Cyber Security Incident

[MyWestminster Updates]

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Friday 28 November 2025
Welcome to MyWestminster, your weekly update on everything happening in your city. This week:
* Delivering a Fairer, Safer City (#main)
* More From the City (#city)
* What’s on in Westminster (#whatson)
* Public Health Updates (#health)

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A red banner reading Delivering a Fairer, Safer City
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CYBER SECURITY INCIDENT – UPDATE FROM WESTMINSTER CITY COUNCIL: Westminster City Council is continuing to respond to the cyber security incident identified on Monday, 24th November. We want to reassure residents that council services are running, although some disruption remains. Our priority is to keep services operating and to support the most vulnerable in our community and we apologise for any inconvenience.
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BLACK FRIDAY SCAMS WARNING: Online scammers are taking advantage of “Black Friday” sales to offer fake bargains that turn out to be an expensive mistake, Westminster City Council Trading Standards has warned. Rogue retailers frequently claim to offer designer goods at bargain prices, with New Balance trainers and Formula 1 clothing a particular target. In one case, a customer bought a Ralph Lauren shirt which appeared to be sold by a golf shop in Great Portland Street. However, when it arrived the £55 shirt turned out to be a poor quality imitation. The ‘shop’ did not exist and the scammers had “cybersquatted” an address.

Our teams are working with the national Trading Standards e-crime team to try and get rogue websites suspended. Cllr Aicha Less, Deputy Leader of Westminster City Council, said: “Black Friday is now a something of a shopping institution, but unfortunately there are no shortage of unscrupulous traders looking to take advantage of that with online bargains that turn out to be anything but. The old maxim of buyer beware is the best advice to follow. While everyone like a shiny bargain, all that glitters is not gold!”
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NEW LICENSING SCHEME TO PROTECT PRIVATE RENTERS: Westminster City Council has launched its new Selective Licensing scheme to improve housing standards and protect tenants in the private rented sector. From now, landlords in most Westminster wards must apply for a licence to rent out homes to single families or up to two tenants. The scheme aims to tackle poor housing conditions, reduce anti-social behaviour, and ensure all privately rented homes are safe and well-managed. Councillor Ellie Ormsby said: “It’s never been more important to make sure private renters have access to safe, secure and decent homes.”
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REVISED PDHU DECISION TIMETABLE: Westminster City Council will now make a decision on the future of the Pimlico District Heat Undertaking (PDHU) later in 2026, rather than early in the new year. This change allows for more technical analysis and extended engagement with residents, businesses, and partners before agreeing on a final option. PDHU, which has supplied heating and hot water to over 3,000 homes and commercial premises for decades, is now beyond its design life, causing frequent leaks and costly repairs. A shortlist of five modernisation options is being developed to improve reliability, effciency, and control. The council remains committed to delivering a reliable, cost-effective energy supply for the community.
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BUDGET UPDATE – OVERNIGHT LEVY INTRODUCED: This week’s budget confirmed an Overnight Accommodation Levy – a campaign that the council has supported for years – will be introduced by the end of 2027. The Government is now consulting on how it will work in practice. Council Leader Adam Hug said: "With a daytime population of more than a million people, and £115m spent annually on services to visitors and commuters, it’s only right that a substantial portion of this new funding goes back into supporting and enhancing the local services and public realm improvements that keep Westminster a clean, safe, and welcoming place.”
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MARKING WHITE RIBBON DAY: Westminster are proud to have marked White Ribbon Day on the 25 November. The Lord Mayor of Westminster, Cllr Paul Dimoldenberg said: “Westminster will always be a city built on tolerance, respect, and community. White Ribbon Day is a vital reminder that we all share responsibility in ending violence against women and girls. We Speak Up and stand together, so we can promote respect, equality, and safety for everyone in our city.”
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GET SUPPORT FOR DOMESTIC ABUSE: This week marks the start of 16 days of action against gender-based violence, a UN Women initiative to help educate people about Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). Did you know there is a domestic abuse-related call made to the police every 30 seconds? If you’re experiencing domestic abuse, then help is available. Contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline (24 hours) on 0808 2000 247.
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Help shape our new Domestic Abuse Policy

Help shape our new Domestic Abuse Policy by sharing your views in a short online survey before 6 January 2026, so we can ensure it truly reflects the needs and experiences of our community.

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WINTER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN: Free activities including arts and crafts, sports and youth clubs will be taking place this winter holiday for children and young people in Westminster. There will be a wide variety of clubs catering to different ages and abilities and offering a healthy meal too.
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CELEBRATING WITH OUR COMMUNITIES: Get into the festive spirit and join your neighbours at our Christmas tree light switch-on events! From Tachbrook Market to Maida Hill Market – gather with family and friends to enjoy twinkling lights, holiday music, and cheerful community vibes at locations across the city.
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IT’S A BIG WEEK IN FLU VACCINATIONS: The flu virus is circulating earlier than usual, with flu cases already triple what they were this time last year. There is an urgent need to reduce the rising cases of flu and protect those most at risk from serious illness and hospitalisation. London has organised a BIG WEEK offering extra opportunities for those eligible to have their flu vaccine across London to reduce the rising cases of flu. A reminder – you can get a free flu vaccine if you are:
* aged 65 or over
* pregnant
* a child aged 2 or 3 years (via GP or community pharmacy)
* a school-aged child from Reception to Year 11 (via Vaccination UK service in schools)
* living with certain medical conditions
* are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person or receive carers allowance
* a frontline health or social care worker
* living with a person who has a weakened immune system.

Children will be offered a nasal spray vaccine, which contains gelatine, or an injected alternative that is gelatine-free. Vaccination UK will also run community catch-up clinics later in the autumn for children who missed their school visit.
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