The Council of Westminster is scheduled to consider proposed amendments to the Members' Allowance Scheme and constitutional changes to the Policy and Scrutiny process. A notice of motion will also be debated, calling for clarity on the continuation of key policies.

Members' Allowance Scheme Amendment

The Council is scheduled to consider a report proposing amendments to the Members' Allowance Scheme for 2026-27. These changes are a consequence of recent alterations to the Council's committee structure, including the introduction of an additional Policy and Scrutiny Committee and revisions to planning governance. The report outlines that these amendments will result in the introduction of an additional Policy and Scrutiny Committee Chair eligible for a Special Responsibility Allowance (SRA), and two additional Members eligible for a Planning SRA due to an expanded Strategic Planning Committee and an additional Planning Sub-Committee. Conversely, the membership of the Discretionary Housing Payment Panel and the Ratings Panel will be reduced, decreasing the number of SRA-eligible positions on each by one. The overall cost of the scheme is projected to increase by £10,690 to £1,133,985.53.

Additionally, the report will note the introduction of new arrangements enabling elected members to access the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) from May 2026. Membership in the LGPS is optional for councillors. A dispensation has been granted by the Director of Law to all Members, allowing them to participate in discussions and vote on matters relating to the Scheme, due to the potential for a disclosable pecuniary interest.

Policy and Scrutiny Constitutional Amendments

A report is scheduled for consideration regarding proposed amendments to the Council's Constitution, specifically concerning the Policy and Scrutiny function. These amendments follow recent changes to the size and structure of Policy and Scrutiny Committees, which will now comprise five members instead of seven.

Key proposed changes include:

• Call-in Procedure: The threshold for initiating a call-in of an executive decision will be reduced from three Members to two Members of the relevant Policy and Scrutiny Committee. This aims to ensure the mechanism remains proportionate to the revised committee size. Criteria for when and why a decision may be subject to call-in will also be introduced, focusing on issues such as policy compliance or procedural robustness, rather than routine disagreement. Decisions will be assessed against principles of due consultation, regard for professional advice, and consistency with the council's Budget and Policy Framework.
• Task Groups: Amendments are proposed to clarify that all Task Groups will be established under the oversight of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. This is intended to foster a more coordinated and consistent approach to scrutiny, avoid duplication, and ensure efficient use of resources. The membership of Task Groups will be broadened to allow any non-executive Member of the Council to participate, with the exception of Cabinet Members. Task Groups will report to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
• Minor Amendments: Minor adjustments to Chapter 4 of the Constitution are also proposed to ensure overall consistency and accuracy, including updating the scope and function of Policy and Scrutiny Committees and clarifying the role of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in establishing and overseeing Task Groups.

Notice of Motion: Protecting Fairer Westminster

A notice of motion, titled Protecting Fairer Westminster, is scheduled to be debated. This motion, to be moved by Councillor Ellie Ormsby and seconded by Councillor Nafsika Butler-Thalassis, expresses concern that the Conservative Group's recent manifesto lacks clear commitments to several significant policies and programmes introduced by the previous Labour administration.

The motion specifically highlights the following policies:

• A commitment to build over 1,000 new social homes by 2035.
• The Council's 2030 Net Zero target.
• The Community Hubs programme, which has established six sites across Westminster to expand local access to services.
• The continuation of free school meals for children aged 3 to 14.
• The North Paddington Programme, which provided targeted support and investment in three of Westminster's most deprived wards.

The motion calls on the Conservative administration to publicly clarify its position on whether it will maintain and continue these programmes. It states that residents deserve clarity on whether these policies will be protected or abandoned.

Councillor Issue

Councillor Elizabeth Amos is scheduled to raise issues, opportunities, and priorities concerning the West End ward.

Other Business

The meeting is scheduled to include the appointment of a relief chair, the signing of minutes from the previous Council meeting held on 20 May 2026, and the Lord Mayor's communications. Members will also have the opportunity to declare any interests and participate in public questions and councillor-presented petitions.