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Decisions

Use the below search options at the bottom of the page to find information regarding recent decisions that have been taken by the council’s decision making bodies.

Alternatively you can visit the officer decisions page for information on officer delegated decisions that have been taken by council officers.

Earlier - Later

Decisions published

22/09/2022 - Disposal of a vacant property in NW1 ref: 1717    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform

Decision published: 22/09/2022

Effective from: 22/09/2022

Decision:

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member has delegated authority to the Director of Corporate Property,in consultation with the Executive Director of Finance and the Director of Law as appropriate,to approve the Council enteringinto any legal documents ancillary to or required to facilitate the disposal of the property. 

 

Reasons for Decision

The disposal is recommended as the property has been deemed surplus to the Council’s service needs and will provide ongoing revenue savings as well as a capital receipt to the Housing Revenue Account (HRA).  

 

Wards affected: Church Street;

Lead officer: Claire Nangle


21/09/2022 - NNDR Localism Relief to support meanwhile use activations as phase 3 of the Activations and Meanwhile Use Programme ref: 1716    Recommendations Approved

This report seeks approval to apply NNDR Localism Relief to ratepayers of eligible premises, who contribute currently void properties or those occupied by low quality occupiers, rent free and who meet certain criteria as part of the City Council’s Activations & Meanwhile Use Programme for a maximum period of two years from the date of activation and to end for each premises when the property ceases to be part of the programme.

 

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development

Decision published: 21/09/2022

Effective from: 29/09/2022

Decision:

Summary of Decision

1.     The Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development has approved the strategy and in principle approach for meanwhile activations of eligible premises as part of phase 3 of the programme.

 

2.     The Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development, has approved the application of the Business Rate NNDR “Localism” allowance of a 100% of the net business rate liability under section 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988, as amended by the Localism Act 2011 and the allocation of a maximum of £2.45m from the Stimulating the Economy budget and Thriving Economy budget.

 

 

Reason for Decision:

 

1.              Phase 3 will require a change in direction from a short-term enlivening activity that looked at tenancies for a period of up to three months into a meanwhile use activation strategy that seeks to attract and support the transition of brands from pop-up occupiers into long-term, rent paying tenants; creating a pipeline of high-quality occupiers. A curation process will ensure that activations are driven by the most innovative up-and-coming, independent UK brands (businesses which otherwise could not afford the costs of operating in Westminster). The process will also prioritise local brands and those with a clear association with the borough whilst still meeting the calibre of activation required. This process will also ensure that well established businesses that could afford to pay full commercial rates are not awarded the NNDR Localism Relief.  

 

2.              This change of direction is an opportunity to tackle the rapid growth of low-quality occupiers along Oxford Street in particular, as well asother key high streets across the borough.This repetition and proliferation of such businesses are impacting upon the attractiveness of the borough and have, in many cases, been found to be evading the payment of business rates or undertaking illegal activity. Some property owners agree to leases with such businesses as part of a rates mitigation strategy, but the subsequent non-payment of business rates shifts the burden from the private sector to the public purse. 

 

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Lead officer: Haylea Asadi


08/09/2022 - Approval of recommendations from the Rating Advisory Panel - 12/07/2022 ref: 1715    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform

Decision published: 08/09/2022

Effective from: 08/09/2022

Decision:

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member has approved the recommendations of the Rating Advisory Panel held on 12th July 2022 and determines the applications for NNDR Discretionary and Hardship relief set out in Appendix A. 

 

Reasons for Decision 

The Rating Advisory Panel has set out the reasons for the recommendations in each case considered by the Panel in the recommendations in Appendix A. 

 

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Lead officer: Gemma Williams


08/09/2022 - Approval of recommendations from the Rating Advisory Panel - 28/06/2022 ref: 1714    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform

Decision published: 08/09/2022

Effective from: 08/09/2022

Decision:

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member has approved the recommendations of the Rating Advisory Panel held on 28th June 2022 and determines the applications for NNDR Discretionary and Hardship relief set out in Appendix A. 

 

Reasons for Decision 

The Rating Advisory Panel has set out the reasons for the recommendations in each case considered by the Panel in the recommendations in Appendix A. 

 

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Lead officer: Gemma Williams


07/09/2022 - Development Infills: Package B Main Contract Award ref: 1713    Recommendations Approved

Approval of the main construction costs for Adpar Street Car Park, Torridon House Car Park, Queens Park Court (comprising Package B) sites.

 

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform

Decision published: 07/09/2022

Effective from: 15/09/2022

Decision:

1.        Recommendations

The recommendation within this Cabinet Member Report is for the Cabinet Members to:

 

1.1      Approve the combined Full Business Case for Infills Programme:

     Package B.

 

1.2     Approve the contract awards appointing Geoffrey Osborne Limited to

     undertake the main construction works in respect of Adpar Street Car    

     Park, Torridon House Car Park, Queens Park Court Car Park.

 

1.3      Authorise Legal Services to negotiate the surrender of the existing substation lease at Queens Park Court and to grant a new lease to London Power Networks for a term of 99 years at an annual rent of £1.00.

1.4      Delegate authority to the Executive Director of Growth Planning and Housing to approve any legal, planning or financial documents, ancillary to or required to facilitate the recommendations of this report.

2.        Reasons for Decision 

 

2.1      As part of the WCC’s HRA Development Programme, WCC identified a number of smaller scale infill sites for development. This will enable the attainment of WCC’s strategic HRA Asset Strategy objectives of:

 

·       Increasing the supply of affordable housing; optimising value from its assets;

·       Increasing the quality of the HRA Portfolio; and

·       Ensuring the portfolio meets local housing need.

 

2.2      The Contract Award Report (Gate 3) has been presented to the   

           procurement Commercial Gateway Review Board (CGRB) and

           endorsement  has been obtained. Finance Capital Review Group (CRG)

           approval has been obtained  for the projects endorsing the     

           recommendation to the Executive Director of Growth, Planning and 

           Housing to recommend to the Cabinet Member to award the 3 separate

           JCT Design & Build Contracts.

 

Wards affected: Little Venice; Maida Vale; Queen's Park;


05/09/2022 - Permission to award a contract for the provision of community equipment services ref: 1712    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Voluntary Sector

Decision published: 05/09/2022

Effective from: 13/09/2022

Decision:

Summary of Decision

 

The Cabinet Member has approved to proceed with the award of the sovereign call off contract forthe Borough (estimated value £19.7m) from 1st April 2023 to 31st March 2028 with the option to extend for a further 2 years until 31st March 2030.  

 

Reasons for Decision 

 

Following a procurement exercise, based on the most economically advantageous tender, it is recommended that NRS Healthcare, Company registration number (01948041) is awarded the contract for the provision of Integrated Community Equipment Services for the London Consortium. 

 

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Lead officer: Sarah Tibbott


05/09/2022 - Lisson Grove Programme - Multi-Discipline Consultant Team Appointment ref: 1711    Recommendations Approved

Seeking approval of the appointment of the MDCT and we are seeking delegated authority to draw down and spend the cost to deliver the service through to Outline Business Case Part 2.

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Regeneration and Renters

Decision published: 05/09/2022

Effective from: 13/09/2022

Decision:

1.     Recommendations

1.1.Officers seek approval from the Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Regeneration and Renters to:

       i.          Approve that the Appendices be exempt from publication under Section 100 (A) (4) and Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) as it contains information which should be exempt from publication in that it contains information relating to the business and financial affairs of the authority and  information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings under paragraph 5 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972; and in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information

     ii.          Approval to enter into contracts for professional services up to a value of £9.581m for Professional and Development Management Fees to carry out design development.

    iii.          This includes appointment of the following:

a.     Levitt Bernstein Associates as Architect (contract value £2.953m)

b.     Arcadis LLP as Project Manager (contract value £2.720m)

c.     Ward Williams Associates as Cost Consultant (£964k)

d.     Other Professional Services (including contract awards) totalling £2.944m to be approved by the Executive Director of Growth, Planning & Housing (GPH) under delegated authority. Where the Constitution does not allow for the Cabinet member to delegate authority (namely for the award of Consultancy contracts with a value greater than £300,000) approval for the expenditure of that element of the £2.944m remains with the Cabinet Member and will be sought from the Cabinet Member.

     iv.            Approve the initial expenditure of £624k to progress the Feasibility Stage. This includes expenditure of £397k against these professional services contracts and £227k for internal staff costs and project contingency.

       v.            To note further expected expenditure under these professional services contracts of £1.457m to complete the OBC Part 2 subject to CRG endorsement and Cabinet Member approval of an agreed outcome of the Feasibility Stage.

    vi.          To note that the balance of expenditure under these contracts (totalling £7.727m) will come forward for approval once OBC Part 2 is concluded in Autumn 2023.

