Agenda and decisions

To receive declarations by Members and Officers of the existence and nature of any pecuniary interests or any other significant interest in matters on this agenda.

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 17 February 2025.

To approve additional spend of £1.2m for further technical analysis and develop the level of detail required for the shortlisted options for the future of the Pimlico District Heat Undertaking.

Cabinet approved the following recommendations:

·       Approved spend of £1.2m for the workstreams set out in section 7

·       Delegated authority to the Executive Director of Regeneration, Economy and Planning to approve expenditure of funds on the PDHU project for the areas of work outlined in section 7 in accordance with the Council’s Financial Regulations and subject to the total expenditure of £1.2m not being exceeded.

·       Noted that work on the interim OBC is continuing and that officers will report back to Cabinet for approval of the interim OBC, the shortlisted options and any additional funding which may be needed to progress to OBC.

Reasons for Decision: Given the scale of the project it is necessary to ensure all viable options are assessed to a satisfactory level of detail and that residents are engaged comprehensively before progressing to an Outline Business Case. Approval of additional budget will allow for an enhanced level of technical analysis completed on the current shortlisted technologies and explore the feasibility of non-system wide solutions.

To approve the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy and Action Plan 2025-2030.

Cabinet approved the following recommendations:

·       Approved the Westminster Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy and Action Plan 2025-2030

·       Noted the Westminster Homelessness Review and Executive Summary and Equalities Impact Assessment

·       Delegated authority to the Strategic Director of Housing and Commercial Partnerships to make minor amendments to the Strategy and Action Plan if they are required.

Reasons for Decision: The Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 obliges the Council to undertake a review of homelessness in the borough every five years and to publish a strategy based on the findings. The new Strategy was co-produced and developed with extensive involvement from the community, partners, sector experts, officers from across the council and service users. It also considers how Fairer Westminster objectives will be delivered alongside statutory responsibilities.

To approve the inclusion of socio-economic disadvantage as a criterion within the Council’s Equalities Impact Assessment process, alongside the protected characteristics defined in law. 

Cabinet approved the following recommendations:

·       Approved the inclusion of socio-economic disadvantage as a criterion within the Council’s EqIA process, alongside the protected characteristics defined in law.

·       Noted an action plan for the next year as follows:

o   i. Develop a systemic approach to tackling socio-economic inequality through key programmes like #2035 and the implementation of the Poverty Review recommendations.

o   ii. Ensure alignment with our charter of community participation specifically that people are enabled to participate in council engagement, co-production and decisions where socio-economic disadvantage would be a barrier

Reasons for Decision: By formalising a council-wide commitment to poverty, this decision will embed consideration of socio-economic disadvantage into usual council business. Decision makers will be enabled to make informed decisions about when different delivery options could bring about positive impact or prevent hardship.

To approve a capital grant of £2,719,000 to Paddington Arts as match-funding for the completion of their Building Development Project to significantly expand Paddington Arts' creative, social, and economic ambitions.

Cabinet approved the following recommendations:

·       Approved spend of £1,250,000 from the Paddington Arts Capital Budget within the Council’s approved capital programme.

·       Approved the award of a capital grant of £2,719,000 to Paddington Arts (Company number: 02224403; Charity number: 298879), as match-funding for the completion of their Building Development Project at 32 Woodfield Road, London and for the Council to enter into a grant agreement and any other documents necessary to give effect to the award.

Reasons for Decision: Paddington Arts is a vital community organisation that has faced reductions in public sector funding and rising operational costs. This investment is essential to safeguard and expand its provision, ensuring long-term sustainability and enabling the charity to meet the growing needs of local young people and communities. The proposed building expansion will enhance their  ability to generate income, provide high-quality cultural and creative services, and contribute to inclusive regeneration in North Paddington.