorder: The potential for increased theft and antisocial behaviour.
• Impact on Residential Safety: Difficulties for residents entering and exiting their homes due to crowds.

Conversely, local businesses and organisations expressed support, highlighting the significant economic benefits, the contribution to the upkeep of Hyde Park, and the cultural value of the events. They also welcomed the proposed earlier finish for Sunday events.

The sub-committee must weigh these competing interests, balancing the economic and cultural benefits of large-scale events against the potential disruption and impact on the quality of life for local residents. The decision will have a direct bearing on the experience of those living near Hyde Park and the overall character of the area.

Fatto A Mano Restaurant Licence Application Sparks Concerns Over Noise and Public Nuisance

A new premises licence application for Fatto A Mano, a restaurant at 186 Baker Street, London, NW1 5RU, was considered by the Licensing Sub-Committee (2) on Wednesday, 3 June 2026. The application, which seeks permission for alcohol sales and late-night refreshment, has attracted objections from Environmental Health, a local ward councillor, and residents of Chiltern Court, a residential block adjacent to the proposed premises. Link to the meeting here.

Key concerns raised by objectors include potential noise from customers congregating outside, particularly late at night, and the impact on residents of Chiltern Court. Worries were also expressed about the proposed operating hours, with requests for reduced hours to mitigate disturbances. The management of any external seating or smoking areas, and their proximity to residential entrances, is a significant point of contention. Issues surrounding deliveries, waste management, and potential disturbances on football match days were also raised.

The applicant has proposed conditions to address these concerns, including a comprehensive CCTV system and a draft external area management and dispersal policy. However, the proximity of the restaurant to residential properties means that any decision will have a direct impact on the peace and quiet of local residents. The sub-committee's decision will reflect how the council balances the needs of businesses with the right of residents to enjoy their homes without undue disturbance.

Other Matters

The General Purposes Committee also discussed proposed amendments to the council's Constitution concerning its Policy and Scrutiny function. These changes aim to make the call-in procedure more accessible and to ensure a more coordinated approach to scrutiny. Link to the meeting here.

The Licensing Sub-Committee (4) met on Wednesday, 3 June 2026, to consider licensing applications. Link to the meeting here.

This week in Westminster:

Former Public Convenience Site Near Broadwick Street Eyed for Cafe or Retail Use Amidst Toilet Provision Debate

A proposal to transform a disused underground public convenience near 32-34 Broadwick Street, London, W1F 8JB into a cafe or retail unit was on the agenda for the Planning Sub-Committee (1) meeting on Tuesday, 26 May 2026. This decision carries significant weight for the local community, particularly concerning the provision of public facilities. Link to the meeting here.

The core of the debate centres on the loss of existing, albeit closed, public toilets versus the potential economic and community benefits of a new commercial venture. Objections were lodged by the Soho Society and local residents, who argued that the closure of public conveniences in an area with a high concentration of food, drink, and entertainment venues is unacceptable. Their objection referenced a 2023 report, Caught Short in Soho, which highlighted a significant shortfall in public toilet provision in the area.

The council's report pack noted that the Broadwick Street conveniences have been closed since 2021 and are not part of the current public toilet strategy. The site has been marketed for disposal since October 2021 with little interest for alternative community uses. The proposed re-purposing for a town centre use was considered to align with adopted development plan policies, including the City Plan 2019-2040, the London Plan, and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

The report pack suggested that the proposed cafe or retail unit would operate with limited hours (07:30 to 23:00 daily), a maximum capacity of 37 people, and restrictions on on-site cooking. Conditions were recommended to protect residential amenity and the character of the area. Environmental, sustainability, townscape, design, heritage, and transportation aspects were also to be discussed. The report pack recommended granting conditional planning permission.

Health and Wellbeing Board Tackles Smoking Cessation and the Future of Neighbourhood Health Services

The Health & Wellbeing Board met on Thursday, 28 May 2026, to address critical public health issues, including progress on smoking cessation and the evolving role of Health and Wellbeing Boards in shaping neighbourhood health. Link to the meeting here.

Tackling Smoking and Vaping: A Public Health Priority

A key focus was the update on smoking cessation and tobacco control efforts. The report highlighted that smoking remains a major cause of preventable illness and health inequality, with disproportionately high rates among certain groups. The growing concern over vaping experimentation among children and young people was also a significant point of discussion.

The board was presented with a comprehensive, whole-system approach to tobacco control, encompassing prevention, enforcement, cessation support, and integrated delivery. This strategy aims to:

• Prevent young people from starting to smoke or vape through education and intervention.
• Enforce regulations against illicit tobacco and vapes, utilising new powers under the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026.
• Support residents in quitting smoking through services like One You Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster – Be Tobacco Free.
• Integrate cessation support within various health pathways, including mental health and maternity services.

The report detailed that smoking prevalence is higher among men, individuals with long-term mental health conditions, and Black Caribbean communities in Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea. The Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 is set to strengthen enforcement and introduce a licensing scheme for retailers, alongside a 'smoke-free generation' measure. In the last year, over 1,000 people in Westminster set quit dates, with significant success rates at four weeks.