 

2.     Reasons for Decision

2.1. The reason for the recommendation is to secure fees and appoint the design team to enable design development to be progressed and produce OBC Part 2 in Autumn 2023.

2.2. A Feasibility Stage is proposed to produce a range of costed options for existing and external services that are affordable, deliverable and meet local needs. The options will be informed by the Councils post covid operational service requirements and emerging design guidance. The Feasibility Stage consists of:

·       Phase 1 – Develop outline options

·       Phase 2 – Develop shortlist of options

·       Phase 3 – Optimisation of the options

2.3. The Feasibility Stage options framework consists of developing a defined set of options for each of the potential core elements of the Hub ranging from ‘no provision’ through to ‘provision of all complimentary services’ alongside a ‘do nothing’ option for comparison. The range of options will be developed during Feasibility Stage - Phase 1 in consultation with the services and informed by the Councils post covid office review.

2.4. The Lisson Grove Programme provides an exciting opportunity to deliver a significant number of new homes across both sites and to explore the possibility for an exemplar Learning, Health and Wellbeing Hub (Hub) at Lilestone Street.

2.5.The potential healthcare opportunity for the Hub will consider strategic health provision and ensure the offer complements existing and forthcoming healthcare infrastructure, such as St Mary’s Hospital and the Imperial College Community Hub. A strategic needs lead approach will inform the potential provision of healthcare facilities in the proposed Health & Wellbeing Hub, to be developed during the Feasibility Stage.

2.6. Providing good quality homes will act as the bedrock of a vibrant community, in line with the new Administration’s ambitions. The potential overarching aims and objectives of the project which will be tested through the feasibility stage are:

·           Scope for modern, fit for purpose and efficient WCC office space, subject to a review of the overall office portfolio.

·           Provide flexible, accessible and affordable community space.

·           Explore potential Healthcare facilities that meet the current and future needs of the community within the regeneration area; to provide efficient and enhanced services through co-location and effective use of dedicated and shared space.

·           Reduce the Council’s operation, maintenance and running costs.

·           Deliver new and improved high-quality homes of all tenures.

·           Increase employment activity and economic growth in the area.

·           Create safer, better-connected neighbourhoods.

·           Replace existing commercial and residential stock with cleaner, greener and more sustainable buildings fit for the future which respond to the Climate Emergency Declaration and the Councils target to achieve net zero emissions.

2.7. In order to support the Feasibility Stage, the following core MDCT consultants are required to provide technical and specialist support:

·           Architect

·           Project Manager

·           Cost Consultant

·           Elements of the VCSE, Community, Viability and Commercial Consultant services

2.8. The core MDCT will provide technical support including best practice and emerging technical guidance in respect of:

·           Education, Healthcare and Council Service design

·           Covid implications including future ways of working and office fit out

·           Advise on accessibility, safeguarding and security considerations particularly with regard to vulnerable and disabled users

·           Co-ordinate the Hub Working Groups

·           Minimise the total Hub accommodation requirement

·           Prepare justified, dedicated space requirements

·           Identify and extract shared spaces and propose opportunities for optimisation

·           Update community infrastructure proposals based on the emerging accommodation offer and Community Space Strategy

·           Ensure flexibility of space and effective service integration

 

Wards affected: Church Street;


02/09/2022 - Odeon Cinema, Panton Street - Renewal of Lease ref: 1710    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform

Decision published: 02/09/2022

Effective from: 10/09/2022

Decision:

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member has approved the grant of the proposed New Lease and given delegated authority to the Director of Property and Strategic Asset Management to agree minor variations to the terms to enable the agreed final form of legal documentation to be executed and completed.

 

Reason for Decision

The grant of a New Lease will extend the income stream from the subject investment property and represents best value for the Council when considered alongside prevailing market levels and the need to retain flexibility in possibly obtaining vacant possession in the Summer of 2024. 

 

Wards affected: St James's;

Lead officer: Philip Owen


30/08/2022 - Ebury Demolition Contract Variation and Additional Spend ref: 1709    Recommendations Approved

A variation to the JF Hunt demolition contract is recommended together with an approval to spend £961k on Phase 2 related demolition works.

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform

Decision published: 30/08/2022

Effective from: 07/09/2022

Decision:

1.     Recommendations

 

1.1. This report seeks approval for:

·         A contract variation that enables additional works packages to be delivered under the JF Hunt demolition contract. The details of which are set out in Exempt Appendix 1.;

·         Additional demolition and works spend on Phase 1 totalling £1.652m and bringing total spend to £4.990m on Phase 1 and utilising £683k of project contingency; and

·         Accelerated Phase 2 demolition spend of £961k.

 

 

2.     Reasons for Decision 

 

2.1. The approvals will enable the Council to have the ability for additional site enabling works packages to be commissioned through the demolition contract therefore providing greater flexibility and potential mitigations for any potential delays with the main works provision on future phases and also enabling packages to be priced and competed between JF Hunt and the main works contractor.

 

Wards affected: Knightsbridge and Belgravia;

Lead officer: Vikki Everett


17/08/2022 - Refreshing Equalities Objectives ref: 1699    Recommendations Approved

To refresh our equalities objectives as required by the Public Sector Equality Duty.

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Protection

Decision published: 17/08/2022

Effective from: 25/08/2022

Decision:

1.           Recommendations

For the Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Protection to agree four Equality Objectives for Westminster City Council until 2024 as set out below:

·       Staff will represent the demographic of our communities at all levels of the organisation.

·       Understand our diverse communities and embed that understanding in how we shape all that we do across the Council.

·       Support Westminster’s communities to be sustainable, socially inclusive and empowered to act, when they are best placed to do so.

·       Demonstrate inclusive leadership, strategic partnership and a clear organisational commitment to be a leader in equality, diversity and inclusion in the city.

3.       Reasons for Decision 

 

The Equality Act 2010 and the Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties and Public Authorities) Regulations 2017 requires us to publish equality objectives every four years. These objectives replace the previous objectives 2016-2020.

 

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Lead officer: Shama Sutar-Smith


28/07/2022 - ELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE- CHAIR/MEMBERSHIP ref: 1698    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Pension Board

Made at meeting: 28/07/2022 - Pension Board

Decision published: 15/08/2022

Effective from: 28/07/2022

Decision:

1.1           There were no changes to the Membership.

 

1.2           Resolved:  That Councillor Matt Noble and Christopher Smith be appointed as Chair and Vice-Chair respectively for the 2022-2023 municipal year.

 


12/08/2022 - Ebury Estate Renewal - Revised Phasing Programme ref: 1697    Recommendations Approved

This decision seeks the approval of a revised phasing programme for the Ebury Estate renewal project and to redirect the already approved expenditure of £8.9M for Phase 2A to the new Phase 2 as per the revised phasing programme.

 

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform

Decision published: 12/08/2022

Effective from: 20/08/2022

Decision:

1.     Recommendations

1.1.The Cabinet Member for Climate Action Regeneration and Renters is recommended to approve a revised phasing programme for the Ebury Estate Renewal project, with Blocks 7&8 in Phase 1, Blocks 1, 2, 3, 5 & 6 in Phase 2 and Blocks 4&9 in Phase 3.

1.2.The Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform is recommended to approve the remaining approved budget expenditure of up to £6.7m (from the approved sum of 8.3M) to be re-allocated to design consultancy elements and associated works for the recommended new Phase 2 in the revised phasing programme.

