News from your local Labour Councillors – Jason, Liza & Robert
Here’s our April Action Report with news and updates about Pimlico South Ward and the issues we’ve taken up on behalf of local residents in recent weeks.
GET IN TOUCH if there’s something in your street or block that needs action, or if there’s an issue we can help with. We’ll always do our best to help.
Just click the links below to email.
- Councillor Jason Williams
- Councillor Liza Begum
- Councillor Robert Eagleton
- Or leave a message on: 020 7641 5377
- Click here to sign-up for our regular Action Reports direct to your inbox
Advice Surgeries
We hold monthly surgeries at Churchill Residents Hall, Churchill Gardens, Pimlico, SW1V 3AL, from 6.30 – 8 pm. Here are the dates for the rest of the year: 7th May, 4th June, 9th July, 6th August, 17th September, 8th October, 19th November, 10th December. Just drop in – no appointment needed.
Best wishes for a peaceful Easter Break.
Jason, Liza and Robert
NEWS, ACTION AND CASEWORK
100 New Cameras Added To Westminster’s CCTV Network
The expansion of Westminster’s CCTV network is part of a series of measures to further strengthen Labour Westminster Council’s response to crime and anti-social behaviour. Here in Pimlico South, two additional cameras have been added to our local network – in Lupus Street and Aylesbury Street. Click here for more details.
Council Budget for 2025/26 – Investing While Keeping Council Tax Low
Westminster Council has set its budget for the coming year, investing more in social care, public safety, housing and cost-of-living support while keeping the Council Tax the second lowest in the country. Click here for more detail.
‘Westminster After Dark’ Consultation
The Council has produced a blueprint for managing the city after 6pm. Give your views at https://www.westminster.gov.uk/westminster-after-dark
Better Repayment Plans for Council Leaseholders with Major Works Bills
Westminster Council is introducing new payment options to ease pressure on Council leaseholders facing large bills for major works. This is part of the Council’s plans to help tackle the cost of living crisis in Westminster.
Resident leaseholders facing bills for major works of more than £30,000 will be able to benefit from an 8-year interest-free payment plan – one of the most generous in London. There is also the option of repaying over 13 years, with the first 8 years interest-free. Full details here.
In addition, the Discretionary and Voluntary service charge loans, available to leaseholders with bills of over £20,000, will now be interest-free for the first 8 years and will no longer depend on the applicant having to show they couldn’t secure financing elsewhere.
Pimlico South Councillor Liza Begum who is Cabinet Member for Housing Services, said: “The Council has seen a sharp rise in the cost of essential major works to its buildings. That’s why we are increasing the number and generosity of repayment options available to resident leaseholders in Westminster, to ensure that they can access the best possible financial support.”
“If you are a resident leaseholder and want to know more, please contact our Housing Services Team about accessing one of our updated payment plans.”
New Community Hub For Pimlico
Westminster Council has announced that the former Pimlico Library at the junction of Rampayne Street and Tachbrook Street will be brought back into public use as a new Community Hub, opening in early 2026.
During the Pimlico Community Conversations, the Council engaged with 400 residents, organisations and businesses. Residents were clear that they wanted to see more community activities, events and public spaces in the area.
The Pimlico Community Hub will provide an inclusive space where residents can come together, access essential services, and participate in exciting activities. The Hub will also contribute to the Council’s aim of reinvigorating local high streets, and its central position means it will be easily accessible and highly visible, ensuring it becomes a vibrant focal point for residents and visitors alike.
Councillor Jason Williams, Pimlico Project Lead Member said: “I am delighted to welcome the opening of Pimlico Community Hub which will bring much-needed community activities and services at such a great location. We discussed the importance of community spaces in the Pimlico Conversation and it’s great to see this being delivered for the benefit of all.”
Our Post Offices to stay open!
It’s great news that the eight Post Offices in Westminster, which were threatened with closure, will now stay open – including our local Lupus Street Post Office and the one at 167 Vauxhall Bridge Road.
We’re delighted the Post Office has listened and taken steps to secure the future of our local post offices. The victory comes after months of hard work by our local MP, Rachel Blake, Councillors and local residents, which has resulted in the Post Office announcing that rather than closing, the Directly Managed Branches (DMBs) across Westminster will be franchised.
This means that Post Office services will continue to be available, either in the same location or nearby, ensuring residents will still have access to essential services like banking, cash, and government transactions.
While this is very welcome news, the work is far from over. We still need to ensure that the new franchised branches provide the same high standards of service, are accessible and remain a vital part of our community. Together with Rachel Blake MP, Westminster Labour Councillors will continue to work closely with the Post Office to ensure these branches are franchised in a way that benefits all of us.
