Delivering a fairer, safer Westminster

[MyWestminster Updates]

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Friday 13 February 2026
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)
* Have Your Say (#say)
* Public Health Updates (#health)

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KEEPING COUNCIL TAX LOW WHILE INVESTING IN OUR COMMUNITIES: Westminster City Council plans to freeze the main Westminster element of Council Tax for 2026/27 to help local residents deal with cost of living pressures. The adult social care precept that funds care for the elderly and disabled will see a below-inflation rise of just two percent, meaning the Westminster share of the bill that Band D payers receive will increase by just 20p a week.

Thanks to the council’s strong financial management, efficiency and an innovative transformation programme changing the way Westminster works means that the council will simultaneously be able to deliver an ambitious multi-million investment in affordable homes, high streets, and funding community schemes, whilst maintaining the second lowest Council Tax in the country.

Headline upcoming investments include:
* £28m to take forward projects for new homes on four sites in Westminster.
* £174m to deliver 300 new homes and a new community health and wellbeing hub at Lisson Grove
* £96m for new homes and specialist residential accommodation at 291 Harrow Road
* £8m to improve high streets across Paddington and Bayswater
* £34m for Regent Street to help transform the public realm and enhance the heritage of this landmark West End destination to create safer, greener, more accessible and inclusive streets and spaces for everyone.
* An investment of £3.8m around Pimlico station and Lupus Street to improve the public realm, modernise shop fronts and fund a public art programme.
* £6.2m for North Paddington to tackle social and health inequalities, funding more than 25 community projects

Cllr Adam Hug, leader of Westminster City Council, said: “Like other local authorities, Westminster City Council is facing unprecedented financial pressures. Due to strong financial management, reinventing the way the council works and our track record of delivering outstanding services that are value for money, we can keep on target with a string of major investments to make life better for residents.

“Keeping council tax low is just one way we are helping local people with rising bills and the cost-of-living crisis. This Budget represents an ongoing solid and substantial commitment to build a fairer Westminster.

“At the same time, we are lobbying hard to ensure Westminster gets its fair share of the revenue from the government’s proposed overnight levy. Millions of visitors come to our city every year, and it is right that – like other world capitals – we ask a modest nightly fee to pay for the services they use while here. That money can then be spent locally to benefit local people and businesses.”
Read more about our Budget here (https://westminster.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a50c8b0dd980669ef713b4cca&id=305f634591&e=7e37558eca)
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NEW TASK TEAM KEEPING OUR STREETS SAFE: Leader of the Council Adam Hug and Deputy Leader Aicha Less joined our officers working with a new anti-social behaviour team, as they patrolled around the city. The Police And Council Tasking (PACT) Team, is made up of nine council officers and nine Metropolitan Police officers and will solely focus on anti-social behaviour. We have invested £3 million over a three-year period and the PACT officers are just one of the ways we are tackling anti-social behaviour across the city.

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HALF TERM FUN THIS FEBRUARY: This February half-term, families across Westminster can enjoy a fantastic offer of free and affordable activities for children and young people. From arts and crafts to sports sessions and youth clubs, there’s something for every interest and ability – plus a nutritious meal provided at each activity. Delivered in partnership with the Young Westminster Foundation, our programme supports children aged 4 to 16 with creative, active and engaging opportunities throughout the break.

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LET’S GO SWIMMING: This February half term, Westminster families can take advantage of free swimming sessions, giving children the chance to stay active and have fun during the school holidays. Access is available by signing up for a free ActiveWestminster card.
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WORKS START AT CHURCH STREET: Construction of new homes, a library, shop space and market facilities has started on Church Street. The Lord Mayor of Westminster, councillors, residents and local organisations celebrated the works starting with a ceremonial “ground-breaking” at site A. The project will provide 430 much needed homes, including 215 affordable properties – nearly three quarters of which will be for social rent. It will be delivered by the Church Street Partnership, a joint venture between the council and developers Mount Anvil.
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A MORE ACCESSIBLE WESTMINSTER: We have invested £1.49 million to upgrade tactile paving at pedestrian crossings across the city, making it easier and safer for people with visual impairments, and everyone else, to get around. The three‑year programme will update all signalised and zebra crossings, so they meet national accessibility standards, improving colour contrast and paving consistency to help people detect crossings more confidently. The work will first focus on busy spots like schools, hospitals, and shopping areas. The scheme has been shaped with support from disability groups including Royal National Institute of Blind People, Transport for All and Dementia UK, who helped new designs to genuinely reflect the needs of people who face daily barriers when moving around the city.
Learn more about accessibility across Westminster (https://westminster.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a50c8b0dd980669ef713b4cca&id=731a177a5b&e=7e37558eca)
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FAIRER WESTMINSTER COMMUNITY EVENT: You’re invited to join us at Porchester Hall on Thursday 5 March to find out more about Fairer Westminster and our plans for the future at a community event hosted by Cllr Adam Hug, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Members. It’s an opportunity to ask questions and share your priorities and feedback for your local area. You can also find out about council services and how to use your local knowledge and skills to get involved.
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STAY ACTIVE FOR LESS: Looking to keep fit? The ActiveWestminster Card offers exclusive discounts at all Westminster leisure centres managed by Everyone Active. Cardholder benefits include:
* Free swimming for eligible residents
* Discounted gym memberships
* Lower prices for exercise classes
* Reduced rates on sports bookings
* Special access for schools & partner organisations