2.     Reasons for Decision 

2.1. Ebury Phase 1 (blocks 7&8 – shaded white on plan 1 below) is currently in its early construction phase and due to be delivered in May 2024. Outline planning approval for the rest of the blocks for Ebury Phase 2 was given in October 2021 as part of a hybrid planning application for the wider scheme. At that time, it was anticipated that Phase 2 would be split into two distinct delivery phases:

Phase 2A (delivering blocks 5, 6 & 1 – shaded blue on plan 1)

Phase 2B (delivering blocks 2, 3, 4 and 9 – shaded red on plan 1)

 

(Please refer to the Cabinet Member Report for plan 1)

 

2.2. Early in 2022, reports of significant increases in the market were reported by Gardiner & Theobald, the project Cost Consultants, which prompted a review of the viability and delivery of the remaining blocks.

2.3. A revised phasing programme is now being proposed which would include the following changes:

·         a larger second development phase incorporating blocks 2 and 3 (outlined in red on plan 2 below and;

·         a final Phase 3 delivering blocks 4 and 9 (outlined in purple on plan 2 below).

 

(Please refer to the Cabinet Member Report for plan 2)

 

2.4. The benefits of this revised phasing programme are:

·         This programme demonstrates a significant improvement of circa £16M on the current baseline programme in terms of viability due to the reduced impact of construction inflation by accelerated delivery.

·         Accelerates the delivery of circa 70 more affordable units within Blocks 2 & 3 which will be completed circa 12 months earlier than the previous phasing programme. 

·         Enhanced and accelerated public amenity offering as two squares will be brought forward as part of Phase 2 rather than just one in the previous Phase 2A

·         More holistic approach to phasing of the works which improves efficiency and reduce the risk of delay.

·         Accelerates the delivery of more of the lower blocks providing more frontage on Ebury Bridge Road and the establishment of the new high street frontage, with the additional benefit of offsetting the impact of the high rise blocks on the conservation area.

2.5. This report seeks approval of the revised phasing programme along with the re-allocation of the remaining approved budget expenditure in the sum of £6.7m (from the approved budget of £8.3M) for design consultancy elements and associated works from the current Ebury Phase 2A programme to the new Phase 2 within the recommended revised phasing programme. Details of the approved expenditure can be found in the Financial Implications section.

2.6. The appointments and contracts with our external professional team are all in place and services can be commenced without variation, subject to the approvals sought in this report.

 

 

 

 

Wards affected: Knightsbridge and Belgravia;

Lead officer: Vikki Everett


12/08/2022 - Direct Award of Travel Care contracts for Children and Adults ref: 1696    Recommendations Approved

An direct award is required for the provision of transport for home to school travel care for children with special educational needs and vulnerable adults to day activities.

 

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Young People, Learning and Leisure

Decision published: 12/08/2022

Effective from: 12/08/2022

Decision:

1.     Recommendations:

 

For Children’s Services:

 

1.1.         That the Cabinet Member for Young People, Learning and Leisure approves the following recommendation:

 

1.2.         To agree termination of the current call-off contract with HCT Operations for Lot 1B (Children’s Services) and removal from the Minibus Framework as they have notified the Council that they have taken the decision to cease services from 26 August 2022.

 

1.3.         To award Call Off contracts for Lot 1B (Children’s Services) to HATS from 27th August 2022 until 31 August 2024 with an option to extend for up to a further 2 years to 31 August 2026 from the established Minibus Framework for the provision of travel care to SEND pupils for Home To School Travel Care. The contract values for these services are set out below:

 

Full Year Cost

Cost

Children’s Services contract

£1,108,795

Please note that the above contract value is based on current route data that was submitted. This may be subject to adjustment due to fluctuation in activity as it is a demand led service.

 

1.4.         To pay HCT Operations the one-off pro rata sum of up to £86,153 for the month of August to cover staff salaries and ensure that these staff transfer to the new provider.

 

1.5.         To make a one-off mobilisation payment to HATS of £48,366 so that HATS is able to commence service delivery in time for the start of the academic year. This cost represents is a proportionate split of the total mobilisation cost where WCC uses 66% and RBKC uses 34%.

 

            For Adult Social Care

1.6.         That the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Voluntary Sector approves the following recommendation:

 

1.7.         To agree termination of the current call-off contract with HCT Operations for Lot 2 (Adult Social Care) and removal from the Minibus Framework as they have notified the Council that they have taken the decision to cease services from 26 August 2022.

 

1.8.         To award Call Off contracts for Lot 2 (Adult Social Care) to HATS from 27th August 2022 until 31 August 2024 with an option to extend for up to a further 2 years to 31 August 2026 from the established Minibus Framework for the provision of travel care to vulnerable adults to and from day activities. The contract values for these services are set out below:

 

Full Year Cost

Cost

Adult Social Care contract

£250,396

Please note that the above contract values are based on current route data that was submitted. This may be subject to adjustment due to fluctuation in activity as it is a demand led service.

 

 

1.9.         To make a one-off mobilisation payment to HATS of £3,840 so that HATS is able to commence service delivery in time for the start of the academic year. This cost represents is a proportionate split of the total mobilisation cost where WCC uses 66% and RBKC uses 34%.

 

2.         Reasons for Decision

2.1.         The reason to terminate the current contract with HCT Operations is that they have notified the Council that they are ceasing delivery of statutory services from 26 August 2022.

 

2.2.         The reason for awarding services to HATS is that they are the next ranked provider on the Minibus Framework that was established in August 2019. The tender documents were purposefully designed with provision enabling the Council to Call off contracts from the next highest ranked providers list in the event of provider failure. HATS have been through the rigorous quality requirements to be awarded a place on the Framework. They are also currently a Council provider delivering minibus and taxi services across both boroughs. Therefore, the Council is assured that they will be able to deliver the service to the required standards.

 

2.3.         We need provision in place to ensure these statutory services are mobilised and delivered by beginning of the new school term in September 2022. The reasons for the emergency direct award to HATS is because they have confirmed that they are willing to take on these services and have capacity to do so.  We need to ensure staff transfer from HCT Operations to the new provider as early and quickly as possible. This will provide continuity of relationships between staff and parents and carers which is key to the success of the travel care service.

 

2.4.         The one-off payment to HCT Operations of a pro rata sum for the month of August will ensure that staff receive salaries and that they can transfer to HATS swiftly. Children’s Services currently pay for operational days and activity only. As such payments are processed on a 10 month basis and providers are not typically paid in August. Providers spread this income over 12 months to ensure that their staff are paid and rely on payments from September to the end of the financial year to cover August. However, as HCT Operations are ceasing operations on 26 August, they are seeking a one-off payment to cover staff salaries and transfer costs whilst ensuring they are solvent during this transfer period.

 

2.5.         As part of HATS price submission, they have included a one-off mobilisation cost of £73,700 across both boroughs so that they can mobilise services in time for the start of the academic year. This will include transferring staff from HCT Operations to HATS; sourcing specialist vehicles and equipment; relocating fleets to newly assigned depots; establishing new routes with the Council; inducting staff and recruiting new staff; providing specialist training; undertaking DBS checks for staff; and working with the Council to communicate changes to schools and families.

 

2.6.         The HATS mobilisation cost is split on a 34% / 66% which reflects the overall borough share of usage. RBKC uses 34% of the overall service while WCC uses 66% and this will be reflected in the one-off mobilisation cost.

 

2.7.         The reason that there is an additional cost range for Children’s Services and Adult Social Care is because the services are dynamic and the contracts need to allow some flexibility to allow for changes in activity. This is especially necessary given that pupils are still being enrolled to schools and may not have applied for specialist transport yet.

