Councillor Paul Swaddle OBE

Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Thursday 9th October, 2025 6.30 pm

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss a range of topics, including a review of the street trading and markets policy, social value in Westminster, and high street curation programmes, with a focus on the Meanwhile On initiative. The committee made several recommendations, including that a review date be written into the future street trading policy, and that the council develops a robust pathway and relationship development process with landlords to encourage them to work with the council. The committee also requested additional information on the impact of the temporary pedestrianisation of Oxford Street, the powers provided by the Public Space Protection Order on pedicabs, procurement weighting, support for older people through social value projects, timelines for section 106 social value requirements, and a breakdown of employment support given to Westminster residents.

Licensing Sub-Committee (2) - Thursday 2nd October, 2025 10.00 am

The Licensing Sub-Committee (2) of Westminster Council convened to consider two premises licence applications. Councillor Maggie Carman, Deputy Cabinet Member - Adult Social Care, Supported and Specialist Housing, was scheduled to chair the meeting, with Councillor Md Shamsed Chowdhury, Deputy Cabinet Member - Streets and Lead Member - Edgware Road Champion, and Councillor Paul Swaddle OBE, Leader of the Opposition, also in attendance.

Licensing Committee - Wednesday 17th September, 2025 6.30 pm

The Licensing Committee met to discuss the Westminster After Dark consultation, and to review recent licensing appeals. The committee noted the findings of the Westminster After Dark consultation, and also noted the update on licensing appeals. The committee also approved the minutes from the previous meeting held on 11 June 2025.

Council - Wednesday 10th September, 2025 7.00 pm

The City of Westminster Council met on 10 September 2025, and began by electing Councillor Hamza Taouzzale as Relief Chair for the meeting. Councillors then heard questions from the public on topics ranging from policing to street lighting, and debated issues including pedestrianisation of Oxford Street, homelessness, and street cleaning. The council also received and noted the Annual Report of Policy and Scrutiny Activity in 2024/25 and the Annual Report of the Audit and Performance Committee 2024/25.

Licensing Sub-Committee (1) - Thursday 4th September, 2025 10.00 am

The Licensing Sub-Committee (1) of Westminster Council scheduled a meeting to discuss three premises licence applications. The first two applications concerned requests to vary existing licenses, and the third was for a new premises licence. The sub-committee was scheduled to consider the City of Westminster statement of Licensing Policy, effective from October 2021, and guidance issued by the Secretary of State under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003.