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Council - Wednesday, 16 September 2026 - 7.00 pm
September 16, 2026 at 7:00 pm Council View on council website Watch video of meeting Read transcript (Professional subscription required)Summary
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The Westminster City Council met on Wednesday 16 September 2026, adopting a new Statement of Licensing Policy and approving constitutional changes to reflect government reforms to the planning system. The Council also noted reports from its Standards Committee, Policy and Scrutiny Committee, and Audit and Performance Committee.
Statement of Licensing Policy Adopted
The Council formally adopted the Statement of Licensing Policy 2026, which will take effect from 1 October 2026. This revised policy aims to support business growth and innovation within the licensed sector while continuing to promote the four statutory Licensing Objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.
Key changes in the new policy include a reduction in the size of the West End Cumulative Impact Zone, with parts of Covent Garden and areas north of Oxford Street no longer included. The policy now clarifies that all applications within the zone will be determined on their merits, with a focus on promoting the Licensing Objectives and encouraging well-managed proposals. The policy also updates provisions related to violence against women and girls and Martyn's Law, and aims to improve clarity for applicants and the public. The Council stated that while the policy supports growth, the Licensing Objectives remain the primary consideration.
Constitutional Changes Approved
The Council approved proposed changes to its Constitution to align with government reforms to the planning system, including a new National Scheme of Delegation for planning functions and changes to the Scheme of Delegations to Officers to reflect the introduction of a Chief Operating Officer. These changes are necessary to comply with new regulations coming into force on 31 October 2026. A wider review of the Council's Constitution was also noted, with a proposed timetable for significant changes to be presented to the Council in March 2027.
Noted Reports
The Council received and noted the following reports:
- Standards Committee Biennial Report: This report detailed the work of the Standards Committee between March 2024 and March 2026, highlighting its role in promoting high standards of conduct among councillors and overseeing the Council's ethical framework.
- Annual Report of Policy and Scrutiny Activity in 2025/26: This report summarised the work undertaken by the Policy and Scrutiny Committees during the 2025/26 municipal year, including reviews of various council services and policies.
- Annual Report of the Audit and Performance Committee 2025/26: This report outlined the activities of the Audit and Performance Committee during the 2025/26 municipal year, covering its scrutiny of internal controls, risk management, financial reporting, and performance.
Standards in Public Life Motion
A motion on Standards in Public Life
was debated. An amendment was proposed and carried, which reaffirmed the Council's commitment to the Nolan Principles and the highest standards of public life, and ensuring decisions are made solely in the public interest. The amended motion was then carried. The debate touched upon past issues related to councillor conduct and the relationship between councillors, developers, and the acceptance of gifts and hospitality.
Public Participation and Questions
During the public participation session, residents raised concerns about the Brook Street cycle lane, the progress of major works at Russell House, and the payment of costs for a gate at Vauxhall Bridge. Questions were also raised regarding the West End cumulative impact zone, the council's budget choices consultation, and the impact of poorly parked dockless bikes. Councillors also asked a series of questions to Cabinet Members on various topics including the fairer funding review, social housing policy, contractor reviews, enforcement activity, library services, community priorities, crisis funding, Oxford Street pedestrianisation, housing allocations, short-term lets, and the Brook Street cycle lane.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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REPORT TO FULL COUNCIL: CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES AND WIDER REVIEW OF THE COUNCIL'S CONSTITUTION
Recommendations ApprovedWestminster City Council's Full Council approved constitutional changes to reflect government planning system changes and a wider review of the Constitution on 16 September 2026. The Council approved proposed constitutional changes for the planning system and the Scheme of Delegations to Officers. The Council also noted the scope and timetable for a wider review of its Constitution.
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REPORT TO FULL COUNCIL: STATEMENT OF LICENSING POLICY
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council decided to adopt the Statement of Licensing Policy 2026 on 16 September 2026. The Cabinet Member for Growth and Planning approved the recommendation of the revised Statement of Licensing Policy for consideration by Full Council on 7 September 2026. The Council delegated authority to update and maintain the Good Operator Guidance to the Director of Public Protection and Licensing.
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REPORT TO FULL COUNCIL: STATEMENT OF LICENSING POLICY
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council decided to adopt the Statement of Licensing Policy 2026 on 16 September 2026. Gerald Almeroth, Executive Director of Finance and Resources, decided to grant a lease for retail units at 10 Church Street and 21 Boldero Place on 21 September 2026.
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REPORT TO FULL COUNCIL: STATEMENT OF LICENSING POLICY
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council decided to adopt the Statement of Licensing Policy 2026 on 16 September 2026. The Cabinet Member for Growth and Planning approved the recommendation of the revised Statement of Licensing Policy on 7 September 2026. The Executive Director of Regeneration, Economy & Planning approved entering into two contracts for creative agency services for Ebury Phase 2 and 291 Harrow Road on 7 May 2026. The Cabinet Member for Value for Money and Finance approved an additional budget of £7.970m for the Mandela Way waste service depot electrification project on 26 August 2026.
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REPORT TO FULL COUNCIL: STATEMENT OF LICENSING POLICY
Recommendations ApprovedThe Council approved the Statement of Licensing Policy 2026 on 16 September 2026.
The Cabinet Member for Growth and Planning re-designated the Marylebone Neighbourhood Forum for a further five years and authorised the Director of Policy and Strategy to publish a designation notice on 16 July 2026.
Frances O'Rourke, Executive Director – Environment & Communities, decided on 23 June 2026 to rely on the mandatory Parent Company Guarantee and not require a Performance Bond for the Highways and Public Realm Contract.
The Cabinet Member for Value for Money & Finance approved the write-off of debts over £100,000 on 03 June 2026.
The Cabinet Member for Resident Services and Civic Pride approved a 100% rental contribution to Queen's Park Community Council for a five-year lease of the Beethoven Centre on 15 July 2026.
The Cabinet Member for Adults and Health approved the direct award of a contract to Carers Network Westminster for the Carers Hub service from 1 May 2025 to 31 August 2026 on 28 July 2026.
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