 

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Lead officer: Annabel Saunders


11/08/2022 - Westminster Ceremonial Streetscape Project - Trafalgar Square Extension ref: 1695    Recommendations Approved

Cabinet member report relating to the proposal to extend Westminster Ceremonial Streetscape Project to include an area around Trafalgar Square

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for City Management and Air Quality

Decision published: 11/08/2022

Effective from: 19/08/2022

Decision:

           Recommendations

1.1      That this report be exempt from disclosure by virtue of the Local Government Act 1972, Schedule 12A Part 1, paragraph 14 (as amended), in that it contains information relating to action to be taken in connection with the prevention investigation or prosecution of a crime

 

           Reasons for Decision 

2.1      The proposed public realm security improvements identified in this   

           report, will reduce the vulnerability of the area.

 

 

Wards affected: St James's;

Lead officer: Raj Mistry


08/08/2022 - Writing off of irrecoverable debt (quarterly report) - Quarter 1 2022/23 ref: 1694    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform

Decision published: 08/08/2022

Effective from: 08/08/2022

Decision:

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member has noted the write-off of the amounts shown in the report under delegated authority.

 

 

Reason for Decision

The recommendation to write-off the amounts detailed in this report is proposed as all other avenues available to the Council for the recovery of these debts have been exhausted, including, where appropriate, the issue of court and distress proceedings.

 

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Lead officer: Martin Hinckley


03/08/2022 - PaddingtonNow BID renewal proposal - 2023 - 2028 ref: 1693    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development

Decision published: 03/08/2022

Effective from: 03/08/2022

Decision:

Summary of Decision:

The Cabinet Member has endorsed the Paddington Business Improvement District Limited’s(trading as PaddingtonNowBID) renewalproposal for 2023 - 2028.  

 

Reasons for Decision:

BIDs can continue for an unlimited number of terms, providing they are successful in their ballots. Paddington BID Ltd have submitted their renewal proposal to the City Council for its consideration to enter into its fifth term. The City Council is statutorily bound to consider the BID’s proposal and subject to its approval, to hold a ballot on the BID’s behalf of Paddington BID Ltd. 

Wards affected: Hyde Park;

Lead officer: Rachel Thevanesan


03/08/2022 - Baker Street Quarter Partnership BID Renewal & Alteration Proposal - 2023 - 2028 ref: 1692    Recommendations Approved

This report seeks approval from the Cabinet Member on the Baker Street Quarter Partnership BID renewal and alteration proposal 2023 – 2028.

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development

Decision published: 03/08/2022

Effective from: 03/08/2022

Decision:

Summary of Decision:

The Cabinet Member has endorsed the Baker Street Quarter Partnership BID renewal and alteration proposal.

 

Reason for Decision:

BIDs can continue for an unlimited number of terms, providing they are successful in their ballots. BSQP have submitted their renewal and alteration proposal to the City Council for its consideration to enter into its third term. The City Council is statutorily bound to consider the proposal and, subject to its approval, to hold a ballot on behalf of BSQP.

 

 

Wards affected: Marylebone; Regent's Park; West End;

Lead officer: Rachel Thevanesan


01/08/2022 - Neighbourhood CIL Allocations (Summer 2022) ref: 1691    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development

Decision published: 01/08/2022

Effective from: 09/08/2022

Decision:

Summary of Decision:

The Cabinet Member has approved the recommendations in respect of the Neighbourhood CIL applications set out in the report.

 

Reason for Decision:

To ensure robust and effective expenditure and reporting in line with the Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations 2010 (as amended) and in accordance with the council’s strategic priorities, CIL spending policy statement and its framework for resource allocation and management.  

 

Lead officer: Amit Mistry


29/07/2022 - Approval of recommendations of the Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) Review Panel 14 June 2022 ref: 1689    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform

Decision published: 29/07/2022

Effective from: 29/07/2022

Decision:

Summary of Decision:

The Cabinet Member has approved the recommendations of the Discretionary Housing Payment Review Advisory Panel meeting of 14 June 2022.

 

Reasons for Decision:

The Discretionary Housing Payment Review Advisory Panel has set out the reasons for the recommendations in each case considered by the Panel in the recommendations in the exempt Appendix A.

 

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Lead officer: Gwyn Thomas


29/07/2022 - Approval of recommendations of the Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) Review Panel 05 July 2022 ref: 1690    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform

Decision published: 29/07/2022

Effective from: 29/07/2022

Decision:

Summary of Decision:

The Cabinet Member has approved the recommendations of the Discretionary Housing Payment Review Advisory Panel meeting of 05 July 2022.

 

Reasons for Decision:

The Discretionary Housing Payment Review Advisory Panel has set out the reasons for the recommendations in each case considered by the Panel in the recommendations in the exempt Appendix A.

 

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Lead officer: Gwyn Thomas


29/07/2022 - Re-designation of the Hyde Park and Paddington Neighbourhood Forum ref: 1688    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development

Decision published: 29/07/2022

Effective from: 29/07/2022

Decision:

Summary of Decision:

The Cabinet Member has agreed to re-designate the Hyde Park and Paddington Neighbourhood Forum for a further period of 5 years.  

 

Reasons for Decision:

Legislation states that a local planning authority may designate an organisation or body as a neighbourhood forum if the authority is satisfied that a number of conditions (in the table below) have been met. The existing Hyde Park and Paddington Neighbourhood Forum meets all of these conditions, and there has been no change in this since the original designation. 

 

Consultation on the re-designation of the Hyde Park and Paddington Neighbourhood Forum highlighted support for the application, with no objections or competing applications.

 

Wards affected: Hyde Park;

Lead officer: Aidan Marshall


27/07/2022 - Funding for Purchases Under the Right to Buy, Buy Back Programme ref: 1677    Recommendations Approved

The Decision seeks agreement for the Council to enter into a funding agreement to secure grant funding towards to costs of affordable homes being delivered by Westminster as part of the GLA’s Right to Buy, By Back Programme.

 

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform

Decision published: 27/07/2022

Effective from: 04/08/2022

Decision:

1.        Recommendations

 

That the Cabinet Member for Housing Services and the Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform:

 

1.1      Approves the Council entering a grant funding agreement with the GLA to secure capital grant funding of £1.7m towards the delivery of 17 social rented homes under the Right to Buy Back (RTBB) programme.

 

1.2    The availability of capital funding for this programme including the   council’s own funding of £7.1m as set out in this report is noted

 

 

2.        Reasons for Decision 

 

2.1      Funding from the GLA supports WCC’s strategic approach to deliver additional affordable homes in the city, including social rented homes.

 

2.2      The homes delivered under this programme will be provided as social rent tenancies and will be made available to either existing council tenants who have priority for a transfer or to homeless households.

 

2.3      Capital funding provided will increase the number of homes that can be purchased for those households in social housing need.

 

Wards affected: (All Wards);


27/07/2022 - Changes to the Ward Budget Programme 2022 - 2026 ref: 1678    Recommendations Approved

For the Cabinet Member to approve recommended changes to the Ward Budget Programme 2022 – 2026.

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Protection

Decision published: 27/07/2022

Effective from: 04/08/2022

Decision:

Recommendations

2.1      The Cabinet Member approved the following changes with an implementation date as soon as possible.

a)    Updated guidance for the overall programme.

b)    Change in delegation for sign off of release of funds over £10,000; from Cabinet Member to the Head of Governance and Councillor Liaison Team.

c)     Applicants to the Programme will be able to ask for a pre-award of funding, of up to 50% of the total project costs.

d)    Applicants will be asked to promote their funding award on their social media accounts as part of the funding agreement.

 

 

3.       Reasons for Decision 

 

3.1     The Programme is expected to continue to address local ward priorities. The minor changes to the process will ensure that applicants are better accommodated by the Programme, the process is more efficient, and it is better promoted.

 

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Lead officer: Janis Best


25/07/2022 - Disposal - 1, St Mary’s Terrace, W2 1SU ref: 1676    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform

Decision published: 25/07/2022

Effective from: 02/08/2022

Decision:

Summary of Decision:

The Cabinet Member has approved the disposal of 1, St Mary’s Terrace to Mouskos LLP, for the sum not less than £3,600,000 to the preferred bidder as set out in the exempt Appendix 1.

 

Reason for Decision:

 

Following recommendation by Strategic Property Board in July 2021 and a Cabinet Member briefing on 21 March 2022, the Council’s Head of Capital Programmes appointed an agent (Knight Frank LLP) to promote a disposal on the open market.

