Councillor Aicha Less
Email: aless@westminster.gov.uk
Council: Westminster
Council Profile: View on council website
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Positions, Voting Record & Activity Summary
Aicha Less has demonstrated a consistent and evolving commitment to public service throughout her council tenure, with a particularly strong and multifaceted focus in recent years. Her work across 2024 and 2025 highlights a dedication to public safety, community well-being, and effective governance.
In 2024, Councillor Less was actively involved in the procedural and governance aspects of council operations. She participated in key committees such as the Appointments Sub-Committee and the General Purposes Committee, contributing to significant decisions regarding committee structures and member allowances. Her engagement in October 2024, which led to recommendations for Planning Option 2 and Proportionality Option 2, indicates a focus on the efficient and representative functioning of council committees. Furthermore, her direct engagement with public safety concerns in the Abbey Road ward in November 2024 foreshadowed her more extensive work in this area in the following year.
2025 marked a significant expansion and intensification of Councillor Less's focus, particularly in her role as Cabinet Member for Children and Public Protection. Her priorities clearly centered on enhancing public safety through tangible initiatives. She was instrumental in addressing crime and antisocial behavior by announcing a new police and council tasking team and emphasizing the effectiveness of CCTV. Her advocacy for new CCTV cameras and the Private Rented Sector Selective Licensing Scheme, alongside inquiries into landlord protections, demonstrates a comprehensive approach to resident safety. Beyond immediate safety concerns, Less also championed initiatives for community well-being and strategic development. Her active involvement in discussions surrounding the Pimlico District Heating Undertaking (PDHU), where she voiced concerns about costs and delays while advocating for its future, showcases her commitment to long-term infrastructure projects. The introduction of the Westminster After Dark strategy underscores her forward-thinking approach to fostering an inclusive night-time economy. Less also demonstrated a keen awareness of specific resident needs, addressing issues such as lengthy wait times for home adaptations and the lack of air conditioning in leisure centers, indicating a responsive and problem-solving approach. Her voting on budget amendments and Cabinet recommendations, as well as signing a Notice of Motion to confer Honorary Alderman status, further illustrate her deep engagement in the council's decision-making processes and its recognition of service.
Key Themes and Priorities: Public safety, community well-being, strategic planning, effective governance, and responsive resident support are the overarching themes of Councillor Less's work. Her priorities have demonstrably broadened and deepened, moving from a focus on committee structure and procedural matters in 2024 to a more hands-on, policy-driven approach to critical community issues in 2025.
Evolution of Focus: While governance and committee effectiveness were evident in 2024, 2025 saw a significant shift towards direct public service delivery and policy implementation, particularly in her Cabinet role. Her engagement with public safety issues became more pronounced and action-oriented, moving from addressing ward-specific concerns to broader strategic initiatives.
Most Significant Contributions (Recent Years): In 2025, her most significant contributions include the announcement of the new police and council tasking team for public safety, her instrumental role in advocating for enhanced CCTV infrastructure, and the introduction of the Westminster After Dark strategy. Her diligent engagement with the PDHU project and her responsiveness to specific resident concerns also stand out.
Patterns and Consistent Areas of Interest: A consistent thread throughout her service is a commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of residents. She consistently engages with issues that directly impact the community, whether through policy development, infrastructure improvements, or addressing specific service delivery failures. Her involvement in both procedural governance and direct policy implementation highlights a well-rounded approach to council service.
Yearly Activity Timeline
Throughout 2025, Aicha Less demonstrated consistent engagement in council and committee meetings, focusing on public safety, community well-being, and strategic planning. As Cabinet Member for Children and Public Protection, she was instrumental in addressing crime and antisocial behavior, announcing a new police and council tasking team to recruit officers and highlighting the effectiveness of CCTV. Less also championed initiatives for resident safety, including support for new CCTV cameras and the Private Rented Sector Selective Licensing Scheme, while also inquiring about landlord protections. She actively participated in discussions regarding the Pimlico District Heating Undertaking (PDHU), expressing concerns about costs and delays, and advocating for its future. Less also introduced the Westminster After Dark strategy, aiming to foster an inclusive night-time economy, and commented on community benefits like new library facilities. Her involvement extended to addressing specific resident concerns, such as the unacceptable wait for home adaptations and the lack of air conditioning in leisure centers, demonstrating a commitment to investigating and rectifying issues. She also voted on budget amendments and Cabinet recommendations, and signed a Notice of Motion to confer the title of Honorary Alderman.
