|
|
NEWS UPDATES ACTION
Pimlico Residents’ Survey
As your local Councillors, we are always keen to hear your priorities for Pimlico, what we’re doing, and what we could do better. It would be great if you could fill in our survey. It will only take a few minutes.
Labour pledges to scrap underperforming 10-year Tory housing repairs contracts
Since gaining control of Westminster Council in 2022, Labour has been working to fix long-standing problems with Westminster’s Housing Service, especially around repairs, safety, and major works.
The problems stem from the Conservatives’ 2017 decision to sign huge 10-year contracts, which have failed to deliver good service or value for money. These contracts end in 2027, giving the Council a chance to design a better system.
If Labour is re-elected in 2026, we plan to replace long-term contracts with a new Strategic Alliance Framework, focused on residents’ needs, higher standards, and accountability.
Key changes proposed:
- Shorter contracts → easier to hold providers accountable.
- More contractors → increases competition and quality.
- Council sets repair standards → ensures clarity and alignment with residents’ needs.
- In-house handyperson service → quicker and more efficient everyday repairs.
Liza Begum, Cabinet Member for Housing Services and Councillor for Pimlico South, said: “Under the Conservatives, Westminster’s housing service was failing residents — neglected, unaccountable, and out of touch. Labour is changing that. Since 2022, we’ve put residents back at the heart of decision-making, raised standards, and brought in real accountability. Our new Strategic Alliance Framework will end the outdated contracts, bring in better providers, have more oversight and deliver a more responsive housing service that Westminster residents deserve.”
New Public Space Protection Order for Pimlico
Following consultation with residents and businesses about tackling anti-social behaviour, Westminster Council is introducing a new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for South Westminster.
It comes into operation on 29 August and will run for 3 years. It covers Pimlico South Ward, as well as Pimlico North, Vincent Square and St James’s (part) wards.
The PSPO gives Police and Council officers additional powers to deal with issues such as public urination, verbal abuse, drug use and other forms of anti-social behaviour that affect residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
Breach of a PSPO is a criminal offence, and officers will be able to issue fixed penalty notices with a fine of £100 to immediately respond to anti-social behaviour. There’s a fine of up to £1000 if the case is prosecuted in court.
The new PSPO is part of the Council’s wider package of measures introduced to clamp down on antisocial behaviour including:
- a £500k investment in CCTV to double the number of cameras to 200
- the launch of a new Street-Based Intervention Team, combining City Inspectors and Homeless Outreach officers.
- the recruitment of more City Inspectors to keep Westminster’s streets clean and safe – both boosting existing teams and creating a new 8-member specialist anti-social behaviour team.
New Powers To Stop E-Bikes Blocking Pavements
Labour Councillors and our local MP, Rachel Blake, have long called for more regulation of dockless e-bikes (like Lime and Forest), so it’s great news that the Government’s new English Devolution and Empowerment Bill will give Transport for London (TfL) the power to license and regulate e-bike companies.
The Government has listened to our campaign and is bringing forward the necessary new powers to force Lime, Forest and others to get a grip and crack down on users who aren’t following the rules. Click here for more details.
We’ll be pressing the Mayor and TfL to implement the new laws as quickly as possible.
Get updates from the Met Police with MetEngage
The Met Police has launched a new way to keep in touch with your local policing team – Met Engage. It’s a new platform where local officers will share crime prevention tips, updates on investigations, community meetings, and positive outcomes from local operations. Click to sign up for Met Engage
This is part of the Met’s renewed focus on neighbourhood policing, and it’s been shaped by feedback from Londoners who want stronger connections with their local teams.
Have Your Say: the future of Churchill Gardens Youth Hub
Young people who use the Churchill Gardens Youth Hub – as well as those living nearby who don’t currently attend – are invited to take part in an exciting new consultation about local youth services.
The Council is seeking views on whether the current provision for young people is hitting the mark, what other local activities are being accessed, and how things could be improved.
Participants who complete the survey by 31st August 2025 will be entered into a prize draw to win one of several £20 Love2Shop vouchers. Just click here to find out more and have your say.
Westminster Council will also be hosting focus groups in Autumn 2025 to dive deeper into the experiences and ideas of local young people. Those taking part will receive vouchers or a payment for their time.
Got questions? Contact the team at: engagement@westminster.gov.uk
Pimlico Gardens Planning Application
The planning application for Pimlico Gardens has now been submitted. The proposals include refurbishment of the existing gardener’s shed and creation of a a café/takeaway kiosk with a riverside viewing platform. A new toilet block and associated soft and hard landscaping are also planned.