 

A guide price of offers above £3 million was stipulated with initial offers received on the 1 June 2022.  Following further review and briefing to the Cabinet Member on the 29 June 2022, BAFOs were received on the 4 July 2022.  This decision will generate a capital receipt which was not foreseen in the Council Capital Strategy at the time of the March 2022 Full Council report.

 

 

 

Wards affected: Little Venice;

Lead officer: Beth McNeil


22/07/2022 - Award of Contract for Electric Vehicle Charge Points for Residents ref: 1675    Recommendations Approved

Award of contract to Siemens for the provision, maintenance and management of approximately 1,000 shared power supply electric vehicle charging points for resident use on the public highway.

 

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for City Management and Air Quality

Decision published: 22/07/2022

Effective from: 30/07/2022

Decision:

   1       Recommendations

1.1      That this report be confidential pursuant to paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 because it contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of particular person (including the authority holding that information) under paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972  which is the subject of this report.

 

1.2      That the Cabinet Member for City Management and Air Quality approve the recommendation to award the Call-Off Concession Contract for the Provision of Electric Vehicle (EV) shared supply charging points to Siemens Plc for a period of three years from the commencement date in 2022 with the option to extend by up to two further years.

 

1.3      The call-off contract award sum for the goods and services is £ (redacted) million  which incorporates match funding in the sum of (redacted)  from the contractor.

 

 

   2      Reasons for Decision 

2.1      The decision was taken to proceed with a direct award of a call-off concession contract under the Go-ultra Low City Scheme (GULCS)/TfL EV Charging Infrastructure Framework Agreement (tfl_scp_001560, ‘the GULCS Framework’, on the basis of Siemens Plc offering some match funding and continuity of services given that they have provided and installed a high number of charge points within the Council.  For this round of charge point installations, the Council is looking for the in-column charge point to make up the bulk of the order.  This unit sits inside the lamp column and has minimal impact on the streetscape as a result.  Siemens are the only supplier on the GULCS Framework to offer the in-column charge point solution (as set out  in the GULCS Framework rate card listing the products on offer and with these forming the majority share of the requested services, they therefore offer the lowest overall cost to the Council.  The direct award of the call-off contract is permitted in accordance with paragraph 3.16 of the GULCS Framework terms..

 

2.2      Siemens Plc is currently the only operator on the GULCS Framework to offer an in-column lamp column charge point, which is both the option preferred by the Council’s lighting engineers and is consistent with the Council’s  approach to de-cluttering the streets wherever possible.

 

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Lead officer: Damon Budds


13/07/2022 - Seymour Centre – Appointment of a Contractor under a Pre-Construction Services Agreement ref: 1674    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform

Decision published: 13/07/2022

Effective from: 13/07/2022

Decision:

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member has agreed to the contract award appointment of Wilmott Dixon Construction Ltd as the preferred contractor for the Seymour Centre project to deliver pre-contract services in respect of the first stage of a two stage design and build construction works. 

 

Reason for Decision

A compliant and comprehensive tender process has been completed to test the market and to identify the contractor best suited to deliver the services required.  To take a different approach or not appoint would mean the scheme stalling.  The completion date would be seriously impacted and the cost would increase.  This appointment is therefore critical for maintaining the programme and delivering the project to quality and cost.

 

 

Wards affected: Marylebone;


08/07/2022 - Exercise of an option to acquire the freehold interest in a WCC leased site at Mandela Way, London, SE1 5SS for £1 ref: 1673    Recommendations Approved

WCC own a long leasehold interest in a circa 5.5 acre distribution warehouse site on Mandela Way in the London Borough of Southwark.  The lease contains an option for WCC to acquire the freehold interest in the site for £1.

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform

Decision published: 08/07/2022

Effective from: 08/07/2022

Decision:

Summary of decision

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform has approved the option to acquire the freehold interest in the WCC leased site at Mandela Way for £1. 

 

Reasons for decision

Under the WCC constitution, Cabinet Member approval is required to acquire a freehold interest in land. 

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Lead officer: Rupert Grass


04/07/2022 - Approval of Recommendations from the Rating Advisory Panel - 19/04/22 ref: 1671    Recommendations Approved

Approval of recommendations from the Rating Advisory Panel of 19 April 2022.

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform

Decision published: 04/07/2022

Effective from: 04/07/2022

Decision:

Summary of Decision:

The Cabinet Member has approved the recommendations of the Rating Advisory Panel held on 19th April 2022 and determined the applications for NNDR Discretionary and Hardship relief set out in Appendix A.

 

Reason for Decision:

The Rating Advisory Panel has set out the reasons for the recommendations in each case considered by the Panel in the recommendations in Appendix A. 

Wards affected: (All Wards);


04/07/2022 - Appointment of Reactive Repairs Contractor ref: 1672    Recommendations Approved

The appointment of a reactive repairs contractor.

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform

Decision published: 04/07/2022

Effective from: 12/07/2022

Decision:

Summary of Decision:

The Cabinet Member has approved the award the contract for Reactive Repairs and Maintenance to Galliford Try Facilities Management Ltd for a period of three years with the ability to extend for a further two years. 

 

Reasons for Decision: 

The management of the Leisure and Schools estate recently transferred to Corporate Property as part of the move to a centralised Corporate Landlord model.  A procurement exercise has been conducted via the Direct Award provision through the Fusion21 Framework.  This Cabinet Member Report sets out the procurement process undertaken and rationale for recommending Galliford Try Facilities Management Ltd to be awarded the contract for reactive repairs. 

 

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Lead officer: Claire Nangle


01/07/2022 - NNDR Localism Relief Extension for Meanwhile Use Activations (Phase 2) ref: 1670    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform

Decision published: 01/07/2022

Effective from: 01/07/2022

Decision:

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member has approved the extension of the Business Rate NNDR “Localism” allowance of a 100% of the net business rate liability under section 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988, as amended by the Localism Act 2011 to the ratepayers of meanwhile use activations as listed in the report.

 

Reason for Decision

The previous NNDR Localism relief enabled the council to deliver 12 activations, however the fact the previous relief ended on the 31st March 2022 presents challenges for current activations that are operational and which have received authorisation from the council and property owners.

From the 1st April 2022, the project partnership fee contributions increased due to the Central Government’s rates holiday period ending on 31st March 2022; meaning from 1st April 2022 properties will be eligible for a 50% retail discount, capped at £110,000 per business.  Property owners are aware that these factors will reduce the level of localism discount which is currently covered by the project partnership fee, thus increasing the project partnership fee.

Wards affected: St James's; West End;

Lead officer: Haylea Asadi


24/06/2022 - Writing off of irrecoverable debt (quarterly report) - Quarter 4 2021/22 ref: 1658    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform

Decision published: 24/06/2022

Effective from: 24/06/2022

Decision:

Summary of Decision

 

The Cabinet Member has approved the write off of debts over £100k as set out in section 5, having taken all appropriate action.

 

Reason for Decision

The recommendation to write-off the amounts detailed in this report is proposed as all other avenues available to the Council for the recovery of these debts have been exhausted, including, where appropriate, the issue of court and distress proceedings. 

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Lead officer: Martin Hinckley


22/06/2022 - SEND Passenger Transport (Taxis), Travel Care Services Framework for vulnerable Children, Young People & Adults ref: 1654    Recommendations Approved

To procure a Passenger Transport (Taxis) & Travel Care Framework for Vulnerable Children, Young People & Adults for Westminster City Council and The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea.

Decision Maker: Bi-Borough Executive Director of Childrens Services

Decision published: 22/06/2022

Effective from: 30/06/2022

Decision:

RECOMMENDATIONS 

It is recommended that the Executive Director of Children’s Services: 

1.     Approves the establishment of a Passenger Transport Taxi Framework, to be used by both WCC and RBKC via an Inter-Authority agreement. 

2.     Admit the following providers onto the Framework, for the delivery of Passenger Transport (Taxi) and Travel Care Services, for the period 1st August 2022, until the 31st July 2026.  