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LOOKING FOR WAYS TO CELEBRATE LUNAR NEW YEAR: Head to the Chinese New Year Festival on Sunday 22 February for one of the capital’s most exciting cultural celebrations. Westminster will burst into colour as Chinatown, Trafalgar Square and the West End come alive with parades, performances, lion dances, and delicious food. You can expect a spectacular parade through the West End, lion and dragon dances filling the streets, street food, festive treats and much more. So, grab your friends and immerse yourself in the joy, colour and community spirit of Lunar New Year.
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mailto:KATE.HERRON at THESCREENCOMMUNITY.COM

IS YOUR CHILD THE NEXT RYAN COOGLER? Urban Screen & The Screen Community are offering a free, hands-on Film and TV Production Workshop for young people aged 14 to 25. This eight‑day programme is a fantastic opportunity to learn real industry skills, work with inspiring film professionals, and explore future pathways into education and creative careers.

To apply email your name, age, mobile number and postcode (mailto:KATE.HERRON at THESCREENCOMMUNITY.COM) or call 07703 312296.

Spaces are limited – so get in touch today.
Get in touch (mailto:KATE.HERRON at THESCREENCOMMUNITY.COM)
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ENJOY WESTMINSTER WITH CITY SAVE: Our residents’ membership scheme is free to join and offers amazing discounts and savings including:
* Enjoy a lunchtime concert at St Margaret’s Church, Westminster Abbey (https://westminster.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a50c8b0dd980669ef713b4cca&id=37ef68c619&e=7e37558eca) with 50% discount from full price tickets for card holders.
* From its origins and its history, to its unique design and architecture, Lyceum Theatre is opening its doors for you to explore beyond the stage. Receive your £5 discount of tour ticket (https://westminster.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a50c8b0dd980669ef713b4cca&id=4177f404eb&e=7e37558eca) .
* 25% off (https://westminster.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a50c8b0dd980669ef713b4cca&id=08a210c19a&e=7e37558eca)  private & one to one Yoga and Sound Healing with Seola Wellness (https://westminster.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a50c8b0dd980669ef713b4cca&id=d62ceadde6&e=7e37558eca) .

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NOTTING HILL, HAVE YOUR SAY: The Notting Hill East Neighbourhood Plan 2025 – 2040 is out for public consultation. The plan outlines local priorities for a variety of matters including the quality and design of residential development, safeguarding local green spaces, protecting residential amenity and improving the public realm within the Notting Hill East Neighbourhood Area. Once adopted, the plan will form part of our development plan and will be used to assess planning applications in the Notting Hill East Neighbourhood Area. The consultation closes 27 March.
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OUR MARKETS NEED YOU: We are reviewing and refreshing our Markets Policy & Strategy, and we want to hear from our residents, local businesses and anyone who uses or values our street markets. The insights gathered from this survey will help shape the policy, future programmes, events, and initiatives led by our Markets team. The survey closes on 1 March 2026.
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FEBRUARY MARKS HEART MONTH: Your heart works every second of every day – but it never tells you when something’s wrong. That’s why checking in with your heart matters. A free NHS Health Check takes just a few minutes but could help you spot risks early and prevent serious problems later. It’s available to all our residents aged 40–74. Small steps can protect your heart for years to come. Don’t wait for a warning sign.
* Move a bit more
* Eat a little better
* Cut down or quit smoking (free local support is available!)

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WINTER BLUES GETTING YOU DOWN? You’re not alone – and we’ve got something positive to kick-start your year. We’re working with Imperial College London on the INTERACT Study, exploring loneliness and social connection across Westminster. This short, anonymous survey asks how you experience belonging and community – and your input will help shape local services that make our city more inclusive and connected. Start the year by making a difference.
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