Monthly Activity in 2025
During November 2025, Aicha Less was present at the Council meeting on November 12th, with no recorded actions. At the Cabinet meeting on November 17th, she introduced the Westminster After Dark strategy, detailing its four pillars aimed at creating an inclusive night-time environment. Less also engaged in discussions regarding the FUTURE OF PIMLICO DISTRICT HEATING UNDERTAKING (PDHU)
, expressing frustration over delays and seeking information on cost differences and external funding. Furthermore, she commented on the CHURCH STREET SITE A - FULL BUSINESS CASE
, sharing her perspective as the local ward councillor and highlighting the new library as a significant community benefit.
Meetings in November 2025
Cabinet - Monday 17th November, 2025 6.30 pm - 17 November 2025
Aicha Less, in her capacity as Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children and Public Protection, introduced the Westminster After Dark strategy. She outlined its four pillars: safe and secure, community and culture, accessible and positive places, and economic development, emphasizing the strategy's aim to create an inclusive and well-managed night-time environment through extensive engagement and key actions like a revised licensing policy and enhanced safety measures. Less also participated in discussions regarding the FUTURE OF PIMLICO DISTRICT HEATING UNDERTAKING (PDHU) – OUTCOME OF INITIAL OUTLINE BUSINESS CASE ANALYSIS,
thanking officers for their work but expressing frustration at the delay, and inquiring about expected energy cost differences and external funding. Additionally, she spoke on the CHURCH STREET SITE A - FULL BUSINESS CASE,
sharing her experience as the local ward councillor and welcoming the regeneration, particularly highlighting the proposed new library as a community benefit.
Council - Wednesday 12th November, 2025 7.00 pm - 12 November 2025
Aicha Less was present at the Council meeting on November 12th, 2025. There is no record of Aicha Less saying or doing anything during this meeting.
During September 2025, Aicha Less, as Cabinet Member for Children and Public Protection, addressed public concerns regarding police presence and low-level crime. She announced the formation of a new police and council tasking team, funded by the Council, to recruit nine new police officers specifically to combat antisocial behavior. Less also highlighted ongoing efforts related to a city-wide public space protection order and the effectiveness of council-run CCTV. She further discussed pedicab regulation, expressing satisfaction with Transport for London's proposed licensing scheme which includes prohibitions on amplified audio, requirements for licensed drivers, and safety checks. The Council is also working to enforce against rogue pedicab drivers and is considering a public space protection order for on-the-spot fines. In a separate meeting, Councillor Less raised concerns about the lack of air conditioning in leisure centres, stating it deters usage and inquired about plans to rectify this issue.
Meetings in September 2025
Cabinet - Monday 15th September, 2025 6.30 pm - 15 September 2025
Councillor Aicha Less raised a concern about the absence of air conditioning in leisure centres, noting that this issue deters people from using the facilities. She specifically asked about plans to address this problem.
Council - Wednesday 10th September, 2025 7.00 pm - 10 September 2025
As Cabinet Member for Children and Public Protection, Aicha Less addressed public questions regarding police presence and low-level crime, highlighting concerns and outlining new initiatives. She stated that the Council is really pleased that we have now announced a new police and council tasking team, which will see the recruitment of nine new police officers funded by the Council to address antisocial behaviour.