Lot 1- recommended providers:  

·    Abbey Wood Station Minicabs Limited (Abbey Wood) 

·    Airport Transfer Cars Ltd  

·    Cascade Cars Service Ltd  

·    GETT (UK) 

·    Green Tomato Cars Limited 

·    Kush Cars Limited  

·    London Hire Community Services Limited  

·    London VIP Cars Services Limited 

·    Ollimpicars Ltd  

·    HATS group Limited 

·    PG Passenger Services Limited  

 

Lot 2 – recommended providers  

·    Abbey Wood Station Minicabs Limited 

·    Cascade Cars Services Ltd  

·    GETT (UK) 

·    Green Tomato Cars Limited 

·    London VIP Cars Limited  

·    Ollimpicars Ltd  

·    HATs group Limited  

 

REASONS FOR DECISION 

1.     The current Passenger Transport Framework (Taxis) is due to expire on the 31st July 2022. There is a need to put in place the new Framework to ensure continuity of service. 

2.     Local Authorities have a statutory duty to provide travel assistance for Children and Young People with special educational needs & disabilities assessed as eligible, as per the Education Act 1996. The Councils Travel Assistance Policies set out these duties. 

3.     For Adults, the Care Act 2014 stipulates a duty to Local Authorities to meet assessed needs, and while transport is not a prescribed provision, it may be one way of meeting people’s assessed needs and preferences relating to their personal outcomes towards independence and engagement with the community. 

4.     The service will provide transport for eligible residents in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster City Council, and a Collaboration Agreement between the two Councils will enable them to operate effectively under the Framework. 

 

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Lead officer: Annabel Saunders


20/06/2022 - Pimlico Neighbourhood Plan Decision Statement ref: 1653    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development

Decision published: 20/06/2022

Effective from: 28/06/2022

Decision:

Summary of Decision:

The Cabinet Member has agreed:

A)    That the recommendations of the Examiner as set out in the council’s Decision Statement (see Appendix 1) and Examiner’s Report (see Appendices 3 and 4) be accepted.

B)    That in accordance with the Examiner’s recommendation, the Pimlico Neighbourhood Plan (submission version, see Appendix 2), as modified within the Examiner’s Report proceed to local referendum.

C)   That in accordance with the Examiner’s recommendation, the referendum area be restricted to the neighbourhood area designated by the council on 4th September 2013 as the Pimlico Neighbourhood Area.

D)   That in the event of a positive referendum result, the Executive Director of Innovation and Change be authorised to publish an Adoption Statement and formally ‘make’ the plan.

Reasons for Decision

The Examiner’s recommendations will ensure the Pimlico Neighbourhood Plan is clear and effective as a framework for making decisions on planning applications in the Pimlico Neighbourhood Area. The recommendations address the concerns raised by the council during consultation and examination, and other stakeholders during consultation, and ensure the draft plan meets the ‘basic conditions’ prescribed by legislation.

 

Before a neighbourhood plan can be made, it is a statutory requirement that it is first subject to local referendum within the Neighbourhood Area, and any additional areas as considered appropriate by the Examiner. Before this happens, the council must publish a Decision Statement setting out the actions it proposes to take in response to the Examiner’s Report. Where the council decides to proceed to referendum, in the case of a successful majority vote in favour of the plan, the council must formally ‘make’ the plan.

 

Wards affected: Pimlico North; Pimlico South;

Lead officer: Marina Molla Bolta


08/06/2022 - Lease Renewal - Public Open Space at Kensal Wharf, opposite 598-606 Harrow Road, London W10 ref: 1651    Recommendations Approved

This decision supports the City for All objectives, in securing a key landholding that facilitates pedestrian and wheelchair access to a Grand Union Canal bridge, linking the boroughs of Westminster and Kensington and Chelsea.

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform

Decision published: 08/06/2022

Effective from: 16/06/2022

Decision:

Summary of Decision

The report recommends renewing the Council’s lease of the subject land for a term of 125 years and otherwise based on the terms detailed in the exempt background paper. 

 

Reason for Decision

Under the WCC constitution Cabinet Member approval is required to enter into a lease of more than 25 years (the proposed lease term in this case is 125 years). 

Wards affected: Queen's Park;

Lead officer: Claire Barrett


07/06/2022 - 9 Woodfield Road London W9 2BA ref: 1650    Recommendations Approved

The decision to proceed with the recommendation will allow Westminster City Council (WCC) to benefit from the construction of new modern depot facility to be utilised by the Council’s Street Cleansing Unit together with the provision of a hotel, office and leisure facilities thus supporting the delivery of the Councils ‘City for All’ objectives through this development and land swap. This development will provide employment and will go some way to regenerate the immediate area.

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform

Decision published: 07/06/2022

Effective from: 07/06/2022

Decision:

Summary of Decision 

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform has approved the terms of the Deed of Variation to the S.106 Agreement and authorised that the Council, as freehold owner of the depot site, enter into this agreement. 

 

Reasons for Decision   

TheS.106 Agreement had been entered into by both WCC as landowner and WCC as theLocal Planning Authority. The Local Planning Authority’s authority to enter into the agreement derives from the Planning Applications Sub-Committee resolving to approve the planning permission. WCC as landowner,requires a separate Cabinet Member approval to amend the terms of this S.106 Agreement.  

 

Wards affected: Westbourne;

Lead officer: Claire Barrett


01/06/2022 - Council Tax Rebate scheme - to provide £150 Energy Support to eligible residents ref: 1649    Recommendations Approved

To approve the Council’s Discretionary scheme under the government’s Council tax Rebate scheme

 

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform

Decision published: 01/06/2022

Effective from: 11/06/2022

Decision:

Recommendation:

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform has approved the proposed discretionary scheme as outlined in Section 5 of the report.

 

Reason for decision:

 

The government has requested local authorities to administer a payment scheme to assist eligible residents with increasing energy costs.  The scheme requires local authorities to make payments of £150 to eligible residents under the Council Tax Rebate scheme.

 

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Lead officer: Martin Hinckley


31/05/2022 - Household Support Fund Extension ref: 1648    Recommendations Approved

To set out the council’s spend of the Household Support Fund Extension April – September 2022

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform

Decision published: 31/05/2022

Effective from: 10/06/2022

Decision:

Recommendation

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform has approved the utilisation each of the processes outlined in Section 4 of this report to allocate the council’s funding allocation (£1,951,507) to the borough’s most vulnerable residents.

 

Reason for the decision

The Government has provided local authorities with a broad discretion as to how to allocate their funding within the ‘Household Support Fund (1 April 2022 to 30 September 2022): final guidance for county councils and unitary authorities in England’.

 

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Lead officer: Martin Hinckley


23/09/2020 - Westminster's Housing Performance Performance 2020 ref: 1239    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Audit and Performance Committee

Made at meeting: 23/09/2020 - Audit and Performance Committee

Decision published: 05/05/2022

Effective from: 23/09/2020

Decision:

7.1      The Committee received an overview of the standards and delivery of improvements in the housing service, in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, from Neil Wightman, (Director of Housing).

 

7.2      The Committee discussed issues including significant reductions in repairs during the pandemic, communications with tenant residents, dealing with anti-social behaviour; and engagement relating to tenancy fraud. The Committee heard that major works had had to stop as residents were on site due to Covid-19 restrictions and that a larger number of people were claiming Universal Credit Benefit.

 

7.3      The Committee further discussed the work of a scrutiny task group committee in 2018 which had examined City West Homes (CWH), the corporate culture and staff turnover at CWH and resourcing within the Council to deal with tenancy fraud. Neil Wightman advised the Committee that the City Council was sufficiently resourced and David Hughes observed that the Fraud Team worked closely with the Housing team.

 


05/04/2022 - 2 Ashbridge Street London NW8 8DS ref: 1638    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Planning Applications Sub-Committee (2)

Made at meeting: 05/04/2022 - Planning Applications Sub-Committee (2)

Decision published: 03/05/2022

Effective from: 05/04/2022

Decision:

Erection of an electrical substation to rear of new building and associated works including protective fencing.