Reimagining Neighbourhood Health: The Evolving Role of Health and Wellbeing Boards

The board also discussed the significant shift towards organising healthcare around defined neighbourhood populations, as outlined in national guidance. Health and Wellbeing Boards are positioned as central to this transformation, acting as strategic anchors for place-based population health leadership.

This new model means HWBs will:

• Agree neighbourhood priorities aligned with local needs and inequalities.
• Provide system-wide oversight of neighbourhood health outcomes.
• Hold partners accountable for managing health inequalities.
• Ensure neighbourhood health delivery aligns with long-term population health goals.

The board was asked to endorse its role as the strategic leader for neighbourhood health, ensuring alignment with the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) and Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy (JHWS). This evolution signifies a move towards more integrated and locally responsive health and care services, aiming to improve accessibility and promote longer-term wellbeing for all residents.

Licensing Sub-Committees Consider Varied Applications

Two Licensing Sub-Committees convened on Thursday, 28 May 2026, to consider a range of licensing applications.

The Groucho Club and Maison Close Applications Heard by Licensing Sub-Committee (1)

The Licensing Sub-Committee (1) met to consider two significant applications: a variation to the premises licence for The Groucho Club and a new premises licence for Maison Close. Link to the meeting here.

At The Groucho Club, 44-45 Dean Street, London, W1D 4QB, the application sought to regularise the club's capacity to 300 people and extend its terminal hour to 2 am. However, representations were received from Environmental Health and the Licensing Authority, raising concerns about potential increases in public nuisance and impacts on public safety within the West End Cumulative Impact Zone. The Soho Society also objected, citing the density of licensed premises and the potential for increased noise and anti-social behaviour. The City of Westminster's Statement of Licensing Policy, including policies on Cumulative Impact, Core Hours, and Pubs and Bars, were relevant to this application.

For Maison Close, 9 Swallow Street, London, W1B 4DE, a new premises licence was sought for a venue currently operating as a nightclub. The applicant proposed extending licensable activities, including live music and late-night refreshment, to run from 12:00 to 06:00 daily, with alcohol sales from 12:00 to 05:00. Representations from the Licensing Authority, Metropolitan Police Service, and Environmental Health Service raised concerns about the proposed hours exceeding Westminster's core hours and the potential for increased public nuisance, crime, and disorder.

Licensing Sub-Committee (2) Meeting

The Licensing Sub-Committee (2) also met on Thursday, 28 May 2026. Link to the meeting here. No specific details of the applications considered were available at the time of publication.

This week in Westminster:

Council Leadership Changes Hands: New Leader Pledges Focus on Safe Streets, a Clean City and Real Action

Westminster City Council has a new Leader following the annual council meeting on Wednesday, 20 May 2026. Councillor Paul Swaddle OBE was elected to lead the council, succeeding Councillor Adam Hug. Councillor Swaddle, who previously served as Leader of the Opposition, has pledged to prioritise safe streets, a clean city and real action during his tenure.

The meeting also saw a formal handover of the Lord Mayor's role, with Councillor Paul de Muldenburg concluding his year of service after 37 years as a councillor. A vote of thanks was given to Councillor de Muldenburg for his extensive contributions, including his work with local charities and his promotion of walking tours of the city.

Councillor Swaddle announced the immediate appointment of Councillor Caroline Sargent as Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Enforcement, with a clear mandate to coordinate all enforcement functions. Key pledges from the new administration include:

• Targeted enforcement action in crime hotspots.
• A zero-tolerance approach to graffiti.
• A commitment to restoring street cleaning and waste collection standards.
• A review of all major contracts inherited from the previous administration.
• A pledge to challenge the Mayor of London's Oxford Street plans.

The council also agreed to establish standing committees, approve their terms of reference, and confirm the allocation of seats on these committees. The proposed committee structure, including an expanded Strategic Planning Committee and new Policy and Scrutiny Committees, was approved. The council also endorsed its Constitution, including the scheme of delegations to officers.

The meeting noted a report on key decisions taken under special urgency procedures during the 2025/26 municipal year, including the allocation of £1 million from the corporate risk reserve for cyber incident response and recovery work.

Link to the Council meeting here

Licensing Sub-Committee (1) Meeting Cancelled

The Licensing Sub-Committee (1) meeting, originally scheduled for Thursday, 21 May 2026, has been cancelled. No further information is available.

Link to the cancelled meeting here

Council Annual Meeting (Meeting of Standing Committees) Held

The Council Annual Meeting (Meeting of Standing Committees) was held on Wednesday, 20 May 2026. The meeting's agenda indicated discussions would focus on committee memberships and constitutional issues.

Link to the meeting here

This week in Westminster:

Late-Night Bar Hours Extension Sparks Resident Backlash Over Noise and Nuisance

A proposal to extend the operating hours of the Hidden Society bar (formerly London Cocktail Club) at 61 Goodge Street, London, W1T 1TL, has drawn significant opposition from residents concerned about potential noise and public nuisance. The Licensing Sub-Committee (1) met on Thursday, 26 March 2026, to consider the application for a variation of the premises licence. Link to the meeting here.