She also mentioned the ongoing call for evidence on a city-wide public space protection order and the success of council-run CCTV cameras. Less also responded to a question about pedicab regulation, noting the council's long-standing campaign for their regulation. She expressed pleasure that Transport for London's proposed licensing scheme includes prohibiting amplified audio, requiring licensed drivers, and implementing safety checks. She also mentioned the council's efforts to enforce against rogue drivers and the potential for a public space protection order to issue on-the-spot fines for pedicab-related offenses. Earlier in the year, on June 25th, Councillor Aicha Less replied to Councillor Paul Fisher on the topic of Council Priorities in West End Ward: Oxford Street, Tents and Crime.
During June 2025, Aicha Less was active in council meetings, notably expressing support for the Private Rented Sector Selective Licensing Scheme and inquiring about landlord protections. She also welcomed the allocation of resources for 200 new CCTV cameras city-wide by March 2026, emphasizing their importance for resident safety, particularly in the St. James's area. Councillor Less responded to a question regarding Council Priorities in West End Ward: Oxford Street, Tents and Crime.
As Cabinet Member for Children and Public Protection, she addressed a concern about an elderly man's lengthy wait for an adaptation, acknowledging the situation as unacceptable and offering to investigate. She also highlighted the multi-departmental complexity of the Adaptation Scheme and signed a Notice of Motion to confer the title of Honorary Alderman.
Meetings in June 2025
Council - Wednesday 25th June, 2025 7.00 pm - 25 June 2025
Councillor Aicha Less responded to a question posed by Councillor Paul Fisher concerning Council Priorities in West End Ward: Oxford Street, Tents and Crime
.
Council - Wednesday 25th June, 2025 7.00 pm - 25 June 2025
Aicha Less, Cabinet Member for Children and Public Protection, addressed a concern raised by Councillor Dean regarding an elderly man waiting two years for a basic adaptation. Less stated she was unaware of the specific case but agreed the situation was unacceptable and offered to investigate if provided with the resident's details. She acknowledged the complexity of the Adaptation Scheme involving three departments: Public Protection for leaseholders and freeholders, Housing for social housing properties, and Adult Social Care for elderly and disabled individuals. Less also signed the Notice of Motion to confer the title of Honorary Alderman on Mrs Nickie Aiken.
Cabinet - Monday 23rd June, 2025 6.30 pm, NEW - 23 June 2025
Councillor Less expressed support for the Private Rented Sector Selective Licensing Scheme and thanked officers. She inquired about protections for landlords whose tenants do not adhere to tenancy obligations. Additionally, Councillor Less welcomed the allocation of resources for additional CCTV cameras, informing the committee that 200 cameras will be installed city-wide by March 2026. She highlighted the importance of these cameras for enhancing resident safety, particularly in the St. James's area due to its high footfall.
General Purposes Committee - Thursday 12th June, 2025 6.00 pm - 12 June 2025
Aicha Less was present at the General Purposes Committee meeting on June 12th, 2025. No specific statements or actions were attributed to her in the provided report pack.
During May 2025, Aicha Less was active in two council meetings. On May 14th, she voted against an amendment proposed by Councillor Paul Swaddle and seconded by Councillor Alan Mendoza, but voted in favor of the recommendations in part 1 of the Cabinet report. On May 19th, she questioned the implications of not taking action regarding the Pimlico District Heating Undertaking (PDHU), to which Councillor Begum responded that a 'do nothing' approach is not viable due to annual repair costs of £3 million.
Meetings in May 2025
Cabinet - Monday 19th May, 2025 6.30 pm - 19 May 2025
Aicha Less inquired about the consequences of inaction concerning the Pimlico District Heating Undertaking (PDHU). Councillor Begum replied that the 'do nothing' approach is not feasible, citing an annual expenditure of £3 million on PDHU-related repairs.
Council - Wednesday 14th May, 2025 7.00 pm - 14 May 2025
During the Council meeting on March 5th, 2025, Aicha Less was present and voted against an amendment proposed by Councillor Paul Swaddle and seconded by Councillor Alan Mendoza. She also voted in favour of the recommendations presented in part 1 of the Cabinet report.