 

Charles Winch addressed the Sub-Committee in support of the Application.

 

RESOLVED: (For Councillors Robert Rigby, Tony Devenish, Councillor Mark Shearer: Against Councillor Tim Roca)

 

1.     That conditional permission under Regulation 3 of the Town and Country Planning General Regulations 1992 be granted.

 

2.     That an Informative be included which encourages the use of greening on the External Treatment.

Wards affected: Church Street;


27/09/2021 - Obesity and Metabolic Diseases Report ref: 1461    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Adults and Public Health Policy and Scrutiny Committee

Made at meeting: 27/09/2021 - Adults and Public Health Policy and Scrutiny Committee

Decision published: 25/04/2022

Effective from: 27/09/2021

Decision:

6.1.      The Committee received a report from Anna Raleigh, Director of Public Health, on obesity in Westminster. It was noted that the Council had launched the “Tackling Childhood Obesity Together” programme which demonstrated that a place-based approach was required and formed the basis of the current Change4Life Programme.

 

6.2.      The Committee reflected that tackling obesity was complex and multifaceted. Members discussed what levers the Council had to involve businesses.

 

6.3.      The Committee discussed the importance of joint working between Council directorates. Officers provided an example of effective cross-council working such as ensuring streets are well-lit so that residents felt safer to walk around the City.

 

6.4.      The Committee reflected on the Council’s physical health offer. Concerns were raised by Members regarding the lack of free indoor leisure activities during the winter and whether more after school clubs could be encouraged.

 

6.5.      Members further raised concerns that the report focused too much on encouraging physical activity and not enough on educating residents about healthy diets. Officers informed the Committee that the Change4Life programme was a whole-family approach and focused on supporting children, young people, families and carers to lead healthier and happier lives.

 

6.6.      The Committee also discussed the difficulty of reducing obesity rates. Senior Officers reflected that the Council needed to change its approach to tackling obesity and that a whole-systems approach would be required, with multi-agency working across the CCG and Northwest London.

 

Actions

1.         Scrutiny Officers to begin scoping for a Task Group on obesity in Westminster.


27/09/2021 - Minutes ref: 1459    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Adults and Public Health Policy and Scrutiny Committee

Made at meeting: 27/09/2021 - Adults and Public Health Policy and Scrutiny Committee

Decision published: 25/04/2022

Effective from: 27/09/2021

Decision:

3.1.      The minutes of the meeting on 15th July 2021 were approved after requests for corrections.

 

3.2.      The first correction was in section 4.8 of the minutes to clarify which ‘Harris School’ was referred too. It was agreed that the minutes would be updated to include ‘Harris School Westminster Sixth Form.’

 

3.3.      The second correction was in section 6.1 of the minutes in reference to the discussion on the Healthwatch report. The Chairman wanted it reflected in the minutes that the Committee wanted more quantitative data from Healthwatch. It was discussed that Healthwatch has limited resources and might not be able to provide aggregated data, but they do provide qualitative analysis.

 

3.4.      The third correction was in section 7.8 of the minutes in reference to the use of the word ‘unanimous’, this word will be removed. The Chairman also asked that, when referencing the closure of the Gordon Hospital, the word, “temporary” be inserted in, so that the minutes read, “the temporary closure of the Gordon Hospital”.


25/04/2022 - Membership ref: 1644    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Appointments Sub-Committee

Made at meeting: 25/04/2022 - Appointments Sub-Committee

Decision published: 25/04/2022

Effective from: 28/04/2022


08/03/2022 - 581 - 587 Harrow Road London W10 4RH ref: 1635    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Planning (Major Applications) Sub-Committee

Made at meeting: 08/03/2022 - Planning (Major Applications) Sub-Committee

Decision published: 04/04/2022

Effective from: 08/03/2022

Decision:

 

Demolition of the existing buildings, construction of part 4, part 5 and part 6 storey building to create ground floor commercial space and twenty five, 1-bedroom flats with private balconies, bicycle storage, refuse storage and communal roof terrace.

 

Late representations were received from:

 

Councillor Dimoldenberg 06.03.2022

Councillor McAllister 07.03.2022

Parish of St John the Evangelist at Kensal Green 07.03.2022

WCC Affordable Housing Manager 07.03.2022

WCC Tree Memo 07.03.2022

WCC Officer Memo 08.03.2022

 

RESOLVED

 

(FOR Councillors Robert Rigby, Jim Glen, Louise Hyams and Mark Shearer: AGAINST Councillor David Boothroyd: ABSTAINED Councillor Geoff Barraclough)

 

1. Grant conditional permission, subject to the completion of a S106 legal agreement to secure:-

 

a) Provision of 25, one bedroom intermediate homes for rent, let at London Living Rents, with tenancies for a maximum period of five years.

b) A financial contribution of £7,500.00 towards the Westminster Employment Service (index linked and payable on commencement of development.

c) A financial contribution of £27,520 towards Carbon Offset Fund (index linked and payable on commencement of development).

d) All highway works immediately surrounding the site required for the development to occur prior to occupation of the development, including reinstatement of the existing vehicle crossovers (Harrow Road and St John’s Terrace) as footway and creation of on-street parking bays and electric vehicle charging point (subject to detail design and the approval of the Highway Authority). Threshold level checks prior to commencement of development. All of the above to the Council’s specification, at full cost (administrative, legal, and physical) of the developer.

e) Lifetime Car Club Membership for Residential Occupiers from first occupation of the development. (Car Club operator must be a CarPlus member).

f) Monitoring costs

 

2.If the s106 agreement has not been completed within 3 months from the date of the Committee's resolution then:

 

a) the Director of Place Shaping and Town Planning shall consider whether the permission can be issued with additional conditions attached to secure the benefits listed above. If this is possible and appropriate, the Director of Place Shaping and Town Planning is authorised to determine and issue such a decision under Delegated Powers; however, if not

b) the Director of Place Shaping and Town Planning shall consider whether permission should be refused on the grounds that is has not proved possible to complete an agreement within an appropriate timescale, and that the proposals are unacceptable in the absence of benefits that would have been secured; if so the Director of Place Shaping and Town Planning is authorised to determine the application and agree appropriate reasons for refusal under Delegated Powers.

 

3. An informative requesting that terraces be kept free from clutter.

 

Wards affected: Queen's Park;


08/03/2022 - South West Wing Bush House Strand London WC2B 4RD ref: 1634    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Planning (Major Applications) Sub-Committee

Made at meeting: 08/03/2022 - Planning (Major Applications) Sub-Committee

Decision published: 04/04/2022

Effective from: 08/03/2022

Decision:

 

Refurbishment and reconfiguration of the existing Bush House South West Wing including an extension at roof level, rear extension; minor demolition works associated with internal and external alterations to provide class E at ground floor and dual alternative use for either Class E (office) or Class F1 (educational) at basement, part ground floor and first to tenth floor, outdoor terraces, hard and soft landscaping and associated works.

 

Late representations were received from:

 

Blythe Dunk (08/03/2022)

Hannah Willcock (08/03/2022)

 

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY 

 

1. Grant conditional permission, subject to a s106 legal agreement to secure the following:

 

a) A financial contribution of £281,580 (index linked) towards the City Council's Carbon Off Set fund (payable prior to the commencement of the development);

b) Monitoring and reporting on the actual operational energy performance of the building, including as built and in-use stage data;

c) In the event the office use is implemented, a financial contribution of £132,000 (index linked) towards initiatives that provide local employment, training opportunities and skills development and supporting the Westminster Employment Service (payable prior to the commencement of the development);

d) Measures to protect the trees adjacent to the site during the works; and e) The costs of monitoring the S106 agreement.

