News from Councillor Adam Hug, Labour Leader of Westminster Council, and Rachel Blake, Labour MP for Cities of London and Westminster

Councillor Gillian Arrindell

It is with deep sadness that we announce that Gillian Arrindell, Councillor for Vincent Square ward, has passed away.

Gillian was a champion for her community and the causes she was passionate about. She fought for housing justice and to support rough sleepers, she worked tirelessly to improve conditions for people with disabilities and to draw attention to the problems caused by poor air quality. Through her diligent casework she helped countless people and families with their problems.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Adam Hug, said:

“Councillor Gillian Arrindell was known and respected as a local activist who helped people with issues ranging from housing and welfare to domestic violence and had shown herself committed to the residents of Vincent Square ward since her election in 2022. Councillor Arrindell also made a real contribution to the City as Lead Member for Air Quality and as Disability Champion. On behalf of the Council, we send our condolences to Councillor Arrindell’s friends and family.”

Some of the tributes paid to Gillian

Rachel Blake MP, Cities of London & Westminster

“So sorry about the loss of Councillor Arrindell. She worked hard, with great compassion, to represent the local community, support vulnerable people and champion services. She will be missed. My thoughts are with her friends and family at this very sad time.”

Councillor Liza Begum, Pimlico South Ward

“Westminster has lost an amazing Councillor and advocate for the community and I have lost a dear friend. Gillian will be missed by her colleagues, her friends and her residents.”

George O’Neill, Chief Executive, Cardinal Hume Centre

“Gillian was a great and very caring local Councillor.  We’ll miss her at the Centre. We’ll be thinking of her and all her friends and family during this difficult time. “

Nilton Rodrigues, Tachbrook Residents’ Association

“A selfless campaigner who always stood by her principles and tirelessly served her constituents. Her dedication, from weekly surgeries to standing up for what’s right, was inspiring. I’ll miss you deeply.”

The Abbey Centre

“Gillian joined the board of trustees in February, after volunteering to support homeless people at our weekly hot meals service. In her role as a councillor, Gillian has championed our south Westminster community for many years, and she will be deeply missed.”

Wilfried Rimensberger, Millbank Estate

“I’m shocked to read about the passing of Gillian. Millbank TMO worked closely with her, and she was a passionate supporter of Greener Millbank.”

Councillor David Boothroyd, Westbourne Ward

“Gillian was lovely to work with and brought a lot of compassion and good sense to the Council. She really took to her role as a Councillor and we will all miss her terribly.”

Councillor Nafsika Butler-Thalassis, Maida Vale Ward

“Really very sad to learn that my colleague and friend Councillor Gillian Arrindell has died. It was much too soon, and she had so much still to offer.”

Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg, Hyde Park Ward

“I had huge respect for Gillian. She was dedicated, uncompromising and hard working. We will miss her and so will her constituents.”

Councillor Geoff Barraclough, Maida Vale Ward

“Gillian knew her stuff and cared about her residents. When she found a new rough sleeper, she wouldn’t let officers off the hook until they’d been found a bed. A loss for Vincent Square.”

Please share your memories of Gillian with us – please write to ahug@westminster.gov.uk

Some of the issues Gillian cared about

Pension Credit

Pension Credit gives extra money to help with living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income. Pension Credit can also help with housing costs such as service charges. You might get extra help if you’re a carer, severely disabled, or responsible for a child or young person.

Pension Credit is separate from the State Pension. You can get Pension Credit even if you have other income, savings or own your own home. https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit

Hot Meal delivery service

The Council has a hot meal delivery service for elderly and more vulnerable residents. The scheme is focused on supporting those over 65, in receipt of social care, housebound, living alone and do not have the support of family or friends. https://www.westminster.gov.uk/news/hot-meal-delivery-service-elderly-and-more-vulnerable-residents-winter

Cost of living support for families

You can get the support you need, from how to access government financial aid to finding local advice services. https://www.westminster.gov.uk/news/council-announces-extra-ps1million-support-families-struggling-cost-living

To help Council tenants who do not qualify for Housing Benefit or Universal Credit, we are continuing the Rent Support Fund to help those in financial difficulties. https://www.westminster.gov.uk/news/ps1m-fund-offers-tenants-lifeline-rent-payments

Free School Meals

Children aged 3 to 14 in Westminster now receive a free school lunch. https://www.westminster.gov.uk/news/westminster-rolls-out-free-school-meals-14000-children-huge-expansion-lunch-scheme

Help getting your shopping or prescriptions delivered

If you are vulnerable and cannot get to the shops, Westminster Connects volunteers can collect your shopping and prescriptions and deliver it to your home. https://www.westminster.gov.uk/advice-vulnerable-residents/food-delivery

Report It

Please tell the Council about dumped rubbish, broken streetlights, dumped bikes, graffiti and more by using Report It https://www.westminster.gov.uk/report-it

 Street Link

If you see anyone sleeping rough, please contact Street Link who are able offer help and assistance. You can contact Street Link 24 hours a day at https://thestreetlink.org.uk/

Please let us know if we can be of help or assistance on any local issues.

You can contact Councillor Adam Hug at leader@westminster.gov.uk and Rachel Blake MP at rachel.blake.mp@parliament.uk

Please feel free to pass this to your neighbours.

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Regards

Councillor Adam Hug and Rachel Blake MP