During the March 5th, 2025 Council meeting, Aicha Less voted against a budget amendment and in favor of the recommendations in part 1 of the Cabinet report. Information from the reports pack also noted her apologies for a February 17th, 2025 Cabinet meeting and her attendance at a January 29th, 2025 General Purposes Committee meeting.
Meetings in March 2025
Cabinet - Monday 31st March, 2025 6.30 pm - 31 March 2025
Aicha Less sent apologies for absence from the Cabinet meeting held on March 31st, 2025.
Council - Wednesday 5th March, 2025 7.00 pm - 5 March 2025
During the Council meeting on March 5th, 2025, Aicha Less voted against an amendment to the budget. She also voted in favor of the recommendations presented in part 1 of the Cabinet report. The reports pack indicated that Aicha Less had apologies for the Cabinet meeting on February 17th, 2025, and was present at the General Purposes Committee meeting on January 29th, 2025.
During January 2025, Aicha Less attended the General Purposes Committee meeting on January 29th, 2025, in her capacity as a member. No specific statements or actions were documented for her during this meeting.
Meetings in January 2025
General Purposes Committee - Wednesday 29th January, 2025 7.00 pm - 29 January 2025
Aicha Less was present as a member of the General Purposes Committee at the meeting on January 29th, 2025. No specific statements or actions were recorded for her in the provided documents.
Council - Wednesday 22nd January, 2025 7.00 pm - 22 January 2025
Councillor Aicha Less responded to a Councillor Issue raised by Councillor Hannah Galley concerning safety in Abbey Road ward, which included issues related to ASB (Anti-Social Behaviour) and Policing.
Throughout 2024, Aicha Less was actively involved in council meetings, demonstrating a commitment to governance and community issues. She participated in council and cabinet meetings in February, and was a member of the Appointments Sub-Committee in both February and June. In October, she was a member of the General Purposes Committee, contributing to discussions and recommendations on the structure of the Planning & City Development Committee and committee seat proportionality. Her contributions in October led to recommendations for adopting Planning Option 2 and Proportionality Option 2, along with an amendment to the Member Allowances scheme. In November, Councillor Less addressed a question from Councillor Hannah Galley concerning safety, anti-social behavior, and policing in the Abbey Road ward, highlighting her engagement with public safety concerns.
Monthly Activity in 2024
During the November 13th, 2024 Council meeting, Councillor Aicha Less addressed a question from Councillor Hannah Galley regarding safety, anti-social behavior (ASB), and policing in the Abbey Road ward. While not in November, it's worth noting her participation in the October 23, 2024 General Purposes Committee meeting where she contributed to discussions and recommendations on the structure of the Planning & City Development Committee and committee seat proportionality. The committee ultimately recommended adopting Planning Option 2 (creating a Strategic Planning Committee with two Sub-Committees) and Proportionality Option 2 (granting the Opposition Party an additional seat on several committees), along with an amendment to the Member Allowances scheme.
Meetings in November 2024
Council - Wednesday 13th November, 2024 7.00 pm - 13 November 2024
During the Council meeting on November 13th, 2024, Councillor Aicha Less responded to a question from Councillor Hannah Galley concerning Safety in Abbey Road ward including ASB and Policing
.
Additionally, Aicha Less was part of the General Purposes Committee meeting on October 23, 2024, where she participated in discussions and recommendations regarding the structure of the Planning & City Development Committee and the proportionality of committee seats. The committee agreed to recommend to Full Council the adoption of Planning Option 2 (creating a Strategic Planning Committee with two Sub-Committees), Proportionality Option 2 (granting the Opposition Party an additional seat on the General Purposes Committee, Audit and Performance Committee, and the Pension Fund Committee), and an amendment to the Member Allowances scheme to reflect these changes.
During October 2024, Aicha Less was a member of the General Purposes Committee and attended the meeting on Wednesday, October 23rd. No specific statements or actions were recorded for Aicha Less in the provided meeting minutes.
