Investing in a Fairer Westminster

[MyWestminster Updates]

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Friday 20 February 2026
Welcome to MyWestminster, your weekly update on everything happening in your city. This week:
* Investing in a Fairer Westminster (#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: We plan to freeze the main Westminster element of Council Tax for 2026/27 to support residents with cost of living pressures. The adult social care precept will rise by just two percent- below inflation - meaning the Westminster share of a Band D bill will increase by only 20p a week. In the above video (https://westminster.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a50c8b0dd980669ef713b4cca&id=817b392e50&e=7e37558eca) , Leader of Westminster City Council, Cllr Adam Hug, explains how strong financial management, efficiencies and an innovative transformation programme mean the council can continue delivering major multi-million-pound investment in affordable homes, high streets and community schemes, while maintaining the second-lowest Council Tax in the country.
Read more about the Budget (https://westminster.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a50c8b0dd980669ef713b4cca&id=71df1b8a44&e=7e37558eca)
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NEW MEASURES TARGET ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR AND PEDICABS: We are stepping up efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour across the city, introducing strengthened powers from 25 February through an expanded Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO). Backed by strong resident support, the PSPO will now cover the entire borough, enabling council officers and police to address issues such as aggressive begging, drug related activity, street drinking, harassment and public urination. Alongside this, we’re continuing to crack down on problematic pedicab operations. Cllr Hug welcomed new Transport for London regulations on fares and loud music, noting that the council has already issued 245 PSPO fixed penalty notices to riders since November 2025. With wider enforcement powers, City Inspectors can now act at any time of day. Together, these measures mark a determined campaign to improve safety, restore order and enhance quality of life across Westminster.
Read our statement on pedicab regulations (https://westminster.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a50c8b0dd980669ef713b4cca&id=5b329369e1&e=7e37558eca)
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QUEEN’S PARK TRANSFORMATION UNVEILED: Improvements at Queen’s Park Canalside have been unveiled following a £2.5 million investment by the council and GLA. The project has created a high‑quality public space with new art, street furniture, lighting, planting and canal wall repairs. Freddie Denton’s vibrant ‘Ebb & Flow’ mural, inspired by local wildlife and flowers, was created with input from the community, including pupils at Queen’s Park Primary School. New wildlife habitats, such as bird houses and bug hotels built by residents using reclaimed wood, support biodiversity. Nearly 70 plant species have been introduced, combining native and non-native varieties for resilience and year‑round interest.
Explore the new space (https://westminster.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a50c8b0dd980669ef713b4cca&id=fd8652a82d&e=7e37558eca)
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CELEBRATE LUNAR NEW YEAR THIS SUNDAY: Join us on 22 February as the West End comes alive for one of the biggest Chinese New Year Festival outside Asia. The Chinese New Year Parade runs from 10am to 12pm, starting on the east side of Trafalgar Square, followed by performances on the Main Stage from 12pm to 6pm, including lion eye‑dotting, dragon dances, music and cultural shows. Chinatown will also be buzzing all afternoon with street food, festive stalls and live lion dancing. Whether you’re enjoying the parade, sampling traditional food or taking in the performances, it’s a brilliant moment to celebrate London’s cultural diversity.
Find out more about the event here (https://westminster.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a50c8b0dd980669ef713b4cca&id=4635329d7b&e=7e37558eca)
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DARWIN HOUSE TEA PARTY DELIGHTS RESIDENTS: DJ AG brought the party to life this week at Darwin House, hosting a joyful celebration for older residents. Council staff organised a special Valentine’s Day themed tea party for residents from Darwin House, Glastonbury House and local estates, with the Instagram and TikTok star. DJ AG got residents singing their favourite songs and dancing in the Darwin House living room, including a special turn with the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Cllr Paul Dimoldenberg. In the above video (https://westminster.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a50c8b0dd980669ef713b4cca&id=7053d027da&e=7e37558eca) , Katherine from the council’s Regeneration team explains how the event brightened residents’ spirits. Look out for more highlights on social media, on both DJ AG and the council’s channels.
Check out the video here (https://westminster.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a50c8b0dd980669ef713b4cca&id=44ca367fa7&e=7e37558eca)
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FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION: We’re offering grants to help local organisations and communities promote sustainability and improve the environment in the city.
* The Westminster Climate fund supports projects including energy generation, retrofitting, behaviour change and more. Businesses, charities, community groups and schools can apply by 13 March (https://westminster.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a50c8b0dd980669ef713b4cca&id=e6179ed618&e=7e37558eca) .
* The Greening Westminster fund supports environmental projects creating greener, healthier and more attractive public spaces. It’s open to Business Improvements Districts and community groups. Apply by 31 March (https://westminster.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a50c8b0dd980669ef713b4cca&id=1741e2208a&e=7e37558eca) .

