Westminster City Council's Cabinet is scheduled to convene on Monday 2 November 2026, with discussions anticipated to focus on a significant council-wide transformation programme and a review of the council's fees and charges. The meeting will also address the approval of minutes from a previous session.

Fit for the Future: Strategic Business Case and Delivery Approach

A major item on the agenda is the consideration of the Fit for the Future: Strategic Business Case and Delivery Approach report. This council-wide programme is designed to implement reforms across the workforce, commercial operations, digital services, and preventative measures. The report outlines a strategy to achieve a profiled saving of £45 million over a three-year period. This initiative aims to create a more streamlined and effective council by leveraging digital tools, automation, and data to improve service delivery and resident experience. The programme is structured around three key workstreams: Strengthening Westminster, focusing on workforce effectiveness and organisational design; Optimising Westminster, concentrating on commercial activities, contracts, and asset management; and Reimagining Westminster, which will explore preventative measures and place-based delivery models. An initial investment of £4 million is proposed to support the programme's infrastructure and delivery capabilities.

Fees and Charges Review 2026/27

The Cabinet will also consider proposed changes to the council's fees and charges for the 2027/28 period, alongside revisions to the associated Fees and Charges Policy. The report indicates that budgeted income from fees and charges for 2026/27 stands at £184.992 million. The review proposes an inflationary increase for most charges, aiming for full cost recovery where possible. The Local Government Association's pay award of 3.3% has been used as a reference point for inflation, with adjustments also informed by market analysis and cost recovery considerations. Minor amendments to the Fees and Charges Policy are suggested, including an annual review of discounts and concessions to ensure they remain appropriate and offer value for money. The proposed changes are anticipated to generate an additional £4.135 million in income in a full year, with an estimated £0.283 million in the 2026/27 financial year. Several specific areas are highlighted for proposed uplifts, including City Promotions, Events & Filming, HMO Licensing, Local Land Charges, Discretionary planning fees, Legal Charges, Adult Social Care, Building Control, Road Management & Construction Code of Practice, Sayer's Croft, Cemeteries, Bulky Household Waste, Registrars, and Paid for Parking. New fees are also proposed, including charges for highways work, access to highways contracts for third parties, and developer/client cost charges.

Minutes of Previous Meeting

The Cabinet is also scheduled to approve the minutes from the meeting held on 13 July 2026.