Meetings in October 2024
General Purposes Committee - Wednesday 23rd October, 2024 6.00 pm - 23 October 2024
Aicha Less was a member of the General Purposes Committee and was present at the meeting on Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024. No specific statements or actions by Aicha Less were recorded in the provided documents.
During June 2024, Aicha Less was noted as a member of the Appointments Sub-Committee. She also sent apologies for absence from a General Purposes meeting that took place on January 31, 2024.
Meetings in June 2024
Appointments Sub-Committee - Thursday 6th June, 2024 10.00 am - 6 June 2024
Aicha Less was a member of the Appointments Sub-Committee for the meeting on 2024-06-06. No specific statements or actions were recorded for her in the provided documents.
General Purposes - Wednesday 5th June, 2024 6.00 pm - 5 June 2024
Aicha Less sent apologies for absence from the General Purposes meeting on 31 January 2024.
During February 2024, Aicha Less participated in two council meetings. She was a member of the Appointments Sub-Committee on February 14th and was present at the Cabinet meeting on February 19th. No specific statements or actions were recorded for her in either meeting.
Meetings in February 2024
Cabinet - Monday 19th February, 2024 6.30 pm - 19 February 2024
Aicha Less was present at the Cabinet meeting on February 19th, 2024. There is no record of her speaking or taking any specific actions during the meeting.
Appointments Sub-Committee - Wednesday 14th February, 2024 10.00 am - 14 February 2024
Aicha Less was a member of the Appointments Sub-Committee for the meeting on February 14th, 2024. No specific statements or actions were recorded for her in the provided documents.
Activity Timeline
Meetings Attended Note this may include planned future meetings.
35 meetings · Page 1 of 7
General Purposes Committee - Wednesday 4th February, 2026 6.00 pm
Appointments Sub-Committee - Monday 1st December, 2025 10.00 am
The Appointments Sub-Committee of Westminster Council met on 1 December 2025 to discuss changes to the committee membership, declarations of interest, and the appointment to the post of Director of Corporate Property.
Cabinet - Monday 17th November, 2025 6.30 pm
Westminster Council's cabinet met to discuss and approve a new after dark strategy, a waste contract procurement strategy, a new approach to housing repairs, and a response to the North Paddington Serious Violence Taskforce recommendations. The cabinet approved all the recommendations put before it.
Decisions from Meetings
27 decisions · Page 1 of 6
Westminster After Dark Strategy 2025-2040
From: Cabinet - Monday 17th November, 2025 6.30 pm - November 17, 2025
...to approve the Westminster After Dark Strategy 2025-2040 and its accompanying Implementation Plan, aimed at improving night-time life in Westminster.
Recommendations Approved
North Paddington Serious Violence Taskforce - Council Response to Recommendations
From: Cabinet - Monday 17th November, 2025 6.30 pm - November 17, 2025
...to approve the Council's response to the North Paddington Serious Violence Taskforce recommendations, allocate initial funding of £150,000 for implementation, and delegate authority for further spending up to £100,000 to the Cabinet Member for Communities.
Recommendations Approved
Future Service Delivery - Repairs, Maintenance and Major Works
From: Cabinet - Monday 17th November, 2025 6.30 pm - November 17, 2025
...the Cabinet approved the establishment of a Strategic Alliance underpinned by the Framework Alliance Contract (FAC-1) for repairs, maintenance, and major works on Council homes, delegating authority to the Executive Director of Housing & Commercial Partnerships to implement the alliance and approve procurement strategies.
For Determination
Procurement Strategy - Waste Contract
From: Cabinet - Monday 17th November, 2025 6.30 pm - November 17, 2025
...the procurement strategy for awarding a new contract for Waste and Recycling Collections, Street Cleansing, and Winter Maintenance, commencing on 16 September 2027, was approved.
Recommendations Approved
Report to Full Council: Constitutional Update - London Squares Preservation Act 1931
From: Council - Wednesday 12th November, 2025 7.00 pm - November 12, 2025
Recommendations Approved
Summary
Meetings Attended: 35
Average per Month: 1.4
Decisions Recorded: 27