Read more about our Fairer Environment projects (https://westminster.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a50c8b0dd980669ef713b4cca&id=38fe148eac&e=7e37558eca)
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WESTMINSTER GREEN INVESTMENT ENDS SOON: We’re close to reaching the end of the second ever Westminster Green Investment, a way for residents and businesses to directly support local climate action. Funds will go towards green upgrades across the city – including solar panels, insulation, heat pumps and energy-efficient lighting at the refurbished Seymour Leisure Centre.
Let’s grow a greener Westminster together (https://westminster.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a50c8b0dd980669ef713b4cca&id=6b5f481ce1&e=7e37558eca)
MARKING LENT AND RAMADAN: As Lent and Ramadan begin this week, we recognise the importance of these observances to many of our residents. Both encourage reflection, connection, and acts of kindness – values that strengthen the fabric of our diverse Westminster community.
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STAY ACTIVE FOR LESS THIS HALF TERM WITH THE ACTIVEWESTMINSTER CARD: We’ve officially opened a refurbished gym and reception area at the Queen Mother Sports Centre as part of our £2m investment into our leisure centres and our contract extension with Everyone Active. Check out this new accessible gym and get brilliant discounts with a free ActiveWestminster card if you are a Westminster resident.
Click here to find out more (https://westminster.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a50c8b0dd980669ef713b4cca&id=e011c1a54d&e=7e37558eca)
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HALF TERM FUN THIS FEBRUARY! As you wrap up on February half term, don’t forget that 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 holiday programme supports children aged 4 to 16 with creative, active and engaging opportunities throughout the school break.
Browse the full programme and book your place (https://westminster.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a50c8b0dd980669ef713b4cca&id=4eb4c9650e&e=7e37558eca)
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ENJOY WESTMINSTER WITH CITY SAVE: Our residents’ membership scheme is free to join and offers amazing discounts and savings including:
* Get 20% off food at Shan Shui Social (https://westminster.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a50c8b0dd980669ef713b4cca&id=ffe4b2ba36&e=7e37558eca) , serving up authenticity, quality and sophistication wrapped in a playful, casual dining experience.
* Enjoy 20% off drinks with food at The Edgar Wallace (https://westminster.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a50c8b0dd980669ef713b4cca&id=7de4973445&e=7e37558eca) , a traditional London pub just moments from Temple.

Sign up for your free card (https://westminster.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a50c8b0dd980669ef713b4cca&id=5b2bc1dd20&e=7e37558eca)
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REGISTER TO VOTE – IT'S YOUR RIGHT! Local elections in Westminster will take place on Thursday 7 May 2026. The decisions made by elected councillors affect the services you use every day – from housing and bin collections to parks and community safety. Your voice helps shape the services you rely on. Voting is your right. Register today and stand up for what matters to you and your community.
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HIGH STREETS RENTAL AUCTIONS: Local high streets play a vital role for local economies and communities, offering a place to shop, socialise and give a sense of identity for those who live locally. However, too many empty commercial premises are blighting our high streets and as part of our mission to create economic equality, we’re proposing to apply High Street Rental Auctions, on which we are seeking your views. This means we’ll have the power to auction rental rights of empty commercial high street properties to grant new and local businesses and community groups the opportunity to rent these spaces.
Have your say (https://westminster.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a50c8b0dd980669ef713b4cca&id=1ce50e25ef&e=7e37558eca)
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OUR MARKETS NEED YOU: We are reviewing and refreshing our Markets Policy and 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.
Complete our survey today (https://westminster.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a50c8b0dd980669ef713b4cca&id=e2b8595b92&e=7e37558eca)
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MEASLES AND MMRV: Measles cases are rising in London. Measles is an infection that spreads easily and can cause serious complications and hospitalisation. The best way to protect yourself or your child is to have two doses of the MMR or MMRV vaccine (https://westminster.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a50c8b0dd980669ef713b4cca&id=b90010d5d8&e=7e37558eca) . If you or your child has symptoms, stay away from school, nursery or work. Symptoms include high fever, sore, red, watery eyes, coughing, aching and feeling generally unwell, a blotchy red brown rash, which usually appears after the initial symptoms, or small white spots in the mouth. Call your GP today to check your child has been vaccinated.

If you or your child has symptoms, stay away from school, nursery or work and phone your GP for an urgent appointment  or  call 111. Do not go to any healthcare setting unless you are told to do so.
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COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS: We recently celebrated our Community Champions at our annual conference. It was fantastic to hear personal stories from the Champions and the positive impact they’ve had on residents’ lives.
Learn more about our Community Champions (https://westminster.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a50c8b0dd980669ef713b4cca&id=88496968de&e=7e37558eca)
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