NEWS, CASEWORK AND ACTION

Church Street Annual HAFS Festival
It was great seeing everyone enjoying the festival on Sunday, 11 May. The sun came out for an afternoon of fun, food and activities – fairground rides, face painting and much more. Former Lord Mayor and Church Street resident Hamza Taouzzale made a surprise appearance. Many thanks to HAFS for putting on such a great event, which was funded by Westminster Council.

Better Repayment Plans for Major Works Bills
We welcome the news that Labour 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.

Councillor Aziz Toki said: “The Council has seen a sharp rise in the cost of essential major works to its buildings. That’s why it is 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 your Housing Services Team about accessing one of the updated payment plans.

Council Budget for 2025/26 – Investing & 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.  Key budget announcements include:

• £2.6 million towards the cost of adult social care.This means hundreds of adult social care users will now not pay for care, while hard-working care assistants will earn more.
• An extra £1.2 million to tackle rough sleeping.
• An additional £140 million to relieve Temporary Accommodation pressure.
• An extra £1 million on cost of living support, such as free school meals during school holidays.
• £2 million more for anti-social behaviour and city management measures, including the recruitment of eight new City Inspectors and doubling the number of CCTV cameras to 200.

Church Street Regeneration News
Demolition at Site A on Broadley Street continues, and we apologise for any inconvenience to residents and businesses caused by the work. The project will ramp up throughout the summer, with all the old buildings to be taken down by September.

The demolition of the buildings on Site A will allow for the construction of 430 new homes (215 of which are affordable), a new library, improved facilities for market traders, and a new public space.

As part of Site A Regeneration and the requirement for new buildings to be registered, we are working with the local community to name the new homes. The new names must be respectful of the existing community and reflect Church Street’s history. For more information, go to:  survey.churchstreet.org/site_a_naming

The Council continues to consult with residents on the future regeneration of Church Street. More than 800 people have completed the check-in survey to find out what you think about previously approved plans for Sites B and C. For more information, go to churchstreet.org/new-page-3/site-a-demolition-newsletter-summer-2025

To stay up to date with plans for the regeneration project, visit the Regeneration Space at 56 Church Street to speak to a member of the team. You can also contact the Team on 020 7641 2968 or churchstreet@westminster.gov.uk

There is also a Church Street Westminster Employment Team based at the Regeneration Space from Monday to Thursday 9am-5pm.

Cleaning Up Graffiti
Labour Westminster Council is investing in new equipment to help tackle graffiti as part of its plan to tackle anti-social behaviour in Westminster.

The Council’s waste contractor, Veolia, runs three teams, seven days a week to deal with graffiti in Westminster. Any offensive graffiti is removed within 12 hours of it being reported, and other types of graffiti are cleaned within three days. Around 80-100 cleaning jobs are undertaken weekly, totalling around 400 every month. The equipment can also be used to deep-clean dirty pavements.

Fiona Parker, Labour Action Team Member, said: “It’s good news that Westminster Council is investing more money to tackle graffiti and keep our streets clean. New equipment will help to remove graffiti even more quickly.

You can help to keep Church Street clean and tidy by reporting graffiti on public property or street furniture so that the team can ensure it’s gone within 3 days, or 12 hours if it’s offensive. Just go to https://www.westminster.gov.uk/report-it 

You can also use Report It to let the Council know about a whole range of issues, including dumped rubbish, bins that need emptying, broken street lights, uneven pavements, potholes, animal welfare concerns and much more.

CCTV Is Working
To crack down oncrime and anti-social behaviour and support police to make arrests, Westminster’s Labour administration has reinstated CCTV after the previous Conservative-led Council dismantled the entire network. The first 100 cameras are now fully deployed, and the Council is moving ahead with plans to double the number to 200. The new system is already making a difference, with six incidents recorded in Church Street in March.