The Post Offices which were threatened with closure but will now be franchised are:
- 121-125 Lupus Street, SW1V 3EW
- 167 Vauxhall Bridge Road, SW1V 2ST
- 95 Aldwych, WC2B 4JN
- 111 Baker Street, W1U 6SG
- 1 Broadway, SW1H 0AX
- 173 Great Portland Street, W1W 5PH
- 6 Raphael Street, Knightsbridge SW7 1DL
- 4 Praed Street, W2 1JX
Rough Sleeping at Pimlico Tube Station
Residents have flagged concerns about rough sleeping around the entrance to Pimlico Station. We have raised this with Transport for London and the Council’s rough sleeping outreach team, which helps people sleeping rough off the streets and into accommodation.
Action on Coach Idling
Following complaints about coaches idling in Claverton Street we have written to Pimlico Academy and asked that they speak to the coach company to ensure drivers turn off the engines while the coaches are stationary.
St George’s Square Dumped Rubbish
Following residents’ complaints about household rubbish being dumped around the street bins in St George’s Square, we have arranged for the City Inspectors to monitor the area and follow-up individuals who can be identified as having dumped the rubbish. If you notice dumped rubbish or other issues in your street please use Report It to let the Council know so it can take action.
Tachbrook Estate Lifts
We have pressed Peabody to publish the results of its recent survey of the lifts and let residents know when they can expect the programme of replacements and repairs to take place.
Recycling Bins – Tachbrook and Churchill Gardens Estates
Councillor Williams has written to the Head of Waste and Cleansing with residents’ concerns about the design of recycling bins in Churchill Gardens and Tachbrook Estate. Residents are having difficulty using the bins as the opening is so small. The bins often overflow so we have asked the Council to consider more evenly spaced and/or frequent collections. There is also a problem with dumped rubbish around the bins.
Ward Police Panel
Councillor Jason Williams attended the Police Panel on 9 April. The Panel brings together residents from across Pimlico South with our local Police team. Jason raised several issues, including anti-social behaviour along the Thames Path and the steps leading to the river from Vauxhall Bridge Road and at the junction of Grosvenor Road and Vauxhall Bridge Road, as well as drug use and anti-social behaviour in Bessborough Gardens.
We also discussed anti-social behaviour relating to cars in Turpentine Lane. As a follow-up, I will be exploring ways to improve CCTV coverage in the area and engaging with Peabody to review their camera system on Peabody Avenue.
Rachel Blake MP
Contact Rachel:
- Email: rachel.blake.mp@parliament.uk
- Post: House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RachelBlakeLabour/about
- Bluesky: @rachelblakemp.bsky.social
- Sign-up for Rachel’s regular newsletter by email here
USEFUL INFORMATION
Report It
You can report dumped rubbish, graffiti, broken paving stones, faulty street lights and much more at Report It
Rent Help For Council Tenants
To help Council tenants who do not qualify for Housing Benefit or Universal Credit, the Council is continuing the Rent Support Fund to help those in financial difficulties. Click here.
Pension Credit
If you’re over State Pension Age and on a low income you may be entitled to Pension Credit to help with living costs. It is separate from the State Pension. Pension Credit can also help with housing costs such as service charges and you may get extra help if you’re a carer, severely disabled, or responsible for a child or young person. You may be able to get Pension Credit even if you have other income, savings or own your own home. Find out more here: https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit
Apply For A Postal Vote
You can choose to vote by post if it would be more convenient for you or because your work schedule means you can’t get to the polling station. Apply for a postal vote here: https://www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote It only takes a few minutes – you will need your National Insurance number to hand.
Free Cycling Lessons
Free cycle training is open to anyone who lives, works or studies in Westminster. Over 4,000 people have benefitted from this over the past two years. https://www.cycleconfident.com/sponsors/city-of-westminster
Walking
Discover a whole new side of Westminster with Footways. The new interactive walking map reveals quiet streets for walking, with intriguing features to discover on the way. https://footways.london/westminster
Trade Parking Permits
If you are having work to your home or business you can apply for a trade parking permit. Click here for more details.
Animal Welfare
If you’re concerned about the welfare of an animal contact Council’s Animal Welfare Team here.
Handyperson Service
Westminster residents aged over 60, or in receipt of disability benefit, can request free help from a handyperson. The service covers minor works such as replacing light bulbs and other small DIY jobs. It does not cover gardening, plumbing or decorating, and it is not an emergency service. https://www.westminster.gov.uk/handyperson
Bike Hangars
Residents interested in renting a cycle hangar storage space should Register an Interest via our website.
Bulky Waste Collections
You can book a bulky waste collection service with the Council for £36 for up to 6 items for collection within 3 working days. If you do not have 6 items for collection, why not ask your neighbours if they have any and then share the cost. Click here for more details here. If you receive Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support, the service is free. This is limited to one collection of up to 6 items, every 90 days.
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/
We hope you found this Action Report useful. Click here to sign-up for our regular Action Reports direct to your inbox
Do get in touch if there’s something that needs action in your street or block, or if there’s an issue we can help with. We’ll always do our best to help.
Regards,
Liza, Robert, and Jason