 

2. If the legal agreement has not been completed within six weeks of the date of the Committee resolution, then:

 

a) The Director of Place Shaping and Town Planning shall consider whether the permission can be issued with additional conditions attached to secure the benefits listed above. If this is possible and appropriate, the Director of Place Shaping and Town Planning is authorised to determine and issue such a decision under Delegated Powers; however, if not

b) The Director of Place Shaping and Town Planning shall consider whether permission should be refused on the grounds that it has not proved possible to complete an agreement within the appropriate timescale, and that the proposals are unacceptable in the absence of the benefits that would have been secured; if so, the Director of Place Shaping and Town Planning is authorised to determine the application and agree appropriate reasons for refusal under Delegated Powers.

 

1.   Amend draft condition 11 to restrict the use of roof terrace to 08:00 - 20:00hrs.

 

Wards affected: St James's;


08/03/2022 - Travis And Perkins Building 149 Harrow Road London W2 6NA ref: 1633    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Planning (Major Applications) Sub-Committee

Made at meeting: 08/03/2022 - Planning (Major Applications) Sub-Committee

Decision published: 04/04/2022

Effective from: 08/03/2022

Decision:

 

 

Demolition of existing Travis Perkins building(s) on the Site at 149 Harrow Road, erection of a new building (plus basement) comprising reprovision of builder’s merchant (Sui Generis) and student accommodation (Sui Generis), ancillary community space (Sui Generis) and student amenity terraces above, together with public realm works to Harrow Road and the creation of a canal side path with landscaping. Provision of cycle parking and car parking for the builder’s merchant. Relocation of bus shelter on Harrow Road. Works associated with the creation of new public walkway under Bishops Bridge Road bridge. Installation of plant equipment photo voltaic panels and other associated works. [The development is accompanied by an Environmental Impact Assessment].

 

Additional representations were received from:

 

Mr Mark Brown - Email (18/02/2021)

Mr Bruce Blair – Letter 08/03/2021)

Mr Mark Brown - Email (24/03/2021)

Mr Bruce Blair – Letter (06/04/2021)

Mr Bruce Blair – email (24/04/2021)

Mr Mark Brown – Email (26/04/2021)

Mr Bruce Blair – Email (08/05/2021)

Mr Mark Brown – Email (10/05/2021)

Mr Bruce Blair – Email (10/05/2021)

Mr Mark Brown – email (26/05/2021)

Mr Bruce Blair – Email (01/06/2021)

Mr Bruce Blair – Email (07/06/2021)

Mr Mark Brown – Email (08/06/2021)

Mr Mark Brown – Email (26/11/2021)

Mr Bruce Blair – Email (30/11/2021)

Mr Mark Brown – (22/12/2021)

Mr Bruce Blair – Letter (05/01/2022)

Mr Joe McNally (29/07/2021)

Mariam Ali-Puttergill (29/07/2021)

Ms Kiko Thiel (14/09/21)

Dr Sumon Halder (30/09/2021)

Mr Vincent Yariv (27/10/2021)

Ms Cath Griffith (21/10/2021)

Mr James Robertson (21/10/2021)

Mr Richard Alford (25/10/2021)

Miss Alison Ross (25/10/2021)

Mr Peter Cross (26/10/2021)

Miss Rebecca Osborne (28/10/2021)

Mrs Nicky Hessenberg (29/11/2021)

Miss Karen Eaton (30/11/2021)

Mr Roger Lynn (30/11/2021)

Miss Jemma Japhet (01/12/2021)

Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg, Ms Judith Southern and Md Chowdhury (03/12/2021)

Mr Harry Aitken (03/12/2021)

Mrs Tatiana von der Pahlen (03/12/2021)

Mr Nawaz Haukim (04/12/2021)

Councillor Matthew Green (05/12/2022)

Mr Ian Bates (05/12/2022)

Mr Iain Kennedy (06/12/2021)

Ms Michelle Kathryn Essomé (07/12/2021)

Mr James Cooper (25/02/2022)

Councillor Matthew Green, Councillor Melvyn Caplan and Councillor Lorraine Dean (28/02/2022)

Ms Jan Radisic (01/03/2022)

Ms Heidi Kingstone (02/03/2022)

Miss Alex Webb (02/03/2022)

Miss Elizabeth Kynoch (03/03/2022)

Mr Jim McKinley (03/03/2022)

Ms Amelia Ali (03/03/2022)

Mr Luke Johnson (03/03/2022)

Mr John Walton (SEBRA) (03/03/2022)

Councillor Antonia Cox (04/03/2022)

 

Late representations were received from:

 

Travis Perkins and Unite Students (04/03/2022)

Ms Louise Carter (04/03/2022)

Ms Maureen Stockwell (04/03/2022)

Ms Jenny Rick-Harris (04/03/2022)

Mr Michael Will (04/03/2022)

R W Living (04/03/2022)

Mr Sebastian Nicholas Rosin (04/03/2022)

Miss Beatrice Freedman (05/03/2022)

Ms Dina Lamberton (05/03/2022)

Mr Michael McKay (05/03/2022)

Mrs Mina Bonakdar (05/03/2022)

Mr Jonathan Lass (06/03/2022)

Mr Mike Mannering (06/03/2022)

Mr Anup Karia & Mrs Shriti Karia (07/03/2022)

Mr Paul Hayes (07/03/2022)

Ms Rongchen Tang (07/03/2022)

Ms Rosalind Graham (07/03/2022)

Ms Johanna Orzechowski (07/03/2022)

Ms Kay Buxton – Paddington Partnership (07/03/2022)

Ms Ann Williams (07/03/2022)

Mr Turpin Senou (07/03/22)

Ms Alexandra Juliet Kirsta (08/03/2022)

Ms Anne Von Bennigsen 08/03/2022)

Mr John Zeiger (08/03/2022)

 

Mr Will White addressed the Sub-Committee in support of the application.

Mr Nick Pinney addressed the Sub-Committee in support of the application.

 

Mr Bruce Blair addressed the Sub-Committee in objection to the application.

Ms Usha Sarma addressed the Sub-Committee in objection to the application.

Mr John Zealley addressed the Sub-Committee in objection to the application.

Councillor Heather Acton addressed the Sub-Committee in objection to the application.

Councillor Matthew Green addressed the Sub-Committee in objection to the application.

Councillor Melvyn Caplan addressed the Sub-Committee in objection to the application.

Councillor Lorraine Dean addressed the Sub-Committee in objection to the application.

Councillor Susie Burbridge addressed the Sub-Committee in objection to the application.

 

 

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY 

 

Councillor Boothroyd removed himself from voting on this application.

 

Subject to referral to the Mayor of London, that permission be refused on the following grounds:

 

1.                                                                                                    Highways and Servicing

2.   Loss of light and increased sense of enclosure

 

It was also agreed that the development would be refused for a third reason, namely:

 

3.  Negative impact on the setting of adjacent heritage assets due to its height and mass.

 

Wards affected: Hyde Park;


08/03/2022 - Minutes ref: 1632    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Planning (Major Applications) Sub-Committee

Made at meeting: 08/03/2022 - Planning (Major Applications) Sub-Committee

Decision published: 04/04/2022

Effective from: 08/03/2022

Decision:

3.1      RESOLVED:

 

That the minutes of the meeting held on 18 January 2022 be signed by the Chair as a correct record of proceedings.

 


08/03/2022 - Membership ref: 1631    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Planning (Major Applications) Sub-Committee

Made at meeting: 08/03/2022 - Planning (Major Applications) Sub-Committee

Decision published: 04/04/2022

Effective from: 08/03/2022

Decision:

1.1       There were no changes to the membership.


21/05/2015 - Review of Private Sector Housing Renewal Assistance 2015 ref: 332    Recommendations Approved

Decision regarding the level of charges to be levied in respect of the handyperson service and agreement to the changes to the Council's policy for financial assistance in respect of housing repairs and improvements.

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Adult Social Services and Public Health

Decision published: 31/03/2022

Effective from: 21/05/2015

Decision:

That the amendments to the full RRO policy outlined below in section 4 be approved: such changes to be brought into effect by the Executive Director of Growth, Planning and Housing under delegated authority on a date of his choosing.

 

The decision is necessary in order to provide the Cabinet Member with a means of approving the changes to the RRO policy referred to in section 4 in in an area of responsibility delegated to the Executive Director.

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Lead officer: Jake Mathias