Here is a summary of the scheduled Cabinet meeting for the City of Westminster Council on 19 May 2025. The Cabinet is scheduled to discuss the introduction of a private rented sector licensing scheme, allocate funding from the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) to local projects, and consider the medium-term financial plan. These items are on the agenda for discussion, but it is not yet known whether any decisions will be made.

Private Rented Sector Selective Licensing Scheme

A report will be presented regarding the introduction of a Private Rented Sector (PRS) Selective Licensing Scheme¹ across 15 of the 18 wards in Westminster.

The report pack states that the council aims to improve the standard of privately rented property in the city and create a fairer environment for both tenants and responsible landlords, targeting rogue operators and those letting unsuitable properties.

The report includes recommendations to designate two new Selective Licensing areas for a five-year period:

• Selective Licensing Designation 1: Covering the wards of Abbey Road, Church Street, Harrow Road, Knightsbridge and Belgravia, Little Venice, Maida Vale, Queen’s Park and Westbourne, designated in blue on the map in Appendix 6 of the report pack.
• Selective Licensing Designation 2: Covering the wards of Bayswater, Hyde Park, Lancaster Gate, Marylebone, Pimlico North, Regent’s Park and West End, delineated in red on the map in Appendix 6 of the report pack.

The report pack states that the proposed designations would be applicable to all private rented properties, outside the scope of HMO licensing.

The report pack also includes the proposed licensing scheme objectives, as set out in Appendix 7 of the report pack, and the proposed selective licence conditions, as set out in Appendix 8 of the report pack.

The proposed property licensing fee structure is detailed in Appendix 9 of the report pack. The proposed selective licensing fee is £995, covering a five-year licence.

The report pack indicates that Councillor Matt Noble, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Renters, may be delegated authority to amend the licensing fee and make other changes to the schemes necessary for effective administration, in consultation with the Director of Public Protection and Licensing.

The report pack also refers to the Selective Licensing Scheme Implementation Evidence Report, the Consultation Report, the Council response to comments received during public consultation, the Consultation Evidence Pack, the Housing Conditions and Stressors Report, and the Equalities Impact Assessment.

Westminster Neighbourhood CIL (NCIL) High-Value Allocations

The Cabinet is scheduled to consider a report regarding the allocation of Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) funding to several projects. The report recommends approval for three high-value NCIL applications, totalling £922,982:

• Moxon Street Public Realm Improvement Scheme: A request from the Harley Street BID for £400,000 of NCIL funding from the Marylebone neighbourhood area. The project aims to enhance the public realm experience in Marylebone Village by reducing vehicular traffic, improving pedestrian flows, and introducing sustainable green elements.
• Soho CCTV Camera Deployment: A joint application from WCC Public Protection & Licencing (PPL) and Soho Business Alliance (SOHO BA) for £309,403 NCIL from the Soho neighbourhood area. The funding will cover the revenue costs of deploying 18 WCC CCTV cameras in identified crime hotspots over 5 years.
• West End & Chinatown CCTV Camera Deployment: An application from WCC Public Protection & Licencing (PPL) for £213,579 NCIL from the St James’s neighbourhood area to install 13 CCTV cameras in crime hotspots in this area over 5 years.

The report also notes the return of £66,000 to the Pimlico Neighbourhood Area for application WCC Communities – Outdoor Gyms & Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGAs), as an alternative funding source was identified for this allocation.

The report pack refers to Appendix 1, which contains NCIL balances, and includes Equality Impact Assessment Screenings, in Appendix 2 and Appendix 3.

Medium Term Financial Planning (2026/27 to 2028/29)

The Cabinet is scheduled to consider a report outlining the council’s updated financial position over the next three years and the financial framework for delivering key policy objectives.

The report includes an updated budget assumption and extends the financial plan to 2028/29. The report pack notes that the funding position over that period is uncertain following the government’s announcement to implement local government funding reform from 2026/27 onwards.

The report pack states that the financial position has been updated and provides an indicative budget gap of £19.6m in 2026/27, rising to £68m by 2028/29.

The report pack notes that the budget process approach is to be approved as set out in the report.