The applicant sought to extend late-night refreshment hours until 1:00 AM on weekdays and 2:00 AM on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, with alcohol sales extended to 1:30 AM on Thursdays and Fridays, and 2:00 AM on Saturdays. Residents and local associations raised objections, fearing that the extended hours would exacerbate existing issues with noise and disruption, particularly from customers leaving the premises.

While the applicant highlighted significant investment in the venue and proposed mitigation measures such as SIA door supervision and a dedicated resident phone line, objectors remained unconvinced. Councillor Caroline Sargent, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, expressed concerns about the impact on the surrounding residential area, especially given the premises' location within the Edgware Road Special Consideration Zone, known for issues related to street drinking and homelessness. The committee deliberated on the potential impact of these extended hours, particularly in a zone already flagged for its sensitivities. The decision on this application was not announced at the meeting and will be communicated to the parties later.

Pizza Takeaway's Late-Night Hours Extension Faces Resident Opposition Over Noise and Deliveries

A pizza delivery and takeaway establishment, Basilico, at 45 Crawford Street, London, W1H 1JX, is facing objections to its application to extend late-night refreshment hours. The Licensing Sub-Committee (1) met on Thursday, 26 March 2026, to consider the variation to the premises licence. Link to the meeting here.

Basilico applied to extend its late-night refreshment hours from 12:00 AM to 1:30 AM from Sunday to Thursday, and from 12:00 AM to 2:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. Local councillors and the Environmental Health Service objected, citing concerns about potential public nuisance and impact on public safety due to late-hour deliveries and the premises' location in a residential area. Councillor Oscar Boe, representing residents, argued that the extended hours would exacerbate existing issues with noise from delivery drivers and staff.

The applicant countered that they employ their own delivery drivers, have control over operations, and have a good track record. They also noted that a temporary event notice allowing similar hours had not resulted in any enforcement issues. The committee considered the arguments, including the potential for noise from delivery drivers and staff leaving the premises late at night, which could significantly disturb residents. The decision on this application was not announced at the meeting and will be communicated to the parties later.

Aldi's Early Morning Alcohol Sales Raise Concerns in Special Consideration Zone

Aldi's application to vary its premises licence at 90-100 Edgware Road, London, W2 2EA, to allow alcohol sales to begin at 7:00 AM, has met with objections from local councillors and residents. The Licensing Sub-Committee (1) met on Thursday, 26 March 2026, to discuss the proposals. Link to the meeting here.

Aldi sought to bring forward the start time for alcohol sales from 8:00 AM to 7:00 AM from Monday to Saturday. Concerns were raised about the premises' location within the Edgware Road Special Consideration Zone, an area known for issues with street drinking and homelessness. Objectors, including Councillor Karen Scarborough, argued that an earlier start to alcohol sales could exacerbate these existing problems and increase public nuisance.

Aldi argued that the proposed changes were necessary for operational flexibility and that their security measures would mitigate risks. They also highlighted their unblemished record in licensing matters. The committee discussed the implications of the 7:00 AM alcohol sales start time in a Special Consideration Zone, weighing the applicant's arguments for operational flexibility against the potential for increased public nuisance and impact on vulnerable groups. The decision on this application was not announced at the meeting and will be communicated to the parties later.

Warwick Avenue Public Realm Scheme Moves Forward After Scrutiny

The Housing and Regeneration Policy and Scrutiny Committee met on Monday 20 April 2026 to review a call-in regarding the Warwick Avenue Public Realm Scheme. The committee decided to take no further action, allowing the Cabinet Member's decision to be implemented. Link to the meeting here.

The scheme, which aims to improve safety, accessibility, and the environment in the Warwick Avenue area, had been called in by several councillors who raised concerns about its £3 million cost, potential for anti-social behaviour, highway safety, and operational matters like motorcycle parking and refuse collection.

Despite detailed discussions and questions about the scheme's rising costs, material choices, and the extent of resident consultation, the committee ultimately supported the Cabinet Member's decision. The scheme's objectives include rebalancing the street for pedestrians and cyclists, resolving refuse challenges, introducing greening, and improving walking and cycling connections. While concerns were raised about potential unintended consequences, such as increased rough sleeping or pest issues, the committee concluded that the proposed measures and adherence to safety guidelines were sufficient. The decision means the project will proceed as planned, aiming to enhance the public realm for residents and visitors.

Other Matters

The Licensing Sub-Committee (1) met on Wednesday 22 April 2026 to consider licensing applications, including a variation for Barburrito at Paddington Station and a new licence for Circle Cafe on Vauxhall Bridge Road. Link to the meeting here. The Licensing Sub-Committee (3) also met on Thursday 23 April 2026 to consider three licensing applications, including for Kozzee, The Lexington, and Wetherspoons on Shaftesbury Avenue. Link to the meeting here. The Rating Advisory Panel met on Tuesday 21 April 2026 to consider applications for National Non-Domestic Rate (NNDR) discretionary and hardship relief. Link to the meeting here. The Planning Sub-Committee (2) met on Tuesday 21 April 2026 to review six planning applications across various locations in the borough. Link to the meeting here.