The Licensing Committee of Westminster Council was scheduled to consider a range of important matters concerning street trading policies, conditions, and fees. Key discussions were scheduled to focus on the proposed Street Trading Policy 2027–2030 and the Westminster Markets Strategy 2027–2030, following consultation outcomes. Additionally, the committee was scheduled to review revised Standard Conditions for street traders, Approved Casual Trader Conditions, and the proposed Penalty Points Scheme, alongside updated street trading fees and charges for 2027.

Street Trading Policy 2027–2030 and Westminster Markets Strategy 2027–2030

The Licensing Committee was scheduled to consider the outcomes of a consultation on the proposed Street Trading Policy 2027–2030 and the Westminster Markets Strategy 2027–2030. The report indicated that the principal amendments to the policy were intended to clarify which provisions were scheduled to apply to each trading regime and the relationship between legislation, licences, conditions, and guidance. The proposed strategy was scheduled to retain distinct roles for all six Council-managed markets, giving greater weight to dependable everyday trading, business viability, affordable shopping, and stronger operating standards. Officers recommended retaining the overall approach to active market management, distinct local market identities, enterprise, and stronger operating standards. The consultation report, available as Westminster Street Trading and Markets Consultation 2026, was scheduled to provide detailed findings.

Standard Conditions, Approved Casual Trader Conditions and Penalty Points Scheme

The committee was scheduled to review revised Standard Conditions and Approved Casual Trader Conditions for implementation from 1 January 2027. These conditions were intended to support safer, cleaner, accessible, and well-managed street trading. The report indicated that the proposed documents were scheduled to clarify the scope of market and non-market requirements, attendance and registered assistance, the limits of operating directions, practical compliance, and evidence for enforcement. A key proposal was the formal withdrawal of the street trading penalty points scheme, with enforcement scheduled to be managed through existing statutory powers. The proposed Standard Conditions were detailed in Appendix A, and the Approved Casual Trader Conditions in Appendix B.

Street Trading Fees and Charges 2027

The committee was scheduled to determine the street trading fees and charges for 2027, effective from 1 January 2027, following a consultation period. The proposed amendments were intended to respond to representations from the West End Street Traders Association (WESTA), particularly concerning isolated pitches. Key changes were scheduled to include the continuation of a commodity-neutral daily rate for isolated pitches, the removal of certain administrative allowances from new-application fees, and the alignment of variation and replacement charges with market costs. The report indicated that the existing 5% Direct Debit discount and authorised seasonal and own-waste reductions for isolated pitches were scheduled to continue. The proposed fees and charges were detailed in Appendix A – Street Trading Fees and Charges 2027.

Membership

The committee was scheduled to receive a report on any changes to its membership.

Declaration of Interest

Members and Officers were scheduled to receive declarations of any pecuniary interests or other significant interests in matters on the agenda.

Minutes

The committee was scheduled to sign the minutes of the previous meeting held on 14 July 2026.

Any Other Business

This item was scheduled to allow for the discussion of any other urgent matters that were not included on the main agenda.