For more details and to submit your comments just click here. Comments close on 25 August.
Eileen Anderson Court
Councillor Robert Eagleton recently met with residents from Eileen Anderson Court. He listened to concerns about the merger between the home’s operator (Octavia) with Abri, maintenance and repairs issues, and incorrect service charges. Robert is now working with local management and the residents to fix these issues.
Westminster Bangladeshi Welfare Trust – Silver Jubilee
Along with the Lord Mayor, we joined Westminster Bangladeshi Welfare Trust last month to celebrate their Silver Jubilee – 25 years of dedicated service to the community
Councillor Liza Begum said: “I very fondly remember the coach trips to the beach organised by WBWT when I was younger and the community events to celebrate our cultural heritage. I wish them many more years of success in supporting the community.”
Councillor Jason Williams said: “I’ve really enjoyed working with WBWT over the years. Their report ‘Building Bridges with the Community’ sums up the work they have done, especially, with local residents’ groups and across our local community.”
Councillor Robert Eagleton said: “For 25 years, the WBWT has formed an indispensable part of our Pimlico community. From running a food bank, to delivering exercise sessions, seaside trips, maths and English classes, the WBWT has improved the lives of local residents from a wide range of backgrounds.”
Tachbrook Estate’s 90th birthday
Jason and Robert joined the Lord Mayor to celebrate Tachbrook Estate’s 90th birthday! It was great to meet so many residents, grab an ice cream, and learn about the Estate’s history. Did you know the Queen Mother opened Malcolmson House in 1949?
Generations of families have lived on the Estate, and its strong sense of community is testament to the stability provided by social housing.
Well done to the residents and Peabody for organising such a wonderful day!
Churchill Gardens outing to Southend
Councillor Jason Williams was up bright and early on 23 July to wave off the Churchill Gardens Residents’ Association coach trip to Southend for over 60s residents. It was a pleasure to help fund the outing from the Pimlico Ward Councillors’ budgets. It was a great success! Once gain, thanks to the Residents’ Association for the fantastic organisation.
Speeding on Churchill Gardens Road
We asked the local Police to carry out speed checks on Churchill Gardens Road after residents raised concerns about dangerous speeding near St Gabriel’s School. Councillor Jason Williams joined officers and spoke with residents and several drivers about the risks they seeing daily.
The speed limit is 10mph on this road – not the standard 20mph seen elsewhere. It was noted that signage needs to be improved, visibility made clearer at the junction of Grosvenor Road, as well as a “10” painted on the road surface to reinforce the limit.
Councillor Jason Williams said: “Police officers plan to return when the when the new school term begins in September, aiming to have a regular presence in the area. I’ll be following up the issue of signage and visibility with the Council’s Highways Team to ensure these critical improvements are carried out and that Churchill Gardens Road is made safer for everyone – especially our children.”
Stitching Circle at Pimlico Library
Saturday afternoons from 2pm to 3.30pm at Pimlico Library, Lupus Street to meet up, learn and improve. All welcome. Bring your own project to work on – knitting, crochet or embroidery. There’s lots more going on at Pimlico Library – click here for more details.
Rachel Blake MP
Representing Cities of London and Westminster Constituency
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
Listening to residents all year round
As your local Labour Councillors – along with Rachel Blake MP – we’re out and about all year round calling on residents, hearing their concerns and taking up issues on their behalf.
In recent weeks we’ve called on residents in Hallam, Hawthorne, Jane Austen, Whitely House, Keats, Tyrell, Gilbert, Lutyens and Wedgewood on Churchill Gardens as well as Cumberland, Winchester and Sussex streets.
GET IN TOUCH if there’s something in your street or block that needs action, or an issue we can help with. We’ll always do our best to help.
Here are just a few of the issues raised by residents.
Several residents on the Pimlico streets mentioned dog-fouling as a persistent problem. Councillor Robert Eagleton said: “We know this is a longstanding issue, and the Council has listened and taken action. There’s a borough-wide campaign on at the moment to promote responsible dog ownership, reduce dog fouling in our streets and communities. New signage has been installed, warning dog owners of the fines they face for not picking up after their pets.
Residents told me that they’ve noticed an improvement since the signs went up, which is brilliant – but there’s still more work to do. If you notice repeated dog fouling, use Report It to let the Council know so swift action can be taken.”
We also arranged for a broken street light to be repaired on Sussex Street.
At Keats House some residents mentioned that the car park was being used for anti-social behaviour and drug taking. The Council is aware of this and is working closely with the Police. A few days later, Police arrested a man in the car park for possession of Class B drugs and being in charge of a vehicle whilst unfit to drive.