Safer Neighbourhood Team
Working with stakeholders, including the police, local businesses and residents, Church Street’s Safer Neighbourhood Team meets every quarter to discuss the area’s most pressing concerns. It’s a great opportunity to raise issues with the local police and Council officers. If you are interested and would like to join, please contact the chair, Glenys Arthur, at glenysarthur616@gmail.com

Westminster Council’s Private Rented Sector Tenants’ Charter 
With around 44% of Westminster households renting privately, the Charter sets out clear information about what tenants can expect from their landlords, covering important issues such as damp and mould, unlawful evictions, and unfair rent practices. The Charter also highlights how tenants can get help from the Council when problems arise.Click here for more information.

“No Mow May”
Westminster Council is again taking part in PlantLife’s ‘No Mow May” to support wildlife and biodiversity in our borough. All housing estates will be taking part as well as some open spaces and parks. Click here for more details.

Since the 1930s, the UK has lost more than 97 per cent of its wildflower meadows, which are vital for food pollinators like butterflies and bees. Not mowing grass during May and June will allow plant life to grow during this crucial period to feed pollinators throughout the summer months.

Activities For Adults And Children
There is a wide range of FREE recreational activities for children and young people to take part in across Westminster. To see what’s on offer for young people who live and study here, including half-term activities, please visit the Council’s new website at ourcityorg.uk

FREE yoga classes

• For men and women Mondays 7.30pm-8.45pm
• For women only on Tuesday’s, 10.30am-11.45am
• At Studio 1, Cockpit Theatre, Gateforth Street, NW8 8EH.
• Classes funded by the Westminster Community Priorities Programme

FREE Business Training
The Rebel School is running a FREE five-day Business Training course for women in Westminster from Monday 19 to Friday 23 May 2025 at Westminster University. Register at therebelschool.com/westminster

FREE Exhibition – Oceanic Visions / Moana te kite
25 April- 31 May (Wed- Sat, 12-6 PM) The Showroom, 63 Penfold St, London NW8 8PQ
The exhibition explores the Pacific Ocean and its connection to island communities and cultures.

Report It
You can report dumped rubbish, graffiti, broken paving stones, potholes, broken street lights, animal welfare concerns and more to the Report It service.

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

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.

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.

Refuse and Recycling Collection
Click the links below for more information about refuse and recycling services.

• Food waste recycling expansion
• Check your refuse and recycling times
• Check what you can recycle
• Check the A-Z recycling directory
• Find out how to recycle electronics

The Council delivers clear recycling bags twice a year to residents who receive a kerbside mixed recycling collection service. It is quick and easy to order more if you need them. You can also visit your local library to pick-up recycling bags.

Request secure bicycle storage hangars, cycle stands and electric vehicle charging points
If you’ve got a suggestion for a bicycle hangar or stand in your area or for an electric vehicle charging point, send in your request by clicking this link or email Aicha, Matt or Aziz.

Handyperson Service
Westminster residents aged over 60, or anyone in receipt of disability benefit, can request free help from a handyperson. The service covers minor works to a home such as replacing light bulbs and other small DIY jobs. It does not cover gardening, plumbing or decorating. Please note this is not an emergency service. You can book online using the above link or call 020 7641 8959.

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

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/

Register To Vote 
If you’ve moved recently or are approaching your 18th birthday, don’t forget to register to vote. It takes just 5 minutes to register online by clicking here  You’ll need your National Insurance number to hand.

Voting By Post
It is much easier, quicker and safe to vote by post. Anyone who is registered to vote can apply for a postal vote. It’s great if there’s any chance you won’t be able to get to a polling station due to holidays, away at college, working shifts, or have caring responsibilities – but you don’t need to give a reason. You might just prefer to vote from the comfort of your home.  Don’t wait for the next election – apply online now by clicking this link. It takes just 5 minutes – you’ll need your National Insurance number to hand.If you have any queries about registering to vote or about a postal vote contact Westminster Electoral Services:  Email: electoralservices@westminster.gov.uk  Telephone: 020 7641 2730 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).

Pest Control
If you are a Westminster tenant or leaseholder and have issues with pests in your home or in a public area, the Council’s new Pest Control Service is now live. You can book an appointment online by clicking this link. You will need your 8-digit reference number to hand. Telephone booking is still available via the Customer Contact Centre