Westminster City Council’s Labour administration has announced a major step forward in its commitment to tackling housing insecurity, with the adoption of a new Tenancy Strategy and Tenancy Policy that puts long-term housing stability at its heart.

Under this new policy, fixed-term tenancies for council housing will be scrapped. In their place, all new and existing tenants will be granted secure lifetime tenancies after completing their introductory period. This transformative change will be rolled out over the next year, with the Council also encouraging other social housing providers in Westminster to follow suit.

This Labour-led reform delivers on key priorities for council tenants:

* Giving residents greater security and peace of mind in their homes.

* Protecting rent levels, tenancy rights, and housing services.

* Helping to build stronger, more settled communities across Westminster.

The move is a direct response to what residents have been calling for. Following a public consultation held in March, the Council received overwhelming backing for the change, with 86% of respondents supporting lifetime tenancies for all social housing tenants.

Councillor Liza Begum, Labour’s Cabinet Member for Housing, said:

‘We’re giving our residents the long-term security they deserve. A safe, stable home is the foundation for building a stronger community — and this change ensures tenants can plan for their futures with peace of mind.’

There will be no changes to rent, tenancy rights or the services residents receive, and the Council will work closely with tenants to ensure a smooth transition.

This policy marks a clear departure from the uncertainty of fixed-term tenancies introduced under previous Conservative-led administrations. By championing lifetime tenancies, Labour in Westminster is delivering on its pledge to put residents first by giving our tenants a secure future and to build a fairer, more inclusive city.’