The City Management and Housing and Regeneration Policy and Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday 8 July 2026 to review its work programme and discuss emerging housing regulatory changes. The committee was also scheduled to receive updates from the Cabinet Member for City Management and the Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration.

Work Programme Review

The committee was scheduled to review its work programme for the 2026/27 municipal year. This programme outlines the topics the committee intends to examine during its formal meetings, focusing on areas where scrutiny can have the most impact. The committee's work programme is flexible and can accommodate urgent issues or items that become more relevant at a later stage. Members were also invited to propose new topics for future scrutiny. The report pack indicated that planned topics for scrutiny included the operation, maintenance, and billing of existing heating systems in Westminster, the Waste Contract and Clean Street Service, and efforts towards achieving Net Zero by 2030. Additionally, the mobilisation of new repairs contracts was scheduled for pre-decision scrutiny.

Cabinet Member Updates

Councillor Tim Mitchell, the Cabinet Member for City Management, was scheduled to provide an update on his portfolio. This includes strategic direction for public realm projects, street cleansing, waste management, enforcement, public conveniences, highways and transport, parking, air quality, and the council's approach to achieving net zero emissions. Key areas of focus mentioned in the report pack included a review of street schemes to ensure they do not disadvantage those with mobility issues, a rapid graffiti removal programme, and the modernisation of public conveniences. The report also detailed efforts to address issues with dockless bikes and a review of cycling schemes. Regarding net zero and air quality, the council's commitment to its 2030 targets was highlighted, along with ongoing initiatives such as building fabric improvements, the installation of air source heat pumps, and the electrification of the waste fleet.

Councillor David Harvey, the Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration, was also scheduled to provide an update. His report highlighted the administration's commitment to a resident-first approach, aiming to place the resident's voice at the heart of the council's work. Priorities for the first 100 days included reviewing intermediate and key worker housing, conducting a rapid review of proposed new housing contracts with residents, and resetting the Pimlico District Heating Undertaking (PDHU) programme. The report also detailed plans for improving housing services, focusing on the Westminster Standard for service delivery, enhanced communication, and the development of technical systems. Regeneration efforts were focused on building sustainable mixed communities and delivering more homes for key workers, with a commitment that regeneration would benefit existing residents. The report also outlined a reset for the PDHU programme, emphasising a resident-focused and estate-based approach.

Overview of Emerging Housing Regulatory Changes

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to scrutinising the implications of emerging housing regulatory changes for Westminster City Council. The report highlighted a shift towards a more proactive, consumer-focused regulatory regime, with increased landlord accountability following the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023. Key areas of regulatory change discussed included:

• Awaab's Law: The phased implementation of Awaab's Law, which establishes strict legal timeframes for social housing landlords to investigate and remedy health hazards in residents' homes, was a key topic. Phase 2, expected to come into force in Autumn 2026, extends these timeframes to a broader range of hazards, including excess cold and heat, fire, and electrical hazards. The report noted that compliance would require a coordinated, cross-service approach and potentially increased operational capacity.
• Heat Network Regulation: The introduction of Ofgem as the regulator for heat networks from January 2026 was discussed, bringing new consumer protection requirements, transparent billing, and cost-reflective pricing. The report also detailed the developing Heat Network Technical Assurance Scheme (HNTAS), which aims to introduce mandatory minimum technical performance standards, and Heat Network Zoning, a policy to encourage low-carbon district heat networks. Westminster City Council operates 63 heat networks serving over 8,000 homes, including the PDHU.
• Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES): The requirement for all social rented homes to achieve an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of 'C' or equivalent by April 2030 was a central point. The report indicated that approximately 3,000 homes within the council's portfolio currently do not meet this requirement, with a £30 million programme budgeted for retrofitting works. A further deadline for improved performance by April 2039 was also noted.
• Decent Homes Standard 2: The government's proposed reforms to the Decent Homes Standard, intended to apply from 2035 and extend to both social and private rented sectors, were reviewed. The revised standard includes a condition-based approach to assessing building components, strengthened requirements on safety and facilities, a new explicit criterion for damp and mould, and the integration of MEES within the thermal comfort requirement.
• Competence and Conduct Standard: This standard, coming into force in October 2026, aims to professionalise the social housing workforce by requiring staff to possess appropriate skills, knowledge, and experience. Senior housing managers and executives will be required to hold relevant qualifications within a three-year transition period. The council has identified approximately 50 roles requiring qualification and has allocated a budget of £150,000 to support this programme.

The report emphasised that these regulatory changes present significant operational, financial, and strategic challenges, requiring substantial investment in housing stock, energy efficiency, heat network upgrades, workforce development, and governance arrangements. The council's C1 grading from the Regulator of Social Housing in February 2025 was noted as a positive indicator of its current position in meeting regulatory standards.